Fires of Hatred
‘My name is 625.
At least, that’s the number branded into my skin, the only identity I have.
My real name, whatever it was, was stripped from me when I was sold into slavery at age eight.
I am now 20, and no more than property, my only purpose working in the palace.
Until the day I meet him.’
The Elves and Humans have been at war for millennia.
No one even remembers why or how … remembers why or how it started.
When a slave girl is sent to clean in a forbidden part of the castle, she stumbles across a secret which could cost her life.
A captured Elf, sworn enemy of the Human people, forced into making Elven weaponry to fight against his own kin.
Will they see past the differences between their races and help each other to survive?
Or will their union only serve to stoke the fires of hatred?
This book is intended for audiences 18+ and contains some scenes of violence that some may find distressing.
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I absolutely LOVED this book. Our FMC begins as a slave, only to find out she’s so very much more when the goddess blesses her. There’s so much mystery and intrigue, including who will end up as Clarissa’s mates. This a super slow-burn, so be warned! It is reverse harem, but it takes a few books for that to really get under way. I loved the idea of her fellow humans keeping an elf working in secret, and her bonding with him since they’ve both been kept in chains. Just a cool way to overcome the enemies issue and become so much more. I loved the secondary world fantasy elements, and the king was evil in a twisted, different way than I’ve seen before. A really cool world with awesome characters I fell in love with right away! Series is complete.
Great first book of the series couldn’t put it down !! Can’t wait to read the rest
I can’t believe I waited so long to read this! There is quite a bit of world building, character descriptions, hierarchy of the kingdom, and history to absorb. I want to put out there that this book is dark, violent, and has multiple scenes with abuse caused by people in higher standing than the slaves. I’m still confused if this is a reverse harem or not though. There seems to be potential for it, but if it is it’s extremely slow burn. Also… did anyone else keep thinking of 625 as experiment 625 (Reuben) from Lilo and Stitch or is it just me? Obviously not in context, but just seeing her referred by that name.
625 has been enslaved since the early age of eight even though she has no idea what crime she or the other slaves have committed. She gets a second chance at life thanks to The Great Mother, but that doesn’t mean that much has changed for her in they eyes of one of the priests. I kind of liked how much she talked to herself inside her head like she was two different people at times, which I guess she technically is. Jayne is by far my favorite character. I loved her sassy, caring, and comfortable personality. Grayson, Wilson, and Prince Jacob were very different from one another, but they were vital to 625. I really liked the queen as well and wished we could’ve seen and learned more about her.
This book had a gothic feel to it and the cover is stunning. I was hooked from the first chapter and I couldn’t put it down, I just had to know what happened next. Erin did an amazing job creating this world and slowly uncovering it’s history and secrets bit by bit. I’m really intrigued by 625’s purpose and the Mountain Men tribes. I hope to learn more about them and the corrupt rulers of Arhaven as the series continues.
*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review
Elves, magicians, and stolen slaves…
This is a really good start to a series.
The book is slow going, but very world building, character growing, and really puts you into the corruption and confusion that slave 625 or Lady Clarissa battles.
It is a slow burn, but you can see the beginning of her adventure and the men that may be important factors in her destiny.
So many plot twists and turns are foreshadowed & this books does end on a cliffhanger that will make you dive into book 2 immediately.
Wow! I enjoyed this so much more than anticipated. I was intrigued by the idea of slaves without identity, but the addition of magic, religion, and court intrigue added so much dimension. I devoured book 1 and book 2 within days–2, to be exact, and now and anxiously awaiting the release of book 3.
I wasn’t sure what I was sitting down to read with this story, but let me tell you this is a MUST READ if you adore all things magical, and including a tremendous world building. Think Game of Thrones here people!!!
I didn’t want to go to sleep this story was so enthralling, and I can’t wait for the next novel to come out in this series
I was transfixed by this story! I stayed up all night to finish it. The world building is incredibly complex and the characters leap off the pages. There is way more to Clarissa than we know. I can’t wait to see where this story goes.
I can’t remember the time that I last read a fantasy story that revolves around elves, mages and princes. If I’m not mistaken, it was probably TOG series but my memory could be wrong with all of the books I’m reading.
Anyway, Fires of Hatred, the first book in the series certainly brought me back to this realm and let me tell you, I’m digging it so far. Since it’s the first one, the world and character building is just right with still enough mystery and questions that will make you beg for its next installment. If that wasn’t enough for you to scream where the bloody hell is book two, that ending certainly did it! Because what the hell? Oh and the guys are so hot to fangirl for! The slow burn romance had me gripping my e-reader so hard with feels and I find myself yelling c’mon just kiss already! But of course, it’s all part of the charm of this story and man, I’m crossing my fingers I get to see more action in book two, LOL. Again, another great read from the author!
Wow, I haven’t read a lot of fantasy books in awhile and I think Erin just made me want to again after finishing Fires of Hatred. I was sucked into 625’s story (or Clarissa or whatever else the other characters call her haha). I was feeling for her right away, wanting to see her grow into her new life and experience everything for the first time. I loved Grayson. He is adorable and flawed. Shy and stubborn. Powerful yet vulnerable. I cannot wait to see what happens between Clarissa and him throughout this series. I am rooting for them so hard! The other 3 potential harem members have something to bring to the table. I like Prince Jacob, that he is kinda nerdy and loves reading. I don’t like his family and it’s only going to get worse. I wonder how he will react when he finds out the truth. He definitely has some growing to do in this series as well as Clarissa. I don’t know enough about Tor yet but he is a curveball that I am excited to learn more about. And her elf possibly mate is going to be pretty BA in the series I bet. I like seeing their relationship blossom in very stressful and sad moments in this book.
I loved the side characters that arent part of the main harem too. Wilson is our entertaining funny guy who is clumsy and calls Grayson out on his crap haha. I can’t wait to see how he fits into this story. Also Jayne is loveable and I worry for her safety because she would be a perfect person to kill off that would WRECK ME. I hope Erin doesn’t do that….pretty please?? I also loved the Mother and her randomly popping in haha. I am excited to see how Clarissa’s power change with everything that happened at the end of the book.
Ok this story had a great flow. It is definitely a slow-burn RH series, focusing on developing the story, relationships, and world instead of focusing on the romance. Erin really set the stage well for the various love relationships, and created a great plot. We know who the bad guys are, but we dont know how Clarissa and her men will band together to help protect the kingdom and maybe uncover the truth about the history in Arhaven, and especially Clarissa’s former life (totally called it on where she came from haha).
I 100% recommend this book. It jumped to my favorite of Erin’s and I cannot wait to read book 2 hopefully this summer!! Now just keep in mind there is abuse in this book, so if that is one of your triggers, maybe read this cautiously. Also, there is a cliffhanger (not a huge one that makes you want to throw the book across the room haha) that definitely makes me eager for book 2
Absolutely fantastic start to what will be a fantastic series. Erin O’Kane is one of my all time favourite authors and she definitely has not let me down here. This is a fantastic read and is a slow burn romance. The tension through out the book is incredible its full of great characters Grayson, Wilson and Prince Jacob along with Jayne are incredible and you want to know them you will not be disappointed reading this book
Such a dark but intriguing story and I loved it! It’s slow burn and it shows how little the MC knows about the world, it shows her story in a way that makes you have many emotions but it sucks you in completely and you just have to finish it!! 5 stars for sure and I’m dying to see what this outstanding author brings us next!!
A gothic-like slow burn fantasy RH that is about…self discovery.
Without giving too much away, this tale is Fantasy based with dark themes. There is plenty of mystery, slow building romantic relationships, and intriguing men who make you question: are they friend or foe?
Ms. O’Kane does an outstanding job of creating a character who knows nothing except being a slave named 625. She doesn’t know: joy, friendship, or courage. Slave 625 only knows survival. (And yes, I am intentionally calling her 625 bc if you read it, you’ll know why. Lol.)
It was easy to get swept up in the story, only to be constantly, and gently, reminded of how little 625 knows outside of being a slave. 625 doesn’t know how to interact with people properly, how to eat, and she even forgets her new name given to her once discovered. It was fascinating seeing the small transformations in how 625 becomes… so much more than the shell of a person she was in the beginning.
Please note, that in order for the reader to understand HOW blank of a shell 625 was, we are told and sometimes shown the physically violent (no rape) acts that were/are committed against her – NEVER by the RH men, mind you. But the cruelty that 625 was/is subjected to is a constant and NEEDED reminder that this fictional society is severely unjust; how those in powerful positions prey on the weak. Nothing is done as an unnecessary trope or to “just further the story”. Every scene is needed to build onto the next scene as either a hint of what’s to come or as an explanation.
*Having said that, if you were a victim of physical abuse you need to make the choice whether this tale is for you. Reminder, the men that will be in the harem DO NOT cause her harm.
This is a slow burn RH focusing on the fantasy plot and the main female character’s arc. There is sexual interest, flirting even, but it’s not at the forefront – at least not in this book given 625’s background as a victim. Written as a slow burn RH, this makes her character and the circumstances much more believable.
If you’re looking for a complex and compelling story, then this is for you.
And in all honesty for *me, I do believe this is Erin’s best work to date!
625 has been a slave since she was 8, and her one hope is to be chosen on her next birthday. This story can be difficult to read, there are some scenes of abuse that could be triggering. However, 625 is somewhat pulled out of her role as a slave and told she has a special role to play. This is a slow build RH, and while I have my suspicions for at least 4 guys, in this story, Clarissa is trying to adjust to a life where she is not a slave. The ending is rather abrupt, but it does leave me wanting book 2 now 🙂 so hopefully it is out soon.
What a great read that I could not put down. I literally could not put down my kindle, I needed to know what happened next. I have been going through a slump lately, and Fires of Hatred pulled me out of it. Seriously though, this book is so very good.
Erin does an excellent job of creating a world that consumed me. What a tale of strength amid hopelessness. Just when you think things are so bad, we get a sliver of hope, and pulled back again. Loved that we got to be inside the female leads head, we go through all her emotions, hurt, strength, hope, friendships, love, and determination.
Get to know 625, and her world she lives in. I promise you, you will love it and become just as addicted as I am.
OHMYGODS!!!! This book is so amazing!!!! Seriously, like I’m gonna die inside until I get the next book amazing!!!! I’m going to finish this review and then I’ll crawl under the covers in my bed until book two.
The author spins us a tale of pain and hopelessness and then she adds hope. She keeps your attention fixed to the words from beginning to end. Allowing us to build that hope till everything explodes.
This book was beautifully brutal. Taking me on a rollercoaster of emotions. You live in the MCs head going along for the journey of learning to trust and find her courage. Gah… The damn book hangover is already killing me.
I highly recommend this book!!! You’ll be missing out if you don’t hurry and one-click it now!!!
rmat: Kindle Edition
This is sooo freaking good! Let’s start with the cover! It’s gotta be one of my all time top 20 favz! so freaking pretty! And well the story! PHENOMENAL I couldn’t put this down! Erin is one of my fav authors! This story is so well built and the characters are to dye for! I’m gunna have with drawls waiting for book 2!
This blew my mind! The characters and storyline are complex and draw you in right away, this is not like anything I have ever read. The main character is completely fantastic, full of depth and dimension, her inner voice is perfect and the balance between the good and evil in this story is on point. As I was reading I thought I felt as if I knew where the characters were going to go but it veered so far from what I was expecting! I seriously cannot wait for the next book, this is 100% worth picking up!!
Wow! What a story! What an ending! I love this book! Our MC and all of the guys are so fantastic and intriguing. This book has it all and our girl goes through so much, but has such a great way about her. Each guy is so different and brings so much to her and the story. I seriously can’t wait to see where it takes us. I hope book 2 comes quickly.
5 Fascinating Stars!!!
I have not read a whole lot of books in this genre and I am new to reading Erin O’Kane’s books, but I have to say that I absolutely loved this book. I devoured it and was so intrigued. The author’s deceptive attention to detail, the storyline and characters are so masterfully and intricately weaved together that I was hooked from the beginning to the end. I cannot wait for the next installment in this amazing series!!!
A slave to the kingdom of Arhaven since she was eight years old.
Branded, and beaten, belittled and overworked and now the clock is ticking to her execution as she ages out.
He is an instrument of death, a formidable opponent, high up in the kingdoms hierarchy.
The message is clear, save the girl, she’s important to the future for them all.
But can he get to her in time….
Oh wow, what a rich and detailed new world to delve into. One of power, passion, hatred and magic.
Slavery for the children who should be innocent and free, death to those who are to become true adults. I was utterly hooked and couldn’t get enough!
The innocence of her brought many a true smile to my face, and lovely warm fuzzy butterflies to my heart.
Grayson is a hero whether he admits it or not, he’s swoontastic! His lack of suave and sophisticated moves only endeared him to me more.
Prince Jacob, Tor and Vaeril along with Wilson all did a thorough dance in the background. Each had a turn in the spotlight to dazzle and impress.
A fantastic start to a new series. The scene is set and now I want the spotlight to shine on them some more, whilst I pick my favourite…