Devon’s review of Red Fire (Gods of Midnight, Book 1) by Deidre Knight
Paranormal Romance released by Signet Eclipse 7 Oct 08
Sometimes I feel like a broken record. I say the same things over and over. My review of Red Fire is sure to contain certain phrases I’ve used before, lots. The first entry in new series featuring a brotherhood of immortal Spartans, Red Fire contained some intriguing elements, yet managed to put me to sleep several times. Those who enjoyed “Troy,” “300” and anything involving sweaty, fighting, loin-clothed Greeks will enjoy, but there were some issues.
Ajax Petrakos was one of seven Spartans, along with his King, Leonidas, who is rescued from death at the battle of Thermopylae. The war god, Ares, offers them immortality and the opportunity to protect their people from evil. Twenty-five hundred years later, Ajax has grown weary of his existence. The only thing that keeps him going is the promise of a true love prophesied many years ago. Soon he will meet her, but they will face a capricious god and a legion of demons to be together.
Although the brotherhood of warriors thing has been done to death, the set-up was interesting. There were several intriguing characters introduced, like Leonidas, River (Ajax’ servant in life and death), and the Delphic Oracle who advises them. Ajax’ destiny is found in present day Savannah, Georgia, in a young woman from a family of demon hunters. I found her family interesting as well, particularly their staunch faith, an aspect rarely touched on in paranormals.
Unfortunately, the hero and heroine, not so interesting. Ajax was a standard broody guy, supposedly a rogue, though we don’t get to see too much of it. I felt that we didn’t get to know his heroine, Shayanna Angel. That’s the problem with predestined love. It didn’t really matter what she was like, Ajax loved her before he knew her. For Shayanna’s part, she seemed like she fell in love with Ajax because she was so impressed with his devotion to her. Another instance of a romance getting the shaft in favor of world building.
I found the pacing to be uneven. There were times I was really involved, but as I mentioned, I fell asleep several times as well. Perhaps it was because the major villain was so annoying and whiny. Combined with the bland romance, it was a recipe for a stupor. The book moved around a lot, so just as you were getting into one storyline, the scene shifted. But I enjoyed the backstory, the worldbuilding, and there were some genuine flashes of humor that I liked. There were also some pretty hot love scenes, some with Ajax in raptor-man form!
The next book will feature River, a character I really liked, so I will definitely try it. I found Red Fire to be pretty average, but those who enjoy series about brothers in arms, or who like a bit of Classical history should definitely give it a try.
Grade: C+
The summary:
Eternity has become a prison for Ajax Petrakos. Centuries after he and his Spartan brothers made their bargain for immortality, Ajax struggles to maintain his warrior’s discipline. His only source of strength is his hope that he will soon meet the woman once foretold to him—the other half of his soul, Shay Angel.
Ajax searches for his destined mate on the haunted streets of modern-day Savannah, but he isn’t the first to find her. Shay, the youngest of a powerful demon-hunting clan, can see the monsters that stalk the steamy Southern night—an ability that draws the deadly attention of Ajax’s worst enemy.
As she and Ajax race to solve a chilling prophecy—one that could spell Ajax’s death if they don’t succeed—a fated passion arises, threatening to sweep away everything in its path.
Read an excerpt
