ARC Review: Fate of Flames by Sarah Raughley

“This book does suffer from first-book syndrome. Nevertheless, I would still suggest pushing through this one. ”
~ Under the Covers

FATE OF FLAMES is the first book in the Effigies series. When I read the blurb of this story, I was immediately drawn in by its premise. Four girls with the power to control the elements are responsible for saving the world from terrible evil. These Phantoms continue to terrorize the city of Manhattan and when you throw in the fact that these girls are essentially supposed to be superheroes you would think this would be a pretty epic book.

However, I didn’t love it. I liked it enough to finish it but while I liked the idea of the story, the writing just seemed to be a little off. I learned quickly that the writing style might not be for me. The author expects readers to have a lot of faith early on. The opening scene jumps straight into the action, but we don’t even know who Maia is first before the Phantoms arrive. Therefore, I had no connection with Maia until later on in the novel. As this is the first book in the series, that’s a pretty big boo boo because if a reader can’t get on with at least one of the girls in the story, most will probably not finish the book.

When this book was pitched, the publisher said it was kind of like the Avengers mixed with Sailor Moon. Okay, I guess I can see that but really, it’s just a bunch of girls with superpowers fighting baddies.

I was expecting a little bit more in terms of the Phantoms but since this is the first book, I’m hopeful that there will be more. However, that being said, this book does suffer from first-book syndrome. Nevertheless, I would still suggest pushing through this one. You never know, it might hit its stride with the next book.

[about-author author=”Sarah Raughley”]

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