Review – A Violet Fire by Kelsey Quick

**Disclaimer: I was given an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

Title A Violet Fire

Author Kelsey Quick

Release Date December 9, 2019

Description from Amazon

In the Vampire Stratocracy of Cain, human blood is scarce. For centuries, councils have sought to assuage the blood shortage by enslaving and breeding humans, turning them into profitable supply units for the rich and the abled.

Today, eighteen-year-old Wavorly Sterling is officially a supply unit, bound to serve her blood willingly to her master for the rest of her life. One of only few humans that was not bred in Cain, Wavorly knows freedom better than anyone, and she is determined to escape the clutches of her oppressors, even if by the hands of death.

But surprises lay beyond every certainty, and within every doubt. Where Wavorly’s hatred for both vampires and her enslavement once flowed free as blood, it merely trickles as she grows to admire her reserved, yet receptive master and savior, Anton Zein.

Although warmed by comforts never felt before, danger still lurks in the castle, and a prophecy calls from beyond the walls of a lavender gate–concealing the horrific secrets lodged between handsome smirks and cinereous eyes. It will take everything within Wavorly to face her fears and her doubts; to harness the truth of her past despite what that means for her future. The only question is, will she?

Initial Thoughts

Please see my hype post for my official initial thoughts but, overall, I was excited to start this book.  It was different from anything else I was working on and I wanted a change of pace.

Favorite Character

Gemini — I want more of Gemini.  I love that he called Wavorly “Dimwit” and I thought there was so much more to him than we got to see.  I love his story with Savvy and I hope to see more of them in future books in this series.

Series Value

I didn’t realize this book was the first in a potential series when I started reading it.  That being said, I was initially very critical of the fact that I made it through almost 80% of the book and didn’t understand what the central plot was.  At just 50% I was starting to worry but by the time I was in the 80s, I was like what is going on here?  After finishing the book and seeing that there is at least one more book planned, I can understand why it took so long.

I think this book sets up the series well and is rich with background information and world building.  However, I think some hints about the overarching plot are needed earlier on in the story.

Some Things I Liked

• The setting — I liked the mysterious, semi-dystopian setting.  I’m not totally clear on what year this book takes place in but I like the mystery of it all.  It works and I think it gives Kelsey Quick a lot of room for interesting elements to work with in future books.
• Wavorly’s attitude — I thought her no-nonsense sass was a welcome change for a main character.  She did what she wanted the had almost no regard for consequences.  I liked that.
• A likeable villain — It’s been a while since I read a book with a truly likeable villain and I loved the twist and the big reveal of the villain in this story.

One Thing I Wasn’t Crazy About

• I felt the story was lacking a plot for a huge portion.  I understood the setting and the characters but I didn’t have that sense of caring.  What I mean is that things were happening, but there was no pressure or driving force.  I missed that sense of urgency and connection to the story.  I think the larger plot needed to be revealed a bit sooner.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the world building in this book.  I thought the concepts and setting were fascinating and left me hooked on this as a series.  I didn’t like that I was unaware of its status as a series until the end of the book and I think that played into my final judgement.  I could have been more open-minded about the lack of plot if I knew there was definitely more to the story.

I would definitely read the next book in this series.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Recommendations for Further Reading

• The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo — talk about likeable villains!  I practically rooted for the Darkling in this series.  Definitely give it a try if you liked the villain and the hero/villain relationship in A Violet Fire.
• The Twilight Series by Stephanie Meyer — not to be cliché, but this is probably one of the most popular YA vampire series out there.  If you liked the vampire element, and you haven’t read this series, give it a try.
• Before the Broken Star by Emily R. King — while this book is not dystopian or about vampires, the main characters are quite similar.  Both Everley and Wavorly (see, similar already), are headstrong, revenge-bent, and fearless.  They both have little regard for their own safety when it comes to getting what they want.  If you enjoyed Wavorly’s attitude and overall personality, give this series by Emily R. King a try.