Within The Flames (Dirk & Steele #11) by Majorie M. Liu
Paranormal Romance
November 29, 2011
Avon

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “He hurts. Like you, his heart has nowhere to fall. You could fall together.”

Lyssa Andreanos has spent the majority of her life alone; hiding who and what she is. Having watched her parents brutally murdered, Lyssa never recovered and now lives in fear that she will be next. When it becomes apparent that she has been found, Lyssa attempts to run only to realize that there is no place to run to. Now she must decide if she is willing to embrace her dark side in order to save her life and those around her.

Eddie made a choice at age 13 that forever changed his life. On the path of ruin, the founder of Dirk and Steele, Roland, comes to his rescue and tries to help Eddie find an outlet for his sometimes uncontrollable powers. When Roland assigns Eddie to find and protect Lyssa, Eddie never imagines that this assignment will lead him to his mate and he will have to embrace his own powers in order to save her and himself from certain death.

The 11th Dirk and Steele novel, Within The Flames, once again transports us into Ms. Liu’s dark and emotional world of magic and the lives of those who fight to live within it. The continued world building expands on what we already know; allowing us to revisit old friends and dig deeper into the hidden nuances of this world. Dynamic multilayered characters and heart stopping storylines continue to keep this a #1 must read paranormal romance series for me. I truly enjoy the darkness that Ms. Liu surrounds her characters and their stories with. The theory of good and evil is blurred here as each character reacts realistically to circumstances. While I didn’t find this story as emotionally heart breaking as In The Dark Of Dreams -#10, I found that the journey Eddie and Lyssa take together to be just as soul satisfying.

Eddie and Lyssa are perfect for this story and one other. Both physically and emotionally damaged-fearful of themselves and what they can do. They each have been alone for so long that it takes awhile for their minds to acknowledged what their souls already know-they are one. Neither of them sees the horror in the other. They are both accepting of who the other one is and that only enhances the joy that occurs when they begin to embrace, accept, and forgive themselves. I love the noir feeling that Lyssa and her powers invoke. Once it becomes clear to what she really is, other paranormals are wary of her. And they should be. She is dangerous and I like that Ms. Liu doesn’t downplay that danger. She has the power to destroy them all yet has the will power to deny those urges. Except when she sees injustice.

Lyssa did not move a muscle, but the sense of menace that had been growing around her seemed to spark and intensify, until it was as though actual doom was descending.

“You go after any gargoyle, or…and there will be a storm that comes down on your head that you will never rise from, ever.”

She is a wonderful mixture of fragility and steel.

Eddie is fabulous with his patience and steadfast ways towards Lyssa. He handles her with care; knowing that she needs to trust herself and him before they can go forward. His complete acceptance of her makes him a true hero in my eyes. He assures her repeatedly that no matter what she does or where she goes, he will always be there for her.

“I’m not going anywhere. I was sent to find you. To protect you. You run and I will find you. Again and, and again, and again.”

“We are forever. And ever after.”

The romance evolves at a realistic pace, allowing Eddie and Lyssa to get to know one another and deal with their personal issues-regardless of the “mate bond”. Even though the physical aspects are very low key; the chemistry between Eddie and Lyssa is so emotionally charged you can feel it leaping off the pages. Their internal and external dialogue between one another is both enlightening and heart pinching.

Ms. Liu does a fantastic job of blending the suspense of the story with the romance. Non stop action speeds the story along at an engaging pace as the real plot begins to slowly reveal itself. While there is a lot going on, Ms. Liu’s clear and concise writing leaves little confusion. With each scene we watch Eddie and Lyssa face their fears and over come obstacles. Nether plot nor romance is sacrificed. They balance and complement each other through the entire book.

The supporting cast is both strong and imposing. We are once again reminded that everyone has an agenda and does not always play by the rules. We also see aspects of prejudice and fear that adds realism to the storyline. Old friends are touched upon and new friends and enemies are made. I found each one to be a satisfying addition to the story.

The ending was phenomenal and climatic with some appealing surprises. It left me thoroughly satisfied with where Eddie and Lyssa’s relationship is heading. This one can be read as a stand alone; the characters and story line is self contained. Looking for a fantastically dark paranormal romance? Then I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Liu’s Dirk & Steele series.

Overall Rating: B+

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