Read 10/24/2022 - 11/2/2022
Disclaimer - “Helfyre” is an adult fantasy romance that contains graphic violence, general dark themes, swearing, and sex scenes-- some of which include dubious consent-- and should in no way be misconstrued as a depiction of a healthy relationship.
Summary | Two immortal creatures. One dangerous bargain.
After the death of her mother, Aheia finds herself stained by more blood than she can hide in the perpetual daylight of her home of Keloseros. She escapes the realm but pays the price: giving up her immortality and her powers–once a Mithra with light at her fingertips, she becomes near-mortal. Her desperate search for asylum leads her to the doorstep of the only place out of her abusive family’s reach—a realm that deals in death and darkness unapologetically—Aljira.
But nothing in this world is free, and to buy her way to dubious safety, she’s forced to give up the only thing she has left to barter.
Her soul in exchange for seven days in the devil's realm.
Wow, there was a lot to unpack in the first part of this story. Tons of world building and info on the different demons, gods, and shapeshifters. Not gonna lie, I sometimes struggle with intense world building and info dumping and it usually takes me forever to get through those parts of a story. (I’m looking at you Crescent City).
But I couldn’t put this book down and the world the author created is incredible. I enjoyed the writing style and although there were moments where the detailed descriptions outweighed the overall plot, I appreciated how easy it was to get wrapped up in the world, and I now have a soft spot for several of the characters and can’t wait to learn more about them.
Our FMC is Aheia, a fiery young goddess who isn’t afraid to do what has to be done, but can also show her vulnerability. Arioch is the perfect morally grey main character, he was definitely more darkness than light, which I live for, but he has a fierce loyalty to his friends, his people, and Aheia.
The world was complex, the spice was 🔥, and I loved the underlying story about mental health.
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