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    Mortal Fire
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    Mortal Fire
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    Mortal Fire
    Ebook475 pages7 hours

    Mortal Fire

    By C F Dunn

    4/5

    ()

    Currently unavailable

    Currently unavailable

    About this ebook

    When Emma D'Eresby ' a 29 year-old, self-contained Professor of History ' leaves her Cambridge college for a post in an exclusive university in Maine, USA, she hopes to learn more about a curious 17th-century journal in the College library. Instead, it leads her to a secret that should never have been uncovered. In the States, Emma meets the enigmatic 33-year-old surgeon, Matthew Lynes, a quiet and thoughtful widower. Driven to learn more about him, Emma takes the unique journal from the College library in which she believes there are clues to his family's English past. Meanwhile, the sinister Professor Koort Staahl mounts a psychotic attack on her. Matthew's courageous intervention saves her, but as he nurses her back to health, his unusual attributes raise questions he is unwilling to answer. As Part One ends, she returns to her claustrophobic family, avoiding her domineering father and wrestling with despair.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherMonarch Books
    Release dateMay 18, 2012
    ISBN9780857213143
    Unavailable
    Mortal Fire
    Author

    C F Dunn

    A natural born storyteller, Claire F. Dunn is the author of the award-winning Secret Of The Journal series. Studying medieval history at university, Claire followed a vocational route founding a specialist school dedicated to the needs of children with Dyslexia, Autism and related language difficulties.   Returning to her academic roots to incorporate elements of history into her stories of romance, mystery and suspense, Claire began writing Mortal Fire - the first in The Secret Of The Journal series - in 2009, winning Gold in the ForeWord Book Of The Year Awards, 2012.  She is currently working on a historical series set during the Wars of the Roses.  Claire now writes full-time in the South-West surrounded by restless seas, ancient landscapes and wild, wide skies. 

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    Reviews for Mortal Fire

    4/5

    17 ratings17 reviews

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    • 3/5
      See I'm torn. I'm vaguely curious as to the secret that Matthew Lynes (and I have my suspicions) but the story didn't work for me. Like other readers the religion seems slightly pasted on and not really part of the character. For my buck, a truly religious character would at least have found out what the worship possibilities were in a new area, who the chaplain was (or if there was one) and possibly have a moment of, when outdoors and admiring the view, thanking their god for the view/giving them the opportunity/whatever. Emma, does come across as a post-grad, not really as a PhD recipient, and honestly, if you don't know a language at that stage in historical research, you would have found ways of muddling through, good translation sites and/or a friend in a languages department with whom you trade favours (of whatever type), even if all you were doing is giving them a sample of the translation and asking if it looked passable, she just seems a little too much fish out of water with the sideways ways of working through academia to be travelling to a foreign campus.And the bad guy? he just fell short of twirling cartoon moustaches, honeslty, from the reaction of some US students to some sexist comments by Irish lecturers I would expect he would have fallen to a court case years ago. He was a little too obvious.Matthew, yeah, I won't spoiler it too much but I will say that I have my suspicions. Lets look at the clues so far presented (okay a bit of spoilering follows)He's strong, very strong, carried a heavy bookcase on his own strong, battled a bear, carried our heroine, etcHe's wealthy, wealthy enough to support the building of his own medical clinic, which has automatic UV screensThere are photographs of folks who share his name and look like him from a long time ago.He can read several languages fluentlyEvasive about his age, looks in his 30s though his knowledge suggests a longer life...I doubt my intuition is wrong on this one....
    • 4/5
      Emma is a historian. (Not AN historian. Do you get AN haircut? Do you have AN healthy appetite? Thankfully, C. F. Dunn agrees with me and Emma is A historian throughout.) She's about 30, single, and loves her work, which is looking at the motivations of torturers (!) in the Medieval period. She's a little closed off, but has been through a bad love affair, so perhaps her caution when it comes to building personal relationships is understandable.She's taken a job at a small Maine university for the year, leaving her family in England behind. But she has an underlying motive for taking the job, in the form of a 17th century journal in the college library that is of family interest and which she has only had tantalizing glimpses of before now. She meets some new associates including a smarmy, self-confident, looker of a man who clearly is interested in her, and another tall, dark (OK not actually; he's blond), silent type of guy who is a very handsome and very smart, but something of a mystery. Guess who the love interest is.And that's what the book essentially is: a love story. But with a 'twist'. That 'twist' being that the love interest may not be what he appears to be. And somehow, it's all related to this journal.So if you're into this kind of love story, i.e. dark, mysterious, and foreboding (after all, she does study torture!) then you might like it. I generally did so, but I had a few problems with this work. And at this point, beware of ...SPOILERS!!By about a third of the way through (unless you're pretty clueless), it becomes clear that the love interest is in fact a vampire. I had not expected this and found it irritating, because now I can't help but think that this book is meant to appeal to the whole 'crushy vampire' community that reads Twilight books. He is of course superhuman, and though he doesn't sparkle, he does somehow give 'vibrations' or 'thrills' when he kisses. Ugh. Derivative books annoy me, and books that try to capitalize on the popularity of other books that sound pretty bad to begin with (I have never read Twilight) worry me a lot. And 'Mortal Fire' tries very hard to build suspense by keeping you guessing about the nature of 'Dr. Lynes', but that suspense - as it is pretty obvious what he is early on - fails. SPOILERS ENDNow having said that, 'Mortal Fire' is not hard to read. The writing is good, the plot is serviceable, the mystery and suspense not bad, and the characters real enough. A few of the more 'evil' characters are a little unconvincing to me - too stereotyped - but that doesn't detract too much from the whole story. As long as you take it for what it is - which is a love story - and don't expect too much in the way of spectacular events and plot twists, it works pretty well. The other thing I did not know on starting this book is that it's the first of a series. Hence, it is incomplete as is and the ending is not satisfying at all. But the question then is, is this good enough to read the next volume in the series? I've decided it is. I like Emma well enough, and I like her mysterious lover well enough to be curious about where Dunn will go with this. So I will be keeping my eyes open for the next book in the series, and hope that the mysteries to be revealed will be worth the time and effort.
    • 2/5
      Professor Emma D'Eresby, a history professor specializing in torture, obtains a post at an exclusive American University that has an original journal that she has been obsessed with reading. She becomes the obsession of an unbalanced professor and falls in love with the college's odd Doctor Matthew Lynes. Dr. Lynes is more than he seems but the book never let's us know what he is. I enjoyed the style of the author's writing but the book was very long for not much happening. A lot of information was dumped on us that I think will be needed in later books but was unnecessary filler in a single book. The author described situations and the lack of situations to ridiculous lengths. After awhile I was saying to myself, 'Ok, ok, get on with it!'This book is the first of a series and has cliff hangers instead of an ending. That is a pet peeve of mine. I like stand alone books that support each other rather than a book that simply ends and no closure is given until you buy another.I have tried to read this book several times in the years since I was awarded it but I couldn't get into it. The characters, while interesting, seemed very monotone. There is glimpses of development at times but that's it.I will look for other books by this author. I think this book has potential.
    • 5/5
      It is one of the perils of reviewing brand new books: that horrible realization that you loved, loved, loved the book, only to discover that it is book one of a multi-book series. I'm in distress after finishing Mortal Fire by C.F. Dunn.Emma is a professor of history at Cambridge. Emma studies an unusual subject- torture used as punishment for religious purposes. She takes a position at a small New England college so that she can have access to an old family journal that is housed in the college library. While settling into the college, Emma meets Matthew Lynes, a medical doctor and professor. There is something different about Dr. Lynes, but Emma cannot figure him out. As their relationship grows and Emma is thrown into danger multiple times, she is more and more aware that Matthew is very different.There is romance here. There is suspense. There is history. There is the wonderful character of feisty and compelling Emma. There is a dashing and obscure hero. Who could ask for anything more?I was taken in by Emma's story almost immediately. (I have to admit that the first chapter or so passed rather slowly.) As Emma learned more about Matthew and other characters at the small college where she is residing, I was quickly pulled in to the story. I couldn't wait to find out more, but at the same time, I didn't want to be through with the reading because I knew I would be frustrated by the lack of a follow up book.As an American reader, I loved the English feel to this novel. First published in the UK by an English author, the style and feel of this novel is decidedly British in a very charming way. I liked the occasional British spelling and the fact that Emma had a very hard time calling fries, "fries", instead of "chips".There is not much I can say I didn't like about Mortal Fire. My only complaint is the cliff hanger ending with no book two on the horizon. At least a chapter of the coming book is included, so readers can hang on to Emma and her life a little longer.I rate this one a strong 5 stars and a PG for the suspenseful and sometimes frightening situations.I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are entirely my own.
    • 4/5
      As reviewer, April Erwin, stated so well, "I love the mix of academia, mystery, faith and dare I say, possibly a little of the supernatural? I was hooked from the start and couldn't put it down. I read half the night and couldn't wait to pick it up the next morning. C.F. Dunn has you speeding through the pages all the way to the ending that makes you say, "WHAT?!"I concur with her assessment. I'm delighted that I can immediately launch into the second book of the series, "Death Be Not Proud". It's going to be a long night!Synopsis:Twenty-nine-year-old, independent, and self-assured Cambridge history professor, Emma D'Eresby, has one obsession in life: the curious journal of a seventeenth-century Englishman, a portion of which was left to her by her late grandfather.When an unexpected opportunity to study the journal in its entirety presents itself, Emma finds herself leaving Cambridge to take up a year-long position at a prestigious university in Maine. Anticipating a quiet year of research, Emma quickly discovers her work impeded by a range of unforeseen complications. From the start, there is the well-intentioned matchmaking of her vivacious Russian colleague, Elena Smalova, and the unexpected jailing of one of her post-graduate students. More troublesome, however, are the unsolved, brutal night attacks on women near the university and Emma's suspicion that they might be linked to the sinister English professor, Kort Staahl. But, most diverting and disconcerting of all, is Emma's growing attraction to the strikingly handsome Dr. Matthew Lynes, whose kind but deliberately distant demeanor puzzles her.Suspense and dread mount when Kort begins to take a persistent and unsettling interest in Emma. What are Kort's intentions, and what is he capable of? And the mystery surrounding Matthew only deepens when Emma discovers a link between him and the journal. What is Matthew trying to hide?
    • 4/5
      This book is definately a page turner. I loved the characters of Elena, Mathias and Emma. There is a playful atmosphere amongst the characters as well as something dark lurking. The author keeps you on the edge, never giving anything away. I can't wait for the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
    • 5/5
      One word to describe this book- PHENOMINAL!!!A true mystery in the making with just enough horror to make you jump off your seat and enough romance to make you sigh. I can’t wait to read the sequel to this book.
    • 3/5
      Sometimes a thought cannot be trusted.Emma D'Evesby professor from the University of Cambridge is being welcomed into the US from the UK. A book catches her eye, one that is reminiscent of medievel times and one that seems to intrigue her love of history. The Dean at the University appoints several mentors to assist Emma in transitioning as she seems unsure of herself at times. However there is noone who is safe when lives are at risk. Will Emma discover the secrets before the clock ceases to tick?Danger, intrigue and suspense come together to form the storyline. This is a plot building book with description happening progressively. Scenery worked and was descriptive, dialogue flowed smoothly and I was able to connect with the characters fairly well. Although the novel did have a few parts that drug slightly towards the middle it does get better as the book moves along. Hints of faith seemed to strengthen values, however, a few of the conversations amongst the characters casually mentioned sexual situations but did not describe details. A good first novel 3.5 stars! Thanks to Kregel Publications Monarch Books for the complimentary copy for my review.
    • 4/5
      Mortal Fire has a nice gothic feel to it, a plausible romance, plenty of suspense, some supernatural elements and an appealing heroine, but it was ultimately not completely satisfying. Though it may come together better once the next book in the series comes out, as it stands there are too many plot points left dangling for my taste. **Possible Spoilers** We know the hero has some sort of supernatural quality, but we don't know what it is. There is a mysterious manuscript which is supposed to be the key to the series, but it appears briefly, the heroine barely looks at it, and then it's left behind without another mention. Enough references are made to the heroine's faith that I think this is supposed to be Christian fiction, but though it's clear there will be a conflict around this issue with the hero, we haven't seen it yet. One thing I did enjoy was the heroine's adjustment to teaching at a US university after leaving England. I read lots of fiction about Americans in English academic settings, and it was nice to see the reverse.I enjoyed reading Mortal Fire as far as it went, but I prefer my series books to feel complete in themselves, even if they end with cliff hangers. The story felt a bit as though C.F. Dunn had written one big book and chopped it in thirds without rounding off the edges before going on to the next novel. Ironically, I would be more likely to want to go on with the next book in the series if I'd ended this one with a few more questions answered. I will probably read the next one if I come across it, but I might not seek it out.
    • 4/5
      An intriguing and unusual tale set in New England at a university, where there are some odd characters and there appears to be danger at every corner!Although not a lot happens, I found it strangely enjoyable. Some parts did drag a little but at the same time it is quite a dark and suspenseful story written in a gothic like style. There is an evil villain who is really quite scary and there is an enigmatic and mysterious hero. The reader is never quite sure of the hero, he is definitely different but just how out of the ordinary is he? Is he just an immortal or is he also a vampire? I was none the wiser by the time I had finished the book. In fact, the ending is left on somewhat of a cliffhanger - the author's ploy to lure the reader into buying the next book, I suspect!I thought it was well written and quite atmospheric. C J Dunn seems to know how to keep her readers interested and I am certainly curious enough to want to read the rest of the trilogy. I would give it a 3.5 star rating.My thanks to Netgalley for sending me a copy of the Ebook to read and review
    • 4/5
      I received the 3rd book in this series, Rope of Sand, through the Library Thing five away. I could not put that book down and I ordered books 1 & 2 before finishing book 3. I have just finished reading Mortal Fire (book !) in 3 days. It took that long because I had to go to work those 3 days. This book is just as well written as the 3rd one. Following the developing relationship between Emma D'Eresby and Matthew Lynes was intriguing. I also enjoyed the briefly touched on MA Students Emma mentored, especially Aydin Yilmaz. It would appear that Ms. Dunn could do a spin off series about this young man. Back to point, This book is so well written and the character study is fun to watch. I am happy that through the Library Thing give away of books I was introduced to this author and series. The morals of the characters are refreshing and interesting to watch unfold. Super read!!
    • 4/5
      I was drawn into this story almost immediately. The author created a setting and atmosphere that breathed tension and suspense. The danger was unknown and unseen, but palpable. The characters were well-formed for the most part and the romantic elements managed to be almost erotic without conflicting with Christian values. It stands out from other Christian fiction that I’ve read in that it has flawed characters and never gets preachy. The plot itself unfolds rather slowly, but the relationships, especially the one between Matthew and Emma with their intense attraction to one another, keep the reader’s interest. Also, the author does an amazing job of sustaining the suspense and tension before anything particularly sinister occurs. I’m looking forward to the sequel as I can’t wait to see what happens next! In compliance with FTC regulations, please note that I received a free review copy from Kregel Blog Tours.
    • 4/5
      Dr. Emma D’Eresby has come to Maine as a guest lecturer in history — history focused on the methods and motives of torture of the medieval and early modern world. She finds herself surrounded by breathtaking scenery and eager students and the unwanted attention of some of the male faculty. But Emma’s focus is on a personal journal that has been the goal of her research for years as it was for her grandfather before her. But Emma can’t get the feeling of oppression and fear out of her mind. She senses a presence watching and waiting for her. And her resolve to teach and research only, is undermined by the very handsome and very different Dr. Matthew Lynes.C.F. Dunn has created an atmospheric mystery — the scenery, the weather, the buildings themselves add to the weight of secrets and suspense. The characters are suited to the story — you like the good guys and loathe the bad ones — and they don’t always react in predictable ways. This is the first book in the series (5 are planned), so there is quite a bit left unresolved. Not sure I can wait until 2013 for the release of book 2, Death Be Not Proud, but there is an excerpt from the book to give the reader a glimpse of just what is to come. Although not a vampire novel, the book does contain an otherworldly character that is very intriguing, and I could see fans of Twilight really liking Mortal Fire.Overall, I really liked Mortal Fire and recommend it to readers who enjoy a suspenseful mystery with a romantic and supernatural twist.Recommended.(I received Mortal Fire from Kregel in return for an honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
    • 4/5
      This book was well written, but drawn out. For being 359 pages long not a lot happens. I'm not saying nothing happens just not alot. I know that this only the first in a series, but it feels like only a piece of a story not a whole story. Dunn left threads hanging in this story that she could have tidied up, like why Staahl wanted Emma. There is more there than what Dunn wrote. Also we can guess at what Matthew is, but we don't know for sure. This drives me a little crazy. I like knowing these type of things by the time I finish the first book in a series. Other than that I enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the next book.
    • 5/5
      Knowing that C.F. Dunn is "across the pond," I figured British spelling and vocabulary would be used throughout the book. I was not disappointed. For those of you wondering if it detracts from the story, please know that it does not. In fact, as Emma is from the UK, it lends an air of authenticity to the story.When we come across a traffic accident with a fatality within the first few pages, I wasn't sure what to expect. After all, I was just being introduced to the characters and I didn't really know their motives yet. Reading on, I found myself being sucked into the story as Emma, being a stranger in a strange land, found her way amongst the academia and was introduced to new friends and some unsavory characters on staff.I enjoyed getting to know her colleagues and students (from Emma's perspective) and enjoyed the conversations about Emma concentration of history and how it has shaped her beliefs. I even enjoyed the anticipation of a blossoming relationship that held immense mystery. But as a librarian, I doubly enjoyed Emma's trips into the land of literature to find the journal she so intensely wanted to understand. I even understood her actions with the journal, but was disappointed that she was stopped so violently from learning its secrets.The characters are complex and multi-faceted. Just as I thought I understood what they were thinking, something would crop up and completely change the direction of my own thinking. (Isn't this true of us as living humans as well?) I'm completely engrossed in the story and want to know what happens next. No, I need to know what happens. Does Emma discover the mysteries surrounding her recent relationship? How will she react to the truth that she so desperately wants to uncover? And what will the secrets in the journal reveal about her own and others' pasts?If you enjoy mystery with a hint of romance, you will love this book! Make sure you carve out a chunk of time because you will not want to put it down. It's THAT engrossing. I just hope that book #2, Death Be Not Proud, comes out soon!
    • 4/5
      This was a great book!! It had wonderful character development and creepy/scary quality that I loved! It begins taking an interesting turn that I was not at all expecting, which is rare, and I'm still not absolutely positive of the outcome ... and for some reason I was taken unaware when I realized it was ending in a cliffhanger and now I'm looking for the second book!
    • 4/5
      Mortal Fire is a very good read. Different from modern type writings, but good nonetheless. I do hate getting sucked into a series of books... but darn it, I will most likely look for the second in this series. The cliff hanger was very well done and the storyline was interesting- especially if you enjoy history and religious studies as I do. The only downside is that a lot of this book is character build up so some may be put off by that. The book itself had good pace, is very well written and if you like Gothic reads, you will enjoy this one!Received this book via LibraryThing.com Early Reviewer giveaway for an honest review.