What do you think?
Rate this book
Fallen Angels #1
Angel Fire
My name is Darcy Anderson, and I am cursed with a dark power: Whenever my life is in danger, something inside me summons elemental fire to protect me. I cannot control this.
One night, I was attacked in my home. The fire ... it raged out of control. I survived the inferno, but my house burned to the ground - with my parents inside.
I was at a loss to explain to the courts what happened, and so they sent me to prison for ten years for manslaughter.
Now I'm out on parole, and all I want is to return to my home town and rebuild my life; but the man who attacked me is back to finish the job he started.
I can sense the power in me growing. If I can't control it, it will control me and destroy everything - and everyone - I love.
One night, I was attacked in my home. The fire ... it raged out of control. I survived the inferno, but my house burned to the ground - with my parents inside.
I was at a loss to explain to the courts what happened, and so they sent me to prison for ten years for manslaughter.
Now I'm out on parole, and all I want is to return to my home town and rebuild my life; but the man who attacked me is back to finish the job he started.
I can sense the power in me growing. If I can't control it, it will control me and destroy everything - and everyone - I love.
266 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2011
171 people are currently reading
1981 people want to read
About the author
Valmore Daniels
59Ìýbooks78ÌýfollowersIn true nomadic spirit, Valmore Daniels has lived on the coasts of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans, and dozens of points in between.
An insatiable thirst for new experiences has led him to work in several fields, including legal research, elderly care, oil & gas administration, web design, government service, human resources, and retail business management.
His enthusiasm for travel is only surpassed by his passion for telling tall tales.
An insatiable thirst for new experiences has led him to work in several fields, including legal research, elderly care, oil & gas administration, web design, government service, human resources, and retail business management.
His enthusiasm for travel is only surpassed by his passion for telling tall tales.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
October 26, 2012
Darcy Anderson is released on parole after serving a 10 year sentence for the murder of her parents and arson (they burned in a housefire). Darcy returns to her hometown and must deal with her gruff Uncle Edward, Barry, a local bully, Sheriff Burke, the bully's father, handsome Neil, who has been transferred to the local fire department, and her strange ability to call fire.
I only got 56% into this book before I decided this book just wasn't for me, and we needed to part ways. That isn't, however, to say this is a bad book; it's just not what I wanted to read.
Darcy Anderson is a pretty well-written character. She has flaws, insecurities, desires, and strengths. She tries to face her fears instead of running from them, but also isn't immune to doubt and second-guessing herself.
The rest of the cast is a mixed bag. I liked Aunt Martha, who was so warm and inviting, but Uncle Edward was so aloof and gruff, it was hard to like him. Barry and Sheriff Burke felt so cliche bullies, though Barry gets a bit of nice development that softens his bullyish side. I definitely thought Beth was great; she was Darcy's friend and an actual GOOD friend at that. But then Neil, obviously painted as the love interest (though I hadn't seen anything but the merest hints when I quit), is so bland and boring, a real "Knight in Shining Armor". Which is not a bad thing (I prefer that to the horrible, rapey, abusive type of hero we see too much these days), but I wish he had a bit more personality and didn't fit so easily into the Love Interest box.
But the characters weren't the deciding factor in my quitting this ebook. That was the story. The beginning was great, and I liked how Darcy had been in jail and was released. But things were just moving way too slowly, there was so much average drama (exes and grudges and insecurities and townspeople hating you for something you did 10 years ago) that the novel felt more like a contemporary "chick lit" book than an urban fantasy. When we finally started to dip our toes in the urban fantasy portions, they came in the form of infodump scenes--Martha talking to Darcy or Darcy finding a journal and reading about her ability there. The other sad part about the whole telepyrosis part was that I didn't buy the explanation. It needed something more, more oomph, for lack of a better term.
And then the cliche storm. The evil ex. The wicked, crooked Sheriff. The dress-up scene. The showdown at the bar. The attempted arrest. The journal that somehow survives a fire. The rebellious teen. And so on and so forth.
But this book definitely has an audience (hence why I am rating this three stars and not my usual DNF rating, 2 stars). It's a very clean story (almost no curse words). Daniels is a pretty darn good writer. And if you are okay with urban fantasy lite in a small town setting, I think you should definitely check it out. I was just looking for something with a little more pizzazz.
I only got 56% into this book before I decided this book just wasn't for me, and we needed to part ways. That isn't, however, to say this is a bad book; it's just not what I wanted to read.
Darcy Anderson is a pretty well-written character. She has flaws, insecurities, desires, and strengths. She tries to face her fears instead of running from them, but also isn't immune to doubt and second-guessing herself.
The rest of the cast is a mixed bag. I liked Aunt Martha, who was so warm and inviting, but Uncle Edward was so aloof and gruff, it was hard to like him. Barry and Sheriff Burke felt so cliche bullies, though Barry gets a bit of nice development that softens his bullyish side. I definitely thought Beth was great; she was Darcy's friend and an actual GOOD friend at that. But then Neil, obviously painted as the love interest (though I hadn't seen anything but the merest hints when I quit), is so bland and boring, a real "Knight in Shining Armor". Which is not a bad thing (I prefer that to the horrible, rapey, abusive type of hero we see too much these days), but I wish he had a bit more personality and didn't fit so easily into the Love Interest box.
But the characters weren't the deciding factor in my quitting this ebook. That was the story. The beginning was great, and I liked how Darcy had been in jail and was released. But things were just moving way too slowly, there was so much average drama (exes and grudges and insecurities and townspeople hating you for something you did 10 years ago) that the novel felt more like a contemporary "chick lit" book than an urban fantasy. When we finally started to dip our toes in the urban fantasy portions, they came in the form of infodump scenes--Martha talking to Darcy or Darcy finding a journal and reading about her ability there. The other sad part about the whole telepyrosis part was that I didn't buy the explanation. It needed something more, more oomph, for lack of a better term.
And then the cliche storm. The evil ex. The wicked, crooked Sheriff. The dress-up scene. The showdown at the bar. The attempted arrest. The journal that somehow survives a fire. The rebellious teen. And so on and so forth.
But this book definitely has an audience (hence why I am rating this three stars and not my usual DNF rating, 2 stars). It's a very clean story (almost no curse words). Daniels is a pretty darn good writer. And if you are okay with urban fantasy lite in a small town setting, I think you should definitely check it out. I was just looking for something with a little more pizzazz.
February 6, 2011
Valmore Daniels has written a complex and well-rounded character in Darcy Anderson, a woman who can set fire to things telepathically. The book opens with her leaving prison after doing 10 years for killing her parents in a fire which she accidentally started. The rest of the book focuses on Darcy coming to terms not only with what she did and her strange "affliction" but also the trials and tribulations of returning to her hometown where she's essentially an outcast.
There was quite a bit of backstory to this book as Darcy's family history plays an important role but Daniels handled it superbly, feeding little bits of it here and there as necessary. There were a couple of flashbacks which broke up the flow a little, but otherwise the story unfolded naturally. In fact, Darcy's backstory was well thought out as was the "world". I totally began to believe that telepyrosis could be real and Daniels has obviously researched the biblical side of angels.
Although the writing is sometimes not as strong as it could be, Daniels has nailed the dialog. It's so real and fresh and gives an acute insight into the characters. The only problem with the dialog was there wasn't enough of it! Sometimes Darcy's introspection slowed the book down, but usually not for long before some action took place.
I highly recommend this book. The Fallen Angels series is going to be terrific if this first book is any indication.
There was quite a bit of backstory to this book as Darcy's family history plays an important role but Daniels handled it superbly, feeding little bits of it here and there as necessary. There were a couple of flashbacks which broke up the flow a little, but otherwise the story unfolded naturally. In fact, Darcy's backstory was well thought out as was the "world". I totally began to believe that telepyrosis could be real and Daniels has obviously researched the biblical side of angels.
Although the writing is sometimes not as strong as it could be, Daniels has nailed the dialog. It's so real and fresh and gives an acute insight into the characters. The only problem with the dialog was there wasn't enough of it! Sometimes Darcy's introspection slowed the book down, but usually not for long before some action took place.
I highly recommend this book. The Fallen Angels series is going to be terrific if this first book is any indication.
August 29, 2012
This book had so much potential. I was loving it! Such good villains without the paranormal taking it over. What ruined it for me was the ending. It was rushed and was a disappointment. I may give the series another chance, not too sure yet.
December 11, 2013
I couldn't put this book down! It drew me in from the very beginning! I felt drawn to the main character and wanted to punch the daylights out of her ex-husband, Barry. What an ass! I enjoyed the journey of discovery as she learned about her power and how to wield it without injuring herself and others. I liked the cliffhanger ending because it made me want to pick up the next book in the series, like a good cliffhanger should. This is an author worth keeping an eye on!
February 19, 2024
Kind of slow, but okay read.
For my clean readers: language, but no f-bomb. Romance-kissing, sex, but no graphic descriptions. Violence-fist fight, attempted murder, abuse(physical and verbal), unintentional murder, as well as premeditated.
For my clean readers: language, but no f-bomb. Romance-kissing, sex, but no graphic descriptions. Violence-fist fight, attempted murder, abuse(physical and verbal), unintentional murder, as well as premeditated.
September 24, 2017
I tried, I really did, but NOTHING happened.. no excitement, no battles, nothing......NOTHING. BORED OUT OF MY MIND! DNF 70%
January 27, 2012
I received a Kindle Touch for my birthday and this was the first book I read on it. I found the book through Amazon Prime's lending library, which is filled with delightfully embarrassing books. If nothing else, e-readers are grand because they allow me to joyfully read embarrassing books without facing the judgmental looks of my fellow subway riders.
Valmore Daniels feels like a fairly novice writer. That doesn't mean "bad," but it means she uses lots of short sentences, repeats certain words and phrases and could have benefited from additional editing. She has great ideas, however, and I think as her writing style matures she will become a genre author to watch.
The story of Angel Fire is a simple one: Darcy, after spending ten years in prison, comes back home to her small town. Oh. Also: She lights things on fire, with mystical powers and not, you know, matches.
Most of the story revolves around Darcy acclimating herself to her new life and dealing with the dark parts of her old one. There's quite a bit on angsty inner monolog that I could have done without.
The supernatural element of the story is fun and creative -- although filled with more angsty monologs. The romance element is not too smurfy or graphic.
In my opinion, the ending of the book is brilliant.
Valmore Daniels feels like a fairly novice writer. That doesn't mean "bad," but it means she uses lots of short sentences, repeats certain words and phrases and could have benefited from additional editing. She has great ideas, however, and I think as her writing style matures she will become a genre author to watch.
The story of Angel Fire is a simple one: Darcy, after spending ten years in prison, comes back home to her small town. Oh. Also: She lights things on fire, with mystical powers and not, you know, matches.
Most of the story revolves around Darcy acclimating herself to her new life and dealing with the dark parts of her old one. There's quite a bit on angsty inner monolog that I could have done without.
The supernatural element of the story is fun and creative -- although filled with more angsty monologs. The romance element is not too smurfy or graphic.
In my opinion, the ending of the book is brilliant.
May 24, 2012
Avenging angel or murderer? This is the choice you need to make in ANGEL FIRE. The book opens with Darcy Anderson being released from prison after serving a ten-year sentence for manslaughter. This immediately captured my interest and is an excellent opening that kept me turning the pages. Why was she in prison? Who did she kill? The rest of the story focuses on Darcy as she tries to go home and blend in with the good townsfolk of Middleton. Unfortunately for her, people remember her as the girl who killed her parents in a horrific house fire. As if that wasn't bad enough, the Sheriff and her ex-husband Barry will not let the past rest and relentlessly confront her at every turn.
As the story unfolds, Mr. Daniels skillfully reveals more details about Darcy and what really happened on the night her parents were killed. Is she a "fire bug" as some call her or does she have an other worldly power to bring forth intense fire at will? The secondary characters are nicely fleshed out and I especially liked her Uncle Edward, a stern no-nonsense kind of guy. Darcy's inner turmoil as she comes to grips with her power is portrayed quite well by the author. Throw in a love interest with a strange power of his own and it's hard to put the book down.
I don't want to put any spoilers in the review, but suffice it to say, this is indeed an intriguing read. Whether you love her or hate her for the things she does, this book will keep you thinking long after you've finished reading. Does the end justify the means?
As the story unfolds, Mr. Daniels skillfully reveals more details about Darcy and what really happened on the night her parents were killed. Is she a "fire bug" as some call her or does she have an other worldly power to bring forth intense fire at will? The secondary characters are nicely fleshed out and I especially liked her Uncle Edward, a stern no-nonsense kind of guy. Darcy's inner turmoil as she comes to grips with her power is portrayed quite well by the author. Throw in a love interest with a strange power of his own and it's hard to put the book down.
I don't want to put any spoilers in the review, but suffice it to say, this is indeed an intriguing read. Whether you love her or hate her for the things she does, this book will keep you thinking long after you've finished reading. Does the end justify the means?
October 1, 2014
Angel Fire: The First Book Of Fallen Angels ( maybe some spoilers. :)
The only reason that I gave this book a 4 instead of a 5 was because of the plot. Its mostly about a woman named Darcy, "accidentally" killed her parents in a flaming fire. Of course, she gets blamed and goes to jail! So ten years later, she moves back to Middleton to return to her past life. She meets Aunt and Uncle Edward. So she tries to be nice and she gets a job working at their motel. She then meets a hot and sizzling ( I may be exaggerating) guy. He's nice. Also, while at her stay in the prison, she learns she has a curse called "angel's fire."
Not normal. She can't control it. She needs help. Her new friend Beth would not understand. Aunt Martha (is that her name?) is too bubbly, that just would not work out. Hot and sizzling Neil is a guy. No way. Uncle Edward? No one would dream of telling Uncle Edward. She is lost for anwers. So when Aunt Martha tells her that her great grandma had the same curse, she is shocked. Then Uncle Edward gives her advice and tells her a story of the past. Then, hot and sizzling Neil tells her that he is just like her.
Except, he can control water. Control! She tries to learn. But she relizes, she can't control it. It controls her. It is a living, breathing thing, living inside her, using her body. (well not exactly...) Well, in the end she ends up killing a lot of people. (rofl) so, I hope you, yes you, might find this book more enjoyable to read!! #toatsMCgoats#
The only reason that I gave this book a 4 instead of a 5 was because of the plot. Its mostly about a woman named Darcy, "accidentally" killed her parents in a flaming fire. Of course, she gets blamed and goes to jail! So ten years later, she moves back to Middleton to return to her past life. She meets Aunt and Uncle Edward. So she tries to be nice and she gets a job working at their motel. She then meets a hot and sizzling ( I may be exaggerating) guy. He's nice. Also, while at her stay in the prison, she learns she has a curse called "angel's fire."
Not normal. She can't control it. She needs help. Her new friend Beth would not understand. Aunt Martha (is that her name?) is too bubbly, that just would not work out. Hot and sizzling Neil is a guy. No way. Uncle Edward? No one would dream of telling Uncle Edward. She is lost for anwers. So when Aunt Martha tells her that her great grandma had the same curse, she is shocked. Then Uncle Edward gives her advice and tells her a story of the past. Then, hot and sizzling Neil tells her that he is just like her.
Except, he can control water. Control! She tries to learn. But she relizes, she can't control it. It controls her. It is a living, breathing thing, living inside her, using her body. (well not exactly...) Well, in the end she ends up killing a lot of people. (rofl) so, I hope you, yes you, might find this book more enjoyable to read!! #toatsMCgoats#
January 27, 2014
I have to say - I was incredibly disappointed in the direction this book went. It started out a bit slow - I had to put it down & pick it back up later several times (and I very rarely do this). It was an interesting concept, and I felt it could have been turned into something.
My main problem was this - after reading the book, I feel like it was more of a 'prequel' novella, not the first book in a series. I'm disappointed to see that the 2nd book in the series is about a totally different main character.
If you're trying to introduce us to the characters, to later pull them together in a series, I'd rather have read all the intro stories (in a much shorter format) together.
My main problem was this - after reading the book, I feel like it was more of a 'prequel' novella, not the first book in a series. I'm disappointed to see that the 2nd book in the series is about a totally different main character.
If you're trying to introduce us to the characters, to later pull them together in a series, I'd rather have read all the intro stories (in a much shorter format) together.
January 25, 2012
My intial impression of Angel's Fire was that Mr Daniel's had cobbled together a cheap Twlight knock-off, family drama/romance first supernatural romp second.
Boy was I wrong
Sure the majority of the book focusses on our main character Darcy, and her myriad of poor relationships. Things start to look a little cheesy as everything starts falling back into place
Than all of a sudden NO SPOILERS
Things get better.
Recommended and looking forward to the next one
Boy was I wrong
Sure the majority of the book focusses on our main character Darcy, and her myriad of poor relationships. Things start to look a little cheesy as everything starts falling back into place
Than all of a sudden NO SPOILERS
Things get better.
Recommended and looking forward to the next one
August 7, 2015
The book was under 300 pages, so I was able to get through it quickly. But, wow, this was bad. Unless you want to read about a woman who is cursed by God because she had a miscarriage due to her abusive ex-husband, I would skip it. At least it was a free book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2016
A terrible book, if I'd known what was about I would never have started & I sure won't recommend any of the others
It was not a well written book, It didn't have an ending & I wouldn't start anymore of this,author's books
It was not a well written book, It didn't have an ending & I wouldn't start anymore of this,author's books
February 9, 2018
I did not enjoy this book at all. Very poorly written and the characters were either boring or cartoonish. I skimmed through most of this book. I will definitely not be reading anything else by this author.
April 11, 2011
This was not my favorite book but I can appreciate that it was written from a viwpoint I haven't read before.
June 3, 2015
This seemed to take a long time to get to the point, additionally I found it depressing. It is well written and it is simply my patience and my mood that wasn't up for it.
September 23, 2017
DNF 80%
I found myself speed reading and skimming pages, and even though I was almost done I dropped it.
It was Boooooooooring!
I found myself speed reading and skimming pages, and even though I was almost done I dropped it.
It was Boooooooooring!
June 25, 2020
Ok
Story was ok. I was not happy about the ending, kind of blew the whole book for me. Not sure if I'll continue this series.
Story was ok. I was not happy about the ending, kind of blew the whole book for me. Not sure if I'll continue this series.
March 5, 2018
Whoa!
****SPOILERS****
This was AWESOME! Gawd I hurt for Darcy! She's been through hell and back. Like the universe won't give this girl a break. First she her husband is a piece of shit and beats her so bad she miscarries the baby he doesn't even know she carrying. Then in the same moment she discovers she has these powers she has no idea how to control and in the midst of it all passes out and awakes to find her parents dead. She spends a decade in jail only to come out and the only living blood relative she has hates her for the death of his sister. Her ex husband and his daddy have a hard -on for making her life a living hell. A stranger comes to town and in the midst of falling in love with him and her uncle warming up to her she loses them both and her loving aunt all within 24hrs. WHAT. THE. FUCK!!!!!! I am anxious to start book 2.
****SPOILERS****
This was AWESOME! Gawd I hurt for Darcy! She's been through hell and back. Like the universe won't give this girl a break. First she her husband is a piece of shit and beats her so bad she miscarries the baby he doesn't even know she carrying. Then in the same moment she discovers she has these powers she has no idea how to control and in the midst of it all passes out and awakes to find her parents dead. She spends a decade in jail only to come out and the only living blood relative she has hates her for the death of his sister. Her ex husband and his daddy have a hard -on for making her life a living hell. A stranger comes to town and in the midst of falling in love with him and her uncle warming up to her she loses them both and her loving aunt all within 24hrs. WHAT. THE. FUCK!!!!!! I am anxious to start book 2.
August 23, 2020
Meh
Spoilers
The writing in this book was great. There was a good mix of dialogue and action which was good. Unfortunately the story didn't really go anywhere until 3/4 of the way through. Until then, Darcy was a bundle of confusion for me, a cross between a burgeoning high school teen and a responsible adult. Aunt Martha and Beth, along with Uncle Edward were my favorites. Just when Darcy starts something with Neil, he dies. Maybe it's the way in small towns but I just couldn't understand the father sheriff and son bullies over the town or how Barry held on to do much negative emotion while Darcy was in jail.
Spoilers
The writing in this book was great. There was a good mix of dialogue and action which was good. Unfortunately the story didn't really go anywhere until 3/4 of the way through. Until then, Darcy was a bundle of confusion for me, a cross between a burgeoning high school teen and a responsible adult. Aunt Martha and Beth, along with Uncle Edward were my favorites. Just when Darcy starts something with Neil, he dies. Maybe it's the way in small towns but I just couldn't understand the father sheriff and son bullies over the town or how Barry held on to do much negative emotion while Darcy was in jail.
September 7, 2021
Wonderful, Fast Paced Read
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. The character building was great and the twists and turns of the storyline made there never be a slow pace within the book. This book was a terrific start to the series. I am looking forward to reading book #2 in the series.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last. The character building was great and the twists and turns of the storyline made there never be a slow pace within the book. This book was a terrific start to the series. I am looking forward to reading book #2 in the series.
Read
February 15, 2022Wow! Holy Smoke!
A great read start two finish. You have Darcy the main character who has a gift of fire or is it a curse. She meets Neil whom also has a gift but different from hers.
I loved this book, it was a page turner, it has love,anger,loss, and so much more. Only thing i didn't like was the ending not because it was bad but the loss.
Please read it's well worth it.
A great read start two finish. You have Darcy the main character who has a gift of fire or is it a curse. She meets Neil whom also has a gift but different from hers.
I loved this book, it was a page turner, it has love,anger,loss, and so much more. Only thing i didn't like was the ending not because it was bad but the loss.
Please read it's well worth it.
May 22, 2017
Interesting story concept
I am always looking for good stories and this did not disappoint. Am looking forward to reading the next book, as I'm sure it will explain more what was left unexplained in this novel.
I am always looking for good stories and this did not disappoint. Am looking forward to reading the next book, as I'm sure it will explain more what was left unexplained in this novel.
June 30, 2018
I read this book in one day! It had my attention the whole time! Great idea and character build. I loved and hated each character just like Darcy did in the book. I want to read the other books in this series it is really good. I highly recommend.
May 1, 2020
So intriguing!
A really good introduction to what has potential to be a great series. An original concept, with an interesting main character. Lots of heartbreak, though. I would definitely like to know what happens next.
A really good introduction to what has potential to be a great series. An original concept, with an interesting main character. Lots of heartbreak, though. I would definitely like to know what happens next.
April 12, 2018
Mesmerizing
The ending was incomplete. What happened to Barry and his father? We're they consumed in the angel fire or did they just get overlooked in the ending?
The ending was incomplete. What happened to Barry and his father? We're they consumed in the angel fire or did they just get overlooked in the ending?
May 1, 2018
this is an easy read with a good story. i wound up liking it more than i thought i would.
December 28, 2021
Very good.
July 16, 2022
Carrie reimaged stereotypes just older with a bit o religious fallen angle thrown in. Free from Amazon; August 13, 2021.
February 13, 2022
This book has potential is rushed, and needs a bit more action.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.