Chains of Fire
Grade : C

While I’ve read a few of Christina Dodd’s historicals, I hadn’t read any of her paranormals until now. Unfortunately, I found Chains of Fire, part of her Chosen Ones series, to be a lackluster experience I struggled to finish.

In what appears to be a near alternate reality, good versus evil collide as The Chosen, a group abandoned as children and “gifted” in order to protect themselves battle against the evil Others who strive to claim unwanted children and their gifts for their own destructive purposes. Isabelle Mason, one of the former abandoned children, possesses the unique ability to heal. Adopted into an extremely wealthy, prominent, Boston family, Isabelle is in place to use her connections to raise money to help children and her brethren. Other than her tangled relationship with Samuel Faa, her life consists of her work with The Chosen and ritzy social functions.

Samuel, another of The Chosen, was never once allowed to forget by his own adopted family, servants in the Mason household, that he is inferior to the Masons. However, growing up together forged strong bonds between the two that were sometimes a blessing but other times hell in the form of an on and off again fated relationship. The simple fact remains that both love each other but can’t trust enough to finally give in to what is meant to be. However, once they find themselves under attack and stranded during an avalanche, they take a hard look at themselves and the way they feel about one another, as well as try to figure out who exactly is attempting to kill them and why.

While there were moments of the story that I felt were well done, I struggled to engage with the characters and their story. Samuel’s character is crass in his boldness and I just didn’t care for him. Isabella, while fervent in her interactions with Samuel, restrains her actions with all others and is, therefore, a contrast I didn’t buy into. However, there are moments where I did enjoy their interactions and wished more of that type storytelling dominated the plot.

However, the over-the-top characterizations of good versus evil put me off almost from the very beginning with the ultra good trying to save poor, abandoned children from the vile, evil, horrible people bent on exploiting and harming them. Plus, all the other Chosen and their fated mates working together also annoyed me. I also couldn’t believe the issues that kept Samuel and Isabella apart were actually deal breakers. I wanted them to get over it already and deal with their attraction and work things out like adults.

Although there were elements within Chains of Fire that were effective and interesting, overall the plot and characterizations didn’t work for me. The characters lacked charisma and development and I couldn’t suspend disbelief long enough to become invested in the plot. Based on my reaction to this one, I don't plan on reading any more paranormals by the author.

Reviewed by Heather Brooks
Grade : C

Sensuality: Warm

Review Date : December 15, 2010

Publication Date: 09/2010

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Heather Brooks

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