Firecracker cover art

Firecracker

Arcturus Academy, Book 1

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Firecracker

By: A.L. Knorr
Narrated by: Marni Penning
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About this listen

In love with one twin, bonded by fire to the other. Welcome to Arcturus Academy.

Ninety-eight percent of fire magi who attempt the agonizing forbidden ritual known as The Burning don’t survive. Those who do...level up in ways undreamt of by the Unburned. I survived. Now I've got other problems.

Headmaster Chaplin charges me with tutoring struggling student April, but when a bully targets April, I feel my control slipping. It doesn't help that he is my crush's evil twin, who - for reasons no one can explain - I share a powerful mage-bond with. It might be enough to push me into darkness. Will I emerge a hero or a fiend? Even I cannot say.

Listen to Firecracker and let the sparks fly!

Arcturus Academy is an action-adventure series of five books by a USA Today and Amazon best-selling author. Saxony is a strong female heroine swept into a world of dizzying plot twists, sweet romance, and intriguing mythology, all woven against a backdrop of elemental magic. Perfect for fans of Kelley Armstrong, Maria V Snyder, and Shannon Mayer. If you like magical power plays, action, and the high of first love, then you’ll adore A.L. Knorr’s explosive series.

©2020 Intellectually Promiscuous Press (P)2021 Intellectually Promiscuous Press Fiction Magic Science Fiction & Fantasy Fantasy Wizardry Magic Users

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All stars
Most relevant
What would you do if you had to hide what you really were from the world?
With one twin sweet on her and the other twin seeking a way to destroy her, Saxony has never been more segregated and alone.
This is a fast-paced account of Saxony's introduction to mage school.

Separated from her best friends, and being the youngest and strongest student in the school, Saxony struggles for acceptance.
And all while doing her best to bring down the school bullies while still keeping her boyfriend.
There are hidden rooms and lots of secrets! I loved it!

Firecracker

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Firecracker definitely took me by surprise. I hadn't realized this was the second book of sorts in Saxony's story, but it definitely played off well. I mean, I felt like I was missing something, as in, I expected this to be the beginning of her story, but not in the "I don't feel caught up, can someone please explain what's going on?" kind of feel. The author did an impressive job of making the reader root for Saxony right from the beginning, and the action scenes definitely hooked me in. Yes, there's a lot of fire terminology and the science behind it, but it all comes together nicely and getting to see some examples/demonstrations really help. I liked the dynamics of her with her peers, especially the chemistry with Gage, but also with Tomio and April. Ryan was really easy to not like, as well as Jade. There are a lot of secrets going on, and they definitely made for some hold-your-breath situations throughout the book. But overall, I think I liked learning along with Saxony about her powers the best (especially those private lessons with Basil). And while I'd like to see the mage-bond being explained, I thought it was going to be a bit more central to the story with the way the blurb hinted at it (I still don't get the big deal of it if she has the same bond with both twins).

The narrator was great at portraying the many emotions that happen in this book, from anger to hurt and crying, all the way to relief and happiness. I liked her voice for Saxony, though since she has a lower pitch, it was easy to mix her voice with one of the guys in some conversations (especially at the beginning). Still, most of the characters' voices are pretty distinct, so that by the end of the story one could mostly tell who's speaking.

Overall, I think this is a great introduction to the Arcturus Academy series (though if you want the back story on Saxony, go ahead and read Born of Fire first), with plenty of action, fire mage secrets, and twists that will have you flipping the pages as fast as you can. However, I'm not sure whether I'll continue this series or not. Either way, I'd recommend this one to anyone looking for a different kind of Academy YA Fantasy series, with a dash of sweet romance, and a heavy dose of fire mage action. ~ 4 stars

Content:
Sex: none. Only passionate kisses. However, there's talk of a side character wanting to lose her virginity, as well as mention of a "wet dream" (as a way of describing the Academy)
Language: can't remember. A couple of d*mns, maybe?
Violence: mostly related to combat training, some fights, threats, bullying/making a character a social outcast.

Actually, second book in Saxony's story

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Story well written and great narration.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received free from the author.

Story well written and great narration

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Mystery and mythology are once again combined in a thrill a minute story. A.L.Knorr seamlessly combines a school for supernaturals and the perils that could bring, with a story of love, loss and friendship. Marni Penning brings it to life with her amazing vocal talents. Can be read as a stand-alone but is more amazing of you read A.L.Knorr’s Elemental series before hand. Can’t wait for the next instalment!

Things are starting to get hot under the collar!

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I loved reading the books of Saxony’s school experience and it’s great to hear it come to life, in brilliant fashion as usual by Marni.
I love the way that Saxony’s in a monologue remains in her original voice whilst her speaking has changed due to the fire, brilliant touch! Very much looking forward to hearing book two come to life!

Loved it!

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