Fire Kissed

Readers unfamiliar with Kellison’s Shadow series (Shadow Bound, etc.) will find this related trilogy launch presents a steep learning curve, but within a few chapters, they’ll feel oriented enough to appreciate the challenges facing fire mage Kaye Brand. At age 15, she fled an arranged marriage to a vampiric iron mage who steals other mages’ abilities. Ten years later, Kaye sizzles not just literally but figuratively, having grown up into a compellingly smart, sexy heroine ready to save herself and the world. The mythology underlying the story is Kellison’s usual mix of angels, mages, and fae; well constructed and consistent, it supports plenty of tense action and steamy sex as Kaye falls in love with angel Jack Bastian and tries to regain the power of fallen House Brand. Agent: Jessica Faust, BookEnds. (July)