The Flame by Skylar Jaye

Title: The Flame

Author: Skylar Jaye

Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy

Length: Novella (162pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (3^rd July 2013)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½ Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Despite the stigma against magiks other than the four elemental types, Jeremy Ashe works hard toward a degree in runic studies, navigating his way through family disproval and school clique politics while trying to figure out what he wants to do with the rest of his life. What he never figured on is The Flame, Samuin College’s fire mage prodigy, Marcus Smith. Sparks strike and threaten to raze Jeremy’s plans to the ground. When strange fires begin to burn all over campus, clues point to Marcus. Suddenly life isn’t just complicated, it’s dangerous.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3962

Review: Jeremy has gone against family approval by turning his back on elemental magic for the more mundane runic studies. Navigating his way through college, while hiding his family connections and trying to decide what he wants is all that matters. But, his plans are shaken when he meets Marcus. Marcus is the college’s fire mage prodigy and everyone seems to want him because of his power. But, Jeremy isn’t impressed and sparks strike between them. When mysterious fires are set around campus all the clues lead to Marcus, but Jeremy refuses to believe his love would endanger anyone and sets out to find out the truth.

This is quite a good college setting with magik, disapproving families, proving yourself, and discovering love. Jeremy has always been labeled the failure because his core is wind and not fire. To make matters worse, he turned his back on his wind core and is studying runes instead, one of the most looked down on magical abilities. Marcus is a fire core prodigal. His parents didn’t have any magic, but he is expected to outshine all others of his generation. Jeremy and Marcus don’t expect anything from the other except to be themselves. They develop a great relationship, but they both have their own insecurities.

Both the main characters have their own personal demons. Marcus is feeling the pressure of so many expectations and Jeremy the sting of constant disappointment. The story is from Jeremy’s perspective, so we get to know him quite well. How he feels about his family and his views on magic. We do get to know a bit about Marcus and he is a genuinely nice guy. his potential hasn’t gone to his head and he just wants someone to want him and not his potential. The danger and trouble that both Jeremy and Marcus find themselves in is interesting and makes from a nice twist. But, their relationship is what really pulls this story together.

I want to be able to rave about this story because it’s about magic and hot men, but there was just something missing. A spark for me to grab hold of which would woo me into adoring this book. The thing was that Jeremy just didn’t quite have it. I think it would have been much more interesting from Marcus’ perspective. The storyline was interesting with its typical ‘famous family looking down on the relative who is different until he does something that astounds’ and the jealous college mates who turn it dangerous, but the relationship was what kept me reading.

I recommend this if you like magic, college romance, dangerous situations, raving mad jealously and a happy ending.