The Flame and the Arrow (The Annika Brisby Series) (Volume 1)

What a terrible book. When I first started to read it, I thought...hmmm, ok, this has promise. But as I continued to read it was all I could do to keep reading it. Ugh!!! The characters in the book are absolutely annoying. Talvi is a complete wuss bag, always brooding and pouting and not in a sexy way. He behaves like a child. Everyone gets the jump on him. They call him names but never truly explain why he got the name. Everyone is easily offended. And then when you offend or make someone angry then it's always this secret back story... you didn't know this but here's more back story to the person you upset. Oh you upset this person, well here's more back story as to why you upset them. There is so much back story and filler that you never truly get to the plot or even care. It's like the author wasn't sure what she wanted to do with the story. Maybe she got annoyed by her own characters. UGH UGH UGH. Save your money. Look elsewhere.

This is a very interesting story. If you like the paranormal stories you love this. It has elves, fairies, vampires, and humans. It starts out with a girl that is a human, runs into some unusual people and somehow later gets lost in the woods. Its a very good story. Its very interesting and it turned into a love story in devotion. Buts it's a cliffhanger unfortunately. No grammar mistakes!

Annaki is a human girl. To me she's Kinda immature and full of herself. Talvi is a male elf and kind of player. The story is mostly about these two and what they go through together and with Talvi families and friends. I really liked the story.

~~I received this in exchange for my honest opinion~~

I have recently began reading more about elves, nymphs etc. I am so glad that I read this book. This has a little of everything in the book. You get completely swept away with this book. Annika is transported to a different place. Not able to leave when she wants to she has to help figure out why. Along the way, she finds out who she really is.

Emigh is a magical writer. She is able to capture the magic that is in this book. She takes you on a great journey. She makes sure you see the silver trees, and the two moons that are in the sky. She also makes sure that you are feeling everything that is going on. Never in my wildest imagination would I have ever thought about a place like this. I can't wait until I read the next book in the series.

First, I am not affiliated with any "reviewing company" and whatnot people get to review their books. I'm a regular book lover who ran out of money to purchase anymore books this month so I'm down to skimming titles on the free list to get be by until my next paycheck. The book lover struggle is real. Also, this is my first book review. So that should tell you how much I liked the book.

I should mention that I just finished reading ACOMAF (severe book hangover) and I'm impatiently awaiting ACOWAR. Hence my need for some magical romance in my life.

The reviews were good for this book so I went for it. Honestly, this book is really great and I was pleasantly surprised! I loved the world building. I could picture the scenes and characters in my head clearly. I liked each character. The romance scenes were HOT (no prudes here)! It was a bit slow in some parts. If you've ever read the Hobbit then you know what I'm talking about.

Negatives: sorry there are just a few. I felt like the narration between characters wasn't enough for me to feel attached to them. That may sound crazy but I want to feel like I know them! I need to feel how they feel. There was some fluff that wasn't necessary. Like the green sash? I kept waiting for that to come back and be significant because the story Sariel told was so enchanting. But it never did. It was a missed opportunity. Love interest between Nikola and Annika? That was strange. I feel like they could have been friends but after the whole forest and boat scene it wasn't significant. I need to know more about him. And Finn, why is he so mysterious? I guess this is setting the stage for future books.

Overall, a great, fun, sexy, read. Will I buy the next book? Probably. I just can let a series go unread once I start.

I am an avid reader of paranormal,supernatural or fantasy books. I have to say when I started this book I wasn't expecting anything to be able to surprise me or to please me as much as this did.
All of the characters were interesting and relatable in their own rights, the amount of back story and culture lent to this new world was just enough to get you looking around for a history book to learn more. Reading this book, or fairy tale, you forget yourself and are able to loose yourself in a different world.
This book wasn't an easy quick read, it really is complex and exciting and I am sure when I read it again I will just fall in love! Well done!

I came across this book purely on accident and was delighted after reading it that I had. Emigh paints such a vivid picture of her characters that it is hard not to fall head over heels for her dueling worlds. In the book Annika, one of the main characters holds her own against Talvi, her soon to be lover. When they first come together you find that Annika wont take any of the charming bull he lays on all the other ladies around him and because of that Talvi only tries that much harder. As you follow Annika through a portal into another world she really discovers who she really is, not what she previously thought of herself as. Annika soon discovers that every mystical creature, and some she didnt even know, are real and sometimes they are closer than you imagine.

I apsolutly,loved this book the way the characters fit and I loved Finn and annika and tolvi I probably spelled that wrong but this book could totally be a tv series or a movie like twilight the love and cemistry was amazing and it left you wanting more and I am an avid reader and I have read alot and this book got me excited to read it I absolutly loved this book and all the fantastic characters

The book was okay overall... I managed to finish it but only with serious talks to myself, eyes staring into the back of my skull and a good dose of... you chose this.
Drugs are sanctioned and seen as a way of avoiding problems by the relatively young and immature characters of this book. There are several cliches and stereotypes... and little diversity in both the Earth-like Fae world...and "our" world. When you do come across "exotic" people expect them to be useless, evil and to have short intros and quick ends.

Absolutely fantastic! This was not necessarily something I would have normally jumped to read but I am extremely glad I did. The characters were smart and quirky and I was genuinely invested in the outcome of each of their different paths. I have read other books with a vast array of characters like elves and vampires but the ones introduced in this book definitely have their own spark of something special that sets them apart from the pack.
On top of that the details that went into building the other world were pretty amazing so between that and the characters it was very easy to get lost for hours in the story. For me The Flame and The Arrow was an absolute pleasure to read and in my opinion it is Highly recommended.

The Flame and the Arrow: Dark Fantasy Paranormal Romance (The Annika Brisby Series Book 1)The Flame and the Arrow: Dark Fantasy Paranormal Romance (The Annika Brisby Series Book 1)I loved this story. I'm a big fan of paranormal romance, mystery and suspense and this book covered them all and came out with flying colors! It started a little slow but once Annika met Talvi and the girls it took off and never slowed until the end. Even then it left me excited about the next book in the series. Tank you for sharing such a great story Emigh Cannaday. Keep up the great work ! I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it.

I really enjoyed this book, & im beyond excited for the next ones. There are many complex characters we get to know in this first book, & we learn all about them at a very good pace. The story is a little meandering, which just serves to build the world more for us. I'm a little miffed, because there is very little to go on for the next instalment. That's my only concern. There are very few line errors, which is always pleasant.
I hope we get to learn more about Nadira in the future. Oh! There was a little inconsistency with her & unicorn lore in this parallel world that I haven't mastered the name of. I'd like to see that cleared up. Book 2 awaits!

I've been waiting awhile for a good fae/supernatural adult book. I love YA books in this category but the constant petting and childish teasing the characters typically do gets to me after awhile. I'm super excited to find a series with an excellent supernatural adult plot. I love both Talvi the Prince ;) and the very first year Annika. I throughly enjoyed reading their story, seeing how their lives intertwined. This is great story for any fantasy or romance lover. Just the right balance of the two.

I really enjoyed this book. The story of fantasy and mix of urban modern life is fantastic. I enjoyed learning about Characters and the dynamic between some are awesome. Annika is a great protagonist who has spirit and fire in her attitude, and how shes developed is one of my favorite aspects of the book. Talvie is just to die for the perfect man in my opinion, i absolutly love him. The book was one of my review books given to me at a discounted price, but that in no way affected my review. You wont regret this book or series.

I have pretty mixed feelings on this book ..
On the one hand , I liked Annika - how head strong she was and how nothing brought her down. I absolutely ADORED Finn! He was just too sweet. I also liked Sariel, she was so fierce. And Nikola & his brother were pretty amazing too.

But on the other hand, I really couldn't stand Talvi. He was arrogant, rude, cruel, sexually crude/overbearing and an overall ass who just never seemed appealing to me in the least. I'm quite honestly surprised Annika didn't leave him alone for Finn or Nikola.

Although I didn't care for Talvi at all, I am interested in finding out what happens next.

I have yet to finish this because Maymester has gotten in my way of recreational reading! I'd like to leave a review so far because I hate to keep author's waiting. If you've read things like Laurel K. Hamilton, JR Ward and Charlaine Harris this should be on your radar! This reminds me of almost an amalgamation of historical and paranormal romance. I like it VERY much. Cannaday's writing is clean, crisp, exciting and wonderful. I CANNOT wait for book two!!!

**discount for a fair and honest review of product

The author has come up with a basically good story line, and I enjoyed the various characters that were introduced, but...
I just felt like they were all a little simple for my tastes. I like to be kept guessing and not have the characters or plot spelt out for me so much. I would have suggested it for younger readers, but we get some quite explicit sex scenes.
Overall, I just found this book a bit disjointed to read, and the main character kept changing her mind on who she wanted to be, which I found irritating. I finished the book, but have no intention on continuing with the series.
However, I did like the inclusion of other languages and cultural references.

This was good enough that I'm interested in reading the sequel, but I found the hero difficult to like. I wanted to feel connected and invested in the characters more. The two main characters spent so much time drinking and doing fairy drugs and arguing that I felt it kept us from really getting to know them... in fact, I'm not even sure why they love each other because it didn't seem like they spent much time together. Now this does resemble the walls they were theoretically throwing up the whole book around their relationship, but... it also made it less of a page turner.

A good book. A great journey from start to finish. The characters were engaging and exasperating but in a good way. Vampires, elves, humans and more are introduced in the story which lends the science fiction aspect to overall story. The story of Annika and Talvi was my favorite part of the plot. There are other introductions to different characters who were charming and added just enough character to enhance the plot. Overall a great read and I am looking forward to reading the second story.
Disclaimer: I received The Flame and the Arrow from Emigh Cannaday for free for my honest review. All opinions stated in my review are mine and mine alone.

I have read all three books that are available. Its been a whirlwind adventure! The world the author created is magical and you just want the characters to be there all the time. Lots of steamy romance that's graphic at times but not always which I liked. I almost didn't read the books because people mentioned how talvi is a d bag and he is but over time every
thing and all characters change. They grow, some in good ways and others in bad ways. A lot of supprises occur in each book. If your into elves, faries, love, drama, action, adventure and all things magical with a modern twist then start reading!

This book introduced me to a fantasy realm where the characters come to life and I could not help loving them. The thing that I love the most about the characters is that they were flawed and made mistakes like normal people. This is a book I have read a few times to fall in love with the characters all over again before I read the latest release of the series. I could tell you about the characters, but it is much for fun to discover them for yourself. I highly recommend reading this book if you are looking for a new fantasy series to read.

was excited to read a paranormal romance involving fairies and wood nymphs and elves and vampires etc but i didnt make it past 51%
I just couldnt love Annika no matter how hard i tried i did not care for the character. I cant deal with the back and forth feelings in a book. Talvi started off interesting but i was beginning to lose interest in his character as well. I didn't even finish the book and felt like he was shady. I down right hated Yuri, his sister. His brother Finn was the most likeable for me. I read until halfway hoping the story would progress to my liking but it's a romance...and way too long for a romance.

Great paranormal fantasy romance that kept me intrigued from beginning to end. The female main character, Annika, was a strong female character that held her own despite being thrown into a parallel universe with elves, unicorns, vampires and other mystical characters. The wide range of supporting characters were all different and interesting as well. After reading this book 1 of series, I cannot start reading the second book. I am hooked!

I had an opportunity to review the audio version, but unfortunately I didn't receive it through Audible, so I'm unable to review there. That being said, I'm not going to rehash the plot here or give away any spoilers. I would like to tell everyone that the audio version is so good! The voice actor is fantastic. Once a voice was assigned to a character, that was their voice for the duration of the book. He made Talvi's voice so sexy that I couldn't wait for his next line. There were no major editing issues so I was able to sit back and be swept away into my fantasy.

The story takes you through a journey through a parallel universe where you meet ogres, fairies, elves, vampires, wood nymphs and druids. Annika learns some very interesting information about herself. I love the relationship between Annika and Talvi, although at times Annika is naive about some things. Also like how the author incorporates other couples into the story line. First time I've read this author, but all in all, really good book, definite page turner from the beginning, and definitely will continue reading this author.

I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it.

I downloaded this book when it was free on the store. The blurb sounded intriguing and the cover caught my eye. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. It took me awhile to warm up to some of the characters, but they made the story interesting and kept my attention on the story. This book took me to a fantasy world full of interesting and intriguing characters. It was fun reading about a Troll family and their bunch of active and rowdy children. I am looking forward to reading the next book and finding out what the journey holds for the characters.

I love fantasy and paranormal books and was especially curious about this portal story. The plot feels authentic and sometimes I really felt that I was part of the story because the characters seem very real with all their flaws. The relationship and the discussions between Talvi and Annika were a relief compared to some books with their prefect heroes. The dynamics between Talvi and Annika was very natural and realistic. I loved how stubborn they both were. Their conflict kept me going and I really enjoyed the tension and uncertainty regarding their relationship (will they, won't they).

The reason why I only gave 4 stars is that the overall conflict was not strong enough in my opinion. Sure, Talvi and Annika had differences but being from different worlds, those discrepancies should be even stronger. The time Annika spent at the Marinossian's house could have been a chance to build up and intensify a bigger and deeper conflict so we, as readers, would really suffer and hope with Annika. Instead, we accompany Talvi, Annika and their friends to parties and simple daily life. I felt like an observer.
This also included the build up of sexual tension. There was this strong attraction and pull/push between them. And when they finally did the deed so to speak, the scene was not described. I first was very surprised and disappointed because I bet, sex with a fairy is different than with a human ;-) The later sex scenes are really well written and an enjoyable read, though.

Finally, for me this was not a dark fantasy - more lighthearted and it did not keep me on edge. That's not to say it was a great read. I did not think, though, that some characters were ever truly in danger.

Nevertheless, the story and the characters were so interesting that I bought the second book and will also buy the other ones in the series!

I stumbled upon this book and thought it was very easy to start reading and then I got hooked and you couldn't stop. First I wanted to see how the story unfolded and then I wanted to see how things worked out. The story is so plausible, for a fantasy book, that you catch yourself starting to watch people on the street - who knows, it could happen to you? You have the nice ones, the funny ones, the sexy ones, the dark ones, but everyone has a secret and a twist.

Disclosure - I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

A good start to a fantasy/urban fantasy mixed series. We travel from the "real-world" to a world of elves, fairies, and wood nymphs. I loved the non-human creatures a lot, they were extremely unique and memorable in their own little ways. While the world was somewhat stereotypical, it was very fitting - and the time spent in describing the important parts, such as Talvi's home, was amazing. It really comes to life in your mind.

There were some places where the pace of the story fell a little flat and I really wanted it to move a little quicker. While the primary goal of the story was to get Annika back home, many adventures unfold while attempting this near impossible task. The banter between Annika and Talvi is priceless, and was fun to read. A very big cliffhanger ending leads the reader straight into the second book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The plot is full of twists and turns and totally unpredictable. I could not put this book down. Emigh transports you to this world of fantasy and wonder effortlessly. This book is a beautifully woven tale with action, adventure, romance, passion, lust but also terror and tragedy. It is beautifully written. The characters will be in my mind for a long time to come.

Fantastic read involving elf,fae,vampire and trolls. The author allows you to escape into a world of great adventure with characters that are colorful . Description of the characters is so great you are pulled into their world to such a degree that you feel as though they are friends . The p!it was well developed allowing the reader to enter each adventure as though they were there . Can't wait to read next book in series !!

Aside from some really awkward sentences with misused words and strange construction, the occasional homonym error (peeked, peaked and piqued) not to mention verbs incorrectly conjugated (the past tense of to wind can be winded if someone lost their breath, but is wound if someone is all wound up) this wasn't a bad book. In other words, I m sure I would have enjoyed it very much if I wasn't being constantly distracted by mistakes strangely akin to relative illiteracy.

At first I didnt understand what was happening with the samadivi and what Annaka had to do with them but the farther along i got in the book the more hooked i got everything slowly started to make sense. I dont speak French or Spanish so in one part of the book I had no idea what was happening. I love how Annaka and Talvi's love slowly unfolded instead of just happening immediately I loved the back ground on them. They acted like a real couple not made into something that was too perfect they fought, they had doubt's, they had fears just like a normal couple.

I finished this book within days, and it only took me that long because sleep is required!!! But it was soooo hard to put it down at night! It has great characters, an exciting parallel world and a wonderful relationship full of doubts and love. I enjoyed this book, my only complaint is that I have to wait for the rest of the series to be written & published!!! I don't typically read books before the series is finished because I hate waiting!!!
Disclosure - I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Most of this book highly intrigued me, but there were parts I was either not impressed with or didn't find believable. For instance, I could've done without the BDSM scene. It felt unnecessary and out of place. I also didn't understand how Annika "suddenly" realized whom she loved. Talvi's random behavior changes were odd. And the fight scene felt about 5 seconds long yet had CHAPTERS of build up. Other than those issues, I really enjoyed the book.

Loved this book. Couldn't put it down. The characters draw you in keep you wanting more can't wait to read the next installment in the series thanks to the author for writing this book it was amazing. This is a must read. Hope u enjoy it as much as I did.

I loved this book. There is romance, fighting and a group of different races of characters. You have two worlds that appear to be connect, portals to cross. There is a long ago prophecy want to knpw what it is read this book. If you like fantasy you'll love this book.Can not wait for next one.

This story created a fantastic world that had a little bit of everything that fit well together. It flowed and was action packed. Annika is a loveable heroine surrounded by supernatural hotties. I honestly can't say I didn't vote for team Nikola a couple times but Talvi is a strong character and I can't wait to see how Annika and Talvi's relationship grows in the rest of the series. I didn't want this book to end, I was so involved in living in this other world with elves, fairies, trolls, and paladins!

This was a great read! I literally read the entire book in one day. Annika and Talvi are wonderful characters and it was great reading how their love and relationship goes through the highs and lows as they overcome each of their own issues to be together. The supporting characters are fun and the seeing the additional relationships develop was really great. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next one!

I have downloaded many eBooks looking for new great authors and new adventures. Some of those books I did not make it very far in to let alone finish. That was not the case for this story! Right away I was drawn into the mystery of Annika's story waiting for the next piece of the puzzle to reveal itself. I loved all the character's in the story and enjoyed watching the grown throughout the novel. Annika, the main character of the story, had to learn to accept love and trust in love, and when she did she accepted and entire new world gaining new friends and family. As a reader, not only did I get to experience her growth but saw the change in several other characters as they had to learn work together and forgive each other when some one got hurt. Each character really had their own personality and story that I got to see throughout the adventure. I would recommend this book for anyone who enjoys a good tale about love, friendship, family and adventure.

This book was a slow start for me......
But believe me when I say don't give up on it and keep reading!!
By Chapter 6 I was hooked and could not put it down!
There is so much that happens in the book it keeps your head spinning
to know what is going to happen next to the characters in the book!
Especially to Talvi and Annika!
I liked how this book was wrote. It was easy to follow and a good read.
I would recommend this book to read!

A refreshing difference to the normal fantasy characters. Loved the story and plot. Read the entire book in a day. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
a worthwhile book to keep in your library. Hopefully there will be branching off of this series which involves the other characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and volunteered to review it.

Great storyline. Great characters and full of emotions. Very enjoyable and am onto the next part of this series. I hope this writer makes this into a long series. I cant get enough of Talva and Annika. All the characters are great and very well detailed in the book. Fun adventures and real life emotions. A must read if your a romantic or love adventure.

Annika Brisby is THE definitive paranormal adventure /romance! Emigh Cannaday really
delivered it all up. It was a never-ending thrill a minute tale from the first page! So good! Talvi, Finn, Sariel, Yuri and company were skillfully drawn. Ms. Cannaday you have made a fan for life!!

I'm not much for romance novels. The fantasy characters including elves, fairies and vampires was cool but, the sex scenes went on much too long for me. If you like romance, sexy writing bordering on soft porn you just might really enjoy this series.

A young American Annika meets a very charming man and happens to fall into his supernatural world.Loved this story full of adventure and romance I chose to read it as I'm a lover of elf stories. I also received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it. What a bonus. Fast paced and kept me up all night reading. When I read romance, i like when there is some kind of struggle and a gets back together for the two main characters. There was also a bit of steamy sex between Annika and Talvi. Can't wait to read book 2. Loved the other characters as well. A good read.

I voluntarily reviewed this book.
This was an awesome fantasy paranormal book. I was hooked from the first page and didn't want to put it down until I reached the last page. I loved the characters, the imagery of the mystical realm, and the journey the characters take to finding each other. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Definitely recommend.