Ignite: A Dystopian Slow Burn Gay Romance (Ignite Series Book 1)

I've never read any Nora Phoenix before, but was looking for a sci-fi story where men fell in love and this fits the bill! The main characters are wonderful and Nora handles the intense subject of PTSD and (later in the series) survivors guilt beautifully and compassionately. Austin is the strong protective and loving presence, trying to balance his desire to take care of his men with their need to not be coddled or overridden. He's a marshmallow and perhaps the most tender hearted. Tan is a deeply wounded, but not annoyingly fragile man who has suffered horrible abuse in what amounts to a homosexual prison system - with all the nightmares included. Yet at the same time he is beautifully affectionate with Austin and Mack. Mack has grown up in the world of Doomsday peppers, government conspiracy theorists, and extreme survivalists. Yet throughout the series he remains a beautiful balance of shyly sweet and vulnerable; while still strong and skilled enough to take care of his triad in the face of aliens, hostile humans, dwindling resources, and growing danger. The sex isn't a big portion of the story, it probably doesn't happen until about 3/4 of the way through the first book. And while you obviously get more later on, it isn't a large percentage. The storyline, main characters and secondary characters receive the majority of the attention, along with their development and growth. No one comes away untouched. All in all, well written and while dark on occasion, it…

Being a fan of the show Falling Skies and MM romance I was drawn to this book, the first in a trilogy that I can't wait to finish. While the author does not list the show as a source for inspiration I drew comparison to many aspects which actually made me enjoy the story more. I loved the characters. Austin's strength, Tan's vulnerability, and Mack's innocence build a strong connection to the reader. This book was a great introduction to what promises to be wonderful trilogy. I'm looking forward to seeing how Austin, Tan and Mack's journey continues.

Wow! What an amazing story from my favorite author! Ms. Phoenix took the story and ran with it. I have loved each and every series. The blurb tells the story better than I could. Ms. Phoenix took the trope "dystopian" and made it hers. We have Tan, Austin, and Mack in a hostile and unforgiving world as gay men. The world-building was truly amazing and so like Ms. Phoenix's other series. It sucked me in and I read it in one sitting. I have to be honest: I tried it when I purchased it and I could not get into it. I am sorry I waited. This is a slow-burn romance with elements of suspense in this dystopian setting. Thrown in some aliens, rotten humans and homophobic atmosphere equal a great entertaining read. Now with the 2nd book being released shortly; I can take up where it left off. I would wholeheartedly recommend this fantastic book. I took Ms. Phoenix's encouragement to read it and I am glad I did.

I love Nora Phoenix and her books, but I think she this is by far the best series I’ve read from her. I love gay erotic romance and dystopian fiction! So, I was pleasantly surprised by this great book! It starts out with the three main characters Tan, Austin, and Mack escaping a rehabilitation center for gay, bi, and trans living in Conservative United States. This book is like an alternate universe where the United States has a Civil War and separated into three countries: Conservative United States, Western United States, and Eastern United States. However, while this rehabilitation center portrays it as being a place where they can come out of it eventually if they reform their ways, it soon portrays itself as a prison. The guards are called counselors and the prisoners are called campers, but the power the counselors hold over the campers deem it more of a prison. So, Tan, Austin,and Mack find the perfect opportunity to escape when the Sky lights up with meteorites. They band together to keep each other alive when they face life-threatening events. The meteorites turn out to be a first sequence of attacks from aliens on another planet. They each serve a purpose together to help each other survive such a vicious attack from aliens, while still trying to escape into the freedom Western United States grants gay and bi men. I loved the characters so much! Tan has a dark past, but he still acquires such a beautiful and friendly personality toward Austin and Mack. Austin’s…

I do not mind the low smolder of the relationship of these men but the over arching story is almost too slow for me. I got bored. Repeatedly. The pacing is bad bad bad. If not for the amazing men themselves, I would never have finished this book. Going to skip on this series.