Firelight Book Review - No Spoilers
A friend recently texted me a photo of a gothic-looking book with a mysterious masked man on the cover, asking if I'd ever read anything like it. That description perfectly captures Firelight—a beautifully twisted paranormal romance that feels like Beauty and the Beast collided with The Phantom of the Opera in Victorian London. This is the kind of book that grabs you from the first pages and doesn't let go, weaving together mystery, paranormal elements, and a genuinely swoon-worthy slow-burn romance that will leave you breathless.
Plot Summary
Firelight by Kristen Callihan (Darkest London #1) is a paranormal historical romance set in 1881 London. Miranda Ellis, a woman plagued since birth with the ability to wield fire, finds herself blackmailed into marriage with the mysterious and disfigured Lord Benjamin Archer. Behind his masks and secrets, Archer has been quietly observing Miranda for years, drawn to her strength and courage. But their marriage of convenience quickly becomes complicated when Archer is accused of a series of gruesome murders. As they navigate the treacherous waters of marriage, dark magic, and hidden identities, Miranda and Archer must confront the supernatural forces and secret societies that threaten their lives and their fragile connection.
Why I Love This Book
I love how Firelight breaks the mold of what paranormal historical romance can be. Miranda is headstrong, clever, and genuinely funny—she's not a passive heroine waiting to be saved. Archer is brooding and mysterious, yes, but his vulnerability and depth make him utterly compelling. The chemistry between them crackles off the page, and their slow-burn romance feels earned and authentic. What really grabbed me was the worldbuilding: Callihan weaves paranormal elements, gothic atmosphere, and Victorian-era suspense seamlessly together. The mystery around the murders and the supernatural curse keeps you guessing, and the romance at its heart is both tender and intensely passionate. It's a beautifully layered story that refuses to be predictable.
Who Will Like This Book
If you love paranormal romance, historical romance with dark edges, gothic atmosphere, paranormal suspense, or that classic Beauty and the Beast retelling feeling, Firelight is absolutely for you. This book blends multiple genres beautifully: it's romance, paranormal, historical, and mystery all at once. Fans of rich worldbuilding, morally complex characters, and atmospheric storytelling will be enchanted. The paranormal elements are subtle but integral, adding layers of intrigue without overwhelming the romance. Fair warning: this is the first in the Darkest London series, and while it stands alone, you'll absolutely want to continue the journey.
⚠️ Trigger warning: paranormal curse, magical violence, implied trauma, dark secret society, murder mystery, blood, morally gray situations, supernatural elements, and gothic horror atmosphere.
Tagged As
Paranormal romance, historical romance, Darkest London series, slow-burn romance, gothic atmosphere, beauty and the beast retelling, paranormal suspense, Victorian era, enemies to lovers, masked hero, forced proximity, supernatural elements, dark magic, series starter, emotional romance, paranormal mystery
Steam Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Moderate
The romance includes explicit, open-door scenes that heat up as the couple's relationship deepens. The spice level is consistent with paranormal romance in this era—sensual and steamy without being gratuitous. The intimate scenes feel earned and meaningful, integral to both the emotional growth and the narrative.
