Book Review! A Dance Like Flame by Tammy Blackwell

A Dance Like Flame (Of Magic & Machine #1) by Tammy Blackwell 
Genre: Adult Fiction (Fantasy Romance/Steampunk)
Date Published: April 4, 2017
Publisher: And Devils, Too

She’s the daughter of an earl with a secret no one can know. He’s a mage who has sacrificed everything to save those he loves. They were born worlds apart, but inside a city drenched in magic, anything is possible. 

Unmarried at the age of six-and-twenty, Lady Elizabeth “Bits” Warner has become a burden to her family. Therefore, she isn’t surprised when they pack her on a train bound for Scotland and a fiancé she has never met. She’s not surprised, but she is terrified. 

In Corrigan, a walled-off city that serves as refuge to those capable of using the aether to cast spells and concoct potions, Ezra Nash is devoted to healing the sick and injured. Between his work as a surgeon and caring for his sisters, he doesn’t have time for distractions. 

When the train Bits is traveling on explodes, she finds herself inside the gates of Corrigan and under Ezra’s care. The two are drawn to one another, but it will take more than attraction to overcome the difference in their stations and the secrets they hide from the world. 

A Dance Like Flame is the first book in the Of Magic & Machine series by Tammy Blackwell. This was such an interesting and unique spin on the Fae. Though it was a little slow at times, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Bits is a fantastic character. She's insecure about her looks and who she is, but I felt thrilled watching her come into her own as the story progressed. Ezra has some insecurities too. He doesn't feel good enough. In this aspect, Ezra and Bits really complement each other... once they get out of their own way that is. 

I had a hard time leaving this world once the book ended. With the fae and steampunk elements intertwined into the characters lives and the plot, it was quite interesting. I don't think I've read anything quite like it. I'm really looking forward to more! 

A Dance Like Flame by Tammy Blackwell  was kindly provided to me by the author for review. The opinions are my own.

Check out my review of another book by this author!

Tammy Blackwell works for a public library system in Kentucky. When she’s not reading, writing, cataloging, or talking about books, she’s sleeping.


To learn more about Tammy Blackwell and her books, visit her website.You can also find her on Goodreads, Tumblr, Facebook, and Twitter.