While this was a good ending to the series it was a let down for me, which is why it only received 2.5 Stars from me. It will get better from other readers but the predictable outcome just disappointed me.

3 stars — So it looks like I read this one as well already! How in the world did I not review it, it BAFFLES ME!!

I’ve enjoyed this series and Bryn and the dragon world, but I will admit that this book, particularly since it was the final book in the series, disappointed me. It’s not that I didn’t still have fun and enjoyed the things that were happening. But I was also left feeling very unfulfilled in SO MANY AREAS. The rest of this review is going to have a bunch of spoilery stuff, so if that bugs you I’d skip the rest…I just need to get my thoughts out. Basically just know that I felt like things were wrapped up hastily and left me wanting for a series ending.

The biggest disappointment for me was probably the romance. It’s something I struggled with throughout this series, and while I was always intrigued by the possibility of a love story with Jaxon, it felt rushed and unrealistic. It wasn’t that I didn’t feel butterflies, but Jaxon behaved like a right ass one too many times, and it felt like he didn’t understand the consequences of his actions/choices, which didn’t make sense. It’s not that the grief wasn’t a good excuse, but it felt like he never really got Bryn’s side of things. It was all just so abrupt and it didn’t allow me to invest. And quite frankly, I was feeling burned and wary after investing in 2 other romances, I just didn’t have anything left for Jaxon and Bryn. Not only did we have to wait until the 5th and final book, but we also had to wade most of the way through this one as well before the romance really develops. In the end it felt too sudden, and I didn’t understand Jaxon’s change of attitude. There were places where Ms. Cannon could have expanded and massaged to develop the relationship, but it just wasn’t there.

Besides that, I was left with quite a few unanswered questions, or plot lines that weren’t wrapped up. And a lot of that had to do with the directorate and where it was heading in the future. We saw small changes, but for the bigger things, how were they implemented? Were they accepted by the population? How were the hybrids doing going forward? What exactly was going to happen to the bad people? What did the students think? In the end, will anything change? What about Garret and the walking wounded? What exactly did Valmont and the knights contribute in the end? I was sad that their roles just disappeared. Or what about Jaxon’s baby brother? What was the point of that? Was he really never going to develop a relationship with him?

Then we come to the bad guys…it kind of felt like the previous books didn’t matter quite as much. Where did these silver dragons come from? Why was there no clue about them beforehand? What were they doing in the months before? Were they involved with the rebels, or was it all separate? I was kind of hoping for some big twist where Ferrin or her grandfather was actually bad, so it was kind of underwhelming when in the end it was some people we’d never met before.

I feel like Bryn made small changes in the dragon world, but I was disappointed with how much she was willing to just accept of their crappy lives because that’s the way it was. That’s not a happy ending. I mean sure, in the end it worked, but that’s a bit too convenient. What about the mistress stuff? Was anything going to change? It just made me sad for her.

There were a lot of little things that made me feel ranty, but since I don’t want to get cranky, I’m just not going to go into the little things.

What it comes down to is that while I enjoyed so many different aspects, and the series as a whole, I needed more from this book.

This is a bittersweet read for me, as it is the last book in the series about a girl who finds out that she is not quite human but in fact a dragon shifter. She loses her parents and gains grandparents that she never knew she had and now she must master the ins and outs of her new society. Along the way she gains friends, finds and loses love as well as ends up in an arranged marriage. When we last left Bryn her knight was lost to her and Jaxon’s ex had died. This book is about finding their new normal and accepting their fate.

Bryn is still as real as can be. She does what she says and says what she does. Her feisty positive can do attitude is just what snobby Jaxon never knew he needed. Just like his follow the rules and try not to bend attitude is just what she needs to curb her impulsive ways. They really do suit each other if only they would realize it.

A school year surrounded in suspense, why are others falling ill? Who attacked Bryn? What is up with the new rules in town? Why can’t she hang out with her parents? What is up with Jaxon?

This one brings a rollercoaster of emotion, as it should with the events of the previous book in the series. I like that the author does not gloss over what they characters are feeling. I love that Ivy and Clint are still there for her as a gal just needs her besties when times are gray and let’s be real. Bryn’s world has been gray since she stepped into it. The best part is when Jaxon makes a social mistake and her grandma is all over it.

Burning Bright wraps up the series nicely. I recommend this one for anyone who is a lover of shifters, especially dragon shifters. I really wish this series wasn’t ending so soon after it began. Maybe just maybe Chris Cannon could write another story about another of the hybrids, or an orange dragon or a green dragon with say a fake wing? One can only hope…

My Rating 5 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote “Did you swallow a thesaurus this morning?”

Other People
Ivy- Bryn’s bestie
Clint- Ivy’s boyfriend

As always Chris Cannon brings us another lovely novel. I really enjoy Cannon's writing and her characters. I feel like I get to know her characters so well each time.

Ummmm this by far was the best one, saying I loved it just is not enough or truly capture my feelings for this book. It was just so so good. Bryn has her parents back, she has let Valmont out of his knighthood and is now on the path that might just be her fate/destiny....

Bryn's sassiness is back in full force in this book, which I just love so much, I love when a book literally has me laughing out loud. This book also like other gives you even more dragon history, only this time it shows the dark side of their history, making Bryn slightly sympathetic of the council and why they exist. Hybrids are out in full force in this book as well, of course trying to determine the peaceful hybrids from the rebels is a challenge and and for those hybrids at school that challenge falls on Bryn and Jaxon to determine.

There is also relationship drama since Bryn has now accepted Jaxon's marriage contract but Jaxon isn't the best mate since he is still bleeding emotionally over the death of Rhianna so she has to snap him out of depression and rage.

This book has a ton of action scene, some that are really gory and may involve Jaxon basically gutting someone.... so if you felt the other books were lacking in this area you will definitely be happy to read this installment.

I give this a 10 out of 5, it was by far the best in the series. I will say one thing, and hope and pray I am not spoiling anything for anyone, but the last 20 pages.... umm Chris that was cruel, I had a small panic attack I could not read the pages fast enough to find out if Jaxon was okay, but that ending was so so good and made me literally say "AWWWWWW".... i so hope this is not the end I need more Bryn and Jaxon in my life!!!!

SO over all I loved this series, I loved the characters, the action the sassiness, the laughter and the fantasy of it all. I recommend all to go out now, yes right freaking now and buy all 5 books you will not regret it! If just so happens something in you has died and you did not love this series fire off in the comment section below......

Burning Bright is the fifth book in the Going Down in Flames series by Chris Cannon. Even though it's been over a year since I read the last book, the author does a wonderful job bringing you up to speed and reminding you of whats happened without repetition. This is a gift, my friends. Still, this is a series you must read in order. So much has happened to these characters. They've grown and come such a long way. Bryn is simply amazing. Her sarcasm and whit is spot on, especially when it's aimed at Jaxon. I just love her. Jaxon? That guy is something else too. And, it's funny because, well, you know if you've read my other reviews... I've been a Jaxon fan from the start, but I got to know him even more within this book. He has many sides to him, and he's not too different from Bryn in a lot of ways. I guess I sort of realized that before, but it really hit me in this book. I really can't say more about how fantastic this story was without spoilers. You need to experience it for yourself.

This is the final book in this series. Please say it isn't so! Although this book wrapped everything up nicely, I'm definitely not ready for it to end! I have to say, I loved everything about this book and this series as a whole. I could happily live in this world. As a dragon, of course. ;-)

Bryn at the end of the last book discovered her parents were alive, and she farewelled Rhianna and lost her bond with Valmont. Her life has been an uproar ever since she arrived at the Dragon Shifter academy and into this world. Now she is engaged to Jaxon who was Rhianna's meant-to-be and trying to keep the peace. More Danger looms as it seems that the Silver dragons are coming out of the woodwork and siphoning off the energy of the other dragons around them. Once again it looks like it will be up to Bryn, Jaxon, Ivy, and Clint to save the world from Danger. Can they do it and stay alive? I hated and loved this book as I am still not happy with Jaxon and Bryn being forced together in marriage and then the way Valmont treated her - that annoyed me as I thought that he might have had true feelings for her as she did. The other part I loved was the fact of the reuniting of Bryn and her parents. I had hoped for a bit more Ferrin and Sara interactions, but maybe in the next book if there is another adventure in the works? Going Down in Flames is a fun series if you love YA, Boarding Schools, Friendships and Dragon Shapeshifters. If you have loved this series as I have and looking for more Dragon adventures then try Deborah Cooke's The Dragon Diaries as it is very similar in theme and style.

Burning Bright by Chris Cannon, the fifth and final book I believe in this series, was in short pretty much disappointing. The first 80% of the book felt like everyday life, there weren't any interesting things happening and apart from not staying with the main "villains" of the series, the Rebels, now suddenly there are these new dragons called the Silvers or "dragonpires". The main issue I have with these new villains is that there is not much explanation and overall the ending of the book feels rushed. What brings me to give this book still 3 Stars is the humour and the characters I fell in love with during the rest of the series. Maybe there could be a spinoff series, i.e a prequel with Bryn's parents story or a sequel which follows the main characters after college, etc.

I think part of the reason I was underwhelmed by this book is because I loved Bryn’s story so much. I was so invested in her story, that I yearned for a happy ever after. I was not disappointed. Watching the love blossom and evolve and grow was like a sudden discovery of something that has always been there. Bryn is one of my all time favorite characters. She’s sarcastic, headstrong, brilliant, and so brave. A risk-taker, a leader-she breaks down walls and questions authority, unwilling to give into the archaic ideas of gender roles-especially for the upper class dragons. Bryn is a true warrior and she deserves someone equally as fierce.

My biggest issue with this final installment in the Going Down in Flames series was not the plot, because that was epic, but the uneven focus. So much time was spent dwelling on the will they/won’t they of the impending relationship that it disrupted the pacing, making it much slower than the previous books.

I adored Bryn’s internal dialogue. How she questions herself, sorts through her feelings, and pushes herself to be bold, further, to see things in a new light made me admire her even more. Everything was so genuine, from the confusion to the surprise lust.

Jaxon. What a powerful shift. From the cold, calculated, and arrogant jerk he originated the series as to the compassionate, loving person he becomes. His walls were high and armored but he was willing to take a chance. I have crushed on Jaxon since book 1. There’s something about a bad boy, semi-villain that is so intriguing. Jaxon has much more depth and heart than he was ever given credit for and it’s finally in this book that we get to see Jaxon broken and bare, with his heart on his sleeve. ❤ ❤ ❤

All in all, this was a quick, fun read, but not all that I hoped for the conclusion of the series.

Burning Bright is the conclusion to Bryn’s story. We’ve watched as she found out that she was not only a shape-shifting dragon, but a hybrid one at that. Which was not something anyone thought was in the realm of possibilities. We witnessed her make friends, enemies and fall in and out of love through out the series. It seemed like with this final installment, we were finally going to get some answers and see Bryn finally find her place in the world.

In Burning Bright we come across a new enemy to keep our eyes out for. Apparently there are dragons who go around stealing the life-force from other dragons… sort of like vampires. However, they can do it by simply brushing up against you and touching you for a second. You never even know it’s happening until it’s too late. So, with that being said, there was a lot of looking over your shoulder going on throughout this book. When students start popping up lethargic and dizzy, you know something is going down, but you never quite know who is responsible. Well, okay, I knew who it was but I suppose no one else in the story put it all together.

Ever since the start, Bryn has been destined to marry Jaxon. Their relationship started off rocky and with some hostility due to the family’s history together. However, we have slowly watched these two get to know each other and become more friendly towards each other. I knew we were finally going to see these two connect and prepare for their future, and I was really looking forward to seeing how it would all pan out. I have to say, I’m a bit disappointed in their romance. At first Jaxon is depressed and pushes Bryn away because he’s upset about the love of his life being killed recently. Which, is totally understandable. However, his wishy-washy attitude towards Bryn that went from friendly to hostile in the blink of an eye was a bit much. Not to mention that when they finally become a legit couple, it seemed to come out of nowhere. I never really saw Jaxon show any attention to Bryn to even hint that he was interested in her. He goes from ignoring her, being rude to her, to confessing his love for her. I just wish I could have seen more of a softer side to Jaxon that led on that his feelings for her had shifted instead of some switch randomly flicking on.

While I was let down by the romance aspect of this story, I enjoyed this story and the series as a whole. Over the course of five books we watched the characters create lasting bonds, fall in and out of love, mature into young adults, and survive some pretty horrendous tragedies. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to read this series from start to finish over the last handful of years. It’s not all that often that I actually read a series from start to finish, but what can I say? I’m a sucker for dragons.

I would like to thank the Netgalley website and the Entangled Teen Publishing House for the ebook format for this partnership.

I was immediately attracted by the cover, for this series all covers are beautiful, it makes you want to read the book.

We see for this volume the beautiful Bryn who returns for his last year at the institute for excellence: the school of dragons. She is engaged to Jaxon, whom she does not like. She integrates well and learns to become a medic.

I loved this fifth volume filled with suspense and twists with endearing characters. The author takes us to the world of dragons brilliantly. Look forward to reading the complete series if it comes out in digital full time.

Great ending to a great series! I was so sad it ended and I wanted more!

I laughed, I cried, and I cringed. Our cast cast of BURNING BRIGHT went through a lot prior to this book and this last one felt a little off compared to the others with the new threat. It was wrapped up rather quickly and it left me wanting more.

Despite all that, I loved it and was happy that I finally got the happy ending with the two characters I was shipping.

Great series!

This was a great end to a very entertaining series. After 4 books, this chapter felt like coming home…to friends I know well and to a fantasy that’s always fun to experience. Bryn, Ivy, Clint, and Jaxon are wonderful characters and, if you ignore the fact that they’re dragons, they could be the friends you hung out with in high school. Their relationships and banter feel real and definitely add to my enjoyment of this story. Of course, I like the secondary characters as well – the family and other friends that surround this group – because they add so much depth to the story. Watching them care for each other makes the story feel more real.

This fantasy world is very well done. I could almost feel what it’s like to be a dragon, to fly though the air and to feel the wind on my face. And, I could also feel the excitement of discovering love and the fear of dealing with danger. As with the other books, there are bad dragons to battle and, this time, it gives Jaxon the opportunity to step up and take care of Bryn. I enjoyed watching their slow burn and their sweet romance. I’d been wishing for this romance for a couple of books already so watching Jaxon warm up to Bryn and begin to acknowledge his feelings for her was such fun.

This was my first (and so far, my only) dragon series and I highly recommend it. The writing is great, the storylines are fantastic, the characters are wonderful, and the action keeps you turning the pages. This is truly a fantastic adventure. I look forward to whatever Ms. Cannon has up her sleeve next.

I am so happy I read this book series! Bryn has grown up so much in Burning Bright. Jaxon has always been a bit of a mystery to me, so I am glad we get to know him more in this book. I have really enjoyed this series. Thank you to the Chris & the publisher for sending me a copy of this book to review. I really appreciated it! If you like a world filled with dragons, magic, love, loss & betrayal, then check this series out!

Since I read the others had to enter into this one. You get the ups and downs of Bryn and Jaxon which is very entertaining. This one also had things that line up and finally get to see some answers on some things and people. This also still has some fresh aspects that keep your attention with this high school not being like any I went too lol. By the time you reach the end this author leaves you scratching your head wondering is it really?

A fascinating, fantastic conclusion to an enthralling series. Bryn McKenna’s story started with a bang and goes out on an even bigger one. Dragon-kind didn’t know what to do with the first openly hybrid dragon in generations when she was brought to the Institute, and those that seek to undermine or manipulate her continue to underestimate her to their peril.
Brynn has managed to find trouble again, as usual. Her senior year is getting off to a bang-up start. Sanctuary doesn’t seem to be as first represented, though she wouldn’t know that firsthand. Visits are limited, and she’s still waiting for her turn. Add to that the stress of her impending marriage contract with the sometimes indifferent, sometimes hostile and obnoxious Jaxon plus her increasing incendiary interactions with his Father, and she’s got more than enough on her plate.
Only, now myth seems to once again be proving true. There’s a rash of sickness and weakness traveling the student body of the Institute that matches the symptoms found in an old article regarding an ancient cult and silver dragons who drain Quintessence from other dragons. As Jaxon would say, it’d be just Bryn’s luck to run afoul of a hostile faction of their race.
But it’s not in Bryn’s nature to back down. Not from her future husband, who’s reverted to the loathsome behavior that put them at odds upon their first year. Not from the Directorate, whose rules she still thinks aren’t reasonable. And not from silver dragons who might be feeding on her friends, terrorizing the beginning to be integrated campus, and going after artifacts she uncovered.
Bryn’s still prepares to come out fighting, no matter the odds, until the results are something she can live with, something that’ll end up improving the future for all dragons alike, starting with the ones she holds dear. An ever-widening group of individuals that even holds people she once considered her enemies. Brynn has a big heart, and she wasn’t taught to hate anyone. Unless they’ve hurt her, or worse, someone she loves. And then all bets are off, because she’ll see just how bright they burn.

I am so conflicted! I loved this book but I am so sad to say goodbye to Bryn and her friends!

This book is the last (?) book in the series about Bryn and her adventures in being a dragon shifter. From the start, I fell in love with this awkward orphan/not-orphan newly discovered hybrid dragon shifter. Though I sometimes questioned her judgement in these insane situations she finds herself in, she has ultimately become one tough chick.

This is Bryn's senior year, she's agreed to marry Jaxon (and all his baggage) and she is trying to adjust to the fact that her parents are not dead. Sure, her grandparents, Jaxon's family, and her mom and dad can't really all be in the same room together, but what's life without family drama? Jaxon, however, is proving to be a bit more difficult to live with than she anticipated. This farce of an engagement is hard to sell to the outside world when you can't stand one another. Slowly, however, they begin to adjust and adapt.

Bryn's friends, as always, continue to be awesome. In fact, all the characters in this universe are pretty great. The mystery that abounds this time? Dragon-pires appear to be making a come back. There is just so much to explain around that entire story that you'll just have to take my word for it. Bryn, as usual, is in at the center of all this and is, of course, one of the first to be attacked. What's a Bryn story without a little assault and kidnapping? Things, of course, resolve themself in a huge and flashy way, complete with a shocking HEA.

Throughout this series, I have changed my mind about Jaxon back and forth. This story, definitely, put me firmly on Team Jaxon. He grows so much (maybe even more than Bryn) along this series that I would find it hard to argue against him in the end. If you are even a little interested in a YA paranormal story, I would suggest you start with book one and enjoy!

I really like this story, and to get this story you must read other books in this series to understand what is happening in the book.

I’m sad to see this series ending but I liked it.

I was given this book to give an honest review.

Received in exchange for a honest review.
I think this is my favorite in the series. Why? Jaxon. We see so much change in Jaxon. We see his raw emotions, his confusion, his anguish and pain but we also see him mature and grow. He becomes more open to ideas and change. He also goes from tolerating Bryn to liking her and respecting her to loving and supporting her. He doesn’t have this be instant but a journey. His pain over losing a loved one is hard on him and at times he is cranky and mean but he works through it and begins to forgive himself for moving on and feeling for someone else. His gift for Bryn at Christmas was so amazing. You see his thoughtful soft side.
Bryn still has a temper and can be just as sarcastic as Jaxon but she has grown as well. And as she begins to realize her feelings she tries to deny at first but than is lost in wondering how Jaxon feels. I love how she puts Jaxon in his place and gets him to see the light on things.
The story is fun, fast paced and filled with adventure and danger. Now Jaxon, Bryn and her friends are facing a breed of dragon that can give you nightmares. They are like vampires only they suck on your essence so they can gain power. For the Silver dragon wants power and are greedy when it comes to it. They don’t care who they hurt and are selfish when it comes to getting that power. We see students in a fog and having lost memory on things. They are dazed and confused for a bit and feeling sluggish. At first no one seems to get what is going on but than Bryn and her friends remember something that they were taught and it gets them wondering. Soon that wonder becomes reality and wow the danger that is around.
At the same time this is happening, Bryn and Jaxon are navigating his mom and her grandmother and their engagement. They are also trying to see each others views on things and Bryn is adjusting to where her parents are. Meanwhile Bryn and Jaxon are figuring out where they belong and how they fit in the other’s world. They still give us sarcasm galore but we begin to see Jaxon tone down and show he cares and respects Bryn. I love the ending and how Jaxon shows how he feels.
A great ending and story to finish the series. I hope that we occasionally get a look at them down the line in novellas or other books for this is a couple that went through a lot to get where they are and show such growth in character and maturity over time. I love how they went from loathing and hate to tolerance and respect and than friendship to love. They show us that with time and understanding of who the other is and getting to see others views and perspectives you can change and fall in love with those that push us. We see this with Jaxon and Bryn especially in this book that keeps us on our toes and edge of our seat with a great buildup to love, wonderful expansion of the world building that has already occurred and danger that has us on edge trying to figure out who and why.

It's between a 3 and 4 for me. I read the entire series over the course of three days, so I've been able to see how parts were repetitive while other things progressed to better things. It's really obvious now that Bryn's matured and I really appreciated that. Some people are still the same but others like her and Jaxon have changed. It's like they're finally starting to be the people they were meant to be. I've shipped her and Jaxon from day one because of their constant bickering, and despite Jaxon's mean exterior, I thought he was one of the stronger characters.

I didn't like the way Bryn was in this because she seemed very vague and thoughtless when it came to remembering people they'd lost. It turned me off, and I tried to remind myself that months- and then a year -had passed, but it got lost to me when a lot of other things happened, like the dragon politics and relics that are still being sought out and whatnot. The bad guys are also changing, and it's kind of like you're holding your breath waiting for them to finally do something huge.

Because I've been shipping her and Jaxon since forever, I was kind of disappointed (just a little) when they finally did get together. I mean I loved it, but after everything they've been through, and with everything she's done or felt with the other two guys, I was kind of waiting for that special thing that always sparks between them to happen. Instead they both seemed kind of exhausted and were now like, super calm about things. It also seemed weird, the way Bryn's perspective of Jaxon changed. Just felt a little abrupt.

Overall, it was a good read. It's completely different from the last four books, the format's a little different and seemed faster paced (better paced?), and it had a clear objective with the romance and bad guys. I think I could be okay with the new pacing, as long as Bryn doesn't say any more seemingly thoughtless things that could've used more tact. Or time.