The pages of this novel are where horror and fantasy come together as one. This novel tackles some intricate and complex aspects of sexuality and what it means to be human... sprinkled with horror and darkness. It's eroticism often overpowered the storytelling for me. Thank you to the publisher and to NetGalley for the e-ARC.

This horror fantasy novel explored so many fantastic themes surrounding inequity, abuse and female sexuality.  The subject matter definitely reminded me of one of my favourite novellas, Goddess of Filth. This book does not shy away from adult subject matter and tough content. 

The Brazilian setting and cultural elements made for a rich reading experience. I have found a particular affection for these fierce, feminist ownvoices Latinx Horror and this is another one to add to that list.

While I loved so many aspects of this one, I will admit that I found the narrative a bit disjointed and unsatisfying in places. Having read several similar stories that played with the same themes, I found that this one slightly paled in comparison. 

Yet, overall I still enjoyed this one and would certainly recommend it to fellow Horror readers looking for a diverse horror with strong female characters. 

Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

Dance Among the Flames by Tori Eldridge was an overall good read but it takes too long for us to get to the plot. I still would recommend people buy this novel. Thank you to NetGalley and Running Wild Press for this advanced copy.

Very detailed and absolutely loved following the journey of Serafine, loved the chapter names also. Felt very engaging.

Not for me. I just wasn't grabbed by the universe and did not enjoy the beginning of this book - I stopped reading at the 30% mark when the characters still didn't interest me. I just don't like people suffering through hardship, over and over and tainting the world in the ugliest colours, even before I care for them, without giving us a glimer of hope.

3.1 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Running Wild Press for presenting me with an ARC in exchange of a honest review.

Frankly, this was a solid book—but I myself didn't enjoy it. The book, on its own, deserves a 3.5 stars? But due to lack of my enjoyment, I rated it lower. So let's get into what I liked and didn't.

The first good thing about DANCE AMONG THE FLAMES was the gorgeous cover! That was the first thing that pulled me in and made me read this book. I also think the title is very fitting—fire plays an important role in the novel (towards the end, atleast) and the same goes to "dance".

One thing I found misleading was the synopsis. It tells us that the book is going to be about Serafina and her journey into Quimbanda magic. While it does actually do what it says, I personally felt there were other elements shaping the story and plot.

Another thing I liked in this novel was that it was a page-turner. Irrespective of whether the plot's interesting, the pace is really good and it was a very fast read!

That being said, the book took a long time to develop its plot, and when it actually had, it was more than 60% in. I slowly started losing interest after the first half but it wasn't an entire disappointment. To be honest, I quite enjoyed the first part—even the timeskips. And that made me curious to where the story was going. Halfway through, the plot seemed very dry and slow and kinda made no sense, but it picks up again.

The writing style was another thing I loved and Tori Eldridge really knows to write the mystical elements. I was a little underwhelmed when I learned we wouldn't learn more of the magic or Serafina's journey through it, but the way that small disappointment quickly disappeared, I was charmed.

Overall, I didn't personally enjoy this, but I'm sure the others might like this more than I did!

WOW JUST WOW! This was so good! I have loved Eldrige's books since I was sent the first one. And this one wow! Her stories just keep getting better and better. This story will take you on a new ride through new places and times. You will not be able to put it down once you start and you wont be able to forget this adventure after you finish the last page.

Dance Among the Flames is a very interesting book. But it wasn’t really for me. I really enjoyed the beginning and the character of Serafina and her part of the story. Sadly the rest of the characters kind of fell flat for me, which meant that for parts of the book I just didn’t really care about what was going on.

On a positive note, the elements of mysticism in the book were probably my favorite parts, and it was a relatively quick read, so if you’re looking for a very plot-driven, quick read, I’d recommend this book. (However, if you’re like me and prefer character-driven stories this one might not be for you.)

Well researched and written with compelling characters and an engaging premise. Fans of dark, suspenseful stories with strong femme characters would appreciate Dance Among the Flames.

Dance Among the Flames is slick, seductive, suspenseful tale that sinks its roots deep into Brazilian mysticism. Eldridge’s breezy prose is descriptive and accessible while giving weight to issues like race, sexuality, and abuse. The plot’s parallel nature was intriguing further drove home the generational nature of trauma.

The main character is obsessed with something she shouldn't interfere with and pays the consequences later on in the novel. This book is full of thrills but falls short at the latter end of the novel. One thing I appreciated was the cultural aspect in in terms of interaction with other entities and beliefs in other parts of the world which isn't explored enough in the horror genre.

Amazing setting. Vivid characters and well-written scenes. I liked this story and I agree with other reviewers—it should be a movie!

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC.

I think I loved this book? I certainly felt sooo satisfied when I finished it. It's not a horror book in the scary sense -- more a dark supernatural thriller

The way Eldridge writes is gritty but rich. You can feel the blood and the dirt, smell the cigar smoke, and somehow still feel like her words are gilt-edged. This is a story about gods and folk magic, sacrifice and manipulation; it’s about how desire for power corrupts indiscriminately -- and that family really are the people you choose.

Serafina is undoubtedly the star of the show: a sensual woman who wields her sexuality like a weapon. I was beguiled from the beginning even as I questioned her choices.

Supernatural x Thriller

QUOTES:
- “I know everything there is to know about you: even the secrets you hide from yourself.”
- It happened like this, sometimes. A message would spurt from him without any warning or foreknowledge; like a rooster at dawn’s break, he simply felt compelled to crow.

(I received a free copy of this through NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review)