Fallen Embers by Lauri J. Owen

Yesterday, I sat down to read a book. I expected to love it. I didn't expect to want to wrap myself up inside of it and never leave again. Wow. I have never read anything like Ms. Owen's book and I had to sit down and immediately talk about it here.

Here is the blurb:

Was it the unnatural flame that transported Kiera and her nephew to an alternate, feudal Alaska one snowy afternoon, or did the strange dog's attack have something to do with it? All she knows is that now she and Alex are trapped in an icy land ruled by a class of decadent mages who have enslaved the shapechanging, indigenous peoples.

Kiera soon finds herself fighting to save three children from an army—and does so by summoning fire.

Before she can find her way home she must learn more about the local systems of magic and her own powers. On whose side should she fight? Whom can she trust—Marco, the young mage she saves, or fierce and handsome Laszlo, the slave captain of ruling Lord Vayu's army?

Kiera's path leads her deeper into Alaska, to joy and to heartbreak, and choosing to follow her heart may cost her everything.

Guys, I really really loved this book. Kiera is an extraordinary heroine who manages to be tough and funny without falling into the trap of being so snarky the reader can't relate to her. The men in this book take the term Alpha male and throw it away to create their own definition of sexy.

As a lot of you know, I don't review books. But I have to tell you--you want to read this one. All I can say is Wow and when is book 2 coming?

It can be bought in both print and e-format at amazon.com and other places. Go check it out. I'm so glad i did.