Stained (Book 1) and Forged (Book 2) by MJ Fields

Stained and Forged (Books 1 & 2 in the Burning Souls Series) were provided as ARC's in exchange for an honest review.  

Synopsis

After nearly sixteen years in hell, Maddox finally rises from the ashes. Held captive since birth he never knew normal until the day he watched as two men opened fire on the place he had merely existing since birth. He watched as the woman who visited sporadically throughout his life, a woman he later found out was his mother, as shot dead as he was dragged into the back of a black car by Brody Hines, British Rock Star. Brody’s own twisted past brought him to discover a son he never knew existed..

As a child Maddox took comfort in reading. It was his escape. His only glimpse at what life and love could be. The world he entered was something he could have never imagined. It was full of beauty and madness, yet still overflowing with hope and love.

Maddox Hines is a beautiful young man who was labeled by his school, and the world as emotionally disturbed, having Stockholm syndrome, separation anxiety and possibly being bipolar. His loving family knows better.

In part one of Stained, we watch as Maddox tries to do the right thing only to be beaten down by the true dregs of societies. Provoked, taunted, and his past exposed, Maddox lashes out the only way he knows how, physically

In part two, Maddox must flee the country to avoid being arrested, separating the family he loves. Returning to England, bringing his nightmares even closer to him. Maddox tries in vain throughout the next three years to accept the repeated loss of Harper Abrahams. His one true friend, his first kiss, his secret muse, and the girl who held his heart from the very first time he saw her. He pushes her away knowing she deserves better, that he is not good enough for her, and that he could never be.

Nothing can stop his desire for her, his need for her, and when he cannot take it anymore he brings her back into his life only to realize she is no longer his and his alone. Maddox falls into the only comfort and escape he knows now, sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Maddox becomes his own worst enemy as he pushes away his new life bringing back the past. 

Review

Umm well wow…. 

I am not sure how to review this story.  The story is about Maddox and Harper and really a cast of thousands…  but this is essentially Maddox and Harper’s story.

Maddox and Harper have an innocent, then not so innocent, love hate relationship.  There are many a dynamic that affects their relationships journey.  Unfortunately I am still unsure that I could tell you what these dynamics actually are.

I understand the plot, and the ideas of this story, but significant elements were lost in the delivery for me to actually be able to clearly follow the journey.

I finished this story, still really not knowing who was who, what their connections were, and how they fit into the equation – this left me so confused as the cast of thousand played key roles at key points in the story.

I also didn’t understand Maddox and Harper's history to grasp the intensity of their connection.  This was explained later in the story, but seemed a case of too little too late for me.

This story also occurred over many years, and the skipping between characters POV’s, life events, and story timelines had me scratching my head as to where the story was going.

I wont give anything away because I know this story will appeal to some of you, and I think the nuts and bolts of the story make it ok and evident that others will like it, and view it much different to the way I have seen this one.  

That said I have started book 2 – Forged, to see where this one ends up.  Maddox is an arse – but probably a little justifiably, Harper is a bit of a pretentious bitch, probably justifiably, and at the end of Stained, they gradually grew on me a little bit…  I just wished this one had some consistency of timelines, some details with back stories for people other than Maddox and overall, well a number of things that could have made me enjoy what had so much promise that little bit more.

Unfortunately I have to go with a 2 ½ on this one.. 

*****

Synopsis

Maddox Hines walked away from the things he took comfort in, sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Things that helped dull the pains from his past and allowed him to continue waking up each day and push forward. He set out to win back the love of the girl who held his heart for five years. A girl who he knew was too good for him, deserved better than him, but it no longer mattered. 

Maddox set out to win her back. When he found her a life changing secret was revealed. One he felt was a blessing not a curse.

 

Harper Abrahams fear of disappointing her family came to fruition and Maddox was her rock. When their family left to return to their homes Maddox stayed behind believing things were going as planned and determined to earn her trust back. 

Harper pushes him away to guard her heart from what only he was capable of doing to it. Harper loves Maddox but can no longer trust him, there was too much to lose. Pushing him away she hangs onto Blake her friend, confidant, and the man who she knows would be perfect for her. He had never let her down and she knew he never would. 

Maddox holds strong in his fight, he won’t lose her again. His persistence pays off but will it get them through what lies ahead. Will the sins of his past annihilate his dreams for his future with Harper? Will he be strong enough for her when she needs him the most? 

Review

Maddox and Harper’s story continued in Forged.  I must start by saying I was pleasantly surprised when the significant issues in Stained, those ones that really made me struggle with the story, were not present in Forged.

It is evident there has been some significant growth of the author in relation to this story between book 1 and 2.

This story was full of drama, angst, love, grief and pretty much everything in between.  There was action and emotion that kept the pages turning.  

There were elements that still made this story less than perfect for me, those being the pace at which things happen, and the lack of explanation about relationship dynamics which seem to indicate the author makes assumptions about the readers knowledge.  

That said, these elements were markedly improved from book 1 – the story was essentially focussed on key characters, and provided some additional back story if introducing others.  The timeline of events was consistent and it flowed, but I just struggled to grasp the authenticity of the connections that lead to the action.  I know I seem to be speaking in riddles, but spoilers are not happening here!

The love story between Maddox and Harper is beautiful and this story shows compassion and romance in all manner of situations, but the physicality of the relationship almost seemed like it was overtaking the story, rather than reinforcing the connection…  

I am rating Forged 3 ½ hearts – it’s a marked improvement on Stained, but still had some work to make it really good for me!

3 1/2 Hearts for Forged!

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