Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors by C. L. Schneider – Review by Leeann custins
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Third book in and The series just keeps getting better. Can’t get enough. Highly recommend
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Third book in and The series just keeps getting better. Can’t get enough. Highly recommend
Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chain Reaction hits a new point in the Nite Fire series for Dhalia. In thin book Dhalia is faced with the fact that her power is evolving, and with it so will she. She is back at it with Detective Creed in solving murder cases, all the while still making sure to keep the detective off the trail of finding that supernatural creatures are real. We see just how corrupt the species have become from Dhalia’s home realm, and what measures they are willing to take in order to take and maintain power. There are many secrets revealed, which leave both the reader and Dhalia with questions. Another phenomenal book in the Nite Fire series.
Flash Point by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In Flash point the reader is introduced to Dhalia Nite, a lyrriken (dragon hybrid) that fled from her home realm, whose been living amongst human for close to a century. We fallow Dhalia on an investigation of murders caused by those like her, where simultaneously she is trying to understand why her kind is murdering, and brutally so, all the while making sure to cover up any notions that these murders could be supernatural. This becomes hard as she is joined in this investigation by Detective Creed, who to Dhalia’s detriment, wants nothing less than the truth even if is supernatural. What I enjoyed about this book was the powers that Dhalia has, and how she is able to feel and see into a persons perspective, which does come in handy when trying to solve a murder case. This book is a unique storytelling, with AMAZING world building, and complex characters. Flash point is only the beginning to an intriguing world of dragon hybrids, and Dhalia Nites story.
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is such a good series! Anyone who enjoys fantasy series would enjoy this easy read. Sometimes these kinds of books can get… repetitive/overdone by the third or fourth book, but not this one. This might actually be the best book in the entire series. It definitely leaves you wanting more! Highly recommended.
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this third installment, with a new case, Dahlia returns working along side Alex. Sentinel City finally seems to be catching on to the fact that weird and unexplained occur more than in other places which leads to the Unexplained Crimes Unit. The main case in this book centers around the discovery of dismembered bodies, not all of which seem human. This, as usual, requires Dahlia to have to cover things up and lie to those she is working with while working the case using her knowledge of other worlds and creatures. Add in her close friend Casey is not currently himself, the Dragon Queen making an appearance, and her growing empathetic power, the ticking time clock on the infected worlds and the spreading infection. Will Dahlia be able to solve her case? Keep those she cares about safe?
I absolutely loved this book. The writing and character development continues to be spot on as it was in the first two books of the series. The underlying story that carries through the first two books is continued and built on in this book as well leaving you once again wanting to know what will come next. I had a hard time putting this book down. I would recommend reading this series in order, all three books are worth the read.
Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this book, Dahlia Nite and others return. Dahlia continues to work with Detective Alex Creed, this time on a new case. The new to this world drug, Chrysalis. The drug is causing humans to mutate as well as combust in the streets. Dahlia and Alex work well together; I feel because of their differences. Their interaction are so realistic and entertaining. Still Dahlia works to discover who/ what is bringing these troubles to her city. With the help of others with she be able to figure it out soon enough or will others in it for themselves stand in the way?
I thought this book was even better than the first. My favorite characters continue to develop on a personal level as well as in their relationships with each other. It makes it hard to put down. With each new thing you learn the characters speak to you just a little bit more and yet I think there is still plenty more to be learned about each of them. The story line flows well from book one to this one. I do think you would be better off reading this series in order. I would absolutely recommend this book as well as series to others.
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this series so much. Nite is such an awesome “person”. She tried her hardest to protect the innocent from the creatures of her world. She growing so much from book 1. She’s learning to Trust as her powers grow.
Each book surprises with the type of creatures that get introduced. Book 3 is filled with a few surprises, lots of action and emotions. The ending of this book surprised me a great deal I cannot wait until the next installment to see how it plays out. Creed is my favorite character. He’s tough on the outside but caring and emotional on the inside. Life events have made him hard but there’s still a soft spot in him.
Flash Point by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Dahlia is a Lyrriken, half human half dragon. She was raised to be an assassin for the Guild. When she is sentenced to death for a mistake, she runs, escaping through an exit portal. After more than 100 years of constantly being on the move to avoid detection, Dahlia returns to Sentinel City. There she works as a fire investigator on contract to the city on an unexplained murder case involving fire. Turns out its not unexplained. It just is not a human crime. As she works to solve the case while also hiding the truth from from the human authorities more murders pile up. The more Dahlia learns the more she questions if she is making the right choices. But she is determined to make a difference. Will it be enough?
This is the first book by C.L. Schneider I have read, but I will definitely be reading more. This book had a lot of different dimensions, building up both the characters and the worlds themselves. I found it very easy to imagination. There were a few places I feel like there could have been more description given; however, I have a feeling that will come as the series continues. I can not wait to see what comes next in this series. I would suggest reading this book.
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is the third in a series and can be read as a stand alone. However, the characters really build as the series goes on, and it helps to read the other books to relate and care about the main character, Dahlia Nite. Dahlia is a strong female character who is so conflicted. She is trying hard to hide this other world from humans while maintaining a foot in both worlds. She wants to save the city from monsters, but all of the hiding and being in both worlds wears on Dahlia. A great story with the solid and relatable Dahlia!
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First- the Unexplained Crimes Unit? LOVE that addition to the series and especially Det. Alex Creed. There’s so much going on in this series that I’m afraid saying much more would be spoiling the fun for others. All I’m gonna say is Dahlia continues to be a badass- as well as the rest of characters continue to be pretty badass themselves. It’s another mystery worthy of the Nite Fire series and I’m really excited about the next one!!
Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I REALLY enjoyed the first book in the series and just couldn’t wait to start on the next. I didn’t know how well I would enjoy this one considering how much i loved the first. My fears were totally unfounded. There was another great mystery, drugs that blow people up/make them monsters?? Super cool! I love Dahlia and Casey was really a treat. There is so much development to the storyline and to Sentinel City- that it really makes you wish you were there/experiencing it! Y’all should read the first and then hope onto this one! I’m eager for the next!
Flash Point by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love dragons. I love badass heroines. And I’ve always loved books where it focuses on a consultant type person for the cops. This has it all! I just adore Dahlias character and how multifaceted she is. This book has all that plus a delicious murder mystery that kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. I felt like i consumed this book and am about to devour the second. Read it y’all!
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Slow clap from the back!! Oh my goodness! I can’t say I’ve read many series lately that I’m still obsessing over three books in, but girl here I am!! Dahlia is *chefs kiss* one bad thing! I am so in love with her character. Creed and Dahlia are in for it this time. Definitely appreciate the work that went into their creation together. I’m ready for book four.
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
WOW, WOW, WOW. Absolutely love this series!
In the third installment of the Nite Fire, Dhalia Nite is facing new threats that have forced her to reconcile with her past and face old and new enemies. Along the way Dhalia uncovers secrets from her past that will leave a lasting impact on her, and the continuation of the series. The romance in this book picks up a new level in this book, at least for me anyway (hello chapter 33). Beyond the romance, we see Dhalia grow into her evolve and see just how powerful she may be. This is a fun and intriguing read that I highly recommend digging into!
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series just keeps getting better and better. I really love watching Dahlia Nite grow into a fine person, if being half dragon counts as being a person. The author has put together a very dynamic world and I feel privileged to being a part of it. This story had a lot of twists and turns but Dahlia Nite once again overcame everything thrown at her. I loved her as a heroine and how badass she is as she does it. I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves dragons and a strong heroine.
Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series is really good. I really like going deeper into the vibrant world created by the author. The story grabs your attention and takes you on a wild ride with many different twists and turns. I like reading books that surprise me and this novel did just that. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a book it has so much going on mystery, suspense, danger, and action. I was on the edge the whole time reading it not knowing what would come next. Dahlia Nite is strong and smart and can kick ass. She is working on a case with her partner Detective Alex Creed where dismembered bodies are showing up but Dahlia has a shock when not all of them are human. Will Dahlia find the one who is responsible? And is the killer human or supernatural??
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! This is an awesome book 3 that starts right in the thick of things, and doesn’t let up the action for a moment. I was immediately drawn in again, and there is so much going on that it will keep you guessing. Dahlia is struggling to understand the crimes that are happening, but her usual senses that provide the clues aren’t helping. Something more sinister than ever is at play, and she needs to figure it out before it destroys her beloved city and the friends she has made there. Will she have to reveal herself to more people than just Evans? Will she be able to protect her friends and keep her identity hidden? I highly recommend this book, and the entire series for that matter, these are fantastic reading!
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 3 of the series, this one lived up to my expectations. Full of twists, turns, and creatures that come out of your nightmares. Dahlia and her partner are doing their best to keep secrets just that, secrets. If society knew, there would be hell to pay. Well-written with a plot that flows like butter, you can go along with them as they chase banshee out causing issues. The characters are so defined that its hard to pick one favorite. I find each has a little bit that I love about them. This installment kept me on the edge of my seat just as the first two books did. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series. You should try the series out to. Highly recommend.
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I read the first book in this series and was excited to read this further instalment. The characters were great and well-developed, and I enjoyed Dahlia’s dilemma of being stuck between two worlds. The supernatural elements were particularly enjoyable and the story has depth and complexity. The plot is suspenseful and there’s a lot happening as well as a lot of characters, which can sometimes make it difficult to keep up, but overall I couldn’t wait to finish the novel.
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have really enjoyed this entire series and this latest installment fits right in perfectly. Once again Dahlia Nite is the perfect heroine for this series. She brings the perfect amount of badass mixed with caring and her love of her human side creates a great story line.
Dahlia has been helping hide the evidence of her half dragon shifter brethren, which is becoming increasingly difficult with all of the strange deaths surfacing. At the same time her relationships are growing despite advice to stay away from human interaction.
This book had so much action, I flew right through it. I recommend this to anyone who has already read the first two books.
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
My favorite half dragon shifter is back! I was not disappointed when I started in on this third book. One I got it I didn’t sleep until I had finished it! Twists and tuns and cliffhangers oh my! This fast paced paranormal thriller kept me on the edge of my seat. I was right there with Dahlia trying to solve the mysteries that kept happening in Sentinel City! I was rooting for the entire time. The writing is well done and the story leaves you wanting more. I’m excited to see what happens to Dahlia in the final book although I’m sad to see it ending soon. Thank you author for such a wonderful series!
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The series continues on just as great as the first 2 books! Fantasy, paranormal, drama, action, some romance and a bit of suspense. I love the main character Dahlia who is strong willed, sassy and entertaining. Id recommend any paranormal lover to go out and buy this series!
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has fantasy as well as paranormal. Its the best of both worlds.
She is aware that monsters exist since she is one herself. But how much longer can she keep the truth hidden? First, a dragon’s best buddy is a secret. Deception comes in second. Both offer protective armor, allowing Dahlia Nite, a half-dragon shapeshifter, to dwell among humans unnoticed. She covers herself in a cloak of falsehoods to hide in plain sight as she walks between two worlds belonging to neither. But nothing is ever indeed concealed. When different species’ severed remains are left on the riverside, Dahlia and Detective Alex Creed are tasked with solving the crime. With the help of Sentinel City’s new task force, the two are pushed on by hints that appear too good to be true.
They bounce from one crime site to the next, looking for a clear motivation among a tangle of contradictory evidence. Finally, the city begins to crumble, already on edge following a succession of mysterious crimes. Dahlia burns the candle at both ends, drowning in lost creatures, slain corpses, masked men—and the quest for her sidekick’s missing sister. She uses her empathic skills to find answers, and she discovers something eviler and more profound than a typical serial killer’s web. She tries to keep her pals from learning the truth as the dots connect and worlds clash. Secrets, on the other hand, maybe lethal. Dahlia isn’t the only one who collects them.
I loved this story. I loved every page of it. Every chapter was exciting. This is my third book from this author and I can’t wait to read the rest of her books.
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love this series with a passion! I can not get enough of this book series, Dahlia is a wonderful heroine and I really admire her for all she is. This book I really enjoyed in the series thus far for how the development as well as the darkness hidden in Dahlia was. It was gripping and deep down that rabbit hole!
Dahlia once again has something to unravel, and knowing her, you know for a fact she has a plan in some form up her sleeve. I loved her interactions with Alex. They really made a great duo and love what they have between them, if its friends or more, depending how you look into it. I love how every book Dahlia has danger to over come, but for me this one was different than the rest. This specific installment I found we got a more deeper sense of who Dahlia was and all she keeps hidden, her demons mean. If her secrets was found out what would that mean for her, and her place she has learned to call home?
As said this book series is amazing, and it really gets better and better and deeper with each book I read about Dahlia. The danger and the shapeshifter essence of the book really drives my soul deeper into the plot. I can never get enough, I always want more answers. I find Dahlia awakens that part of me. No matter the danger or if a sacrifice or some part of her to say, she will not rest to she achieved what she has sent herself out to do. The story is gripping and this book ,currently is my favorite so far in the series!
If you have not read this book or this series yet I highly recommend you do so! I love this series and this author with a passion. I love how each book in this series builds up more and more, and your interest never dies down. Highly recommend the book, series, and author. A must read for sure!
Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Chain Reaction was the perfect sequel for the Nite Fire series! Our heroine is as even bigger badass in this edition! Horrible things are happening in The Sentinel and our team of heroes is on the case. Difficult decisions and serious character growth occur. And of course, tons of action to keep you on your toes! Dahlia’s world is only growing in complexity as she tries to make sense of it all. I can’t wait for what comes next!
Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book kept me on the edge of my seat!! Action, adventure, tragedy, and mystery. Our heroes fight a new evil as they struggle to save the lives of the innocent. Dahlia finds new allies, new powers, and new adventures as she and her team fight the evil in The Sentinel and beyond. We FINALLY hear Nadine’s story and Dahlia confronts her largest foe! The ending though! Cliff. Hanger.

~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~ ♦ ~
Nite Fire: Smoke & Mirrors by C.L. Schneider, Fantasy Author
Buy Now – https://amzn.to/2WfsLyU
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Genre – Urban Fantasy
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46027491-smoke-mirrors












C. L. Schneider is an award-winning author of adult epic and urban fantasy, including The Crown of Stones Trilogy and the Nite Fire Series. Born in a small Kansas town, she resides in New York’s scenic Hudson Valley Region with her husband and two sons. To learn more about the worlds Schneider creates, please visit www.clschneiderauthor.com or connect with her on social media, where she is an active part of the indie author community.



Flash Point by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nite Fire was a FANTASTIC read! I am so impressed! The story was original with wonderful lore, I could not predict any of it, and the main character is so relatable! Who wouldn’t want to be half-dragon and solve murders like a badass? Just the right mix of backstory with present tense. Wonderful lead-in for future novels and it was definitely NOT boring. I cannot wait to jump into the next one! I am hooked!!







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