I strangely read this after re-reading the Exorcist audio. Two exorcist type books in a row, what’s up with that?
Either way, I greatly enjoyed this onI strangely read this after re-reading the Exorcist audio. Two exorcist type books in a row, what’s up with that?
Either way, I greatly enjoyed this one! Haunted house type fare with demonic possession or interference has been done almost to death and is sometimes dull due to this, but between the quirky and flawed father, the mother with her own secrets, the relatable teenage daughter, it was enjoyable following their group through these horrors. Dad jokes aside!
Really, the character interaction was a big seller to me of this one. I enjoyed the realistic struggles on the fault of Nora and an interaction between she and Daniel near the ending with this. Not as much time is spent with “the Exorcist”, but between him and another character, the paper people were realistic enough and kept the story stronger during down moments.
And genuine creepiness sometimes! I was of course reading the opening with the contractor, which is the creepiest part of the story to me, with the creaking open doors that should remain closed and the lines through air ducts, closet doors….in my dark bedroom while reading in bed. Had the bedroom door open (cats come in and out), my closet door open, and my new computer chair casting their human looking giant shadow on the wall I’m facing by the closet. Took me too long to figure out what was causing that shadow at first. That likely definitely added to this old house creepy vibe.
And of course basements are automatically creepy. I have never been in one since I live in Florida, but they are associated in all sorts of movies, books, and thoughts with “yikes”. And wells. And abandoned crucifixes with broken chains. And that stair scene in middle of the night.
Oh, and camping…
Obviously I enjoyed the creepiness of this one, but I also dug some of the backstory uncovered. Only thing was their memory going haywire could be a bit annoying at times. I will say there are some comma grammatical issues in that they are under-used, but that’s better than the distraction of over-use.
The ending, too, worked. Nothing worse than a book falling apart like an old house because the ending makes the foundation fall out from under it. With characters so likeable, I didn’t want just doom and gloom and undying despair to be a jump-shock ending. Instead we get the isolated creepiness acknowledged from a main character (keeping it spoiler free here) that works to wrap up The Exorcist’s House.
I enjoy Crystal Lake as a small press publisher, and this is my first foray into this author’s work. Will check out more from him....more
'The first to speak in court sounds right, until the cross-examination begins,' Proverbs, 18:17.
Ah, the joy of parenthood – and the darkness of it…
Adm'The first to speak in court sounds right, until the cross-examination begins,' Proverbs, 18:17.
Ah, the joy of parenthood – and the darkness of it…
Admission: I wasn’t sure before going in if this one would do it for me or not. Burned out by so many witchcraft stories being cheese-coated regurgitation, the Midwives is a refreshing change of pace that did not suffer from the same curse. Its fate instead was complex and eventually riveting; I ended up reading it in two sittings.
Witchcraft plays its role in the story, but with enough polish to stand out and flourish. Toss in a serial killer who livens up the story – especially when combined with a humorous town pariah – excellent results. Compelling characterization is where The Midwives excels past the mark, especially having Martin be the flawed man he is. Sheila is a worthy tag-along who brings feminism in to a storyline where the small town is dominated by these women who still embrace somewhat antiquated views on womanhood.
Ruby as the mother is particularly fascinating with her manic moods and the mysteries of her pursuits. Even the town itself, aptly named Barrow’s Bay, becomes a small character on its own. The remote, island type towns suits the ambience of a creepy horror story.
It’s not a first person, so we get to hop around in a few heads, but Martin leads the majority of the tale, as he should. He’s not the only focus, but he is the shining example of the opposite end of the point of faith.
A disconsolate landscape of human misery, horrible things happen – truly. Faith is mentioned as a manipulative weapon to allow much of this darkness to come to pass and hold the town in its grip; blind faith and behind-the-scenes manipulation. By a saving grace, faith becomes a symbol of hope for transformation for more than one character. The story may open with a long-standing tradition grounded in horrible origins, but it ends by showing that you can continue to evolve past your roots.
Having faith in who you can be, not just who you are, or origins of who you once were.
Violence and gore aren’t shied away from, particularly in the prologue that almost did border on cheesy, but everything happens for a reason – and some of these reasons may eventually surprise you with subtle magic. It’s brutal, but it gets your attention and makes a lasting impression. Five stars, and I don’t give those lightly to horror novels any more.
A horror story absolute, it remains true to the fairy-tale lore for witch tales of old. These aren’t women in gingerbread houses molding traps to snare wandering children, but they’re not far off from it either. If you want a modern day, twisted fairy-tale type of story that is both dark and gripping – this is the one. ...more
“We’re a dramatic people,” Perry Mason said slowly. “We’re not like the English. The English want dignity and order. We want the dramatic and the spe “We’re a dramatic people,” Perry Mason said slowly. “We’re not like the English. The English want dignity and order. We want the dramatic and the spectacular. It’s a national craving. We’re geared to a rapid rate of thought. We want to have things move in a spectacular manner.”
4.5 Stars
A little confusing at times, or else it would be in 5 star territory.
I read on a forum the other day that the early books are strong with Perry Mason doing a lot of investigating and even crossing into the illegal territory but that the author calms down later - what a shame to hear as I love the way the early books are set up. Plenty of investigation, and the book closes with extensive and detailed court drama. Perry discusses a surprisingly layered, intelligent lecture on human psychology with juries and audiences in a realistic way with a young law clerk - intriguing stuff.
I read on the author's life a bit online and would be curious to know more about him. It's clear these cases are inspired from experience more than only thoughts on these matters. He was a lawyer who got a bit bored with the legalities other than trials, which fits Mason a bit as well since he likes the daring and twisted cases.
He is always shown to be protective of his clients, but the opening was especially - shall I say sweet? - with his worry about a first-time client being mentally ill and needing extra help. The clients don't stay the same necessarily as the game changes the more players are added and more twists that pop up.
We get a nod back to the book as Della tells him she's learned her lesson to trust him ultimately and that she will never doubt him again, but the same can't be said for Paul Drake who keeps telling him he's crossing too many lines - legally and questionably, in regards to not only the law but the media - and his young lawyer in training who's fascinated by Perry but uncertain that the case is falling sour.
I don't fully get everything, unfortunately, but it was still twisted good and my favorite so far. The audiobook if this is highly recommended.
The story gets much more complicated than I pictured, twists and turns I didn't guess, with a grand finale of a court ending. Full review to come....more
“Anyone who wasn't half-stoned on pain meds would have instantly realized what a really bad idea this plan was, but since that didn't include me, I d “Anyone who wasn't half-stoned on pain meds would have instantly realized what a really bad idea this plan was, but since that didn't include me, I didn't worry about it.”
After finished my loved Adrien English series by the same author, I was anxious to dive into another similar series. She writes series I'm not as interested in trying, so this seems the closest fit. While I enjoyed the first, it didn't endear me as much as Adrien's series. The second book is better. While still not as good to me as Adrien English's cozy bookstore, I love it.
The humor, the writing, the main character - much like Adrien, he's a perfectly flawed lead. Kit is a fun and relatable lead because he, much like Adrien, delves in realistic self-doubts and insecurities. Both of them are loner characters. I love the author writes two series with writers who don't wholly get ample respect around every corner. While Adrien was just starting out, Kit has been languishing for years with safe, dependable, and somewhat formulaic series adventures of an elderly spinster (Ms. Butterwith) and her cat. There's humor in this direction and writing jabs, publishing woes. That Lanyon shows these sides of the writer's life that's not glamorized or unrealistic is a delight.
The boyfriend role with J.X. is charming and well-done. Not all in the bedroom is perfect and again the age thing is brought up with realistic insecurities. The romance is more sure this time with non-angst hesitation. I adored it and look forward to more of this pair's adventures. Their differences in personality play off each other well when "investigating."
The humor is the best part but the mystery setting gives a lot of fun ambience to suit the genre. I didn't guess the villain and that ending - whoosh - nice finale to the finale. We don't get red herring misdirections but we get plausible suspects, we get turns of events that may or may not be a coincidence in the making, we get interesting dynamics between the characters that keep them more than thin paper people donning ink or pixels.
It's a clever enough mystery but the humor with the writing style and the excellent characterization is where the charm really wins.
Fortunately there are two more adventures in this series....more
I’m getting burned out with the Reverse Harem genre because so many of them are subpar. What makes it worth the hunt is finding the rare one that workI’m getting burned out with the Reverse Harem genre because so many of them are subpar. What makes it worth the hunt is finding the rare one that works so well and shines as a new favorite. This is one of them, although my enjoyment of the series starts the dwindle with future sequels.
This one is fun. I loved the main character’s humor blended in with her independence, but also her compassion. She’s not truly tough-girl chick mode, although she’s still tough, but it was more realistic. The Draconian race showed it’s disgusting, dark side although Valencia intrigues.
The lead-up there was both nerve-wracking and hilarious. Beware, there be dragons.
At this point I'm not sure who the harem will be - I'm definitely eyeing at least three of them. I love her dog and the "ghost", and how she values her tea by making sure to sip out of ceramic cups properly. Toss in what the hell is the voice behind that door????
The story is slow-burn romance, and romance is not even in the picture yet - we do have layered plots, layered mysteries, surprise twists, great friends, and intriguing characters. Win! ...more
“There were all kinds of books: books that educated, books you read at the beach or on planes, books that sold bad advice…and books that could leve4.5
“There were all kinds of books: books that educated, books you read at the beach or on planes, books that sold bad advice…and books that could level whole cities.”
Well done Urban Fantasy is still my favorite genre, but as the years go on, after I read more so many that were subpar or overdone, and as the market has become saturated, finding new favorites is harder. This one was great fun and the whole series (I’m caught up on it) is a delight. This one pushed a lot of my generic I-Like-UF Buttons.
The MC is a powerful woman with a lot of secrets. She investigates, has morals, and is sarcastic without having a massive chip on her shoulder. I love when the MC has secrets that take forever to reveal and is a mystery that everyone wants to solve. Another plus is the magic blending with the MC is unique and not something you see in other Urban Fantasies in quite the same way.
The world-building was nifty with an assortment of paranormal critters, councils, each with their own wags, agendas, and shake peace treaties. The vampire world is dark and gritty, the shifter violent and secretive, the magic unbalanced and screwed up (scary), the police involved with their own investigations that land them in hot water and eye the heroine of the story.
Tension and secrets remain, not resolved from multiple stories, kept me glued with tension. The story held a worthy enough mystery for an urban fantasy opener while not drowning out the personalities of the players and relationship side-plots. There are actual investigation steps and stages.
We get a ghost sidekick. One that’s present a lot, has secrets of his own, and is involved with her powers. Another winning draw.
I adore the new boyfriend - an alpha werewolf. Also some interest from a shady vamp. Be still my hormones. There are some actual, genuine steamy scenes too. *fans self*
Cops can get in the way in some of these stories, but one of the best selling features of this story was the dicey relationship with a pretty cool human cop who sees and senses too much. That added even more layers that kept my interest.
If you’re in the mood for a new Urban Fantasy, I highly recommend this one. There’s a few books out and the books don’t take too long to be released....more
“I know what it's like to tell yourself a lie so often that it becomes the truth.”
I’m not a big YA fan, but this one deserves its reputation. It can “I know what it's like to tell yourself a lie so often that it becomes the truth.”
I’m not a big YA fan, but this one deserves its reputation. It can hold its own against any well-done adult mystery. I read this during a read-a-thon and it was an ideal choice because it became impossible to put down.
It’s sort of like a cross between The Breakfast Club, And Then There were None, and YA rebel romance thrown in there. Told through a first person point of view, although there are hints at unreliable narration, the story starts where five students are in a strange detection where things go wrong. Once one of them is killed, it’s up the core group - and the town - to solve this particular murder. Having the victim being someone universally disliked and untrustworthy made it even more intriguing.
While I didn’t fully dig the almost borderline angst romance that came later, all the characters stood out as interesting on their own. I had no idea who did the deed because it was kept on its toes. The ending wasn’t something I would have guessed, and digging in to secrets and intricacies of the four lives of the teens eventually became fascinating. Each was so different, which is another reason a tribute to the Breakfast club comes to mind.
It’s well written and smoothly flowing, with characters standing out as unique enough with their flaws. The mystery ends up being not only about solving the case, but how it’s going to affect all these people we’ve come to care about and what will happen next for them.
The soap opera vibe with lies and leads, misleads and not sure when honesty is told, as well as the personal melodramas each character has individually and when they are together, makes this one shine. Not forgettable, there are twists, and I will enjoy re-reading it in the future. One of my favorite YAs.
“But horrible things happen alongside wonderful things all the time. And if you let the horrible things detract from the wonder of the good things, yo“But horrible things happen alongside wonderful things all the time. And if you let the horrible things detract from the wonder of the good things, you’ll never really feel true happiness.”
Not what I expected at all. Seriously good. I feared the long page count for a romance would be a bad thing - instead it wasn't enough. I’m not into this Omega sort of stuff at all, but the high ratings lulled me in and I gave it a shot. It’s the future, the world has been changed, and only men remain when “humanity” was rebuilt. There are shifter genes but they can’t shift. Strange, right? Everyone has a soul mate, most don’t find them. The alpha class is sent to one school, the omegas to another. Seriously, it’s awesome. The world-building structure is odd but unique.
Characters - major love, esp. Jason. A future where humanity is reborn w/all males but not advanced tech. Beautiful fates. Wolf gene splices but no shifting. It's fascinating and the characters and family dynamics = raw. I started the book with Xan right after this one, he has what one may associate almost with a transgenderism in our world-building.
Sometimes a little overdone on the bedroom stuff, but most of it felt real and intense. Jason wasn't the only dreamboat here with his youth and dedicated, but also the older and reserve Vale. The supporting friends on both teams rocked, as did the strange dynamics with Jason's fated-to-be-mated parents who had reproductive struggles showing a government controlled class where things go horribly wrong. Loved every minute of it, and anticipate many future re-reads....more
Seriously, this book was amazeballs. Very, very good. Thriller, well-written, exciting, psychological“Sometimes the outside is safer than the inside.”
Seriously, this book was amazeballs. Very, very good. Thriller, well-written, exciting, psychologically twists, with shockers thrown in just for kicks.
A key to this story was that not only was the mystery interesting, but the internal dilemmas for the main character was fascinating. The story explores the hope and dysfunction of friendships, secrets that have be kept, lies that are told, and consequences. The small town where nothing is what is seems helps keep that mystery ambience up and active, helping propel the intensity of the mystery and its outcome along.
Kara Thomas’ writing style is excellent, and not only can you feel the realism of the relationships, the dialogue rings true, and you end up actually caring about the teenage emotions and angsts. I love when books like this dare to focus on darker aspects where things can go wrong with families, towns, suspicions and all these secrets start conflicting with each other. I was practically biting my lip through a few of these tense scenes and it was a difficult book to put down.
It’s not light or fun, but it’s good and well-worth reading. ...more
This was typical creepy moments Ibsen, clever story, a flawed and wonderful main character, mystery is detailed for this type of story, and the endingThis was typical creepy moments Ibsen, clever story, a flawed and wonderful main character, mystery is detailed for this type of story, and the ending is not a cliffhanger but an obvious continuation into the second story. Loved it....more
You can already tell it's going to be cute from the cover alone, but even better than I hoped - simple and to the point rhymes by the alphabet coverinYou can already tell it's going to be cute from the cover alone, but even better than I hoped - simple and to the point rhymes by the alphabet covering all sorts of scenarios where things can go wrong - fast.
The rhymes and perils of dooms are joined with illustrated, graphic details of these horrors awaiting mankind - everything from aliens to zombies to viruses. We even get Trump who is going to paint our heads orange!
There's a small round avatar of the father in black n white as he reads the children's story along with his son - everything from horror to anger to confusion graces his face when he flips the pages. There's a funny final page showing what happens to the father when he tries to reassure his kid.
There's chuckles, there's color, there's humor, there's ... warning, kind of. Well, not really, this is a spoof on some things we already know and fear. Mankind - are we doomed??
If I had a complaint, it would be that it's a little short. I guess that's the trend for these quick kid goodnight stories though...*sniff, sniff*
Giving an honest review after receiving from Netgalley
"When you tell a person who likes to read that you don’t, you might as well be saying you no longer speak the same language. Williams frowned at me li"When you tell a person who likes to read that you don’t, you might as well be saying you no longer speak the same language. Williams frowned at me like I’d just admitted to clubbing baby seals for sport."
It was a delight to blend mystery, police procedural, psychological thriller, and the paranormal with romance. Recommended.
Both lead men are well-written. The protagonist Finn is fun because he’s flawed, focused, gifted with an unusual talent that’s as much a curse as it is a blessing, and awkward/stumbling at the right, endearing times. Mark’s protectiveness at the beginning was downright sweet, and I ended up loving the guy too – everything from his comforting home and his loyal dog and his worried sister, to his loyal dedicated and charming look at romance.
My favorite romance is when it slowly unravels where the reader can actually sense and live in palpable build-up that makes more sense than instant lightning bolts (Unless it’s a fated-to-be-mated, since those can be fun for a different reason). This one rocked with that – you had pre-existing friendship that mean more, but they’re only now revealing their actual feelings to each other. A sweet relationship that endured in my mind because it was genuine enough to be convincing. More on the charm than the steam in this case, but it all goes together as a satisfying package. If I could describe the romance in this book, it’s “comforting.”
The storyline was actually good with genuine suspense, trauma, and violence. The mystery isn’t an easy solve, although I was starting to suspect the villain at the end. I liked how realistic the author kept the guilt so many characters would feel with all this stuff, since this is something that would likely happen off-page if it happened in actual life too. I also dug that the author provided an extended view of what happened after the main mystery, showing how it affected the character and his relationships. Throw in a great supportive best friend, a neat brotherly bond that develops, and you have a sure winner here....more
Well, to say I was surprised to find out there was more of this addictive series after I blew through the six mini books in January would be an undersWell, to say I was surprised to find out there was more of this addictive series after I blew through the six mini books in January would be an understatement. I can't believe I missed that there was not only a new follow-up, but there were three new follow-ups - bestill my heart. Sadly they are still short and it looks like I already flew through this one, so on the downside they won't last long - but on the plus side anything more of this series is sorely needed by yours truly.
Caleb, Gray and John are as thrilling as always. John is back at Spectr but he's under new command with full new people, and no one really likes him anymore. He's missed his shots at promotion and chances, and Caleb goes along with it because they're a team who hunts down the demons and other baddies plaguing the town. In Mocker of Ravens it's a unique beast that smells like feathers and rotting eggs (eww), a creative villain I've never seen sketched before for any storyline. Kudos for imaginative thrills.
Having the new partner is was much more fun than I figured. They didn't need a new person at all, but Zahira is adorable. Oh, and that gift basket at the end with the teddy bear? So want. Maybe it can be the series official souvenir collectable item.
Steam is strong from the start with more fun bedroom play. This isn't a book you can dive into and enjoy the story if you didn't start at the beginning. Trust me, you wouldn't get or appreciate or understand the appeal, the back history, and the build-up developing between these three. Starting at the beginning of Spectr series 1 is an absolute must for enjoyment....more
“When life hits you in the gut, it’s always a sucker punch. You never see it coming. One moment you’re walking along, worrying your little worries an “When life hits you in the gut, it’s always a sucker punch. You never see it coming. One moment you’re walking along, worrying your little worries and making quiet plans, and the next you’re rolled into a ball, trying to hug yourself against the pain, frantic and reeling, your mind a jumble of scared thoughts.”
Ah, I love this series. I love the Kate Daniels series too, but this one stands out enough as a unique invention and I have to admit the first book rivaled for my affections. Pair a great story with great characters and Ilona Andrews writing style? An easy win.
Continuing where the second ended, Nevada and her family have to come into the light with their powers to save their selves and establish their family as its own house. Rogan and Nevada continue their already strong relationship – we get an even happier ending than the other books at the end here. Besides the side issue of dealing with her powerful and demented grandmother and paving their way through confusing house politics, there’s still the series main story that involves fighting the powers that are trying to destroy the city and change the way the world sees the powers that be permanently.
Once you start, you can’t put it down
Nevada is still a heroine I love to love. She’s tough and sarcastic but also compassionate and loyal. She’s shrugged off the worries involving Rogan (about time, who can resist the man??), is doing what she must to secure her families future, has developed even more bad-ass abilities that she gets to explore in this book, and got rid of some of the annoying traits she had brewing and starting in the second book.
Rogan is…Mad Rogan. ‘Nuff said. He’s awesome.
As much as I’ve stayed invested in their relationship (it rocks as a favorite of all my series), I’m not anxious about the possibility of her younger sister and another leading House male. Full-length side book for them too please?
Even if the grandmother is the big bad, there are epic scenes with her in the book and I can’t help but like her and want to keep her around. Curious on the future and what it holds with her and the family.
I was pleased as punch when Nevada kept on the second book’s client animal mage since I found him endearing – we get a particularly awesome scene here and a new furry friend – Zeus.
Fans who want everything resolved, well think again. It’s not resolved yet so there is hope for more books – yes, a full series is what I want anyway, so bring it on. We don’t know all the big bad players and that plot is still up in force waiting for the big fight, so hold on.
As with pretty much of all the writing pairs books, the action scenes rocked – the fights and power battles were epic show-downs that kept the heart thrumming and the adrenaline flying. Steamy scenes are hot enough to fog up the glass. I love every character, seriously.
Bring on the fourth!! Oh, and that side book with the sister, have to have that one too, and soon please?...more
“Vlad hated doing the paperwork as much as he did when a human employee quit, which was why they'd both made a promise not to eat quitters just to avo“Vlad hated doing the paperwork as much as he did when a human employee quit, which was why they'd both made a promise not to eat quitters just to avoid the paperwork. As Tess had pointed out, eating the staff was bad for morale and made it so much harder to find new employees.”
For some reason when reading the first half of this one as a Kindle sample, I couldn't get into it. Maybe it was mood, maybe it was insanity. Either way, I tried again and loved it - finally saw what so many Urban Fantasy fans were gushing about.
As a cassandra sangue, or blood prophet, Meg Corbyn can see the future when her skin is cut—a gift that feels more like a curse.
She escapes her controller and the compound she had been held, daring to find safety at a paranormally- ran town that needs to hire humans but doesn't like them. The world-building in this one is dark, detailed and unusual. Humans are the lesser species and mostly despised and misunderstood, or at least some of them are. Lakeside is blended with a varied bunch of supernaturals - aggressive but awesome Simon; a traumatized young wolf who can't shift form, Sam; a funny but vicious vampire family (funny because of how much they misunderstand); the element Winter, a little girl who holds the harshest control of all, and several others. The Crowguard grows on you.
“Is it that time of the month?” Vlad asked.
Some feeling blew through her. It might have been embarrassment, but she suspected it was closer to rage. “What?”
He studied her. “Is that not an appropriate question to ask?”
“No!”
“Odd. In many novels I’ve read, human males often ask that question when a female is acting…” Puzzlement as he continued to study her face. “Although, now that I consider it, they usually don’t make that observation to the female herself.”
As Meg settles in she has to worry about kidnappers and intruders, fitting in without being killed, people finding out her secret and value, resisting cutting herself to death outside the compound, and getting out of trouble when she accidentally breaks 'societal' rules like putting Sam on a leash. It does have its amusing moments and these work to make the series charming, but trust me it's a dark ride. The paranormals see all humans as meat. They don't shy away from killing and show little sympathy. It's definitely an "other" mentality where humankind doesn't have respect by the others, who ultimately control everything.
Meg as a protagonist is enjoyable. I like how the crows are particularly protective of her at first, and her way of bonding with the ponies. The ending finale is a tightly paced and tense one, showing how much she has grown in the hearts and minds of those Others in the village. It's not particularly suspenseful as a whole but the book is intriguing, easy to read, hard to put down. I did grow bored with some of the sideline stories with the cops, who play a large part in the story as well to add in that normal human element, but this can be overlooked. ...more
Spectr Vol 2 collects the last three novellas of the Spectr series. I was fascinated by the first collection enough to rate it five stars, but I have Spectr Vol 2 collects the last three novellas of the Spectr series. I was fascinated by the first collection enough to rate it five stars, but I have to say the second collection is even better, mainly because of the developments between Caleb and Gray, and the Gray and John. Caleb and John already worked great, but finally Caleb accepts the possession in a different light and John's mixed conflicts about Gray are made known.
Eater of Lives is a mere 109 pages (sad), it's the weakest of the last three but still good. The story-line is shaking up the realities with the government-ran operation showing more of its dark colors. Dealing with the ex is humorous. The group has to hunt down a killing and sadistic windigo with an interesting ending to that mystery/showdown. While Hawk dishes out the goods with the relationship, she also keeps the plot interesting, the action scenes exciting, but curses up with a cliffhanger. I'm happy the rest of the series had already been published when I was reading this.
Destroyer of Worlds is the turning point in the series to wrap-up the big stuff. Finally John has to see the truth about the government system he's always thought was legit, and Caleb/Gray have to make their decision on whether to merge permanently or not, since the time has now run out. In an epic ending rescue and revelations of feelings, the ending of this book absolutely rocked. Seriously. Steam has always been sultry and hot before, but the ending of this one? Reading lightning bolts. Seriously, wow. It was already a top favorite series, but this further cemented it.
Summoner of Storms starts with the pre-existing, exciting relationship between the three intact. Now to wrap up corruption and the ending fight the series has been leading up to. The ending is a fierce battle of epic proportions but it all comes out okay in the end.
Loved every book, loved the series. Highly recommended for fans of m/m paranormal. Doesn't get much better....more
The only thing bad about this series is Jordan L. Hawk writes such short books! I downed this faster than a dehydrated person guzzles water. Okay, badThe only thing bad about this series is Jordan L. Hawk writes such short books! I downed this faster than a dehydrated person guzzles water. Okay, bad analogy but I can only put out so many creativity when I get home from work.
The main character, Caleb, goes with a group of die-hards who want to seek revenge for the body of one of their own being possessed. What they find isnt' the demon they expected, and pretty soon the magically-inclined Caleb is accidentally possessed himself. Instead of a demon, though, it's a predator of demons who inhabits his body, and the being has never before seen color, felt actual emotion, and thought of something other than mindless hunting/feeding. The two blended pair shack up with a paranormal detective who has to play watchdog/guardian and sympathetic friend all in one. Technically the being is called a type of vampire, but he's nothing like vampires in other stories - he has no interest in humans or blood, but more of the spirit/soul of the creature hes hunting. He also doesn't need it daily or starve to death, and he isn't immune to sunlight and such.
The romance in this one just rocks. There's convincing heat, fun build-up, excellent and swoon-worthy delivery. Their bond is sweet and understandable over the steam, and the book bears actual stories to boot. Now that his secret is revealed, he has to register and worry about being killed by the government until he can get his body hijacker to hit the road.
In the first book, Hunter of Demons, it's all about the initial possession and set-up. A mere 127 pages, it ends way too fast but doesn't hit us with a cliffhanger or leave things too unresolved. I was left wanting more but that's only because I was enthralled. Grey is fascinating and the blend with him as he goes through Caleb's life intrigues me. John is dedicated to his job and an absolute sweetheart that makes an ideal HEA. Even though John and Caleb have a great bond, the back and forth with Grey and Caleb is the winning relationship. Grey is new to emotion and has such a black and white point of view toward life...at first. The paranormal agency is annoying, as most government run agencies are, but the world-building with this intrigues me. And yeah, I feel bad for Caleb because if you have to be a paranormal with your life at risk, being able to move a mere cup a bit absolutely sucks.
Master of Ghouls continues right where the first book leaves off, this time only giving us 108 pages. *sniff, sniff*. Worth every cent and easily devoured, the relationships are just as alluring, the world-building continues to unwind into more complicated directions, the budding romance as sweet and the steam as potent. There's a scene where Caleb worries about his relationship with John, and Grey's concern about leaving the man in his confusion was just --- heart *patter* worthy. The mystery in this case is dark and leads to the character, Grey, learning about being discerning with who and what he hunts. Frustrating for him but can be kind of funny.
Reaper of Souls is just as good as the first two - Caleb, Grey and John haven't grown boring. At all. The ending of this one is especially awesome with the incubus making a dangerous claim and Grey briefly revealing himself with all lightning and show. Epic and unforgettable moment of the series. John's developing feelings for the possesser is intriguing as well, and they all keep stumbling further into a weird relationship with the bonds are getting blurrier.
Hawk's writing style is superb, the plotline addicting, the characters fascinating, the romance sweet, the bedroom play exciting, the mystery intriguing enough, and the world-building creative. Seriously, read this one. It's a top, top favorite of mine now....more
Absolutely, 100% loved this book. This book cemented itself in my mind, heart, soul, everything that makes a reader fall in love with books. I've alreAbsolutely, 100% loved this book. This book cemented itself in my mind, heart, soul, everything that makes a reader fall in love with books. I've already re-read it the same year I first read it and the author now has a life-long fan. Seriously, loved it that much. Officially in my top five favorite series.
Angel Salvatore has it tough - his family was brutally slain in a cultural sorcerer war ten years ago. He's picked up the pieces and focuses his life on training budding sorcerers. HIs brother Isaac keeps him busy by constantly getting into trouble and mentally slipping. Top it off, as the only Necromancer in Boston and with a reputation that makes vampires look to him like he's a modern day boogeyman, he has caught the eye of a power elder who considers him his intended soulmate. Angel must figure out who is suddenly trying to kill him and those he loves, what's going on with the increasingly hostile police force that held loyalties with the clan who opposed his family, and figure out his new relationship all in one boat. Fun times.
The plot is fierce and doesn't let up. So much is going on to keep me fascinated. I could gush on about the plot being what makes this book so great - and it really is a great story - but the main winner is the actual relationship between Angel and Simeon. Both men are fascinating and their relationship is one of my favorite fictional pairings, ever. It's steamy, it's special, it's exciting, it's fresh. Seriously, they rock together as they solve mysteries, stand up to Master vampires, figure each other out, and complete each other. Bravo.
They're not the only special ones riding this boat, either. I loved the Master of the Clan, the troubled and unstable brother Isaac, the vulnerable victims involved in the war who we find at the end, the villains (crafty surprise twist there!), the police force politics, the newcomer Elder who wants to position in the city, Angel's business partner who has sass and class. I loved the background history of the family and sorcerer wars, seeing the outcome of a man who was part of a ruling force in a city that was destroyed ten years ago. Despite troubled history there is NO angst weighing it down, not something easy to do but done well here.
Throw in that Angel is a unique necromancer and you have yet another win for this book. The wins keep coming. S.J. Himes made such a unique world with socerery and classes. The way they dive into the otherworld and get their power is intriguing. I wasn't bored with any detail, aspect or piece of this book. All the stars. Wish I could award it more than five.
With fast pacing, creative world-building, a romantic relationship that melts my heart, all characters being fascinating, a morbid mystery, some stand-out scenes, an intriguing magic abilities and sorcery - I cannot recommend this one highly enough....more
“I’ve spent my entire life looking over my shoulder. It ruined us, that night. It destroyed all three of us.”
Children of Chaos was my introduction 4.5
“I’ve spent my entire life looking over my shoulder. It ruined us, that night. It destroyed all three of us.”
Children of Chaos was my introduction to Greg Gifune's writing. After this book, I'm already ready for more of the author's work. With a writing style that is poetic and haunting, I loved how the backward glances to the past mixed in so effortlessly with the disaster of the present. The flashbacks to what happened on ""that night"" that changed their lives forever was powerful and perfectly composed.
Rich in despair, Children of Chaos is a bleak example of lives truly destroyed. The depressing ambience is relentless, but instead of just fogging me down unnecessarily, it enriched the colorful story-line that is both surreal and unique. It can be a refresher to be in the main character's head when they're a mess, particularly when it's not angsty or silly just for the sake of cheesy emotional manipulation.. There's genuine pain coating these pages.
The flawed characters aren't necessarily nice guys, but Gifune managed to make me genuinely care. I gasped in dismay at the death of two, as awful as those deaths were, and it sunk me. Applause to the author for making me get so emotionally tied to the characters that came alive so forcefully. In fact, some of character deaths affected me so strongly that it slightly weakened my enjoyment of the book.
Going from a seedy apartment in America to a dangerous area of Mexico added oomph to the story, but ultimately it was in the heart of the desert that the claustrophobic pressure increased. Gifune doesn't dig into the destination quickly, instead going through the motions at a semi-sedate pace, but it never grew dull. The ending is a twisted, sick finale that truly disturbed. Excellent, but seriously dark story....more
Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*
>
Books:
5-star
(229)
Loading...
