So besides the fact that this feels like the first third or maybe quarter of a longer book there really isn't anything wrong with it. I just felt likeSo besides the fact that this feels like the first third or maybe quarter of a longer book there really isn't anything wrong with it. I just felt like I'd barely gotten into it before suddenly it was done. I'm definitely curious to see where it goes in the future though. There are a lot of intriguing things going on with the story and I have a lot of guesses as to the reality of things. Everything ends rather abruptly before much at all had been explained, but I'm sure I'll get more and more pieces with each book. I did love the world building and the potential of more to come. ☺
John is a pretty normal guy. He enjoys his solitary work as a biologist and most of the time has no issues with his roommate. The man never really seems to be around, keeps his spaces locked up tight for no apparent reason, and has the strangest tattoos John’s ever seen, but as long as he pays his rent on time John isn’t complaining. Of course rent is due and Kyle’s nowhere to be seen.
Kyle or Kahlil as he’s really known has had a difficult few days. When he does finally manage to stumble his way back home and into his bedroom he’s not even really sure what day it is. Running into John in the kitchen and paying his rent allows Kahlil the connection he needs. He’s here for a purpose. He’s sent from his world to keep an eye on one man, one man who has the potential to change everything. John may not realize who he as the potential to be, but Kahlil knows. He’s determined to do his duty whatever that takes.
The world building in this story is fabulous and I find myself very intrigued with by the two worlds depicted within. Of course there’s nothing too exciting about the world we live in, but the world Kahlil comes from…now there’s something potentially really exciting. There’s a lot going on in this first book that sends all our characters out into different places (view spoiler)[I’m thinking quite likely totally different timelines? (hide spoiler)].
Human nature’s natural curiosity gets us into trouble every time. I enjoyed meeting Kahlil through the three different sets of eyes first of John and then of his friends Bill and Laurie. Those two are definitely a couple of interesting characters, very much the hippie go with the flow, enjoy life types. I do feel bad for the two of them though trapped into this drastically different other world. John seems to have the natural abilities to deal with it all, part of his destiny perhaps, but there are a lot of hardships hitting those two.
As for Kahlil himself…well I can’t wait to find out more. His devotion to his cause is commendable even if I’m not entirely sure yet whether his cause itself is. You just know that Kahlil will sacrifice everything for what he believes in and has such a fanatical devotion to his duty and what he was sent to our world for. He may like John, but he’s not inclined to let that change his judgement. I can’t wait to find out where his desperate sacrifice has taken him. Kahlil has clearly ended up somewhere even he could never have expected.
There are so many dangling ideas and potential storylines here I am keen to see where things go. I do admit I wish I had the entire story in one book though since I get the feeling that despite the volume of stories in this series they really could all be taken together as one larger story. Still my attention is definitely caught and I’ll definitely be looking for more in the future. I really want to know more about this other world and the mythology from which Kahlil has arrived. There is so much yet to be explained. My greedy mind can’t wait to find out!
And quite frankly I want to know more more about the bones!!!
Merged review:
So besides the fact that this feels like the first third or maybe quarter of a longer book there really isn't anything wrong with it. I just felt like I'd barely gotten into it before suddenly it was done. I'm definitely curious to see where it goes in the future though. There are a lot of intriguing things going on with the story and I have a lot of guesses as to the reality of things. Everything ends rather abruptly before much at all had been explained, but I'm sure I'll get more and more pieces with each book. I did love the world building and the potential of more to come. ☺
John is a pretty normal guy. He enjoys his solitary work as a biologist and most of the time has no issues with his roommate. The man never really seems to be around, keeps his spaces locked up tight for no apparent reason, and has the strangest tattoos John’s ever seen, but as long as he pays his rent on time John isn’t complaining. Of course rent is due and Kyle’s nowhere to be seen.
Kyle or Kahlil as he’s really known has had a difficult few days. When he does finally manage to stumble his way back home and into his bedroom he’s not even really sure what day it is. Running into John in the kitchen and paying his rent allows Kahlil the connection he needs. He’s here for a purpose. He’s sent from his world to keep an eye on one man, one man who has the potential to change everything. John may not realize who he as the potential to be, but Kahlil knows. He’s determined to do his duty whatever that takes.
The world building in this story is fabulous and I find myself very intrigued with by the two worlds depicted within. Of course there’s nothing too exciting about the world we live in, but the world Kahlil comes from…now there’s something potentially really exciting. There’s a lot going on in this first book that sends all our characters out into different places (view spoiler)[I’m thinking quite likely totally different timelines? (hide spoiler)].
Human nature’s natural curiosity gets us into trouble every time. I enjoyed meeting Kahlil through the three different sets of eyes first of John and then of his friends Bill and Laurie. Those two are definitely a couple of interesting characters, very much the hippie go with the flow, enjoy life types. I do feel bad for the two of them though trapped into this drastically different other world. John seems to have the natural abilities to deal with it all, part of his destiny perhaps, but there are a lot of hardships hitting those two.
As for Kahlil himself…well I can’t wait to find out more. His devotion to his cause is commendable even if I’m not entirely sure yet whether his cause itself is. You just know that Kahlil will sacrifice everything for what he believes in and has such a fanatical devotion to his duty and what he was sent to our world for. He may like John, but he’s not inclined to let that change his judgement. I can’t wait to find out where his desperate sacrifice has taken him. Kahlil has clearly ended up somewhere even he could never have expected.
There are so many dangling ideas and potential storylines here I am keen to see where things go. I do admit I wish I had the entire story in one book though since I get the feeling that despite the volume of stories in this series they really could all be taken together as one larger story. Still my attention is definitely caught and I’ll definitely be looking for more in the future. I really want to know more about this other world and the mythology from which Kahlil has arrived. There is so much yet to be explained. My greedy mind can’t wait to find out!
And quite frankly I want to know more more about the bones!!!...more
This may be my favorite book of the series so far. I mean granted I’ve enjoyed them all, but for some reason I really loved this one. I think it’s parThis may be my favorite book of the series so far. I mean granted I’ve enjoyed them all, but for some reason I really loved this one. I think it’s partially because we’re seeing Jackson start to heal or at least face the dark sides of himself. Ellery is so awesome in his support and his heart. They're just such a great duo and well all the other characters that get thrown into the crossover of this one were great too. I'm definitely really enjoying this series and am happy that it's going to continue.
All of the crazy that has been surrounding Ellery and Jackson lately comes to a bit of a head in this one. A lot more details are discovered, and of course things go a little off the rails. But I'll accept a few over the top moments for the sake of an entertaining story. Sure some of it's a bit unrealistic, but it still works for me. It's the fun kind of action that keeps you interested rather than the absolutely unbelievable sort that throws you out of a story.
I liked all the couples in this book, I've enjoyed them in the past and I really liked their interactions in this story as well. I'm looking forward to the next book even though the focus looks like it'll be Ernie and Burton rather than Jackson and Ellery.
Merged review:
This may be my favorite book of the series so far. I mean granted I’ve enjoyed them all, but for some reason I really loved this one. I think it’s partially because we’re seeing Jackson start to heal or at least face the dark sides of himself. Ellery is so awesome in his support and his heart. They're just such a great duo and well all the other characters that get thrown into the crossover of this one were great too. I'm definitely really enjoying this series and am happy that it's going to continue.
All of the crazy that has been surrounding Ellery and Jackson lately comes to a bit of a head in this one. A lot more details are discovered, and of course things go a little off the rails. But I'll accept a few over the top moments for the sake of an entertaining story. Sure some of it's a bit unrealistic, but it still works for me. It's the fun kind of action that keeps you interested rather than the absolutely unbelievable sort that throws you out of a story.
I liked all the couples in this book, I've enjoyed them in the past and I really liked their interactions in this story as well. I'm looking forward to the next book even though the focus looks like it'll be Ernie and Burton rather than Jackson and Ellery....more
I loved this introduction to this series (I know there's another book out for it already). I was enthralled with the way the world was established andI loved this introduction to this series (I know there's another book out for it already). I was enthralled with the way the world was established and Dominic captured my heart right away with his earnest nature. I love Rook's passion to find the truth. Such a good beginning to a series I'm now super excited to dig into reading. I liked the way magic and practitioners were divided up. It's an interesting spin on the genre. Just enough intrigue to keep the short interesting and believably throw Rook and Dominic into each other's path. Dominic is so sweet and determined to be the best at drawing hexes and helping the police force he couldn't qualify to join after failing his magical aptitude test. Of course there's more to Dominic than even he knows and Rook is all he needs to bring it out. I loved the way Rook was with Dominic as he got to know him. As a familiar Rook knows what he's about, but he's always been solo as he hasn't found his witch. So fun watching these two get together and I can't wait to read more.
Merged review:
I loved this introduction to this series (I know there's another book out for it already). I was enthralled with the way the world was established and Dominic captured my heart right away with his earnest nature. I love Rook's passion to find the truth. Such a good beginning to a series I'm now super excited to dig into reading. I liked the way magic and practitioners were divided up. It's an interesting spin on the genre. Just enough intrigue to keep the short interesting and believably throw Rook and Dominic into each other's path. Dominic is so sweet and determined to be the best at drawing hexes and helping the police force he couldn't qualify to join after failing his magical aptitude test. Of course there's more to Dominic than even he knows and Rook is all he needs to bring it out. I loved the way Rook was with Dominic as he got to know him. As a familiar Rook knows what he's about, but he's always been solo as he hasn't found his witch. So fun watching these two get together and I can't wait to read more....more
I adore being back in Widdershins! Sebastian and Ves are a lovely couple and they've got quite the mission to undertake. The books are obviously causiI adore being back in Widdershins! Sebastian and Ves are a lovely couple and they've got quite the mission to undertake. The books are obviously causing trouble and there's some crazy deaths to be investigated.
This new group of characters are engaging and absolutely pull me in. I like all of them, even the reluctant Mortimer. I like the little bit of creepy that always underlines anything in Widdershins. The librarians are exactly the sort of devoted power all librarians should be. :) I love that they're just a little bit badass in with all their nerdy goodness.
This just makes me happy. The mystery is entertaining and the potential for a greater threat with the other books is ever present. Also who knows what is happening to Sebastian with his ties to the books. These books just always make me happy and for that I'll always come back to them.
Merged review:
I adore being back in Widdershins! Sebastian and Ves are a lovely couple and they've got quite the mission to undertake. The books are obviously causing trouble and there's some crazy deaths to be investigated.
This new group of characters are engaging and absolutely pull me in. I like all of them, even the reluctant Mortimer. I like the little bit of creepy that always underlines anything in Widdershins. The librarians are exactly the sort of devoted power all librarians should be. :) I love that they're just a little bit badass in with all their nerdy goodness.
This just makes me happy. The mystery is entertaining and the potential for a greater threat with the other books is ever present. Also who knows what is happening to Sebastian with his ties to the books. These books just always make me happy and for that I'll always come back to them....more
Yeah, nope, this series can do no wrong. You keep thinking it can't get better and yet it does. I keep wondering if I'll ever get tired of reading aboYeah, nope, this series can do no wrong. You keep thinking it can't get better and yet it does. I keep wondering if I'll ever get tired of reading about Whyborne and Griffin, again yeah, nope. I never used to much like reading a romance series all about the same characters, but they've grown on me and this series is one of the reasons why.
Things have been quiet in Widdershins lately, but for Ival and Griffin they know something's coming eventually. It's all about waiting for the other shoe to drop. They may have one the last battle but they're not stupid enough to think they've won the war. When the next battle arrives it's going to change the way Widdershins functions and no one is going to be able to ignore the things in the shadows any longer.
This story stepped up the game and really takes this entire cast to the next level in their story. I felt for Ival in this one, he's never wanted to be in the spotlight. He's always wanted a quiet life with the man he loves, but the world is conspiring around him and it's not going to allow that to be the case. This book changes everything and somehow these two are going to have to stand strong together and trust in their friends to survive.
Merged review:
Yeah, nope, this series can do no wrong. You keep thinking it can't get better and yet it does. I keep wondering if I'll ever get tired of reading about Whyborne and Griffin, again yeah, nope. I never used to much like reading a romance series all about the same characters, but they've grown on me and this series is one of the reasons why.
Things have been quiet in Widdershins lately, but for Ival and Griffin they know something's coming eventually. It's all about waiting for the other shoe to drop. They may have one the last battle but they're not stupid enough to think they've won the war. When the next battle arrives it's going to change the way Widdershins functions and no one is going to be able to ignore the things in the shadows any longer.
This story stepped up the game and really takes this entire cast to the next level in their story. I felt for Ival in this one, he's never wanted to be in the spotlight. He's always wanted a quiet life with the man he loves, but the world is conspiring around him and it's not going to allow that to be the case. This book changes everything and somehow these two are going to have to stand strong together and trust in their friends to survive....more
This isn't my favorite book in the series, but I still found it very enjoyable. I think the hardest part about reading this is that it's been ages sinThis isn't my favorite book in the series, but I still found it very enjoyable. I think the hardest part about reading this is that it's been ages since I read the last book and it took me a little while to figure out/remember everything that was going on to start this book. I'd give this 4.5 stars with it losing a little just because there are so many names and titles that it gets a bit confusing.
Domin is now living in the lost city of Sobek as the new semen-aten, he and Yuri are happy together, but there are a lot of changes that he feels need to come down line. But Domin isn't sure he's really the right man for this job. He's in charge of all the werepanthers in the world now, and how is he to truly manage all that. But Yuri is convinced he can do it, and together first they've got to solidify their standing in Egypt. There's a rival faction out there and they'll stop at nothing to disrupt Domin claiming his rightful place with Yuri by his side.
So take out the fact that I'm not even sure I had all the titles straight by the end (I've got most of them ;)) at least once I orientated myself I kept track of all the people threatening Domin and Yuri's lives. This story had layers with the level of the conspiracies. As each one was handled it peeled back to be one more thing that these guys had to deal with. I enjoyed the plot of this book more than I expected to actually. I liked seeing Jin show up and his insecurity with his new changes with Logan and their fatherhood.
Altogether this story was a nice addition to the series. I like seeing Domin and Yuri so solidified in their relationship. Domin's past has been dealt with between them and they are incredibly secure in what they mean to each other now.
Merged review:
This isn't my favorite book in the series, but I still found it very enjoyable. I think the hardest part about reading this is that it's been ages since I read the last book and it took me a little while to figure out/remember everything that was going on to start this book. I'd give this 4.5 stars with it losing a little just because there are so many names and titles that it gets a bit confusing.
Domin is now living in the lost city of Sobek as the new semen-aten, he and Yuri are happy together, but there are a lot of changes that he feels need to come down line. But Domin isn't sure he's really the right man for this job. He's in charge of all the werepanthers in the world now, and how is he to truly manage all that. But Yuri is convinced he can do it, and together first they've got to solidify their standing in Egypt. There's a rival faction out there and they'll stop at nothing to disrupt Domin claiming his rightful place with Yuri by his side.
So take out the fact that I'm not even sure I had all the titles straight by the end (I've got most of them ;)) at least once I orientated myself I kept track of all the people threatening Domin and Yuri's lives. This story had layers with the level of the conspiracies. As each one was handled it peeled back to be one more thing that these guys had to deal with. I enjoyed the plot of this book more than I expected to actually. I liked seeing Jin show up and his insecurity with his new changes with Logan and their fatherhood.
Altogether this story was a nice addition to the series. I like seeing Domin and Yuri so solidified in their relationship. Domin's past has been dealt with between them and they are incredibly secure in what they mean to each other now....more
*giddy bounce* There was lots of squees and manic giggling going on as soon as I saw this book was out and I could get my greedy little hands on it. A*giddy bounce* There was lots of squees and manic giggling going on as soon as I saw this book was out and I could get my greedy little hands on it. Adored the first book in this series and this was no exception. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS BOOK! Did I mention that I loved this book???
First of all Kai Gracen you are one badass mofo in the best possible way. I absolutely adore Kai in large part because for all his physical abilities and his ease at taking down any big bad monster that comes his way, he's still so shattered inside. Kai has so many insecurities due to his parentage and torturous upbringing that leave him all kinds of prickly. He's so much fun to watch. I just keep waiting for Ryder to reach out, wrap him up in his arms and say "Shush you. I've got you." Of course Kai would scrap and claw but eventually Ryder will get through to him.
So in this story we've got Kai continuing in his Stalker ways, and out on a run to steal a dragon egg for a museum in the city. Of course there are a rules and particulars when one steals a dragon egg if one wants to survive, and Kai knows them all. He still barely manages to come out of this one alive. Imagine his surprise when he goes to sell the egg and the contracts been voided, due to non other than his nemesis and the fae who often has the ability to pull his chain Ryder, the High Lord of the Southern Rise Court. Suffice to say Kai is not in a good mood when Ryder comes calling with a job for him. Unfortunately if Kai wants to keep his license he knows there's nothing he can do to avoid the job Ryder wants him to take. But Ryder is desperate. The fae are struggling to conceive and if they can't find a solution to their fertility issues they could be dying as a race. The potential fertility find in an old ruin is just too necessary to pass up.
I absolutely adore Kai and Ryder's cranky relationship. Kai's so cantankerous with Ryder, and yet Ryder keeps coming back for more. You can just feel him slowly breaking down Kai's mile high walls. But of course any job Ryder wants him to go on is never going to be a simple one and as usual the danger and craziness factor sky rockets in this story. It's non-stop action packed in the best possible way.
Rhys Ford has such a command of story. She really sucks you into her books and pulls you along for the ride of your life. And with this urban fantasy series I really feel like she's at her best. I've enjoyed all of her books in the past, but I am awaiting more books in this series with tingling, bouncing, anticipation. It's a fascinating world she's created with the idea of a Merged world. It was not a smooth or peaceful process when the fae world and the human world were forced together in an awkward mismatch of lands and places. Somethings are right where they are expected to be for both worlds and others have been lost to time never to be seen again. The forced intercession of magic and tech has lead to advances for all three races, the sidhe, the unsidhe, and the humans, but it's also created a lot of tension. The monsters are bigger, badder, and more deadly than most can handle. With dragons, black dogs, nightmares, and of course the murderous human or two along the way this world is always rife with another opportunity to keep things tense and interesting.
I'm enjoying this series so much more than I thought possible. I love it to pieces and devoured this book whole. It reads so quickly and smoothly as you're pulled along an action packed ride replete with enough sexual tension to drown a house. Kai may not want to want Ryder, but he's swimming in it. It certainly keeps things interesting between these two as Kai is determined to not get too wrapped up into Court life. Yet ever so slowly he's being dragged further and further into the world Ryder wants him to be a part of inspire of his mixed heritage. Kai may think he's an abomination, but Ryder certainly doesn't share his beliefs.
Definitely a new favorite and I can't believe I don't have more books to instantly devour. Cannot wait to get more in this series!
Merged review:
*giddy bounce* There was lots of squees and manic giggling going on as soon as I saw this book was out and I could get my greedy little hands on it. Adored the first book in this series and this was no exception. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THIS BOOK! Did I mention that I loved this book???
First of all Kai Gracen you are one badass mofo in the best possible way. I absolutely adore Kai in large part because for all his physical abilities and his ease at taking down any big bad monster that comes his way, he's still so shattered inside. Kai has so many insecurities due to his parentage and torturous upbringing that leave him all kinds of prickly. He's so much fun to watch. I just keep waiting for Ryder to reach out, wrap him up in his arms and say "Shush you. I've got you." Of course Kai would scrap and claw but eventually Ryder will get through to him.
So in this story we've got Kai continuing in his Stalker ways, and out on a run to steal a dragon egg for a museum in the city. Of course there are a rules and particulars when one steals a dragon egg if one wants to survive, and Kai knows them all. He still barely manages to come out of this one alive. Imagine his surprise when he goes to sell the egg and the contracts been voided, due to non other than his nemesis and the fae who often has the ability to pull his chain Ryder, the High Lord of the Southern Rise Court. Suffice to say Kai is not in a good mood when Ryder comes calling with a job for him. Unfortunately if Kai wants to keep his license he knows there's nothing he can do to avoid the job Ryder wants him to take. But Ryder is desperate. The fae are struggling to conceive and if they can't find a solution to their fertility issues they could be dying as a race. The potential fertility find in an old ruin is just too necessary to pass up.
I absolutely adore Kai and Ryder's cranky relationship. Kai's so cantankerous with Ryder, and yet Ryder keeps coming back for more. You can just feel him slowly breaking down Kai's mile high walls. But of course any job Ryder wants him to go on is never going to be a simple one and as usual the danger and craziness factor sky rockets in this story. It's non-stop action packed in the best possible way.
Rhys Ford has such a command of story. She really sucks you into her books and pulls you along for the ride of your life. And with this urban fantasy series I really feel like she's at her best. I've enjoyed all of her books in the past, but I am awaiting more books in this series with tingling, bouncing, anticipation. It's a fascinating world she's created with the idea of a Merged world. It was not a smooth or peaceful process when the fae world and the human world were forced together in an awkward mismatch of lands and places. Somethings are right where they are expected to be for both worlds and others have been lost to time never to be seen again. The forced intercession of magic and tech has lead to advances for all three races, the sidhe, the unsidhe, and the humans, but it's also created a lot of tension. The monsters are bigger, badder, and more deadly than most can handle. With dragons, black dogs, nightmares, and of course the murderous human or two along the way this world is always rife with another opportunity to keep things tense and interesting.
I'm enjoying this series so much more than I thought possible. I love it to pieces and devoured this book whole. It reads so quickly and smoothly as you're pulled along an action packed ride replete with enough sexual tension to drown a house. Kai may not want to want Ryder, but he's swimming in it. It certainly keeps things interesting between these two as Kai is determined to not get too wrapped up into Court life. Yet ever so slowly he's being dragged further and further into the world Ryder wants him to be a part of inspire of his mixed heritage. Kai may think he's an abomination, but Ryder certainly doesn't share his beliefs.
Definitely a new favorite and I can't believe I don't have more books to instantly devour. Cannot wait to get more in this series!...more
I didn't enjoy this as much as I did the first one and I'm not sure 100% why that it. I remember the first book being a lot more humorous than this onI didn't enjoy this as much as I did the first one and I'm not sure 100% why that it. I remember the first book being a lot more humorous than this one is. All in all though it was still a really enjoyable read. This book felt like it was more of an action/adventure or mystery than anything else. Harvey and Gabe are established in their relationship so there wasn't all the back and forth of the first book. Here we were left with a lot more of Harvey's insecurities, his struggles with his own vampire nature.
The mystery his was fine, nothing too exciting, but it moved the story along well. I liked Gabe in this story has he is coming to grips with living in this vampire world full time and not just slaying any vampire he comes across. Everything built to a nice little crescendo with a bit of kick butt action in the end.
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I didn't enjoy this as much as I did the first one and I'm not sure 100% why that it. I remember the first book being a lot more humorous than this one is. All in all though it was still a really enjoyable read. This book felt like it was more of an action/adventure or mystery than anything else. Harvey and Gabe are established in their relationship so there wasn't all the back and forth of the first book. Here we were left with a lot more of Harvey's insecurities, his struggles with his own vampire nature.
The mystery his was fine, nothing too exciting, but it moved the story along well. I liked Gabe in this story has he is coming to grips with living in this vampire world full time and not just slaying any vampire he comes across. Everything built to a nice little crescendo with a bit of kick butt action in the end....more
This was fun. I was sad it was over so quickly. I actually wish there was a direct sequel to this one. I really liked the characters and the pirate stThis was fun. I was sad it was over so quickly. I actually wish there was a direct sequel to this one. I really liked the characters and the pirate storyline was a lot of fun. I think there's so much more to discover about Keyfer and Radley as characters. I want to know more about both of them. I liked their relationship as it was developing. The entire crew of pirates were great.
If I had one problem with the story it was how (view spoiler)[the magical storm somehow got the shipped dumped in the middle of an island surrounded by mountains (hide spoiler)]. I just wasn't sure how it all worked really, though I enjoyed the rest of the story as they figured out how to get out.
The adventure part of this story moved fast, but kept me entertained.
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This was fun. I was sad it was over so quickly. I actually wish there was a direct sequel to this one. I really liked the characters and the pirate storyline was a lot of fun. I think there's so much more to discover about Keyfer and Radley as characters. I want to know more about both of them. I liked their relationship as it was developing. The entire crew of pirates were great.
If I had one problem with the story it was how (view spoiler)[the magical storm somehow got the shipped dumped in the middle of an island surrounded by mountains (hide spoiler)]. I just wasn't sure how it all worked really, though I enjoyed the rest of the story as they figured out how to get out.
The adventure part of this story moved fast, but kept me entertained....more
It’s funny because I’ve read a number of books by Ms. Chase over the years and yet this was nothing like I expected from her. Everything else I have rIt’s funny because I’ve read a number of books by Ms. Chase over the years and yet this was nothing like I expected from her. Everything else I have read by Ms. Chase has been contemporary and while a simple story I’ve always enjoyed them. This manages to maintain the simplicity Ms. Chase normally personifies in her writing while taking an entirely different tact with a fantasy novel and two warring factions. I enjoyed this story the world created here even if things did wrap up a little too easily for my piece of mind.
Prince Rathian is the Imperator of the Vanguard, the most elite fighting force the Launioc army has to offer. By tradition the Imperator is always the second son of the reigning king and unlike the rest of the army the Vanguard only answers to the Imperator. Their loyalty is absolute even above that offered to king and country. Rathian has chosen to lead his army in the true tradition of the Vanguard through love and earned loyalty rather than fear. As such his men’s bonds are stronger than ever. They are the one fighting force where same sex couples are encouraged and each man is freely allowed to love and embrace the other men in their company. Their bonds are absolute and never broken. When his General brings Rathian their most recent prison from the front lines, one of the feared Consorts of the Villious Queen, he finds himself strangely drawn to the man and trusting very quickly of someone who by nature should be his enemy.
Stakel may have been trained as a Queen’s Consort, but he loathes them and everything he stands for. Taken from his home as a child and forced into subjugated service first in the army until his healing gifts were discovered, and then tortured and beaten into submission as a Consort, Stakel has very few fond memories of the country he calls home. His loyalty in no way lies with the country and monarch of his past. The demon priests have spent years torturing him to force his actions and while they might make him bend, they have never been able to break his spirit. His company loathes him and are more than happy to abandon him during a battle with the Vanguard to hopefully be killed. Instead Stakel finds himself standing before the one man who might be able to change his future.
First of all I really enjoyed the world building here. I found the society created a lot of fun and the structure of the Vanguard to be well executed. I enjoyed the fact that their loyalty was to the commander not to the king and that they would follow him and his orders anywhere. Rathian and Stakel as a couple were very sweet and well balanced. I usually really enjoy stories where the captor is falling for his enemy and this was no exception. I enjoyed that for once Stakel’s capitulation wasn’t brought about by neglect, abuse or any sort of negative reinforcement even to keep others unaware of Rathian’s falling for him. Instead Rathian embraced him as an honored guest to figure out exactly what was going on between them.
Of course the insane (view spoiler)[god given (hide spoiler)] chemistry between Rathian and Stakel leads to many a steamy sex scenes. I particularly enjoyed that they were a balanced couple. Even though Rathian was initially the captor there was never a big alpha male dominant in this relationship. In fact overall I think Stakel has more of a dominant tendency than Rathian does. The first time they truly came together…well YUMMY! Almost illicit sex there. There was never any real question of Stakel’s real value to Rathian and his becoming the Custos.
The secondary characters here were fun if a little one dimensional. Martin and Antioc were sweet and caused me a giggle or two at their charming fun loving open hearted love affair. The plotlines though were all very basic and it didn’t really take much to figure out what was going on. Excelsie’s attitude certainly didn’t leave any question as to him motivations or wants. Even the larger plot against the Villious and their demon priests was very simply wrapped up. This was more a story about the love affair between two men rather than the greater war upon them.
If I had one real complaint about this story it’s that Stakel is never given a chance to go back to see if he can find his family and the land he grew up in. It’s mentioned so often in the beginning, how he misses it all and wishes to return, I would have liked their to be a part of the epilogue of Rathian taking him to find his family. Of course he’s going to stay with the man he loves for the future, but I would have liked some closure to that dangling plot thread.
Otherwise though I enjoyed this story as a quick read and one with a fun world building story. It lacked loads of depth and devastating introspection, but it really didn’t need all of that. I was happy with where all the characters ended up, good triumphed over evil and the ancient gods restored the order of all things. Our heroes are together and I get my HEA. :D
Merged review:
It’s funny because I’ve read a number of books by Ms. Chase over the years and yet this was nothing like I expected from her. Everything else I have read by Ms. Chase has been contemporary and while a simple story I’ve always enjoyed them. This manages to maintain the simplicity Ms. Chase normally personifies in her writing while taking an entirely different tact with a fantasy novel and two warring factions. I enjoyed this story the world created here even if things did wrap up a little too easily for my piece of mind.
Prince Rathian is the Imperator of the Vanguard, the most elite fighting force the Launioc army has to offer. By tradition the Imperator is always the second son of the reigning king and unlike the rest of the army the Vanguard only answers to the Imperator. Their loyalty is absolute even above that offered to king and country. Rathian has chosen to lead his army in the true tradition of the Vanguard through love and earned loyalty rather than fear. As such his men’s bonds are stronger than ever. They are the one fighting force where same sex couples are encouraged and each man is freely allowed to love and embrace the other men in their company. Their bonds are absolute and never broken. When his General brings Rathian their most recent prison from the front lines, one of the feared Consorts of the Villious Queen, he finds himself strangely drawn to the man and trusting very quickly of someone who by nature should be his enemy.
Stakel may have been trained as a Queen’s Consort, but he loathes them and everything he stands for. Taken from his home as a child and forced into subjugated service first in the army until his healing gifts were discovered, and then tortured and beaten into submission as a Consort, Stakel has very few fond memories of the country he calls home. His loyalty in no way lies with the country and monarch of his past. The demon priests have spent years torturing him to force his actions and while they might make him bend, they have never been able to break his spirit. His company loathes him and are more than happy to abandon him during a battle with the Vanguard to hopefully be killed. Instead Stakel finds himself standing before the one man who might be able to change his future.
First of all I really enjoyed the world building here. I found the society created a lot of fun and the structure of the Vanguard to be well executed. I enjoyed the fact that their loyalty was to the commander not to the king and that they would follow him and his orders anywhere. Rathian and Stakel as a couple were very sweet and well balanced. I usually really enjoy stories where the captor is falling for his enemy and this was no exception. I enjoyed that for once Stakel’s capitulation wasn’t brought about by neglect, abuse or any sort of negative reinforcement even to keep others unaware of Rathian’s falling for him. Instead Rathian embraced him as an honored guest to figure out exactly what was going on between them.
Of course the insane (view spoiler)[god given (hide spoiler)] chemistry between Rathian and Stakel leads to many a steamy sex scenes. I particularly enjoyed that they were a balanced couple. Even though Rathian was initially the captor there was never a big alpha male dominant in this relationship. In fact overall I think Stakel has more of a dominant tendency than Rathian does. The first time they truly came together…well YUMMY! Almost illicit sex there. There was never any real question of Stakel’s real value to Rathian and his becoming the Custos.
The secondary characters here were fun if a little one dimensional. Martin and Antioc were sweet and caused me a giggle or two at their charming fun loving open hearted love affair. The plotlines though were all very basic and it didn’t really take much to figure out what was going on. Excelsie’s attitude certainly didn’t leave any question as to him motivations or wants. Even the larger plot against the Villious and their demon priests was very simply wrapped up. This was more a story about the love affair between two men rather than the greater war upon them.
If I had one real complaint about this story it’s that Stakel is never given a chance to go back to see if he can find his family and the land he grew up in. It’s mentioned so often in the beginning, how he misses it all and wishes to return, I would have liked their to be a part of the epilogue of Rathian taking him to find his family. Of course he’s going to stay with the man he loves for the future, but I would have liked some closure to that dangling plot thread.
Otherwise though I enjoyed this story as a quick read and one with a fun world building story. It lacked loads of depth and devastating introspection, but it really didn’t need all of that. I was happy with where all the characters ended up, good triumphed over evil and the ancient gods restored the order of all things. Our heroes are together and I get my HEA. :D...more
This was a satisfying end to this arc in the story of Caleb, Gray, and John. I'm really happy to know that there will be more to come. I'm actually reThis was a satisfying end to this arc in the story of Caleb, Gray, and John. I'm really happy to know that there will be more to come. I'm actually really enjoying the way this series is structured. It's kinda like a serial story with shorter installments, but they're all fulfilling.
After the ending to the last story in this arc the world was crashing down. This was a fast paced race of destruction and reconnection. I was dying right along with Caleb and Gray at the end of the story. John needed to get back with his boys and realize how awful he'd treated them. Of course everything coming to a head in this story was just as crazy as was expected.
Love this story! Can't wait to see the next arc to begin.
Merged review:
This was a satisfying end to this arc in the story of Caleb, Gray, and John. I'm really happy to know that there will be more to come. I'm actually really enjoying the way this series is structured. It's kinda like a serial story with shorter installments, but they're all fulfilling.
After the ending to the last story in this arc the world was crashing down. This was a fast paced race of destruction and reconnection. I was dying right along with Caleb and Gray at the end of the story. John needed to get back with his boys and realize how awful he'd treated them. Of course everything coming to a head in this story was just as crazy as was expected.
Love this story! Can't wait to see the next arc to begin....more
Great little collection of short stories by some of my favorite authors. I'd give it 4.5 stars which for a collection is huge for me. I usually don't Great little collection of short stories by some of my favorite authors. I'd give it 4.5 stars which for a collection is huge for me. I usually don't enjoy short stories as much as a longer novel. And this wasn't painful for me to get through. :)
Rhys Ford - Dim Sum Asylum ★★★★★
Ok I want the full long story here! This needs to be a continuing series and I really hope Rhys has future plans for these two. I just plain loved this. The fantasy elements were well blended into the story and Detective Roku MacCormick, half-fae, half-human, is just delicious. He's a dedicated cop whose had to make difficult decisions. I loved the way his fae side manifests itself in him. Of course he's got a new partner, and I'll accept how quickly these two come together as the bounds of the format, but I want more! Silly little sex hexed statues being chased all throughout Chinatown absolutely had me smirking.
Ginn Hale - Swift and the Black Dog ★★★★
Again some fantastic world building. The fact that there is SOOOO much history to Jack Swift's character and what is going on in the current state of the world somehow gets expressed and doesn't leave the reader wondering. But I can't say I would mind a book that told the story of the revolution either. :D I'd love to see more of how they got to this point. Yet I don't feel as if there are any holes left with me wondering either. But sadly revolution didn't make the perfect utopia and old issues have come back to haunt Jack. This book is low on the romance side and heavy on the world building and the action, but I enjoyed it very much. The romance is really brief and at the end, but I could see things progressing from there as well.
KJ Charles - A Queer Trade ★★★★½
Great new addition to the larger world of the Magpies. I loved how the warlock elements were depicted. Such an interesting set up. And Crispin was so earnest in his need to make everything right. He was determined to get back all of his masters papers and make sure harm came to no one. I liked seeing his meeting with Ned and how slightly unwillingly Ned was drawn into everything that was going on. My only problem came with this because I love this world so much and the characters in it. I enjoyed Crispin and Ned, but they're not my favorite characters in this world. :)
Nicole Kimberling - Magically Delicious ★★★½
The place this falls a little short for me is that it's an established relationship and I don't know the backstory with these two characters. I felt like there was more of story there than there was where we were at. I liked the leprechauns and the pixies. The side characters were and kept the story entertaining. But since we spent most of the book with our romance sidelined it let me down a little bit. Not to mention the cause of the mysterious pixie dust attacking the agents was really easy to figure out and it surprised me how long it took the MC to figure out what could potentially have knocked his partner out.
Jordan Castillo Price - Everyone's Afraid of Clowns ★★★★
This is one of those cases where if you're a fan of this series you're going to love an interlude with Vic and Jacob, if you don't know the series this might be a little harder to follow. There's a lot of history that goes into why both Victor and Jacob find the haunted house they get stuck going through as creepy as they did. Knowing their past I understand why going through there would be harder for them than most. But I enjoyed this little jaunt to find a ghost that Vic remembers from his childhood, back before he really knew what he was. As always there was some good banter between Vic and Jacob and I enjoyed the look in with two of my favorite boyos.
Jordan L. Hawk - The Thirteenth Hex ★★★★★
I loved this introduction to this series (I know there's another book out for it already). I was enthralled with the way the world was established and Dominic captured my heart right away with his earnest nature. I love Rook's passion to find the truth. Such a good beginning to a series I'm now super excited to dig into reading. I liked the way magic and practitioners were divided up. It's an interesting spin on the genre. Just enough intrigue to keep the short interesting and believably throw Rook and Dominic into each other's path. Dominic is so sweet and determined to be the best at drawing hexes and helping the police force he couldn't qualify to join after failing his magical aptitude test. Of course there's more to Dominic than even he knows and Rook is all he needs to bring it out. I loved the way Rook was with Dominic as he got to know him. As a familiar Rook knows what he's about, but he's always been solo as he hasn't found his witch. So fun watching these two get together and I can't wait to read more.
Charlie Cochet - The Soldati Prince ★★★
I usually love Charlie Cochet's writing, but this one fell short for me. It was my least favorite of the compilation in large part because I felt the romance between the main characters was rushed. I liked the opening very much. Riley was great as the main character. I loved how he was minding his own business closing up shop one night only to be attacked by creepy demon creatures and rescued by shape changing tigers. Cool, I'm on board. Riley's snarky in the right ways and if this had been a full length novel I probably would have loved it. But because his lovely destined mate is a complete dickhead and determined to get rid of Riley there's not enough space for his redemption into loving Riley to really be believable. I would love to see more in this world and see even this story re-written into a full length novel. Plus there were a few side characters I'd love to see get their own book.
Andrea Speed - Josh of the Damned vs. the Bathroom of Doom ★★★★
Having read the first book in this series I at least knew what I was walking into. Normally I hate to read things out of order, but there's a number of books to get to where this fits in the timeline. But because of the short nature of all the stories in this world I don't think it matters that much. Here's the thing, this gets four stars from me because I like the nature of the world more than the plot that happens here. I love the creativity of the 7-11 style store and the late shift clerk dealing with all his supernatural clientele. This works because of the absurdity of the situation. Electrified moving bathtub, teeth filled toilets, and zombified hamsters make me giggle within this context.
Astrid Amara - The Trouble With Hexes ★★★★½
This really worked as a short story! Why? Because these two characters have history behind them that drives everything that happens. It's easily to accept their reconciliation and the romance within the story because these two men are already in love and were separated over a fight. The exact nature of which is the cause of bringing them back together now. Tim is a PI and grounded in the real world. He doesn't believe in hexes. Vincent insists they're real and claims that breaking them is what causes his seizures. Tim leaves because he can't stand to see the man he loves dying because he believes in something not real. Only now Tim is the one dying and 4 months of doctors can't figure out what's wrong with him. His last ditch thought is of Vincent and his talk of hexes. Turns out hexes are real after all. It also helps that I have a soft spot for tattoo boys. Loved Vincent and his tattoos and walking on the edge nature. There's real love between these two and as they figure out where the hex is coming from it's easy to see them getting back together. I'd love to know where these two go from here.
-------
Altogether one of the better compilations I've read. I really enjoyed this book. :)
Merged review:
Great little collection of short stories by some of my favorite authors. I'd give it 4.5 stars which for a collection is huge for me. I usually don't enjoy short stories as much as a longer novel. And this wasn't painful for me to get through. :)
Rhys Ford - Dim Sum Asylum ★★★★★
Ok I want the full long story here! This needs to be a continuing series and I really hope Rhys has future plans for these two. I just plain loved this. The fantasy elements were well blended into the story and Detective Roku MacCormick, half-fae, half-human, is just delicious. He's a dedicated cop whose had to make difficult decisions. I loved the way his fae side manifests itself in him. Of course he's got a new partner, and I'll accept how quickly these two come together as the bounds of the format, but I want more! Silly little sex hexed statues being chased all throughout Chinatown absolutely had me smirking.
Ginn Hale - Swift and the Black Dog ★★★★
Again some fantastic world building. The fact that there is SOOOO much history to Jack Swift's character and what is going on in the current state of the world somehow gets expressed and doesn't leave the reader wondering. But I can't say I would mind a book that told the story of the revolution either. :D I'd love to see more of how they got to this point. Yet I don't feel as if there are any holes left with me wondering either. But sadly revolution didn't make the perfect utopia and old issues have come back to haunt Jack. This book is low on the romance side and heavy on the world building and the action, but I enjoyed it very much. The romance is really brief and at the end, but I could see things progressing from there as well.
KJ Charles - A Queer Trade ★★★★½
Great new addition to the larger world of the Magpies. I loved how the warlock elements were depicted. Such an interesting set up. And Crispin was so earnest in his need to make everything right. He was determined to get back all of his masters papers and make sure harm came to no one. I liked seeing his meeting with Ned and how slightly unwillingly Ned was drawn into everything that was going on. My only problem came with this because I love this world so much and the characters in it. I enjoyed Crispin and Ned, but they're not my favorite characters in this world. :)
Nicole Kimberling - Magically Delicious ★★★½
The place this falls a little short for me is that it's an established relationship and I don't know the backstory with these two characters. I felt like there was more of story there than there was where we were at. I liked the leprechauns and the pixies. The side characters were and kept the story entertaining. But since we spent most of the book with our romance sidelined it let me down a little bit. Not to mention the cause of the mysterious pixie dust attacking the agents was really easy to figure out and it surprised me how long it took the MC to figure out what could potentially have knocked his partner out.
Jordan Castillo Price - Everyone's Afraid of Clowns ★★★★
This is one of those cases where if you're a fan of this series you're going to love an interlude with Vic and Jacob, if you don't know the series this might be a little harder to follow. There's a lot of history that goes into why both Victor and Jacob find the haunted house they get stuck going through as creepy as they did. Knowing their past I understand why going through there would be harder for them than most. But I enjoyed this little jaunt to find a ghost that Vic remembers from his childhood, back before he really knew what he was. As always there was some good banter between Vic and Jacob and I enjoyed the look in with two of my favorite boyos.
Jordan L. Hawk - The Thirteenth Hex ★★★★★
I loved this introduction to this series (I know there's another book out for it already). I was enthralled with the way the world was established and Dominic captured my heart right away with his earnest nature. I love Rook's passion to find the truth. Such a good beginning to a series I'm now super excited to dig into reading. I liked the way magic and practitioners were divided up. It's an interesting spin on the genre. Just enough intrigue to keep the short interesting and believably throw Rook and Dominic into each other's path. Dominic is so sweet and determined to be the best at drawing hexes and helping the police force he couldn't qualify to join after failing his magical aptitude test. Of course there's more to Dominic than even he knows and Rook is all he needs to bring it out. I loved the way Rook was with Dominic as he got to know him. As a familiar Rook knows what he's about, but he's always been solo as he hasn't found his witch. So fun watching these two get together and I can't wait to read more.
Charlie Cochet - The Soldati Prince ★★★
I usually love Charlie Cochet's writing, but this one fell short for me. It was my least favorite of the compilation in large part because I felt the romance between the main characters was rushed. I liked the opening very much. Riley was great as the main character. I loved how he was minding his own business closing up shop one night only to be attacked by creepy demon creatures and rescued by shape changing tigers. Cool, I'm on board. Riley's snarky in the right ways and if this had been a full length novel I probably would have loved it. But because his lovely destined mate is a complete dickhead and determined to get rid of Riley there's not enough space for his redemption into loving Riley to really be believable. I would love to see more in this world and see even this story re-written into a full length novel. Plus there were a few side characters I'd love to see get their own book.
Andrea Speed - Josh of the Damned vs. the Bathroom of Doom ★★★★
Having read the first book in this series I at least knew what I was walking into. Normally I hate to read things out of order, but there's a number of books to get to where this fits in the timeline. But because of the short nature of all the stories in this world I don't think it matters that much. Here's the thing, this gets four stars from me because I like the nature of the world more than the plot that happens here. I love the creativity of the 7-11 style store and the late shift clerk dealing with all his supernatural clientele. This works because of the absurdity of the situation. Electrified moving bathtub, teeth filled toilets, and zombified hamsters make me giggle within this context.
Astrid Amara - The Trouble With Hexes ★★★★½
This really worked as a short story! Why? Because these two characters have history behind them that drives everything that happens. It's easily to accept their reconciliation and the romance within the story because these two men are already in love and were separated over a fight. The exact nature of which is the cause of bringing them back together now. Tim is a PI and grounded in the real world. He doesn't believe in hexes. Vincent insists they're real and claims that breaking them is what causes his seizures. Tim leaves because he can't stand to see the man he loves dying because he believes in something not real. Only now Tim is the one dying and 4 months of doctors can't figure out what's wrong with him. His last ditch thought is of Vincent and his talk of hexes. Turns out hexes are real after all. It also helps that I have a soft spot for tattoo boys. Loved Vincent and his tattoos and walking on the edge nature. There's real love between these two and as they figure out where the hex is coming from it's easy to see them getting back together. I'd love to know where these two go from here.
-------
Altogether one of the better compilations I've read. I really enjoyed this book. :)...more
This story has gotten better and better with each installment. And this one brought in whole new elements while wrapping up a few threads tha4.5 Stars
This story has gotten better and better with each installment. And this one brought in whole new elements while wrapping up a few threads that had been dangling for awhile. There's a slight rewind at the beginning of this story to show Ushna's side of the things after Tristan's "death." I really felt for him and the pain he was dealing with after the birth of his and Tristan's triplets, the loss of his mate, and the tease of knowing something is telling him Tristan is still out there. He's barley hanging on trying to keep everything together long enough to get Tristan back.
I really enjoyed the dynamic with Brian brought into the mix. It did feel like finally Tristan and Ushna were complete to have the third they were always supposed to have. This closes out the set up of this story. All the pieces are in place for the final confrontation and you can feel it building.
And now their's DRAGONS!!! Dragons!!! I have to say I love dragons. I'm so curious to see where all of this is building too. One more to go!
Merged review:
4.5 Stars
This story has gotten better and better with each installment. And this one brought in whole new elements while wrapping up a few threads that had been dangling for awhile. There's a slight rewind at the beginning of this story to show Ushna's side of the things after Tristan's "death." I really felt for him and the pain he was dealing with after the birth of his and Tristan's triplets, the loss of his mate, and the tease of knowing something is telling him Tristan is still out there. He's barley hanging on trying to keep everything together long enough to get Tristan back.
I really enjoyed the dynamic with Brian brought into the mix. It did feel like finally Tristan and Ushna were complete to have the third they were always supposed to have. This closes out the set up of this story. All the pieces are in place for the final confrontation and you can feel it building.
And now their's DRAGONS!!! Dragons!!! I have to say I love dragons. I'm so curious to see where all of this is building too. One more to go!...more
Caesar's life is set to spin out of control through no fault of his own, but he's suddenly in the middle of a blackmail scheme that involves 3.5 Stars
Caesar's life is set to spin out of control through no fault of his own, but he's suddenly in the middle of a blackmail scheme that involves stolen property and eventually a body or two as well. All he wanted to do was prove how capable he was and find a new job with a better gallery. Instead he's trying to figure out all the twists and turns of what's going on while also dealing with a cop, sort of, who is also investigating. Being attracted to Dan isn't helpful at the moment, but suddenly he's caught up in a new affair as well.
This story is fun in that it's got some humor and plenty of twists and turns. The romance is a little rushed and insta-lovey but I did like both characters. I was cheering for Caesar. He's the poor guy stuck in a spot that he really had nothing to do with. I'm glad I gave this a reread since I remembered none of it. I'm adding the next book to my TBR.
Merged review:
3.5 Stars
Caesar's life is set to spin out of control through no fault of his own, but he's suddenly in the middle of a blackmail scheme that involves stolen property and eventually a body or two as well. All he wanted to do was prove how capable he was and find a new job with a better gallery. Instead he's trying to figure out all the twists and turns of what's going on while also dealing with a cop, sort of, who is also investigating. Being attracted to Dan isn't helpful at the moment, but suddenly he's caught up in a new affair as well.
This story is fun in that it's got some humor and plenty of twists and turns. The romance is a little rushed and insta-lovey but I did like both characters. I was cheering for Caesar. He's the poor guy stuck in a spot that he really had nothing to do with. I'm glad I gave this a reread since I remembered none of it. I'm adding the next book to my TBR....more
OMG! Giddy bouncing going on over here. I somehow had it in my head after Book 5 that Megan Derr was done with this series. I can't believe we got anoOMG! Giddy bouncing going on over here. I somehow had it in my head after Book 5 that Megan Derr was done with this series. I can't believe we got another book. And on top of that it's super fantastic!!!
***I received my copy from Netgalley and that in no way influences my review. These are my opinions in their full reactive glory. ***
So I absolutely adored this book. Not only is it in one of my favorite series' by Megan Derr, it continues with some of my favorite characters as well. I have enjoyed every book in the "Dance with the Devil" series, but previous to this, every book has stood on their own as essentially a stand alone in the greater world. There have been little mentions of characters or events in previous books that tied things together, but no character/group of characters has ever had a direct sequel before. Imagine my delight when the first time it happens it's with my favorite characters from the series. Shield of the Dragon is a direct sequel to Sword of the King, the previous book in the series. I adored that book and the unique take on dragons that is first put forth in Midnight but expanded upon in "Sword."
This book actually really settled the world building for me. As every book has been individual, and has taken place in different cities and points of reference around the world, the actual world building felt disjointed at times when you looked at the greater scheme of things. I was never completely sure how each book or location interlaced with the others in the series. This book really took the greater world and brought all the little tendrils in and tied them together. We were introduced to the Clans in Midnight and the syndicates in Sword of the King, but it's here where we finally get to really see more of the structure of both and how they differ as the two sides of the dragon coin collide. There are a lot of returning characters in this book from many of the previous books in the series, and more than a few hints of how connected other parts might just be. I loved that about this story. There were so many potential story lines and later books that this story establishes. This is the first book that really cemented for me how the paranormal world works within the normal world as well. I always felt like in the previous books the normal world knew the paranormal existed. This clearly establishes that not to be the case.
As for the actual meat of this book, it was absolutely deliciously yummy. Ken was always one of my favorite characters from the previous book and I was delighted to get to focus on him in this story. Seeing all of his insecurities brought to the surface as he struggled to find his place in the new world order was just lovely. He's gone through so much pain in the past and his introduction to the paranormal world was turbulent to say the least. Ken has never really had a home, except for in his relationship with Nev, and even that has had lingering question marks in his brain. Now with Amr and being inducted into Clan Mordred, Ken isn't really sure where he stands and Amr isn't making it any easier. There is a lot of work to be done to get Clan Mordred established in their new home and after their one kiss Amr has seemed to distance himself. Ken, in his new role as Steward, is constantly barraged with the attacks of the syndicates as they test the boundaries as well. This makes for one tight bundle of nerves from the get go. It gave a kick start to really getting to tell Ken and Amr figuring out what they wanted which was nice as they were the side story in the last book. I really loved Ken's journey in this book. He truly is discovering who and what he is in the world, his strength and place is his for the taking.
The introduction of Diamond was really great as well. Such a fun take on the Snow White story. Diamond was poisoned by his own brother and is the only person alive that has survived that particular curse. It drastically changed is physical appearance to ghost white with blood red lips and has made his blood poisonous to everyone around him. He is death walking. Not a pleasant introduction to the fact that the paranormal does exist. He has worked diligently for the Cambry Syndicate since as the chief enforcer. As much as he would dearly love to bound with a dragon, the seem to want nothing to do with him. That is until one of the clans comes calling and using his boss to help further their cause.
I loved the plot lines in this story. This really establishes what the boundaries of the syndicates and clans are. It makes it clear how the dragons came to be and how they got to the place they are at now. Of course there is a ton of action as Ken and Diamond are working on different sides of the same coin. Everyone wants control of the Pendragon, no matter that he's chosen his bond and won't be forced out of it. Ken will defend Amr and Cam with his life.
So many old friends coming back to join the party in this story. I knew immediately who Grey was and it just made me grin stupidly at the world. His addition into this story was the icing on the cake. You knew he had to be working towards something even if at times you weren't sure exactly what that was. Some of his actions seemed incredibly misleading, and yet you knew their had to be a point somewhere. I liked how he took Diamond under his wing and encouraged him with York, pointing everyone in the best direction even when it seemed at odds with what they thought should be right. He is still kick ass and awesome.
It's so hard writing this review to be as spoiler free as possible when all I really want to do is fangirl gush over so many little specific moments within this story. I love this take on the Arthurian myths and Camelot. It's twisted just enough to fit perfectly within the framework of this story. Getting the teaser at the end of this book for the next book and what it's to be about has got me all a quiver for 2017. I will need to get my hands on that one as soon as possible. Once again Megan Derr does not disappoint and I'm gifted with another fabulous story to enjoy endlessly.
Merged review:
OMG! Giddy bouncing going on over here. I somehow had it in my head after Book 5 that Megan Derr was done with this series. I can't believe we got another book. And on top of that it's super fantastic!!!
***I received my copy from Netgalley and that in no way influences my review. These are my opinions in their full reactive glory. ***
So I absolutely adored this book. Not only is it in one of my favorite series' by Megan Derr, it continues with some of my favorite characters as well. I have enjoyed every book in the "Dance with the Devil" series, but previous to this, every book has stood on their own as essentially a stand alone in the greater world. There have been little mentions of characters or events in previous books that tied things together, but no character/group of characters has ever had a direct sequel before. Imagine my delight when the first time it happens it's with my favorite characters from the series. Shield of the Dragon is a direct sequel to Sword of the King, the previous book in the series. I adored that book and the unique take on dragons that is first put forth in Midnight but expanded upon in "Sword."
This book actually really settled the world building for me. As every book has been individual, and has taken place in different cities and points of reference around the world, the actual world building felt disjointed at times when you looked at the greater scheme of things. I was never completely sure how each book or location interlaced with the others in the series. This book really took the greater world and brought all the little tendrils in and tied them together. We were introduced to the Clans in Midnight and the syndicates in Sword of the King, but it's here where we finally get to really see more of the structure of both and how they differ as the two sides of the dragon coin collide. There are a lot of returning characters in this book from many of the previous books in the series, and more than a few hints of how connected other parts might just be. I loved that about this story. There were so many potential story lines and later books that this story establishes. This is the first book that really cemented for me how the paranormal world works within the normal world as well. I always felt like in the previous books the normal world knew the paranormal existed. This clearly establishes that not to be the case.
As for the actual meat of this book, it was absolutely deliciously yummy. Ken was always one of my favorite characters from the previous book and I was delighted to get to focus on him in this story. Seeing all of his insecurities brought to the surface as he struggled to find his place in the new world order was just lovely. He's gone through so much pain in the past and his introduction to the paranormal world was turbulent to say the least. Ken has never really had a home, except for in his relationship with Nev, and even that has had lingering question marks in his brain. Now with Amr and being inducted into Clan Mordred, Ken isn't really sure where he stands and Amr isn't making it any easier. There is a lot of work to be done to get Clan Mordred established in their new home and after their one kiss Amr has seemed to distance himself. Ken, in his new role as Steward, is constantly barraged with the attacks of the syndicates as they test the boundaries as well. This makes for one tight bundle of nerves from the get go. It gave a kick start to really getting to tell Ken and Amr figuring out what they wanted which was nice as they were the side story in the last book. I really loved Ken's journey in this book. He truly is discovering who and what he is in the world, his strength and place is his for the taking.
The introduction of Diamond was really great as well. Such a fun take on the Snow White story. Diamond was poisoned by his own brother and is the only person alive that has survived that particular curse. It drastically changed is physical appearance to ghost white with blood red lips and has made his blood poisonous to everyone around him. He is death walking. Not a pleasant introduction to the fact that the paranormal does exist. He has worked diligently for the Cambry Syndicate since as the chief enforcer. As much as he would dearly love to bound with a dragon, the seem to want nothing to do with him. That is until one of the clans comes calling and using his boss to help further their cause.
I loved the plot lines in this story. This really establishes what the boundaries of the syndicates and clans are. It makes it clear how the dragons came to be and how they got to the place they are at now. Of course there is a ton of action as Ken and Diamond are working on different sides of the same coin. Everyone wants control of the Pendragon, no matter that he's chosen his bond and won't be forced out of it. Ken will defend Amr and Cam with his life.
So many old friends coming back to join the party in this story. I knew immediately who Grey was and it just made me grin stupidly at the world. His addition into this story was the icing on the cake. You knew he had to be working towards something even if at times you weren't sure exactly what that was. Some of his actions seemed incredibly misleading, and yet you knew their had to be a point somewhere. I liked how he took Diamond under his wing and encouraged him with York, pointing everyone in the best direction even when it seemed at odds with what they thought should be right. He is still kick ass and awesome.
It's so hard writing this review to be as spoiler free as possible when all I really want to do is fangirl gush over so many little specific moments within this story. I love this take on the Arthurian myths and Camelot. It's twisted just enough to fit perfectly within the framework of this story. Getting the teaser at the end of this book for the next book and what it's to be about has got me all a quiver for 2017. I will need to get my hands on that one as soon as possible. Once again Megan Derr does not disappoint and I'm gifted with another fabulous story to enjoy endlessly....more
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