Well this was a lovely surprise. I really didn't know anything about this story when I decided to read it and I'm really happy I did. I liked4.5 Stars
Well this was a lovely surprise. I really didn't know anything about this story when I decided to read it and I'm really happy I did. I liked the slow development of the relationship between Oberon and Ángel. Ángel was truly terrified of this strange mystical being he found himself suddenly tied to through no fault of his own. He's trapped in a house with something he knows nothing about and is cut off from everything and everyone familiar to him. Yet he can't help but be drawn to Oberon, his love of music and something about the otherworldly man just keeps pulling him in.
I loved that Ángel didn't just suddenly become easy with Oberon. There was no overnight change for some arbitrary reason. He took careful steps forward and found new footing each time. There were setbacks and so much miscommunication as should be expected in two such disparate species who really know nothing about each other. I really enjoyed the differences in the way Jenya Keefe portrayed her fae. This was an interesting new take on the fae while still keeping some of the identifiable characteristics fantasy readers will recognize.
I really hope that this becomes a series eventually because I really enjoyed the characters and world being created. The ending left things open for more books and other characters in my opinion and I would love to see where things would go next.
Merged review:
4.5 Stars
Well this was a lovely surprise. I really didn't know anything about this story when I decided to read it and I'm really happy I did. I liked the slow development of the relationship between Oberon and Ángel. Ángel was truly terrified of this strange mystical being he found himself suddenly tied to through no fault of his own. He's trapped in a house with something he knows nothing about and is cut off from everything and everyone familiar to him. Yet he can't help but be drawn to Oberon, his love of music and something about the otherworldly man just keeps pulling him in.
I loved that Ángel didn't just suddenly become easy with Oberon. There was no overnight change for some arbitrary reason. He took careful steps forward and found new footing each time. There were setbacks and so much miscommunication as should be expected in two such disparate species who really know nothing about each other. I really enjoyed the differences in the way Jenya Keefe portrayed her fae. This was an interesting new take on the fae while still keeping some of the identifiable characteristics fantasy readers will recognize.
I really hope that this becomes a series eventually because I really enjoyed the characters and world being created. The ending left things open for more books and other characters in my opinion and I would love to see where things would go next....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
*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
Ok, yep, this is my favorite book in this series. I was just thoroughly entertained and happy reading this whole thing. I loved Mack storming into theOk, yep, this is my favorite book in this series. I was just thoroughly entertained and happy reading this whole thing. I loved Mack storming into the middle of all of the guys completely out of sorts. And sure, this is an insta-love, but I just loved Jordan and Mack as they figured things out. The magic needs help and Mack has more knowledge than any of the guys. They're so talented, but essentially self taught and it's so great every time the surprise Mack with what they've accomplished.
Everything is building to a boiling point and it's pretty much now or never. It's one all out crazy ride as the whole crew tries to figure out a solution to get them out of the mess they're in. This book has the most going on in solving the greater mystery of what's going on. I loved it all.
Honestly finishing this story has me immediately reading the next, but also knowing that I'm not going to enjoy it as much as this one. It feels kind of anticlimactic actually. Sure, we'll get the story of what was going on in the house out of time, but there's not a ton of mystery left.
Merged review:
Ok, yep, this is my favorite book in this series. I was just thoroughly entertained and happy reading this whole thing. I loved Mack storming into the middle of all of the guys completely out of sorts. And sure, this is an insta-love, but I just loved Jordan and Mack as they figured things out. The magic needs help and Mack has more knowledge than any of the guys. They're so talented, but essentially self taught and it's so great every time the surprise Mack with what they've accomplished.
Everything is building to a boiling point and it's pretty much now or never. It's one all out crazy ride as the whole crew tries to figure out a solution to get them out of the mess they're in. This book has the most going on in solving the greater mystery of what's going on. I loved it all.
Honestly finishing this story has me immediately reading the next, but also knowing that I'm not going to enjoy it as much as this one. It feels kind of anticlimactic actually. Sure, we'll get the story of what was going on in the house out of time, but there's not a ton of mystery left....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
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
I enjoyed this story. I loved Olivia, she's a great spunky librarian. I'm always in favor of an awesome librarian. Sebastian's interesting, I enjoyed I enjoyed this story. I loved Olivia, she's a great spunky librarian. I'm always in favor of an awesome librarian. Sebastian's interesting, I enjoyed how stoic he was about the curse and yet still willing to enjoy the chance of finally finding a mate.
This was fun even if the action was rather expected and ultimately pretty uneventful. I enjoyed this story and just wished it was longer as is usual with me for any novella I enjoy.
Merged review:
I enjoyed this story. I loved Olivia, she's a great spunky librarian. I'm always in favor of an awesome librarian. Sebastian's interesting, I enjoyed how stoic he was about the curse and yet still willing to enjoy the chance of finally finding a mate.
This was fun even if the action was rather expected and ultimately pretty uneventful. I enjoyed this story and just wished it was longer as is usual with me for any novella I enjoy....more
So I always liked cantankerous Mal. He's done his duty for so many years and ultimately gets punished for it. I also enjoyed the slightly nerdy but veSo I always liked cantankerous Mal. He's done his duty for so many years and ultimately gets punished for it. I also enjoyed the slightly nerdy but very devoted Bryce. He's worked hard to get for his passions, and the ecosystem is his baby. The problems with this book stem from the personality switching that happens a little too abruptly in this one for me. While the tethering of Mal and Bryce together started out as something cute and a fun way to annoy Mal, the nature of Druids and Fae made this one a little uncomfortable. I didn't like the way what seemed like their innate nature's suddenly got inverted.
But otherwise I liked this story, the mysterious Steve was great. I had an inkling of who he might actually be, but it was fun watching Mal work his way through things. I enjoyed Bryce's kid like awe of the land of fairy. Overall I really liked the story, I just could have done with out the forced personality switch.
Merged review:
So I always liked cantankerous Mal. He's done his duty for so many years and ultimately gets punished for it. I also enjoyed the slightly nerdy but very devoted Bryce. He's worked hard to get for his passions, and the ecosystem is his baby. The problems with this book stem from the personality switching that happens a little too abruptly in this one for me. While the tethering of Mal and Bryce together started out as something cute and a fun way to annoy Mal, the nature of Druids and Fae made this one a little uncomfortable. I didn't like the way what seemed like their innate nature's suddenly got inverted.
But otherwise I liked this story, the mysterious Steve was great. I had an inkling of who he might actually be, but it was fun watching Mal work his way through things. I enjoyed Bryce's kid like awe of the land of fairy. Overall I really liked the story, I just could have done with out the forced personality switch....more
This was adorably sweet. I love the shy dragon. Cillian is so cute in his insecurities. He doesn't want to be the center of attention, unlike his poliThis was adorably sweet. I love the shy dragon. Cillian is so cute in his insecurities. He doesn't want to be the center of attention, unlike his politician brother. The fact that both Cillian and Finnick both can't seem to get up the courage to speak to the other was cute. I loved that Finnick's best friend is such a force of personality and pushing him to actually step out there and reach for his crush.
There's just enough tension in this one with the assassination attempts to keep things interesting without making some huge forced drama between the our main characters. The misunderstanding that does happen is believable and gets resolved quickly when they actually talk to each other.
I'm enjoying the books in this series as it's introducing some new authors while also giving me some of my favorites. I love Sam Burns and W.M. Fawkes, and this did not disappoint for a feel good novel....more
I loved Fletcher. He's had a traumatic past but is slowly finding his place in Rowan Harbor. He's always been the shy one on the edges, but this groupI loved Fletcher. He's had a traumatic past but is slowly finding his place in Rowan Harbor. He's always been the shy one on the edges, but this group is dragging him in and making him a part of their friendships. They're all concerned for him after the events of what happened with the book. Now his past has shown back up in town and everything's topsy turvy.
I can't imagine being confronted with your mom's killer out of the blue like that, let alone trying to trust one of the group who came with that killer. But Connor really is that sweet. And he's more uninformed than a true hunter. I appreciated the way things came about with Connor's being "enlightened" with what's really going on. Go Fletcher!
I'm enjoying that this is one big epic story across so the multiple trilogies. I'm looking forward to starting the next arc and getting to be back with the other couples in this series. They're all such great guys. ...more
This was a good read and I was cheering for Dante and Cully to get their true HEA. We knew what their problem was and it was just going to be seeing hThis was a good read and I was cheering for Dante and Cully to get their true HEA. We knew what their problem was and it was just going to be seeing how it all played out. I did feel for these guys, the missed connections and the confusion of the dual memories had to have been confusing. I wanted them to figure things out and every time they lost time you kept hoping they'd pull it more together the next time.
The downside of this story is you already know where it's going to get to. I almost wish that we got there quicker and got to see more of all of these guys after they're out. I want to know how things are going to go for the whole coven from here on out. They're such interesting, fun, sweet characters I want to know more about how they're going to succeed now that they've come into their own....more
Hello epic conclusion to this arc. I gotta say as much as this puts a cap on Ian and Veritas' story, all of these gods showing up and Veritas' brotherHello epic conclusion to this arc. I gotta say as much as this puts a cap on Ian and Veritas' story, all of these gods showing up and Veritas' brother (who I quite like) means lots of opportunity to expand this world more. I'd be here for it.
Ian and Veritas are determined to stop the end of the world as we know it. I adored how this brought so many of our old friends back in to help. The greater world series has introduced so many great characters so I love seeing them pop back up. This is pretty much go from the start even if things aren't headed in the direction Veritas might expect at first. And well Ian's not going to care one way or the other, he's going to be by her side hell or high water.
Great story that I hope leads to more in this world....more
I thoroughly enjoyed this. I love Dragos and Pia and of course their Peanut is precocious. Pia's "manipulation" of Dragos to get what they both neededI thoroughly enjoyed this. I love Dragos and Pia and of course their Peanut is precocious. Pia's "manipulation" of Dragos to get what they both needed was fun. He needs a vacation and well a treasure hunt is just what the dragon ordered. ;) Stupid idiots being just that, stupid isn't going to ruin their trip and all of that is going to be handled by one angry dragon. ...more
Parker and Nick forever! I just love this couple so much. They're so great together and I'm always rooting for them and the friends they have around tParker and Nick forever! I just love this couple so much. They're so great together and I'm always rooting for them and the friends they have around them. This time around though things are getting harder and harder to keep secret. More and more deaths keep turning up and Parker of course finds himself right in the middle of it all once again. Of course nothing is ever simple and the old gods make it even more complicated.
This story is pretty much on go through the whole thing. I loved seeing Parker and Nick take a step forward in their relationship even as everything else is tumbling head over heels around them. Love the new house btw! They are bound and determined to be there for each other, but also no matter what, you know help save the world along the way. Even when they're in a battle they know they can't win, with forces much stronger than their own.
Darkness has their day in this one. And I'm both elated and reluctant to read the last book in the series. I want to read it right now! But also, I hate that then things will be done. I love this world and all these characters. ...more
Well this book was fun. I appreciate that it introduced me to Eliot Grayson as well. I'll definitely have to check out another book by this author. ThWell this book was fun. I appreciate that it introduced me to Eliot Grayson as well. I'll definitely have to check out another book by this author. This series is interesting as each book is so different. I liked this one with the assassin turned onto a job that doesn't seem to be really on the up and up even for an assassination. I enjoyed Callum having his world up ended as he figures out there's more out there even as he resists doing the job he was hired to do.
Linden is super sweet and everything that's happening to him feels ridiculously unfair. I was cheering for him to get a bit of good karma coming his way. Ultimately this just made me smile and relax with a easy story....more
4.5 Stars This book was a great pleasant surprise. My sister recommended the book to me, but I knew nothing about it going in. Oooh boy, I do love the4.5 Stars This book was a great pleasant surprise. My sister recommended the book to me, but I knew nothing about it going in. Oooh boy, I do love the dark anti-hero types. Callie and the Bargainer are such fun. I love how she just isn't going to back down from him no matter what. His reputation may scare everyone else, but she knows Dev and he doesn't intimidate her.
This book was fascinating from the start and the audio was really fantastic. I enjoyed getting to see both the current return of the Bargainer to Callie's life, but also how their relationship began with all of the flashbacks. It really established who these two were to each other and where miscommunication and misunderstanding had things unclear between them.
The greater mystery and threat to Dev's realm is a smaller part of this initial book than I expected. And really only gets truly ramped up in the last quarter. The first 2/3 to 3/4 is a little bit of investigation with a lot of relationship misunderstandings being worked out, albeit reluctantly and slowly as neither of these two is used to sharing their feelings.
I loved this one and look forward to the next book in the series....more
I love the relationship between Rune and Brand. Nothing will ever break that bond and it's fun to see them before everything gets complicated with theI love the relationship between Rune and Brand. Nothing will ever break that bond and it's fun to see them before everything gets complicated with the Sun throne and they're just working for Lord Tower....more
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