Jessica
Oh by golly miss molly but what was THAT? Don't get me wrong; the story was riveting and really drew in my attention. HOWEVER. That ENDING. That ending made me want to flip a table. Then right the table and put everything back on it just so I could flip it again. Oof. Unless I receive confirmation that annoying misunderstanding/miscommunication (aren't all relationships like that, you ask?) is cleared up, I'm most likely not going to undertake the suffering I went through from that ending TWICE.
Although the details of Amaranthe's torture pained me (no pun intended), I found this book as marvelous as its predecessors. I was somewhat miffed that Maldynado was suspected of colluding with Forge in order to help his brother, but at least it never became too big of a deal where someone died or anything. The growing bond between Maldynado and Yara was somewhat intriguing, as well (however, in the beginning, I didn't find their potential connection so interesting). Something particularly intriguing was Maldynado's concern for Amaranthe. I found it heartening and simply adorable.
And, of course, Sicarius and Amaranthe. Cue my swoonage. Sicarius being comforting, considerate, and caring? Sign me up! I'm ashamed to admit that I skipped ahead to the part where Sicarius and Amaranthe finally meet up again; after reading a few chapters, I just couldn't wait any longer. But really, who could blame me? And I went back to read everything else later so no harm done...right?
And then there's the Sespian and Sicarius issue. Perhaps I should Amaranthe in there as part of the “problem.” Truth me told, I found it odd how Lindsay Buroker put them in a love triangle, considering two corners of the “triangle” are related to each other...and part of different generations...awkward, I initially thought. But Buroker reminds us of why she did so in this book.
And that ending...Oh dear, another adventure awaits. And I can't wait!
Just a quick note for the record since I can't wait to start on the next book. I absolutely loved this book. The only thing that was annoying was the chronic and stupid misunderstanding between Taylor and Victor in, I don't know, a majority of the ending. Other than that, fabulous. 1000%. I'd also like to make a note that I finished this book before realizing that this was the SECOND book in the series. However, I understood things perfectly well. So yeah. Just a sidenote...I'M COMING RUBY SHADOWS.
4.5 stars. Not because I found it drastically awful or anything. Really, this book was as splendid as the its predecessor.
I found it interesting how Lindsay Buroker switched the points of views between Books and Amaranthe yet continued to write in third person. The character development Books underwent was also intriguing. Perhaps Buroker is aiming to show us how each of the members in the group changes into a more professional vigilante.
The progress in Amaranthe and Sicarius's relationship, however, is what I am currently gushing over. Their forward march to romance is faster than I initially presumed it would be, for which I thank Buroker for. Buroker weaves another story in which Amaranthe and Sicarius's relationship steadily inches forward while they race to solve another problem of the empire as the Emperor's Edge.
In the beginning, I was skeptical of this book because I knew the first encounter between Sicarius and Amaranthe would be disastrous, to say the least. However, after one of my favorite authors gave the series a wondrous review, I decided to pick it up again. I quite enjoyed this book. There was plenty of action to keep my mind occupied. The subtle growing relationship between Sicarius and Amaranthe didn't hurt either. Amaranthe's team's antics were delightful as well. All in all, a good book, however it did annoy me how Sespian never got the situation straight with Amaranthe and Sicarius. One day...however, I'm about 98% certain it won't end well.
I didn't know how I would feel about this book before I started it. My wariness was based on this new setting: Noctem Falls, the Pillar City of Night. Its population predominantly consists of vampires, plus it's underground. I thought I would feel uncomfortable with this foreign place, along with new characters I have no idea what to expect from.
However, I should know by now that Alanea Alder will always please many other readers and myself with this series. Meryn is still up to her antics, making new friends with hilarious characters, and kicking jerkwads' butts. Actually, I feel like this book had a big dose of Meryn, but that could just be my personal opinion. Maybe it's just that I focused on her the most because of her vibrant personality. There's nothing to fear; the other characters that are there are still mentioned aplenty.
The only things I didn't like, or missed, about this book are the presence of the rest of Lycaonia's unit warriors and their mates, as well as how short this book was for me. I NEED MORE. Oh, there was also this little misunderstanding throughout the book that kind of annoyed me but it was resolved in the end in a satisfying manner. Again, thank you Alanea Alder.
Ohhhh the mixed feelings I have for this book. In fact, they're so conflicted, I'm just not going to rate this book.
On one hand, I didn't like how Darian was trying to push away his mate, even though that wasn't necessarily his fault. Yes, it was noble of him to want to keep her safe by pushing her away so that if he succumbs to the darkness, he wouldn't drag her down with him. HOWEVER, that doesn't mean I was okay with it. Though I was relieved when Darian finally caved in (sorry if some of you considers this a spoiler and are gasping in outrage but really, this was to be expected), I felt like it was considerably abrupt. Though by then, a significant chunk of the book was already over.
And then there was that ending. ME NO LIKE. That's all I can say right now without revealing too much to whoever's virgin eyes (unfamiliar with the ending, spoilers, etc) may be reading this.
But then we got to see Meryn kicking ass again in this book so eh. I'M SO CONFUSED. HOW AM I FEELING? I DON'T EVEN KNOW ANYMORE.
Hmmm in the beginning, I didn't especially like Rheina. I guess I just didn't like her attitude, even though I couldn't really blame her for the way she acted since she was in a foreign environment and just wanted to protect her daughter. Rheina acted the way I expected Meryn to behave upon meeting paranormals. However, unlike Meryn, Rheina didn't take to the idea of mating as well as Meryn did, which kind of aggravated me. Logically, I know it'd be hard to take in for most anyone, which would be a normal response. Despite that, since I like Colton so much already, Rheina just annoyed me. I was especially disappointed with her as Colton continued to show how much he loved her and Penny. In the end, though, I was entirely satisfied.
Moving onto the subject of Fate, it seems many things are being set into motion. More about the ferals will come to light throughout this story. The mystery of their necklaces, their motives, and such shall be somewhat unveiled. The plot is definitely moving along.
Obviously, this book was as amazing as all the other ones of this series so far. So thank you Alanea Alder for weaving such a wonderful story and continuing to do so. I certainly would recommend this series to most anyone since I love the characters and of course would want to share it with everyone.
I simply loved this book. At first, I was conflicted about reading it because I really didn't want Meryn and Aiden's story to end. I knew they would still be mentioned but I initially thought they would just be a sort of passing footnote since the focus is on Elizabeth and Gavriel this time. Thankfully, we still saw plenty of Meryn and Aiden. There were so many questions left unanswered in the first book that I was unsure how or if Alanea Alder would incorporate them in later books. For example, what is Ryuu's “kind?” Since the main couple of this book and the later ones would not be Meryn and Aiden, to whom Ryuu is associated most with, I didn't see how this question would be answered. But after reading this book, I realized that I'd been foolish in thinking the team wouldn't be as close as always. Therefore, yes, we readers and fans still get to see plenty of the amazing Ryuu, the crazy Meryn, the one with hilarious reactions Aiden, etc.
Obviously, this book was beautiful in every aspect, so I definitely recommend it, of course, after you read the first book for whomever is reading this review.
This novella was highly enjoyable. A light and easy read about Cassie's sixteenth birthday, though the story really begins the day before her birthday. Jared, Cassie's older brother's best friend, finds out about Cass' inner turmoil over never having been kissed. Cassie wants what most of us girls crave for in our first kiss: for it to be real, passionate, swoon-worthy, etc. So Jared arranges a present for Cassie; he dares the guys at school to give her sixteen kisses for her birthday. We experience a wide range in types of kisses with Cassie (though I am personally weary about where each of those boy's lips had been).
This is probably the only novella where I'm not agonizing over how soon it ended. This by no means implies that I thought it was terrible. I just think Kelly Oram wrapped everything up nicely. Though I am curious about what happens with Selena and Ben afterwards...Maybe that's a novella for another day?
Oh by golly this is definitely one of my most favorite books of all time. My only complaint was that the book wasn't longer.
The story was pretty fast-paced. I'm glad Alanea Alder didn't waste too much time over the introductions into a paranormal world for a human. That's not the only thing I can thank Alder for, either. She gave us a spunky and funny heroine who knows how to get the job done. She gave us this wonderful Alpha male who can be the most adorable teddy bear when the need arises. We have many friends who give the main character support. There's also the stuck up snobs whom the main character puts into place. And then we can't forget the stimulating problem which is an invisible being coming after Meryn.
I absolutely have to gush more about Meryn. She's a geek with all her references (which I don't understand but everyone's reaction to her references still make them enjoyable and hilarious). She's also a tech whiz who can hack into basically anything. But the most important things about Meryn are her personality and attitude. Despite her being so anti-social, she has made plenty of true friends without any pretenses. She has also, as I wrote earlier, put many annoying and infuriating pieces of scum in their place. She doesn't take any shit, which allows her to be able to do so many incredible feats.
My only complaint, as I also mentioned earlier, is that the book was too short. I feel like a lot of questions were left unanswered, though I suppose they'll be answered in the other books. I also wish this book wasn't so short since I wanted some scenes of Meryn exposing some geekiness to others, especially Aiden and Bryon.
In short, I WANT MORE AIDEN AND MERYN. DON'T MAKE ME BECOME SEPARATED FROM THEM. I LOVE THEM TOO MUCH.
AHKGFJALSHDGJFLJASDKGHFKUSLJDKFADHKFL I don't know how to feel anymore so I just won't rate this book. What made me most uncomfortable about this book is, of course, the feeling that we're increasingly edging towards out and out polygamy with this story. It makes me want to reread the first few books over and over again to get back that innocent feeling.
I like how Sang was able to show some other skills she had in this book. Is this character development? She's slowly revealing more sides of her to the guys, which I find interesting (because, you know, it's the guys. The hot guys. The hot and sweet guys. You get me.).
I've missed Gabriel specifically this time around. Even before that big blow up, I'd been craving for his comic relief and upbeat attitude. I also wish we got to see more of that birthday party. I, and the characters, just want a break from all the tension. Victor wasn't there, which caused some disturbance in Sang and myself. It wasn't completely carefree, which only slightly lessened my discomfort over everything. Maybe I'll reread that sleepover scene...
I'm actually not sure if I want to continue with series, seeing as it's making me so uneasy. At this junction, I can probably back off this series, at least for a little while. After all, I don't think it's even over yet. I wouldn't want to get to the end of the books that are already out only to have to wait for the next one, falling off a cliffhanger. -sigh- I suppose I'll back off for at least a little while in order to find some nice light read with a strictly platonic setting and plot.
UPDATE:
WOAHWOAHWOAH SO I WAS READING THE SUMMARY FOR THE TENTH BOOK AND IT SAYS ONE OF THE GENRES IS “EROTICA>MENAGE”. Welp .-. I guess it's time for me to put down this book if I know what's good for me.
The cover was very misleading. It shows a confident looking girl in a fancy school uniform. Sang is really an incredibly shy girl without many socializing skills due to her mom being very controlling and agoraphobic. This book is about her first encounters with all the boys (too many to keep track of x.x). Sang later finds out that the boys have some secrets regarding their school.
I really liked this book. It was nothing like what I thought it would be (mainly because of the cover). Some people may call Sang a Mary Sue but I've been missing this kind of simplicity for a while now. It feels somewhat refreshing. I definitely recommend it because it's easy to imagine in your mind as you read along.
Dear Lordy I hated that ending .-. The middle part didn't make me exactly happy either. It mostly had to do with how Charley and Reyes were forced to stay at the convent on consecrated ground as a precaution against the hell hounds. Sure, there were a lot of riveting plot twists. But I quite miss the old times when Charley drove around kicking ass and solving cases. Don't worry, for those of you who haven't read the book yet; there's a case in this book as well. However, it's just not the same. Anyways, now I'm not sure I want to read the next book, considering how frustrating it'll surely be. (Read this book to understand.)
Holy mother frickin' Louis lovin' pancake with hot sauce on top. THIS ENDING. WHAT?! Oh noes I just know it'll be downhill from here. NONONONONONONO please don't do this to me Darynda Jones. To US. Your die-hard fans. This-this ending-I'm oozing out feels. NONONONONO please don't ruin it. Don't have one of them die. Pleasepleaseplease. Though I'm assuming you love Reyes as much as we all do. Therefore, there's less of a chance of Charley and him not having a happy ending. And I know you need a conflict for each of your books so that there'd be an actual plot (however, I say screw the plot since I just want me some Charley and Reyes happy times, not just the private ones). But please, despite the number of obstacles Charley and Reyes have to go through, PLEASE have them get through those obstacles together at least. I'm begging. I know you've already written the other books at this point. So I guess I'm praying to the past you. PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE.
Oh the feels at the end of this book. -sniffle- Wow Darynda Jones. I love how you're able to make the Charley Davidson series so funny and light with Charley's witty comments yet just enough serious to keep me from calling her a stupid bimbo. Thank you. This book is a work of art. -sniffle- Now gimme more.
Bordering on a 3.5...
I didn't agree with a lot of the decisions Zara made but since things ended up all right in the end, I guess I don't mind...much. It sucks that she had to make those horrible decisions in order to reach that ending.
I also found it strange how Zara wasn't kidnapped and rescued, as the previous books in this series had. I guess Kristen Ashley was just changing things up a little to make sure the book's not too predictable. However, that final "climax" (no, not THAT kind) in the ending was more like a hiccup in the plot, seeing as it was rectified quickly and all.
The series is reaching that point where Kristen Ashley's writing just becomes a little too...redundant? Dramatic? The repetition of certain phrases is like Ashley's signature as a writer. It's just...it sort of disgruntles me how whenever the characters are surprised or awed they say things like “Oh my God. Oh my God.” It's getting kind of old.
Anyways. Moving on to the actual content and plot of the book. Faye is who I imagine a lot of book lovers are. After reading so many romance novels, she's willing to wait for THE ONE to give her everything to. She's quiet, smart, geeky, funny, and has a sort of flare to her that fuels her moments of courage.
Chace...at this point, Chace is a normal guy in love who'd do anything for Faye. His behavior throughout the book deserves some swoonage.
However, my most favorite parts of the book involved Malachai and CHARACTERS FROM KRISTEN ASHLEY'S OTHER SERIES. DOES THIS CONSTITUTE AS CHEATING, USING YOUR CHARACTERS FROM A DIFFERENT SERIES IN ANOTHER? OH MY GOSH I'M KIND OF ASHAMED AT NOT GUESSING WHO SERENITY WAS AFTER THE FIRST MENTION OF CASTLE. BUT I GUESS I SHOULDN'T BE TOO HARD ON MYSELF SINCE SHE WAS FROM ANOTHER SERIES.
Warning/disclaimer/note: Faye is a lot less fiery and sassy than the other heroines in the other books of this series so hot fights between the hero and heroine will be few.
So...I'm guessing Emma Hart is branching out and trying new things with this series. And I've got to say...I like the older books better. There wasn't much going on with the mystery in this book. Internal/external emotional disputes, check. Crazy family shakes things up, check. But the mystery? Eh...Like I said, there wasn't much going on. In fact, there was so much not going on that I think you'll find it fairly easy to find who the culprit was.
Anyways, I guess the inactivity with the case is balanced out with the ending, though I'm kind of unsatisfied with that as well. That's not to say I'm bored with the slight change Hart made during the confrontation, but there are still some questions I'd like to be answered. For example, why did Carlos frame Gianna? Or was that just pure coincidence? Also, am I supposed to assume Kat was the one to increase the amount on her dad's life insurance policy?
I'd rate this book a 3.5. However, I'd still recommend to whoever's reading this to get through this book since I know you'd want to see more of Noelle and Drake.
EDIT: OHOHOHOHOH YOU SHOULD ALSO, MOST DEFINITELY, READ THIS BOOK JUST TO DELVE INTO BEK'S LOVE LIFE. That's probably what I liked the most about this story.
So I'm reading the quotes, and I found out Tate's in this book. However, as much as I want to fangirl about that, it feels sort of bittersweet to me; Tate's story is done. GOOD BYE, LAUREN'S HOT HUSBAND. I'LL MISS YOUUUUUUUUU.
EDIT: So...now that I'm done...I've got to say...I LOVED THIS BOOK. Oh my feels were rebounding everywhere. Honestly, there were times that I just took a break from it (in fact, I took such long breaks that I don't really remember why I took them in the first place), though I think the main reason I cheated on this book for another was because of the long descriptions. Of course, that can't be helped; we have to be able to visualize the scenery or else Kristen Ashley wouldn't be doing her job as an amazing author. It's just a me-thing.
Anyways, YESYESYES I ABSOLUTELY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO WHOMEVER MAY BE READING THIS. The way Ashley somehow built a connection between Ty and Lexie is simply awe-striking. They went from Ty barely talking to Lexie to the happy ending in every one of Ashley's books. I'm simply amazed. However, I DID throw a fit when I thought Angel had died towards the end, though THANK YOU KRISTEN ASHLEY FOR NOT KILLING HIM OFF. Yeah the ending was a little cheesy though it made me happy so I don't care.
Ugh reluctant to wade into the crap Drake's ex will undoubtedly stir up.
-me before reading the book
EDIT:
Alright, so there weren't that many instances where I wanted to animate Jessica and smack her silly. However, the mystery this time around wasn't all that hard to figure out...Noelle literally walks into one of the murderers twice. It's basically a rule for authors to select the most innocent-seeming/uninvolved character out of them all to be the culprit. So really, there was no other suspect for the readers.
WARNING: Nonna is even more infuriating than usual. At least, for the characters. I was kind of ticked off by her too.
But really, I'm much too eager to find the next book to wrack my brains coming up with a more sophisticated book review.