Review: Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill

Twice Bitten by Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires #3

Merit, Chicago’s newest vampire, is learning how to play well with others. Other supernaturals, that is. Shapeshifters from across the country are convening in the Windy City, and as a gesture of peace, Master Vampire Ethan Sullivan has offered their leader a very special bodyguard: Merit. Merit is supposed to protect the Alpha, Gabriel Keene—and to spy for the vamps while she’s at it. Oh, and luckily Ethan’s offering some steamy, one-on-one combat training sessions to help her prepare for the mission.

Merit must accept the assignment, even though she knows that she’ll probably regret it. And she’s not wrong. Someone is gunning for Gabriel Keene, and Merit soon finds herself in the line of fire. She’ll need all the help she can get to track down the would-be assassin, but everywhere she turns, there are rising tensions between supernaturals—not least between her and a certain green-eyed, centuries old master vampire.

There were many times throughout this book where I wanted to reach through the pages and smack Ethan silly. He takes one step forward towards Merit, and then two steps back. He makes some poor choices out of fear. Considering how emotionally closed off he usually is, those decisions, although terrible they may be, actually show some development in his character. Due to a certain stubborn sentinel, he is slowly progressing and becoming more "human." This is ironic of course, since Merit seems to be slowly losing her humanity. However, this does not detract from her personality because she hasn't changed at the core, just gained more confidence and a more flexible nature. It will be interesting to see whether Ethan can ever see her for who she truly is not what benefit she can be to the house.

One good thing does come as a result of the issues with Ethan. Merit and her best friend Mallory mend their fences and once again become the best friend the other one so desperately need. Both their worlds were torn apart when Merit was changed and as a result, Mallory found out she was a sorcerer. I was really glad to see their relationship fixed as I missed the comfort and banter between the two.

Even through dealing with the repercussions of Ethan's poor decisions, Merit never once flinches in her loyalty to her house and her oaths. When issues brew with the shifters, she risks herself to protect the leader of the pack, the Apex. Her loyalty could be the very key to securing the shifters' help in the looming war. Without them, the vampires are vulnerable since the shifters are pure magic, the very magic the vampires depend on for strength. Through the Apex's visions of the future, she learns some interesting things about her possible and finally understands why he asked for her help when the animosity between vampires and shifters usually runs very high.

The book ends on a high note, but definitely left me desperate for more. As Merit grows more into her strengths and powers as a vampire she becomes a even more amazing character. This book more than lived up to the previous two, and I eagerly await the next installment.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:

Twice Bitten: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

Review: Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires #2

Vamps in Chicago!

You'd think headlines like that would have provoked the fine citizens of the Windy City to take up arms against us bloodsucking fiends. Instead, ten months later, we're enjoying a celebrity status reserved for the Hollywood elite—fending off paparazzi only slightly less dangerous than cross and stake-wielding slayers. Don't get me wrong, Joe Public isn't exactly thrilled to be living side-by-side with the undead, but at least they haven't stormed the castle yet.

But all that will change once they learn about the Raves—mass feeding parties where vampires round up humans like cattle and drink themselves silly. Most civilized vampires frown on this behavior, putting mere mortals at ease with their policy of asking a person's consent before taking a big gulp of the red stuff. However, that doesn't make good copy for a first time reporter looking to impress his high society family.

So now my "master," the centuries old, yet gorgeously well-preserved Ethan Sullivan, wants me to reconnect with my own upper class family and act as liaison between humans and vampires—and keep the more unsavory aspects of our existence out of the media. But someone doesn't want people and vamps to play nicey-nice—someone with an ancient grudge.

Merit has been a vampire for two months now and is still trying to come to terms with this idea. To protect her house she begrudgingly agrees to reenter her families high society. Through this, she learns some interesting things about some people from her path, and stumbles upon yet another plot against her from the one responsible for her attack. These machinations keep bringing war closer and closer and it will take everything Merit has to prepare to protect her house.

As if the constant plots against her and her house were not enough, her vampire side keeps trying to take over, something she senses is not normal for her kind. For fear of banishment she keeps this inner turmoil to herself which ultimately risks her safety as well as the others around her. This fear "humanizes" her and makes her all the more endearing. For all her strengths she has just as many weaknesses making her a very realistic character.

Morgan, the newly appointed master of the rival house whose ex-master was responsible for Merit's attack, continues to try and woo Merit. Try as she might, she cannot make herself feel that spark she feels for Ethan. Even though she knows that path can only lead to destruction she continues to find herself inexplicably drawn to him. He of course tries to continue his stubborn refusal of their chemistry but as the book progresses it seems he is loosing his will to fight more and more. The two are wrong for each other, yet so completely right. Only time will tell if the two have a chance at the potential I see between them.

Merit's character goes through some major changes in this book and as she sinks further into the vampire world her personality starts to change as well. Even though this is a natural progression as she is no longer human, it is still sad to see the inevitable distancing between her and her friends. It will take a lot of work and understanding for all parties to come to an acceptance about her new identity, and I just hope she does get left alone without any support.

This book was every bit as good as the first one and once I picked it up I just could not put it down. I highly recommend this both this book and the first installment if you haven't read it. Merit's story will be sure to impress.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Friday Night Bites: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

Follow Friday & Book Blogger Hop

On fridays I participate in both Follow Friday and the Book Blogger Hop.

Follow Fridays is hosted by Parajunkee's View, and is just Fridays.

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Crazy-for-Books, and runs Friday to Monday. There are new rules for the hop, so make sure to check out Crazy for Books for the details.


This week's hop question is:  

Who is your favorite new-to-you author this year?

Wow, this is a really tough question since I've found so many different authors this year. I think I'm going to have to pick Jeaniene Frost. I found her books in January, so she just made the cut off of this year, but definitely warrants the title of "favorite." Her books are amazing and the characters just suck you in. I don't think I've ever cared for characters more than the ones in her books. Jeaniene's latest book, Eternal Kiss of Darkness was just released and you can find my review here. Her books are a must read for any paranormal/urban fantasy fan.

Some Girls Bite

Some Girls Bite by Chloe Neill

Chicagoland Vampires #1

First in a brand new series about a Chicago graduate student's introduction into a society of vampires.

Sure, the life of a graduate student wasn't exactly glamorous, but it was Merit's. She was doing fine until a rogue vampire attacked her. But he only got a sip before he was scared away by another bloodsucker—and this one decided the best way to save her life was to make her the walking undead.
Turns out her savior was the master vampire of Cadogan House. Now she's traded sweating over her thesis for learning to fit in at a Hyde Park mansion full of vamps loyal to Ethan "Lord o' the Manor" Sullivan. Of course, as a tall, green-eyed, four-hundred- year-old vampire, he has centuries' worth of charm, but unfortunately he expects her gratitude— and servitude. But an inconvenient sunlight allergy and Ethan's attitude are the least of her concerns. Someone's still out to get her. Her initiation into Chicago's nightlife may be the first skirmish in a war—and there will be blood.

In this first book by Chloe Neill, we meet Merit, a literary graduate student, who is changed into a vampire against her will. Merit is full of sarcasm and rebellion against the yummy master named Ethan who changed her and now expects her unquestioning loyalty. Of course that sarcasm gets herself into plenty of hot water, but I was glad to not see her just roll over. I have to say that I absolutely LOVE Merit, her attitude and sarcasm, as well as her determination and willpower. Her rebellion against being turned are very realistic. I found it refreshing that she didn't immediately accept this new lot in life, as most people would have to take time as well.

I found the friction and sexual tension between Ethan and Merit to be frustrating, but not in a bad way, ultimately making this book an even better read. Neill has created two characters with such strong wills there is no chance for an easy progression in a relationship between them. As much as I may have wanted to see them together, their love-hate relationship makes better sense. I think there is great potential for those two if either learns to give a little.

The most admirable thing about Merit was that she knew when to put the rebelliousness behind her and step up to do what is right. As her acceptance grows, she quickly learns she is stronger than most and takes steps to use this power to protect. Her transformation from mild student to a kick ass, katana wielding, heroine is nothing short of amazing. Merit has the potential for greatness and I cannot wait to see how she develops in future books.

This is not a book to start late at night as you will not be able to put it down. I made this mistake and paid for it dearly the next day due to my lack of sleep. Neill has surely delivered an amazing read and will be sure not to disappoint.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Some Girls Bite: A Chicagoland Vampires Novel

Wait for Dusk

Wait for Dust by Jocelynn Drake

Dark Days Series #5

After being summoned by the Coven to claim her seat as an Elder, Mira learns of a growing Naturi threat in Budapest. When her rival Macaire, another Elder, suggests she travel there to dispatch the Naturi, she knows she is stepping into a trap but must go anyway for the good of her people. While two other nightwalkers set out with her, she knows she can only truly count on Danaus, her hunter companion. With her own kind afraid of her, her past coming to haunt her and the threat from Macaire, Mira is yet again in for the fight of her life. She needs Danaus now more than ever and his betrayal ultimately risks her fragile hold onto her sanity.

While the slow progression of Mira and Danaus' relationship has been frustrating as a reader, it has been realistic considering they started out as mortal enemies trying to kill each other. The two make major progress in their relationship in this novel. Avid fans, myself included, have been begging to see "angry wall sex" between Mira and Danaus and this book will not disappoint. Drake sure knows how to make the heat between the two of them almost reach the boiling point. However, after seeing into Danaus's head in the previous book, Pray for Dawn, and his deep feelings for Mira, his betrayal came at a complete shock. Even though he is conflicted over her since he believes nightwalkers are evil, I would have never believed he could ultimately betray her. In the end, it makes sense since the only thing that could bring him down would be his greatest weakness, humans. As if the betrayal wasn't enough, she has no choice but fall into Macaire's trap, and must come to terms with the dark secrets from her past. Poor Mira never gets a break and everything seems to be thrown at her at once. While her hold on sanity may be tenuous at times, any other character would have long crumbled under the pressure. Her fortitude and determination to protect her people makes Mira such an admirable character and this book will leave you desperate for more.

Rating:

Buy now at Amazon:
Wait for Dusk (Dark Days, Book 5)

My First Award!

Yesterday, Missy's Reads & Reviews gave me my first award. I am so excited and want to send HUGE thanks to her! Here it is:

Here's how this award works:

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic for whatever reason! (In no particular order...)
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.

Here are my 7 things:
1. I'm really short, as in only 5 foot even short
2. I love frogs and the color green
3. I really really want one of the new synergy green Cameros
4. I've been married for 5 years
5. My kids are 2 and 3 1/2
6. I have 263 books and counting on my kindle
7. I'm 12 credits from finally getting my degree (part-time takes forever!)

Here are the 15 bloggers:
1. A Journey of Books
2. A Life Bound by Books
3. Amberkatze's Book Blog
4. Bewitched Bookworms
5. Book Addict's Book Reviews
6. Candace's Book Blog
7. Confessions of a Bookaholic
8. Erika Breathes Books
9. Escape Between the Pages
10. I's So Rather Be Reading
11. My Neurotic Book Affair
12. Reading the Best of the Best
13. Tattooed Books
14. The Bookologist
15. The Ramblings of a Book Addict

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights an upcoming release we are greatly anticipating.

My pick this week:

Alpha - Shifters #6

by Rachel Vincent

Publication Date: October 1, 2010

Amazon Pre-Order: Alpha (Shifters Book 6)



From Rachel's website:

YOU’VE GOT TO HAVE FAYTHE…

The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc, and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder, and treason. Yeah, we’ve been busy. But now it’s time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother’s death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.

It’s not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I’m heading for a final showdown that can—that will—change everything forever.

I love the shifter series, and cannot wait for this last book in the series. I will be sad to see it end, but hopefully we will be left with some satisfaction.

Host

Host by Faith Hunter

Rogue Mage Series #3

As a result of her new Seraphic visa and station her birth Enclave sends a metal mage emissary named Cheran to train Thorn. However, she immediately realizes there is more than meets the eye to the pompous Cheran, and she senses a underlying current of danger from him. While she is trying to juggle the demands from the different organizations due to her new position, and trying to figure out how to rescue her twin, the Succubus Queen makes a reappearance threatening the ones she loves. When the attack turns deadly, the trapped uses that death power to escape his prison, and he has his sights set on Thorn.

Once again the evil darkness led by the Dragon does all it can to get a hold of Thorn and her power. Its up to Thorn to stop him as she cannot call for Seraphic help without risking the town as humans always die whenever a Seraph draws their sword. While she may not always handle diplomatic situations well, she never once flinches when it comes to duty and honor in protecting others. She would rather allow herself to be gravely injured than risk the human's deaths. A character with less strength and determination could not have survived her perils. Through the battles she learns some distressing truths about her past and who she really is, as well as what her birth prophecy really means. These revelations are bittersweet and many came as a shock to Thorn as well as myself. I knew many things were hidden to her in her past, but some of them just completely floored me. The book ended with most things tied up, but still left open the possibility for more books. The series had a slow start but did not disappoint me as it went on. Thorn is really admirable character and her "voice" makes for a good read.

Buy now at Amazon:
Host: A Rogue Mage Novel

Eternal Kiss of Darkness

Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost

Night Huntress World #2

An Ancient Egyptian vampire named Mencheres has grown weary of life. After losing his visions of the future, he has been convinced his time on this earth must be coming to an end, as all he can see is darkness in store for him. The last thing he expects however is Kira, a private detective, who at risk to her own life tries to save him from an assault. What she didn't know was the vampire didn't really need her help; or does he? Kira may be the one thing that could truly save him, but at what cost? Another ancient covets Mencheres' powers and will do anything to see his ultimate destruction. Mencheres must tread carefully to prevent the ancient from gaining his powers even if it means giving up his heart's desire.

Contrary to Cat's (from The Night Huntress series) view of Mencheres being only a methodical manipulator, in this book he is shown in a whole new light. We see real emotion and regret for the things he has done. Regardless of the good intentions and reasons for his actions in the past he still feels tremendous guilt and that guilt is crippling him. In all the times we have seen him in previous novels he is very careful to hide his feelings behind a impenetrable emotional mask. I really enjoyed seeing behind the mask and the real emotions proving there is more to him than meets the eye.

Kira, unlike Mencheres, proves to be very strong without hiding her emotions away. Her moral fiber is amazing as is her devotion to uphold her mentor's motto to "save one life." Even with everything that is thrown at her in such a short time she holds steady. I do not think any other character could be more perfect for Mencheres. The heat between the two is smoldering and will not disappoint.

While Kira and Mencheres are the main focus of the book some of my favorite characters from The Night huntress series make appearances. Many unanswered questions from prior books are also revealed. This book will only suck you further into The Night Huntress World and its characters. Eternal Kiss of Darkness is truly a must read.

Buy now at Amazon:
Eternal Kiss of Darkness (Night Huntress World, Book 2)

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:


* Grab your current read
* Open to a random page
* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My teaser is from Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost. It was just released today and this quote is 12% of the way in according to my kindle. (Sorry, no page number, that's one of the very few downsides to the kindle)

" So much of what had happened in the past thirty-some hours had a dreamlike quality to it. All she needed to make this scenario more unbelievable would be for leprechauns to come somersaulting out of the nearby garden."

Seraphs

Seraphs by Faith Hunter

Rogue Mage Series #2

After the events of Bloodring, Thorn can no longer hide who she is. She has a few very loyal allies, but as for the rest of the town most are wary of, if not outright against her. Most fear her, and a few would love nothing more than to prosecute and execute her. Although their fears are mostly based on prejudice, some of them are warranted. The dark forces on the Trine are drawn to Thorn as they want Thorn and her powers, bringing the fight to the town. In the end, to save the ones she loves she must do something she vowed never to do again, go underground into the Darkness' lair to rescue a fallen Seraph that is vital to the looming war.

This book was much less confusing than the last one, and while we still do not know the entire truth of Thorn's past, things are starting to become a little more clear. Considering how frustrating it is to me to not know what she truly is, I cannot imagine what it would be like for Thorn. The poor mage has had so many things thrown at her, and everyone seems to know much more about her than she does, its a wonder she can even begin to handle it all. Throughout this book Thorn continues to prove her inner "goodness" regardless of what the townspeople may say, nor the fact that she is supposed to be soulless as all mages are. She never hesitates to risk and sacrifice her safety to protect others and that it a very admirable trait. The mage heat is still an issue for me as you would expect something to come of it, but nothing ever does. While Thorn is so strong willed that she can mostly avoid the temptation, a normal person would not be able to. Since mage heat affects the person it is directed at as well, it would make sense that one of these times something would have happened. Putting that aside Thorn is an amazing character and her selflessness is amazing. I hope in the next book she get some recovery time and a little peace as a reward for all she has done and sacrificed.

Buy now at Amazon:
Seraphs: A Rogue Mage Novel

Its Monday, What are you Reading?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading, hosted by Book Journey, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

This is my first week participating, but it looks like really great way to recap your week as well as to see what other bloggers have been up to. Here is my list for the week:

Stray by Rachel Vincent
Rogue by Rachel Vincent
Pride by Rachel Vincent
Prey by Rachel Vincent
Shift by Rachel Vincent
Bloodring by Faith Hunter
Seraphs by Faith Hunter

This was my second time reading the Shifters series by Rachel Vincent. She posted the first Chapter of Alpha, the final book on her website, and I probably shouldn't have read it since it made me really impatient for the book to come out. October is such a long time away! I wound up going back and re-reading the series since I just couldn't get Faythe out of my head. I also read the first two books in the Rogue Mage series by Faith Hunter. I posted my review on the first book, but since I just finished the second book last night, I haven't written its review yet. I also participated in the Book Blogger Hop as well as follower friday.

For this week look for the review on the Seraphs by Faith Hunter, as well as any other reviews I get finished. As far as reading, this is the list I'm looking at for now:

Host by Faith Hunter
Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost (releases Tuesday SQUEE!!)
Wait for Dusk by Jocelynn Drake (Also Tuesday release, another I've been waiting for!)
Some Girls by Chloe Neil
Friday Night Bites by Chloe Neil
Twice Bitten by Chloe Neil

Name Change

Well due to the book hop, I stumbled upon another blog with the same name as mine. The blog is by Page over here. Since her blog has been around much longer, I feel a name change is in order. Even though I just found out on Friday the names were the same, and I really love the name, I just have to change it. I've been thinking about what to change it to all weekend, and for now I think I'm going to change it to "A Book Obsession." I'm not really sure if that's going to be the final name. I like it, and it does fit since I really am obsessed with books, I just think I'm a little partial to the old name, so its kinda hard to accept anything else.

What do you guys think about the new name? Good, terrible, let me know ;)

Bloodring

Bloodring by Faith Hunter

Rogue Mage Series #1

Bloodring is told from the perspective of Thorn St. Croix. Thorn is a stone mage, the only one of her kind who is not confined to a mage community called Enclave. On the run, she must keep her identity a secret for fear of her life. If she is found by the Seraphs, who are angel-like beings, she will be sent back to the enclave where she faces certain insanity for she has a "gift" of mind reading her own kind, and thousands of minds get a little noisy. However, if she is discovered by the humans she hides amongst she faces death by stoning. When a temptingly attractive police officer named Thaddeus knocks on her door in the middle of the night to tell Thorn her ex-husband has been kidnapped, she must risk using her powers to find him, even with the fear of discovery looming over her.

I found the first half of this book to be a very frustrating read. I did not have much of a clue what was going on in the novel, and just when things started to become clear new revelations would be made, further confusing Thorn's identity. I enjoy a little mystery to a character, but this book could have used just a little more back story sooner for everything to make more sense. The book loosely follows biblical aspects, and at root is a war between good and evil. Thorn is on the side of "light" and makes stands against the evil "darkness" that tries to hurt the ones she loves. She is a very strong character, and when she sets out to do something she perseveres, not matter the risk to herself. One aspect I didn't care for was the "mage-heat," it is portrayed as this all consuming desire, but never seems to serve a true purpose in the book other than to "throw a wrench" into things for Thorn, possibly in future books it will have more meaning, but for this book I just didn't feel it was necessary. Poor Thorn had enough thrown at her without it. Thorn's personality, her "voice," is great and her world is interesting, however the story was hard to follow at times. The ending resolution was only a partial one, and the peace Thorn gains seems tentative at best. With how the ending played out, there is definite potential for this series, and I think as more about Thorn's true identity and past are revealed, the better it will get.

Buy now at Amazon:
Bloodring (Rogue Mage, Book 1)

Book Blogger Hop

This is a weekly blog hop that seems to be a great way for bloggers to meet each other. This is my first time stumbling upon it, but I think its going to be a lot of fun.

This week's question is: TELL US ABOUT THE BOOK YOU ARE CURRENTLY READING!

I am currently reading Bloodring by Faith Hunter. I'm only a few chapters in, and since this is the first book in a series, I do not have much of a clue as to whats going on yet. As of right all I know is the book is told from the point of view of a neomage named Thorn, who is in hiding for fear of her life since she is the only one not in the Enclave. She is hiding amongst humans, and when her ex-husband is kidnapped, she becomes a suspect.

Starting a new series is always exciting yet frustrating for me. I love new things, but at the same time its very frustrating to not understand whats going on. Eventually, after reading for a while, you start to make sense of whats happening. However, once I finish reading the most recent book in a series I get frustrated all over again because I want to keep reading, but the books are not out yet. Then, the process starts all over again with a new series. I think it wouldn't be so bad if I did not read so fast, because then the process would be drawn out longer. However, when you finish most novels in 2-4 hours, the cycle never seems to end. Anyone else have this frustration problem?

Follow Friday

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1. Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list
2. Follow our Featured Bloggers - toreadornottoread-vampangel.blogspot.com/
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
5. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
6. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers

Magic on the Storm

Magic on the Storm by Devon Monk

Allie Beckstrom Series #4

After two uneventful months, Allie and Zayvion get the phone call about danger they have been dreading. They knew the peace could not last with the Authority splitting into factions causing a brewing war, and something would bring everything to a head. What they did not count on was a Wild Magical storm to be brewing. In the last storm Allie tapped into it and saved Zayvion's life, but that came at a very steep cost, a month in a coma and almost cost her life. It is unusual for them to have prior notice of the storms, and all indications point this to being a storm to destroy the entire city. It is up to Allie and Zayvion to band with the rest of the Authority if there is to be any chance at saving the city.

In this book Allie's father isn't quite as prevalent, but when he is there he doesn't seem to be as bad as he used to be. We started to see another side to him, one that actually cares for Allie, but even more so, his pregnant wife, Violet. I think Allie is finally coming to terms with the fact that she cannot be truly rid of her father and must find a way to work with him to protect the ones they care about. The storm and the war really rip everything to shreds, and the fate of the Authority and magic is left in the balance. Allie has to make a tough decision at the end which shows her true devotion to Zayvion, but leaves us with a pretty big cliffhanger. In the next book it looks like Allie is in for the fight not only for her life, but more so Zayvion's as well.

Buy now at Amazon:
Magic on the Storm: An Allie Beckstrom Novel

Magic in the Shadows

Magic in the Shadows by Devon Monk

Allie Beckstrom #3

Not only does Allie have to deal with losing her memories, but now her father's soul is invading her mind as well. She turns to Zayvion, the lover she has no memory of, and the Authority, a secret group of magical enforcers for help getting her father out of her mind. She must tread carefully for not everyone in the order wishes to help her. Meanwhile, one of her hounds gets into trouble, and Allie finds herself in the center of yet another plot for power. In the end it becomes a fight of wills, and if she isn't careful the fight could cost her much more; all her memories, her magical powers, even her life.

Allie's father is like the ghost that just will not quit. I found myself saying "You died in the first book, now just go away already!" Poor Allie has had so much thrown at her in such a short amount of time. She really has had to learn to pick up the pieces. While she is not physically strong, she has the tenacity and willpower of a tiger. It has become clear that she is incredibly powerful even though she does not realize this herself. She doubts herself and her powers, and I think that isn't always a bad thing. Overconfidence is a very dangerous thing for someone in a world like hers. There was a good amount of progression in the relationship between Allie and Zayvion, and my earlier frustration at their starting over because of her memory loss is gone. I think this time around will work much better for them, and helps build the interest in the series. I look forward to Allie building her confidence and powers so she can protect the ones she loves, as that is her greatest wish.

Buy now at Amazon:
Magic in the Shadows: An Allie Beckstrom Novel

Magic in the Blood

Magic in the blood by Devon Monk

Allie Beckstrom Series #2

After losing her memory of the terrible events of the last month, as well as everything about the man she supposedly loves, Allie is trying to pick the pieces of her life up and put them back together. She accepts a job tracking kidnappings for a special police division called MERC, and as a result finds suspicion in a fellow hound. Once again Allie finds herself in the middle of a dangerous plot and if she's to survive she must trust more than just her magical instincts.

I found the major backtracking of the relationship between Allie and Zayvion to be rather frustrating. I can only hope this was done to build a better foundation for them to have a more solid and meaningful relationship since in the first book everything was rushed and built on sex rather than love. After finding out a little more about the mysterious Zayvion and who he really is, I found him all the more intriguing. Sometimes when a character's unknown background is revealed they lose some of their mystique, but not Zayvion. He is the type of character that will always be a little mystery. I find her father's continued "influence" on her to be a little aggravating, but I also feel the need to say the phrase: "And the plot thickens." In the next book I hope to see more of Allie and Zayvion together, strong, and full of love, as well as Allie finally being able to rid herself of everything to do with her manipulative father once and for all.

Buy now at Amazon:
Magic in the Blood (Allie Beckstrom)

Magic to the Bone

Magic to the Bone by Devon Monk

Allie Beckstrom Series #1

Allie Beckstrom is a hound, someone who traces magic back to the caster. In her world magic is readily available to those who wish to pay the price. Allie has to pay twice the price when she uses magic as it steals parts of her memory. She carries a book with her at all times to jot down notes of her experiences so that when she loses the memories, she doesn't truly forget. Allie spends her time hunting those who offload their spell costs onto the innocent. When a friend's little boy ends up very ill from a spell offload things get a little crazy. Allie tracks the source back to her estranged billionaire father, and in the process meets the mysterious Zayvion. There is an instant attraction, but can she really trust him?

Allie is very strong willed, but she isn't overly physically powerful as many paranormal heroines are. As far as strength goes, shes just an ordinary person. Also magic and powers in her world do not come without a price. I find both of these things to be very refreshing. Most novels have their heroines seem to have endless powers, and not that ruins a book, but sometimes it is nice to have more consequences of power in a novel. One thing I did not care for was the excessive memory loss. Allie forgets almost every important thing that happens to her and whenever she doesn't remember to jot them down in her book she truly loses those memories forever. Based on how things ended in this book, it seems as if Allie will be "starting all over again," and I find that to be a little frustrating. I hope in future novels Allie learns how to stop the memory loss. All in all however, it was very good book and I am very interested to see where the series goes.

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Magic to the Bone (Allie Beckstrom)

Magic Strikes

Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews

Kate Daniels Series #3

Kate's were friend Derek lands himself in major hot water in Magic Strikes. The two formed a bond when she took control of him and as a result had to claim him as a protector. That blood oath was released, but there are still major loyalty drives on both sides. In order to save him, Kate and some other weres must choose whether to disobey the Beast Lord's laws against the forbidden fighting ring. For the weres this potentially means a death sentence. As for Kate, well one never knows whether she is on the good or the bad side of the beast lord. As if angering the Beast Lord wasn't enough, she must be careful of showing her powers when it looks like her enemies of her heritage could be closing in.

Kate has been steadily building relationships with others even though it was ingrained into her while she was growing up to never trust anyone. I think this really has helped build her character and the series. Being a loner can be great considering how dangerous being her friend can be, but it was just too lonely for her. By trusting others she is finding support where she never thought she could. Her relationship with Curran, the Beast Lord has been building stronger and stronger. There is a major attraction there, and the sexual tension is really thick. Its only a matter of one or both of them caving from their refusal to relinquish any dominance. However, for those two that idea seems a near impossibility.

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Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, Book 3)