Review: Ashes Reborn by Keri Arthur

Ashes Reborn by Keri Arthur

Souls of Fire #4

The clock is ticking as Emberly—a phoenix capable of taking human form—races to take revenge against the sadistic and mysterious Rinaldo. The elusive rebel leader threatens to keep killing until he is given all of the research about a plaguelike virus derived from vampire blood.

Forced to reach out to the Paranormal Investigations Team for help, Emberly and her partner, Jackson, must decide who to trust as they follow the trail of dead bodies. When classified information is leaked and their safe house is ambushed, Emberly’s suspicions are confirmed—someone at PIT has betrayed them.

A final battle looms and Emberly will need to command all her powers—or watch the world turn to ash...

Unfortunately this will not be a full review due to an event that completely overshadowed any enjoyment I had while reading other parts of the book. I will not spoil things, but suffice it to say that an incredibly horrifying sequence of events happens to Emberly that I couldn't get past. Actually it was more the aftermath and the way said events were all but brushed aside that left an incredibly sour taste in my mouth. It took me several days to finish the book, and honestly I really only continued reading due to a need to see if those events were ever really dealt with. Unfortunately they weren't. Furthermore, Emberly the victim, somehow got the least consideration, and the one who experienced the event as a by product got most of the focus and worry. I just couldn't, especially as the event did nothing at all to progress the story or plot. There were so many other outcomes and paths that could have been taken with a similar plot progression. It simply was unnecessary.

As much as I enjoy this series, and the characters, and Keri's writing overall, this book was just not for me. Perhaps I should be able to see past the event, but I just can't due to the way it was handled.
It almost pains me to rate one of my favorite author's books so low, but this one just was not up my alley. I will however hope to continue the series and just look past this book, giving things a clean slate.

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:



Other Reviews:
     Fangs for the Fantasy
     Tome Tender

Previous Books:
     1. Fireborn
     2. Wicked Embers   
     3. Flameout

Review: Accidental Sire by Molly Harper

Accidental Sire by Molly Harper

Half-Moon Hollow #6

In Molly Harper's newest paranormal romantic comedy, Ben, Gigi's old boyfriend, must find a way to save his new love after a freak Ultimate Frisbee accident. But will she want to live after she finds out how Ben had to save her?

In this exciting addition to Molly Harper’s beloved Half-Moon Hollow series, the focus is on Gigi’s ex-boyfriend Ben. When his new girlfriend is killed in a freak Ultimate Frisbee accident, he’s determined to save her, no matter the cost, even if it means bringing her into the darkness of vampire life!

I absolutely adore both the Jame Jameson and Half-Moon Hollow series, and greatly look forward to each new installment. They just always make me feel amazing at the end due to their hilariously quirky nature. I always look to this series when I'm looking for a funny, witty, and overall feel good read to give a pick-me-up, and ACCIDENTAL SIRE once again delivers. There's just something about Molly's writing that is well, magical. Things can get so outlandish at times, and I find myself hopelessly giggling throughout. That being said, it's not just the humor that pulls me in, but the incredibly large cast of characters that are all fully three-dimensional, and the plot lines grab me hook, line, and sinker too. There's plenty of action and danger without stepping into too dark territory, balancing out that humor so very well.

As much as I enjoyed ACCIDENTAL SIRE, I have to admit the romance was not exactly its strong point. I've truly enjoyed each of the couples in all of the previous books from Half-Moon Hollow, but Megan and Ben just didn't have the same spark. It's a shame honestly, I really enjoyed Megan's character. And I always thought Ben was super adorable and a stand up guy in the previous books. But in this book, he was just a Jerk with a capital J. I understand the circumstances they were under were less than ideal, but he seemed to conveniently forget for most of the book that she had to deal with said terrible circumstances too. His behavior just really soured things for me in the romance department and I never quite forgave him even by the end. But luckily in all fairness the romance isn't really the focus here, so it's not a huge hit to the book, but more of a small frustration in the end.

Overall, ACCIDENTAL SIRE is a truly fantastic addition to the Half-Moon Hollow series that I thoroughly enjoyed! Fans of the series won't want to miss this hilarious new installment!

(Received a copy from the publisher)

Rating:

Order Links:



Other Reviews:
     All Things Urban Fantasy
     Fangs, Wands, and Fairy Dust
     Smexy Books

Previous Books:
     1. The Care and Feeding of Stray Vampires
     1.5. Driving Mr. Dead
     2. A Witch's Handbook of Kisses and Curses
     2.5. Undead Sublet
     2.7. I'm Dreaming of an Undead Christmas
     3. The Dangers of Dating a Rebound Vampire
     4. The Single Undead Moms Club
     4.5. Fangs for the Memories
     5. Where the Wild Things Bite
     5.5. Big Vamp on Campus