Review: Drowning In The Dark

When I read the massive Gods and Mortals collection a month or so ago, I came across the first novel in Pippa DaCosta's The Veil series. I liked the story a lot and wanted to see what it was all about. The answer? It's one of the most exciting, fun, kick-ass urban fantasy series' I've read. And I read a lot of urban fantasy. This is the kind of series you kick yourself for skipping out on. I've been speeding through all of the books (just started the fifth and final instalment today), and Drowning In The Dark is by far the darkest in the series, which is saying something. If you're looking for a new urban fantasy series that takes demons and puts them in the new light, trust me, this is what you're looking for. The world-building is unique, the characters are strong and complex, the action is wickedly intense, and the stories are freaking fantastic. Don't miss out on this one.

All these covers are absolutely gorgeous, and there's a bonus one inside the ebooks!

“I wasn’t demon enough to defeat my brother before. Things have changed.”

As the veil begins to fall, and the demons bleed through onto the streets of Boston, Muse knows the battle is lost before it’s even begun. 

To make matters worse, Adam and the Institute have captured Akil at a time when the city has never needed him more. Muse believes Akil’s incarceration is a ruse, because if he truly is at the mercy of the Institute, she must choose which side she’ll fight for. Human or demon? 

The princes are coming. Valenti, Muse’s immortal half-brother, leads the charge. The Institute is not ready, the people of Boston are not prepared, but one man is. Stefan knows what it will take to beat back the netherworld. Will his demon allow him the freedom to right his wrongs?

Muse’s loyalty will be tested. To save those she loves, she must give up that which she cherishes most. Her humanity.

The Mother of Destruction is about to go nuclear.

***
Our main character, Muse, just can't catch a break, and Drowning In The Dark is no exception to her ongoing struggles. The story kicks off at the speed of sound (as they usually do, a style that I love), and doesn't slow down even when the characters aren't fighting for their lives– and their humanity.

There's so much to talk about, but let's start with the world. I love stories that take their own twist on demon hierarchy, and the version DaCosta takes is one I haven't seen before. It's brutal, violent, and damages those who get to close to it.

Speaking of damaged, Muse is one of the strongest female characters in the genre. Having started from the very, very beginning, it was clear she'd been through hell– literally– and back. Watching her grow as a character into the powerful force she is now is nothing short of breathtaking, and she has never been stronger than she is in Drowning In The Dark. She's packed full of emotions and turmoil, doing what she can to protect those she loves, facing her fears, losing herself to darkness and drawing herself out when to be even stronger than before. I love strong female characters, but they are even more incredible when they're not Mary Sue's. Muse is an epic character, and I'm genuinely going to miss her when the series is over.

I'm also going to miss the side characters– Stefan, Akil, and Ryder. Ryder had a lot more character development, which is great because I love him. A stubborn, tough human you don't want to mess with, I genuinely wanted to know more about him. He better make it to the end! I like Akil a lot, though I don't agree with him as a romantic interest. Yes, he's helped Muse time and time again, and his development was thorough, but in my view, he's betrayed Muse's trust too many times. And Stefan? Stefan I love. I loved him the moment he entered the series, and will likely love him when it's over. He's battled his own demons– literally and figuratively– and has come so far. I find his relationship with Muse, while complicate to say the least, is more genuine and deserves to have its day.

The action is wicked. Muse has formidable enemies, and DaCosta knows her way around a magical action scene. Every battle is visceral and nail-biting, the kind of thing that keeps my eyes glued to the page and begging for more. I can only imagine what the final battle will be like, and I doubt I'll have any nails left when it's done.

There's so much to these books, genuine works of heart that are clearly loved by the author. I fell into them immediately, and will be buying the paperbacks as part of my newly restarted book collection. I could honestly go on on and on about all the things I loved about them, but we'd be heading to major spoiler territory and I don't want to do that. I want urban fantasy lovers to seek this series out, start from the prequel novella, and enjoy the same wild ride that I have. All of DaCosta's other books are now on my To-Be-Read List, and I can't wait to see how she rounds out Muse's adventures.

Amy

Book Review: Abomination

Abomination is the first novel I've read in a long time that felt like legitimate horror to me. I've read books with monsters before, and long time readers of my blog know it's something I actively seek out, but of all the novels I've read so far this year, this is the one that had the horror fan in me jumping with joy. It didn't "scare" me, but that in no way hindered my enjoyment of the novel. Gary Whitta's novel is creepy, intense, dramatic, filled with rich characters, and some surprising turns. An absolute must for all horror/fantasy fans. A wild, brutal ride, and one of my top reads for this year.

He is England's greatest knight, the man who saved the life of Alfred the Great and an entire kingdom from a Viking invasion. But when he is called back into service to combat a plague of monstrous beasts known as abominations, he meets a fate worse than death and is condemned to a life of anguish, solitude, and remorse.

She is a fierce young warrior, raised among an elite order of knights. Driven by a dark secret from her past, she defies her controlling father and sets out on a dangerous quest to do what none before her ever have—hunt down and kill an abomination, alone.


When a chance encounter sets these two against one another, an incredible twist of fate will lead them toward a salvation they never thought possible—and prove that the power of love, mercy, and forgiveness can shine a hopeful light even in history’s darkest age. 

***
I should say right off the bat that this isn't a novel for the faint of heart. The descriptions Whitta uses are brutal. Even I cringed at some of the images the story put in my mind. But that right there is the brilliance. I could visualize and sense everything. I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing the same astonishing horrors and brutality they were.

The characters are awesome. It's impossible not to love Wulfric, who is the definition of a tragic hero. He's almost too good to be honest, but I adore the guy and loved all the arcs he went through. The second main character, Indra... Talk about a handful. A feisty, strong woman who never needs to be rescued, I thought she was a bit too intense at some points. Though having said that, I loved being witness to her adventures and battles. Both characters were very strong and ideal leads for a horror/fantasy novel.

For me, the highlight was the monsters. Each one was more horrifying than the last and they carried unique weapons or fighting skills. I never knew what to expect from them, and the twist that carried them through the story was really engaging.

I'm itching to give this novel five stars, I really am, but there were a couple things that irked me. First, I found the pacing at the beginning a bit strange. Everything was moving really quickly, and I didn't know why until the end of that part when the twist began.

There were also a couple major events that I predicted early on. The biggest one was pretty obvious, and while it didn't alter my enjoyment of the story in any way, I wasn't exactly stunned when it came to light.

Finally, the villains. The first one was crazy and I wanted to see more of him. The second seemed to come out of nowhere, and until I knew he was the villain, I actually felt sorry for him. He just didn't seem like a good choice for an enemy, and was very anti-climactic.

But as a whole? Abomination rocked my world. Great characters, intense action, terrifying monsters, and incredible suspense. Maybe not recommended for readers who don't like gore, but if you like horror and light fantasy mixed with a little history? This is definitely the book for you.

Amy

Review: A Monster Calls

I remember the first time I saw A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness. I was in a bookstore and it caught my eye. There seemed to be a lot of hype about it. I read the back matter and it peaked my interest, though I wondered how much hype could have come from such a short book. Now I know. A Monster Calls is one of my most haunting, beautiful stories I've ever read. It had me in tears. I can count on one hand the number of times that's happened, and in the past, it's been when I'm invested in a long running series and I know the characters. Never from a short, standalone novel. But this book had me crying like a baby at the end. I never expected it, and it was glorious. A Monster Calls is one of the best novels I've ever read, and needs to be read by everyone. It's heartbreaking, but it's honest and meaningful and important. This is not a book that should be missed.

Beautiful simple cover with the very important yew tree!

The monster showed up after midnight. As they do.

But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting. He’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the one he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments, the one with the darkness and the wind and the screaming…

This monster is something different, though. Something ancient, something wild. And it wants the most dangerous thing of all from Conor.

It wants the truth.

***
This is going to be a fairly short review since the book itself is short, but I'll do what I can. The story follows a young boy named Conor as he copes with his mother's cancer, which is slowly robbing her of life. As the story progresses, he meets a strange monster made of a yew tree who comes to him and strikes a strange bargain with him– Three stories for a single truth. Everything that follows is unexpected, gorgeous, and heartfelt. If the ending doesn't get you choked up or strike you in the feels, you're probably made of stone.

Conor is a very good character. He's the scared little child we all are when something as large and formidable as death is lurking around the corner. He's the perfect voice for this story, and watching him process everything that's happening is nothing short of a journey.

Make no mistake– this isn't a happy story. This is a grim tale about grief and mourning, and the struggle we all go through when something like this comes knocking on our door. I don't know if I'd read it again soon (my heart needs a break... No pun intended), but I absolutely loved it. The imagery, the emotions, the turmoil, the single, breathtaking climax that's getting me choked up even now as I write this... Worth it. Ness writes masterfully in a way I can only dream to achieve. I cannot speak more highly of this book. Like The Martian, it has earned every ounce of praise coming its way, and I will recommend it to everyone I know.

That said, let me give you a single piece of advice. When you read this book, do so while you're at home. It's short– I finished it in a couple hours– and before you start, make sure you have a big box of tissue, a warm blanket, and whatever treat you give yourself when you bawl like a baby. Because trust me, you're going to need all three.

Amy

Review: The Fury

Nine times out of ten, I love Alexander Gordon Smith's writing. And I do mean love. Escape From Furnace is one of the best horror novels I've ever read (and I'm including both YA and adult fiction here) and remains one of my favourite book series of all time. The Devil's Engine is an utterly unique concept that I adore and am dying to see how it continues. Needless to say, I was pumped and eager to start, The Fury, a novel where Smith essentially gets to go insane (no pun intended) with whatever he wants. And while The Fury is certainly exciting, thrilling, and not at all what I was expecting, I felt a little disappointed by it. For me, it was little things left out or strange directions that left me feeling confused. Again, this is not a bad novel at all, and it in no way changes my complete adoration and respect for Smith. Sadly, this story just wasn't the one for me. 

This cover never fails to creep me out.

Imagine if one day, without warning, the entire human race turns against you. Every single person you meet becomes a bloodthirsty, mindless savage, hell-bent on killing you - and only you. 

Friends, family, even your mum and dad, will turn on you. They will murder you. And when they have, they will go back to their lives as if nothing has happened. The world has the Fury. It will not rest until you are dead. 

Cal, Brick and Daisy are three ordinary teenagers whose lives suddenly take a terrifying turn for the worst. They begin to trigger a reaction in everybody they meet, that makes friends and strangers alike want to tear them to pieces. These victims of the Fury - the ones that survive - manage to locate each other. But just when they think they have found a place to hide from the world, some of them begin to change ...

They must fight to uncover the truth about the Fury before it's too late. But it is a truth that will destroy everything they know about life and death.

***

The concept is one that's been used before in both books and film, but it's one that I always enjoy reading. I love reading about characters struggle against literally everything they've ever known. Friends becoming bitter, violent enemies makes for a shocking story, and I couldn't wait for the action to start. And it certainly does. One thing I love about Smith's writing is his ability to keep the action intense and visceral throughout a story. His descriptions make you feel like you're witnessing every horror, hearing every scream, smelling all the blood surrounding the characters. If you think that's a little disturbing, wait until you read his action scenes. You ain't seen nothing yet. 

The Fury starts with the world turning on its head for three main characters– Cal, Daisy, and Brick– and doesn't relent until... well, until the very end, basically. Not that that's a bad thing. It keeps the suspense going and brings us deeper into each scenario the characters encounter. Though I did worry that the action moved a little too quickly this time around. 

The characters are pretty good, each one completely different from the next yet able to bond on common ground and form a rag-tag family. Cal was the hero you can't help but love as he grows mature and protective, Daisy was the young girl who turned out to be stronger than she could have ever dreamed, and Brick was the surly jerk who slowly softened up, and there was a character named Rilke who had her whole life flipped on its head and quickly went mad.

And this is where The Fury started to lose me. When the big twist happens, I didn't see it coming at all. I want to say that it works, but it was so jarring that I had to take a moment to rationalize it all in my mind. From there, the scenes were a little easier to accept, but by the end battle, I felt it was a little too campy. And this is from someone who loves camp. I got why everything worked the way it did, but just couldn't get as involved as I wanted to be.

Now, these are nitpicks and personal opinions. All in all, The Fury is a solid horror story with visual descriptions that you won't soon forget. I recommend it to lovers of classic horror movies and novels, and to people who are willing to suspend their disbelief and let the story take them on a truly wild ride. 

Amy

Review: Divine Descendant

It's been a long time since I read the Nikki Glass series by Jenna Black, but I remembered the intense ending and the excitement I felt for the final novel, Divine Descendant. Wrapping up a series is never easy, but I respect it when authors give it their all and do their best to leave fans satisfied while giving the series and characters the closure it deserves. That being said, I wanted more from this finale. Not to say the story wasn't strong and that the characters weren't as memorable as ever, but as I remembered what the Nikki Glass series was capable of, I felt the story was slower and a little more lacking than what I was familiar with. That isn't to say it's bad– far from it. I just think I expected more. Still, if you enjoy urban fantasy and mythology, this is definitely a series worth checking out. Note: Since this the final book in the series, there are major spoilers in the synopsis. I'll keep them out of the review, but be aware.

Sexy cover!

What happens when fertility goddesses go on strike? Nothing much—except maybe the end of the human race.

When private investigator Nikki Glass became immortal as a descendant of Artemis, she never dreamed she’d find herself playing marriage counselor to the gods. But she doesn’t really have much of a choice when the crazed ex-wife of Anderson Kane—a god in disguise who just happens to be the son of a Fury—decides to enact revenge by wiping out all of humanity. Somehow, Nikki must convince the two to kiss and make up, but with Anderson now gone AWOL, she'll have to find him first. To top it all off, the cat’s out of the bag that Anderson killed Konstantin, the Olympians’ deposed leader. Now their new boss—Konstantin’s son—is out for blood.

With every mere mortal’s fate now resting in Nikki’s hands, can she outsmart the gods…or will she be doomed to spend the rest of eternity in a barren and desolate world?

***
The third book in the series, Rogue Descendant, ended in a major cliffhanger and despite the three year wait, I didn't forget it or the complications it would bring main character Nikki Glass or the rest of her descendant allies in their battle against the Olympians. The stakes were raised and they grew even higher when Nikki's leader and friend Anderson's past returns with a literal vengeance.

Longtime readers of the series know that Anderson is way more than meets the eye and has secrets we can only begin to comprehend, but the truths we learned about him shocked even me. Black definitely has an understanding of how old gods reacted to indiscretions and slights, and the crux of the story was seriously appalling. It's always refreshing to read about a plot twist that doesn't involve excessive violence, but is nonetheless awful and sinister.

From there, the story progressed with a steady pace, though it was slower than previous novels with more talks and negotiation taking place than actual action. There was some, but I never Nikki or the other characters were in any serious danger until the end, and I'll talk more about that later.

On a whole, the characters grew very well. Nikki was stronger and braver than ever. I've enjoyed her struggles and determination as a character, and will absolutely miss her more than anyone else. Speaking of anyone else... Jamaal, the love interest. Look, I get that he was consumed with death-magic and had intimacy issues, and I won't deny that his changed attitude stunned me for the better in this instalment. He came a long way and I was proud of him, but I still can't find it in me to like him. He just caused too many problems, was too callous, and wasn't there for Nikki as often as he should have been for me to soften to him. Still, his progression as a character was spectacular and definitely a highlight of the book.

Now, onto the tricky stuff. The ending. A bit of a letdown. The main battle had some intense moments, but to be honest, I was expecting way more casualties, possibly even a major character death (a permanent one, if you know what I mean). Instead, the final confrontation didn't involve a lot of action at all. My first reaction was, "That's it?" Following that was a lack of resolution from a pair of characters I'd been rooting for as a couple. They definitely got shafted and I wasn't happy with how their story ended. Finally, the last scene. Though I can see how it would be a resolution for Nikki and closed out a mystery revolving around her past, I couldn't help but feel it was too major to throw at us and not know how it would be resolved. I mean, this is the last book, and you can't put something like that in the finale and not have longtime readers want to know what it means for Nikki's future.

But these are my opinions, and like I said, the novel is very good. I was happy to return to this universe and see how the finale played out. Yes, I could have done with a little more of almost everything, but if you're looking for a unique take on the urban fantasy/mythology genre, look no further than the Nikki Glass series.

Amy

Review: Soldier

I've been a fan of Julie Kagawa's work for years. She's an incredible author with a powerful voice, richly detailed worlds, pulse-pounding action, fantastic characterization, and is one of the best romance authors I know. She's also notoriously brutal for cliffhangers, but we'll get to that in a minute. I've loved every novel in the Talon Saga to date, and I knew that the third novel, Soldier, wouldn't disappoint me. Not only did it meet that expectation, it surpassed any other goal I could have possibly set for it. It was all I could do not to stop everything and finish the book from cover to cover, even though I knew the end was going to be about as crushing as I assumed it would be. This is Julie Kagawa, after all. This is a book review so I'm going to do some nitpicking, but believe me when I say that not only is Soldier the best in the Talon Saga so far, it's one of the best novels I've read all year. Nail-biting, shocking, emotional, and utterly fantastic, my one regret being that I had to put it down for Real Life. 

The price of freedom is everything.

When forced to choose between safety with the dragon organization Talon and being hunted forever as an outcast, Ember Hill chose to stand with Riley and his band of rogue dragons rather than become an assassin for Talon. She’s lost any contact with her twin brother, Dante, a Talon devotee, as well as Garret, the former-enemy soldier who challenged her beliefs about her human side.

As Ember and Riley hide and regroup to fight another day, Garret journeys alone to the United Kingdom, birthplace of the ancient and secret Order of St. George, to spy on his former brothers and uncover deadly and shocking secrets that will shake the foundations of dragons and dragonslayers alike and place them all in imminent danger as Talon’s new order rises.

***
I didn't put a spoiler alert up because I don't want to give anything away. I want people who read this review to know as little as possible so they give in to temptation and start reading the Talon Saga. Yes, I know some older readers will frown because it's a Young Adult novel. Trust me when I say that doesn't matter in the least. The characters are mature, and their situation, particularly in Soldier, is compelling enough that the target audience doesn't matter. I'll recommend it to everyone until I'm blue in the face. Yes. That's how good it is.

The story itself was extremely strong. Kagawa is fantastic at writing plot twists, and I didn't see the massive game changer coming. Maybe because I didn't expect it so early on, but mostly because it was so monumental, I actually froze in place and re-read the sentence. I never do that. Yeah. That's how crazy it was. Though the major twist drove the story, it was by no means the only one. As I experienced the shock of each one, I truly felt connected to the characters. I knew the twist at the end would be utterly painful (and it was, but I won't for a single second believe it until the fourth book is out and proves me wrong), I definitely did not anticipate the final, earth-shattering twist in the epilogue. The combination of those two twists actually made it hard to focus on the next book I wanted to read. I've read 77 books so far this year, and I can't remember the last one that made me react this way.

The entire series is told from varying points of view: From Ember, a young dragon struggling to find a balance between humanity and her dragon instincts, Garret, a former dragon slayer on the run from the organization he dedicated his life to, Riley, leader of a dragon resistance, and Dante, Ember's twin and devoted member of dragon society. Normally, you would think that this is a lot of perspectives to juggle and that telling the difference between one character from the other could be confusing. Not true. Kagawa knows her characters well, and is able to convey that every time she shifts to another POV. Even if I didn't know the name of the character going into their corresponding chapter, or the settings that differentiated them, I would instantly know the difference by the character voice.

While I praise Soldier for its plot twists, the highlights were, as always, the characters. This was definitely a predominantly Garret story, which I was more than happy with, since he's my favourite. I love the insights we got to his past, his struggles, his determination, his morality, and his devotion to Ember. He had a plot twist himself, and I can't wait to know more about it. Ember and Riley both had strong stories as well, though I felt that their stories were a little too focused on their romance. It was key to Riley's part in the love triangle, and while I like him, I don't see myself investing in him as a love interest. Probably because I'm biased to Garret, but I like hearing about him and the resistance more than hearing about him with Ember. For Ember herself, her story was a cross between her conflicted emotions and her struggle to cope with the thing she must do in the war. I enjoyed those parts and wanted more, grateful that the romance was steadily paced throughout most of the story. Finally, I've heard some readers think Dante's story was boring, but I wholeheartedly disagree. It was shocking and while it was mostly set-up, it got me even more invested in his story. It was his twist at the very, very, very end that basically made my head spin. I get the feeling that the next Talon book will revolve mainly around Dante, and I'm honestly extremely eager for that.

The action was strong and thrilling, as it always is with Kagawa. Call me biased, but I think she's unquestionably one of the best authors of this generation, and a queen in writing Young Adult fiction. It's killing me that I have to wait another year for her next novel, but I was so blown away by her writing and Soldier in particular that I'm willing to suffer the wait. If you haven't read any of the Talon Saga yet, drop what you're doing and get your hands on a copy now. Soldier is absolutely one of my top books of the year, and I know that whatever Kagawa has planned next, it will rock my world harder than I'll ever anticipate. And I can't wait.

Amy

Review: Bright Blaze of Magic

I'm always sad to see the end of a great book series, especially when I've grown to love the characters, their abilities, and the world created by an author I love. Bright Blaze of Magic, the last in  Jennifer Estep's Black Blade series ends with adventure and danger, pitting the heroine against her greatest foe and testing the limits of her power. Bright Blaze of Magic left me wanting more from a series that I think should have been drawn out an expanded, but still left me feeling suitably fulfilled and pleased at the end as a fangirl.

Bad Things Always Come In Threes…

As a thief, I'm good at three things: hiding in the shadows, getting in and out unseen, and uncovering secrets. I put these skills to work for the Sinclair Family, one of the magical mobs that run the tourist town of Cloudburst Falls. 

Everyone knows Victor Draconi wants to take over all the other Families--and kill every last Sinclair. What they don't know is that I'm on to him, and no way will I let the man who murdered my mom get away with hurting all the other people I care about. Especially when I've got places to break into, stuff to steal, and Devon Sinclair fighting right by my side… 

***
The story took was definitely the darkest of the trilogy, with a massive attack happening early on in the book that forces Lila, her boyfriend Devon, and two of her friends into scrambling for a solution that will save Lila's new Family. To this extent, I thought the story was executed well (no pun intended!). It meshed with the villain's motives and was truly diabolical.

The action was as solid as ever– a staple in all of Jennifer Estep's work– and the climactic battle scene was truly intense. Estep is exceptional in using descriptive sentences to paint a vivid picture for the reader while igniting their senses and making them feel like they're in Lila's world. That being said, much of the action took place in the form of chases and escapes. Not a bad or boring thing, but i think I'm more used to the creative action in Estep's Elemental Assassin series.

The characters are great. Lila is a powerful, inspiring lead, and the side characters are unique and distinctive from one another. I liked the growth of Lila and Deah– both are strong female characters who are more than capable of fighting for themselves. I was also really happy that Devon was willing to trust Lila to take care of herself when he's been protective in the past, though I do wish there had been a little more romance and perhaps drama between them. It had been prominent in the past two books and while they had tender moments, I was hoping for a little more tension in their budding romance.

For me, there was only one part of the story that irked me– the dialogue. Normally, I love Estep's writing style. I'm serious when I say she's been a huge inspiration to me and my work. She's a successful author with nearly 40 stories to her name, and I will always look forward to pre-ordering and devouring her next piece of work. That being said, I felt the dialogue in Bright Blaze of Magic was a bit too cheesy and even repetitive in some states. Blake Draconi (one of the major villains) had so much campy dialogue I was laughing at him more than I was feeling threatened by him.

That being said, I adored the story for all that it was worth. I'll definitely remember the series, the memorable characters, and the fantastic storyline. Thank you for the adventure, Jennifer Estep! I look forward to more in the future!

Amy

Review: Water's Wrath

April 26 was an amazing day for me as a book lover. Five books from my favourite authors were released that day, and I was plagued with the question any fangirl would have: Which do I read first? The excitement plagued me in the days prior, and I decided to review all of them in the coming weeks, starting with the one that would haunt me the most if I didn't start it: Water's Wrath, the fourth novel in Elise Kova's Young Adult fantasy romance series, Air Awakens. I reviewed Air Awakens a few weeks ago after falling in love with it, and while I didn't review the following two novels that I devoured shortly after, rest assured they're even more exciting and compelling than their predecessor. Since I signed up for the cover reveal for the final novel, Crystal Crowned, I couldn't help but review Water's Wrath, which is an incredible story of personal growth, forgiveness, and testing the bonds of love. A stellar work of fictions that fans will love, and that will have new readers aching for more. There's so much to talk about with this novel, it's hard to know where to start. Rest assured that I won't delve into major spoilers, though the synopsis below kind of hints at one and this is the fourth book in a five book series, so consider this your minor spoiler alert.

If only you knew how much this gorgeous cover revealed!

Librarian turned sorcerer. Sorcerer turned hero. Hero turned puppet.

The Solaris Empire found victory in the North and, at the cost of her heart and her innocence, Vhalla Yarl has earned her freedom. But the true fight is only beginning as the secret forces that have been lurking in the shadows, tugging at the strings of Vhalla’s fate, finally come to light. Nowhere is safe, and Vhalla must tread carefully or else she’ll fall into the waiting arms of her greatest foe. Or former lover.

***
The story started off with quite a bit of action for main character Vhalla Yarl. She's even stronger than before, working to fight off the Knights determined to destroy her. But, inevitably, she finds herself returning to the kingdom of Solaris, and crossing paths with the prince she thought she could escape. From there, we're taken deeper into the history of the world and its history, most of Vhalla's encounters with Prince Aldrik turning brief until at least the halfway point. But honestly, I liked the history bits. This is a complex world, and all the information became absolutely crucial in the end. If you're an Air Awakens fan and you're reading that, relax! I'm getting to it!

The majority of Water's Wrath was about Vhalla and Aldrik working to repair the damage they did to each other in Earth's End, which still remains my favourite in the series. Their development and growth was amazing. I was very impressed with Aldrik, watching him struggle with his coping mechanisms during some particularly difficult struggles (and good God, were there ever), and watching him open up to a Vhalla in a way we'd never seen before. But that isn't to say that Vhalla hasn't grown either. Considering everything she's been through, it was hard to remember sometimes that she was a young librarian with extraordinary power caught up in a world she didn't understand. But she's amazing, definitely a hidden gem in the YA fantasy world.

All of this sounds awesome– and it is– but this isn't an easy ride. Oh no. Kova knows exactly how to pull at a reader's heartstrings. There was a huge, gut-wrenching twist about 3/4's into the novel that threw me for a loop. From a fan's perspective, it was awful and painful to endure, but for a writer and a reader, it was kind of beautiful. It certainly shook the foundations of key characters, and they became stronger because of it.

And then, there was the ending. I said before that the beginning of Water's Wrath was action-packed, and it was. But the ending... WOW. I wonder how I looked when I was on the bus– my jaw literally dropping, my eyes wide, biting my nails and my gaze flickering over each line to get to the next word to see what would happen next. Brain nearly exploding when I got to the major, devastating event in the final battle.

But that explosive, amazing scene wasn't the only thing that rocked me to my core. Nope, the very last scene at the very end of the book did that. Another gut-wrencher, it was horrifying and sets the stage for what will be a truly tremendous trial for Vhalla, Aldrik, Fritz, Jax, and all the rest. Just when I was reeling from the devastation of everything those beloved characters endured (and trust me, things get bad), there was a single moment that had me almost jumping into the air and pumping my fist.

I'm a writer. I know that to close out a series, you have to end in a massive, explosive way. I expect nothing less from Crystal Crowned on its release in July. Water's Wrath was the perfect novel to set that climactic stage, to repair what was broken and create the alliances that will change the foundations of everything we know about this fantasy world. I recommend this series to all fantasy and romance lovers. It's highly underrated, and I'm so happy it was recommended to me. I can't wait to see how it ends.

Long live Solaris.

Amy

Review: Elsker

Since no one in their right mind would say no to fourteen free books in their favourite genre, I couldn't resist picking up the Gods and Mortals collection on Kobo. Mythology and urban fantasy are two great loves of mine, and I always love seeing how other authors explore the genre. The first novel in the collection was Elsker, the first novel in S. T. Bende's Elsker Saga. I knew going in that the novels in this collection would be the first books in the start of a series, a way to tempt readers to buy the rest of the series and support the author(s). I love that idea, am thinking about doing it myself, and really thought I could get into Elsker Saga the as a whole. Sadly, that didn't happen. The novel wasn't bad, but I felt that it lost momentum and became increasingly predictable. I didn't feel the danger the story was trying to convey, something that's important when you write a saga. There were some high points, but not enough to convince me to buy the other books.

Definitely like the scaled colours and the text. A hot-looking Ull isn't bad either.

Kristia Tostenson prefers Earl Grey to Grey Goose and book clubs to nightclubs. But when she transfers from her one-stoplight Oregon town to Cardiff University in Wales, she falls in love with Ull Myhr. Her new boyfriend isn’t exactly what she was expecting. His cashmere sweaters and old world charm mask a warrior who's spent an eternity fighting for his very existence. Ull is an honest-to-goodness Norse god — an immortal assassin fated to die at Ragnarok, the battle destined to destroy Asgard and Earth. On top of being marked for death, Asgardian law prohibits Ull from tying his fate to a mortal. No matter what she feels for Ull, Kristia knows she's the one thing he can never have. 

With Ragnarok on the horizon and a lunatic haunting her dreams, Kristia has to find a way to convince Ull that breaking the rules is the only way to survive; that defying the order he's sworn to uphold is their only chance to be together. And when someone starts asking the wrong questions, Kristia realizes the crazy visions she's had all her life might be the key to saving their realms... even if they end up costing her her life.

***
Frequent readers of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, and Young Adult romance will find this story very familiar. A young woman enters a new life and finds a handsome, mysterious stranger watching over her with more power than she realizes. While I really have read that story a thousand times already, I can cut the familiarity some slack because I can likely get invested enough in the story to see how the genre trope is altered/changed to adapt to a new story and world. I'm a reader who cares about details and subtle differences to turn said trope into something new and unique, which I might not of found had I quit the book because it was cliche.

That being said, this particular story moved way too slow for me. It was littered with details that didn't have any relevance to the story, simply being there to lighten the mood or show a passage of time. I really didn't care about Kristia's fashion designer friends, and was bored by her calling her best friend to talk about an irrelevant play or to get advice on her latest guy troubles. While we were introduced to some important characters and eventually got to the path that will lead Kristia to her destiny, it took forever to reach that destination. The only time we really see any action is in Kristia's visions or dream sequences. And the villain? I can't tell you who he is, why he up and disappears halfway through the book, or why he isn't truly threatening Kristia or Ull. The book was all introductions, and no actual action.

The characters? I hate to say it, but they were pretty stereotypical. We had the spunky, curious, strong female lead, the mega-hot, broody, mysterious love interest, the loveable, loyal friends, the over-bearing father figure, and the creepy villain when he decided to show his face. That being said, I did like the main characters. Kristia was a good person to view the story from, and Ull, while he started off being a creepy stalker, did have a big heart and was a true romantic, though I really didn't like how secondary characters made him out to be a grim lone wolf without giving us any current context to back that statement up. They definitely had a fairytale romance, and while overly sweet, considering the last novels I read, it was a nice reprieve.

But I think my biggest problem with Elsker was the lack of true conflict. Any problems Kristia and Ull had were repeats of their same argument or solved a few chapters later. Novels are carried on conflict. The more problems your character has to solve, the stronger they (and the book) become. Like I said before, there was little by way of action. Maybe it's just me, but I prefer my paranormal romances to come with heaps of cosmic danger. I love mythology, and I find it very hard to take these deities seriously when they're not exercising supernatural muscle at every turn.

Personally, this series was not for me. That being said, if you're looking for an easy-going novel with a soft heart, or are wondering what Thor would be like if he were less macho and more romantic, Elsker is for you.

Amy

Review: Blackbirds

If there's one thing I love in fiction, it's watching a character struggle. I love seeing them fight through almost impossible situations against enemies even more formidable than they are. Some times I need a break from typical Happily Ever After stories to read something dark and unforgiving. Chuck Wendig's Blackbirds definitely fulfills that desire. Even from the first page, the story sets a tone that will either make you love it or hate it. There's not much room for middle-ground, and the content is truly disturbing at some points. Personally, I loved it. Blackbirds is easily one of the best novels I've read so far this year, and is an excellent beginning to what I believe will be a truly memorable series. A wild, unstoppable roller coster from start to finish, I can't think of a single moment that bored me. There was nothing I could predict, and it was a true effort to stop reading and return back to the drag of Real Life.

How can you not love this cover?! It's so beautiful!

Miriam Black knows when you will die. 

She’s foreseen hundreds of car crashes, heart attacks, strokes, and suicides.

But when Miriam hitches a ride with Louis Darling and shakes his hand, she sees that in thirty days Louis will be murdered while he calls her name. Louis will die because he met her, and she will be the next victim.

No matter what she does she can’t save Louis. But if she wants to stay alive, she’ll have to try. 

***
While I won't delve too much into the story for the sake of preserving its awesomeness, I will say that the story opens with Miriam finding herself in situations that are more complex than even she believes. From there, she meets strange new aquaninstences– both friendly and dangerous– and endures truly horrific dreams that could lead her to a life-changing decision.

I can't begin to tell you how much I loved this book. Even from the first page, I knew it was special. Different. As wild as Miriam. The story is action-packed and intense, and even the "slow" bits were far from tame. The fight scenes were nail-biting and brutal, exactly how I like them.  This is a novel that doesn't hold back, not even once. It's bold and abrasive, and the language is definitely not for the faint of heart. Looking back, I have to say that the novel has a pretty bleak outlook on life, but I found it refreshing. No punches pulled. "It is what it is."

All the characters are fantastically written. I adored Louis and was fond of Ashley when he wasn't being a jackass (he had a kind of an arrogant charm that I couldn't ignore). The villains were definitely memorable, if horrific for what they did– and were willing– to do. That being said, the showstopper is of course Miriam. She's impossible to forget, given how brash and aggressive she is. At first, she seems like walking sin. But the more you read, the more you understand how damaged and agonized she is. I loved looking into her head, and knowing that there was so much more to her. The things she would say shocked even me, but I wouldn't want her any other way.

Even with all these positives, I found one trait that outshone everything, even Miriam– the writing itself. Absolutely stellar, even with its grittiness and crude word choice. Wendig masterfully wove his words together into a sharp tableau that sticks in your mind and haunts you for days.

That tableau also featured some of the most brutal dream sequences I've ever read in fiction. Some that had even me shuddering. Wendig carefully chose his words, and while his descriptions aren't overly long, the words he uses paint vivid pictures that make the horror and gravity of Miriam's situation both stronger and more horrifying given their context.

I want to say that I would recommend Blackbirds to everyone, but I can't, because it's not for everyone. Like American Psycho, Sandman Slim, or the John Cleaver novels, the content could be a little too shocking for some readers. I'm not kidding when I say the book doesn't hold back in its harshness, and some of the fight scenes are cringe-inducing. But if you're willing to give it a shot, to take the dive and allow yourself to walk on the wild-side with Miriam, do it. You will not regret it, and you'll never forget it.

Amy

Review: Alight

I'd planned to review another novel today, but Scott Sigler's Alight was just too thrilling, too shocking, too amazing, that I had to share my thoughts on it when I finished it earlier today. The second novel in the Generations Trilogy is a creative, exciting, heart-wrenching thrill ride from start to finish. It's unforgiving sometimes (seriously, Chapter 41 will probably crush you in a single sentence), but I loved it. Sigler is a master author capable of drawing a reader into an unforgettable world with vivid visuals, imagination, and characters who are truly pitted against what seem like insurmountable obstacles. While this series does fall into the Young Adult genre, believe me when I say that anyone of any age can enjoy it. If it's not on your Reading List, put it there now!

Nice to see one of the boys on the cover!

Alight is the second installment in the YA sci-fi adventure trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Scott Sigler, hot on the heels of Alive.

Alight reveals to readers the further adventures of Em, Spingate, O’Malley, Bishop, and the other young heroes introduced inAlive. In Alive, Em fought to assert herself as leader and her friends tried to comprehend their own mysterious identity; now she must wrestle not with the challenge of winning power but the grave responsibility of having assumed it, and she and her friends must contend with a grim fact: the revelation of their identity is not an answer but another question—and one with terrifying implications.

***

There is so much I want to talk about in this novel– I want to discuss all the twists, the shocks, that damn heart-crushing sentence... but doing so would mean I have to offer spoilers, and I'm not going to do that. Why? Because the surprises were the best part of the novel. They were predominant in Alive, and I wasn't sure how they could have been surpassed in the sequel. The lesson I took away from Alight? Assume nothing. Just when you think you have the answers, Sigler throws you for a loop that will make you gape and wonder, "What the hell does this mean for the characters now?"

The setting is described to inspire the imagination and paint a surprisingly vivid picture. I felt like I was viewing it in technicolor, which made the battles and enemies all the more terrifying when they showed up. It's not a spoiler per se, but trust me when I say that Em and her friends are going to have some serious challenges on their hands when it comes to adversaries, and that they'll be like nothing you've ever seen.

Every character is well-rounded and complex, carrying their own personal issues into the mix to add tension to the story, though Em is the star yet again. She's a fantastically written character, a strong-willed young woman who will do what she has to do, no matter how hard, or what the consequences. She is still a child in a young woman's body, trapped with strange memories and conflicting thoughts, and sometimes she does things that seem right at the time, but cost her more than she knows. That's partly why I like her so much– each mistake she makes turns her more human, and makes her easier for the readers to relate to.

The action and tension is ludicrously thick throughout, Sigler's experience as a horror author shining through yet again. This one's a nail-biter to be sure. With that in mind, let me impart some advice to any reader considering picking this novel up– get ready for some serious heartache. There was a big scene at the end that crushed me, and while I can't say I'm happy about it (what fangirl would be?!), I believe it will carry the story and again, it was beautifully written. It takes a lot  for me to read a scene like that, and then have to stop because my heart can't take the intensity of the scene. It was amazing.

I've read dozens of books in the span from Alive and Alight, but it didn't take me long to remember why I was so enamoured with the series from chapter one. Alight is a strong sequel winding up to what will be one hell of a finish. I honestly cannot imagine what will happen to the characters now, especially because of that epilogue, but I'm eager to find out. October can't come soon enough!

Amy

Review: Witches: Tea Party

Sometimes, all I want to read is a cool, classy story that draws back on the old mythology of the supernatural. Witches: Tea Party, a novella by author Mark Taylor does just that, playing on the classic notions of witches, sorcery, and their associations, while simultaneously building a new, exciting story for what I hope is the beginning of a new series.

Love this photo and the cover model, very mysterious!

In Salem, 1692, Marie-Anne witnessed the death of her friend and confidant, Sarah Good. Charged with being a witch, Sarah goes to the gallows to protect Marie-Anne, a true witch. 

Three hundred years later, Marie-Anne, under the name Mary Anson, vows to put things right. 

With a new coven - Dina, Excalibur, and Lady - Mary puts in motion the steps to right what went wrong...and what followers is a chase across the country, a chase against time, pursued by monsters and darkness... 

...will Mary put things right? 

...or will she die trying?

***
In the opening of the story, a witch named Mary is forced to watch her friend falsely hang in the Salem witch trials. Flash forward a few centuries, and Mary is given the chance to repay those she wronged, and rebuild a new coven to continue practicing her craft.

The new characters of the coven– Dina, Lady, and Excalibur– are great, and highlighted the story for me. I liked Dina's slow, confident leadership, Lady's silence, and Excalibur's feisty, forward attitude. They all worked well with Mary, a witch with incredible power that needs to be honed.

The story was well paced between action and development, though I wanted a little more understanding about how each character's power worked, especially in the final battle. I loved that the magic was unpredictable for the characters, and the monsters that Taylor created to chase them were unique and terrifying.

What I loved most (Excalibur aside) was that I couldn't predict who the antagonist pursuing them was going to be. I read like crazy, and sometimes I can tell who the mysterious villain will be, or what actions will drive them. Not the case here. There were a few options, but the one that ended up being true was the one I never saw coming. Kudos to Taylor for that!

The complaint I have is the one that is essentially a compliment: I wanted more. More from the characters, more understanding of the creatures that lurked through it (especially concerning Excalibur and her surprising heritage– that threw me for a loop to be sure), and more from the ending, since it wasn't fair to leave the readers hanging like that!

All in all, I enjoyed having the chance to read Witches: Tea Party, and would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting a short, fun read. I can absolutely see myself re-reading this novel around Halloween, when the moon is high and the spooks come out to play.

Amy

Review: Air Awakens

For the last few months (as many of my friends know all too well by now), I've been obsessing over a new fantasy series by Elise Kova called Air Awakens. I've seen it on dozens of indie book review blogs and heard it recommended a hundred times. While I intended to wait until the final book was released in July, I gave in, needing to know what all the fuss was about. And now I'm glad I didn't wait. Air Awakens, the first novel in this five book series, is spectacular. The fantasy is light enough that unfamiliar readers of the genre won't be overwhelmed, the writing is beautifully crafted, the setting is picturesque, the characters are well-rounded and deep, and the surprises are plentiful. Even though the action was a little slower than other fantasy novels I've read, I couldn't put it down. I cannot recommend it enough. 

All these covers are unique and beautiful!

A library apprentice, a sorcerer prince, and an unbreakable magic bond...

The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen-year-old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war.

Vhalla has always been taught to fear the Tower of Sorcerers, a mysterious magic society, and has been happy in her quiet world of books. But after she unknowingly saves the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all—the Crown Prince Aldrik—she finds herself enticed into his world. Now she must decide her future: Embrace her sorcery and leave the life she’s known, or eradicate her magic and remain as she’s always been. And with powerful forces lurking in the shadows, Vhalla’s indecision could cost her more than she ever imagined.

***

Where to begin with what I loved? Honestly, I was entranced by the first words. I once read that the key to a successful book is to make sure that every chapter has at least one surprise, and Kova surpasses these expectations. While I made a mistake a couple months ago and majorly spoiled myself for the second novel in the series, I had a hard time letting that bother me throughout this first novel. All I could think about was wanting to get to the next page, to find out what happened next, and what then naive young Vhalla had gotten herself into. The answer? A lot. Especially when a broody crown prince shows up.

Though I have a lot more to praise about Air Awakens, I have to say that the characters are the highlight. Vhalla is a great, strong lead who the reader can empathize with, but strong enough to make us cheer for her when she overcomes her anxieties and stands up for herself. She contrasts well with Aldrik, who started off rocky for me, but soon had me falling for him (no pun intended, fans). I can't remember reading about a more complex character, one who is stubborn and guarded, but strong and loyal to the core. Even the side characters, my particular favourite being Larel, have great presence in this mysterious story.

I adored the way Kova created the magic for the series. I'm always hunting down novels that involve the elements (and am currently writing a series about them), and it was refreshing to see that Air was the key element of these novels. The history and lore was rich and detailed, and it's clear that not only does Kova love what she writes, she understands the world and its mysteries, teasing readers with the desire to know more.

Like I said earlier, this isn't exactly a fast-paced books in terms of classic action. But every word captured my attention. Kova has a powerful voice and is an expert in showing over telling. I could clearly see almost every setting and character. And when she does decide to pick up the action? Oh boy. Talk about tense.

I had high expectations for Air Awakens and will continue to have them for the rest of the books. Not only did I have those expectations knocked out of the park, as an author, I've already learned a great deal from Kova and have enormous respect for her as an artist. It's still too early for me to tell if Air Awakens will be my favourite series of all time, but it's quickly gaining speed. I can absolutely place it next to Michael J. Sullivan and his Riyria novels as among the best fantasy stories I've ever read, and if you know how much I love those novels, then you understand what that means.

I got caught up in the hype about this series, and I was not disappointed in the least. Do not miss out on Air Awakens, and don't make the mistake I did of spoiling yourself by accident. Though if you do, give the novel a chance anyway. I guarantee you it will surprise you in a hundred unexpected, exciting ways, and will leave you happily begging for more.

Amy

Review: Lady Midnight

You have to respect an author who is completely dedicated to her series and the world she's created for it. That kind of loyalty is likely part of the reason Cassandra Clare is one of the top young adult authors right now, thanks to her Shadowhunter novels, which continue with the Dark Artifices series and the first novel, Lady Midnight. I'm not ashamed that I'm in my mid-twenties and still read young adult novels. Why should I be, when the novels are this good and the world is this in depth? Though Lady Midnight isn't my favourite of the Shadowhunter novels, my expectations for this new series are high and being met so far. The story is interesting, the characters complex, the twists shocking, and the action steady. Definitely a must for all Shadowhunter fans, though I'm willing to bet you've already read the novel three times already and swooned over Jace's random appearances. Yeah, slight spoiler alert– Jace comes back to say hello, more than once.

This cover... Guys, I can't even... Absolutely stunning!

The Shadowhunters of Los Angeles star in the first novel in Cassandra Clare’s newest series, The Dark Artifices, a sequel to the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series. Lady Midnight is a Shadowhunters novel.

It’s been five years since the events of City of Heavenly Fire that brought the Shadowhunters to the brink of oblivion. Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her losses.

Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches across Los Angeles, from the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. If only her heart didn’t lead her in treacherous directions…

Making things even more complicated, Julian’s brother Mark—who was captured by the faeries five years ago—has been returned as a bargaining chip. The faeries are desperate to find out who is murdering their kind—and they need the Shadowhunters’ help to do it. But time works differently in faerie, so Mark has barely aged and doesn’t recognize his family. Can he ever truly return to them? Will the faeries really allow it?

Glitz, glamours, and Shadowhunters abound in this heartrending opening to Cassandra Clare’s Dark Artifices series.

***
There events that in City of Heavenly Fire that prelude what happens in Lady Midnight, so many of the characters were familiar to me. That being said, it was awesome to watch them grow and interact as young adults. I don't know if I really loved the plot that was being told. I just didn't find it as interesting as I wanted it to be until the end, and it took a long time to get there. This book is over 700 pages long, which is waaaay longer than most books I've read in a while. That being said, there was enough going on that I was never bored, and the plot paid off massively in the end, especially since the epilogue was short and made it monumentally clear that Emma, Julien, and their friends didn't have as much success as they thought they did.

The characters are plentiful and complex, just as they were in The Mortal Instruments. There were a couple new additions, but for the most part I recognized everyone. I found Emma to be a great female lead– strong-willed, adventurous, loyal, and willing to break her own heart to protect the people she loves. Julien is one of my favourite characters because his devotion to his family and to Emma makes him dangerous, something you don't expect when you begin reading the novel. I truly enjoyed watching him grow and wonder how far his dedication and love will take him in the end. Tied with him for favourite characters is Mark, Julien's brother and a hybrid of Faerie and Shadowhunter. His growth was complicated and unpredictable, and I was itching to see where he ended up. I also really enjoyed his interactions with the characters, both old and new, and his budding relationships as his priorities altered.

I've always loved the complexity and politics of the Shadowhunter and Downworld societies, and odds are I don't need to further compliment Clare on the incredible detail she's placed in her books (though I guess I just did anyway, so go figure), but another highlight of Lady Midnight was reading about the parabatai, the ultimate friendship bond between two Shadowhunters. It's a bond that has been shown in both The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices, though it's never been as deeply explored in either of those series as it has been here. Probably because the two people involved with this particular bond have begun to fall in love.

Oh, come on– if you know anything about Cassandra's Clare, you know that's absolutely not a spoiler; it's an expectation. Clare writes with a romantic style, focusing on details that make the romantic interactions seem even more visceral and alive. If I have one complaint, it's that I was able to predict the ending. Actually, that's a lie– I couldn't predict who the real bad guy was (seriously, I did not see that coming), and I definitely couldn't have predicted the epilogue, but the speedbump that our young lovers encountered? Yeah. I saw that coming.

To be fair, it's not a bad thing, really. As far as I'm concerned, when it comes to true romance in novels, the characters have to truly put their love to the test. When it seems hopeless (and I have no doubt that this is a relationship that will get tested to the max), we want to root for the characters to find a way for their love to blossom and grow to epic proportions. We want it to be worth the hurt and pain. And most of the time, it is.

I've been waiting for this book for a long time, and I got exactly what I expected and wanted. Clare is an amazing author and it's clear that she loves her fans just as much as she loves this world. Beloved characters such as Jace, Clary, Magnus, and Alec reappear to make us smile and swoon a little (if anybody wants to know if Jace and Clary are still going strong, they totally are), and Jem and Tessa appear to add some mystery. I hope I see more of them soon.

If you've been on the fence about The Mortal Instruments series, give Lady Midnight a try. Yes, it's a young adult novel, but it's written so beautifully and carries so much heart that the recommended age group doesn't matter. You'll read it and sigh like me... probably because you'll want more of the Shadowhunter world, and realize that the release date for the next novel is too far away.

Amy

Review: Bitter Bite

I love a series that continues to grow. Just when you think a character can't go get anymore insanity thrown his or her way, something like this happens. I've been reading the Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep for years, and it just keeps getting better. Every time I think Gin's journey is coming to an end, Estep throws another curve ball that leaves readers begging for more. Bitter Bite is no exception. Though it isn't my personal favourite in the series, it's jam-packed with everything I've come to love about the Elemental Assassin series– a kick-ass heroine, humour, intrigue, surprise, gritty action, and more. There's even a sexy pillow fight! Yup, you heard me, and yup, it's just about my favourite part of the book. Since this is book 14 in the series (yes, #14 with more on the way), I have to put up a spoiler warning for the whole review for all those unfamiliar with Gin and her adventures. Though if you want my recommendation,  I'll say that you absolutely must start this series if any of the previous features peaked your interest.

Which is stronger: blood ties or a battle-tested friendship? That’s the question Gin Blanco is asking when a friend’s long-lost relative comes strolling back into Ashland under suspicious circumstances. The unexpected reunion is a surprise for everyone—and a big problem for Gin. Book 14 in the New York Times bestselling urban fantasy series RT Book Reviews calls “unbeatable entertainment!”

It’s not easy being queen bee of an underworld abuzz with crooks and killers. Wielding my potent Ice and Stone elemental magic will only get me so far—my real secret is my tight-knit makeshift family, a motley crew of cops and criminals, dwarves and playboys. My foster brother Finnegan Lane is my right-hand man, but when his suddenly not-dead relative comes back into the picture, I’m the one on the outside looking in.

It’s funny how life works: one minute your best friend is rock-steady, and the next he’s doe-eyed and buying into this whole loving-relative routine to the point of ignoring you. I’d like to be happy for Finn, I really would. But all of my instincts are telling me that beneath the syrupy sweet demeanor and old-fashioned charm, this sudden interloper is planning something. The whole shtick leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This person might have avoided the grave once, but I’ll put anyone who hurts Finn in the ground—for good.

***

The reason that this story didn't make the top of my favourites was because I felt as though I'd read it before. In a way, I had. The crime was similar to that of Deadly Sting, while the true cause for concern was reminiscent of Widow's Web, meaning a con snaring someone Gin loves and trying to turn them against her. The target of this story was Gin's dashing foster brother, Finn, and the return of his supposedly dead mother.

This point isn't lost on the story, as there are instances where it's pointed out by other characters, including one particularly tense moment between Owen– Gin's lover– and Finn (I loved how that was finally resolved, by the way). Even though the story was familiar to me, it didn't keep me from enjoying the spike in tension throughout the book until the climax. Most of the story progressed at a steady rate until the middle of the book, since Finn's mother was definitely working hard to wrap him around her finger.

Also, there is one thing that can always be said about Estep and her work: It is never uninventive. She's one of the few authors I know that can constantly come up with absolutely insane fighting scenarios for her characters. Every action scene is different and unique. The battles never feel like they're cycled through. This is one of the reasons she's such a huge inspiration to me, and why I strive to invoke this similar trait in my own writing. Though I wished there had been more of a magical battle, I was in no way disappointed by the physical combat. There were a couple times when I wasn't sure how Gin was going to get out of her latest mess. Not that I ever doubt her.

The characters are just as I remember them, and I adored them just as much. There wasn't too much growth (which is fine because this is a series in which characters often need to grow with time, which in turn makes them more realistic), but it has to be said that we saw a different side of Finn. To be honest, I was upset at him for the way he all but disregarded Gin and his friends for most of the book, particularly when it came to his lover (and Gin's sister), Bria. His arc moved pretty quickly, and I'm interested to see where it goes in Unwanted, the upcoming novella.

All in all, this is just what I wanted from the Elemental Assassin series, and as the shocking ending has revealed, it's clear that Gin's adventures are going to continue for a good long while, and that there will be plenty of webs for her to weave for her enemies.

Amy