The majority of this book was slow going and I found myself fighting boredom. Plus I didn’t care for the main character, she is borderline rude througThe majority of this book was slow going and I found myself fighting boredom. Plus I didn’t care for the main character, she is borderline rude throughout and comes across as a bitter divorcee who hates the world because of it. But, the end did hold an interesting twist and some encouraging possibilities. ...more
This story stayed determinedly at a three star for me throughout the first half of the book. But, the last half started to work itself out, Ann3.5/5.0
This story stayed determinedly at a three star for me throughout the first half of the book. But, the last half started to work itself out, Annie (FMC) started to grow and change (thank heavens!) and the ending turned out to be really quite good. So… rounding up instead of down. ...more
Overall, this story is just as good as any Ms. Harrison has penned in this series - an amazing feat considering we’re on #17! The reason I didn’t rateOverall, this story is just as good as any Ms. Harrison has penned in this series - an amazing feat considering we’re on #17! The reason I didn’t rate it higher is completely personal. I’m not a huge fan of time-travel stories where the plot revolves around jumping back and forth to correct wrongs (as opposed to staying within the time period and learning the era, which is more enjoyable for me).
Plus, I just didn’t like the bringing Kristin back storyline. Trent is so in love and devoted to Rachel, yet she hesitates to marry him, then is so bound and determined to bring her old love back? No, nope, NOPE! It just didn’t gel for me.
I actually really enjoyed this cute little catch-up and lovely, warm Christmas story. It is really short even for a novella, however. It publis3.5/5.0
I actually really enjoyed this cute little catch-up and lovely, warm Christmas story. It is really short even for a novella, however. It publishes at 80 pages, but the story ends 60% through, so the last 40% is promotion for other books. ...more
Maybe it’s just me, but I was bored, Bored, BORED through a good majority of this book. SO much minutia, so much just putzing through the daily stuff,Maybe it’s just me, but I was bored, Bored, BORED through a good majority of this book. SO much minutia, so much just putzing through the daily stuff, so many wandering thoughts and inconsequential tidbits that I had a terrible time keeping focussed and reading. It was only my OCD about finishing what I start and my sincere love of the characters that kept me trudging through.
BUT…. The last 15% or so was awesome! Once everything FINALLY came to the big climax, it was a great one. Even then, however, the demon big bad didn’t hold a candle to the fabulous climax with the Apex and the pack (probably because Connor is the best part about this series). Now THAT was worth reading for!...more
The first half of this book reads in a middle to high school-ish writing style. But with 18+ themes. The second half levels out a bit as the actual plThe first half of this book reads in a middle to high school-ish writing style. But with 18+ themes. The second half levels out a bit as the actual plot takes precedence over all of the ogling over the hot guy/girl. It is then that the story is actually enjoyable. THEN… the right in the middle of the big climax… The end. Yep, ridiculously annoying cliffhanger.
Still, I was looking for a light romance and, until that stupid cliffhanger, that’s what I got, so I can’t complain too much.
Just know that in order to have any idea what happens in any area of the plot, the reader must pick up all the rest of the books in this four book series (I researched a bit and discovered that every book has the same nothing resolved, cliffhanger ending). I see there is also an amnesia plotline in it somewhere, which may be right up some people’s ally. Unfortunately for me, it all puts a period on any desire to continue....more
LOVE this series!! Seriously, one of my top five UF series of all tim. And I read a LOT of UF! It’s everything one can possibly want and the writing iLOVE this series!! Seriously, one of my top five UF series of all tim. And I read a LOT of UF! It’s everything one can possibly want and the writing is absolute top shelf. If you haven’t, race over and get the first book… just make sure you have the time to indulge, cause you won’t want to put one single installment down.
Great story but we are never allowed to see what exactly Beaumont sees in Sadie to make him fall so instantly in love with her. She isn’t sympathetic Great story but we are never allowed to see what exactly Beaumont sees in Sadie to make him fall so instantly in love with her. She isn’t sympathetic at all, she steals from him, deceives him and gives him (and the reader) little to go on. Still, the story, itself it unique and enjoyably creative and entertaining.
Merged review:
Great story but we are never allowed to see what exactly Beaumont sees in Sadie to make him fall so instantly in love with her. She isn’t sympathetic at all, she steals from him, deceives him and gives him (and the reader) little to go on. Still, the story, itself it unique and enjoyably creative and entertaining....more
Absolutely LOVE this author! Her Twelve Systems Chronicles series (Sci-Fi) is at the very top of my all-time favorites list, so I was super exc4.5/5.0
Absolutely LOVE this author! Her Twelve Systems Chronicles series (Sci-Fi) is at the very top of my all-time favorites list, so I was super excited to see what she would come up with venturing into the paranormal genre. And, of course, I wasn’t disappointed. Ms. Manetti’s signature intelligent and tightly written stories absolutely shines in this book. Maybe that’s because so, so many paranormal stories focus mainly on the overall plot, and don’t often worry much about all those small ins-and-outs that make truly great writing. This book keeps the overall writing standard high, while telling a can’t-put-down story.
So why round down to 4 stars instead of up? Only because I know future books in this series will continue to improve the experience so I’m leaving it open for even more awesomeness.
Oh, and this review has NOTHING to do with that amazing shout-out at the first. I honestly had no idea and was just as shocked and surprised as anyone. (Hey, if I would have tempered that in, it would have received a 10 our of 5 stars! ;)
Merged review:
4.5/5.0
Absolutely LOVE this author! Her Twelve Systems Chronicles series (Sci-Fi) is at the very top of my all-time favorites list, so I was super excited to see what she would come up with venturing into the paranormal genre. And, of course, I wasn’t disappointed. Ms. Manetti’s signature intelligent and tightly written stories absolutely shines in this book. Maybe that’s because so, so many paranormal stories focus mainly on the overall plot, and don’t often worry much about all those small ins-and-outs that make truly great writing. This book keeps the overall writing standard high, while telling a can’t-put-down story.
So why round down to 4 stars instead of up? Only because I know future books in this series will continue to improve the experience so I’m leaving it open for even more awesomeness.
Oh, and this review has NOTHING to do with that amazing shout-out at the first. I honestly had no idea and was just as shocked and surprised as anyone. (Hey, if I would have tempered that in, it would have received a 10 our of 5 stars! ;)...more
Not sure if the reason this installment didn’t hit with me is because it has been so long since the last book published and I’ve just moved on, or if Not sure if the reason this installment didn’t hit with me is because it has been so long since the last book published and I’ve just moved on, or if the characters weren’t up to their previous quality. Either way, this book was just okay for me....more
It’s good, if very formulaic. Nothing surprising - especially for those of us who have read in this world from the beginning of the Darkness series. IIt’s good, if very formulaic. Nothing surprising - especially for those of us who have read in this world from the beginning of the Darkness series. It was fun getting to see so many previous characters, but I’m just not finding anything different. Still, the formula works, so whenever one wants to dip back in, the water’s always warm and the writing’s always good!...more
Again the “I can’t be with you..” like in the previous book - only this time it isn’t “I’m dying” it is “you will die”. Same basic rain cloud that hanAgain the “I can’t be with you..” like in the previous book - only this time it isn’t “I’m dying” it is “you will die”. Same basic rain cloud that hangs over every page and makes a reader miserable and, in this case, annoyed. Then, when that gets settled, it’s “but what if..?” or “what if?” or “what if?” “Just in case, we still can’t be together”. WHICH makes Dirge (MMC) the most weak-boned, whiny-baby, male lead character in a long time. Good grief man, grow a pair and go after what you want!!!
Aside from that? I still like the world and the (other) characters, although I’m not sure if I’ll continue. The action is not as strong in this book as compared to the first, but there is enough to keep things interesting - just not near the end. At that point, the story is mainly about Shay and Dirge FINALLY figuring stuff out....more
This story is good, the world is interesting and it kept my attention throughout. There are very, VERY (in fact I can’t think of any) tropes th3.5/5.0
This story is good, the world is interesting and it kept my attention throughout. There are very, VERY (in fact I can’t think of any) tropes that I hate worse than the “I’m sick and dying so I can never have you” that lasted through over half of it, though. GAH!! If I had known that was part of this story, I would have definitely stayed away. Luckily, however, the rest of the book was actually really engaging.
Yes, there are some noticeable holes, like why in the heck didn’t anyone pursue the fact that they saw the nasty witch magic near the very first of the book but absolutely nothing was done about it… at all?! That seems to be the main point of the problem. *sigh* Guess it was more important to get another book out of the question… but still, don’t expose the answer then just forget about it!
Still, most of my annoyances are (as you can see) personal in nature, so I would still recommend this book. And, I plan on continuing, as well. That should say more about the overall story than any of my moaning could!...more
A decent, if somewhat generic yet enjoyable story. The writing is basic with very simple sentences, thoughts and set-up. No depth or nuance at all, juA decent, if somewhat generic yet enjoyable story. The writing is basic with very simple sentences, thoughts and set-up. No depth or nuance at all, just a basic story someone might tell if making it up for entertainment’s sake before bedtime.
Given that, character’s actions make no sense at times, and the villains are so glaringly obvious, the author could have just said, “.. and the villain now walks into the room” the first time they are introduced.
So… not sure I’ll continue even though there is a huge cliffhanger at the end that requires reading the next book. It’s just a bit too simplistically written for my personal taste....more
Probably should be a full five stars but I did a dumb thing. It’s been a few years since I read a Hallows book (I’d just gotten busy and forgot4.5/5.0
Probably should be a full five stars but I did a dumb thing. It’s been a few years since I read a Hallows book (I’d just gotten busy and forgot about them). So, when I saw this one pop up on sale, I grabbed it. Little did I know that one more had been written in between this book and the last one I had read. It wasn’t until I popped over (confused) to see the previous books to figure out why I wasn’t connecting, that I realized I had missed a book! Oh, THAT was why! My memory isn’t that bad! Whew!
SOPE! Don’t read out of order! But IF you have read all the previous books, this one is AWESOME! Even not knowing some of the background, by the last half of the book I had settled in enough that it became the can’t-put-down-edge-if-your-seat yumminess we all adore in this fabulous series!
P.S. I am truly in awe of how Ms. Harrison is keeping this series so entertaining and engaging, even after 17 installments!!...more
Yeah, I rounded down this time. And I’m sad I had to because I really did enjoy the overall stories in this series. It’s just that all the litt3.5/5.0
Yeah, I rounded down this time. And I’m sad I had to because I really did enjoy the overall stories in this series. It’s just that all the little stuff that was, and is, never explained just kept adding up and up until by the time this book was finished I was completely confused!
So, what exactly is Kait? What did the angel do to her? What the heck is going on with the Council and are they good or evil? And above all (at least in this book) what the bajeebies was that whole mess with the fight concerning her dad and her mother at the end? Alive? Dead? Kinda sorta but not really? Well, actually the entire climax was a mess for me. Maybe I’m dense but Jared going from half dead to Uber powerful in a blink, her descending into the magic to fight then BAM! Somebody else saves the day (trying super hard not to spoil) when it was just said that no one else could help without dying. Lucy and the whole white eye stuff. Wyatt and the other wolves… Honestly, my head is spinning. The worst part, however, is that this was the series finale and we WILL NEVER KNOW! Humph. And yet… I was still completely addicted while reading the series....more
*sigh*. I can’t decide if rounding up to four is the right decision or not. There are just as many arguments for a three star rating as there i3.5/5.0
*sigh*. I can’t decide if rounding up to four is the right decision or not. There are just as many arguments for a three star rating as there is a four in my brain. I guess the fact that I’m still enjoying the overall will have to suffice, because all the particulars are split right down the middle.
For an action-packed, can’t put down read, this book and this series is absolutely the bomb! Kait is a strong, kick-A heroine who never gives up no matter how bad things might get. That doesn’t mean she isn’t terrified and insecure at times, but she pushes through and doggedly does what she thinks is right and must be done. I love that kind of character.
Jared (love interest) really came through in this book, as well. He completely consolidated his awesomeness IMHO and walked that very hard line between maintaining his own strength while totally supporting Kait in hers. He stood for her al the while showing his own bad-A character. Love that!!
Even the villains were interesting in this installment! Sam was one that even I couldn’t decide if he was an actual villain that needed to be neutralized or not. I think the actual villains could be the council, themselves. We’ll see.
The problem that pulls this book - and the series - down is that NONE of the very important underneath stuff is ever addressed! It’s the stuff that one needs to understand in order to really grasp and invest in the characters and story, itself. For example: Kait is something more than a wolf shifter. We have known that from book one, but never once has what that actually means has been addressed. Also, the council, the real reasons for their actions or even who they are is never explained in anyway. It’s all just some nebulous…. Something. But this is BOOK FOUR! Yet there is no growth in understanding at all. It’s the same with many, many threads within this series.
And SO many things are just overlooked! The whole Lennon aspect is almost comedic it is so ignored. As is Kait’s relationship with her Dad. Good grief! He is alluded to SO many times as the “bad” guy but…. Zip! No understanding whatsoever as to what actually went on! Oh, I could go on for pages…
See? SO much good, but SO much left behind. And, I see there is only ONE more book left in the series! How the heck are all those hanging ends successfully going to be tied up? It feels almost like the author is getting tired of writing about these characters and just wants to get it all done, so she is racing through the plot to wrap it up (still, that plot is super interesting) but is leaving everything else unfinished (at least that is the only explanation I can find that explains not even trying to explore anything underneath the action). If so, that is sad because with more depth and time spent in digging (hey, I’d be okay with a brushing even!) this series could have been a long and amazing one.
Still, I’m off to see if there are miracles hidden in that last book....more
I’m still thoroughly enjoying the series but there were a couple of things that give me pause in this installment. But first the good:
I truly l3.5/5.0
I’m still thoroughly enjoying the series but there were a couple of things that give me pause in this installment. But first the good:
I truly love Kait’s character. She does what has to be done, loves with a deep and abiding loyalty that is unwavering and accepts even those who don’t understand her. She puts up with those who hate her… Although that might be better on my bad list, because she really should stand up for herself more rather than just walking away all the time. I adore Rick, Lucy, Joe, Zach and all those who stand by her. The plot-lines in each of the three books so far have been action-packed, interesting and incredibly hard to put down.
Jared, her kinda-sorta love interest is a mixed bag for me. He is in a tough position because he is the alpha of a wolf pack that hates her, yet he sees who she really is and (I think) realizes she is his mate. That would be a super hard situation to navigate and he is trying to do it carefully. I love how he deals with her. He is patient and supportive and allows her the freedom she needs without pressuring. However, I really don’t like how he also allows his pack to be so nasty to her. He sees how they look at her, treat her and want her gone. But so far, most of the time he just tries to ignore it. Yes, there are times he puts them in their place and most of the time Kait is actually the one to stop him, but still… I want him to do more because she doesn’t deserve the treatment she gets.
The plot in this installment is non-stop fighting almost from first to last page, as well. Now, that can be a plus - or it can be a problem. I just got exhausted. It isn’t just the normal baddy killing people, it takes it to a massive slaughter kind of scale. Rather than some people it is hoards of people being killed in bloody, gory ways throughout and that gets a bit overwhelming after a while.
And, at this point, it would have been nice to get a bit more depth into Kait’s background that makes her who she is. Why does she have these weird powers, etc.? Lots of stuff brushed over as we race to the next massive tragedy. And I REALLY don’t get why Lennon was let go WITH HER WAND!!! Are they all brain-dead?!? That makes absolutely NO sense in any rational world whatsoever. *sigh*
But, I’m still gobbling up the books, so, there is obviously SO much more good than these few quibbles. The series has me hooked enough to dive right back in. ...more
4.5/5.0 I love great shifter books and this one is awesome! Even after the bazillion books published with shifters, Ms. Cane has found a unique and bri4.5/5.0 I love great shifter books and this one is awesome! Even after the bazillion books published with shifters, Ms. Cane has found a unique and brilliant twist. It also still holds all kinds of secrets that look to be unfolded in upcoming books. I’m in!!!...more
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