Title: Half-Off Ragnarok
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2014

After the first two books in the InCryptid series, it’s interesting to move onto the next Price sibling. Verity has the beginnings of her happily ever after. And now it’s Alex’s turn to start finding his. I love the way he finds Shelby and the way that they start to partner up. I love it even more that she’s Australian. And that Alex is obsessed with reptile cryptids. Plus, there’s the fantastic continuation of Sarah’s story and how she copes after the fall out in Midnight Blue-Light Special. Honestly, everything about this is absolutely loveable and unforgettable. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next in this series (I just have to figure out how as they are not published in Australia).

Gorgons have been mentioned in the first two InCryptid books, but it was fun to get to know this society a little bit more. I love that there are so many secrets within this story – secret enclaves, secret locations and secret sons. Plus, Half-off Ragnarok is all about the different cryptids who are able to petrify their victims. I love that this goes far beyond the gorgons and their different subspecies. Plus, there’s the whole idea that the different petrification cryptids are able to live harmoniously together, and not necessarily petrify each other. Everything slotted in nicely to build this story and conspiracy. I absolutely could not put this down. Partly because of the storyline, but also because I really want to find out more about the different petrification-able beings.

Sarah’s fate after Midnight Blue-Light Special was a bit of a mystery, so it was lovely to find out how she is starting to recover and cope. She’s a bit terrifying if I’m being honest, but her plight and struggles made me want to reach through the pages of the book and give her a big hug. Then, there’s the way that this story lets you get to know the Baker grandparents. There’s the cuckoo and the revenant who have adopted all of their children. I absolutely adored getting to know this incredibly unique branch of the Price family. I mean, all of the branches are unique, but I did love the dynamic of a cuckoo and a revenant being in love and raising children.

Shelby’s presence in this book might have been one of my favourite things. At the beginning, she seems to be just what you would expect from a visiting Aussie zookeeper. But then, she fits right into Alex’s world. I love how the Price/Baker clan eventually welcome her into the fold. Even though their meetings and relationship don’t start off the best or most healthy. It was fun and entertaining. All of the sass and potential violence throughout this had me turning the pages with gusto and intrigue.

Image source: Seanan McGuire

Title: White as a Raven’s Wing
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #2.7
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2014

I adored Issy and Ryan in the main InCryptid series, I mean, they’re both predators, but with vastly different family dynamics, and this shows in their actions. Plus, they go to bat for Verity multiple times, giving her the backup and support that she needs. Which, of course means that when I realised they have a few of their own short stories, I was pretty happy and hooked.

It’s fairly obvious from the beginning of this series that Waheelas are pretty scary and uncomfortable creatures, but this short story shows just how much Issy refrains from acting on her nature. That, and you know, how terrifying their family structure is. I kind of wish there were more moments of Issy beating people up in the bigger series – she’s is incredibly scary and tough.

I love that, although it’s kind of obvious that Issy is trying to scare Ryan out of a relationship with her, he sticks with her instead. He manages to see her for exactly who she is, not some idea of reality, and chooses to love her anyway. To me, this is the perfect indication of true love – understanding all of someone’s past and flaws, and loving them anyway.

I might have loved the creepiness of the Waheela family dynamics. And just this short story in general, but now I really want more Issy and Ryan. Mostly because I can’t wait to find out what a Waheela / Tanuka baby is going to be like…

Image source: Goodreads

Title: Black as Blood
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #2.6
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2014

I read Black as Blood and White as a Raven’s Wing out of order, which kind of gave away a little bit of this short story. But, it was still enjoyable… like everything that McGuire writes.

I love that this is about Ryan taking Istas home to meet his family, and that they don’t necessarily feel all that friendly towards her and her status and Ryan’s mate. I mean, they are outright cruel and prejudiced against Issy, yet, she is able to overcome this and still maintain her dignity. It’s a little bit too cute. Particularly when it comes down to her final moment with Ryan’s mum in which she is able to win over the day.

Ryan is ridiculously loyal, not just to Istas, but also to his family. I love that Issy understands this, and finds a way to make it work, just so that her partner doesn’t have to choose and have his heart broken. The importance of family seeps from the pages of this story, and I seriously enjoyed reading about such a content couple.

Image source: Goodreads

Title: Blocked
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #2.1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Short story
Year: 2014

I love that this is a short story that features Verity’s little sister figuring out her way after high school. Amnity is mentioned multiple times throughout the first two InCryptid books, and I loved reading a tale that solely featured her. The fact that her challenges seem to be a little unique, and kind of a sheltered youngest child feeling, made it even more fun.

I’m not going to lie, if I could actually roller blade with any kind of coordination, I would love to try roller derby. Which made this incredibly fun to read about and dive into. Plus, the transition from cheerleader to roller derby player was interesting. And the hints of cryptids within the team. I want to know more about how this all unfolds and how Amnity is able to transfer this into her work with cryptids and keeping the world safe.

Honestly, at the end of this, I just really, really want to read more about Amnity and her pathway. Verity’s story is nicely tied up, so I’m excited for the next member of the family to find their way in life. Plus, I just want to find more cryptids to learn about!

Image source: Goodreads

Title: Midnight Blue-Light Special
Author: Seanan McGuire
Series: InCryptid #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal fantasy, Strong women, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2013

As with all the stories I read by McGuire, this novel has an amazing pace and drama throughout. I honestly couldn’t put it down, and there’s a reason why I put McGuire’s books to the top of my TBR. I mean, there was just so much enjoyment and action throughout that I couldn’t forget.

I love how in this series; all of the cryptids have a place in Verity’s heart and life. Its wonderful how her daily interactions are filled with cryptids in the most bizarre ways. But the Aeslin Mice still have to be my favourites – they’re a little nutty, a little fierce, and a whole lot of fun.

Dominic and Verity were always going to run into problems. But their relationship was really put to the test in Midnight Blue-Light Special. It was actually a little more heart-wrenching and depressing than I had anticipated. But that’s also what made me want to keep reading. It’s nice when the action has a wonderful, secondary story in the romance.

This novel was absolutely impossible to put down. And completely unforgettable. I loved the pure joy and insanity throughout the story. The ways that different cryptids were able to mesh together. Plus, there was a whole lot of humour and shenanigans that had me smiling and laughing, even when the drama was getting a little intense. A fantastic urban fantasy that had me grinning and bouncing with joy.

Image source: Goodreads