Tag Archives: Urban Fantasy

Dorian by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: Dorian ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #5.1
In: Wild Embrace (Nalini Singh)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance,  Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow, Medium, Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2016

Thoughts

This novella is filled with snapshots into the life and times of Dorian. I love that each chapter is a different point in his life and his journey to Aisha and his ability to shift. I love that the first few chapters are about Dorian learning to accept his latency. And, rather than choosing to let this be a weakness, he turns it into a superpower. His will and strength of self are seriously enviable, from a very young age too. And I hope that I am able to raise children with the same strength of self and resilience that Dorian has!

Where Hostage to Pleasure ends with Dorian’s first transformation, this novella takes place before and after this. Starting with the previously mentioned early years, and then surpassing his first shifts to when he lets the rest of his family know. The joy and the genuine love for one another come striking off of the pages with every word. I love that sense of belonging that each of the DarkRiver cats find, and how they have accepted Dorian as he is, but also rejoice in the positive changes in his life.

The fat that all of the sentinels give Dorian no quarter even though he’s only just learning how to be a cat made me smile. They accept him and make sure that he knows he is still expected to be as tough and independent as he’s always been. They treat him as the powerhouse that he is, and this recognition of his power made me smile. It’s nice to know that people don’t just assume that others are weaker because they have a handicap. It also lit up a fire in Dorian. Definitely a story that I needed to fill in all of the joyful gaps in Dorian’s story and journey to becoming the strong sentinel I fall in love with every time I read Hostage to Pleasure.

<- Hostage to Pleasure ReReadBranded by Fire ReRead ->

Image source: Nalini Singh

Sacred Evil by Heather Graham

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Sacred Evil
Author: Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #3
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2011

Thoughts

I really struggled to put this story down. I mean, it’s a tale of madness, mayhem and murder. All supported by the many theories of Jack the Ripper and his potential move to New York after his big final act. And, in true Jack the Ripper form, this is so filled with nope factor that I rushed to the end of the story. I mean, if you’re going to have a romantic suspense with connections to Jack the Ripper, it needs to be a seriously uncomfortable story.

I’ve read a few different Jack the Ripper theories, and I always want to dive more into that hellhole of theories. I mean, I completely understand why there is so much fascination around the psychopath, and I loved reading a Krewe of Hunters book which featured this. I love that looking into the history of this notorious serial killer informed the hunt for the present one. It’s obvious that Graham did her research to write this story. Which just makes it read all that much better, and so, so much harder to put down.

There wasn’t a huge amount of build up to Whitney and Jude’s love story, but I really enjoyed that they also weren’t instalove. There was a little build up to their relationship, enough that I was excited for them to get together. But not so much or little that I got frustrated with the whole situation. In fact, I love that it takes most of their case for them to build up to sexual intimacy, even as they both notice that they have feelings for one another.

I love the mixture of paranormal and intellectual crime solving. There is an element of truth throughout the story. But the presence and acceptance of ghosts leads the team to unlocking the secrets of the past. I guessed what was likely to be the culprit and final burial place of the past. But, I didn’t actually guess who the villains in the present were. Which was really fun. I normally manage to at least have an inkling of the guilty party, and this time I didn’t. Which is why I can’t wait to dive into more of the Krewe of Hunters novels!

<- Heart of EvilThe Evil Inside ->

Image source: The Big Thrill

Hostage to Pleasure by Nalini Singh ReRead

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hostage to Pleasure ReRead
Author: Nalini Singh
Series: Psy-Changeling #5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Shapeshifters, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2008

Thoughts

It might be my second read through, but I still absolutely adore the fact that Dorian gets his happily ever after. He’s such a broken boy throughout the first few books in this series. So it’s really nice that he gets a happily ever after moment. Not only within his romantic life, but also within his shapeshifting reality. Dorian’s painful past is kind of healed by the occurrences within Hostage to Pleasure. And it doesn’t matter how many times I read this, I’m head over heels and happy each and every time I reread this.

I really love the idea of a snipper and a scientist working together. They are both incredibly logical and analytical beings who are laser focused in their chosen fields. I really loved that although, on the surface, the two seem very different, they are, in fact, very similar in their approach to their goals. I honestly only picked up on how similar Ashaya and Dorian are on this read through. Before, I just enjoyed the adventure, but some of the relationship nuances became all that much clearer. Likewise, the nuances to Ashaya’s relationships with Kennan and her sister are a little more intriguing on my third read through. It’s all a little messed up and convoluted. I can’t wait to pick up more aspects of these relationships on my next read through (which will happen because I constantly read these books).

Hostage to Pleasure furthers the evil and the rebellion within the PsyNet. But, it also helps to heal Dorian from the tragedies of Slave to Sensation. I love all of the little threads of insanity that are being revealed. The reflection of Ashaya and her twin of the insanity that is poisoning the PsyNet is beautifully and fantastically symbolic. The fact that this book also closes out some of the predictions that Faith made in Visions of Heat. It also starts to highlight the strength of the growing relationship between DarkRiver and SnowDancer. Again, I felt like Hostage to Pleasure was all about the different relationships and how they are growing and changing, set alongside the evils of the PsyNet and the destruction that Silence has reaped upon it’s people.

This novel included not only a great copy at its helm, but also a lot of cameos of different characters throughout. I particularly loved that this is the first book that Mercy is seen and you get to know her that little bit more. There are a number of characters that I wanted to get to know more or get a little more insight into their happily ever afters. Hostage to Pleasure is the first of these to really start to delve into that trend which gets repeated throughout the series. Frequently showing the happily ever afters as they occur, rather than just riding off into the sunset. Something I seriously love about this romance series.

<- Stroke of Enticement ReReadDorian ReRead ->

Image source: Pinterest

Half-Off Ragnarok by Seanan McGuire

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

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

Thoughts

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.

<- White as a Raven’s WingThe Ghosts of Bourbon Street ->

Image source: Seanan McGuire

Heart of Evil by Heather Graham

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Heart of Evil
Author: Heather Graham
Series: Krewe of Hunters #2
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Paranormal romance, Romantic suspense, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2011

Thoughts

Ashley and Jake had a really enjoyable second chance romance. One that was filled with forgiveness and moving forwards. But also the mystery of murder and mayhem. Although Jake and Ashley’s relationship as the backbone of this story, it was all the rest of it that had me intrigued and continuously going back for more. I didn’t mind Phantom Evil, but I really got into the groove with Heart of Evil.

I’m Australian, so I’ve never really understood the whole drive behind Civil War Reenactments. Or really, the re-enactments of any war. And after reading a book that heavily featured this, I’m still not really interested in them. However, I did love the idea of Civil War, reenactments and the ancestors of those who fought together as the backdrop of the story. Then, there’s the fact that the paranormal spectres and ghosts further the drama and nonsense of the evil. Yet, at its core, this story is still about the true evils which people can fall to.

I always love a good, believable villain. And the villain in Heart of Evil was most definitely believable. Basically he was an entitled knob and acted in a way that made me want to scream get your head out of your butt multiple times. But, again, that’s what made this story entirely believable and kind of painful to read in some ways. I mean, we all know a man that is supremely entitled and doesn’t quite understand that just because he wants, doesn’t mean he actually gets. Even though I had an inkling of who the villain was going to be, I didn’t actually guess it. It’s always nice to be surprised in a romantic suspense.

Even if I didn’t entirely dive into Phantom Evil, I couldn’t put down Heart of Evil. There was something about it that was entirely unforgettable, and I was constantly driven forwards by wondering just what was going to happen next. Where I was a bit meh about the next book in the Krewe of Hunters series to begin with, I’m now hanging to dive into Sacred Evil and continue on this amazing journey!

<- Phantom EvilSacred Evil ->

Image source: Indigo

Wolves by C. Gockel

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Wolves
Author: C. Gockel
Series: I Bring the Fire #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Magic, Norse mythology, Urban fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2012

Thoughts

I really enjoyed this modern version of Norse mythology, all written from the point of view of Loki. He’s such a grey character throughout the mythologies and retellings that I’ve read. I love that Gockel stuck to this. He’s not evil, and all of his decisions are informed by something. But, he’s also not necessarily what I would call good either. Rather, he’s a bit of a chaotic neutral.

I love how the original Norse mythology is what informs Loki’s past. Rather than trying to change any of the original tales, Gockel has taken the known mythology and used that to inform Loki’s history. There is a totally different lens placed upon these experiences, rather than Loki being a troublemaker, rather, he’s often goaded into poor choices and wins out the day. It’s actually a little heartbreaking how poorly he is treated, and how much love he is capable of.

Amy was a likeable character, but not a loveable one. She was a little bit naïve, and yet worldly at the same time. In an almost unbelievable manner. I found it a bit difficult to connect to her. Whilst I was gunning for Loki to win the day, I didn’t have overly strong emotions about Amy. It was actually her grandmother that I liked more. However, I feel that she’s got a lot of potential growth, so I’ll be intrigued to see who she becomes as the series unfolds.

Wolves was a great start to the I Bring the Fire series and one that makes me want to read more. It was a fun and diverting read, without being too heavy and intense. I really enjoyed my time in this world, and I can’t wait to dive in again!

<- AtomicMonsters ->

Image source: Book Bub

A Karma Girl Christmas by Jennifer Estep

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview

Title: A Karma Girl Christmas
Author: Jennifer Estep
Series: Bigtime #3.5
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Paranormal romance, Superheroes, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2011

Thoughts

This is my first foray into the world of Bigtime. I’ve read a few Jennifer Estep books before and enjoyed them. But now that I’m on my Christmas run, I thought that this one would be a good read. And I was incredibly correct. A Karma Girl Christmas is all about Karma Girl and her protecting a Christmas present. From super villains. It was gorgeous, cute and seriously funny. All while being all about the feeling of Christmas and the joy of giving.

As my first foray into Bigtime, the world building in this was phenomenal. Considering it’s actually a novella that takes place after the third book, that’s a fairly impressive feat. Now I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the Bigtime series and all of the joys that seem to come along with being in a world filled with superheroes and supervillains.

Honestly, the superheroes and villains stick to this story was absolutely hilarious. I mean, they literally all follow a script that they have to stick to. And then, the motivations of the villains in this story is also kind of hilarious. Not exactly the most evil of doers, but yet, they try and do something that is truly heinous – taking from children at Christmas time.

What I loved most about this story was that all of the superheroes pull together at the end. Carmen might be finding her own way as a member of the Fearless Five. But it’s all of the superheroes of Bigtime that choose to draw together to save the day. Kind of what Christmas is really all about, right?

<- JinxNightingale ->

Image source: Jennifer Estep

Hell and High Water by Charlotte E. English

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Hell and High Water
Author: Charlotte E. English
Series: Fae Fatales #1
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Fae, Paranormal fantasy, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novel
Year: 2020

Thoughts

I absolutely loved that this story was one about three femme fatales, I mean, fae fatales. Meeting up after almost one hundred years apart. With all sorts of tragedies and secrets in their past. Not only was this a story about solving the murders and protecting the fae of New York. But it was also about unravelling the why and the how of the breakup of the fae fatales in the past. It meant that, with these two storylines unfolding, it was incredibly difficult to put this book down and be, you know, a responsible adult.

Even though I guessed who the evil mastermind of this series was, it was still a brilliant reveal. And, even if I had already guessed what was coming, I couldn’t predict just how that reveal and motivation would go. It was very fun to read about, and all of the hints that English dropped throughout made it a ridiculously fun adventure. Plus, even if I didn’t actually agree with the villain’s motives, I did actually understand how that level of anger could manifest.

I loved that, even though this was a story featuring three femme fatales, it was only written from the point of view of two. Fionn and Tai are great voices which give different perspectives on the occurrences of the book. And, although I would have loved to know a little bit more of what Dax thought. She’s kind of insane, so I liked having the lens of the two more sane characters within the trio. Plus, it gave a bit more context to how different characters have dealt with the same level of nonsense.

Honestly, I mostly just want to read more about Dax in future adventures (I’m hoping that there are going to be more adventures). She seems to be the most balanced of the trio, even if she’s definitely a bit of a nutter. Plus, the friendship between the two, that has lasted a lot of nonsense, is incredibly beautiful. Particularly how Fionn and Tai are always there to support one another. Even when they weren’t actually talking.

Hell and High Water is a bit of a who-dunnit mystery. A bit of paranormal fantasy. And a whole lot of fun. It was an unforgettably enjoyable adventure, and there’s a reason that I really love the fact that I have a number of English books filling my shelves and my TBR.

<- More Charlotte E. EnglishTBC ->

Image source: Second Sale

Fixer by Jeff Somers

Book Review, , , ,
Overview

Title: Fixer
Author: Jeff Somers
Series: The Ustari Cycle #0.5
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Horror, Urban fantasy
Pace: Fast
Format: eBook, Novella
Year: 2013

Thoughts

I absolutely loved the world building in this novella – it was a fantastic reality of blood magic and chaos. There was a whole underbelly of magic and mayhem that I can’t wait to dive deeper into. And that’s not accounting for the great character building of Lem and Mags. Blood magic isn’t a new concept in the stories that I read, but the way that it is portrayed is entirely new. I love that it is all built on a seedy underbelly of blood and life. All of which is transactional.

Lem is a fascinating narrator, one that I want to get to know more of. I love that, when there are constant bad decisions to be made, he chooses to do the “right thing”. All driven, of course, by his love of Mags. Love that the simplicity of Mags and the way he sees the world is what makes a man who could potentially be evil be a good man. And one that I want to get to know more of.

This is a fantastic prequel to The Ustari Cycle, I can’t wait to see how the occurrences in this story lead to a world of hurt for Lem and Mags. Forced servitude, blood trading and all sorts of horrible nonsense are going to be incredibly fun and interesting to read about!

<- More Jeff SomersWe Are Not Good People ->

Image source: Simon & Schuster

Tailed by Seanan McGuire & Kelley Armstrong

Book Review, , , , , , ,
Overview

Title: Tailed
Author: Seanan McGuire & Kelley Armstrong
Series: InCryptid #0.90, Otherworld Companion
In: Urban Allies (Joseph Nassise)
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: 2016

Thoughts

I honestly did not know that I needed this in my life! I mean, Verity and Elena having a crossover? And hunting a poacher? Yeah, I was definitely programmed to love this! two of my favourite authors and series getting together and making this short story baby? I was so deliriously happy!

Verity is not only on the hunt for poachers, but I also love that she is investigating how their actions impact the entire ecosystem. It takes something I love about the InCryptid series – that the cryptids belong in the world like every other animal. And that they have an impact on the ecosystems and the functioning of our world.

Then there’s Elena, she’s just on a school trip with her children. Trying to integrate with society a little and teach her children to be a little less… Clay-like. I actually want more of her insane twins (which I think I have books on my TBR for this). But, I love that even though she crosses paths with Verity, she is still true to herself and somewhat removed. Kind of a hilarious way for the two women to cross paths if I’m being honest.

If I have one complaint about this short story, it’s that Verity and Elena spend next to no time together. They’re kind of just within the same vicinity, not actually making friends. I think if the two women got together, things could go even more entertainingly haywire!

<- Ladies’ FightSweet, Blissful Certainty ->

Image source: HarperCollins Publishers