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I received an eARC of this book from Barclay Publicity in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
Well, that was not what I was expecting! The Judas Contact by Heather Long is a sexy, super-charged read about a team of superheroes from the future and a doctor in the present time who might be an asset to them. Dr. Ilsa Blaine is on the cutting edge of neuroscience, having designed a chip that interacts with brain signals in dogs, virtually eliminating the need to train them as the chip takes care of it. Garrett is from a dismal future where corporations rule everything and the gap between social classes is more like a void. Garrett’s mission: protect Ilsa while she studies the chips embedded in his and his team’s brains.
Ilsa and Garrett are easily likable characters. Ilsa is kind, sensitive, and at heart a scientist. She takes an analytical look at everything. Garrett is like Ilsa. He has a tough exterior and allows no one close to him because of his “curse.” One touch from Garrett can kill you. He was born with toxins running through his blood. So he takes precautions to keep people safe from himself, which means NO skin to skin contact. Can you imagine?! My heart ached for him as did Ilsa’s. In addition to the job given to her by the team, she plans to find a way to neutralize Garrett’s toxins so he can have that contact.
The plot is very simple. Ilsa studies the chips, Garrett protects her, the two fall for each other. It follows the standard trope for romance novels, unfortunately. However it is still a great read. I enjoyed the paranormal/scientific elements of the story more than the romance. It was too insta-love for me, though I did ship the two throughout the plot. Also warning for younger readers/parents: this is a new adult novel which means there are explicit sexual scenes that are only for the 18+ crowd. Sorry kiddos!
Overall I enjoyed The Judas Contact. It’s a quick read, just under 200 pages. It also contains one of my recent favorite elements: superheroes. This seems to be becoming popular and personally I’ll take them all. I love a little action and adventure with my romance. If you enjoy science fiction or you’re looking for a different kind of romantic read, I highly recommend you pick up a copy!
Well, that was not what I was expecting! The Judas Contact by Heather Long is a sexy, super-charged read about a team of superheroes from the future and a doctor in the present time who might be an asset to them. Dr. Ilsa Blaine is on the cutting edge of neuroscience, having designed a chip that interacts with brain signals in dogs, virtually eliminating the need to train them as the chip takes care of it. Garrett is from a dismal future where corporations rule everything and the gap between social classes is more like a void. Garrett’s mission: protect Ilsa while she studies the chips embedded in his and his team’s brains.
Ilsa and Garrett are easily likable characters. Ilsa is kind, sensitive, and at heart a scientist. She takes an analytical look at everything. Garrett is like Ilsa. He has a tough exterior and allows no one close to him because of his “curse.” One touch from Garrett can kill you. He was born with toxins running through his blood. So he takes precautions to keep people safe from himself, which means NO skin to skin contact. Can you imagine?! My heart ached for him as did Ilsa’s. In addition to the job given to her by the team, she plans to find a way to neutralize Garrett’s toxins so he can have that contact.
The plot is very simple. Ilsa studies the chips, Garrett protects her, the two fall for each other. It follows the standard trope for romance novels, unfortunately. However it is still a great read. I enjoyed the paranormal/scientific elements of the story more than the romance. It was too insta-love for me, though I did ship the two throughout the plot. Also warning for younger readers/parents: this is a new adult novel which means there are explicit sexual scenes that are only for the 18+ crowd. Sorry kiddos!
Overall I enjoyed The Judas Contact. It’s a quick read, just under 200 pages. It also contains one of my recent favorite elements: superheroes. This seems to be becoming popular and personally I’ll take them all. I love a little action and adventure with my romance. If you enjoy science fiction or you’re looking for a different kind of romantic read, I highly recommend you pick up a copy!
I received an eARC of this book via Barclay Publicity in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
The Angel Knights by Mary Ting is a prequel novella to The Angel Knights series and a spin-off to the author’s popular Crossroads series. While I personally have not read [b:Crossroads|28950475|Crossroads (Crossroads Saga, #1)|Mary Ting|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1454815053s/28950475.jpg|16210495], it did not diminish my enjoyment of this new series! The Angel Knights was exactly what I needed during my reading slump last month. It’s a light read, yet sets the series up well. Lucia and her twin brother Zachary are out on their first demon hunting assignment. It’s the first time they’ve encountered demons with their team and they are out with their dad Michael and adoptive uncle Davin. They’ve trained their entire lives to be Venators and the time has come to use their knowledge as the demons seem to be rising again.
The story is mostly told from Lucia’s perspective. I like her. She struggles to suppress her half human side. She allows for her emotions to get the better of her, more than once, putting herself and her team at risk. Yet she’s easily relatable unlike the other Venators who seem emotionless in comparison. I like her relationship with her twin. Though he’s only minutes older, he’s protective and everything I imagine a big brother to be. They work well as a team and they’ve inherited their father’s gift of speaking into each others’ minds. A little freaky, but how awesome a power that would be!!
The point of this novella (which clocks in at just under 90 pages) is to set up the series. While it isn’t necessary to read it prior to reading the rest of the series, I feel it is a bonus and would help to explain Lucia better. Also for fans of [b:Crossroads|28950475|Crossroads (Crossroads Saga, #1)|Mary Ting|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1454815053s/28950475.jpg|16210495] it bridges the gap from the last book to now, showing Claudia and Michael as adults and parents. The demons are rising again, yet who is leading them? Why are they coming back now? These are the questions asked in the novella along with what are they going to do about it. Lucia and Zachary are chosen to go with Davin to earth and investigate what is happening.
Overall I really enjoyed this novella. It’s a fast read, I read it in a couple of hours one night. It sets up the series well and provides background for Michael and Claudia’s children. If you enjoy urban fantasy, looking for a new series, and of course like a little romance, I highly recommend picking up The Angel Knights!
The Angel Knights by Mary Ting is a prequel novella to The Angel Knights series and a spin-off to the author’s popular Crossroads series. While I personally have not read [b:Crossroads|28950475|Crossroads (Crossroads Saga, #1)|Mary Ting|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1454815053s/28950475.jpg|16210495], it did not diminish my enjoyment of this new series! The Angel Knights was exactly what I needed during my reading slump last month. It’s a light read, yet sets the series up well. Lucia and her twin brother Zachary are out on their first demon hunting assignment. It’s the first time they’ve encountered demons with their team and they are out with their dad Michael and adoptive uncle Davin. They’ve trained their entire lives to be Venators and the time has come to use their knowledge as the demons seem to be rising again.
The story is mostly told from Lucia’s perspective. I like her. She struggles to suppress her half human side. She allows for her emotions to get the better of her, more than once, putting herself and her team at risk. Yet she’s easily relatable unlike the other Venators who seem emotionless in comparison. I like her relationship with her twin. Though he’s only minutes older, he’s protective and everything I imagine a big brother to be. They work well as a team and they’ve inherited their father’s gift of speaking into each others’ minds. A little freaky, but how awesome a power that would be!!
The point of this novella (which clocks in at just under 90 pages) is to set up the series. While it isn’t necessary to read it prior to reading the rest of the series, I feel it is a bonus and would help to explain Lucia better. Also for fans of [b:Crossroads|28950475|Crossroads (Crossroads Saga, #1)|Mary Ting|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1454815053s/28950475.jpg|16210495] it bridges the gap from the last book to now, showing Claudia and Michael as adults and parents. The demons are rising again, yet who is leading them? Why are they coming back now? These are the questions asked in the novella along with what are they going to do about it. Lucia and Zachary are chosen to go with Davin to earth and investigate what is happening.
Overall I really enjoyed this novella. It’s a fast read, I read it in a couple of hours one night. It sets up the series well and provides background for Michael and Claudia’s children. If you enjoy urban fantasy, looking for a new series, and of course like a little romance, I highly recommend picking up The Angel Knights!
If you’ve not read [b:Spearwood: Book One|28503165|Spearwood Book One|A.S. Oren|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1452434031s/28503165.jpg|48656567] by A.S. Oren, do not read this review.
This is Spearwood for the adult crowd!!!! Spearwood Book 1.5 by A.S. Oren picks up right where the first left off. Avalon, Jericho, Dante, Bullock, and Mirren are still in the survival challenge. Avalon is reeling from whatever Minos did to her, causing her transformation to be painful and changing her dragon wings to angel. In this installment, Avalon needs to uncover what was done to her and quickly before Roseman catches on to her plans.
Avalon is an interesting character. She is tough as nails and not a typical damsel in distress. She doesn’t ask or want help form anyone. She’s too prideful in that aspect. Yet she has a big heart. She loves the guys, every single one of them, including those in her twin’s fold. She cares what happens to them, even when they don’t seem to care for her. That’s an admirable trait.
Then there’s the guys.
I don’t even know where to start with them! I have a favorite, but the author is billing this as a reverse harem so my favorite doesn’t matter because Avalon will choose them all in the end. This book features Paden and Maverick more than the rest. These two are brothers, grew up with Avalon at Edgar’s farm, and are total opposites. Maverick is outgoing, high-spirited, and not afraid to show his feelings. Paden is reserved, keeps his emotions to himself, and the alpha of the fold. Can you guess my favorite from these two?
There’s also Dante, Mirren and Bullock to contend with. Dante is not how I remember him from the original series, Maverick kind of took that role. But Dante is still a fun, charismatic character. I just don’t feel the connection I felt with him from the original. Mirren and Bullock ♥︎ These two have always been my favorite, even in the original series. I’m not sure how I feel about where they are heading in this new version. Mirren is still a jerk, doesn’t know he’s a part of the fold, and Avalon avoids him at all costs. Bullock is still a know-it-all but has a lot of secrets. One of my favorite scenes from the original series popped up in this book (not spoiling, you’ll have to read). I still felt the chemistry between him and Avalon. Maybe it’s all in my head but I don’t think so!
The plot of this book focuses on Avalon’s fall out with Jericho. Jericho isn’t a part of her fold. It never mattered to either of them until they arrived at Spearwood Academy. Now Jericho has to watch as she finds more of her fold. Of course he’s angry, hurt, jealous…just to name a few. With the falling out comes a whole new set of problems. The Knights (kind of like guardians at Spearwood or like glorified hall monitors) are recruiting and Avalon realizes that they were responsible for what happened at the end of Book 1. So many secrets and plot twists within this book!!
Overall I really enjoyed the book! The plot flows well and is super fast-paced. I read it in one sitting! Avalon and the guys are some of my favorite characters and the world-building mixed with pop-culture is great for this nerd. I do feel the need to warn that this book is for the adult crowd only (sorry kiddos!). There are some steamy scenes which the author said will get steamier and strong language. If you enjoy new adult, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance, I highly recommend it!
This is Spearwood for the adult crowd!!!! Spearwood Book 1.5 by A.S. Oren picks up right where the first left off. Avalon, Jericho, Dante, Bullock, and Mirren are still in the survival challenge. Avalon is reeling from whatever Minos did to her, causing her transformation to be painful and changing her dragon wings to angel. In this installment, Avalon needs to uncover what was done to her and quickly before Roseman catches on to her plans.
Avalon is an interesting character. She is tough as nails and not a typical damsel in distress. She doesn’t ask or want help form anyone. She’s too prideful in that aspect. Yet she has a big heart. She loves the guys, every single one of them, including those in her twin’s fold. She cares what happens to them, even when they don’t seem to care for her. That’s an admirable trait.
Then there’s the guys.
I don’t even know where to start with them! I have a favorite, but the author is billing this as a reverse harem so my favorite doesn’t matter because Avalon will choose them all in the end. This book features Paden and Maverick more than the rest. These two are brothers, grew up with Avalon at Edgar’s farm, and are total opposites. Maverick is outgoing, high-spirited, and not afraid to show his feelings. Paden is reserved, keeps his emotions to himself, and the alpha of the fold. Can you guess my favorite from these two?
There’s also Dante, Mirren and Bullock to contend with. Dante is not how I remember him from the original series, Maverick kind of took that role. But Dante is still a fun, charismatic character. I just don’t feel the connection I felt with him from the original. Mirren and Bullock ♥︎ These two have always been my favorite, even in the original series. I’m not sure how I feel about where they are heading in this new version. Mirren is still a jerk, doesn’t know he’s a part of the fold, and Avalon avoids him at all costs. Bullock is still a know-it-all but has a lot of secrets. One of my favorite scenes from the original series popped up in this book (not spoiling, you’ll have to read). I still felt the chemistry between him and Avalon. Maybe it’s all in my head but I don’t think so!
The plot of this book focuses on Avalon’s fall out with Jericho. Jericho isn’t a part of her fold. It never mattered to either of them until they arrived at Spearwood Academy. Now Jericho has to watch as she finds more of her fold. Of course he’s angry, hurt, jealous…just to name a few. With the falling out comes a whole new set of problems. The Knights (kind of like guardians at Spearwood or like glorified hall monitors) are recruiting and Avalon realizes that they were responsible for what happened at the end of Book 1. So many secrets and plot twists within this book!!
Overall I really enjoyed the book! The plot flows well and is super fast-paced. I read it in one sitting! Avalon and the guys are some of my favorite characters and the world-building mixed with pop-culture is great for this nerd. I do feel the need to warn that this book is for the adult crowd only (sorry kiddos!). There are some steamy scenes which the author said will get steamier and strong language. If you enjoy new adult, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance, I highly recommend it!
I received an eARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
A Mortal Song by Megan Crewe is an impressive tale that blends Japanese mythology with that of the urban world. Sora is the daughter of the kami rulers at Mt. Fuji. She’s been sheltered, loved and immersed in their beliefs. When a demon with an army of ghosts overruns the palace on Sora’s 17th birthday, she escapes with her best friend and loyal guard Takeo, but as she leaves Mt. Fuji behind her powers dissipate and she finds out the world she loves is not the world she belongs to.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I’ve always enjoyed a good urban fantasy, but Crewe blends her story with Japanese mythology and I LOVED this element. It brought a magical quality to the story that many urban fantasies lack. Sora is a character that is easily relatable and my heart broke for her over and over again. She’s strong, dedicated, and loyal yet flawed and insecure tying the human world with that of the kami’s perfectly.
The plot is fairly simple. Sora with Takeo and some new found friends must find a way to save the kami from the demon before Fuji erupts. I liked that the plot was easy to follow as I’m unfamiliar with the mythology present in the story. I decided to spend some time on my own researching while I read, though this is NOT necessary, the author just peaked my interest. There is plenty of action and problems along the way to move the story forward. The fight scenes with the ghosts were particularly interesting. They are well written and it was easy to picture it in my mind as a fluid scene while reading.
Overall I really enjoyed Sora’s story. It’s a standalone, which is hard to find these days. Featuring plenty of action, suspense with each rumble from Fuji, and even a little romance, I highly recommend it!
A Mortal Song by Megan Crewe is an impressive tale that blends Japanese mythology with that of the urban world. Sora is the daughter of the kami rulers at Mt. Fuji. She’s been sheltered, loved and immersed in their beliefs. When a demon with an army of ghosts overruns the palace on Sora’s 17th birthday, she escapes with her best friend and loyal guard Takeo, but as she leaves Mt. Fuji behind her powers dissipate and she finds out the world she loves is not the world she belongs to.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I’ve always enjoyed a good urban fantasy, but Crewe blends her story with Japanese mythology and I LOVED this element. It brought a magical quality to the story that many urban fantasies lack. Sora is a character that is easily relatable and my heart broke for her over and over again. She’s strong, dedicated, and loyal yet flawed and insecure tying the human world with that of the kami’s perfectly.
The plot is fairly simple. Sora with Takeo and some new found friends must find a way to save the kami from the demon before Fuji erupts. I liked that the plot was easy to follow as I’m unfamiliar with the mythology present in the story. I decided to spend some time on my own researching while I read, though this is NOT necessary, the author just peaked my interest. There is plenty of action and problems along the way to move the story forward. The fight scenes with the ghosts were particularly interesting. They are well written and it was easy to picture it in my mind as a fluid scene while reading.
Overall I really enjoyed Sora’s story. It’s a standalone, which is hard to find these days. Featuring plenty of action, suspense with each rumble from Fuji, and even a little romance, I highly recommend it!
Defy by Sara B. Larson was more than I expected and everything I could have asked for! I love high fantasy and this particular book is aimed at Young Adults AND it is actually appropriate for that age crowd!!! Alexa Hollen is still a child when she witnesses the death of her parents and is taken by the king’s men. Thanks to the quick thinking of her twin brother, she is disguised as a boy and becomes Alex to the fellow soldiers, a fierce fighter who could be captain one day. When a sorcerer attacks in the dead of night, Alex finds herself captured along with the crowned prince Damien and her best friend Rylan. Alex must find a way to keep her secret hidden and do her duty as the prince’s guard.
After reading this story, Alexa has become a favorite character. She’s feisty, fierce, and courageous. She fights for what she believes in and despite the years of pretending to be a boy, she is still feminine and scared. My heart broke for her as she fought and pretended to be something she is not. I ached for her loss and for the unrequited love she feels. If anything, her struggles make you love her more.
Damien and Rylan ♥︎ I can honestly not tell you who I ship more. When we first meet Damien in the story, he is arrogant and spoiled, but it’s all a show. He’s cunning, kind, and loves his country. He will do whatever it takes to bring his kingdom peace. Rylan is like the guy next door. You never have to wonder what he is thinking or who he cares for. He’s very transparent.
I don’t want to spoil any of the story for those that haven’t read the book yet so I won’t really touch on the plot. Just know that there is action, magic, and many twists and turns along the way. The book reminds me a little of [b:Graceling|3236307|Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1)|Kristin Cashore|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1331548394s/3236307.jpg|3270810] which I loved so I would recommend it for anyone that enjoys a good fantasy with a touch of romance and a ton of action!
After reading this story, Alexa has become a favorite character. She’s feisty, fierce, and courageous. She fights for what she believes in and despite the years of pretending to be a boy, she is still feminine and scared. My heart broke for her as she fought and pretended to be something she is not. I ached for her loss and for the unrequited love she feels. If anything, her struggles make you love her more.
Damien and Rylan ♥︎ I can honestly not tell you who I ship more. When we first meet Damien in the story, he is arrogant and spoiled, but it’s all a show. He’s cunning, kind, and loves his country. He will do whatever it takes to bring his kingdom peace. Rylan is like the guy next door. You never have to wonder what he is thinking or who he cares for. He’s very transparent.
I don’t want to spoil any of the story for those that haven’t read the book yet so I won’t really touch on the plot. Just know that there is action, magic, and many twists and turns along the way. The book reminds me a little of [b:Graceling|3236307|Graceling (Graceling Realm, #1)|Kristin Cashore|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/books/1331548394s/3236307.jpg|3270810] which I loved so I would recommend it for anyone that enjoys a good fantasy with a touch of romance and a ton of action!
What a ride!!! City of Glass by Cassandra Clare is a fast-paced read, full of twists and action that kept me on the edge of my seat. While I enjoyed the previous two books in the series, they barely hold a candle to this installment. Valentine is mounting an attack on Idris, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters, and only Clary and her friends believe the danger the city is in.
Clary is one of those characters I just can’t decide if I like or not. She’s can be whiny, a bit annoying at times, and can’t seem to make up her mind about her feelings for Jace. I mean he’s her “brother” so….ewwww!!!! BUT then she’s got this crazy fearless attitude when it comes to the world of the Shadowhunters. She faces it head on and I love that about her, even if I may scream at the book occasionally.
Jace is in a dark place this book. He is coming to terms that Valentine, the evil monster, is his father, the girl he loves is his “sister” and the family he calls his own doesn’t want him. He’s kind of lost and my heart ached for him.
I honestly don’t even know where to start with the plot of this book. I DO NOT want to give any spoilers away!!! There are so many twists and turns, surprises, new characters and intense fighting. Just trust me, if you’ve enjoyed the series so far, it is a must read!
Clary is one of those characters I just can’t decide if I like or not. She’s can be whiny, a bit annoying at times, and can’t seem to make up her mind about her feelings for Jace. I mean he’s her “brother” so….ewwww!!!! BUT then she’s got this crazy fearless attitude when it comes to the world of the Shadowhunters. She faces it head on and I love that about her, even if I may scream at the book occasionally.
Jace is in a dark place this book. He is coming to terms that Valentine, the evil monster, is his father, the girl he loves is his “sister” and the family he calls his own doesn’t want him. He’s kind of lost and my heart ached for him.
I honestly don’t even know where to start with the plot of this book. I DO NOT want to give any spoilers away!!! There are so many twists and turns, surprises, new characters and intense fighting. Just trust me, if you’ve enjoyed the series so far, it is a must read!
The First Phone Call From Heaven by Mitch Albom was a heart-breaking read that left me in tears, happy tears…but still tears! I’m always blown away by this author’s writing. He is able to instantly draw readers in with his conversational writing style and the characters stick with you long after the book is finished. In this particular book, it isn’t just one character but an entire town and its inhabitants that break your heart and stitch it back together. The opening chapter ends with these lines:
Not everyone in the town is convinced though. Sullivan Harding, one of the main characters, has just been released from prison. His wife died while he was in there and really he hasn’t had a proper chance to grieve. His character breaks my heart. He’s a man who has lost his faith, his identity, and is just trying to find a way when he catches wind of these phone calls. Rather than buying into it as the rest of the community has, he questions them. He wants answers and is suspicious. So Sully begins his own investigation into the mysterious phone calls from Heaven.
The mystery surrounding the phone calls and the question of faith drives Albom’s novel. I was fully invested and like Sully a little suspicious. Why all of a sudden are these people reaching out from Heaven to call their loved ones? Why did no one else question it? My heart broke for the characters receiving the phone calls. When you think you are moving on, learning to live again after the death of your loved one and now they are calling you, making you miss them all over again….heartbreaking! If you enjoy a good mystery, I highly recommend you grab a copy of this book. It is well worth the read!
*Note: I alternated between reading and listening to this book. I have to say I enjoyed listening! The author reads his own work and he is quite the story teller.
It was the day the world received its first phone call from heaven.How much you believe. This is the theme for the story that Albom tells of a town that begins receiving phone calls from family members beyond the grave. They claim they are in heaven. The calls only come on Fridays. Only 6 people receive the calls. This mysterious phenomenon becomes the talk of the entire world as reporters from all over flock to the small, fictional town of Coldwater, Michigan. I was entranced as the story is told from multiple points of view, including news reports. I loved this detail! Hearing the story as if reported on the news added a realistic quality.
What happened next depends on how much you believe.
Not everyone in the town is convinced though. Sullivan Harding, one of the main characters, has just been released from prison. His wife died while he was in there and really he hasn’t had a proper chance to grieve. His character breaks my heart. He’s a man who has lost his faith, his identity, and is just trying to find a way when he catches wind of these phone calls. Rather than buying into it as the rest of the community has, he questions them. He wants answers and is suspicious. So Sully begins his own investigation into the mysterious phone calls from Heaven.
The mystery surrounding the phone calls and the question of faith drives Albom’s novel. I was fully invested and like Sully a little suspicious. Why all of a sudden are these people reaching out from Heaven to call their loved ones? Why did no one else question it? My heart broke for the characters receiving the phone calls. When you think you are moving on, learning to live again after the death of your loved one and now they are calling you, making you miss them all over again….heartbreaking! If you enjoy a good mystery, I highly recommend you grab a copy of this book. It is well worth the read!
*Note: I alternated between reading and listening to this book. I have to say I enjoyed listening! The author reads his own work and he is quite the story teller.
Initial Reaction
I have experience trauma at the hands of a book people!!! Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole is the third book in her series The Arcana Chronicles and it is explosive! I’ve had the book sitting on my Kindle for over a year now. I pre-ordered it because I wanted….no I needed to jump right in, but then when it came out I was scared to start it because I KNEW there would be an epic cliffhanger and I KNEW I wouldn’t be able to handle it. NOW I have to wait for the next book and I already feel myself dying inside just a little at the thought!
Dead of Winter picks up right where [b:Endless Knight|16175040|Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles, #2)|Kresley Cole|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1369329231s/16175040.jpg|22024655] left off. ***Please note that if you haven’t read this series, there are minor spoilers to previous books within this review!*** Evie has tricked Death and escaped his mansion/her prison to save Jack from the hands of the Lovers. But to defeat them she will have to ally herself with other Arcana, she may even need Death’s help.
The Love Triangle from Hades
Death loves Evie. Jack loves Evie. Evie thought she loved Jack, but he betrayed her. Evie thought she might be falling for Death, but he tried to coerce her. Now everything is is just SO confusing with these three. I KNOW who I root for *cough* DEATH *cough* but ultimately Evie’s the one with the hard decision to make.
I like Evie. She’s a girl who has these amazing abilities (hello she’s the Empress card and she controls plants and poisons) but she doesn’t want to use them. She’s afraid of what they are doing to her, what she will become. Basically Evie doesn’t want to be evil. She wants her old life back.
Jack….I really fell in love with Jack right along side Evie in the first book but then he made a douche move. He SLEPT with Evie and then LIED to her face. Who does that?! AND who can get over that?! Maybe I’m a bit biased, I am clearly #TeamDeath here but honestly, I just want to drop kick Jack. Everything out of his mouth I question and I hurt for Evie because she does too. She doesn’t want to question him, she wants to trust him, but he isn’t making it easy by lying at every turn.
Death *swoon* Death’s real name is Aric, he’s lived for hundreds of years as he was the victor of the last three games and he is my pick. I want Evie to choose him. He’s gentle with her while scaring the bejeezus out of her all at the same time. He’s lonely and in love and Evie is the only person who can fix that. She’s the only one who Aric can touch without killing. It’s a star-crossed love in the making. And seriously EVIE CHOOSE HIM!!!!
The Creepy Lovers
At the end of the last book, Evie finds out that the twins, the Lovers card, have Jack. She asks Death to help her save him, but Death wants something in return. He wanted Evie to consummate their marriage. Instead she used a sleeping poison to put him out and escaped. Now she’s got to come up with a way to save Jack from the Lovers and defeat them. BUT not much is known about the twins and their Arcana power. So when Death shows up she allies with him to gain his knowledge.
The plot of the book really focuses on the love triangle going on among Evie, Jack, and Aric. BUT it also focuses some on the game. The author delved deeper into Evie’s past lives and her actions in the past games. Honestly reading it, the reader realizes why Evie doesn’t want to let the “Red Witch” out to play. AND her actions have consequences in this game. The Lovers are out for revenge and a little payback. Seriously they couldn’t be any creepier. Bravo Kresley Cole for that!
My Conclusion
Overall I LOVED this book…but I bet you already guessed that. I love the world-building as it combines not only Greek/Roman mythology but also fantasy and dystopian, my two favorite genres. But that ending….
I can’t handle it. That was one of the WORST cliffhangers ever!!! I won’t spoil it even though I’d love to discuss JUST the ending at length (I could really write an entire post on the last chapter alone). If you’re already a fan of The Arcana Chronicles, then you absolutely need to read this book. If you’re new to the series or you’re a fan of fantasy and dystopia, I highly suggest you start with book one and start you’re binge reading now.
I have experience trauma at the hands of a book people!!! Dead of Winter by Kresley Cole is the third book in her series The Arcana Chronicles and it is explosive! I’ve had the book sitting on my Kindle for over a year now. I pre-ordered it because I wanted….no I needed to jump right in, but then when it came out I was scared to start it because I KNEW there would be an epic cliffhanger and I KNEW I wouldn’t be able to handle it. NOW I have to wait for the next book and I already feel myself dying inside just a little at the thought!
Dead of Winter picks up right where [b:Endless Knight|16175040|Endless Knight (The Arcana Chronicles, #2)|Kresley Cole|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1369329231s/16175040.jpg|22024655] left off. ***Please note that if you haven’t read this series, there are minor spoilers to previous books within this review!*** Evie has tricked Death and escaped his mansion/her prison to save Jack from the hands of the Lovers. But to defeat them she will have to ally herself with other Arcana, she may even need Death’s help.
The Love Triangle from Hades
Death loves Evie. Jack loves Evie. Evie thought she loved Jack, but he betrayed her. Evie thought she might be falling for Death, but he tried to coerce her. Now everything is is just SO confusing with these three. I KNOW who I root for *cough* DEATH *cough* but ultimately Evie’s the one with the hard decision to make.
I like Evie. She’s a girl who has these amazing abilities (hello she’s the Empress card and she controls plants and poisons) but she doesn’t want to use them. She’s afraid of what they are doing to her, what she will become. Basically Evie doesn’t want to be evil. She wants her old life back.
Jack….I really fell in love with Jack right along side Evie in the first book but then he made a douche move. He SLEPT with Evie and then LIED to her face. Who does that?! AND who can get over that?! Maybe I’m a bit biased, I am clearly #TeamDeath here but honestly, I just want to drop kick Jack. Everything out of his mouth I question and I hurt for Evie because she does too. She doesn’t want to question him, she wants to trust him, but he isn’t making it easy by lying at every turn.
Death *swoon* Death’s real name is Aric, he’s lived for hundreds of years as he was the victor of the last three games and he is my pick. I want Evie to choose him. He’s gentle with her while scaring the bejeezus out of her all at the same time. He’s lonely and in love and Evie is the only person who can fix that. She’s the only one who Aric can touch without killing. It’s a star-crossed love in the making. And seriously EVIE CHOOSE HIM!!!!
The Creepy Lovers
At the end of the last book, Evie finds out that the twins, the Lovers card, have Jack. She asks Death to help her save him, but Death wants something in return. He wanted Evie to consummate their marriage. Instead she used a sleeping poison to put him out and escaped. Now she’s got to come up with a way to save Jack from the Lovers and defeat them. BUT not much is known about the twins and their Arcana power. So when Death shows up she allies with him to gain his knowledge.
The plot of the book really focuses on the love triangle going on among Evie, Jack, and Aric. BUT it also focuses some on the game. The author delved deeper into Evie’s past lives and her actions in the past games. Honestly reading it, the reader realizes why Evie doesn’t want to let the “Red Witch” out to play. AND her actions have consequences in this game. The Lovers are out for revenge and a little payback. Seriously they couldn’t be any creepier. Bravo Kresley Cole for that!
My Conclusion
Overall I LOVED this book…but I bet you already guessed that. I love the world-building as it combines not only Greek/Roman mythology but also fantasy and dystopian, my two favorite genres. But that ending….
I can’t handle it. That was one of the WORST cliffhangers ever!!! I won’t spoil it even though I’d love to discuss JUST the ending at length (I could really write an entire post on the last chapter alone). If you’re already a fan of The Arcana Chronicles, then you absolutely need to read this book. If you’re new to the series or you’re a fan of fantasy and dystopia, I highly suggest you start with book one and start you’re binge reading now.
