Fantasy Book Review

Ariel’s Tear – By Justin Rose – Book Review

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Set in the fictional world of Rehavan, Ariel’s Tear tells the story of Reheuel, Captain of the Guards in the small human city of Gath Odrenoch. An aging soldier haunted by memories of his bloody youth, Reheuel lives a sedate but contented life with his family. Disillusioned with warfare and the glories of his nation’s conquests, he raises his children to value beauty and the wonders that enrich their lives.
His peaceful world shatters, however, when a tribe of goblins threatens both Gath Odrenoch and the nearby Fairy City. Intent on saving his family and on protecting the innocence of the childlike fairies, Reheuel sets off on a journey to save both cities. Lifting his sword once more, he rediscovers the true cost of earthly beauty. 

This is a short book, especially for a fantasy novel, but the author manages to pack quite a lot in there.

The story follows Rehueul and his family as they fight to save their own home and that of the fairies. A gemstone, known as the Tear, is what gives fairies their power and the goblins have attacked and stolen it. As a result, the city begins to crumble and the fairies start to change.

Considering the shortness of this book, it really has a lot to say about childhood and the loss of innocence. Without the Tear, the Fairies connection to Innocence and each other is shattered. They start to gain independent though and can no longer go back to what they were.

The beginning of this book really drew me in. The prologue tells of how the world was created and the “gods” were born. But instead of gods like we would normally think of them, they are traits such as Innocence and Curiosity that gain sentience. This is such a unique concept, I really liked it.

There aren’t a ton of characters in this novel. It’s mostly Reheuel’s family and the fairies, of which only a few are given names. I thought that was great. Too often, it seems like fantasy novels have to throw in as many characters as possible and make the whole plot as weird and convoluted as possible. Ariel’s Tear is nice change of pace as it doesn’t do that and it doesn’t sacrifice anything in terms of description, story and characters.

I would have liked to have known a bit more backstory on the goblins. What were their motivations for attacking the fairy city other than stealing the Tear? They aren’t portrayed as a particularly intelligent race so I wonder how the decision to attack was made. Is there someone else behind the scenes influencing them for their own gain? There’s definitely potential for growth in this world.

A pronunciation guide would also have been helpful. There were a few character’s names that I had no idea how to pronounce properly. I probably butchered it terribly in my head.

My rating for this novel is 3 out of 5 stars and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a quick fantasy read.

Thanks for reading!

Fantasy Book Review – Where Shadows Lie – The Last Gift #1 by Allegra Pescatore

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Synopsis:

THE CHOSEN ONE IS DEAD.

Speak the truth.
That is what Elenor has been taught to value above all else, but when her brother dies, leaving her next in line for the Throne of Lirin, truth becomes a matter of opinion.

Stand for what is right.
Gabriel thought his years of fighting against oppression were over when he agreed to assassinate the royal family. He never expected to end up helping one of them.

As the carefully woven webs of deception surrounding Elenor and Gabriel begin to unravel, Princess and Rebel must set aside their differences and work together for the sake of the Kingdom they both love.

Meanwhile, from the rainy streets of Lirin to the scorching dunes of the Mondaer Desert, the ripples of their actions have inadvertently broken a chain of events five centuries in the making. Ancient forces move in the shadows, calling in debts and striking deals. A monster with a thousand faces fingers his knife, ready to kill, and a pair of fugitives run for their lives.

With Magic itself misbehaving and old alliances crumbling to dust, it is up to an unlikely group of friends and enemies to pick up the pieces the chosen one left behind.

Wow! I loved this book!

I went into this novel with the misconception that this is a YA novel. It’s not. Which becomes evident on the very first page with the first of many F bombs.

This book begins with an assassination attempt on the current monarchs. The Crown Prince, Wilam, has been working with the Rebellion to bring about the downfall of his tyrant father and incompetent mother. All seems to be going well until his sister, Elenor, saves her father’s life. Wilam is murdered, one of the rebels dies, another tries to kidnap Elenor only to be poisoned by her and the entire plot is ruined.

The world is shaken by the Prince’s death. Plans that revolved around him are now in ruins.

Although I really liked this book, there were a couple things that I could have lived without. There is a rather large amount swearing in this novel, especially the F word. I also could have survived just fine without the um…”sex” scene. It was exactly sex but close enough. I don’t think it was totally necessary to further the relationship between those two characters.

What I liked far out weighs what I didn’t. The characters are all interesting and unique. Fay was my least favorite character, but I didn’t completely hate her. I really felt like Elenor grew as both a person and a future queen through the novel. I would have loved to know more about Gabriel but given his situation in this book, it’s easy to understand why he wouldn’t have much growth. There’s definitely room for that in the sequel.

The world building was great, though there’s still room for more. I didn’t totally understand the magic system as first as it’s referred to “rifting” but after a while it became more clear. I loved how the gods were real tangible beings that interacted with their “chosen” people to further their own plans.

The way the plot is woven, and all the little lies and deceptions are slowly revealed or made clear is masterful! At about the midway point, certain characters come together and Elenor learns more of what is really going in her kingdom. Her internal and physical struggles feel so real, she’s easy to relate to, even if she was a bit annoying at first.

It was great that there’s LGBTQ representation in this book and it doesn’t seem to be taboo in this world.

I absolutely cannot wait for the sequel!

My thanks to the author for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

My rating for this book is 4.5 our of 5 stars and I recommend it to anyone who loves fantasy, character driven novels and fast paced and intricate plots.

Thanks for reading!

Miranda and Caliban – By Jacqueline Carey – Book Review

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Synopsis (from Goodreads):

A lovely girl grows up in isolation where her father, a powerful magus, has spirited them to in order to keep them safe.

We all know the tale of Prospero’s quest for revenge, but what of Miranda? Or Caliban, the so-called savage Prospero chained to his will?

In this incredible retelling of the fantastical tale, Jacqueline Carey shows readers the other side of the coin—the dutiful and tenderhearted Miranda, who loves her father but is terribly lonely. And Caliban, the strange and feral boy Prospero has bewitched to serve him. The two find solace and companionship in each other as Prospero weaves his magic and dreams of revenge.

Always under Prospero’s jealous eye, Miranda and Caliban battle the dark, unknowable forces that bind them to the island even as the pangs of adolescence create a new awareness of each other and their doomed relationship.

Miranda and Caliban is bestselling fantasy author Jacqueline Carey’s gorgeous retelling of The Tempest. With hypnotic prose and a wild imagination, Carey explores the themes of twisted love and unchecked power that lie at the heart of Shakespeare’s masterpiece, while serving up a fresh take on the play’s iconic characters.

Jacqueline Carey is one of those authors that I absolutely adore. When she writes a book, I buy it, no questions asked. She has never disappointed with her novels and she continues to live up to the pedestal I have placed her on in my mind.

I, personally, have never read The Tempest, the Shakespeare play this novel is based on, but I don’t think it’s necessary to have done so before reading this book. I did look up a summary of the The Tempest so I had some idea of what to expect. A part of me wishes I hadn’t because it gave away much of the story.

Anyway, this novel begins when Miranda is only 6 years old. She has been living on the isle with her father and several elementals that act as servants to her father. Except for a random wild boy that sometimes leaves gifts for her, there is on one else on the isle. When Miranda’s father summons the wild boy and essentials binds him into servitude, the plot truly begins.

Caliban, the wild boy, has lived alone on the isle since the death of his mother. He is unable to speak until Miranda begins teaching him. For the first time, Miranda has a friend and companion to spend her days with. As they grow up together, it is only natural for them to form a strong bond.

Jacqueline Carey captures the essence of a Shakespeare play without actually using the same type of language his plays were written in.

I loved Miranda and felt a great deal of compassion for her as she grows up knowing only obedience to her father, who is quick to punish any kind of disobedience with physical pain. She is little more than a pawn in her father’s plans with no real choice in what her life will become.

Caliban is also an interesting character. Seeing through his eyes as he learns how to speak and comprehend and more and more is amazing. Prospero, Miranda’s father, I feel, is the true villain of the story even if Caliban is made out to be so at certain times. If someone bound you against your will, forced you to do all the chores and punished you for the slightest infraction, you’d probably want to kill them too.

I particularly felt for Miranda when she got her first period. She had absolutely no prior knowledge of what to expect and of course was alarmed when she suddenly started bleeding. Even thinking that she was somehow bleeding internally. It was a very stark contrast to the current time when girls are educated about puberty and what to expect to happen to their bodies. I try to imagine not knowing that such a thing was perfectly normal and then have it happen. It would be a terrifying experience to say the least. The description of Miranda’s confusion and symptoms were so very apt.

The ending felt a little vague, perhaps leaving it open for a sequel. I would love to read one if one was ever written. It was also rather bleak, as you don’t know what might come next. My imagination could certainly fill in a few dark happenings afterwards.

Overall, I really enjoyed this novel and give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars. I would recommend it to anyone who likes Shakespeare retellings, fantasy novels, and well, anyone who just loves good books.

Have you read Miranda and Caliban? Do you agree with my review? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!

The Princess of Elsseria – Legends of the Blue Forest #1 – Leslie G. – Book Review

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Synopsis: She is the heiress of the throne, the guardian of the blue forest, the princess of Elsseria, and a creature of darkness.
Liah does not know her origin, or what type of blood runs through her veins. Suffocating in a court that perhaps expects too much from her, she embarks on an adventure to find her own self, although what she might discover scares her more every time.
This book will take you to a world of magic, threatened by a legendary enemy. Where a different kind of princess tries to find her place, and a young Captain falls in love with the wrong person. A world that its inhabitants will defend with fury, rescuing old alliances and forging new ones. A place to dream.

My first impression of this book? Wow! The way the author describes things is so mysterious and beautiful! It drew me in right away and didn’t let go!

This book follows Liah, the Princess of Elsseria, as she tries to find her place in the world and figure out who she is. She already knows she is different from everyone else. Her increasing thirst for blood and inability to control her growing power force her to run away, convinced her people think her a monster.

I loved the way the author described things. It made the forest come alive in my mind, making it easy to fall into the story. Liah is a great character. She’s unique, not only in her appearance but her personality as well. She’s not a pampered princess. She’s knows how to defend her self not only with a sword but her hands as well. Yes, she’s going through emotional turmoil, but who wouldn’t if they thirsted for blood and shot green fire from their hands when they got upset?

Other characters were definitely secondary and not as fleshed out. Except for Derek, the captain of the royal guards. Derek comes from another kingdom to serve as part of an age old agreement between the two kingdoms. He’s instantly enthralled with the beautiful land of Elsseria and it’s beautiful princess. Derek knows that as a mere captain of the guards that he can’t possibly be worthy of Liah, but he can’t help falling for her.

While I really did love this book, I felt that there were a few things that were lacking. The development of the relationship between Derek and Liah was a big one. They’ve barely met and already think of each other like they’re known one another for years and been slowly falling in love over those years. I really think the development of that relationship would have benefited greatly from more interactions between the two before the plot really got rolling.

The dialogue also left something to be desired. The book was originally written in Spanish so I wonder if something was lost in the translation. The pacing was a bit quick. There were a few things that happened “off screen” that I think would have been beneficial if they’re been written in.

I don’t read a lot of YA anymore since I’m no longer a young adult myself, but I was offered a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and I’m glad I accepted.

My rating for this book is 4 out of 5 stars and I would recommend it to anymore who enjoys YA fantasy looking for a quick and fun read.

Have you read the Princess of Elsseria? Do you agree with my review? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!

The Redemption of Althalus – Book Review

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Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Althalus is a young thief and occasional killer known for his skill and incredible luck. A number of capers end without much monetary reward for him, until he stumbles into a shrine built to the fertility goddess Dweia. Soon afterward he meets with the wizard Ghend, who hires him to steal the Book, a magical tome that can be found in the bizarre House at the End of the World. There, Althalus discovers Dweia in the form of a black cat and learns that she has chosen him to aid her in a war against Ghend and her evil brother, the destroyer god Daeva. Together Althalus and Dweia use the power of the Book and gather together a small team of questionable heroes who must battle Ghend’s supernatural forces and armies. The thief Althalus can only hope his luck holds out for this one last task, since the very fate of humanity is at stake.

What to say about this book? Well, first, this book is fairly long, clocking in at just under 800 pages and is actually a stand alone novel, which is a bit unusual for a fantasy novel. (if you know of others, I’d love to know too)

The tone of this book very much has a feel of when it was published. First released in 2000, it reminded me of other books published around that time that feel heavily influenced by Lord of the Rings. Of David Eddings’ other books, I’ve only read his Dreamers series, which I don’t remember much of, so perhaps this is simply his writing style, I’m not sure. I don’t really know how to describe the feel I got from the tone either.

Anyway, at first I felt like the pacing of this book was a bit off. There seemed to be a bunch of stuff at the beginning that didn’t really matter to the story overall and it would jump ahead in time fairly often. Turns out that in the end, it all mattered, so that changed my feelings about the start of the book.

I wouldn’t call the story particularly original. The basics of the plot are the basics of most high fantasy novels: an likely group of individuals come together to fight against evil in order to save the world. The people making up this particular band are a bit stereotypical. You have the charismatic thief, the warrior, the priest, the beautiful girl with a special gift, a young noble woman, and a smarter than can be believed kid. Leading this group is the maternal and loving goddess, Dweia.

There’s only one race in this fantasy world: humans. As for magic…there is magic, but only Althalus really uses it and not even that much. It’s more like divine power from a Knife and a Book.

There were a few things that bothered me about this book. One was Leitha’s insistence on calling Althalus “Daddy.” Yes, he establishes the group to be a “family” and as the male leader he takes on the role of the father, but why “daddy?” It felt ripe with sexual innuendo and I cringed nearly every time she said it. The tampering with time also bothered me. That’s a really difficult thing to pull off without thinking through every little detail and I don’t think it was.

What did I like? Well, considering how generic I thought the basic plot was, there were actually a few surprises that I didn’t see coming. I couldn’t for the life of me think how everything was going to be wrapped up by the end of the book and not have a sequel. Well, it all came together nicely and you could probably tack on a “happily ever after.”

Overall, this wasn’t a bad book. I didn’t stop reading it, though I didn’t spend long periods of time on it. I wouldn’t say it was bad either. My rating for this is 3 out of 5 stars. I’d recommend this to people who are maybe just getting into the Fantasy genre and just want to dip their toes into without getting into a long series. Also for fantasy fans that don’t want to get in to a long series, this could be a good read.

Have you read the Redemption of Althalus? What did you think? Do you agree with my review? Let me know in the comments below and thanks for reading!

22: The War of the Gods – Manuel Martinez and Phyllis Barash – Review

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Synopsis:

Through the pages of this exciting novel, we will find out that the world was created by 22 Gods who created the different human races to use them to increase their power. By playing a game created by the Light and the Darkness, we watch the Gods use the 22 Major Arcana Cards of the Egyptian tarot as a method of increasing their power and control over all the human race.

In the middle of all this power struggle for control of humanity, there is an unknown political and economic group named SCAN that controls all the power resources on earth. When Denise Richards, a front runner to the presidency of the United States, confronts SCAN by challenging them, they have no choice but to kill her.  

In this fascinating novel, past, present, and future are intertwined. Readers will discover the times of Jesus Christ, Pythagoras, Cleopatra, Napoleon, Hitler, and Martin Luther King, among other influential historical figures, to determine which tarot card was played by each to please the Gods in this long-lasting war between the Light and the Darkness.

My first impression of this book was one of confusion. I’m not sure what synopsis I originally read or where I got the idea from, but I thought this book was set in ancient Egypt, so when it started out in the modern era, i was, naturally, confused. So, I went back and read the actual synopsis. Things more sense after that.

Initially, this seems like a good vs evil story, but quickly shows that there isn’t really such things as “good” and “evil.” Light and Darkness are really one and the same. There a many different elements to this book including numerology, tarot cards and elements from multiple religions.

So, what did I like about this book? The authors clearly put in a great deal of research to write this book. There is a great deal of historical information about famous figures, including Ghandi, Jesus Christ and Hitler. The authors must also have studied numerology as well as religions all over the world. I was very interested in the historical figures, especially Cleopatra.

Sadly, that’s about all I liked about this book. If you are looking for a character driven novel, this is definitely not it. Oh, there are plenty of characters but I didn’t feel even a smidge of a connection with any of them. Sure I could name many of them, but i couldn’t tell you what their personalities were actually like.

This book also reads more like a text book than a novel. A lot of information is thrown at the reader to the point that it’s difficult to absorb it all. My mind wandered often while reading.

i found the constant mathematical equations especially annoying. Yes, the book is dealing a great deal with numerology so dates are constantly being added but having an actual equation in the middle of the text really threw off what little narration there was.

I didn’t really understand the need to go back to the life of Denis Richards and the goings on of the group called SCAN. Those things felt unnecessary and unrelated to the main plot. It was supposed to be about the war taking place between the Light and the Darkness, wasn’t it? There was this weird highlight of American politics that I really didn’t care for.

All in all, this was not a book I enjoyed. it took me a long time to get through it as I just couldn’t spend long periods of time reading. My brain just couldn’t handle the economic explanations.

My rating for this book is 2/5 stars. The historical fact saved it from 1 star

I personally wouldn’t recommend this to my friends who are readers as I’m sure their tastes are similar to mine. People who have an interest in numerology, history and American politics might enjoy this book. Sadly, it just wasn’t for me.

Have you read this book? Do you agree with my review? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Thanks for reading!

Urban Fantasy Book Review – Magic Burns – Kate Daniels #2 by Ilona Andrews

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Synopsis:

Down in Atlanta, tempers – and temperatures – are about to flare…

As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate’s going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale: a divine one.

When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta’s paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more is at stake. During a flare, gods and goddesses can manifest – and battle for power. The stolen maps are only the opening gambit in an epic tug-of-war between two gods hoping for rebirth. And if Kate can’t stop the cataclysmic showdown, the city may not survive…

I think I might be in love with this series. yes, I know this is only book 2, but wow, it is awesome! If it keeps on the way it started, this series is going to be a wild ride.

Kate is definitely a new favourite character of mine. She is a smart ass who can kick ass and also be empathetic. In this book, we get to see a bit of a different side of her when she encounters a 13-year-old girl, Julie, in need of her help. The way Kate refers to Julie as “my kid” is great! They barely know each other but they form a bond quickly, one that I think will continue throughout the series.

Curran is a character I can’t decide if I like or not. He is something of a stereotypical alpha male. He’s strong, arrogant and used to be in charge. He does well by the Pack, but not so much by Kate. Circumstances brought them together again in this book without her actually reaching out to him. Then, he blames her for bringing chaos into his life, while also taking every available opportunity to tease her in a sexual manner. I can’t decide if he truly likes or if he’s just an ass. Beast Lord or not, he really needs to be punched in the nose, preferably by Kate.

I’m sure their paths are going to cross again. His lion form is on the book covers after all.

There a quite a few little hints dropped about Kate, how powerful she could be and who her father really is. We learn a few little tidbits in this book and I can’t wait to find out more about her.

Thank for reading!

Codex Alera – Series Review

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I have decided to review this series overall instead of going back and reviewing each book by itself. Though I did review Furies of Calderon after I first read it.

I have decided to review this series overall instead of going back and reviewing each book by itself. Though I did review Furies of Calderon after I first read it.

The story follows series protagonist Tavi, beginning when he is 15 years old and living on his uncles steadholt as an apprentice sheepherder.

This world’s magic comes from creatures called furies. These furies inhabit everything imaginable and are a huge part of every day life for the people of Alera. The people usually have their own fury, or furies, associated with a specific element (earth, air, etc) and that person is generally strong in that area. The people can also use the furies that live around them to assist in other types of fury crafting.

Tavi has no ability to use any kind of fury craft, therefore, he has no furies of his own and is considered to be a freak among his kind. Because he is also small for his age, he is constantly bullied.

Tavi is a classic underdog type character. You really can’t help rooting for him. Although he lacks the very thing that defines his people, he doesn’t let it hold him back. Instead, he has learned to adapt and has become extremely clever when facing his problems. What most people would resort to using fury craft for, Tavi has to find a whole different way. His resourcefulness serves him well throughout his journey and makes him a formidable opponent to those who would seek to do him, or those he cares about, harm.

This series is full of political intrigue, action, love and lots of little twists and turns.

I really enjoyed the characters in these books. Each one is unique, deep and complex. As the reader, I empathized with them, hate them, and loved them. Even the “bad guys” are interesting, with unseen motives that make you wonder once you discover them.

The magic system is a unique one and such an integrated part of the culture of Alera, the people and social structure are defined by it. I always love reading new and unique magic systems.

There wasn’t much I dislike about this series. The first book is a little slow in comparison to the rest but it lays good groundwork for what follows.

Jim Butcher is an amazing author. I’m sure he’s best known for his Harry Dresden series, which is a magnificent series. It was wonderful to see the switch in tone and setting, which seemed effortless. Maybe one day Jim Butcher will grace the world with further tales in world of Alera.

My overall rating for this series is 4 out of 5 stars. It is excellent and I would recommend it to any one who enjoys fantasy.

Have you read the Codex Alera series? If so, what did you think?

Book Review – Furies of Calderon – Codex Alera #1 by Jim Butcher

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Furies of CalderonSynopsis (from Goodreads): For a thousand years, the people of Alera have united against the aggressive and threatening races that inhabit the world, using their unique bond with the furies – elementals of earth, air, fire, water, and metal.

But now, Gaius Sextus, First Lord of Alera, grows old and lacks an heir. Ambitious High Lords plot and maneuver to place their Houses in positions of power, and a war of succession looms on the horizon.

Far from city politics in the Calderon Valley, the boy Tavi struggles with his lack of furycrafting. At fifteen, he has no wind fury to help him fly, no fire fury to light his lamps. Yet as the Alerans’ most savage enemy – the Marat – return to the Valley, he will discover that his destiny is much greater than he could ever imagine.

Caught in a storm of deadly wind furies, Tavi saves the life of a runaway slave named Amara. But she is actually a spy for Gaius Sextus, sent to the Valley to gather intelligence on traitors to the Crown, who may be in league with the barbaric Marat horde. And when the Valley erupts in chaos – when rebels war with loyalists and furies clash with furies – Amara will find Tavi’s courage and resourcefulness to be a power greater than any fury – one that could turn the tides of war.

Buy on: Amazon

My first impression of this book was that it was a little formulaic. You have a magic system that everyone possesses expect for one person, who is considered a freak for not having that magic. There is a plot to overthrow a ruler and the person who is abnormal becomes embroiled in it.

But, formulas exist for a reason. They work.  Plus, Jim Butcher is an amazing story teller. He may have started off with a formula, but this story quickly took on a life of it’s own, with Butcher’s excellent writing skills.

The magic system in this book (series) is a unique one. People bond with elemental spirits called furies, which then allows them to “craft” in various ways depending on the element of the fury. I’m been an avid reader of fantasy for the majority of my life and I always love the different types of magic that fantasy encompasses.

The world building in this book was somewhat lacking, but I credit that to the story taking place in a valley kind of on the outskirts of the kingdom. We don’t get to see much of the world beyond that valley, so there isn’t much opportunity to expand on the various peoples of this world.

The characters in this book were all very interesting. Indeed, I like almost all of them, even the “bad guys” with the exception of Kord and his son, but I don’t think anyone is actually meant to like those two. Tavi, the main character,  is a fifteen-year-old boy who has no fury and no skills with furycrafting. By most people, he is considered a freak or at least abnormal. What Tavi lacks in fury skills he more than makes up for in other ways. Not only is he clever, but he cares about other people and his willing to put his own life in danger to save others.

Jim Butcher does amazing at descriptions, making the reader feel like they are there in the thick of things. The battle scenes were especially vivid.

This book could have been a stand alone and the reader would be satisfied with the ending. The immediate conflict of the plot is wrapped up, but the author leaves some strings dangling for the sequel to pick up. I have some questions and suspicions that I hope are addressed in book 2.

My rating for this book is 4 out of 5 stars and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy.

*this post contains affiliate links. If you choose to click on them, I may receive a small compensation. 

Alpha – Shifters #6 – Rachel Vincent – Review

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AlphaSynopsis (from Goodreads):
The unscrupulous new Council chair has charged Jace, Marc and me with trespassing, kidnapping, murder and treason. Yeah, we’ve been busy. But now it’s time to take justice into our own hands. We must avenge my brother’s death and carve out the rot at the heart of the Council.
It’s not going to be easy, and loss seems unavoidable, but I have promised to protect my Pride, no matter what. With a target on my back and Marc at my side, I’m heading for a final showdown that will change everything forever. A showdown I’m not sure I’m ready for.
But life never waits until you’re ready.

Buy now: Amazon

I very nearly stopped reading this book after about 100 pages. Why? Well, this stupid love triangle is getting on my nerves more than i can explain. The first 100 pages is all about the 3 of them. The guys want to kill each other, Faythe wants to stop them from killing each other. She also wants to have them both and that just can’t happen.

I can’t empathize with her at all in this situation. The whole time it’s being talked about I want to roll my eyes and bitch slap all of them. I could care less about Jace, Marc needs to rein in his temper and Faythe needs to grow the hell up!

I really wanted her to just walk away from both of them, especially with the things Marc keeps saying to her. I get that he’s pissed off, but some of his comments cross a serious line.

Thankfully, the actual story picks up after the first 100 pages and the love triangle-ness calms down. I wish I could say the rest of the book was amazing, but that would be a lie. Even when the actual plot is the focus, the love triangle is still there, irritating me.

There were certain things I expected to happen that did and things that I didn’t see coming, so it wasn’t completely predictable. I had a pretty solid idea of how it was going to end and  I wasn’t wrong.

Honestly, I just sort of powered through this book to know how things turned out. I enjoyed parts of it, but not the book as a whole.

I rate this book 2.5/5 stars.

*this post contains affiliate links. If you choose to click on them, I  may receive a small compensation.