This had so many wild elements to it. It also introduced new important characters to the series as well as moved Emma’s role as the main Supe Detective in a more matured, and more complex personality. She’s settling into that world, and shifting her perspective.
The respective wolf shifter houses, the vampires remain otherworldly, with aspects of their lives and histories still hidden and evolving here.
Infernal Enchantment is a fascinating aspect of the story. And I don’t think the author is through with it, even though the book is over.
A gruesome case of grave robbing lands on Detective Constable Emma Bellamy’s desk. But is there more to it than meets the eye?
Being the sole police detective in London’s Supernatural Squad is no easy task. I have to navigate my way through a world teeming with supernatural creatures, from vampires to werewolves and everything else in between. My inexperience might count against me but my own shocking supernatural abilities will stand me in good stead – especially when I’m confronted yet again by the gruesome spectre of death…
A vampire has been mysteriously killed in the centre of the city.
Werewolf graves have been plundered for their bodies.
And I think I might be developing an ill-advised crush on a certain black eyed vampire Lord.
Infernal Enchantment is the second book in the thrilling Firebrand urban fantasy series. If you like dark twisty mysteries, smart heroines, and the faintest touch of slow burn romance, then you’ll love Helen Harper’s mystical adventure.
I’m a real fan of author Helen Harper and her female main characters. She writes layered fully realized women who often have painful pasts and trauma to work through. And often, whether it’s naturally occurring or something that happens within the story, they become magical, for most of Harper’s series are paranormal or urban fantasy thrillers with some slow burn romance elements.
Brimstone Bound, the first in the 7-book complete The Firebrand Series by Helen Harper, is a splendid example exactly why I enjoy this author’s style and writing so.
Emma is a young police officer in the UK just completing the course work to become a Detective when she’s assigned to the Supernatural Squad for her final assignment.
Emma’s a character who will grow exponentially as each book and story see different challenges and new revelations about her and those characters around her.
But this is the beginning. Where she dies. And wakes up soon after. And doesn’t understand why.
There’s mystery. Plenty of world history and building going on. And foundation is laid for her new journey here.
Each story is about 20 or so chapters, a great length to easily binge which is what I’m doing.
Highly recommended! Have fun meeting a new character and series!
A werewolf killer. A paranormal murder. How many times can Emma Bellamy cheat death?
I’m one placement away from becoming a fully fledged London detective. It’s bad enough that my last assignment before I qualify is with Supernatural Squad. But that’s nothing compared to what happens next.
Brutally murdered by an unknown assailant, I wake up twelve hours later in the morgue – and I’m very much alive. I don’t know how or why it happened. I don’t know who killed me. All I know is that they might try again.
Werewolves are disappearing right, left and centre.
A mysterious vampire seems intent on following me everywhere I go.
And I have to solve my own vicious killing. Preferably before death comes for me again.
Brimstone Bound is the first book in the thrilling Firebrand urban fantasy series. If you like dark twisty mysteries, smart heroines, and the faintest touch of slow burn romance, then you’ll love Helen Harper’s mystical whodunnit.
Ideal for fans of Annabel Chase, K.F. Breene, Shannon Mayer, C.N. Crawford and BR Kingsolver.
“Readers will quickly come to adore the quirky characters, sharp dialogue, and exquisite world building. Combining the urban fantasy stylings of Ilona Andrews with tense British mystery that will put readers in mind of Agatha Christie, this spellbinding series opener promises good things to come.”
Demon on Deck, the second book in Deborah Wilde’s Bedeviled series, explores the origins of the main female character, Aviva Fleischer, a agent of the Jewish paranormal agency The Maccabees, who is trying to hide her identity as a half demon being.
The complex universe that author Wilde created in book 1, and started establishing a series mystery arc about a human purity sect and a cure for vampirism continues here. The cases that Aviva, her team as well as her ex-boyfriend, the Vampire Prince, Ezra, involve multiple otherworldly fascinating characters, intriguing paranormal realms, and compelling investigations.
Ones in this case that lead to some surprising twists and revelations.
Demon on Deck strengthens the game here all the way through. The characters have been able to be used in ways that deepen their power and development. The storylines have greatly expanded both the world building and the overall arc narrative.
And the suspense and plot going forward is greatly amplified by the ending here without it being a cliffhanger.
I’m really excited for the next book in this series. Another winner and rec for me.
“I don’t want you calm. I never have.” Ezra’s lips curled up into a smile with sharp edges and no warmth, his fangs peeking through. “I want you dangerous.”
When Aviva lands a baffling murder investigation, she discovers that the key to solving the crime lies in the last place she expects—a deadly magic gaming hall aboard a freaking yacht. Because why solve a supernatural murder on nice solid ground?
While she navigates this high-stakes inquiry on the high-seas, she’s also hunting a mysterious artifact. Should it fall into the wrong hands, it’s game over for any half-demons—like her.
No pressure.
But here’s the real storm on the horizon. Her ex-lover and partner-in-crime, Ezra, is still in the picture. Sparks are flying, and not the good kind. Well, not always. Old wounds and smoldering desires have resurfaced, and she’s not sure if she’ll sink or swim.
Bon voyage.
Featuring a smart, funny heroine and a banter-fueled vampire romance, this wickedly addictive urban fantasy will keep you reading way past bedtime.
Deborah Wilde writes such wonderful books and great unusual main female characters that once I found her it’s been hard not to just binge her entire catalog.
Elements that Wilde includes into her storylines and universes as well as character designs are those of Jewish history, culture, and religious traditions. From the names of the characters to their stories and even the agencies they serve, what it is to be a Jewish person is part of their identity and this book.
And her stories are mostly urban fantasy. So how she continues to fold Jewish mythology, history and religious beliefs and traditions into her urban fantasy worlds and series is smooth, unique, and fascinating.
Aviva Fleischer is an agent for the Maccabees, a government agency that regulates and deals with otherworldly events and beings. This includes having a team of diverse individuals, including vampires.
What’s not so inclusive is anyone or being that’s identified as a demon. Or part demon. Which is what Aviva is hiding, she’s part demon. And the daughter of a high ranking official in the Maccabee organization.
Wilde excellently crafts both an alternative world where vampires and humans now exist, although not exactly in harmony. Otherworldly realms can be visited but it’s a dangerous place to go if you’re a human, and there’s hidden secrets and agendas everywhere waiting to be revealed.
Aviva is a complicated character, with mother issues. An ex-boyfriend who’s come into play again and a murder mystery that’s as complicated as she is.
Just a fabulous story and it lays the groundwork for the next story to come.
She’s just a demon, standing in front of a vampire, trying not to punch him.
Aviva Fleischer hides a dangerous secret. She’s carefully concealing her infernal heritage, a.k.a. Cherry Bomb. Maybe it’s weird naming her demon side and referring to her in the third person, but guys do the same with their junk, and unlike most of them, Avi isn’t deluded about Cherry’s prowess.
Avi’s been working her ass off, climbing the ranks of a supernatural policing organization to enact change and empower those like her forced to hide their true nature. Sure, she’s bent the rules now and then, but her arrest record speaks for itself. Her promotion is in the bag.
Instead, the director strikes a deal with Avi: spy on the operative sent in to work a rash of bizarre murders and prove she can be a team player, or kiss that new rank goodbye.
No problem.
Okay, maybe just one.
Her co-leader, Ezra Cardoso, is a charming, ruthless vampire with his own agenda, whom she fantasizes about: mostly staking him then vacuuming up his remains.
But when the killer sets Aviva’s team firmly in their sights, she’ll have to decide whether to keep playing by the rules or show everyone exactly what she—and Cherry Bomb—are capable of…
Featuring a smart, funny heroine and a banter-fueled vampire romance, this wickedly addictive urban fantasy will keep you reading way past bedtime.
The Cat Lady Chronicles returns with a fabulously funny and well written book, The Dark Hiss of Magic by Helen Harper.
I fell in love with the fascinating character of Kit McCafferty, retired assassin, now trying to remain low key as a jumper-wearing older neighborhood cat lady, albeit one hiding a very unique trait. She’s a rare cat sith.
The first mystery novel introduced her character, the paranormal town of Coldstream she lives in, and its many characters and supernatural communities that coexist within its boundaries.
But it’s Kit herself that’s so compelling and complex. Kit and her group of cats, that supply a sense of family, comfort, and advise her when mysteries come into her life. From She Without an Ear to He Who Crunches Bird Bones, to He Who Wanders Wide and the others, it’s a feline cast that’s endlessly entertaining and intriguing. Yes, they name themselves.
There’s others too. Thane, a werewolf, with a new demon kitten and neighbor Dave, who I haven’t figured out yet.
Harper keeps us guessing about mainstay characters. Their roles, true identities, and whatever they are really important to Kit in the over arc storyline. And as the various murders and mysteries occur, the investigations roll along, and everyone gets involved, the narrative continues to build into this amazing adventure.
It’s got great dialogue, wild moments, fight sequences, and loads of engaging cats and unusual personalities. And magic.
I wanted the next book immediately. And because I so thoroughly enjoyed this one, will reread it again soon.
Beautifully executed storytelling? Check. Fantastic female main character? Check! Great world building and mystery? Check and check.
Another great book and winner of a series. Check it out now.
There will be no pussy-footing around. Not when Kit McCafferty is involved.
When Kit rescues a wealthy witch from the treacherous, monster-filled waters of the River Tweed, she reckons she’s completed her fair share of good deeds for the day. But when a second anonymous body is pulled from the same river, Kit is dragged into a mystery as murky as the water itself. The corpse has no identification, no personal possessions and no one who cares.
Kit is determined to change that.
At least Thane Barrow, the copper-haired werewolf who sees the world in a similar way to Kit, is happy to also get involved. Together, they navigate Coldstream’s magical streets and mysterious secrets, determined to uncover the truth about John Doe.
Alas, it soon becomes clear that his death was no accident. Kit finds herself investigating a complex crime with more than one victim. She will have her claws full if she’s going to get to the bottom of what’s happened.
One thing is for certain – when death threatens, Kit McCafferty doesn’t back down. She pounces.
While exploring other series with strong FMC’s, a reviewer suggested author Patricia Briggs. Specifically her Mercy Thompson series about a Native American skin shifter, auto mechanic Mercy Thompson.
Mercy Thompson series has so many well developed elements and characters. Set in the tri-Cities area of Washington state, Briggs gives the reader the real feel for the geography as well as the various types of societal levels found within the region. From trailers to gated mansions, it’s written about realistically and descriptively well executed.
Narratively, Briggs gives this same focus to her characters and backgrounds, starting with Mercy Thompson. A auto mechanic who deal primarily with certain types of cars and engines, she’s got a one-woman shop, and as a skin-walker who can change into a coyote, her status, without a pack, within the local paranormal community is a shaky one.
I was quick to invest in the story and the depths of character and hidden community dynamics . Mercy and her skin walker powers, which I believe more will be revealed in the coming stories, is extremely well written and exciting.
So is her changing relationships with the local werewolf pack and its Alpha, Adam Hauptman.
There’s a mystery, several murders to solve, and while this book seems to end as everything is resolved, there’s another mystery coming.
So after reading an excellent book, with a fascinating strong female protagonist, with a highly unusual story, why do I not feel the need to scramble for the next novel in the series? Especially in one where there’s 14 available?
It has to do with how one character, a hugely sympathetic young man, was treated within the story. Basically he’s a throwaway element. And yes, that’s absolutely the author’s right.
But his role here, the reactions to him , the characters and yes, the readers, seem to be at two different levels. How he ended, the characters reacted to his storyline differs greatly from how he impacted on how I felt about him.
Or perhaps how I perceived his character’s role in the story would be, going forward. That’s on me.
But this entire aspect of Moon Called felt so cold emotionally that even with a well written book, I felt disconnected from the rest of the universe and characters at the end.
It’s doubtful that I will go into it further. Might change my mind. But for now. I’m leaving it here.
if this sounds as intriguing as it’s actually written, check it out. It’s a very popular series.
Moon Called is the novel that introduced Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson to the world and launched a #1 bestselling phenomenon…
Mercy Thompson is a shapeshifter, and while she was raised by werewolves, she can never be one of them, especially after the pack ran her off for having a forbidden love affair. So she’s turned her talent for fixing cars into a business and now runs a one-woman mechanic shop in the Tri-Cities area of Washington State.
But Mercy’s two worlds are colliding. A half-starved teenage boy arrives at her shop looking for work, only to reveal that he’s a newly changed werewolf—on the run and desperately trying to control his animal instincts. Mercy asks her neighbor Adam Hauptman, the Alpha of the local werewolf pack, for assistance.
But Mercy’s act of kindness has unexpected consequences that leave her no choice but to seek help from those she once considered family—the werewolves who abandoned her…
“In the increasingly crowded field of kick-ass supernatural heroines, Mercy stands out as one of the best.”—Locus
I really enjoyed the Emperor’s Wrath l, the second book in the Emperor’s Assassin trilogy by Kai Butler. The action packed story was highly entertaining, moved the entire plot forward with an enormous amount of magical details, new elements, and growth in the relationship between Tallu and Airón.
The political drama and plotting behind the generals was well done. All the various and newly introduced characters (as we as their backgrounds) added interesting layers of intrigue to the story.
I did find that the increased density of new characters, plots, magical creatures, techno magic elements started that emerged here also left similar unexplored areas or just narrative holes that felt unsatisfying for me.
Certain emotional storylines ( no spoilers) that applied to one section of small characters but later not at all to one large impactful one. Inconsistency in the character design or something else. But here, as well as other things, feels more like too many storylines and an over abundance of new elements made for some interesting oversights.
I’m definitely looking forward to the final book, Shadow Throne King, due out in the fall.
Check out this fantasy series by Butler! Entertaining reading!
In this den of vipers and vultures, can I trust the emperor I was sent to kill or is he using me to destroy all I love?
I abandoned my destiny in favor of a new goal: working with Emperor Tallu to take down the Southern Imperium. Only things are not so easy when we’re faced with the imperial generals who brought the continent to its knees.
If my mother knew what I was doing, her rage would melt the Silver City, but I have no choice as Tallu and I pursue a powerful weapon that could end any opposition to the Imperium.
Why does it matter if I’m finding myself all too attracted to a husband I can’t trust, whose secrets multiply the closer he lets me get?
Magic & Mutiny (Starry Hollow Witches Book 19) is the finale book of this series by Annabel Chase. And while it started out great, I think it ran on a bit too long.
The characters and themes got repetitive and some of their growth was handled poorly. Or halted altogether.
It ends happily, and there’s an epilogue where we see the characters a couple of years later, and what’s happened in their lives. That’s satisfying.
The ending is fine, with some issues. There’s a murder investigation, which is tied to how will the town of Starry Hollow deal with the return of the very much alive Ivy Rose.
Ivy is the best element here, she’s a sympathetic character and how her situation is resolved is wonderful.
But the person and people responsible and their actions aren’t well written. It fluctuates from a stand of firmness of position (she’s evil) to immediate change in opinion (my bad, she’s not) in seconds. There’s no reason or real constructive character or foundation for any of this. And it undermines the entire storyline.
Then it’s let’s say we understand her motivations. Slap on the wrist. Sigh. It took how many books and this is how Ivy’s story is resolved?
Way too long. A wedding and done.
So it’s nice that each book was a quick read but I’m not sure I’d invest my time reading 19 books again with this outcome. It’s a ok read.
For fans of Annabel Chase I’m sure you’ll be fine.
Welcome to Starry Hollow, where spells were made to be broken.
Ever since the moment her trio of magical cousins whisked her away to Starry Hollow, the town has served as a safe haven for Ember Rose, descendant of the One True Witch. Even the bumps in the roads have smoothed—she’s reconciled with her formidable aunt and is about to marry the love of her life, Sheriff Nash.
All the bumps except the Ivy-shaped one, that is.
Now the entire town is under threat because of a mistake Ember made. Granted, she wasn’t the one who mistreated her ancestor centuries ago, but she was the one who resurrected her.
And now Ivy is ready to exact revenge on the coven that wronged her.
Can Ember stop the mutiny and save her beloved hometown, or will the one-witch rebellion destroy Starry Hollow forever?
Magic & Mutiny is the 19th and final book in the Starry Hollow Witches series, so be sure not to miss how it all ends
Magic & Mistletoe (Starry Hollow Witches Book 18) by Annabel Chase is both the penultimate book in the series and one I almost DNF’d.
Personally, I think it’s a story that can be skipped over as it’s one that almost had me thinking about just stopping here.
I’ve enjoyed watching Ember journey from a scrappy widow and single mother from New Jersey, ignorant about her magical roots and powers to one embracing her paranormal town and community, including family and fiancé. But this story is one of constant lies and withholding important information from all those around her, including her fiancé and family.
Lack of communication in adult characters is a big issue for me in books and by the 18th novel we should be way past this stage but it’s still an enormous element here.
Also she’s acting like a teenager in some of the most serious and emotional situations. Smelling her armpits and making a wisecrack when presented with a picture of devastating loss. It’s not believable not the following scene either.
She’s either grown past actions like this, given the development by Chase or she’s regressing because it’s something the author wants to hear scene wise. It makes her character and any growth that she’s undergone seem diminished. Or just unreal.
This whole thing is a mess. Yes let’s have a nice Christmas Carol type story, and then try to tie it up with the ongoing drama of the revived witch.
Doesn’t work. Ended up flipping pages to get to the end.
I’ll finish the series. But this was a big disappointment.
Welcome to Starry Hollow, where spells were made to be broken.
It’s Christmastime in Starry Hollow and Ember is not full of good cheer. Instead of indulging in spiked eggnog by a cozy fire, our favorite descendant of the One True Witch is busy helping Aunt Hyacinth contend with three persistent ghosts just like dear Scrooge, along with another, more threatening ghost from the past.
Can Ember save Christmas or will it all go to hell in a one horse open sleigh?
Magic & Mistletoe is the 18th book in the Starry Hollow Witches series.
If you’re reading a series and notice certain things or elements of a character(s) or storyline that are starting to become a bit predictable or problematic, then you hope that as the series goes forward, the author has a way to use those things in the narrative or character development.
At least so it’s not an issue that is highly distracting from the plot or character relationship.
Unfortunately that’s what is happening with the characters here.
Spoilers for the preceding book.
Primarily it’s the character of Duncan and the dynamic between Luna and Duncan. It is absolutely disconnecting me from the character of Luna who I found relatable and interesting in her personality and life story.
But the dynamic between them, especially with her history with Duncan and her ex-husband, as well as her cousin, it’s just making her out to be either a woman with extremely bad judgment or just a nonsensical storyline. Duncan, a clone of an ancient powerful werewolf, has betrayed Luna in the past. She forgave him. Then he attacked her, under the control of a mage. One he’s still under the influence of when the mage desires. The logic is to cut him off.
The author, instead, has Luna repeatedly inviting him,(past, current and future threat) back into her life, the pack’s life and now it looks like her son’s. Yes, this will go as well as expected.
Just when needed, oh look. He’s running away. Cue up the eye roll.
Buroker was or is building a picture of a divorced woman trying to handle multiple major events/family crises and struggling with them as she would be. But here’s the thing, Luna has been portrayed as tough, extremely realistic and resilient. Even with the current state of affairs in her life, with the pack politics, mother’s health, and now the Druid family arriving at the housing units, the relationship dynamics the author has playing out is very counter intuitive to the woman Buroker also wants us to believe in.
How much of patsy or casualty is Luna expected to be of this relationship and the readers too? It’s getting old fast.
I’m continuing on but with less enthusiasm than when I began.
For those who enjoy paranormal werewolf fiction and urban fantasy thrillers, check it out. See what you think.
Pack politics, adventure, and romance feature in the third installment of Magnetic Magic.
Luna has recovered priceless werewolf relics from powerful thieves, but they’re still alive—and they can control her new ally, a lone wolf named Duncan.
She would be wise to have nothing to do with him, but he’s handsome, charming, and keeps coming to her defense. Further, with certain members of the pack gunning for her, she needs his assistance. Her cousin Augustus is holding a grudge, and she’s going to have to find a way to deal with him—before he deals with her.
