The Alchemist and an Amaretto ( The Guild Codex: Spellbound 5) by Annette Marie [early review]

Hello to all,

                      while the tempest is blowing outside , i jumped on the opportunity to take a good cup of tea along with an excellent reads.....i was lucky to get an arc of one of my favourite series The Guild Codex Spellbound series by Annette Marie and i couldn't resist one more minute.....now i'm forced to wait until ....next year for book 6 but this was worth it!!
If you haven't started this series it's really time to jump on it as it needs to be read in order.

Happy reading!!

Publisher: Dark Owl Fantasy Inc.

Publication: 2019

ISBN13:  9781988153322

Genre: urban fantasy, funny, magic

Violence: mild
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 16+

Description from goodreads :

 As a guild bartender, I can handle pretty much anything—mages, sorcerers, witches, the occasional demon. But show me anything family-related and I'd rather run for the hills. It doesn't even have to be my family.

So I have no idea why I thought spending the holidays with Aaron's mom and pop was a good idea.

Meeting his famous parents is already terrifying enough, but I've got a bigger problem. Students of his family's renowned mage academy are being attacked on the grounds—and somehow no one has seen a single assailant? Unexplained tracks litter the nearby woods, rumors of forbidden alchemy are circulating the campus…and Ezra has been acting strangely since we arrived.

Something deadly is brewing in the shadow of Sinclair Academy, and the longer we take to uncover it, the more dangerous it becomes. But no matter the risk, we'll protect the students.

And Aaron's parents too, I suppose. If we have to.

My opinion:

          Such an adventure! Tori sure is attracting trouble what should have holidays become a hunt with a limited time to save a friend the whole added with arrogant bunch of elitist mages with ego bigger than mountains. I really loved to learn more about Aaron as we meet his family but i also really wanted to punch him when we saw his darker side..;i still wonder why Tori kept cool about it and didn't punch him, Aaron is sure lucky to have friends like Kai and Erza.

This time we focus on shifters and we learn more about what they are in this universe...but we also discover other side of magic  and how some mages are elitist and putting their kind of magic above other. We get to see more of Sin as well and it was good to see how she became real friend with Tori;  both are out of their world in the Aaron's family home and it's not that easy for them.

What i loved even more was learning more about Erza.....he is lucky to have Tori watching over him especially since it's putting her in difficult situation. And of course Tori does find some interesting items along teh way ( even if this time she may not have a use for them herself)

This story is full of action and information , it's a real page turner as the characters have a limited time to succeed you can't stop you need to se what happen  as you get completely immersed in this addictive series.  There is the action, the humour as Tori can't stay silence in front of injustice and also cute moment when she interacts with fae ....but also some moment filled of emotion ... which will make you the next book as soon as possible.

It's a must read for sure but following the series in order.

An excellent book to recommend

Score:  5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and i voluntary reviewed this book

Ghost ( Linear Tactical 5) by Janie Crouch

Hello to all,

      Since next week a book i was waiting for release i decided to tell you about it in advance so you could preorder if it's not done yet. Ghost the 5th book in the Linear Tactical series is finally here ( or in a few hours ^^) and it was really one of the best of the series like we hoped and i can't wait for the next one already so it's telling.

so i won't delay longer Happy Reading!!

Publisher: Calamity Jane Publishing

Publication: 2019

ASIN:  B07P1N9MY2

Genre: romantic suspense

Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: steamy
Public: 18+

Description from goodreads :

 Everyone eventually breaks under torture.

It’s a truth elite solider and government agent Dorian Lindstrom, codename Ghost, knows firsthand. His body may have recovered from what was done to him in that Afghani prison six years ago, but his mind…not quite so much.

He’s seeing dead people.

Grace Brandt, government codename Wraith, knows her past can’t be forgiven. She has stayed “dead” for as long as she could, but now the forces she’s been fighting, the secrets slowly suffocating her, won’t stay hidden any longer.

And the man she helped break—the man she's always loved—is the only one who can stop the danger threatening them all.

When it comes to keeping the people he loves safe, including the one who thinks she’s not worthy of it, there is no danger—past, present or future—Dorian won’t battle.

The Ghost will rise.

My opinion:

          Fabulous rollercoaster of feelings, i couldn't put it down.

I loved Dorian since the beginning of the story as he is the most damaged member of the team but still determined to be there for his friends and brothers. We learnt that he was tortured before in the story but in this book we get a deeper insight into what he was submitted to and i just admire him even more now as i'm sure few could do as well as he is doing and still believe in humanity after what he suffered.

Grace or Ray as she wants to be called now also suffered greatly even if she doesn't realize it completely yet. As she discovered that they were lied to she tried to take measures, she loved Dorian and wanted to protect him for that she had to do things that put weight on her soul even if most of those were just and needed....She had to make people believe she was dead and given up on a lot more...she made some definitive sacrifice for her country, as she believed then.  Now years later someone is killing their group and she takes new risks ....always for Ghost/ Dorian.

Both are deeply damaged and in a sense that's why their are perfect for each other, as few could understand their reactions and switch in behaviour. Still we would love them to get a real HEA one day  because they sure paid a big enough price as we discover along the pages. They have a family with the Linear tactical team , they deserve no less.

The story is wonderfully written and with a lot of twists; i did guess the reason of her nosebleeds but the author still managed to surprise me. Why not a 5stars then? Because i felt as the villains got it too easy ...comparing to what Dorian and other went through i wanted the bad ones to suffer and at this point i don't consider it enough But it's a kind of cliffhanger, they still need answers so these events are not completely finished yet so it could still happen ( sure hope so).

This is really an excellent military romance i recommend without hesitation ( but with some tissues for this one)

Score:  4,5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and i voluntary reviewed this book

Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder ( A Camper & Criminals Cozy 5) by Tonya Kappes

Hello to all!!

          I really want to do better this year but i still to improve a little. Today i will share with you my opinion on the new Tonya Kappes'book which release today "Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder"...It's book 5 in a series and i admit i'm new to it so it was a try because i rarely start a series so far from the beginning; but i was happily surprised because you really don't need to have started the series before reading this instalment.

Oh now i will be sure to read precedent books but you can start with this one without hesitation.

now ....Happy Reading!

Publisher: Tonya Kappes

Publication: 2019

Genre: cozy mystery, southern

Violence: mild
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 18+

Description from goodreads :

 You don't want to miss out on book 5 of this hilarious and very popular cozy mystery series from USA Today Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes.

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky, where nothing is . . . NORMAL!

Mae West, owner of Happy Trails Campground, never thought she would become an actress like her namesake. Calling herself an actress might be far stretch as she plays a minor role in the local Civil War reenactment BATTLE AT CAMP WILDCAT.

When the reenactment doesn't go as planned, not one but two of the town's folks aren't playing dead. . .they were MURDERED!
Come to find out there was a prison break and the serial killer is believed to be in Normal and someone has stolen a motorhome from Happy Trails Campground.

Are these connected?

Mae lets boyfriend and hunky detective, Hank Sharp, follow all the leads about the murders and on the trail of the serial killer because she's got bigger s'mores in the fire.

The motorhome owners have filed a lawsuit and suing her for the deed to Happy Trails Campground. Mae has embraced Normal and there's nothing or no one going to take her campground. She's determined to find the motorhome and return it to the owners before she hands over any deed to anyone.

Mae just might find out that tapping into her namesake just might come in handy when coming face to face with a serial killer.

My opinion:

          Really great! Even if i haven't read (yet) the first 4books in this series i had to trouble to meet and come to enjoy Normal and its inhabitants. The southern charm is well present and the author is really talented to make us live it even if we are an ocean apart it's really great cozy mystery with action, wonderful characters, well written intrigue and just the southern charm touch we have come to really love.

Mae is courageous and i really appreciate her, we learn that she had difficulties which are stories in precedent books ( like a dead husband)  but it's not like we are missing something. We have the right dose of information and background to understand and appreciate her , i will be very happy to read  book 1 to 4 of course but i'm happy starting with this one.

Hank sound like the perfect knight, protective, funny and he cares for animals which is a big plus. i loved to see him with Mae and i'm curious of what will happen since it's looks like they still have a lot to learn about and from each other.

The rest of the team is simply wonderful as well so i can't really pick a favourite yet.

If you want a excellent cozy mystery set in the South , one that could work as stand alone but also offer you more this is the perfect one for you! You can jump into this one without having read any other in the series yet without regret.

Score:  5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and i voluntary reviewed this book

Armed Response ( Omega sector: under siege 5) by Janie Crouch

Hello,


          i may start to think i'm cursed with all the problems accumulating but that won't prevent me to share with you some books i find really interesting and this months has a few so let's start with one that release in a few hours the 5th instalment in the omega sector: under siege series by Janie Crouch


Happy reading!

Publisher: Harlequin Intrigue

Publication: 2018

ISBN:  1335526552

Genre: romantic suspense
Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 18+

Short description from goodreads :

 Is the woman he once loved…

The traitor they’re searching for?

Former Special Forces soldier Jace Eakin must find the mole inside Omega who’s leaking intel to a terrorist mastermind. Despite their complicated history and the fact that she is keeping a secret, he can’t believe it’s SWAT team leader Lillian Muir. As they give in to long-denied passion, Jace vows to protect Lillian with his life. But he’s been wrong about her before…

My opinion:

          So captivating, i always liked Lillian but i wouldn't have guessed such a traumatic past....a difficult one yes.....so much torture no; so i was really happy to get an insight on her life before it happened and after as well as learning what made her the warrior she is..

Jace is a wonderful character, very open to other and i loved his life plans to help others it really suit him and it's exactly what Lillian needs a strong man not fearing that she may be even stronger than him

Tension and suspense is really high in this instalment and  it's a real page turner, i loved that beside the events of this book between Lillian and Jace we made progress on the red line and on the villains. The author made twists we were not expecting and we can't wait to see the end of Damien

Good stand alone but so much better if you read the series in order.

Score:  5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and i voluntary reviewed this book

Dead as a Doornail ( Kenni Lowry 5) by Tonya Kappes [ early review ]

hello to all!!

                  So first thank you to all of you who helped to make my birthday special  you really are the best *hugs*

Now, i had to wait until i was less dizzy to be able to read novel but now i feel a little better so i'm trying to make up for teh time i lost and today i'm sharing with you my opinion on a future release in hope you have the time to get up to date in this series if you haven't done so yet.

On the program; Dead as a Doornail fifth instalment in the Kenni Lowry Mystery series by Tonya Kappes.

Happy Reading!!!

Publisher: Henery Press

Publication: 2018

ASIN:  1635113342

Genre: cozy mystery

Violence: mild
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 16+

Description from goodreads :

 Beauty is skin deep, but ugly goes clear to the bone. And doesn’t our Sheriff Kenni Lowry know that? Well, she knows a lot of things.

Lucy Lowell takes great pride in writing negative reviews in the local newspaper for anything that does not go her way. When Lucy is found dead, it appears to be from natural causes.

But Sheriff Kenni Lowry knows there is more to it because the ghost of her grandfather, the ex-sheriff, is standing over the body.

His presence can only mean one thing: Murder!

Since Kenni’s relationship with Deputy Finn Vincent has heated up, Kenni is having trouble conducting the investigation without Finn questioning her every move.

Can Kenni unravel the mystery on her own or will she have to tell Finn the real reason she knows it was murder—the ghost of her poppa?

It’s blowin’ up a storm and only Kenni knows how it’ll end.

My opinion:

          Such a good mystery ^^.I've always loved a good investigation  and with this story it was perfect. i loved to see how Kenni was progressing despite a mayor making things difficult and a very long list of suspects. Really the story was perfectly balanced between the investigation , the romance and the touch of humour.

Kenni and Finn work wonderfully together and their relationship deepens but there is still secret between them as Poppa 's help is still something that Kenni keeps to herself in fear to loose him. Duke is still the perfect dog so intelligent and courageous.

and of course Kenni's mother is still  trying to get things done her way and annoying her daughter to no ends^^

This is really a great series we love to follow as we are learning something new each time and each story gets better than the last so i do recommend it without hesitation if you want a good cozy mystery with southern charm.

Score:  5/5

Disclaimer:Source: a copy in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was received.  All opinions are my own and i voluntary reviewed this book

Archangel's Storm ( Guild Hunter 5 ) by Nalini Singh

Hello to all!

                      Looks like Winter made a new attempt at settling down  as we have temperatures under zero for this whole week and perhaps will have some snow... quite a constrast with all the spring flowers already in full bloom.

On advantage of such a cold weather thoug is the pleasure we get when we can read a good book near the fire with a cup of tea ( or hot chocolate).....and when you are as busy as i get lately those small break and even more pleasurable.

Today i will share with you my opinion on an installment in one of my favourite series as i try to  alternate sequels and novelties this year ^^. Without more delay here is my view on Arvchangel's Storm by Nalini Singh


Enjoy!

Publisher: Berkley

Publication: 2012

ISBN:  0425246582

Genre: urban fantasy, paranormal romance
Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: strong
Public: 18+

Source: bought
 

Description from goodreads :

 Enter New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s darkly beautiful world of archangels and immortal power, as a pact is sealed between two souls bound by blood, stirred by desire, and driven by vengeance…

With wings of midnight and an affinity for shadows, Jason courts darkness. But now, with the Archangel Neha’s consort lying murdered in the jewel-studded palace that was his prison and her rage threatening cataclysmic devastation, Jason steps into the light, knowing he must unearth the murderer before it is too late.

Earning Neha’s trust comes at a price—Jason must tie himself to her bloodline through the Princess Mahiya, a woman with secrets so dangerous, she trusts no one. Least of all an enemy spymaster.


With only their relentless hunt for a violent, intelligent killer to unite them, Jason and Mahiya embark on a quest that leads to a centuries-old nightmare… and to the dark storm of an unexpected passion that threatens to drench them both in blood.

My opinion:

          This is a series i keep enjoying a lot as Nalini Singh always manage to spice up the  series' plot with little elements coming to enlighten the investigation and a lot more coming to show us how bigger and more mysterious it will be. I Love that!

Now that the plot running along the series , the " fil rouge" but each book has a main storyline as well and those are also captivating. I was always intrigued by Jason as we only saw from time to time a little and learned even more little. When I discovered he was the main character  in this book i had to get it without delay even if i wasn't that far yet in the series and I'm delighted i did get it.

Jason's story is really heartbreaking, he may be an angel of high power he is broken. We could imagine his past was hard but  not too that level or not that early since we know how precious children are in the angels' culture. I always loved his  relationship with Elena, while protective of Raphael, Jason wasn't outright hostile and  know i understand it even better.

So Jason is Raphael's spymaster, that we knew, however the extent of his talent  and of his means wasn't revealed yet. Discovering that an archangel's consort , Eris, is dead and having an idea of the disaster it could cause, he doesn't hesitate to go to the lion den, or the serpent den is more accurate since he goes to Neha, to try to calm things down by finding the culprit.

As an external agent though, he can't go freely so Neha requires a blood vow, a older practice, to bind him to her niece  Mahiya and as an archangel you can guess she has ulterior motives as well.

Mahiya can be a princess, she is treated as such in name only as Neha hates her and think of her as a tool only. However under the appearances, Mahiya is a dove in a serpent nest. Fragile but not without strengths she is biding her time until she can leave without being killed or worse. Jason isn't what she expected but soon she sees him as an ally because he is the only one giving her  credit and respect.

Those two are a good match and i really loved how they learned slowly about each other and how respect was essential in their relationship.

The investigation is really interesting and kept me turning the page to confirm my suspicions and to get more of Jason and Mahiya. Some chapters though focus on Dmitri and Honor marriage and aftermath. i loved to get more of those but at the same time i admit that at time i was so focused on Jason and Mahiya that  the other couple bothered me ( i'm complicated i know)

All together it's really a fantastic book, i still prefer Elena/ Raphael as a couple but  i want more of the seven as well so it's a series i will follow with pleasure)

Score:  4,5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenges:

Under a Spell ( Underworld Detection Agency 5) by Hannah Jayne

Hello to all!

                      This is the last line to finish and send all the handmade gifts if i want them to still have a small chance to reach their destination before Christmas so i'm focusing on that as soon as i have a few minutes of free time. Not sure it will suffice but i'm doing my best and perhaps Christmas Magic will be with me

Until then i do have a review to share with you so happy reading!

Publisher: Kensington

Publication: 2013

ISBN:  0758281129

Genre: urban fantasy, magic
Violence: mild
Language: medium
sex: mild
Public: 18+

Source: bought

Short description from goodreads :

 Count your blessings, guard your curses—and watch your back…


Sophie Lawson was seriously hoping life at the UDA would get back to relative normal now that her boss Pete Sampson has been reinstated. Unfortunately, her new assignment is sending her undercover into a realm where even the most powerful paranormals fear to tread…her old high school. Being a human immune to magic is no defense against soulless picture-perfect mean girls—or a secret witch coven about to sacrifice a missing female student. And Sophie's Guardian, uber-proper Englishman Will, is determined to convince Sophie he's the kind of temptation she should indulge in permanently. Now, as the clock ticks down to apocalypse, he and Sophie will have to summon every trick in the book to battle devilish illusion, lethal sorcery—and betrayals they'll never see coming…

My opinion:

          Sometimes I wonder why I continue some series…it’s perhaps because I hate giving up but I’m starting to think I will be glad when this one finish and we get a real conclusion.

Don’t take me wrong it’s not a bad series and I really love all the supernaturals we discover along the story and I do like it…however the author doesn’t manage to catch my rapt attention…Hannah Jayne tried to make the plot complex with false leads etc but for me it was really, really too predictable and I got angry with how obtuse Sophie is becoming… I mean everything is just under her nose… some even tell her , try to reason with her but no she stays focused on  her first idea… no instinct at all ( which in a sense contradict what was her best asset in the precedent novels)

Sophie really disappointed me and the non ending love triangle is not helping her cause but even worse…she doesn’t understand what is happening despite the fact that her sister used a similar stratagem in the past and that got on my nerves

This was a easy read even if did not kept my full attention and perhaps I needed that; and while I would love to read next book it’s not a priority for me to get it at this time but I do plan to see the end to this ;)

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenges:

So at which point are you in your christmas/ Holidays preparation? Ready? Half way or last minute shopper and decoration?

Death’s Rival ( Jane Yellowrock 5) by Faith Hunter

Hello to all,

                      I don't often post  review on Sunday but the week went too quickly and i didn't want to miss a week so here i am. My dog is still improving and you can imagine how happy i am to see him ask for food and having more energy, now i just have to be on par with him. On the reading side things like to get in the way to reduce my free time while there are several books i just want to jump into it. Hopefully things will calm down and my health stabilize so  i won't have to wait longer^^

Until that happen, i'm sharing with you what i though of book 5 in the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter.

Happy reading

Publisher: ROC

Publication: 2012

ISBN: 0451464850

Genre: urban fantasy
Violence: strong
Language: normal
sex: none
Public: 18+

Source: bought
 

Short description from goodreads :

 Jane Yellowrock is a shapeshifting skinwalker you don’t want to cross—especially if you’re one of the undead…


For a vampire killer like Jane, having Leo Pellisier as a boss took some getting used to. But now, someone is out to take his place as Master Vampire of the city of New Orleans, and is not afraid to go through Jane to do it. After an attack that’s tantamount to a war declaration, Leo knows his rival is both powerful and vicious, but Leo’s not about to run scared. After all, he has Jane. But then, a plague strikes, one that takes down vampires and makes their masters easy prey.



Now, to uncover the identity of the vamp who wants Leo’s territory, and to find the cause of the vamp-plague, Jane will have to go to extremes…and maybe even to war.

My opinion:

          I’m starting to wonder where the author wants to take us…. I still love the concept and it’s originality : a skinwalker with a beast soul joined to her…. I love the story in general but the romance part is starting to get on my nerves I guess.

I can stand a love triangle if it has some substance but in this case Jane  has exceeded the triangle a long time ago … first there were Leo, Bruiser and Rick, then you add Derek lee ( at least a minimum) now seems like the new character Eli is on the rank too…..  it’s a little too much in my opinion especially when Beast don’t want to choose and just take them all….

First she can’t trust Rick I don’t even think she trusted him once but since the last book he decided to join PsyLed which is opposite to Jane’s Camp…so he is out ( even without the fact he got were and could change her) Leo…. Arg I dislike him even more after this book, one book makes him more approachable the next shows how a jerk, arrogant and totally disgusting man he can be….. Bruiser….he was the one who had the more chances if he wasn’t Leo ‘s Pet… now it show how that come first before all the rest ( no I don’t forgive him) Derek Lee… they should get their fight to establish where each of them is and then perhaps though he sound a little too intolerant … now Eli….i guess he is the best placed right now: yes he is fully human but strong, loyal and protective and responsible ( and his brother just is a bonus since Beast likes Kit)

Now this book is urban fantasy not full romance so as long as this stays in the background I think I will continue to enjoy the story but simply…. I want to see Jane takes some decision and stick to them.

The story in Death’s Rival is an excellent new instalment in the story because we do learn more about Jane ‘s past and history which help to understand her better…and the investigation is really interesting with suspense and twist that keep you hooked and turning the pages.

After the events in the last book, Jane is alone mostly. Her relationship with Rick is in standby to say the least and her friendship with Molly broken (that part I really regret). Beast is more active and… in a sense more sentient that before she can hide things from Jane but we learn that she decided to stay with her and that speak a lot about Beast loves for Jane which she has come to consider like her kit.

Before Jane wanted to leave New Orleans but we find her again in the service of Leo and really busy. A plague, an illness that can actually kill vampires has spread and some clan have sworn allegiance to another master than Leo after being infected…. Not believing in coincidences, Jane is investigating the case when she is nearly killed several times….Leo ‘s rival  is threatening him  under the pretence of a murder Jane would have committed. Things aren’t that simple though and Leo decides to take drastic measures to protect himself and his…. Which result in a trust completely broken… between him and Jane but also Jane and Bruiser ….yes he is an old vampire who  thinks with the laws of the past but  I was really put off by his actions and he dropped from my list of liked characters in matter of second… how Jane can still work for him I wonder. I hate even more Katie, Jane saved her, helped her and at the first occasion she turn against her, really disgusting.

Since the vamps can’t be trusted and Derek has started to add more member to his group, Jane decide to get her own team she could trust and then enter Eli, former ranger, good fighter and loving brother of a young adult Alex, on probation for hacking in official security system….the chemistry between them is instantaneous and really funny too since Jane act more as a mother than a boss bargaining junk food against shower^^;;. Both are really talented and a great addition to her team if she can win their complete trust and loyalty.

With a war on their door, trusting problems and some secrets to keep, Jane has really a lot on her plate.

If you don’t mind a girl that can’t make her mind, love actions, vampires as well as others creatures and humour too ^^ this is a series and a book for you ( to read in order)

Score:  3,5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

Challenges:

One Salt Sea ( October Daye 5) by Seanan Mcguire

Good Weekend too all^^

Seanan Mcguire is one of the few authors who can keep me so captivated by a story despite me being sick like hell or exhausted beyond common measure… this time didn’t change that and I couldn’t stop turning the pages, devouring Toby’s adventures… a great start for this year and I’m so impatient to read the next one though I’m also glad I waited since I’m slowly getting up to date with the release… so that’s mean resisting the urge to read them back to back without delay.

[On a side note, after finishing this one I had to read the novella that were set after this story and those I couldn’t resist…sadly I discovered that they weren’t my cup of tea and fortunately they are not essential for the series so you can pass them if you are not into f/f ( In Sea Salt tears ) or m/m (Forbid the Sea) but if you are interested you can check the review for those on my goodread account.]

 Now this review will perhaps be a little short because I can’t reveal too much without spoilers but let see what I can tell you.

Happy reading!

Publisher: DAW

Publication: 2011

ISBN:  0756406838

Genre: dark urban fantasy
Violence: strong
Language: mild
sex: mild
Public: 18+

Source: won

Short description from goodreads :

 October "Toby" Daye is settling into her new role as Countess of Goldengreen. She's actually dating again, and she's taken on Quentin as her squire. So, of course, it's time for things to take a turn for the worse.


Someone has kidnapped the sons of the regent of the Undersea Duchy of Saltmist. To prevent a war between land and sea, Toby must find the missing boys and prove the Queen of the Mists was not behind their abduction. Toby's search will take her from the streets of San Francisco to the lands beneath the waves, and her deadline is firm: she must find the boys in three days' time, or all of the Mists will pay the price. But someone is determined to stop her-and whoever it is isn't playing by Oberon's Laws...

My opinion:

          October will never get a real reprieve, despite nearly dying several times on regular basis she has too much on her plate to rest. Now a Countess against her wills, she must learn that role, while taking in charge part of Quentin’s training, and less formally Raj’s. Add to that, the fact the Luidaeg comes to collects debts when a war is on the verge to explode and you have the recipe for a disaster.

Oh, disaster there are how could it not when children are taking from their homes, tortured and with their life threatened? October couldn’t let that kind of crimes unpunished, children are too sacred and if it means having to fight against the Queen or at least to be diplomatically correct and doing others things she would dreams of never doing ( like approaching water) so be it because before being a countess she is a knight.

 I was really happy to see her having the start of a normal life even if I deeply inside new it couldn’t last and to be honest I didn’t like her lover’s choice but still I wanted her to have a bit of happiness…. I loved Spike and her cats which we just learned are really spies for Tybalt (someone had doubt about that fact, really?!), finding May, Quentin and Raj living (or nearly) with her was simply fabulous…it was a great way to see how she matured since the first book.

She also had to adjust to the event in the last book and how it affected her, that part was interesting and I wasn’t expecting it to be so difficult for her but Seanan managed to make the situation really comprehensible and described Toby’s feeling so well I just wanted more. In this book we learn more about the fae.. so far we learned about the land faeries we got a glimpse of others like the luidaeg and selkies but that’s all.  This time we learn about a complete new range of aquatic faes and discover that there are also some aerial ones nothing catch my attention better it was really interesting to discover them from Toby’s perspective.

What made this book even better was the constant presence of the cait sidhe Tybalt, more often in his cat form than I saw in the past.  He wasn’t his humourous self and he didn’t antagonised October but the situation was too dire for that. In any case he was loyally at her side, fought by her side and for her and never let her down ( the perfect mate I’m telling you). We also learn a lot about the Luidaeg and saw a more vulnerable side of her which drew me to her, she always was fascinating now she is more “human”… she suffered a lot and still do I think.

This book has heartbreaking moments, I nearly cried several time but the author balances all the elements in the story at the perfection and it was never too much or not enough. You get to see and feel things from October’s point of view… yes sometimes I wanted to strangle her at other time I wanted to hug her or cry for her but all along I wanted to be by her side. If you love dark urban fantasy with a touch of romance, fae and shifters  really this is a fabulous series, a must read however I can’t recommend you enough to be careful and read all the books in order ( include the free novella if you want it’s even better) it’s the only way to get completely immersed and have all the insights to follow the red lines ( but each book have some closure so far even if the ending just make you want more since it doesn’t answers all questions) this one was a perfect addition to the series with moving moment, adventures, magic and all the rest

Score:  5/5

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no compensation was received in exchange for this review

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