Shades of Magic Series by V. E. Schwab

A Darker Shade of Magic (Book 1)

Kell is one of the last Antari—magicians with a rare, coveted ability to travel between parallel Londons; Red, Grey, White, and, once upon a time, Black. 

Kell was raised in Arnes—Red London—and officially serves the Maresh Empire as an ambassador, traveling between the frequent bloody regime changes in White London and the court of George III in the dullest of Londons, the one without any magic left to see.

Unofficially, Kell is a smuggler, servicing people willing to pay for even the smallest glimpses of a world they'll never see. It's a defiant hobby with dangerous consequences, which Kell is now seeing firsthand.

After an exchange goes awry, Kell escapes to Grey London and runs into Delilah Bard, a cut-purse with lofty aspirations. She first robs him, then saves him from a deadly enemy, and finally forces Kell to spirit her to another world for a proper adventure.

Now perilous magic is afoot, and treachery lurks at every turn. To save all of the worlds, they'll first need to stay alive.

3 Star Rating - Recommended Age:  14+
Each time I went to the bookstore I would see this book and think...hmmm...not liking the cover...might not be good.  Glad I finally decided to read this series.  And I read all 3 BACK to BACK!

As far as main characters go, Kell is intriguing and mysterious enough in the first few pages, that you won't stop reading.  Delilah is brash, violent, sassy and unapologetic about it.  But she's not like the regular smart mouthed leading female character that you quickly grow bored of.  She's unpredictable in some ways and not so smitten with Kell that she loses her sense of self or what she wants by the end of the first or second book.  Which is VERY refreshing.  Prince Rhy on the other hand is typical in his personality until the second book where he gains some dimension.  And he is bi!  How sexy does that play out in the book!!  

There's a whole host of secondary characters that grow on you.  V E Schwab's writing makes you connect to each one in some way, so they don't just fade in the background.

The 3 London world is o..k...  It's not developed in a way where you think "Ooohh, this is cool" and get caught up in the imagery, but I don't think it really needs to be for this story.  It gives a clear line for where things are happening, but I was always wondering what about Red Asia or Grey America?  Did all of the Black world go to hell or just London?  And what about Black London...I would have liked a little more suspense from that dimension since it was the only one to go dark.  The excitement grows with each book and the storyline becomes more intense.  NOT so engrossing that you can't put it down but I liked the characters so much I wanted to know what was going to happen next.  Who has secrets, who's going to betray who, will love win?  And there are secrets and endings we get hints of, but never full disclosure.  Some of the secondary character lines could have been developed more or ended properly.  All in all, I give this series a solid 3 because I enjoyed the characters and the plot was interesting.   

Short Reviews - May 2014

I...can't...stop...reading!  No time to write full reviews.  

So here it is - SAS

(Short And Sweet)

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier

Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!

Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.

3.5 Star Rating - Recommended Age: 13+
A little bit of mystery, some romance with a hint of jealousy and a crazy aunt to add some humor.  I enjoyed this enough to read the second in the series and as soon as I'm in the mood to get back to a fast-paced YA novel, I'll finish up with the third.  I stayed intrigued throughout the story.  No real surprises or gotcha moments, but it was a good escape.

SAS:  You'll enjoy the budding relationship between Gwen and Gideon.  You will even enjoy Gideon's ego.  The characters are interesting, but not complex.  Plot is ordinary but the writing and pace will keep you interested.

The Wolves of Midwinter by Anne Rice

The novel opens on a cold, gray landscape. It is the beginning of December. Oak fires are burning in the stately flickering hearths of Nideck Point. It is Yuletide. For Reuben Golding, now infused with the wolf gift and under the loving tutelage of the Morphenkinder, this Christmas promises to be like no other . . . as he soon becomes aware that the Morphenkinder, steeped in their own rituals, are also celebrating the Midwinter Yuletide festival deep within Nideck forest.

From out of the shadows of the exquisite mansion comes a ghost—tormented, imploring, unable to speak yet able to embrace and desire with desperate affection . . . As Reuben finds himself caught up with the passions and yearnings of this spectral presence and the preparations for the Nideck town Christmas reach a fever pitch, astonishing secrets are revealed, secrets that tell of a strange netherworld, of spirits—centuries old—who possess their own fantastical ancient histories and taunt with their dark, magical powers . . .

2 Star Rating - Recommended Age: Adult

Oh, I was soooo disappointed.  I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, but the Wolves of Midwinter was nowhere near that level.  Were there any good parts??  Yes, there were some, but not enough to make this book enjoyable.  The world that she built around the morphenkind was still a wonder to read about.  The descriptions of Nideck Manor and the forest really does put you in a fantastical mindset.  But the writing this time around went over the top.  Not only does it follow her normal old-world style of overly describing scenes with out of touch wording and phrases, but in this book it is tedious!  In the first book it was just enough to have me hunched over my book and truly imagining the story;  not in just a visual sense but it was almost as if the story should have been from a different time.  This book just made me want to hurry up and finish it.  

SAS:  I had to force myself to finish this book.  The characters were the only good thing in this story; still very engaging.  The plot was almost non-existent, the pace was slow.  This is NOT on my recommend list for Anne Rice.  Skip it.

Up from the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

(Night Huntress Book #7)

There’s always one more grave to dig.

Lately, life has been unnaturally calm for vampires Cat Crawfield and her husband Bones. They should have known better than to relax their guard, because a shocking revelation sends them back into action to stop an all-out war…

A rogue CIA agent is involved in horrifying secret activities that threaten to raise tensions between humans and the undead to dangerous heights. Now Cat and Bones are in a race against time to save their friends from a fate worse than death…because the more secrets they unravel, the deadlier the consequences. And if they fail, their lives—and those of everyone they hold dear— will be hovering on the edge of the grave.

4 Star Rating - Recommended Age:  Adult

Still, soooo good!  Reading a Jeaniene Frost book always keeps me on the edge with the intrigue and action.  But what I love most about her books is that they keep me surprised.  Surprised you say...are there a lot of gotchas in her books?  Yes, but not always with the plot.  I'm talking about the humor!  When she wrote in a reference to the Spock and Captain Kirk death sequence from The Wrath of Khan, I dropped the book and started laughing!  Lines like, "...open shirt flapping behind him like twin mini capes."  I love it, just love it.  The character behaviors and personalities are consistent with each new book.  Each bringing their own brand of sexy, crazy and aloofness which keeps the story compelling.  Can I just say Marie Laveau is one bad...shut your mouth!  You will love the new character addition to the series and the possibilities they will bring.  You will end the book not knowing where the story will go from here.  Is this the end?  Can't be!  I want to know what is going to happen next!

SAS:  What can I say..another good one from this series.  This story never gets old.  The love between Cat and Bones is still all-encompassing, but you won't get tired reading about it.  The plot and action in this one was so good, I found myself skipping a sex scene to see what was coming next.  Yeah...that good.

The Dog in the Dark by Barb and JC Hendee
(Noble Dead Saga Book #2)

Barely escaping the city of Calm Seatt - and the assassins hunting them - Magiere, Leesil, and the elven dog Chap sail south to continue their quest to find the powerful orb of Air before their enemies do. But they are not alone, much to their frustration.

Aging elven assassin Brot’an has forced himself on them by offering his protection. Chap doesn’t believe this ruse, however, and seeks to uncover the assassin’s true agenda - as well as the cause of the secret civil war that has erupted into the open among Brot'an's people.

Meanwhile, Magiere struggles with her own dark nature, using Leesil’s love as an anchor to keep her grounded. For the personal price she paid to procure the orb of Fire was more than she thought - and more than she wants to reveal to anyone else.

But that is exactly what the cunning Brot’an wants to know. And he is willing to do whatever it takes - even if he must reveal his own dreaded secrets, which may cost the entire party their lives...and their very souls.

3.5 Star Rating - Recommended Age:  15+

Like the Wheel of Time, this series will not die, nor does it need to.  The plot is so complex, you still can't see the end game.  This was a more laid back, comfortable read for me.  The action was at a minimum, compared to the other books, but the confrontations between the elves and Magiere's group were dramatic.  The fight scenes are always choreographed well.  A lot of the backstory is played out through memories, which gives much more detail than just a retelling by the characters.  With those flashbacks, I found myself sympathizing with Brot'an.  

SAS:  It took a couple of chapters for me to really get into the story, but once I did I stayed intrigued until the end.  This story delves deeper into the plots and plans of the elves, but there are still a lot of questions.    The reader is kept guessing at the mysteries of the Orbs and their protectors and there is still a lot to learn  about the Ancient Enemy and Fey spirits.  

E-book Short Reviews - October 2013

Why e-book short reviews?  Well....ever been in a reading frenzy where you read 5 or more e-books back to back with no break in between?  And these books are fun, quick reads?  Well that's what happens to me sometimes and when it does,  I break from the long in-depth reviews I normally do and make it short and sweet (SAS)!

Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi

It's been months since Aria learned of her mother's death.  Months since Perry became Blood Lord of the Tides, and months since Aria last saw him.  Now Aria and Perry are about to be reunited. It's a moment they've been longing for with countless expectations. And it's a moment that lives up to all of them. At least, at first. Then it slips away. The Tides don't take kindly to former Dwellers like Aria. And the tribe is swirling out of Perry's control. With the Aether storms worsening every day, the only remaining hope for peace and safety is the Still Blue. But does this haven truly exist?  Threatened by false friends and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, Can their love survive through the ever night? In this second book in her spellbinding Under the Never Sky trilogy, Veronica Rossi combines fantasy and sci-fi elements to create a captivating adventure-and a love story as perilous as it is unforgettable.

250 Pages
3.5 Star Rating - Recommended Age 15+
A very good follow up to Under the Never Sky.  The romance between Aria and Peregrine continues and has lost none of its excitement.  New characters and new crises keep the book interesting.   No situation in the book was easily dealt with.  
SAS:  I was never bored reading this book.  I enjoyed the storyline between Aria, Sable, Roar and Liv the most.  The 3rd book is definitely on my list to read.

Dark Genesis by A.D. Koboah

Life for a female slave is one of hardship and unspeakable sorrow, something Luna knows only too well. But not even she could have foreseen the terror that would befall her one sultry Mississippi evening in the summer of 1807.   On her way back from a visit to see the African woman, a witch who has the herbs Luna needs to rid her of her abusive master’s child, she attracts the attention of a deadly being that lusts for blood. Forcibly removed from everything she knows by this tormented otherworldly creature, she is sure she will be dead by sunrise.  Dark Genesis is a love story set against the savage world of slavery in which a young woman who has been dehumanised by its horrors finds the courage to love, and in doing so, reclaims her humanity.

233 Pages
4.5 Star Rating - Recommended Age 16+
Such an amazing story!!!  The book contains an extremely emotional story of life as a beautiful slave girl.  The story was very well written.  It showed Luna's acceptance of her situation, but in it her fear and anger.  Avery's love for Luna was an inspiration (really..like, that is how I want a man to feel about me)  But, I must admit, that as much as I loved the story the author did fall into the usual pattern of having the female lead intentionally do something stupid to create crisis (it really is annoying...)
SAS:  Oh so different from the usual vampire story.  I could not put this down.  The real life trauma of slavery, dark magic and the unknown was a powerful combination.  I cannot wait to see what the author has in store next.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.  But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.  Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

228 Pages
3.5 Star Rating - Recommended Age 14+
This book reminds me of Hunger Games.......without the fight to the death between the contestants.  America is a very strong-willed, strong-minded female lead and I liked that she stayed that way throughout the book.  The teen love triangle turned out to be better than I thought it would.  It's believable that although she loves Aspen, her friendship with Prince Maxon would turn into something more.  I liked that the author didn't rush into something romantic between the two characters.  In the first chapters of the book, the author makes you WANT Aspen and America to find a way to be together because they love each other so much.
SAS:  While I wish the story didn't read so much like Hunger Games, it was a good book.  The friendships and animosities between the contestants added excitement to the story.  Team Aspen!!

The Elite by Kiera Cass

Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.  America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.  Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

230 Pages
2.5 Star Rating - Recommended Age 14+
Very disappointed in the second book of the series.  I understand that the story is based on the love triangle between the main characters, but seriously.  There was so much back and forth by America my head hurt!  Make up your mind already!  There were a few things I did like about this book - the introduction of the rebels and the mysteries they represent;  the situation with Marlee;  Aspen is back in the picture!!!  Team Aspen!
SAS:  Not sure if I want to read the 3rd :(  America's character has changed from the very decisive, strong girl I admired to someone insecure, fickle and easily swayed.  The saving grace is that the storyline is still a good one and more interesting now that the rebels are more active.

Origin (Lux #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.
After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.
Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything.
But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?

And will they even be together?

313 Pages
4 Star Rating - Recommended Age 17+
Jennifer L Armentrout just can't write a bad book!  The places she's taking this story....ahhh!  I couldn't stop reading.  The romance between Daemon and Katy is always exciting and gets my blood pumping.  There's betrayal, surprises, intense action and loss.
SAS:  Amazing book.  You'll love the whole series so start from the beginning.  Each book gets better and better, so of course this is the best of the bunch so far.  Nothing else to say!

Magic Rises (Book 6) by Ilona Andrews

Atlanta is a city plagued by magical problems. Kate Daniels will fight to solve them—no matter the cost.

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta.

Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap…

4.5 Star Rating
My Recommendation:  Definitely worth the read.  Very Enjoyable!

Note:  This is book 6 in the series and is not stand-alone.  You must read the previous 5 books.
Recommended Age:  18+ Man Oh Man!  This was the best one so far!  Magic Rises has EVERYTHING!  Humor, action, intense fighting, scheming, spontaneity, jealousy and romance!  Every character in this book and each side story was interesting.  The story was a roller coaster ride of new problems, emotional highs and lows and unexpected allies and adversaries.  I could not stop reading and could not wait to pick it up again.

Plot/Pace:  Perfect.  Throughout the book I kept thinking "What the.." "What's going to happen next"  "Whoa!"  I did not skip a single sentence.  There are twists and turns for the entire story and always something happening.

Imagery:  I had a MGM/Warner Bros production playing in my head.  The fight choreography was structured and very detailed.  The look of the shifters was intricate;  the weapons described with reverence.  I especially liked how the author gave voice to Kate's inner thoughts.  Through that you could understand her frame of mind much better.

Romance:  Wonderful display of what it is to be jealous even when sure of the love you have.

Action:  The book is filled with it - power packed.  There's fighting, life threatening situations.  In those situations, the characters are hurt accordingly.  Not just a scratch here and there, but major injuries, which makes the outcome much more believable.  Neither Kate nor Curran is invincible and they can't save everyone.

Characters:  Loved them all, even the ones you're supposed to hate!  The dialogue between the characters was fascinating.  Six books in and Kate and Curran still surprise me.  I'm not bored with their love for each other or the situations they find themselves in.  New characters in this story are just as interesting as the established ones.  Some even more so.  I think I'm going to thoroughly enjoy seeing Christopher's character in the next book.   Just what will Hugh have planned for Kate?!

What Irked the Shiznit Out of Me:  Nothing..well, ok, I was a little disappointed in Kate towards the middle/end of the book.  Can't say more since nothing I want to say would not spoil the book for those who haven't read it.

What Blew Me Away:  All...of...it!  Humor was spot on!  Drama was intense!  This was my favorite of the series so far.

Not a 5 only because I thought to myself, would I re-read this book?  Would it sit on my bookshelf for all times?  No, but it was still a GREAT read.

If you like this book, what else might you like???