I went into this rather blind and it was amazing and everything everyone said it was. It took me a minute to figure out the differExcellent Well done.
I went into this rather blind and it was amazing and everything everyone said it was. It took me a minute to figure out the different terms and how this world works. But once I figured it out I loved it. I enjoyed so much of Xaden’s will they won’t they. I hated Daine’s constant dismissal of Violet’s strengths and always seeing her as weak. I am disappointed in who ended up dying at the end of the book and was secretly hoping some new power would flare.. But once we got to the end and we heard some of the conversation I pieced together that big bombshell surprise.
The world building is fab this is so different from a lot of books I’ve read and yet so similar too in terms of an academy. But I loved the entire thing. The bonded dragons are fun and funny too.
Bruh these books are awesome. I love them. I reread the previous books since it’s been a minute and devoured them once agai4.5 Stars possible spoilers
Bruh these books are awesome. I love them. I reread the previous books since it’s been a minute and devoured them once again. This was my first time around though, for Sauter.
I’m really enjoying how things are coming together. And I’m so happy they are finally working together. I love the progression in this book with their intimacy and how they are easing her into some interesting things. I love how many different elements this series has. So many different mysteries and angles and I just don’t know what to expect and I LOVE IT. I love books that keep me guessing but don’t keep my frustrated.
One thing I would like though is more insight into why certain situations are happening when there is a mutually understood point, I sometimes don’t know how who ever’s POV I’m in arrived at the conclusion or I’m not clear on their point. Ya know something like she agree with him because of x y and z.
Otherwise this is an amazing series. I love Oscar, I honestly love them all. This is fantastic and I can’t wait for the next one.
I really enjoyed this series. It was a unique plot something you don’t find often in the reverse harem sub genre. Pirates and magiSad to see it ending
I really enjoyed this series. It was a unique plot something you don’t find often in the reverse harem sub genre. Pirates and magic. Pirates and sea creatures sure but the way this whole world works is intricate and fascinating.
I was so surprised when this book came out super early. Originally slated for July of 2022 I swear it popped up in February or March of 2022 and here I am finishing it in April of 2022. I wish it was longer. I wish we had a little more tension between Val and Nilsa. I loved the series though. It had my heart pounding, my anger roaring, had sadness come up and laughter too. I really felt close to the crew of The Deadwood. I would love more in this world, or with Nilsa, or even more with this unique concept. Loved it. Sad to see it go. Nice to see how things turned out though. ...more
This one I actually barely remembered and the ending I didn’t remember at all. Wow. I’m ready to continue on with this series. I thinReread March 2022
This one I actually barely remembered and the ending I didn’t remember at all. Wow. I’m ready to continue on with this series. I think all The Kings aren’t going to be responsible for Gareth’s death but I think that they will have all harmed him in some way. I’m really interested in where this is going to go in terms of two of her harem are enemies. Overall I’m invested. This series isn’t nearly as bullish as I was lead to believe. All the guys, except maybe Gabriel are into something shady, some gang or another or some illegal activities etc. They have all killed someone I suspect. So they aren’t good but they aren’t the worst either.
Can’t wait to see where this goes.
Original Review: I love this series!
It came out a bit earlier than anticipated and I’m so happy it did, except that there were a few more typos in this book than the last one.
Still I am loving this journey with Elise. There’s so much going on here, so many different stories and plots.
Like what the ending means for Ryder and Dante. Who killed Gareth, I still think Cindy Lou should be on Elise’s list. What’s up with Ms Nightshade. If the two rival factions can resolve issues, doesn’t sound like it yet. When will all the guys realize they all want Elisa.
There’s a bunch here keeping me intrigued. There’s also enough different romance relationships going on, humor, and emotions in general. This series is amazing and I totally love what’s been created here.
Little sad to hear the other zodiac series isn’t RH.
Can’t wait for the next one hopefully sometime soon....more
It took me a bit to get through to get started and also remember the cast of characters. Catalina also mentions events from previous books but it’s beIt took me a bit to get through to get started and also remember the cast of characters. Catalina also mentions events from previous books but it’s been so long between I don’t remember if they happened in book or off page.
This story was fascinating and I had no idea who the planned love interest was but I’m happy with where the story is going. Totally a cliff hanger though.
The ending in Alessandro’s POV was hard. I want to know what’s going on. I do suspect that (view spoiler)[ he won’t have a problem with Victoria’s deal that Catalina can’t leave her House for marriage, that whoever she marries must move to her House. She thinks Alessandro won’t do that. I have my suspicions but I want to know who he wants to kill. I have no idea what he’s in on. (hide spoiler)]...more
I think I'm in the middle on this one. It wasn't that I didn't like it, not exactly. It was more like I had issues with some of the events that too3.5
I think I'm in the middle on this one. It wasn't that I didn't like it, not exactly. It was more like I had issues with some of the events that took place in the book.
Firstly lets get the family tree out of the way: This may cause spoilers if you haven't read the previous books. READ THE PREVIOUS BOOKS! (view spoiler)[ Jason (Madoc's Father) and Katherine (Jared's Mother) are married now (I think we saw this in the last book). They now have Quinn Jared, and Madoc's sister, though she also views Jax as her brother too.
Jared and Tate have 2 kids: Dylan (who is a girl) and seems to be BFFs with Quinn, similar ages and James who is younger but I don't recall how young.
Madoc and Fallon have twins Hunter and Kade (who have a thing for Dylan as they are NOT related) and AJ I think (s)he's a toddler or younger. We didn't get much face time so I don't recall the baby much.
Juliette and Jax have only Hawke still.
Here I made this: [image] Go HERE to see it larger
Ok you got it? Alright so Quinn, Dylan, Hawke, Kade, and Hunter are basically growing up with each other and are all around the same ages give or take 1-4 years or so. They are all teens. I'm super excited for their stories so much though. There is SO MUCH there to watch.
Back to this book. First this book is told in Quinn's POV. When I first started it or even when I first read the synopsis I was like who the fuck is Quinn, but see the family tree above to make sense. I like the one that Douglas links to in her book but it's not so easy to see so I might make my own when I'm done writing this so that it's a bit more clear. Maybe I'll do that now...Yep I did. Hope that helps.
Now where was I? Oh yes the book. So the book is told in Quinn's POV and we learn the new dynamic between the new to us adults (the first Fall Away kids) and their children. The dynamic is as fun as it was before, the craziness, the inclusiveness of family, and the all around love. Aww SWOON.
BUT WAIT! This book is NOT ABOUT DYLAN yep that's right this is not about Quinn. But how can it be told from Quinn's POV right? That's what you're asking? Well the story is actually about how her parents, Jason and Katherine, got together. Quinn is mysteriously sent a book, and in this book is a story about her parents.
The Book, Next to Never
As we learned through out the Fall Away series Jared's mother and Madoc's father were having an affair. We didn't really know the details at the time and I wasn't sure I really liked either of their parents. I didn't re-read the series before reading this one so I can't make many distinctions between those books and the recollections of what took place in this book but we do get more background information. Jason was unhappy in his marriage to Madoc's mother. It seemed his father basically put him up to it and didn't care about his feelings. Jason didn't really butt heads with him because he was going to inherit his father's firm. So he didn't really speak up or out against him. Katherine was living in an abusive home, she was only 19 and already had Jared. I'm not certain she was completely abused in the sense of being a battered woman, but Thomas, Jared and Jax's father, was married to Kat at this time in the book. He was hooked on drugs and man whoring around around what not. He didn't really care about Jared or Kat, and we know this from all the previous books as well. No love lost there. Jason helps her move out of that home and divorce Thomas...but he doesn't divorce his wife. We go through the struggle feelings of how Kat feels like a horrible person being the other woman and waiting for Jason's scraps. I really don't like this section of the book. We get to see all the pain each other inflicted through the YEARS they were on and off together until they were ultimately off.
There is one scene that bugged the shit out of me though. I'll refer to this as "The Office Scene" once you get there you'll know what I'm talking about. (view spoiler)[ Basically Kat is there to rendezous with Jason. But his wife is there...and suddenly Kat isn't sure. I don't remember all the gritty details but this scene was a bit rough and there was something that was bugging me in terms of consent. Yes there was consent but Kat was conflicted and really wanted to say no. Jason kept on going through and eventually had sex with her in his office. It just didn't fit with how they were going up to this point. (hide spoiler)] It almost made me through on the breaks. We don't get down to the nitty gritty but for the most part the story does end up being happy.
However I found myself less interested in Kat and Jason's story, and more interested in the saga that is the Kade, Hunter and Dylan possible love triangle. I was also interested in Quinn's own love interest story.
Quinn's love interest is Lucas...don't remember him? Neither did I until they explained to us a bit more who he is. Lucas is Madoc's "little brother" remember he took a little kid under his wing? Well Lucas is all grown up and left behind a sad sad Quinn who has continued to pine for him. He is I think 29 and she is 17...I don't think anyone knows exactly how hung up on him she is except maybe Dylan and Hawke. Lucas left to do his business 4 years before the book began. He hasn't visited and he hasn't called or written. I half expected the book to be from him, but I wasn't sure because what would be the point? How would he have written it? I have no issues with the age difference at this point, but I am excited to see where it goes especially with that epilogue. It seems that maybe just maybe Quinn might end up with Lucas.
However going back to the book it seems whoever sent it to her wanted to kind of warn her about the mistakes that can happen in life and to take chances with finding love and not losing yourself in the process.
Overall I did enjoy the book but I personally could have done without Jason and Kat but in some ways it also explained their personalities in the previous books in a better way. So it was 50/50 I liked it but I wasn't completely invested because the person we were reading from wasn't the main focal point of the story.
I think I'll rate this a 3.5 because it got me more anxious about reading the rest of the kid's stories. I can't wait. This is one of my favorite series of all times and Douglas just has a way of writing the speaks to me....more
I just I'm so confused...about how I feel about the relationship aspect of this story.
This book is pretty much examining feelings and relationships wiI just I'm so confused...about how I feel about the relationship aspect of this story.
This book is pretty much examining feelings and relationships with some little action in it.
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS BELOW:
So in the last book Lorik played Darian. Darian has been kidnapped and due to knowing Xander's pov from the end of the last book we have a pretty good idea that Darian is going to be rescued at some point, who knows when though. This scene reminds me a lot of what happened to Sam in Airhman's dungeon in the Imp series. So if you recall that similar scale, except that rather than Airhman rubbing against Sam's soul, Padma is taunting Darian with illusion that looks so real, and making Darian fearful. It's gross.
So what happens? Well a lot, but eventually Darian gets out. There is just so much here that I don't want to give away so I'll skip this.
Basically we find out what has been going on with Tyler, and at this point I couldn't tell you which team I'm for, Tyler or Xander. Originally I was team Tyler, then I was team Xander and now I'm not sure. I in some ways found Tyler being a plot device to keep Xander and Darian apart and now that I know the scope of what Xander felt, I feel like it also deserves to be tried. I feel like Tyler is trying to do what Azriel and Henry did to Darian, keep her isolated and all to himself. He called her need to be with Raif, Xander and Ash co-dependence and I just don't see it. Of course she's a bit codependent because she's been alone, but they are also her people, and they are her friends. It struck me as odd to him saying that, which colored my view on what he was doing. Plus the more he did his bizarre monotone talking, or absentmindedly talking, I got more and more irked. He demands Darian to be honest but tells nothing of himself until it's entirely too late. He is just as much at fault for the state of their relationship. I just idk, he isn't the same to me, and apparently Darian can't see it.
Anya has her baby, and something strikes Darian, can she have kids, does she want kids, Jinn can't reproduce right? So when she brings this up to Tyler I am not satisfied with his responses. They kind of bother me, and he continues to circumvent them. But eventually we do know and what I found out still doesn't make me sure of him.
I sort of want to explore her with Xander and see what happens there. What happened at the end (big spoiler) (view spoiler)[ Darian getting her memory wiped of Tyler (hide spoiler)] is super interesting and yes heartbreaking, but at this point since I'm so unsure I am not sure where I even stand with that spoiler. It could open up some doors (view spoiler)[ between her and Xander and while I'd like to try it I definitely think that Tyler will always come between them. Totally doesn't seem like Tyler was affected with the memory wipe, and I also wonder if Xander, Anya, Raif, and Ash are going to remember, it seems like it. So whatever she and Xander have it seems like it wouldn't be able to last *sigh* (hide spoiler)] so yea I'm at a loss which is why I rated it 4. I'm all over the scale on this one. I think #6 could make or break the series depending how it's done....more
This book had me jonesing for the next one. I couldn't believe the end, and we get a POV from Xander. Wow. I was shocked by what was in his scene whicThis book had me jonesing for the next one. I couldn't believe the end, and we get a POV from Xander. Wow. I was shocked by what was in his scene which is at the end of the book.
We have a lot of emotions going on in this book due to what had occurred in book 3. Darian is finally back and so is a ghost from her past. The mysterious post card sender, Lorik, is back, and he hasn't aged a bit...which is odd right? Because he was human....
To take her mind off what happened she asks Ty to hook her up with a job, and hangs around Lorik to do it. The mark is a guy who might might not be a god. He's got followers and he is in the criminal trade, some funny things happen Lorik is annoying, but she deals.
Meanwhile that issue that happened between Tyler and Xander hasn't been settled yet, you'd think they would have settled (view spoiler)[Tyler punching Xander at the dignitary ball while Darian was gone...but nope (hide spoiler)] but they didn't. Instead that's what Xander is plotting and is also it seems making a play for Darian.
Lorik meanwhile takes Darian on a goosechase it's pretty funny and we also get to see Kaii in this book, the creepy reaper from Tyler's novella.
And then the unthinkable happens, and omg I mean I should have seen it coming, Darian should have seen it coming, TYLER sure as hell should have figured it out! What happens has been brewing for a while, nuggets were dropped in Tyler's novella...yep. SHOCKED doesn't even cut it. Going through withdrawal doesn't cut it. I NEED to read the next book. And fast! I can't believe what Xander said to Tyler then and now I'm unsure of how Xander really feels with his pov. Those preconceived notions I had due to Darian's bias...well...Xander changes my mind lol....more
This is quickly becoming one of my fav series. And I'm dying because book 6 isn't complete or out yet, so now the question becomes do I read books 4 &This is quickly becoming one of my fav series. And I'm dying because book 6 isn't complete or out yet, so now the question becomes do I read books 4 & 5? Or do I wait until 6 comes out to read them and if 6 isn't the last one do I wait longer? I can't get this series out of my head and I'm dying to continue.
Seriously:
[image]
Really how will I survive? We left Darian in a state of shock in the last book (if we skip the novella) I can't even be sure if i like this book, not because it was good but because I didn't like the content per se. I couldn't figure out what was going on between Tyler and Darian and Xander and Darian.
Tyler is back, but he isn't alone, and this completely shatters Darian. But she doesn't go to him for answers nope, she assumes, and when the lady he's with comes to Darian and confirms that "he's happy" what is she supposed to expect? This whole thing isn't very clear, we really never get confirmation one way or the other that this chick is with or was with Tyler, and we don't know if he had/has feelings for her, but we do find something out about the bond between a Jinn and their charge, they aren't really supposed to love their Charge like that or so this chick tells her later.
In this book Darian is living at the King's estate because Anya fucking Anya is in trouble. *insert eye roll* IDK if it was to make us like her, or make Darian like her no idea, but I'm still not 100% on board with Anya.
Anya needs protection but she isn't too upfront about the threat making Darian's job that much harder.
On top of all this Darian is confused about Tyler, she is super hurt, and Xander is there to lend comfort and to not be alone, but she doesn't love him and she doesn't think she ever will. There is a lot of internal struggling going on with Darian and when we leave this book she is beaten down. And though the circumstances are tragic in a way, she does need this little break. I need to know what happens next in the series but I'm afraid to go further and need book 6 just as bad. I have no idea when or how long it will take before we get book 6, but I might just have to read up to 5 just to clear my mind. It's been a long time since a book series has sucked me in this much!!
I love this series. Yes there is a bit of a love triangle, but according to Darian's feelings she knows she isn't over Tyler and she's not sure she ever will be....more
This novella is completely in Tyler's pov and only minutes after her left Darian's apartment. I feel so bad for him, but I'm so glad I got his pov. I'This novella is completely in Tyler's pov and only minutes after her left Darian's apartment. I feel so bad for him, but I'm so glad I got his pov. I'm also glad that Raif has Darian's back and calls Tyler out. I can't believe how Darian is doing now. This book takes place for Tyler having to help Levi get a death marker off his head. Tyler has to do it while laying low and not running into Darian. The whole plot was ok, but I suspect we will see more from this ghoul queen.
At the end though Tyler gets a call, I suspect from the Jinn who helped "raise" him. He must go to Russia....and he's leaving Darian behind. This surly isn't going to be good. I fully expect something to come between Xander and Darian, Tyler's fear of losing Darian is very very real to me....more
I will say that when all said and done before I read this book I couldn't understand Tyler and Darian's relatioWow.
I am super sad after reading this.
I will say that when all said and done before I read this book I couldn't understand Tyler and Darian's relationship. I couldn't tell how or why they loved each other so much. After this book though it became more apparent.
I really feel for Tyler, he loves her so much but Darian doesn't know how to reciprocate. She's only know violence disguised as love. Abuse as love. So of course she wouldn't know how to lean on Tyler or the people around her, she's been so isolated and distrustful that it will take a while for her to open up.
Darian is also arrogantly stupid. She still doesn't know who she is or what she is or why she is the what she is. This makes for her making stupid mistakes and also trying to go it alone to in her mind protect the ones she loves. But when you keep pushing people away you might lose the ones you thought you could always count on....more
Shaedes of Gray was awesome. Darian is a very interesting character, don't let this cover fool you the book is great. Darian's whole existenc4.5 Stars
Shaedes of Gray was awesome. Darian is a very interesting character, don't let this cover fool you the book is great. Darian's whole existence has been alone, she's sworn off love due to her previous lover using her. Azriel, her previous lover is also the one who made her, he was with her for 20 years told her they were the only Shaedes left, beings who can conform to shadow. He said one day he was going to be back, but he didn't and thus started Darian's lonely existence. She's an assassin for hire, and though she isn't human she has a moral code. She only will kill the lowest of the low people who deserve to be rid from the world. Her handler is Tyler, and Tyler seems to have a thing for her. Things change with Darian's next mark though, and her whole world is turned upside down and completely thrown out the window.
When I first saw the cover I thought "meh maybe this isn't my kind of book" yep covers affect whether I read a book or not, I know totally biased but if it doesn't attract me to begin with how would I come across it. This floated in my recommends section for a while until someone finally recommended it to me. Then once I started reading the book I saw a lot of paragraphs, a lot of internalizing, I'm not a huge fan of this, I like interactions, but I kept going and I wasn't wrong, the book improved. It's not that the book made me *need* to turn the page but that the story was so interesting I needed to know what was going on. I didn't know who to trust or who to love for Darian and I'm still not sold 100% on who it is.
This story is definitely unique and different, at least to me. It is definitely UF with a nice dose of romance thrown in both of which I love in books!
I think you'll like this series. You should read this :)
If you like Elemental Assassin you'll probably like this, though I feel its better she doesn't repeat herself like Gin does....more
I love this, this book is in Derek's pov and he has to work with Julie. While the book didn't exactly move any relationship between them forward, becaI love this, this book is in Derek's pov and he has to work with Julie. While the book didn't exactly move any relationship between them forward, because she's 16 and he's 20, it did present us with the possibility. See I've always expected them to end up together. I've always felt like this early on and I've always felt Derek felt the same way. So while it's still up in the air I see the kernel even more then I had before. Overall the book was simple, ish, but good. I totally think that Derek has to convince himself that she is 16 and can't see her as a potential girlfriend/mate but I think that she is his and he is hers and I can't wait for more in that regard. ...more
Why does every book seem to have all the action towards the end I want some action in the middle damn it. I can not believe all that happened at the eWhy does every book seem to have all the action towards the end I want some action in the middle damn it. I can not believe all that happened at the end in this book. It's crazy and wow, just wow. Wow.....yea....more
I LOVED this book. I was devouring this book! This book was amazballs, and then it dropped off at the end with cliff hanger! I NEED to know NOW! ex4.5
I LOVED this book. I was devouring this book! This book was amazballs, and then it dropped off at the end with cliff hanger! I NEED to know NOW! except if book 4 isn't out yet I'm not sure I can commit to it today!
Anyways this story was BRUTAL, in the emotions and feels and longing and omg. I was actually interested in Carter a new character we meet 101 years into the future. I also loved just loved Paine. I think I might like him more than Disco. It also took me ages to remember partly what went down in book 1 cause I really don't remember everything. But poor Paine, I knew there was something going on with him and the way he acted around Rhia.
I don't want to give too much away, but at the end of the book Paine and Rhia are talking and she is going to explain to him what happened in the future between them and maybe about what Disco did to Rhia. BTW that bullshit he pulled is going to dramatically impact their relationship....more
4.5 Honestly, what I love about this series is Sam with Gregory. They have such chemistry that is difficult to ignore, though they both try. I secretl4.5 Honestly, what I love about this series is Sam with Gregory. They have such chemistry that is difficult to ignore, though they both try. I secretly suspect they will become a couple at least as some point.
Sam is awesome too, she's a Demon who doesn't give a damn and I'm not entirely sure she is just a "lowly imp" like she claims, or thinks, I think she might be more.
This story revolves around Sam looking for an artifact, a sword, for Dar he foster brother. He seems to be in deep shit that basically Sam thumbs her nose at the guy forcing Dar to complete this by taking him and his household under hers, which also raises her status. It's funny to see her doing the things that were suggested or gossiped about such as going to lunch with the gate keeper lol too funny. So she goes on a merry chase for this sword while having to keep her nose clean so to speak lest Gregory comes down and kills her. There were some obvious clues in this one as to what we should expect Sam capable of. She is also showing more and more emotion and I'm not sure if it has to do with her tie to Gregory or her human body or what, but Sam is evolving.
Omg this is such a great series. I'm comparing it to Charley Davidson and all the mischief she gets into. Sam and Charley would get along famously... Sam is sarcastic, and has witty banter, but she is also violent, disruptive, and vulgar, but it's to be expected. Charley is sarcastic, has witty banter and gets herself into messes easily much like Sam. So in that respect you know it's going to be a good series.
As far as the romance goes, Wyatt is currently Sam's toy/boyfriend. But the relationship interactions I long to read are between Sam and Gregory, and no it's not a love triangle at least not in the you must chose me or him type of deal, at least not yet. But there is something there between Sam and Gregory and it's something that MUST BE EXPLORED lol....more
Danielle (Danniegurl)
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