What do you think?
Rate this book
Dreg City #2
As Lie the Dead
Evangeline Stone, a rogue bounty hunter, never asked for a world divided between darkness and light . . .
. . . or the power to die and live again in someone else’s borrowed body. After a murder plot meant to take her out leaves an entire race of shapeshifters nearly extinct, Evy is gnawed by guilt. So when one of the few survivors of the slaughter enlists her aid, she feels duty-bound to help—even though protecting a frail, pregnant shifter is the last thing Evy needs, especially with the world going to hell around her.
Amid weres, Halfies, gremlins, vamps—and increasingly outgunned humans—a war for supremacy is brewing. With shifters demanding justice, her superiors desperate to control her, and an assassin on her trail, Evy discovers a horrifying conspiracy. And she may be the only person in the world who can stop it—unless, of course, her own side gets her first.
. . . or the power to die and live again in someone else’s borrowed body. After a murder plot meant to take her out leaves an entire race of shapeshifters nearly extinct, Evy is gnawed by guilt. So when one of the few survivors of the slaughter enlists her aid, she feels duty-bound to help—even though protecting a frail, pregnant shifter is the last thing Evy needs, especially with the world going to hell around her.
Amid weres, Halfies, gremlins, vamps—and increasingly outgunned humans—a war for supremacy is brewing. With shifters demanding justice, her superiors desperate to control her, and an assassin on her trail, Evy discovers a horrifying conspiracy. And she may be the only person in the world who can stop it—unless, of course, her own side gets her first.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
29 people are currently reading
1,649 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
September 28, 2021
This sequel to picks up immediately after that one ends and gives us the next three days of intense action. It's full of references to events in the first book that practically assume you've just finished reading it, and the background information you'll need to make sense of what people are doing is filled in sketchily at best. My review of that book might help here: /review/show.... It certainly helped me, because I read it nearly four years ago and desperately needed reminders.
As a matter of fact, one important part of the story in the first book is referred to only as First Break (or just Break) in this installment, with no further explanation. It's not in the review I just referred you to because it happens in the last quarter of that book, which you'll just have to read to learn about it. Or if like me you need a reminder, well then, . Evy's connection to First Break gives her a new power of teleportation, which she uses quite a lot in this adventure.
Evy Stone is once again our first-person narrator, and she's now united with what's left of Chalice, the suicide whose body she took over to begin this series by being resurrected after her own horrible death. If I'm not mistaken, this second installment starts only six days after she woke up in Chalice's body. Thanks to Chalice, she has rapid healing now, and boy, does she ever need it! Again and again Evy wades into combat unarmed; even when she has a weapon, it gets knocked out of her hands. All she has going for her in those fights is the memory of her fighting skills as a Hunter, because Chalice was never skilled that way, so Evy has to make her new body do things it's completely unprepared for.
Evy is no longer a Hunter, and Wyatt Truman is no longer a Handler, but we learn more about all that this time around, as the moral focus of the narrative shifts a bit and the Triads, the organization in which Wyatt was Evy's Handler, are thankfully cast in more of a contrary light now. The story is still full of characters like the other Triad Handlers who believe completely that what they're doing--killing with no questions asked--is for the greater good, but Evy is the only one whose heart is securely in the right place. Facts keep emerging that make her doubt everyone else, especially Wyatt, who loves her very much; flashbacks help to clarify their present problems.
I was very disappointed that Smedge is completely absent now. Among supernaturals the focus is primarily on the Owlkin, a race of bird shifters who were massacred by a Triad under their Handler, named Rufus. Only three Owlkin survived and seek refuge with Evy: an ancient named Joseph, a very pregnant Aurora, and a fascinating new character Phineas, who reveals himself as a bi-shifter and brings a new dimension to the world of Dreg City.
By his actions Phineas may be an ally or an enemy--Evy (and we) can't be sure. He plans to denounce Rufus before the Assembly, with fatal consequences (I was never clear about the upper levels of authority in this story). Anyway, Evy undertakes to prove that Rufus was simply following orders from above (and disobedience meant death), so she attempts to unmask the real author(s) of the genocide.
Along the way (strewn with countless combat situations) Evy and Phineas run into a plot to massacre hundreds of humans in revenge for the Triads' ten years of slaughtering supernaturals, and oddly the leader of the supes is a human. What felt like a subplot turns into the main adventure. Evy and Wyatt are in a race against time and seemingly impossible odds while affairs with Triad Handlers (who want Evy and Wyatt back) get very complicated.
Wyatt loves Evy and has made unspeakable sacrifices to save her from death, but Evy doesn't know how she feels about Wyatt. Chalice had the hots for him and her body still does, but as Evy gets herself together (or a little closer to together) and warms up to him, Wyatt's past actions seem to put him on the wrong side of all the present conflicts. It's an intricate, twisted story with intense feelings all around, lots of killing, and relentless action.
As a matter of fact, one important part of the story in the first book is referred to only as First Break (or just Break) in this installment, with no further explanation. It's not in the review I just referred you to because it happens in the last quarter of that book, which you'll just have to read to learn about it. Or if like me you need a reminder, well then, . Evy's connection to First Break gives her a new power of teleportation, which she uses quite a lot in this adventure.
Evy Stone is once again our first-person narrator, and she's now united with what's left of Chalice, the suicide whose body she took over to begin this series by being resurrected after her own horrible death. If I'm not mistaken, this second installment starts only six days after she woke up in Chalice's body. Thanks to Chalice, she has rapid healing now, and boy, does she ever need it! Again and again Evy wades into combat unarmed; even when she has a weapon, it gets knocked out of her hands. All she has going for her in those fights is the memory of her fighting skills as a Hunter, because Chalice was never skilled that way, so Evy has to make her new body do things it's completely unprepared for.
Evy is no longer a Hunter, and Wyatt Truman is no longer a Handler, but we learn more about all that this time around, as the moral focus of the narrative shifts a bit and the Triads, the organization in which Wyatt was Evy's Handler, are thankfully cast in more of a contrary light now. The story is still full of characters like the other Triad Handlers who believe completely that what they're doing--killing with no questions asked--is for the greater good, but Evy is the only one whose heart is securely in the right place. Facts keep emerging that make her doubt everyone else, especially Wyatt, who loves her very much; flashbacks help to clarify their present problems.
I was very disappointed that Smedge is completely absent now. Among supernaturals the focus is primarily on the Owlkin, a race of bird shifters who were massacred by a Triad under their Handler, named Rufus. Only three Owlkin survived and seek refuge with Evy: an ancient named Joseph, a very pregnant Aurora, and a fascinating new character Phineas, who reveals himself as a bi-shifter and brings a new dimension to the world of Dreg City.
By his actions Phineas may be an ally or an enemy--Evy (and we) can't be sure. He plans to denounce Rufus before the Assembly, with fatal consequences (I was never clear about the upper levels of authority in this story). Anyway, Evy undertakes to prove that Rufus was simply following orders from above (and disobedience meant death), so she attempts to unmask the real author(s) of the genocide.
Along the way (strewn with countless combat situations) Evy and Phineas run into a plot to massacre hundreds of humans in revenge for the Triads' ten years of slaughtering supernaturals, and oddly the leader of the supes is a human. What felt like a subplot turns into the main adventure. Evy and Wyatt are in a race against time and seemingly impossible odds while affairs with Triad Handlers (who want Evy and Wyatt back) get very complicated.
Wyatt loves Evy and has made unspeakable sacrifices to save her from death, but Evy doesn't know how she feels about Wyatt. Chalice had the hots for him and her body still does, but as Evy gets herself together (or a little closer to together) and warms up to him, Wyatt's past actions seem to put him on the wrong side of all the present conflicts. It's an intricate, twisted story with intense feelings all around, lots of killing, and relentless action.
June 17, 2018
Better than book 1 in terms of keeping up the fast pace and guessing the villain. I’m also a fan of the secondary characters, especially Phin.
July 23, 2011
Evy is constantly in danger, has spent the majority of her life as a trained killer, but she never carries a weapon.
She is less effective during combat because she is in a body that isn't physically conditioned the way that her original one was, but she never carries a weapon.
She barges into a building full of halfies, talks shit to them, stands toe-to-toe with a guy twice her size, and only then does she realize that - Oops! - she forgot to bring a weapon.
You know what would have made Evy look like her newly resurrected body came equipped with a brain?
That's right! If she carried a weapon!
Evy talks tough, but she's constantly in need of help and blacking out at the end of numerous altercations. It became extremely annoying and made me very frustrated with her character.
How can she protect 3 other people when she is having difficulty protecting herself? How is dumping them in her apartment while she runs around town an ideal form of protection?
Or why would she sit in a diner full of non-humans that she knows have superior hearing and not think to censor her conversation?
Why don't more characters point out to Evy that she makes a large amount of poor decisions instead of praising her?
Why am I asking so many questions?
Overall, more than half of this book was filled with scenarios and decisions that either had me shaking my head, rolling my eyes, or trying to read faster so that I could move on to something else. And to make matters worse, Wyatt is hospitalized toward the beginning and doesn't reappear until somewhere around page 200. Very frustrating.
I really, really, really enjoyed the first book. So much, in fact, that I actually pre-ordered the third one before reading this sequel. I have my fingers crossed, hoping that it's not a disappointment.
"Seeing the real Phineas el Chimal for the first time, in all his temperamental glory. Ruled by his emotions. Admitting to his grief and rage.
Damn, but that had to feel good."
She is less effective during combat because she is in a body that isn't physically conditioned the way that her original one was, but she never carries a weapon.
She barges into a building full of halfies, talks shit to them, stands toe-to-toe with a guy twice her size, and only then does she realize that - Oops! - she forgot to bring a weapon.
You know what would have made Evy look like her newly resurrected body came equipped with a brain?
That's right! If she carried a weapon!
Evy talks tough, but she's constantly in need of help and blacking out at the end of numerous altercations. It became extremely annoying and made me very frustrated with her character.
How can she protect 3 other people when she is having difficulty protecting herself? How is dumping them in her apartment while she runs around town an ideal form of protection?
Or why would she sit in a diner full of non-humans that she knows have superior hearing and not think to censor her conversation?
Why don't more characters point out to Evy that she makes a large amount of poor decisions instead of praising her?
Why am I asking so many questions?
Overall, more than half of this book was filled with scenarios and decisions that either had me shaking my head, rolling my eyes, or trying to read faster so that I could move on to something else. And to make matters worse, Wyatt is hospitalized toward the beginning and doesn't reappear until somewhere around page 200. Very frustrating.
I really, really, really enjoyed the first book. So much, in fact, that I actually pre-ordered the third one before reading this sequel. I have my fingers crossed, hoping that it's not a disappointment.
"Seeing the real Phineas el Chimal for the first time, in all his temperamental glory. Ruled by his emotions. Admitting to his grief and rage.
Damn, but that had to feel good."
October 9, 2012
Evy is the best kick ass heroine I’ve meet since meeting Kate Daniels! Maybe even more so since Kate carries a big sword and Evy finds herself without a weapon in most fights and add the fact that she is still trying to figure out how to move in a body that’s was not her own; one that is not trained to fight. Yet she still manages to stay on top.
Evy is a shit talker but she backs it up. But she has a really hard time kick butt in As Lie the Dead since she blacks out like every another chapter; waking up in strange places. But during these blackouts we get to see more of Evy’s past in her memories in the form of dreams while she is out.
Evy really had to trust others in this book to help her while she was out of it; which is not easy for her and the fact these people weren’t Wyatt, mad it even harder. Why did she have to rely on others than Wyatt? Wyatt sets out most of the book in the hospital. But we get his personal background story (heart breaking!) and how the Triads got their start.
Also we get to hear Evy say those three little words that she has been fighting hard not to say. YAY!
In As Lie the Dead we get a little closure on a few issues that were in Three Days to Dead and get to meet a new secondary character, Phin that I hope will be around in the next book, Another Kind of Dead. I recommend this series to fans of Urban Fantasy and I especially think that Kate Daniel fans will enjoy Evy and her world.
Evy is a shit talker but she backs it up. But she has a really hard time kick butt in As Lie the Dead since she blacks out like every another chapter; waking up in strange places. But during these blackouts we get to see more of Evy’s past in her memories in the form of dreams while she is out.
Evy really had to trust others in this book to help her while she was out of it; which is not easy for her and the fact these people weren’t Wyatt, mad it even harder. Why did she have to rely on others than Wyatt? Wyatt sets out most of the book in the hospital. But we get his personal background story (heart breaking!) and how the Triads got their start.
Also we get to hear Evy say those three little words that she has been fighting hard not to say. YAY!
In As Lie the Dead we get a little closure on a few issues that were in Three Days to Dead and get to meet a new secondary character, Phin that I hope will be around in the next book, Another Kind of Dead. I recommend this series to fans of Urban Fantasy and I especially think that Kate Daniel fans will enjoy Evy and her world.
September 25, 2010
This was yet another fast-paced, brilliantly twisty, fun ride. I am impressed with this series, and I am definitely looking forward to the next book.
The characters aren't perfect. Every single central character in this book made at least one decision that I found upsetting, and had to struggle to forgive. It was something that they utterly believed, with their whole heart, was the right thing to do... and you have to respect that level of earnestness. But with each of them, it was a mistake. One that was costly, often one that triggered a devastating chain of events, but it was a mistake that made these characters feel sharply, firmly human. And honestly, human characters are something I don't see much if in UF. Mostly, in UF, characters feel like... roles. And that's not to say I don't love them, because I love UF. But you tend have your stereotypical cast of characters in UF.
Another thing that makes these characters real is that they are all struggling to get past something horrible. Even the Big Bad doesn't feel like a villain to me - something HORRIBLE was done to him. And his plan is not just vengeance (although it is partially that), it is also what he *truly* believes is necessary to fix the world, so that stuff like that can't happen anymore. This, btw, is sort of a theme for this book - there are several significant characters who were the victims of something awful, and their actions are being driven by a need to never ever let that happen again. For some of them, it drives them to make bad choices. But I found myself with at least a sliver of sympathy for all of them, because their reasoning was sound, even if their methods were not.
So all of that combined with a break-neck pace and a plot with surprising (but believable) twists makes for a ride that I very much enjoyed. However, that said, let's discuss the things that keep this from being a 5-star book for me, which is: the Triads.
I am sick onto death of these nefarious organizations that heroines in UF tend to work for. This has been cropping up in nearly every UF series I read. Don't believe me? Some examples: The Knights in the Kate Daniels series; the Warden Association in the Weather Wardens series; the FIB (I think that's what they were called) in the Rachel Morgan series; the Houses in the Chicagoland Vampire series (yes, it counts - those organizations are corrupt as fuck). There are others, these are just off the top of my head. You can identify these organizations pretty easily, with the following criteria:
1. They are glossed over as The Good Guys, usually because they are "the last line of defense" against something scary.
2. Their leadership is almost never directly featured. Instead, they are just some shady characters in the upper echelon, making ends-justifies-the-means type decisions without ever having to deal with the consequences.
3. The bosses display no loyalty to their members. Once you have joined, you don't have the option of leaving, and the bosses have been known to order the termination of dissenters.
In UF series, it has become commonplace to have the heroine working for said Nefarious Organization. Usually, she ends up Seeing the Light in some manner, becomes a threat to the organization, and they direct the organization to kill her. As a variation on that, her eyes are opened when she is used as a pawn by the organization, and she comes to understand that they aren't really very good guys.
I am just tired of the device. I think it undermines the heroine, in a lot of cases. I end up feeling that she is stupid to have worked with them in the first place - it usually feels pretty obvious that these guys are egoistical douchebags, and I get angry that she was stupid enough to drink the kool-aid in the first place. I am also tired of the forced dilemma that occurs when she realizes "yeah, they aren't good guys, but the alternative - a world without them enforcing order - is even more scary... omg, what do I do???" It is a bullshit dilemma, I think. They are bad. Period. Who cares, really, who they are fighting? Don't work for someone bad, or you are bad. Period. Saving the world from someone who is a 9.0 on the Evil scale, only to leave a 7.0 on the Evil scale in charge of the world... well, it might be a net gain, technically, but it isn't really a win in my book. Am I too much of an idealist?
This book had some developments that made me think that maybe things with the Triads would be taking an interesting shift in the next book, and I hope that's the case. But despite the possibilities that pointed to that end, it was left open-ended in this book, which was a little disappointing. Here's hoping it is addressed as the central story in the next book. Because fuck the Triads, seriously. And if Evy displays even a single OUNCE of loyalty to them, after the shit they have done, I will go truly batshit crazy.
The only other teeny disappointing bit with this book is that there were some significant plot points that I felt were left wiiiiiiide open (I'd go into detail on which, but I am trying to keep this review spoiler-free). I am cool with that, as long as those threads are picked up in the next book. I get that that is part of what happens in serial books.
So, here's looking forward to book 3. :)
The characters aren't perfect. Every single central character in this book made at least one decision that I found upsetting, and had to struggle to forgive. It was something that they utterly believed, with their whole heart, was the right thing to do... and you have to respect that level of earnestness. But with each of them, it was a mistake. One that was costly, often one that triggered a devastating chain of events, but it was a mistake that made these characters feel sharply, firmly human. And honestly, human characters are something I don't see much if in UF. Mostly, in UF, characters feel like... roles. And that's not to say I don't love them, because I love UF. But you tend have your stereotypical cast of characters in UF.
Another thing that makes these characters real is that they are all struggling to get past something horrible. Even the Big Bad doesn't feel like a villain to me - something HORRIBLE was done to him. And his plan is not just vengeance (although it is partially that), it is also what he *truly* believes is necessary to fix the world, so that stuff like that can't happen anymore. This, btw, is sort of a theme for this book - there are several significant characters who were the victims of something awful, and their actions are being driven by a need to never ever let that happen again. For some of them, it drives them to make bad choices. But I found myself with at least a sliver of sympathy for all of them, because their reasoning was sound, even if their methods were not.
So all of that combined with a break-neck pace and a plot with surprising (but believable) twists makes for a ride that I very much enjoyed. However, that said, let's discuss the things that keep this from being a 5-star book for me, which is: the Triads.
I am sick onto death of these nefarious organizations that heroines in UF tend to work for. This has been cropping up in nearly every UF series I read. Don't believe me? Some examples: The Knights in the Kate Daniels series; the Warden Association in the Weather Wardens series; the FIB (I think that's what they were called) in the Rachel Morgan series; the Houses in the Chicagoland Vampire series (yes, it counts - those organizations are corrupt as fuck). There are others, these are just off the top of my head. You can identify these organizations pretty easily, with the following criteria:
1. They are glossed over as The Good Guys, usually because they are "the last line of defense" against something scary.
2. Their leadership is almost never directly featured. Instead, they are just some shady characters in the upper echelon, making ends-justifies-the-means type decisions without ever having to deal with the consequences.
3. The bosses display no loyalty to their members. Once you have joined, you don't have the option of leaving, and the bosses have been known to order the termination of dissenters.
In UF series, it has become commonplace to have the heroine working for said Nefarious Organization. Usually, she ends up Seeing the Light in some manner, becomes a threat to the organization, and they direct the organization to kill her. As a variation on that, her eyes are opened when she is used as a pawn by the organization, and she comes to understand that they aren't really very good guys.
I am just tired of the device. I think it undermines the heroine, in a lot of cases. I end up feeling that she is stupid to have worked with them in the first place - it usually feels pretty obvious that these guys are egoistical douchebags, and I get angry that she was stupid enough to drink the kool-aid in the first place. I am also tired of the forced dilemma that occurs when she realizes "yeah, they aren't good guys, but the alternative - a world without them enforcing order - is even more scary... omg, what do I do???" It is a bullshit dilemma, I think. They are bad. Period. Who cares, really, who they are fighting? Don't work for someone bad, or you are bad. Period. Saving the world from someone who is a 9.0 on the Evil scale, only to leave a 7.0 on the Evil scale in charge of the world... well, it might be a net gain, technically, but it isn't really a win in my book. Am I too much of an idealist?
This book had some developments that made me think that maybe things with the Triads would be taking an interesting shift in the next book, and I hope that's the case. But despite the possibilities that pointed to that end, it was left open-ended in this book, which was a little disappointing. Here's hoping it is addressed as the central story in the next book. Because fuck the Triads, seriously. And if Evy displays even a single OUNCE of loyalty to them, after the shit they have done, I will go truly batshit crazy.
The only other teeny disappointing bit with this book is that there were some significant plot points that I felt were left wiiiiiiide open (I'd go into detail on which, but I am trying to keep this review spoiler-free). I am cool with that, as long as those threads are picked up in the next book. I get that that is part of what happens in serial books.
So, here's looking forward to book 3. :)
August 20, 2010
After reading the first book in this new series, “Three Days to Dead�, I was in awe of the author and I was glad to have found a book that I had really enjoyed reading. (Really, it’s a great, great book) After reading “As Lie the Dead�, book two in Kelly Meding’s ‘Dreg City� series, I am again in awe of the author and I now know for sure that I have found a series that has me hooked. A series that has officially added itself to my “send Jason to store to buy the next book in the series the day it comes out and maybe even harass the staff at the bookstore by phone a couple days ahead of release day to see if maybe they have put it out up on the shelf just a little bit early� list.
Kelly’s ‘Dreg City� series deals with all things paranormal. Vampires, shape-shifters, gremlins, goblins, the light ones…you name it, it’s in here. Evangeline Stone (Evy) is/was a Hunter sent out to calm or destroy the paranormal beings that were not playing well with humans. She’s always thought what she and her fellow Hunters were doing was right. That is until they turned their backs on her in book one. Evy was killed and brought back in a new and borrowed body and only given three days to help fill in the blanks to the mystery Wyatt was trying to solve. She was not supposed to be around longer than that since the only way she could become a permanent resident in this new body was if someone in particular died (I won’t go into specifics to keep the spoilers to a minimum). Obviously, that happened and Evy is still kicking in Chalice’s body since this review is about book two in the series. After being betrayed, killed, resurrected and revived for good, Evy must now figure out what to do with herself, with Wyatt, with her beliefs and her new mind/body. And she must do all this while facing not only her own memories and emotions, but Chalice’s as well. And even though she’s a little shady as to what exactly her former employer was up to, she is sure of one thing. As a Hunter, she helped protect the innocent. And that’s what she intends to keep doing.
I mentioned Wyatt. He is/was Evy’s Handler (kind of her boss). He loves Evy. Evy didn’t know. Evy now knows. Chalice finds Wyatt hot and yummy. Evy is not too sure how she feels. Chalice wants to kiss Wyatt. Evy is confused. Wyatt is patient � and thank goodness for that. We see a bit of Wyatt this time around, but for decent chunk of the story, he is out of commission. I am looking forward to the time when we really get to see Evy and Wyatt ‘work� together. They have great professional chemistry (I’m sure Wyatt is super stoked about that…I can just hear him now:”Working chemistry.� *spit* “Just great!� *grunt*)
I mentioned in an earlier post on my blog that Kelly Meding promised “wingedhawtness� in “As Lie the Dead�. And yes, she does deliver. His name is Phineas and he’s a great character. Phin is an Owlkin. He’s your calm and collected dude who makes you smile because he’s the only one who is not freaking out over things. The dude you hope is on your side, but the whole time you are reading, you are not 100% sure what side he belongs to. Oh, and he’s pretty. Is he suitable for Evy? No. I like Wyatt for her. Is he suitable for me? Why yes, yes I think he is! ;) And it looks like he’s going to be around in future books because he’s moving to town!
One of my most favorite parts of this book were the flashback scenes. As with the first book, each chapter begins with a timeline. In this installment, every now and then Evy blacks out. (You’ll have to read the book to understand the circumstances behind that :p) That is typically when you get a flashback scene. They are never very long � just long enough for you to get a little more understanding into Evy’s career as a Hunter. The first of such scenes in the book actually brought tears to my eyes as Evy stands with her new teammates as they remember their fallen friend. A very simple moment but a very touching moment. A true reminder of what kind of life these people live.
I was not disappointed with this book in the least � and I had high hopes for it. If I was blogging back in 2009 and had to come up with a ‘top 10 favorites of the year� list, “Three Days to Dead� would have undoubtedly ended up there. “As Lie the Dead� was the perfect continuation. It ties up a few loose ends, introduces us to some lovely characters I hope to see again and keeps you guessing as to what is in store for everyone next. We’ll have to wait until July 26th 2011. That’s when “Another Kind of Dead� is slated for release. And we will be graced with “Wrong Side of Dead�, book four in the series hopefully early 2012.
Kelly’s ‘Dreg City� series deals with all things paranormal. Vampires, shape-shifters, gremlins, goblins, the light ones…you name it, it’s in here. Evangeline Stone (Evy) is/was a Hunter sent out to calm or destroy the paranormal beings that were not playing well with humans. She’s always thought what she and her fellow Hunters were doing was right. That is until they turned their backs on her in book one. Evy was killed and brought back in a new and borrowed body and only given three days to help fill in the blanks to the mystery Wyatt was trying to solve. She was not supposed to be around longer than that since the only way she could become a permanent resident in this new body was if someone in particular died (I won’t go into specifics to keep the spoilers to a minimum). Obviously, that happened and Evy is still kicking in Chalice’s body since this review is about book two in the series. After being betrayed, killed, resurrected and revived for good, Evy must now figure out what to do with herself, with Wyatt, with her beliefs and her new mind/body. And she must do all this while facing not only her own memories and emotions, but Chalice’s as well. And even though she’s a little shady as to what exactly her former employer was up to, she is sure of one thing. As a Hunter, she helped protect the innocent. And that’s what she intends to keep doing.
I mentioned Wyatt. He is/was Evy’s Handler (kind of her boss). He loves Evy. Evy didn’t know. Evy now knows. Chalice finds Wyatt hot and yummy. Evy is not too sure how she feels. Chalice wants to kiss Wyatt. Evy is confused. Wyatt is patient � and thank goodness for that. We see a bit of Wyatt this time around, but for decent chunk of the story, he is out of commission. I am looking forward to the time when we really get to see Evy and Wyatt ‘work� together. They have great professional chemistry (I’m sure Wyatt is super stoked about that…I can just hear him now:”Working chemistry.� *spit* “Just great!� *grunt*)
I mentioned in an earlier post on my blog that Kelly Meding promised “wingedhawtness� in “As Lie the Dead�. And yes, she does deliver. His name is Phineas and he’s a great character. Phin is an Owlkin. He’s your calm and collected dude who makes you smile because he’s the only one who is not freaking out over things. The dude you hope is on your side, but the whole time you are reading, you are not 100% sure what side he belongs to. Oh, and he’s pretty. Is he suitable for Evy? No. I like Wyatt for her. Is he suitable for me? Why yes, yes I think he is! ;) And it looks like he’s going to be around in future books because he’s moving to town!
One of my most favorite parts of this book were the flashback scenes. As with the first book, each chapter begins with a timeline. In this installment, every now and then Evy blacks out. (You’ll have to read the book to understand the circumstances behind that :p) That is typically when you get a flashback scene. They are never very long � just long enough for you to get a little more understanding into Evy’s career as a Hunter. The first of such scenes in the book actually brought tears to my eyes as Evy stands with her new teammates as they remember their fallen friend. A very simple moment but a very touching moment. A true reminder of what kind of life these people live.
I was not disappointed with this book in the least � and I had high hopes for it. If I was blogging back in 2009 and had to come up with a ‘top 10 favorites of the year� list, “Three Days to Dead� would have undoubtedly ended up there. “As Lie the Dead� was the perfect continuation. It ties up a few loose ends, introduces us to some lovely characters I hope to see again and keeps you guessing as to what is in store for everyone next. We’ll have to wait until July 26th 2011. That’s when “Another Kind of Dead� is slated for release. And we will be graced with “Wrong Side of Dead�, book four in the series hopefully early 2012.
December 14, 2010
Originally posted at
Favorite Quote: "The brass no longer controlled me. I was done being their bitch."
As Lie The Dead picks up right where Three Days To Dead left off. Evangeline Stone (Evy) and Wyatt have survived the battle with the goblins and are trying make sense of all that happened. When Evy is approached by one of the last surviving Owlkins, Phineas (Phin), and asked to protect a pregnant Owlkin and her mate, she knows that this is not over by a long shot.
Evy agrees because of the role she played in the Owlkins massacre. But Phin is not done with her. She soon finds out that he has approached the Supernatural Assembly and charged Rufus (a Handler in the Triad) with the murder of his clan members and seeks retribution.
Evy cannot allow a friend and team member to be sacrificed for following orders so she makes a deal with Phin. Give her three days to bring the true offenders to justice-her superiors. But that is easier said then done. As Phin and Evy submerge themselves in to the investigation; political intrigue and shadowy conspiracies reveal themselves, showing them that the game is much bigger then they ever suspected. And everyone is expendable.
Evy is also dealing with an identity crisis, her feelings for Wyatt, and her anger towards her betrayal by the Triad.
"....I think I really fucking honored her and all others who died when I was raped and tortured to death last week. How about you?"
No one spoke. Tybalt had been there the day they found my dying body in the old train station.
He had seen what the goblins had done to me, and he had the gall to question what I'd sacrificed?
Kelly Meding has created a fantastically complex and dark urban fantasy world that grabs you from page one and never lets go till the end. The main theme in this series is betrayal and revelations. Intense in their portrayals, we are shown what secrets, power, and prejudice can do in a changing world and to those who are sanctioned to fight for it.
Jammed packed with action and suspense; creating a roller coaster ride of emotional ups and downs. I found myself constantly on the edge of my seat wondering, "how can this end good?" Even with the multiple story lines; you never feel overwhelmed. The word play and blending is smooth without any abrupt changes or confusion.
As Lie The Dead is every bit as exciting as Three Days To Dead. Once I started there was no stopping till I turned the last page. Her characters are unbelievably alive and solid. These are people who's emotions and choices mirror real life. They do what I would expect them to do in a real life situation. We see more of the "Assembly" and through some interesting flashbacks, learn more about the Triad and Evy's history.
Evy is a strong sarcastic ass kicking character who's unwavering moral code and big heart enable her to do what is right. She is no one's sheep. I admire her adaptability. When faced with sharing a face and memories with another soul and seeing her entire foundation rocked to the core; she mans up and faces her demons and acknowledges her flaws. While I admire that she tries to see from all sides; it also annoyed me. She is wayyyy too forgiving. I'd have had to make my position known in a physical sense at some point.
Wyatt is an enigma. A HOT enigma. I like that we are still not sure where his loyalties lie. Is he a good guy? Bad guy? While he is or was her Handler, he also loves her with everything he has. Evy is not sure about her feelings for him though. Is it hers or Chalice's feelings that guide her heart? He handles it well and never pushes her beyond a certain point. We don't see a lot of him in this book but he is there when she needs him. I do love that he is beginning to question the Triad, their agenda, and his loyalties.
Phineas, a new smexy main character, brings strife and revelations to this story. As one of the last surviving Owlkins, he demands justice for his clan and places Evy in a precarious situation. Yet you can see his respect and affection for Evy in many of his actions. I do hope he stays a main character in the book. He made for interesting times in the story.
All in all As Lie The Dead is an action packed Urban Fantasy where suspense, intrigue, and teasing romance will hold you hostage till the end. Ms Meding is a new player in the UF playground and more then holds her own. I do recommend reading the first book in this series, Three Days To Dead. The storyline is convoluted and you will need the first book to if you hope to understand and get the full experience of this one.
Favorite Quote: "The brass no longer controlled me. I was done being their bitch."
As Lie The Dead picks up right where Three Days To Dead left off. Evangeline Stone (Evy) and Wyatt have survived the battle with the goblins and are trying make sense of all that happened. When Evy is approached by one of the last surviving Owlkins, Phineas (Phin), and asked to protect a pregnant Owlkin and her mate, she knows that this is not over by a long shot.
Evy agrees because of the role she played in the Owlkins massacre. But Phin is not done with her. She soon finds out that he has approached the Supernatural Assembly and charged Rufus (a Handler in the Triad) with the murder of his clan members and seeks retribution.
Evy cannot allow a friend and team member to be sacrificed for following orders so she makes a deal with Phin. Give her three days to bring the true offenders to justice-her superiors. But that is easier said then done. As Phin and Evy submerge themselves in to the investigation; political intrigue and shadowy conspiracies reveal themselves, showing them that the game is much bigger then they ever suspected. And everyone is expendable.
Evy is also dealing with an identity crisis, her feelings for Wyatt, and her anger towards her betrayal by the Triad.
"....I think I really fucking honored her and all others who died when I was raped and tortured to death last week. How about you?"
No one spoke. Tybalt had been there the day they found my dying body in the old train station.
He had seen what the goblins had done to me, and he had the gall to question what I'd sacrificed?
Kelly Meding has created a fantastically complex and dark urban fantasy world that grabs you from page one and never lets go till the end. The main theme in this series is betrayal and revelations. Intense in their portrayals, we are shown what secrets, power, and prejudice can do in a changing world and to those who are sanctioned to fight for it.
Jammed packed with action and suspense; creating a roller coaster ride of emotional ups and downs. I found myself constantly on the edge of my seat wondering, "how can this end good?" Even with the multiple story lines; you never feel overwhelmed. The word play and blending is smooth without any abrupt changes or confusion.
As Lie The Dead is every bit as exciting as Three Days To Dead. Once I started there was no stopping till I turned the last page. Her characters are unbelievably alive and solid. These are people who's emotions and choices mirror real life. They do what I would expect them to do in a real life situation. We see more of the "Assembly" and through some interesting flashbacks, learn more about the Triad and Evy's history.
Evy is a strong sarcastic ass kicking character who's unwavering moral code and big heart enable her to do what is right. She is no one's sheep. I admire her adaptability. When faced with sharing a face and memories with another soul and seeing her entire foundation rocked to the core; she mans up and faces her demons and acknowledges her flaws. While I admire that she tries to see from all sides; it also annoyed me. She is wayyyy too forgiving. I'd have had to make my position known in a physical sense at some point.
Wyatt is an enigma. A HOT enigma. I like that we are still not sure where his loyalties lie. Is he a good guy? Bad guy? While he is or was her Handler, he also loves her with everything he has. Evy is not sure about her feelings for him though. Is it hers or Chalice's feelings that guide her heart? He handles it well and never pushes her beyond a certain point. We don't see a lot of him in this book but he is there when she needs him. I do love that he is beginning to question the Triad, their agenda, and his loyalties.
Phineas, a new smexy main character, brings strife and revelations to this story. As one of the last surviving Owlkins, he demands justice for his clan and places Evy in a precarious situation. Yet you can see his respect and affection for Evy in many of his actions. I do hope he stays a main character in the book. He made for interesting times in the story.
All in all As Lie The Dead is an action packed Urban Fantasy where suspense, intrigue, and teasing romance will hold you hostage till the end. Ms Meding is a new player in the UF playground and more then holds her own. I do recommend reading the first book in this series, Three Days To Dead. The storyline is convoluted and you will need the first book to if you hope to understand and get the full experience of this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2011
This review is for the audiobook version of As Lie the Dead, narrated by Xe Sands. Since the book has been out a while, I won’t recap the plot.
The story starts at the same point book one ended and the fact that there was no gap in events allowed me to immediately immerse myself back in Evy’s story. As with the previous book, the three day time-frame for the story (with some older flashbacks to Evy’s time as a Hunter) worked well at maintaining narrative tension. Much like a complete language immersion program, I felt more connected to Evy’s character by following her every move for three days and when each chapter started with a time stamp, I was startled at how much took place in a short period of time.
I liked the added depth of political intrigue we see in this book and Evy’s shifting perspective on her world and the Dregs that inhabit it was very enjoyable and seemed an organic progression given the events in her life and her age. I was intrigued by the set up of the potential complications from the Evy/Chalice merge and using that as the basis for Evy’s concern over her relationship with Wyatt was a nice change from my expectation that her resistance would focus on her past trauma. I would have liked to have seen the effects of the Evy/Chalice integration play out a bit more. The combination of action and character growth made book two just as enjoyable as book one for me. I was, however, unclear about the purpose of introducing Alex’s father to the story since other than a little deus ex machina he didn’t seem to serve a purpose in plot or character progression. I found him to be a distraction to the main events taking place.
My UF reading is generally all about following the heroine’s journey to the ultimate defeat of evil but I’m finding that the audiobook version is drawing out aspects of the men in the story that make them particularly appealing. To be honest, I think I’m crushin� a little on Wyatt - both because Ms. Sands has given him such a lovely voice and because he makes for such a nice beta male hero. I’m also not yet ready to forgive Kelly Meding for her cruel treatment of Alex in book one. :)
Narration comments:
The good � The narration of book two was seamless with book one in terms of vocal characterization, the narrator seeming to immediately shrug back on the mantle of each character. Scenes that draw on emotions from events in the previous book resonate with the same shading and level of feeling I heard during the original scenes. Because I recently finished an audiobook where it was difficult to differentiate between the internal monologue of a first person perspective and the start of dialogue, I was particularly appreciative of the subtle shift in voice that remained consistent with the character but enabled me to always determine if the line was internal, dialogue, or narrative. I also noticed less delay (sometimes none) than I am used to hearing between the end of one character’s line and the start of another. Since I think that pause is often used to allow the narrator to ensure the voice change is complete between characters, I was impressed with Ms. Sands ability to fully voice each character and not slide into the next line/voice.
The bad � I had the same issue with this book that I did with book one in terms of a stumbling block to my enjoyment of the narration: the combination of a specific cadence and a level of enunciation (in narrative, not dialogue) that seems better suited to non-fiction or lit fic rather than the more casual UF. While in no way making this a bad audiobook, it did prevent me from reaching my audio nirvana (i.e. total immersion). There were also a surprising number of instances where Wyatt started talking and the volume of his voice was higher than the previous speaker, almost as if the narrator employed a physical cue for Wyatt that moved her closer to the microphone.
The subjective � There are a few narrators who, by voice characteristics alone, give me a connection or resonance with the story and Ms. Sands hits that mark for me. I find something inherently appealing about her voice and with this audiobook, I felt like I had slouched into a comfy chair and demanded of my iPod “tell me a story� and had that demand delivered upon, despite my quibbles with technique and story.
The story starts at the same point book one ended and the fact that there was no gap in events allowed me to immediately immerse myself back in Evy’s story. As with the previous book, the three day time-frame for the story (with some older flashbacks to Evy’s time as a Hunter) worked well at maintaining narrative tension. Much like a complete language immersion program, I felt more connected to Evy’s character by following her every move for three days and when each chapter started with a time stamp, I was startled at how much took place in a short period of time.
I liked the added depth of political intrigue we see in this book and Evy’s shifting perspective on her world and the Dregs that inhabit it was very enjoyable and seemed an organic progression given the events in her life and her age. I was intrigued by the set up of the potential complications from the Evy/Chalice merge and using that as the basis for Evy’s concern over her relationship with Wyatt was a nice change from my expectation that her resistance would focus on her past trauma. I would have liked to have seen the effects of the Evy/Chalice integration play out a bit more. The combination of action and character growth made book two just as enjoyable as book one for me. I was, however, unclear about the purpose of introducing Alex’s father to the story since other than a little deus ex machina he didn’t seem to serve a purpose in plot or character progression. I found him to be a distraction to the main events taking place.
My UF reading is generally all about following the heroine’s journey to the ultimate defeat of evil but I’m finding that the audiobook version is drawing out aspects of the men in the story that make them particularly appealing. To be honest, I think I’m crushin� a little on Wyatt - both because Ms. Sands has given him such a lovely voice and because he makes for such a nice beta male hero. I’m also not yet ready to forgive Kelly Meding for her cruel treatment of Alex in book one. :)
Narration comments:
The good � The narration of book two was seamless with book one in terms of vocal characterization, the narrator seeming to immediately shrug back on the mantle of each character. Scenes that draw on emotions from events in the previous book resonate with the same shading and level of feeling I heard during the original scenes. Because I recently finished an audiobook where it was difficult to differentiate between the internal monologue of a first person perspective and the start of dialogue, I was particularly appreciative of the subtle shift in voice that remained consistent with the character but enabled me to always determine if the line was internal, dialogue, or narrative. I also noticed less delay (sometimes none) than I am used to hearing between the end of one character’s line and the start of another. Since I think that pause is often used to allow the narrator to ensure the voice change is complete between characters, I was impressed with Ms. Sands ability to fully voice each character and not slide into the next line/voice.
The bad � I had the same issue with this book that I did with book one in terms of a stumbling block to my enjoyment of the narration: the combination of a specific cadence and a level of enunciation (in narrative, not dialogue) that seems better suited to non-fiction or lit fic rather than the more casual UF. While in no way making this a bad audiobook, it did prevent me from reaching my audio nirvana (i.e. total immersion). There were also a surprising number of instances where Wyatt started talking and the volume of his voice was higher than the previous speaker, almost as if the narrator employed a physical cue for Wyatt that moved her closer to the microphone.
The subjective � There are a few narrators who, by voice characteristics alone, give me a connection or resonance with the story and Ms. Sands hits that mark for me. I find something inherently appealing about her voice and with this audiobook, I felt like I had slouched into a comfy chair and demanded of my iPod “tell me a story� and had that demand delivered upon, despite my quibbles with technique and story.
January 11, 2012
This was a really good follow up to Three Days Dead. There is a lot going on and at times it seems to take a while to get to the good stuff. Especially when we are in Evy's head since she is sometimes the only one out of the loop. But I was glad to see Evy's progression as a person and accepting the changes that come with her new situation. And although she can be stubborn at times she is learning to let go of long engrained prejudices. There is a natural progression to her relationship with Wyatt and I enjoy them learning to count on each other as more than handler and subordinate. They both have a history to overcome and with the way their lives are going no down time in the near future. I enjoyed Phin and look forward to seeing more of him in the future. He made a great addition to the story.
As I listen to this series in the audio version I also have to say I enjoyed Ms. Sands narration. As this is a female narrator I have to say one of my favorite parts about her narration is her subtle shifts for masculine tones. Although it may seem odd, but for me I find this makes it easier to picture a masculine lead than the harsher attempt at a very deep voice which seems to take away from the story and some how always has me picturing comedic versions of men. Although I am new at determining the differences in narrations I like and don't like (I usually just stick with I liked it or I didn't and didn't overly analyze it) this was one I found I enjoyed.
As I listen to this series in the audio version I also have to say I enjoyed Ms. Sands narration. As this is a female narrator I have to say one of my favorite parts about her narration is her subtle shifts for masculine tones. Although it may seem odd, but for me I find this makes it easier to picture a masculine lead than the harsher attempt at a very deep voice which seems to take away from the story and some how always has me picturing comedic versions of men. Although I am new at determining the differences in narrations I like and don't like (I usually just stick with I liked it or I didn't and didn't overly analyze it) this was one I found I enjoyed.
October 2, 2011
It has been awhile since I read the first book in this series so I realize I have forgotten a few things.
This books starts a few days where Three Days To Dead ends. This time a race of bird shifters called Owlkins come to Evy for help. The plot thickens because there is someone in the Triad who ordered all of the Owlkins to be slaughtered and Evy has four days to figure it out.
From my limited memory this book feels a lot like the first except in this book I did not care for Evy. She is really self-righteous on one hand but on the other if you are a non-human she does not care for you unless you are in her inner circle. She calls people ignorant for not knowing about the half people yet she knows nothing about the Therians (I think that is what they called themselves). Then she is constantly augmentative about everything and to everyone, then she has to save everyone yet she needs to be rescued.
The actual storyline was a bit to predictable even I figured out who the bad guy was and I can be dense. Then at times it felt like the book had no direction.
What I did like about the book was the world building and I liked the side characters; Wyatt and Phineas mostly. I also thought it was interesting how Evy had to get used to her new body.
I will probably read the next one only because I own it.
This books starts a few days where Three Days To Dead ends. This time a race of bird shifters called Owlkins come to Evy for help. The plot thickens because there is someone in the Triad who ordered all of the Owlkins to be slaughtered and Evy has four days to figure it out.
From my limited memory this book feels a lot like the first except in this book I did not care for Evy. She is really self-righteous on one hand but on the other if you are a non-human she does not care for you unless you are in her inner circle. She calls people ignorant for not knowing about the half people yet she knows nothing about the Therians (I think that is what they called themselves). Then she is constantly augmentative about everything and to everyone, then she has to save everyone yet she needs to be rescued.
The actual storyline was a bit to predictable even I figured out who the bad guy was and I can be dense. Then at times it felt like the book had no direction.
What I did like about the book was the world building and I liked the side characters; Wyatt and Phineas mostly. I also thought it was interesting how Evy had to get used to her new body.
I will probably read the next one only because I own it.
August 10, 2010
Finished As Lie the Dead earlier today, but I immediately jumped to my next read because I am utilizing the time I have today since I'm off and tomorrow it's back to work.
As Lie the Dead was a terrific followup to Three Days to Dead. It's been awhile since I read it, so it took me a little while to catch up and remember who the players were, other than Evy and Wyatt of course. It didn't take too long for me to get caught up because basically they wrap up the aftereffects of the last book in the beginning chapter.
Evy plans to take a nice week long nap, but her plans are waylaid on the way to the car directly following the cleanup. Literally. In the form of a man with wings, and no he's not an angel! Basically the cover shows you the first glimpse of the event with the winged man on the car.
After my initial slump of trying to play catchup the book became an increasingly fast paced read. Once again Evy is working on a timeline, but this time it's to save the life of another person. One she considers her friend, *cough, not lover, cough*. ;) Just a little hint for you.
But complications arise, when one event leads to another. She has to take on protecting a pregnant shapeshifter to help save their race, a race she had a minor part in destroying by default, and then another task weighs her down when she has to do everything she can to prove a man's innocence.
With Wyatt and the shapeshifter as her backup, it should be easy, right? Not a chance! Especially when complications of Chalice, the body she now resides in, arise in the form of an unexpected visitor.
Of course that's only the beginning of unexpected visitors in this book!
I said it was fast paced, but I guess well paced is better because it was well paced and yet still there was a dire need to know that the clock was ticking, hence our getting the time again like we did in the first book. It definitely built up the tension.
The characters were all great, both new and old. Evy is the perfect snarky female protagonist that I love. She tends to act and speak before she thinks, which isn't that how we all are sometimes? Wyatt, still a pretty secretive guy, but a lot about him gets revealed and you gotta love a man with a bit a mystery to him. Although Wyatt has a bit more than a bit!
New characters such as the shapeshifters, Phineas and the female Aurora were entertaining as well. Phineas is a strange one because you never quite know what his game plan is, can he be trusted or is he playing Evy? Quite a few of his actions leave some lingering doubts. Aurora, the pregnant female was definitely a surprise. Sure she starts out pregnant and helpless, but her character definitely becomes something stronger and she's more than someone in need of protection.
The romance was a little sparse in the book, but there are definitely certain moments that are mindblowing. No matter how small. Just tender moments between Evy and Wyatt, you know, when they actually get the chance to have a moment when they aren't running for their lives.
Overall I give it 4/5 stars! Definitely a series I'm sticking too! Can't wait for the next book, which sadly, isn't until next year. It's okay, since my TBR pile just keeps on growing instead of decreasing as I finish books!
As Lie the Dead was a terrific followup to Three Days to Dead. It's been awhile since I read it, so it took me a little while to catch up and remember who the players were, other than Evy and Wyatt of course. It didn't take too long for me to get caught up because basically they wrap up the aftereffects of the last book in the beginning chapter.
Evy plans to take a nice week long nap, but her plans are waylaid on the way to the car directly following the cleanup. Literally. In the form of a man with wings, and no he's not an angel! Basically the cover shows you the first glimpse of the event with the winged man on the car.
After my initial slump of trying to play catchup the book became an increasingly fast paced read. Once again Evy is working on a timeline, but this time it's to save the life of another person. One she considers her friend, *cough, not lover, cough*. ;) Just a little hint for you.
But complications arise, when one event leads to another. She has to take on protecting a pregnant shapeshifter to help save their race, a race she had a minor part in destroying by default, and then another task weighs her down when she has to do everything she can to prove a man's innocence.
With Wyatt and the shapeshifter as her backup, it should be easy, right? Not a chance! Especially when complications of Chalice, the body she now resides in, arise in the form of an unexpected visitor.
Of course that's only the beginning of unexpected visitors in this book!
I said it was fast paced, but I guess well paced is better because it was well paced and yet still there was a dire need to know that the clock was ticking, hence our getting the time again like we did in the first book. It definitely built up the tension.
The characters were all great, both new and old. Evy is the perfect snarky female protagonist that I love. She tends to act and speak before she thinks, which isn't that how we all are sometimes? Wyatt, still a pretty secretive guy, but a lot about him gets revealed and you gotta love a man with a bit a mystery to him. Although Wyatt has a bit more than a bit!
New characters such as the shapeshifters, Phineas and the female Aurora were entertaining as well. Phineas is a strange one because you never quite know what his game plan is, can he be trusted or is he playing Evy? Quite a few of his actions leave some lingering doubts. Aurora, the pregnant female was definitely a surprise. Sure she starts out pregnant and helpless, but her character definitely becomes something stronger and she's more than someone in need of protection.
The romance was a little sparse in the book, but there are definitely certain moments that are mindblowing. No matter how small. Just tender moments between Evy and Wyatt, you know, when they actually get the chance to have a moment when they aren't running for their lives.
Overall I give it 4/5 stars! Definitely a series I'm sticking too! Can't wait for the next book, which sadly, isn't until next year. It's okay, since my TBR pile just keeps on growing instead of decreasing as I finish books!
December 3, 2010
This is the second book in this urban fantasy series, and it's very good. I was wary about such a similar set up in the first and second books - heroine must catch unknown bad guy in just a few days or something very bad will happen. The author handled it well, though. It didn't feel recycled. The outcome wasn't really what I expected, but it was satisfying, and it leaves a big obvious question for the third book to address. Again, I loved Meding's take on supernatural creatures, and the herione (Evy) was noble but still interesting. I also liked that Evy's inner circle grew a bit. I've really looking forward to the next book in this series.
For the romantiphobic, I rate this book somewhere around PG or PG-13. There were very few steamy scenes, and they always got interrupted by action-adventure scenes.
Premise: the three surviving bird-shifters want Rufus's head for leading the raid that nearly exterminated their species, but Rufus was just following orders, and the real corruption is much higher up the chain. Evy promises to find the real culprits if they will give her a few days, while at the same time agreeing to bodyguard the last female (and pregnant) bird-shifter. Then, everything gets messy fast. A half vampire tries to blow up Wyatt and Evy, and there's someone out there agitating the various non-human races against the Triad. Of course Evy gets sucked into that fight, but her new-found sympathy for shifters doesn't play well with her old Triad connections, and yet again, they turn on her. Evy starts to learn to control her powers and makes some new allies.
For the romantiphobic, I rate this book somewhere around PG or PG-13. There were very few steamy scenes, and they always got interrupted by action-adventure scenes.
Premise: the three surviving bird-shifters want Rufus's head for leading the raid that nearly exterminated their species, but Rufus was just following orders, and the real corruption is much higher up the chain. Evy promises to find the real culprits if they will give her a few days, while at the same time agreeing to bodyguard the last female (and pregnant) bird-shifter. Then, everything gets messy fast. A half vampire tries to blow up Wyatt and Evy, and there's someone out there agitating the various non-human races against the Triad. Of course Evy gets sucked into that fight, but her new-found sympathy for shifters doesn't play well with her old Triad connections, and yet again, they turn on her. Evy starts to learn to control her powers and makes some new allies.
December 30, 2010
**4.5 stars**
This book picks up ~ literally ~ right at the end of the first book. There is NO down time. Poor Evy...her and Wyatt are thrown right back into things even though all Evy wants is a good vacation! I enjoyed all the flashbacks to Evy's and Wyatt's relationship and it gave a better understanding to the dynamics between Handlers and Hunters.
My requirements for a great book{5 star}:
*Intriguing? Yes. Even with all the background information, there was still plenty of intrigue and while I did figure out some stuff, it still held my interest.
*Sarcasm and Humor? OMGosh....Evy is great at sarcasm....LOVED all her witty remarks!
*Sex and Romance? Romance....yes. Sex...unfortunately no. I was so hoping that the relationship would move along a little faster but it didn't.
*Good Plot? Yes. Again....there were a lot of things in the plot that we couldn't have know but definitely moved the story along. It was almost non stop action and even made me want a hot shower and a good night's rest!
*Emotional? Definitely. From so many different angles and it would give away too much to note them all here. Did it make me cry? No....but that's ok.
I would definitely recommend this book/series and I can't wait to read the rest of them.
This book picks up ~ literally ~ right at the end of the first book. There is NO down time. Poor Evy...her and Wyatt are thrown right back into things even though all Evy wants is a good vacation! I enjoyed all the flashbacks to Evy's and Wyatt's relationship and it gave a better understanding to the dynamics between Handlers and Hunters.
My requirements for a great book{5 star}:
*Intriguing? Yes. Even with all the background information, there was still plenty of intrigue and while I did figure out some stuff, it still held my interest.
*Sarcasm and Humor? OMGosh....Evy is great at sarcasm....LOVED all her witty remarks!
*Sex and Romance? Romance....yes. Sex...unfortunately no. I was so hoping that the relationship would move along a little faster but it didn't.
*Good Plot? Yes. Again....there were a lot of things in the plot that we couldn't have know but definitely moved the story along. It was almost non stop action and even made me want a hot shower and a good night's rest!
*Emotional? Definitely. From so many different angles and it would give away too much to note them all here. Did it make me cry? No....but that's ok.
I would definitely recommend this book/series and I can't wait to read the rest of them.
September 21, 2010
This is a tough one to review, at times there was so much going on that it was hard to keep track, and there were so many players in the game that it was hard to figure out who was in alliance with who, but it didn't matter all that much as they all seemed to change teams. With all the action, the story got a little boring, because really, how many times can you face potential death and the doom of the world.
So why would I even keep reading???? Well it is due to the main character, Evy. Evy is very likable, someone you want to be friends with, and she has a very strong sense of right and wrong, one that directs her actions. I also really like the world that this book is set in, it is one that is unusual. I also really liked the Owlkin, it is not very often that you see bird shifters in a book.
I am hoping the next book fixes the issues of this book as there is a lot of potential with this series.
So why would I even keep reading???? Well it is due to the main character, Evy. Evy is very likable, someone you want to be friends with, and she has a very strong sense of right and wrong, one that directs her actions. I also really like the world that this book is set in, it is one that is unusual. I also really liked the Owlkin, it is not very often that you see bird shifters in a book.
I am hoping the next book fixes the issues of this book as there is a lot of potential with this series.
August 20, 2010
Nonstop action, just like the first book. The girl, Evy, is a bit young for me to completely relate to (22). Plus she sometimes makes comments or has thoughts that are too sophisticated for a girl of her limited experience and education. And I don't actually care about her first love interest at all. But the new guy, as osprey shifter, was great. I hope to see more from him in the future, but a first-person narrative doesn't really suit much secondary character development. Maybe in a new series? Anyway, the behind the scenes political story is developing nicely and I'm curious to see more about that in the next book, as well as what craziness Meding comes up with to put the time pressure on Evy once again.
September 6, 2011
Wow! Another wild ride, this book is as exhausting as entertaining, but most definitely engrossing.
Evy’s strength and resilience as well as her vulnerability are clearly the grabbing aspects of this book. This world is unpredictable as ever, the fast pace continues and the nonstop action make this book a great continuation to the series.
The romance still a gray area in this book, I still like Wyatt very much. How can you not like a guy that sacrifices everything for you? What makes me think.. Am I supposed to like Phenias this much? Yes, I love this new character, manipulative but thrust worthy and a great addition to the cast.
Again, Xe Sands does a terrific job with this book, and the pace was excellent and I dare to say; even better than the previous book.
Evy’s strength and resilience as well as her vulnerability are clearly the grabbing aspects of this book. This world is unpredictable as ever, the fast pace continues and the nonstop action make this book a great continuation to the series.
The romance still a gray area in this book, I still like Wyatt very much. How can you not like a guy that sacrifices everything for you? What makes me think.. Am I supposed to like Phenias this much? Yes, I love this new character, manipulative but thrust worthy and a great addition to the cast.
Again, Xe Sands does a terrific job with this book, and the pace was excellent and I dare to say; even better than the previous book.
December 17, 2010
Intense. :) I think this is a better book than the 1st one. Maybe because the "introduction" is done. At first I thought Truman was super old. That's how I saw him the the first book. Apparently he's not. Hahaha!
Anyway, This book is awesome. I couldn't give it a 5 start just for the simple reason that I was able to fight the urge to keep reading. I did keep my sleeping hours intact... or maybe because I just got more "disciplined". Pfft. In all honesty, this book is really good. But read the 1st one before going to this one because it picks up right after the 1st book. No rest our poor Evy.
Anyway, This book is awesome. I couldn't give it a 5 start just for the simple reason that I was able to fight the urge to keep reading. I did keep my sleeping hours intact... or maybe because I just got more "disciplined". Pfft. In all honesty, this book is really good. But read the 1st one before going to this one because it picks up right after the 1st book. No rest our poor Evy.
July 3, 2012
This series is wonderful. Its so graphic, so intense & everything just makes sense. Its so well written that I'm completely lost in the book - instead of being lost in the story...and I believe it all despite the fact that its an unknown world to me. If you like supernatural books that are complex and yet easy to follow with fantastic kick-ass action and a little romance - this series is for you.
August 24, 2013
Great, just fantastic. Love the real life feel of the relationship between Eva and Wyatt. You know in between the fighting and dying.. Come on not like I gave anything away with that tidbit..
I've over looked this series for years, sat on my shelf in both paper and e-book. Glad that I gave it a second chance..
I've over looked this series for years, sat on my shelf in both paper and e-book. Glad that I gave it a second chance..
January 22, 2011
Felt very similar to the first book, I just wasn't that interested.
January 9, 2012
Audiobook read by Xe Sands. 3.75 *. I enjoyed this installed of the series but was a bit annoyed with some of the characters at times. Going on to book 3.
March 31, 2017
3.5 Stars.
Not quite as good as the first book. It dragged a little for me. Still a good read though.
If you liked Three Days to Dead, give this one a try.
Not quite as good as the first book. It dragged a little for me. Still a good read though.
If you liked Three Days to Dead, give this one a try.
August 28, 2017
An excellent installment to the series. Took me so long to read but not because the book sucked (just go through breaks with reading).
Excited to read the next one.
Notes for me (Spoilers):
Evie has to get used to living in Chalice's body, having returned from the dead. Just when she thinks she can get some rest after the huge battle in the first book, a shifter Phin comes knocking on the door expecting her to protect the last of his kind + giving her three days to proof Rufus' innocence for the mass (almost) extinction of his kind.
They work together to track down the "brass" the ones who hand out the orders without a second thought to the consequences, only to uncover worse things at play, putting the brass on hold for now as they try to stop the mass murder of humans.
Only to find out that it all leads back to Wyatt and an old friend, out for revenge for Wyatt having killed the love of his life. A man who hunted by his side and knew the ins and outs of the hunters/brass.
Excited to read the next one.
Notes for me (Spoilers):
Evie has to get used to living in Chalice's body, having returned from the dead. Just when she thinks she can get some rest after the huge battle in the first book, a shifter Phin comes knocking on the door expecting her to protect the last of his kind + giving her three days to proof Rufus' innocence for the mass (almost) extinction of his kind.
They work together to track down the "brass" the ones who hand out the orders without a second thought to the consequences, only to uncover worse things at play, putting the brass on hold for now as they try to stop the mass murder of humans.
Only to find out that it all leads back to Wyatt and an old friend, out for revenge for Wyatt having killed the love of his life. A man who hunted by his side and knew the ins and outs of the hunters/brass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
An excellent installment to the series. Took me so long to read but not because the book sucked (just go through breaks with reading).
Excited to read the next one.
Notes for me (Spoilers):
Evie has to get used to living in Chalice's body, having returned from the dead. Just when she thinks she can get some rest after the huge battle in the first book, a shifter Phin comes knocking on the door expecting her to protect the last of his kind + giving her three days to proof Rufus' innocence for the mass (almost) extinction of his kind.
They work together to track down the "brass" the ones who hand out the orders without a second thought to the consequences, only to uncover worse things at play, putting the brass on hold for now as they try to stop the mass murder of humans.
Only to find out that it all leads back to Wyatt and an old friend, out for revenge for Wyatt having killed the love of his life. A man who hunted by his side and knew the ins and outs of the hunters/brass.
Excited to read the next one.
Notes for me (Spoilers):
Evie has to get used to living in Chalice's body, having returned from the dead. Just when she thinks she can get some rest after the huge battle in the first book, a shifter Phin comes knocking on the door expecting her to protect the last of his kind + giving her three days to proof Rufus' innocence for the mass (almost) extinction of his kind.
They work together to track down the "brass" the ones who hand out the orders without a second thought to the consequences, only to uncover worse things at play, putting the brass on hold for now as they try to stop the mass murder of humans.
Only to find out that it all leads back to Wyatt and an old friend, out for revenge for Wyatt having killed the love of his life. A man who hunted by his side and knew the ins and outs of the hunters/brass.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 28, 2018
The storyline of this book was pretty interesting and fast paced but the author ruined it for me with three things: 1) how Evy has to be so sad and broken, 2) the ridiculous way she has to force herself to love Wyatt. They have NO chemistry. His puppy-like devotion is off-putting and nothing that has happened between them has in any way convinced me that they should be together. She has more chemistry with Phin whom she’s known for all of thirty seconds. I loathe the forced romance. And 3) Evy’s insistence on clinging to old prejudice. I don’t think I’ll be reading anymore of these books unless there’s a serious drought of other reading materials.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2019
I started reading this without remembering a single thing and/or persons from the first book, so it took a while to get into the swing of things. But I enjoyed it, a lot happens, Meding doesn't neglect the trauma they've been experiencing, but for the love of god I will burn the next book if Meding keeps up the ridiculous notion of head tipping/tilting via cupped hand or single digit. No one does that so bloody often.
June 18, 2018
Easy listening paranormal romance. All I really want from this type of novel is a fluid writing style, characters I can like or respect, and a morality play I can approve of. This series ticks off all those boxes.
March 28, 2025
Loved this book so much I ordered two more in this series.
The characters are so well created and the story line is so well done that the fact it is about fantasy creatures isn't completely in your face. A wonderful author I am glad I ran across.
The characters are so well created and the story line is so well done that the fact it is about fantasy creatures isn't completely in your face. A wonderful author I am glad I ran across.
January 25, 2018
Was pretty good, but took a while to get back into since it'd been quite some time from reading the first.
And since I'm a month behind in updating I won't try to say more. LOL
And since I'm a month behind in updating I won't try to say more. LOL
April 24, 2018
Round up to 4.5 stars. I’m really loving this series. Evie is a wonderful heroine.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.