Jagged's bookshelf: all en-US Fri, 09 May 2025 14:17:28 -0700 60 Jagged's bookshelf: all 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[The Dawn of the Cursed Queen (Gods & Monsters, #3)]]> 214064758 Ask her, boy. Ask her what she begged the stars for and what lives now. Ask her what she ripped from the very heavens. And then ask her if she cares. The old blood runs through her veins. Nismera and her legions rule the realms as Samkiel’s power fills the sky. With him gone, she strives to solidify her spot on the throne, no matter the cost.

Dianna struggles beneath the weight of half-truths, lies, and deceptions. After overcoming what she thought was her hardest battle, she soon learns she is at risk of losing everything.

Samkiel strives to heal, but he has more on his plate than ever before. The Hand is dismantled, the realms are in turmoil, and the one person he can trust keeps him at arm’s length. Can the two work out their differences, or will they both fall to the blade of the Goddess of War?

The one true king returns, but is it the king or queen who shall rule them all?]]> 797 Amber V. Nicole 1962599043 Jagged 0 currently-reading 4.41 2024 The Dawn of the Cursed Queen (Gods & Monsters, #3)
author: Amber V. Nicole
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/09
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Spark the Flames (Secret of the Syphon #1)]]> 223670281 When it comes to dragons, there’s no such thing as safe.



I learned that the hard way when my kith and kindred were slaughtered right before my eyes.



Everyone thinks the wyverns and the sorcai did it, but I know the truth.



I’ve been hiding from The Horde ever since, existing under their radar, surviving.



And then one day, they find me�he finds me. Aeson Noctis, the king’s second son and my new captor.



Aeson thinks he can force me back to Paragon City. He thinks he can use me and claim my power for his own.



But the dragons should’ve been more careful about who they let inside their city. I’m not some weak little pawn. I’m here looking for answers.



I’m here looking for revenge.



When it comes to dragons, there’s no such thing as safe. I know because I am one, and now I’m going to make The Horde pay for what they’ve done.



They thought they killed all the Syphons.



They thought they hunted down every one.



They thought wrong.]]> Ivy Asher Jagged 3 Okay

It had good elements but lacked depth between the characters and proper build-up in the plot.
This is a rough draft, just the frame to a story that doesn't yet have any walls.
No time was spent constructing connections between the characters at all. Using nicknames is not enough.
Ever was right, they don't know each other at all. And they made no effort to try.
Using a bond to tie her to Aeson is a lazy cop out. They barely interacted. There's nothing supporting their supposed romance. No depth to their relationship at all. Nothing.
But that's typical indie writing these days.

What annoyed me most was the forced plot and random knowledge the character had exactly when she needed it.
It's sad because this has the building blocks for something epic, but it's wasted on lazy tropes and little effort to make it shine.
There's a solid storyline here, but no breadcrumbs are utilized to set the scenes. Information is withheld until it's needed to move the plot along instead of being dropped along the way to make pieces collide together for a woven masterpiece. Instead, random flashbacks are used to fill in the gaps for Ever for shit we don't even know is possible. This is convenient for the author because then there's no need to build expectations. But it limits the stakes and holds no rules for the world that is barely fleshed out.
People appear in the story that are supposed to mean something. Instead of highlighting them earlier, info dumps are used to prop them up.

This had potential. But it was also incredibly disappointing because there was almost something here. ]]> 4.63 2025 Spark the Flames (Secret of the Syphon #1)
author: Ivy Asher
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.63
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/05/09
date added: 2025/05/09
shelves:
review:
Okay

It had good elements but lacked depth between the characters and proper build-up in the plot.
This is a rough draft, just the frame to a story that doesn't yet have any walls.
No time was spent constructing connections between the characters at all. Using nicknames is not enough.
Ever was right, they don't know each other at all. And they made no effort to try.
Using a bond to tie her to Aeson is a lazy cop out. They barely interacted. There's nothing supporting their supposed romance. No depth to their relationship at all. Nothing.
But that's typical indie writing these days.

What annoyed me most was the forced plot and random knowledge the character had exactly when she needed it.
It's sad because this has the building blocks for something epic, but it's wasted on lazy tropes and little effort to make it shine.
There's a solid storyline here, but no breadcrumbs are utilized to set the scenes. Information is withheld until it's needed to move the plot along instead of being dropped along the way to make pieces collide together for a woven masterpiece. Instead, random flashbacks are used to fill in the gaps for Ever for shit we don't even know is possible. This is convenient for the author because then there's no need to build expectations. But it limits the stakes and holds no rules for the world that is barely fleshed out.
People appear in the story that are supposed to mean something. Instead of highlighting them earlier, info dumps are used to prop them up.

This had potential. But it was also incredibly disappointing because there was almost something here.
]]> Soulswift 51475325
When Gelya stumbles into a deadly cover-up by the Ovinists� military, she reluctantly teams up with Tavik, an enemy soldier, to survive. Tavik believes that Elath is actually a mother goddess who must be set free, but while he succeeds in opening Her prison, he inadvertently turns Gelya into Elath’s unwilling human vessel.

Now the church that raised Gelya considers her a threat. In a race against the clock, she and Tavik must find a way to exorcise Elath’s presence from her body. But will this release stop the countdown to the end of the world, or will it be the cause of the earth’s destruction? And as Tavik and Gelya grow closer, another question lingers between them: What will become of Gelya?

A dark, epic fantasy about a girl who must reevaluate everything she believes after she is betrayed and hunted by the religion that raised her—from Megan Bannen, author of The Bird and the Blade. Perfect for fans of The Winner’s Curse and The Girl of Fire and Thorns.]]> 480 Megan Bannen 0062674188 Jagged 0 to-read 3.94 2020 Soulswift
author: Megan Bannen
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The House of Grey - Volume 1 13520377
14-year-old Monson Grey faces the same challenges that any freshman high school kid would: difficult classes, weird teachers, food fights…girls. Except, Monson Grey is not Monson Grey. At least, when he looks at himself in the mirror, the scarred face staring back is not someone he recognizes.

Now he finds himself attending an extraordinary school, the recipient of an incredible scholarship, among ridiculously rich classmates, all with no memory of how he got there or what to expect.

All he has from his former life are the flashes of haunting images that plague his dreams and the echoing voices that he hears, but cannot see.

Luckily, Monson finds fast friendship in two of his classmates, Casey and Artorius. Little does Monson know, they too carry their own skeletons. Yet, as bizarre events start to unfold around them, Monson wonders what secrets lay buried in his mind or if he will ever be able to share his true fears with his newfound friends.

Join our three heroes as they roam the halls of the most prestigious high school in the country, finding love, mystery, and answers to their algebra homework- all while peeling away the layers of Monson’s shadowy past.

Author’s Note: The House of Grey was originally a serialized audio fiction. Volume 1 begins the written adaptation of that story told in a six part series. Individual volumes do not contain the complete story.]]> 172 Collin Earl Jagged 0 to-read 3.61 2012 The House of Grey - Volume 1
author: Collin Earl
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Dragon Chained (The Dragon of 23rd Street #1)]]> 125490449 Previously published under Kenley’s pen name, Haley Ryan, Dragon Chained is the first book of an urban fantasy trilogy featuring snarky dragons, dangerous fae, and sweet, slow-burn romance� An action-packed read that’s perfect for fans of K. M. Shea, Shari L. Tapscott, or Annette Marie!

A dragon, a fae, and a pixie walk into a bookstore�

Sounds like a joke, right? For me, it’s just an ordinary day on the job. At least, it has been ever since my aunt disappeared and left me with her store, her cat, and a whole lot of unanswered questions.

My whole life, I’ve been told to stay hidden. Pretend I’m human. Sell books, drink tea, and never betray the truth of what I am.

But it turns out my aunt had secrets, and a lot of those secrets seem to involve me ending up dead. To survive, I’m going to have to reckon with my past, even if it means placing my trust in a total stranger.

Draven is a half-fae assassin who’s as gorgeous as he is irritating, and his motives are less than clear. He might be willing to help me—for a price—but is it a price I’m willing to pay?

And if I accept his help, can I trust an assassin to keep the biggest secret of them all?]]> 244 Kenley Davidson Jagged 3 2.5 rounded up

Very, very YA. With a flimsy plot to boot.
But still entertaining. The saving grace was that it wasn't quite instalove.
And Kira knew her weaknesses and wasn't whiny. Otherwise, I'd have dropped this so fast.
I read the first one of the spinoff first, and so far, this has just filled in little gaps.
I'm glad the other series didn't spoil this one. ]]> 4.17 2023 Dragon Chained (The Dragon of 23rd Street #1)
author: Kenley Davidson
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/05/07
date added: 2025/05/07
shelves:
review:
2.5 rounded up

Very, very YA. With a flimsy plot to boot.
But still entertaining. The saving grace was that it wasn't quite instalove.
And Kira knew her weaknesses and wasn't whiny. Otherwise, I'd have dropped this so fast.
I read the first one of the spinoff first, and so far, this has just filled in little gaps.
I'm glad the other series didn't spoil this one.
]]> <![CDATA[Crown of Fate (Dark Magic Shifters #3)]]> 202517421 His dark soul will be my ruin�

My enemy has been revealed and my heart is in tatters. A power far greater than any I ever imagined has now laid claim to me.

Every move I make tightens the web of secrets that have been wound around me, filling me with a burning need for answers to match the heat of this dark king's touch and bring me the vengeance I seek.

With my found family at my side, I am determined to survive all that I must now battle: the hellish underworld to which I am taken, the truth and lies of the gods who have toyed with my fate, and the magical entrapments of a crown that could destroy me.

All while my father's empire slips further from my reach.

When the darkest of powers threatens to claim my soul, I face an impossible choice: to seize my throne in blood and fury, or to risk it all to save the dark king who has bound my heart to his.

Content information: Crown of Fate is the final book in the Dark Magic Shifters series with NO cliffhanger. Intended for mature audiences due to steamy content, violence, and language.

*This series is part of The Ever Realms, a seven-series world. The events in this book happen at the end of the chronological timeline for the world. As such, this book contains cameo appearances by characters from the Soul Bitten Shifter series, Assassin's Magic, and Supernatural Legacy and may contain minor spoilers for those series.]]> 345 Everly Frost Jagged 3 It's good

If this was just about the Keeper and Veda, it's almost five-star worthy. I loved the story of the Keeper. It broke my heart. From the truth room to Veda's choice. Just killed me. But it showed me what this story could have been.
And the rest of this trilogy didn't do it justice.
Everything else was a surface level buzz of noise when it could've been something else altogether wonderful.
Perhaps it's because the stories are linked, and Frost felt the need to step lightly. And if that's the case, this structure ruined something beautiful.

But the Keeper, his story is one of the most profound stories I think I've ever read from a character that was not the main. Good job, Frost. His is a story that was deeply impactful and just beautiful in its telling. If only Veda's was the same. While she remained bland and of little to note, the Keeper became everything.

I haven't read the others, and I doubt I will, I just don't think anything can touch the Keeper. I've been wanting an emotional read, and I got one through him. ]]> 4.53 2024 Crown of Fate (Dark Magic Shifters #3)
author: Everly Frost
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.53
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/05/06
date added: 2025/05/06
shelves:
review:
It's good

If this was just about the Keeper and Veda, it's almost five-star worthy. I loved the story of the Keeper. It broke my heart. From the truth room to Veda's choice. Just killed me. But it showed me what this story could have been.
And the rest of this trilogy didn't do it justice.
Everything else was a surface level buzz of noise when it could've been something else altogether wonderful.
Perhaps it's because the stories are linked, and Frost felt the need to step lightly. And if that's the case, this structure ruined something beautiful.

But the Keeper, his story is one of the most profound stories I think I've ever read from a character that was not the main. Good job, Frost. His is a story that was deeply impactful and just beautiful in its telling. If only Veda's was the same. While she remained bland and of little to note, the Keeper became everything.

I haven't read the others, and I doubt I will, I just don't think anything can touch the Keeper. I've been wanting an emotional read, and I got one through him.
]]> <![CDATA[Beg The Night (Mystics of Ashora Book 1)]]> 225414096 From author Emily Blackwood comes a new dark and twisted romantasy about two powerful mystics and the forces that urge them together—even if they hate each other.

Athena is an earthly. She wields no power, and though war rages across the lands, she lives a relatively normal life in isolation until she’s kidnapped by the Ministry and questioned for the magic they’re certain she possesses.
As she struggles to grasp her new reality, she’s forced into a dungeon with dozens of mystics. Only to discover she’s the only female.
True unleashing of power can only be obtained by the claiming—a mating ritual under the powerful blood moon. But Athena is in luck. Those mating must be willing, and she is certainly not willing to come within a foot of any of her options.
Until she meets Sinner.
Sinner is a tier three—the only three in the entire dungeon, making him the most dangerous and powerful of the men. He has very little interest in getting along with others and prefers to live his life alone.
So it comes as a shock when he volunteers to complete the claiming with Athena. She’s his ticket out of that dungeon, and she knows it.
The two struggle for the upper hand as Sinner tries to convince Athena to mate with him willingly.
But Athena resists. She has a secret, and it’s one the Ministry would do anything to get their hands on.
Can she keep her secret hidden long enough to survive? Or is Sinner the one person who will expose her for what she truly is�a monster?]]> 352 Emily Blackwood Jagged 1 What. The. Hades. Did. I. Read?

I kept waiting for this to make some kind of sense. For the pieces to come together so I could be like, ah! That's why this is happening. That's why they hate each other. That's why they formed a bond. That's why that bitch is evil.
It didn't happen.
80% in, and we've changed direction for what this is supposed to be. Now, suddenly, we're rebels without a plan. And I'm not at all interested in where any of this is going. But then we just circle right back to the beginning.

I like the idea that the main characters have a rough as hell background, but it meant nothing. Their character development was weak. The storyline was disjointed and didn't bother connecting the dots. The plot had no direction.
There was no purpose.

Once we start getting out, the juvenile feeling to this book grew. There were several opportunities to kill the director, but they just didn't. There's not even a purpose for that character. She just has people stabbed in the thigh repeatedly for some reason.

I don't know why a ball was needed in this book? What part of torture chamber underground where people are forced to sleep with each other screams there needs to be a formal party?

Yeah, this was a mess. ]]> 3.89 Beg The Night (Mystics of Ashora Book 1)
author: Emily Blackwood
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2025/05/05
date added: 2025/05/05
shelves:
review:
What. The. Hades. Did. I. Read?

I kept waiting for this to make some kind of sense. For the pieces to come together so I could be like, ah! That's why this is happening. That's why they hate each other. That's why they formed a bond. That's why that bitch is evil.
It didn't happen.
80% in, and we've changed direction for what this is supposed to be. Now, suddenly, we're rebels without a plan. And I'm not at all interested in where any of this is going. But then we just circle right back to the beginning.

I like the idea that the main characters have a rough as hell background, but it meant nothing. Their character development was weak. The storyline was disjointed and didn't bother connecting the dots. The plot had no direction.
There was no purpose.

Once we start getting out, the juvenile feeling to this book grew. There were several opportunities to kill the director, but they just didn't. There's not even a purpose for that character. She just has people stabbed in the thigh repeatedly for some reason.

I don't know why a ball was needed in this book? What part of torture chamber underground where people are forced to sleep with each other screams there needs to be a formal party?

Yeah, this was a mess.
]]> <![CDATA[What Lies Within Masks & Shadows (Promises of the Marked, #1)]]> 205431105 "What could be worse than death?"They made her kneel. So, she would see them burn...

Alora—a Marked One—is bound to a fate of suffering. Therefore, when Lord Kaine takes her as his lady, life under his status and within his manor should have offered her everything—including safety.

Except, in the darkness, Alora is a dying star, an explosion contained by his will and cruelty. Waiting for the day she’ll blaze a light so intense it would burn at the edges of shadow itself, she endures her destined torment.

But outside his walls, evil terrorizes Elysian, and as the Savage Prince sets his attention on Alora next, the lines between monster and savior blur. Her desire for freedom becomes tainted, and a new price must be paid. With rumors of his cruelty, ruthlessness, and unrelenting power, Alora's trust is not easily earned. She can't help feeling like she's exchanged one monster for another—a lord for a prince. A betrothed for a shadow beast.

Can Alora ever truly be free under those who have bound themselves to her?

Or will her only escape sit masked in shadow?What Lies Within Masks & Shadows is the first book in a new series featuring a morally gray hero with powers of darkness, enemies-to-lovers, "traumance", banter, dark secrets, and captivating, action-packed adventure with slow burn romance.Welcome to the darkened world of Elysian. Welcome to What Lies Within Masks & Shadows. Authors Readers are encouraged to check the trigger warnings inside. This is an adult book that touches on very dark themes.]]> 736 Nicolle May Jagged 0 4.05 What Lies Within Masks & Shadows (Promises of the Marked, #1)
author: Nicolle May
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.05
book published:
rating: 0
read at: 2025/05/03
date added: 2025/05/03
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Bound in Inked Flame (Of Crows and Thorns Saga, #1)]]> 228196513 When I signed myself away in marriage, I should have read the fine print. Ink fades—blood binds.

I'm a prisoner, trapped behind gilded gates, my freedom traded for safety. Magic pulses beneath my skin, wild and forbidden. In our world of ruling Houses, wielding such power means death. One slip, one spark—everyone I love dies.

As a princess of the Great House, I should have been untouchable. But in a cruel twist of fate, a ruthless family of enforcers claims the right to choose any bride. Now I'm to marry the infuriating Graysen Crowther. Our loathing is legendary, but with only a wall between us each night, hatred burns into something far more treacherous. One touch and I might lose something far worse than my life—my traitorous heart.

As my control fractures and betrayal tightens its noose, my only chance at survival lies in escaping to seek the monster who holds the truth about my magic. Yet when a bargained kiss unleashes an unbreakable bond, dark suspicion whispers through my bones that I’m caught in a blood-soaked web.

For in this deadly game of power, where trust is a luxury I can't afford, Graysen moves like someone who's been playing long before I knew there was a game.

And his secret might prove more lethal than any forbidden magic.

BOUND IN INKED FLAME is the first book in the OF CROWS AND THORNS SAGA, an epic dark romantasy. Perfect for readers who crave plot-heavy, character-driven sagas drenched in atmosphere and rich world-building—where dark mysteries unravel alongside a slow-burn romance and heart-wrenching choices that threaten to destroy everything. Please note this book ends on a cliffhanger. For content warnings, please check the author’s website.]]> 731 Ava Larksen 1067065903 Jagged 4 So good...4.5

I want so badly to give this 5 stars because I loved it. But I can't overlook the abysmal world building. And it's so sad because this world is fascinating. I want to witness it and see what I'm supposed to be seeing around me. And the parroting back to each other what they've said so often kind of spoiled their interactions a bit.

But holy moly! This was fantastic. I regret that Nelle was only 19, but with her naivety and tendency to throw massive tantrums, I get why she needed to be.
I loved her. She was fierce and clever. I don't think she'd be as innocent and altruistic given the world she was supposed to live in, but otherwise, she was a great character.

This is a lengthy book, but that was a good thing. It was captivating, and so much was happening. The build-up was superb. I love the little things that were thrown in here. All the little random letters with snippets of life that he was sending her. Bringing life to her cage.

I'm a little disappointed that the horned gods aren't well established and explained better. The state of the world they live in was touched upon with fingertips, and that kept this from being fully fledged out.

But what a ride!!! I can't wait for book 2 and any other book Larksen writes.

And a Kiwi? Even better!]]> 4.28 2025 Bound in Inked Flame (Of Crows and Thorns Saga, #1)
author: Ava Larksen
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/03
date added: 2025/05/03
shelves:
review:
So good...4.5

I want so badly to give this 5 stars because I loved it. But I can't overlook the abysmal world building. And it's so sad because this world is fascinating. I want to witness it and see what I'm supposed to be seeing around me. And the parroting back to each other what they've said so often kind of spoiled their interactions a bit.

But holy moly! This was fantastic. I regret that Nelle was only 19, but with her naivety and tendency to throw massive tantrums, I get why she needed to be.
I loved her. She was fierce and clever. I don't think she'd be as innocent and altruistic given the world she was supposed to live in, but otherwise, she was a great character.

This is a lengthy book, but that was a good thing. It was captivating, and so much was happening. The build-up was superb. I love the little things that were thrown in here. All the little random letters with snippets of life that he was sending her. Bringing life to her cage.

I'm a little disappointed that the horned gods aren't well established and explained better. The state of the world they live in was touched upon with fingertips, and that kept this from being fully fledged out.

But what a ride!!! I can't wait for book 2 and any other book Larksen writes.

And a Kiwi? Even better!
]]> <![CDATA[Alpha Attacked (Big City Lycans, #1)]]> 60909880
Working in the ER, Maeve has seen some weird stuff, like the guy with numerous gunshot wounds who literally hops off the operating table and walks out. Which isn’t as strange as the people who claim they saw a wolf running out the main doors of the hospital. All par for the course on a full-moon shift.

What Maeve doesn’t know is she saved the life of the local Alpha.

Griffin is tough, and those who tried to kill him will regret their failure, because he is now out for revenge. The problem is identifying the enemy. Is it the rival wolf gang over the river, or a stranger trying to steal his Pack?

The answer appears to be tangled up with the doctor who operated on him. A woman with a delectable scent—and secrets.

What does Maeve have to do with the violence targeting his Pack?

And what will the sexy doctor say when she realizes he doesn’t just howl in bed?]]> 164 Eve Langlais 1773843400 Jagged 1 Yeah, no

Not my thing, this book.
Not interested in drugs. Werewolves and pot.... just... nah.
Not interested in ER rooms that aren't even stocked with lidocaine. Also not interested in an ER setting where it's okay for the staff to just fuck off while there's an active surgery going on. Like, what?
Then the stupid Dr being harassed over a box, that then turns up, and she doesn't do anything? That was my limit.
Moving on to something else. ]]> 3.70 2023 Alpha Attacked (Big City Lycans, #1)
author: Eve Langlais
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2023
rating: 1
read at: 2025/04/30
date added: 2025/04/30
shelves:
review:
Yeah, no

Not my thing, this book.
Not interested in drugs. Werewolves and pot.... just... nah.
Not interested in ER rooms that aren't even stocked with lidocaine. Also not interested in an ER setting where it's okay for the staff to just fuck off while there's an active surgery going on. Like, what?
Then the stupid Dr being harassed over a box, that then turns up, and she doesn't do anything? That was my limit.
Moving on to something else.
]]> <![CDATA[Magic Forsaken (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 1)]]> 219799633 I used to be human.
Now? Well, it all started with a fae queen, a stolen car, and a kitten�

Six months ago, I barely escaped the Fae Enclave with my life. Now I’m on the run, in possession of stolen magic I never asked for and in hiding from everyone in the supernatural community.

Just when I think I’ve found a home and a job with the notorious leader of the Shadow Court, I end up squarely in the sights of the newly minted king of the shifters—Callum-ro-Deverin. He’s grim, he’s gorgeous, and he’s my new worst enemy. He knows something is different about me, and if he ever finds out the truth about my magic? I’ll be the first on his hit list.

Thankfully, he’s distracted by the upcoming Symposium, where the leaders of all five courts will be gathered to discuss the danger posed by the fae queen’s magical experiments. But when a traitor threatens to disrupt the proceedings, somehow it’s me and my unstable magic that Callum believes can help him hunt down the threat. No one says no to a dragon, but if he finds out who and what I am?

There will be nowhere on earth I can hide from his vengeance.

Magic Forsaken is the first of an exciting new urban fantasy trilogy featuring twisty magical plots, one gorgeous dragon shifter, plenty of found family, and a smoldering, slow-burn romance. Also a kitten. For fans of K.M. Shea, Shari L. Tapscott, and Heather G. Harris.]]> 410 Kenley Davidson Jagged 3 3.3

So close to a really good book.

First off, this was reading very, very close to the Green Griphon book. Similar backstory, right down to experimented on kids forming a family on the run and a dragon.
I was wondering which book was written first, and well, it wasn't this one. We even have Griphons in here. But that's about where the similarities end, thank goodness.

The world building is absent. The magical politics is vague and barely touched upon. The plot needs work. This read like it wanted to be a who done it, but that doesn't work when you don't know all of the players. The motives were also very flimsy.
There are some breadcrumbs, but they're used later to support massive info dumps rather than weaving a clearly thought-out narrative.
And the magic isn't defined at all.
The need to not have violence while having incredibly powerful beings holds this book back a lot. The reasoning is not suitable to the world, and it lowers the stakes in this book to nonexistent. It's also incredibly unbelievable.

But, the relationship building was good. Our main characters actually talked about their misunderstandings and grievances rather than stew in silence and make stupid, rash decisions. And what do you know? You can still achieve angst while having open dialogue. It also made their budding romance believable and achievable while not relying on the bond they clearly have or instalove. Even though the trust building is pretty one-sided.

I laughed a few times. And I even got some feels, so it's not a complete surface level book, but it's not incredibly deep either.
The ending was boring. I don't think that plot arc needed to be extended. There's so much more to explore that would be better.
But it's not horribly written, and it's entertaining. I did enjoy the read.]]> 4.38 2024 Magic Forsaken (The Shifter of Sheridan Avenue Book 1)
author: Kenley Davidson
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/29
date added: 2025/04/29
shelves:
review:
3.3

So close to a really good book.

First off, this was reading very, very close to the Green Griphon book. Similar backstory, right down to experimented on kids forming a family on the run and a dragon.
I was wondering which book was written first, and well, it wasn't this one. We even have Griphons in here. But that's about where the similarities end, thank goodness.

The world building is absent. The magical politics is vague and barely touched upon. The plot needs work. This read like it wanted to be a who done it, but that doesn't work when you don't know all of the players. The motives were also very flimsy.
There are some breadcrumbs, but they're used later to support massive info dumps rather than weaving a clearly thought-out narrative.
And the magic isn't defined at all.
The need to not have violence while having incredibly powerful beings holds this book back a lot. The reasoning is not suitable to the world, and it lowers the stakes in this book to nonexistent. It's also incredibly unbelievable.

But, the relationship building was good. Our main characters actually talked about their misunderstandings and grievances rather than stew in silence and make stupid, rash decisions. And what do you know? You can still achieve angst while having open dialogue. It also made their budding romance believable and achievable while not relying on the bond they clearly have or instalove. Even though the trust building is pretty one-sided.

I laughed a few times. And I even got some feels, so it's not a complete surface level book, but it's not incredibly deep either.
The ending was boring. I don't think that plot arc needed to be extended. There's so much more to explore that would be better.
But it's not horribly written, and it's entertaining. I did enjoy the read.
]]> WarBride (WarBride, #1) 214174010 Ruthless. Bloodthirsty. Killer.
And now? Her husband.

Ilsevel knows exactly how brutal the fae raiders are. She watched them attack the holy shrine of her god, slaughter the priests, and drag her sister away screaming into darkness.

So when she’s forced up onto the auction block to be sold off as a warbride to the highest bidder—and when the chilling warlord, Taarthalor, pushes his way to the front of the crowd and lays down an outrageous bid—Ilsevel fears her nightmare is only just beginning.

Taar took one look at the fiery little human, and something in him sparked. He cannot explain it. He knows only that he will not see her sold off to one of the soulless monsters trying to outbid each other for a chance to use and discard her soft, womanly flesh.

If that means binding himself to her by marriage, so be it.

Can this dark king convince his bride not to murder him in his sleep before he can decide what to do with her? Or do the gods have other plans in store for the captive princess and her terrifying new husband?

WARBRIDE is book 1 of a dual point-of-view (his and hers) forced marriage fantasy trilogy with a dangerous, brooding hero, kiss-or-kill vibes, and swift-to-ignite steam that will leave you begging for more. If you love watching a cold-hearted fae warlord discover his one weakness just might be the spitfire princess who drives him crazy . . . THIS is the book for you.]]> 405 Sylvia Mercedes Jagged 3 Short timeline

This book spans two days.
I'm not sure why it needed to be only two days. If I'm supposed to believe that these characters can go from "enemies" to lovers that quickly, this story didn't convince me.
Considering that the hatred was one-sided, I also struggled to see the "enemies" part of this.

The magic was neat, though. I also liked how the fae were hiding their hideousness behind glamor. Their beauty was manufactured, not real. They actually are wicked in this one.

Ilsevel was not much of a character. I saw a review stating that she blew them away. That's actually why I read this. I didn't see where she might've done such a thing. She was like a feral kitten, only without any claws. She huffs and demands a lot when she's in no position of power, with nothing to bargain with. Instead, she insists on biting the only hand offering to help her.
She doesn't think. She just acts. And she doesn't learn a damn thing from the consequences.

Taar has no reason to be the way he is. I don't actually believe that he'd ever behave the way he does in this book. He's supposed to be a leader of his people. This wasn't demonstrated.

The ending went in a direction I wasn't anticipating, but only because there wasn't a reason to. It's pretty clear what the end goal is here, there's not going to be a surprise in store where that's involved, but how we get there is still up in the air. I'll probably read the next one. ]]> 3.94 2024 WarBride (WarBride, #1)
author: Sylvia Mercedes
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/27
date added: 2025/04/27
shelves:
review:
Short timeline

This book spans two days.
I'm not sure why it needed to be only two days. If I'm supposed to believe that these characters can go from "enemies" to lovers that quickly, this story didn't convince me.
Considering that the hatred was one-sided, I also struggled to see the "enemies" part of this.

The magic was neat, though. I also liked how the fae were hiding their hideousness behind glamor. Their beauty was manufactured, not real. They actually are wicked in this one.

Ilsevel was not much of a character. I saw a review stating that she blew them away. That's actually why I read this. I didn't see where she might've done such a thing. She was like a feral kitten, only without any claws. She huffs and demands a lot when she's in no position of power, with nothing to bargain with. Instead, she insists on biting the only hand offering to help her.
She doesn't think. She just acts. And she doesn't learn a damn thing from the consequences.

Taar has no reason to be the way he is. I don't actually believe that he'd ever behave the way he does in this book. He's supposed to be a leader of his people. This wasn't demonstrated.

The ending went in a direction I wasn't anticipating, but only because there wasn't a reason to. It's pretty clear what the end goal is here, there's not going to be a surprise in store where that's involved, but how we get there is still up in the air. I'll probably read the next one.
]]> The Highfire Crown 218140017 It’s a case she can’t refuse.

Spell-slinger. Vampire-slayer. Magical albino ferret-rescuer.

Meet Jacqueline Denna Knight, the best wizard detective in the city.

Jax turns vampires to ash and pain into magic. She also has a knack for finding things. So when a distraught—and obscenely wealthy—elf calls Jax at midnight to hire her for an intriguing job, she grabs the opportunity with both hands�

But what Jax doesn’t know is that this case is going to unravel her life. She’ll get tangled up with a host of intriguing characters, most of whom are not who they appear to be.

As Jax speeds down a path toward the most powerful vampire clan in the country, she’ll have to put everything on the line.

Will she be able to use her unique brand of magic to save the Realm?


***


A breakneck-paced mix of urban fantasy, irreverent humor and detective noir.

Fans of The Dresden Files and Jessica Jones will burn through this brand new addictive urban fantasy series, now available in a 6-book complete series set!

Get it now.

What reviewers are saying about the BLOOD MAGIC

â…â…â…â…â� â€�This is a sizzling hot book. The characters are great, the plot races and the writing is great. Humour, magic, crossbows, ferrets, mysterious men â€� this book has it all. I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series.â€� - Amazon reviewer

â…â…â…â…â� “The main character, Jax, is like if Gin Blanco (of Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassins series) and Harry Dresden (of Jim Butcher’s The Dresden Files series) had a baby. That is high praise cuz I love Gin and Harry dearly. The HighFire Crown built a world of magic, mythology and mayhem. I am super excited for the next books in the series!â€� - Jenny B.

â…â…â…â…â� “Witty, gripping, and leaves you wanting the next book. I found myself laughing often and unable to put it down for long.â€� - Amazon reviewer


This complete Blood Magic series contains the following
The HighFire Crown (Book 1)
The Dream Drinker (Book 2)
The Witch Hunter (Book 3)
The Ember Isles (Book 4)
The Chaos Jar (Book 5)
The New Dawn Throne (Book 6)

Stay up all night with USA Today bestselling author and Kindle Unlimited All-Star JT Lawrence.]]> 288 J.T. Lawrence Jagged 2 I'll go with 2.5 rounded down

Well, this is one way to write a story.
Just smash through with never-ending missions that are loosely tied together and don't slow down. This way, you won't have to worry about pesky details like character development, world building, magic rules, or explanations. You don't even have to bother with connections between characters because your readers will be too busy trying to keep up with what the fuck is going on now.
Even better, there's no time to drop breadcrumbs for connecting the dots later; you can just have the main character guess these things to keep the story going.
The romance can also just come out of nowhere. There is no need to build it. It'll just make sense because there's no time to think about it.
Also, the plot can just be a cluster fuck of random shenanigans that can be tied together along the way with flimsy reasoning.

All that aside, it was actually pretty entertaining. Jax has the bones of an interesting character. If Lawrence took a breath to flesh her out, she'd be wonderful.
The story had potential, too. This was really rushed, so it didn't have a pace. There were opportunities to build the world, build the political structure, build the plot, but Lawrence was on speed, I guess, and the story missed out on being woven into a fully formed plot with characters to attach to.

I'll try the next one to see if the writing improves.]]> 4.13 2018 The Highfire Crown
author: J.T. Lawrence
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2018
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/26
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves:
review:
I'll go with 2.5 rounded down

Well, this is one way to write a story.
Just smash through with never-ending missions that are loosely tied together and don't slow down. This way, you won't have to worry about pesky details like character development, world building, magic rules, or explanations. You don't even have to bother with connections between characters because your readers will be too busy trying to keep up with what the fuck is going on now.
Even better, there's no time to drop breadcrumbs for connecting the dots later; you can just have the main character guess these things to keep the story going.
The romance can also just come out of nowhere. There is no need to build it. It'll just make sense because there's no time to think about it.
Also, the plot can just be a cluster fuck of random shenanigans that can be tied together along the way with flimsy reasoning.

All that aside, it was actually pretty entertaining. Jax has the bones of an interesting character. If Lawrence took a breath to flesh her out, she'd be wonderful.
The story had potential, too. This was really rushed, so it didn't have a pace. There were opportunities to build the world, build the political structure, build the plot, but Lawrence was on speed, I guess, and the story missed out on being woven into a fully formed plot with characters to attach to.

I'll try the next one to see if the writing improves.
]]> The Last Lunar Witch 211013493 A witch without magic is a fate worse than death.

My power has always been broken—wild and unpredictable. So I buried it. If the witches find out what I’m hiding, they’ll strip it from me. And I’ll lose the one thing I’ve fought to keep: my alchemy.

I have one year to prove I’m in control and open my potion shop. Fail, and I’ll be dragged home to forfeit my magic.

But when my suppressed power erupts and shatters the veil between realms, I witness the destruction with my own eyes—and sense something new awakening in my veins.

Now the demonspawn I unleashed stalk the streets, and the authorities are hunting me. I didn’t mean to become the city’s biggest threat. But I might be the only one who can stop what’s coming.

And if I can’t master this magic, I’ll be the reason the city burns.

***

For fans who love the epic urban fantasy worlds of Crescent City and House of Devils, then dive into S.F. Henne's series that will keep you on the edge of your seats.

Buy The Last Lunar Witch today and prepare for a gripping adventure filled with hope, found family, and high-stakes action.]]> 395 S.F. Henne Jagged 3 So much potential

For a first book, this was pretty good.
I struggled to find the target audience because this felt really young rather than adult. Nyssa reads as 15. She's very, very childlike.
The side characters are also extremely juvenile, but due to a lack of interaction, it was hard to peg an age to them.
But this would work pretty well for a younger audience.

So, Nyssa is pretty much the sole focus of this book. Pretty much everything comes back to what Nyssa is thinking, wanting, or doing. She doesn't interact with the side characters enough to establish proper believable relationships. Nyssa didn't really bother to get to know anyone, even after they were supposedly her friends. This was also true for Danika, her familiar. While the reader gets a pretty good idea of who Nyssa is, even though her character development was pretty superficial, the reader does not get enough to attach to anyone else.
Given that her friends are always the plot device, the lack of attachment had the circumstances surrounding them fall flat.
I often forgot who was who when they were being mentioned because there was nothing given to distinguish between them beside their names.

The overarching plot is okay. I can clearly see the motives and the goal. It's not complex and there are a lot of plot holes, but it makes for a very easy, light read.
There is a lot of action that keeps the pace moving along nicely, with the exception of the slightly repetitive meditation training.
That being said, I didn't feel that the stakes were very real. The danger surrounding all of the action was not convincing. Most encounters ended with an anticlimactic outcome. Except the final battle of this book. That was good.

As for Nyssa.... she was pretty much always a victim. The amount of times she asked, "What choice did I have?" nearly drove me off a cliff; especially after mentioning her mother taught her there was always a choice.
But otherwise, she was kind of empty. The plot drove her rather than the other way around.

The writing was pretty good. There were not many errors to distract you. There's some beautiful prose in here and great imagery. I liked the premise of the story, and I liked Nyssa's magic. I didn't get enough of an idea for anyone else's magic to comment on that, but maybe you get more in the next book.
Anyway, this is a good start and shows so much promise for Henne as an author. Once she figures out the elements of her writing style, she'll be phenomenal.]]> 4.26 The Last Lunar Witch
author: S.F. Henne
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.26
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/24
date added: 2025/04/24
shelves:
review:
So much potential

For a first book, this was pretty good.
I struggled to find the target audience because this felt really young rather than adult. Nyssa reads as 15. She's very, very childlike.
The side characters are also extremely juvenile, but due to a lack of interaction, it was hard to peg an age to them.
But this would work pretty well for a younger audience.

So, Nyssa is pretty much the sole focus of this book. Pretty much everything comes back to what Nyssa is thinking, wanting, or doing. She doesn't interact with the side characters enough to establish proper believable relationships. Nyssa didn't really bother to get to know anyone, even after they were supposedly her friends. This was also true for Danika, her familiar. While the reader gets a pretty good idea of who Nyssa is, even though her character development was pretty superficial, the reader does not get enough to attach to anyone else.
Given that her friends are always the plot device, the lack of attachment had the circumstances surrounding them fall flat.
I often forgot who was who when they were being mentioned because there was nothing given to distinguish between them beside their names.

The overarching plot is okay. I can clearly see the motives and the goal. It's not complex and there are a lot of plot holes, but it makes for a very easy, light read.
There is a lot of action that keeps the pace moving along nicely, with the exception of the slightly repetitive meditation training.
That being said, I didn't feel that the stakes were very real. The danger surrounding all of the action was not convincing. Most encounters ended with an anticlimactic outcome. Except the final battle of this book. That was good.

As for Nyssa.... she was pretty much always a victim. The amount of times she asked, "What choice did I have?" nearly drove me off a cliff; especially after mentioning her mother taught her there was always a choice.
But otherwise, she was kind of empty. The plot drove her rather than the other way around.

The writing was pretty good. There were not many errors to distract you. There's some beautiful prose in here and great imagery. I liked the premise of the story, and I liked Nyssa's magic. I didn't get enough of an idea for anyone else's magic to comment on that, but maybe you get more in the next book.
Anyway, this is a good start and shows so much promise for Henne as an author. Once she figures out the elements of her writing style, she'll be phenomenal.
]]> <![CDATA[A Kingdom of Bitter Magic (Kingdom of Blighted Thorns, #1)]]> 208126287
I’m nothing but an orphan, a dragon trainer in one of the many border fortresses. When beasts attack the villages, I ride, driving them back to the hellscape they crawled from.

When my adopted brother’s killed during battle, I discover who’s controlling the invading beasts—the brutal ruler of the neighboring fae kingdom. A gruesome plot is brewing beneath the glimmering fae surface, and he’s responsible for it all. Now vengeance is all I live for. No matter how powerful or well-guarded the king is, I will avenge my brother. This I swear.

To infiltrate the king’s court, I’m forced to make a deal with Vexxion, a devastatingly beautiful and equally malicious fae lord. In exchange for getting me close to the king, I’ll allow Vexxion to collar me at the upcoming Claiming. He’ll train me, and I’ll give him access to my supposedly dormant magic. Little does he know I have no power for him to harness.

Surrendering to Vexxion’s seductive allure could fracture what little remains of my heart. Falling for him could destroy my wounded soul.

But learning his wicked secrets could shatter me completely.

A Kingdom of Bitter Magic is Book 1 in the Kingdom of Blighted Thorns trilogy. Expect spice, suspense, a ruthless, determined woman, and a fae lord with stalker-like tendencies who will stop at nothing to claim her as his own.]]> 526 Alaya Wells Jagged 2 Ruined by so many clichés

Every cliché you could think of is in this book.
I'm not sure who the target audience is because it tries to wrap everything into it while ultimately standing on nothing.

The romance is nonsensical. There's nothing built into it but repetitive poetic description. There's no chemistry, though Wells desperately tries to slam it into you that there is. Instead of all the flowery colloquialisms, if Wells had actually put effort into the relationship, this would've been better.

There's not much of a plot here. I'd say this was a build-up book, but it really wasn't. It's just a lot of fluff with nothing to show for it.
The twist wasn't very twisty. But also, there wasn't much misdirection. Instead, it was just avoided in mention. Like, surprise! Without a reason to be surprised. But we're not surprised because, yeah, this had been done before. Like everything else in this book.

The dreaded don't know where they begin or where they end is in here twice, because why would once be enough? It shouldn't be anywhere, ever. It's so overused and means nothing.

I did like that there are side characters that mean something. Reyla was done well, especially her grief. Tempest had her moments, but her character and behavior don't make sense for the world she lives in.
She's kind of crippled. So it didn't make sense that she'd go on raids. Her leg made her a liability, and she was more likely the first one to be killed when it gave out.
Vexxion was half a character. His perspective was mostly feminine poetry. He wasn't real. I don't think his perspective added anything to the read.
I don't know. It wasn't great, but I've read much worse. I did actually finish it.]]> 3.95 2024 A Kingdom of Bitter Magic (Kingdom of Blighted Thorns, #1)
author: Alaya Wells
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/21
date added: 2025/04/21
shelves:
review:
Ruined by so many clichés

Every cliché you could think of is in this book.
I'm not sure who the target audience is because it tries to wrap everything into it while ultimately standing on nothing.

The romance is nonsensical. There's nothing built into it but repetitive poetic description. There's no chemistry, though Wells desperately tries to slam it into you that there is. Instead of all the flowery colloquialisms, if Wells had actually put effort into the relationship, this would've been better.

There's not much of a plot here. I'd say this was a build-up book, but it really wasn't. It's just a lot of fluff with nothing to show for it.
The twist wasn't very twisty. But also, there wasn't much misdirection. Instead, it was just avoided in mention. Like, surprise! Without a reason to be surprised. But we're not surprised because, yeah, this had been done before. Like everything else in this book.

The dreaded don't know where they begin or where they end is in here twice, because why would once be enough? It shouldn't be anywhere, ever. It's so overused and means nothing.

I did like that there are side characters that mean something. Reyla was done well, especially her grief. Tempest had her moments, but her character and behavior don't make sense for the world she lives in.
She's kind of crippled. So it didn't make sense that she'd go on raids. Her leg made her a liability, and she was more likely the first one to be killed when it gave out.
Vexxion was half a character. His perspective was mostly feminine poetry. He wasn't real. I don't think his perspective added anything to the read.
I don't know. It wasn't great, but I've read much worse. I did actually finish it.
]]> <![CDATA[Woman of Blood & Bone (Rogue Ethereal, #1)]]> 230404580 I was burned at the stake at fourteen...
I was drowned in a lake when I was twenty-four...
At twenty-seven, I was stoned in a public square...

I have died a hundred times in a hundred different ways, usually at the hands of the humans I've tried to save. But when a pregnant young woman finds her way into my tattoo shop with a demon on her tail, things go from bad to worse. Being a centuries-old witch isn't going to help me - nothing will.

This time I might just die in a way that sticks... Permanently.]]> Annie Anderson Jagged 0 to-read 3.88 2018 Woman of Blood & Bone (Rogue Ethereal, #1)
author: Annie Anderson
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Protector (Darkblade, #2) 58512591 595 Andy Peloquin Jagged 3 Long!

Honestly, I skimmed most of this, and it still took me 4 days to read it.

While this writing style fails to hold my attention well, the story, when it stays on track, is really good. I didn't skim it because it's awful, I skimmed it because it's so repetitive with circular thinking, which happens regularly.
Realistically, this book could have had a good 20% chopped out, and the pacing would have improved immensely.

I'm not overly fond of the back and forth with the inner demon. It's the same old same old every time, and you learn little from it. Also, it seems to hinder the Hunter in the midst of battle, which kind of seems at odds with its desires to achieve a bloodbath.

I'm not a fan of the structure. The battles feel empty to me. This whole thing reads as if there's another narrator alongside the author, which interrupts my immersion. This makes it easy for me to put down. I'm kept outside the read rather than pulled into it. But that's a personal preference. I know lots of people enjoy this style.

So, while I'm not really invested, this is a very good dark fantasy read that fantasy lovers would likely enjoy. ]]> 4.39 Protector (Darkblade, #2)
author: Andy Peloquin
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.39
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/18
date added: 2025/04/18
shelves:
review:
Long!

Honestly, I skimmed most of this, and it still took me 4 days to read it.

While this writing style fails to hold my attention well, the story, when it stays on track, is really good. I didn't skim it because it's awful, I skimmed it because it's so repetitive with circular thinking, which happens regularly.
Realistically, this book could have had a good 20% chopped out, and the pacing would have improved immensely.

I'm not overly fond of the back and forth with the inner demon. It's the same old same old every time, and you learn little from it. Also, it seems to hinder the Hunter in the midst of battle, which kind of seems at odds with its desires to achieve a bloodbath.

I'm not a fan of the structure. The battles feel empty to me. This whole thing reads as if there's another narrator alongside the author, which interrupts my immersion. This makes it easy for me to put down. I'm kept outside the read rather than pulled into it. But that's a personal preference. I know lots of people enjoy this style.

So, while I'm not really invested, this is a very good dark fantasy read that fantasy lovers would likely enjoy.
]]> <![CDATA[Dawn of the White Witch (Kingdoms of Light and Shadow #1)]]> 212316933 Given the choice between him and the hangman’s noose� She’d pick the noose.

Abandoned by her human father to be raised among the fae healers of Duje, half-breed Katya prefers to keep to the shadows and far away from her stepfather’s cane. When he is suddenly called to court, her stepfather forces Katya to come along and spy on the crown. His instructions are simple: watch, listen and don’t get killed.

But nothing about court life is simple, and Katya soon finds herself thrust into the center of a political storm, her every move monitored by the prince’s fearsome head of guard, Aemon Cregg.

Aemon is as deadly as he is beautiful. He’s also cocky, hotheaded, and intent on infuriating Katya any chance he gets. But though he sets her temper aflame, the heat that burns between them is undeniable.

Yet even Aemon can’t protect her when the king calls for Katya’s arrest. Terrified and alone, she taps into a forbidden magic to escape. Now, she's running for her life, and Aemon is hot on her trail.

But in the depths of the mountains, an even more insidious threat awaits, one that will bring into question everything Katya thought she knew about her kingdom, her people and herself.

Dawn of the White Witch is the first book in a dark, fantasy romance series, perfect for readers who enjoy steamy romance, unique magic systems, morally gray heroes, witty banter, and political intrigue. This enemies-to-lovers romantasy will appeal to fans of The Serpent and the Wings of Night, From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses.]]> 452 C.R. Lee Jagged 4 Great start!

This was good. There's actual character development and world building, that's so rare anymore

Katya is an interesting character. She's intelligent but extremely naive. She's immature as hell, but I'll let that slide because she was really sheltered.

Aemon was also an interesting character, and I really appreciated that he was more than a caveman. He was still a caveman, but he did more than just pound his chest and scream, "Mine!" He also read as male instead of a twelve year old girl. Lee, you don't even know.... that was refreshing.

The repetitive plot devices were disappointing, and that's what kept this from being 5 stars. I understand that they were used to get the characters in the same vicinity, but you gotta keep things interesting instead of repeating scenes. And this hurt the book.

I like that there's two bad sides here, which allow for two fronts to be active at once. This isn't done often. I also like that Katya is a little morally grey. I kind of want to her rage out rather than go the goodie two shoes route.

Anyway, this exceeded my expectations and was a great start to a series. I'll definitely pick up the next one.]]> 3.86 Dawn of the White Witch (Kingdoms of Light and Shadow #1)
author: C.R. Lee
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.86
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/11
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves:
review:
Great start!

This was good. There's actual character development and world building, that's so rare anymore

Katya is an interesting character. She's intelligent but extremely naive. She's immature as hell, but I'll let that slide because she was really sheltered.

Aemon was also an interesting character, and I really appreciated that he was more than a caveman. He was still a caveman, but he did more than just pound his chest and scream, "Mine!" He also read as male instead of a twelve year old girl. Lee, you don't even know.... that was refreshing.

The repetitive plot devices were disappointing, and that's what kept this from being 5 stars. I understand that they were used to get the characters in the same vicinity, but you gotta keep things interesting instead of repeating scenes. And this hurt the book.

I like that there's two bad sides here, which allow for two fronts to be active at once. This isn't done often. I also like that Katya is a little morally grey. I kind of want to her rage out rather than go the goodie two shoes route.

Anyway, this exceeded my expectations and was a great start to a series. I'll definitely pick up the next one.
]]> <![CDATA[Fuel to the Fire (Fuel to the Fire, #1)]]> 22889705 Alternate cover edition can be found here.


Having spent her entire life disguised as a boy to avoid the risk of being forced into sexual slavery, fifteen year old Davran finds herself transported to a world thought to be legend. With sunlight, an abundance of food and people that trust, this world is everything her home is not. She could be happy, she could disclose the love she feels for Ronyn (the dragon trainer’s son), but when Hesperus (the Keeper-of-Knowledge) discovers her, she may have to return to a world of misery where even suicide is no escape and where the most frightening monster is not the dragons or the razor-hounds, but the tyrannical ruler, Saurian.

IndiePENdents seal of approval: ]]> 250 David Staniforth Jagged 3 Good for YA

It's dark but digestible for teens since it's not explicit and doesn't hover over the dark aspects so much as it just gives weight to the severity of the darkness.
There's a few perspectives, so you don't really get time to attach fully to the characters beyond Davran and the Keeper.
The budding relationship between Davran and Ronyn doesn't have much behind it since they don't really interact on the page. There's time gaps that could've been filled in with character connection building. This would've made this book so much better.

The story is neat. I like the descriptions and the explanations. I like the ambiguity of the Keeper, too.
It's a bit young for me, but not bad at all, as far as YA goes. YA isn't really my thing, so I'll probably not read the rest, but for those that like YA, this is a good start to a series. ]]> 3.88 2012 Fuel to the Fire (Fuel to the Fire, #1)
author: David Staniforth
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/09
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves:
review:
Good for YA

It's dark but digestible for teens since it's not explicit and doesn't hover over the dark aspects so much as it just gives weight to the severity of the darkness.
There's a few perspectives, so you don't really get time to attach fully to the characters beyond Davran and the Keeper.
The budding relationship between Davran and Ronyn doesn't have much behind it since they don't really interact on the page. There's time gaps that could've been filled in with character connection building. This would've made this book so much better.

The story is neat. I like the descriptions and the explanations. I like the ambiguity of the Keeper, too.
It's a bit young for me, but not bad at all, as far as YA goes. YA isn't really my thing, so I'll probably not read the rest, but for those that like YA, this is a good start to a series.
]]> The Alpha King's Queen 220831170 Gathering of the Eastern Packs. A mandate I cannot refuse. And one that changes my life forever.
Ava
I’m a rogue. Happily have been since the age of eighteen when my mate, and the Alpha of my old pack, rejected me.
Living amongst the humans for the last nine years with my bestie and staying far away from the werewolf world that showed me nothing but abuse and heartache changes with one event and one sniff.
The King of the Werewolves, my second chance fated mate� strong, dominant, and the sexual tension between us is off the charts.
But with wet panties comes the bubbling up of long-hidden secrets and a man I would rather forget, The Butcher. I have something he wants, and he will stop at nothing to get it.
Braiden
At thirty-four years old and still, with no fated mate in sight, I have finally chosen my Queen, a carbon copy of my mother.
Until I scent her.
My mate, the white wolf, is an exact match to my black one. She just has to realize it.
My Queen wants none of this world, her past standing in our way, along with secrets that reveal our connection long before now.
With every fiery interaction, I can feel her resistance crumbling. Soon, she will see that there is no escape.
She is mine. She is The Alpha King’s Queen.

±ĘłÜ˛ú±ôľ±˛őłó±đ°ů’s The Alpha King’s Queen is a stand-alone book, HEA guaranteed.]]> 330 Eloise Benjamin 1917582005 Jagged 2 Welllllll....

So, I enjoyed the beginning of this book. Ava was called out on her bullshit, and that was great. Ava reflected on her bullshit and that was even better.
But the pacing of this book was awful. So much of it happened off the page and was given in cliffnotes. That was really disappointing and dragged down the rating so much.
The potential for a great read was abandoned. The emotional turmoil that could have made this book was deliberately avoided. I'm not sure why Benjamin decided to write such a book if she never intended to actually go the distance this book called for.
Either way, it can't be more than two stars just because of the potential it didn't live up to.
I wanted to watch a movie, not a trailer. But that's what this felt like.]]> 4.29 The Alpha King's Queen
author: Eloise Benjamin
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/07
date added: 2025/04/07
shelves:
review:
Welllllll....

So, I enjoyed the beginning of this book. Ava was called out on her bullshit, and that was great. Ava reflected on her bullshit and that was even better.
But the pacing of this book was awful. So much of it happened off the page and was given in cliffnotes. That was really disappointing and dragged down the rating so much.
The potential for a great read was abandoned. The emotional turmoil that could have made this book was deliberately avoided. I'm not sure why Benjamin decided to write such a book if she never intended to actually go the distance this book called for.
Either way, it can't be more than two stars just because of the potential it didn't live up to.
I wanted to watch a movie, not a trailer. But that's what this felt like.
]]> Between Two Fires 13543121
Is it delirium or is it faith? She believes she has seen the angels of God. She believes the righteous dead speak to her in dreams. And now she has convinced the faithless Thomas to shepherd her across a depraved landscape to Avignon. There, she tells Thomas, she will fulfill her mission to confront the evil that has devastated the earth, and to restore to this betrayed, murderous knight the nobility and hope of salvation he long abandoned.

As hell unleashes its wrath, and as the true nature of the girl is revealed, Thomas will find himself on a macabre battleground of angels and demons, saints, and the risen dead, and in the midst of a desperate struggle for nothing less than the soul of man.]]> 432 Christopher Buehlman 1937007863 Jagged 4 There are a few perspectives, even from a mouse at one point, and they can be difficult to follow at times.
It's not what I expected from a dark fantasy; while there are stakes and quests, there are no real battles. So, not a lot of action. It is very thought-provoking and engaging, though.
I enjoyed the story. And the ending killed me. Part five was really the best piece of this book. It tied everything together so well.
I've not read this author before, but I'll be checking out his other works.
I miss well written books, and this was well written!]]> 4.20 2012 Between Two Fires
author: Christopher Buehlman
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/06
date added: 2025/04/06
shelves:
review:
It's not a horror, but it is very dark.
There are a few perspectives, even from a mouse at one point, and they can be difficult to follow at times.
It's not what I expected from a dark fantasy; while there are stakes and quests, there are no real battles. So, not a lot of action. It is very thought-provoking and engaging, though.
I enjoyed the story. And the ending killed me. Part five was really the best piece of this book. It tied everything together so well.
I've not read this author before, but I'll be checking out his other works.
I miss well written books, and this was well written!
]]> <![CDATA[Of Blood and Fire (The Bound and the Broken, #1)]]> 56750401 Born in fire. Tempered in blood.

Epheria is a land divided by war and mistrust. The High Lords of the south squabble and fight, only kept in check by the Dragonguard, traitors of a time long past, who serve the empire of the North.

In the remote villages of southern Epheria, still reeling from the tragic loss of his brother, Calen Bryer prepares for The Proving—a test of courage and skill that not all survive.

But when three strangers arrive in the village of Milltown, with a secret they are willing to die for, Calen’s world is ripped from under him and he is thrust headfirst into a war that has been raging for centuries.

There is no prophecy. His coming was not foretold.

He bleeds like any man, and bleed he will. ]]> 541 Ryan Cahill Jagged 0 to-read 4.09 2021 Of Blood and Fire (The Bound and the Broken, #1)
author: Ryan Cahill
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Strike It Witch (Smokethorn Paranormals #1)]]> 220148420 “Thanks for your concern, but I don’t need your protection. I have a mystical cat, an unprincipled gnome with a violent streak, and I have my magic.�

Betty Lennox is an elemental witch on a mission to leave her desert hometown of Smokethorn, California, for good. But first, she needs to sell the property she inherited from her mother to someone who, among other things, doesn’t mind living in a paranormal seniors' trailer park in a town where it’s so hot in summer that the local demons head back to Hades to cool off.

She’s also running low on cash to keep up the protection spell on the park. When she’s offered a job to procure a cursed grimoire, one so dangerous the local coven won’t touch it, she takes it. Even though the job comes from a vicious wolf alpha who won’t rest until she’s dead.

To get the grimoire and keep her soul, she’ll have to lean on her partner—a magic cat named Fennel—Cecil, a homicidal garden gnome, a graveyard demon, her retired necromancer best friend, and her second-least favorite bartender in town, who also just happens to be the wolf alpha’s son.

If they can manage to work together without killing each other, Betty just might survive.

For fans of urban fantasy with a side of slow-burn romance.]]> 264 C.P. Rider 1736735721 Jagged 1 Can't

I tried...
It was going okay, but holy shit, it's mostly name dropping songs and talking to a cat that constantly says, "Meow." And somehow, Betty carries on a conversation with that. It got annoying really fast.

I got 50% through, but couldn't take reading about the authors taste in music instead of the storyline anymore. Once or twice, I could deal with. Constantly, though? No. Knock that off. First, it alienates your readers who either do not know or do not like that music. Two, authors shouldn't interject themselves into the main character unless it's a biography. Just put a Playlist in the beginning or end of your book if your music taste is so important.

Anyway, it ruined this book for me. ]]> 4.39 2024 Strike It Witch (Smokethorn Paranormals #1)
author: C.P. Rider
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2024
rating: 1
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/05
shelves:
review:
Can't

I tried...
It was going okay, but holy shit, it's mostly name dropping songs and talking to a cat that constantly says, "Meow." And somehow, Betty carries on a conversation with that. It got annoying really fast.

I got 50% through, but couldn't take reading about the authors taste in music instead of the storyline anymore. Once or twice, I could deal with. Constantly, though? No. Knock that off. First, it alienates your readers who either do not know or do not like that music. Two, authors shouldn't interject themselves into the main character unless it's a biography. Just put a Playlist in the beginning or end of your book if your music taste is so important.

Anyway, it ruined this book for me.
]]> <![CDATA[The Blood Destiny Series (Blood Destiny, #1-5)]]> 25372299 The complete Blood Destiny box set. This series has sold over 100,000 copies - now you can read all five books together.

Bloodfire

Mackenzie Smith has always known that she was different. Growing up as the only human in a pack of rural shapeshifters will do that to you, but then couple it with some mean fighting skills and a fiery temper and you end up with a woman that few will dare to cross. However, when the only father figure in her life is brutally murdered, and the dangerous Brethren with their predatory Lord Alpha come to investigate, Mack has to not only ensure the physical safety of her adopted family by hiding her apparent humanity, she also has to seek the blood-soaked vengeance that she craves.

Bloodmagic

Mack is trying to lead a quiet lonely life in Inverness in rural Scotland, away from anyone who might happen to be a shapeshifter. However, when she lands a job at an old bookstore owned by a mysterious elderly woman who not only has a familiar passion for herbal lore but also seems to know more than she should, Mack ends up caught in a maelstrom between the Ministry of Mages, the Fae and the Brethren.

Bloodrage

Feeling attacked on all fronts, Mack is finding it harder and harder to keep a rein on her temper. Forced to live at the Ministry's academy of magic, attend anger management classes and deal with the predatory attentions of Corrigan, the Lord Alpha of the shapeshifter world, her emotions start to unravel.

Blood Politics

Living in London, and with the opening of the new improved city version of Clava Books mere days away, things appear to be settling down. Other than the terrible nightmares about dragons, that is. Or the fact that she's being constantly tailed by a string of mages, shifters and faeries, all of whom are constantly demanding her attention. And that's without even bringing the temptation of Corrigan, Lord Alpha of the Brethren, into the equation.

Then, when a local dryad asks her for some help, things really start to fire up. There are some long hot summer days ahead...

Bloodlust

All Mack has to do is defeat a necromancer, win back Corrigan and live happily ever after. From the streets of London and Russia, to the beaches of Cornwall, will she be able to ever win the day?]]> 1710 Helen Harper Jagged 3 Finally done

First few books were good. Last two books weren't. Final book sucked.

The romance was low key, so if you like romance, avoid this one. There's no real connection formed and little interaction between the two. Mack makes every stupid decision to keep it from progressing. They're not a good match, mainly, Corrigan could do so much better. She was awful to him, and her shitty behavior was never addressed.

If you like strong willed, over powered females that are only in it for themselves and never have to accept accountability for anything they do, this will also be for you. Mack doesn't grow. She's an asshole. She becomes everything she supposedly hates but never answers to it. She gets everything she wants but doesn't have to work for any of it.

The stakes are low. Nothing seriously dramatic happens. The final showdown is anticlimactic. By the fourth book, I was tired of this series.

The good is that the characters around Mack are very entertaining. They grow and deal with consequences of their actions so Harper certainly can write that, she just chose not to for the main character that was in dire need of it.

I've read a few other books of hers and haven't been impressed. If you like YA style writing for older characters, then this author is for you.]]> 4.43 2015 The Blood Destiny Series (Blood Destiny, #1-5)
author: Helen Harper
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/02
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves:
review:
Finally done

First few books were good. Last two books weren't. Final book sucked.

The romance was low key, so if you like romance, avoid this one. There's no real connection formed and little interaction between the two. Mack makes every stupid decision to keep it from progressing. They're not a good match, mainly, Corrigan could do so much better. She was awful to him, and her shitty behavior was never addressed.

If you like strong willed, over powered females that are only in it for themselves and never have to accept accountability for anything they do, this will also be for you. Mack doesn't grow. She's an asshole. She becomes everything she supposedly hates but never answers to it. She gets everything she wants but doesn't have to work for any of it.

The stakes are low. Nothing seriously dramatic happens. The final showdown is anticlimactic. By the fourth book, I was tired of this series.

The good is that the characters around Mack are very entertaining. They grow and deal with consequences of their actions so Harper certainly can write that, she just chose not to for the main character that was in dire need of it.

I've read a few other books of hers and haven't been impressed. If you like YA style writing for older characters, then this author is for you.
]]> <![CDATA[A Luna's Revenge: Stone Mountain Shifters]]> 217960978
Subsequently, Jenson has an affair with another female at an Alpha conference, resulting in a possible pregnancy. To Charlie’s shock, the female arrives at their home ready to give birth, while Jenson and the pack accept her with open arms.

As the outsider’s demands grow outrageous, Charlie’s pain turns into rage. Having been betrayed and rejected, she must decide whether to fight or take drastic actions. Amid the turmoil, Charlie discovers the possibility of a different future, as Jenson faces the consequences of his infidelity.

You know what they say...a Luna's revenge is best served HOT!]]> 295 Melanie Jaynes Jagged 2 Rough

This is poorly written, but I liked the idea behind it, and the twist was good.
There's a warning that it repeats itself, but so much of it didn't need to be repeated. It didn't always enhance the story. It just made it tedious as hell for the second half. There are times where it is repeated more than twice because of the different perspectives. That's too much.

The dialogue was terrible. This really ruined the feel of the book. It's so stilted and robotic. Nothing really flows properly.

Oftentimes, Jaynes forgot which perspective she was writing from, and the tenses were also all over the place.

Not a bad idea. Executed messily. Terrible flow. And honestly, it lost me at the end. I wasn't happy with how quickly Charlie moved on from such a traumatic event. Too rushed to get the horribly sappy ending. Not to mention the unnecessary angst right at the end... it was out of place and overkill.
]]> 3.93 A Luna's Revenge: Stone Mountain Shifters
author: Melanie Jaynes
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.93
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/03
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves:
review:
Rough

This is poorly written, but I liked the idea behind it, and the twist was good.
There's a warning that it repeats itself, but so much of it didn't need to be repeated. It didn't always enhance the story. It just made it tedious as hell for the second half. There are times where it is repeated more than twice because of the different perspectives. That's too much.

The dialogue was terrible. This really ruined the feel of the book. It's so stilted and robotic. Nothing really flows properly.

Oftentimes, Jaynes forgot which perspective she was writing from, and the tenses were also all over the place.

Not a bad idea. Executed messily. Terrible flow. And honestly, it lost me at the end. I wasn't happy with how quickly Charlie moved on from such a traumatic event. Too rushed to get the horribly sappy ending. Not to mention the unnecessary angst right at the end... it was out of place and overkill.

]]> <![CDATA[The Doomed Prince (A Feud So Dark and Lovely, #2)]]> 61367950
Hate him. Hunt him. But never let him break your heart. Return to Letta and Kier's world of magic, enemies, and intrigue in the second A Feud So Dark and Lovely book.

The Doomed Prince is an enemies to lovers fantasy romance with a revenge-sworn heroine and a brooding goblin prince. Expect scorching spice and a dark mystery that lovers of Hades & Persephone and Beauty & The Beast will enjoy.]]> 236 Leigh Kelsey Jagged 3 Rushed

It's not as good as the first one.
I had high expectations after how this book started. But as it moved along, it became clear that there wasn't much of a direction or plan.

There are a lot of errors in this book as well. It's like these authors didn't spot check each other.

I'm not really digging how this morphed from a grey moral book into more about being good, either. I've read this story in every other romantacy out there. Zabalette has become pretty much every other MFC, too.
She lost her spark. She went from not really caring about killing people to being guilty about it during a battle.... yeah, it kinda lost me. It didn't help that the twist wasn't a twist, nor was it set up properly.
Don't get me started on how this ended.

It had potential, but it went entirely in the wrong direction.]]> 4.02 2023 The Doomed Prince (A Feud So Dark and Lovely, #2)
author: Leigh Kelsey
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/25
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves:
review:
Rushed

It's not as good as the first one.
I had high expectations after how this book started. But as it moved along, it became clear that there wasn't much of a direction or plan.

There are a lot of errors in this book as well. It's like these authors didn't spot check each other.

I'm not really digging how this morphed from a grey moral book into more about being good, either. I've read this story in every other romantacy out there. Zabalette has become pretty much every other MFC, too.
She lost her spark. She went from not really caring about killing people to being guilty about it during a battle.... yeah, it kinda lost me. It didn't help that the twist wasn't a twist, nor was it set up properly.
Don't get me started on how this ended.

It had potential, but it went entirely in the wrong direction.
]]> Bloodlust (Blood Destiny #5) 18247645
Mack Smith, a fiery Draco Wyr, is battling to come to terms with her emotions, her heritage and her true capabilities. All she has to do is defeat Endor, win back Corrigan and live happily ever after. From the streets of London and Russia, to the beaches of Cornwall, will she be able to ever win the day?]]> 256 Helen Harper Jagged 2 4.07 2013 Bloodlust (Blood Destiny #5)
author: Helen Harper
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2013
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/02
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Blood Politics (Blood Destiny, #4)]]> 17837545
Then, when a local dryad asks her for some help, things really start to fire up. There are some long hot summer days ahead...]]> 220 Helen Harper Jagged 3 Love the rest of the story with the exception of how this ended. Mack never lets people push her around, so why now?
She's a bitch. She knows she is. She's not empowered.... she's just a cunt. So, at least she gets something thrown back at her.
But honestly, there has been no effort put into the romance. So that's really disappointing.

I'm leaving the original rating from the first read. And I'd have pegged this as 2.5 to 3 anyway.]]> 4.05 2013 Blood Politics (Blood Destiny, #4)
author: Helen Harper
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves:
review:
Getting tired of Mack's lack of growth.
Love the rest of the story with the exception of how this ended. Mack never lets people push her around, so why now?
She's a bitch. She knows she is. She's not empowered.... she's just a cunt. So, at least she gets something thrown back at her.
But honestly, there has been no effort put into the romance. So that's really disappointing.

I'm leaving the original rating from the first read. And I'd have pegged this as 2.5 to 3 anyway.
]]> Bloodrage (Blood Destiny, #3) 17568427
Feeling attacked on all fronts, Mack finds it harder and harder to keep a rein on her temper. Forced to attend anger management classes and deal with the predatory attentions of Corrigan, the Lord Alpha of the shapeshifter world, her emotions start to unravel. But when she comes across a familiar text within the walls of the mages' library, which might just provide the clues she needs to unlock the secrets of her background and her dragon blood, she realises that her problems are only just beginning...]]> 237 Helen Harper Jagged 4 Is a good series of you're looking for a strong-willed, hard-headed female character. Mack is definitely that. Even when she's wrong and knows it, this girl will keep being an irritating gnat, but she is who she is.
The romance isn't a slow burn; it's a crawling trail of what might be sparks that never actually combust. I'm leaving the initial stars alone, but I'd probably give it about the same now anyway because of the risks taken. And it's a fun read.]]> 4.04 2013 Bloodrage (Blood Destiny, #3)
author: Helen Harper
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/30
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves:
review:
Still not recalling much from the first read. Might be better that way, really.
Is a good series of you're looking for a strong-willed, hard-headed female character. Mack is definitely that. Even when she's wrong and knows it, this girl will keep being an irritating gnat, but she is who she is.
The romance isn't a slow burn; it's a crawling trail of what might be sparks that never actually combust. I'm leaving the initial stars alone, but I'd probably give it about the same now anyway because of the risks taken. And it's a fun read.
]]> <![CDATA[Bloodmagic (Blood Destiny, #2)]]> 17191855
Now she has to decide between staying hidden and facing the music, as well as confronting her real feelings for the green eyed power of Corrigan himself.

This is the second book in the popular urban fantasy series, Blood Destiny.]]> 264 Helen Harper Jagged 3 The storyline is good. Mack's character is solid. Even if she can be terribly annoying, she holds to her development.
She trusts too easily with new characters to keep the plot moving and the book to a shorter length, so it's not the best of the best I've ever read, but the side characters are used. This is sadly a bygone these days. Even from this author. I'm hoping side characters become a thing again. They really impact the read for the better.]]> 4.02 2012 Bloodmagic (Blood Destiny, #2)
author: Helen Harper
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/29
date added: 2025/03/29
shelves:
review:
5 years later, I only recalled a little bit of this book.
The storyline is good. Mack's character is solid. Even if she can be terribly annoying, she holds to her development.
She trusts too easily with new characters to keep the plot moving and the book to a shorter length, so it's not the best of the best I've ever read, but the side characters are used. This is sadly a bygone these days. Even from this author. I'm hoping side characters become a thing again. They really impact the read for the better.
]]> Bloodfire (Blood Destiny, #1) 17191839 317 Helen Harper Jagged 3 This was fun, though the characters are completely daft when it comes to putting two and two together.]]> 3.96 2012 Bloodfire (Blood Destiny, #1)
author: Helen Harper
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2012
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/28
date added: 2025/03/29
shelves:
review:
It's been a long time since I read this, and I don't recall much from the first time I read it.
This was fun, though the characters are completely daft when it comes to putting two and two together.
]]> <![CDATA[Shadows of Winter (The Curse and the Crown, #1)]]> 211771113 she runs headlong into the powerful royal ranger, Lord Vlerion. He’s aloof, sexy, dangerous, and� he accuses her of being a spy.

To remove suspicion from her name, Kaylina must work with him to stop the real danger to the crown.

But she soon learns that Vlerion suffers from a curse. When he experiences strong emotions, he turns into a deadly beast who can’t tell friend from foe.

Irking him would be a bad idea. Developing feelings for him would be even worse. Unfortunately, as Kaylina spends more time with Vlerion, she struggles with both.

If she can’t keep from rousing the beast, she won’t clear her name, fulfill her dream, or even survive the week.

~

Shadows of Winter is the first in a romantic fantasy series perfect for fans of Beauty and the Beast and enemies-to-lovers stories.]]> 388 Lindsay Buroker Jagged 2 Cheesey and slow

This isn't a long book, but it drags.
There's not much excitement and the action is mostly watered down.
I'm not sure what about this makes it high fantasy outside of how slow it is.
I did like the taybarris and I'd love one, but like another reader pointed out, I don't really know what they look like. With so little description, I've pegged them as a blue Falcor with fangs.
The romance was okay, but lacking interactions that highlight the growth.
There are a ton of plot holes. So many things that are not properly explored, so it's obvious that the plot is forced because of it.
I'm not really interested in a cure for the curse. I'd rather Vlerion just be that way, it kind of cheapens everything he is by holding a curse over him.
I didn't mind Kaylina but she isn't really utilized beyond blushing. She is easily misdirected. She was nonplussed by revelations, which made everything feel kind of bland. She didn't fully explore anything. Nothing was resolved in this book.
The same plot devise was used, being arrested for something she didn't do.

I can't say that this was very impressive. But if you don't mind slow everything, this might be something for you.]]> 4.44 2024 Shadows of Winter (The Curse and the Crown, #1)
author: Lindsay Buroker
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2024/09/11
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves:
review:
Cheesey and slow

This isn't a long book, but it drags.
There's not much excitement and the action is mostly watered down.
I'm not sure what about this makes it high fantasy outside of how slow it is.
I did like the taybarris and I'd love one, but like another reader pointed out, I don't really know what they look like. With so little description, I've pegged them as a blue Falcor with fangs.
The romance was okay, but lacking interactions that highlight the growth.
There are a ton of plot holes. So many things that are not properly explored, so it's obvious that the plot is forced because of it.
I'm not really interested in a cure for the curse. I'd rather Vlerion just be that way, it kind of cheapens everything he is by holding a curse over him.
I didn't mind Kaylina but she isn't really utilized beyond blushing. She is easily misdirected. She was nonplussed by revelations, which made everything feel kind of bland. She didn't fully explore anything. Nothing was resolved in this book.
The same plot devise was used, being arrested for something she didn't do.

I can't say that this was very impressive. But if you don't mind slow everything, this might be something for you.
]]> The Barren Luna 221237203 The pack Elders keep pressuring the Alpha to take an unmated pack female to breed, and he eventually gives in, breaking his Luna's heart in the process.
The OW, of course, has her own agenda in all of this.]]> 256 Daria T. Rowan Jagged 3 Decent

For the topic, I think it was handled so well.
It wasn't written very well, but it wasn't awful.
The dialogue was rough. The plot was choppy.
But the message was beautiful.
]]> 4.15 The Barren Luna
author: Daria T. Rowan
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/26
date added: 2025/03/26
shelves:
review:
Decent

For the topic, I think it was handled so well.
It wasn't written very well, but it wasn't awful.
The dialogue was rough. The plot was choppy.
But the message was beautiful.

]]> <![CDATA[The Goblin’s Bride (A Feud So Dark and Lovely, #1)]]> 58741504 He thinks I’m an innocent bride. He’ll learn the truth with my knife to his throat.

The goblin prince killed my sister. Twisted with grief, I’ve waited for a chance to get justice for years, and the perfect opportunity presents itself: the goblin prince will agree to a ceasefire with his human enemies, but only if a sacrifice is given. A human woman. A bride.

Veiled and shrouded, I offer myself as the prince’s sacrifice, wearing a liar’s smile as I wait for sundown so I can cut his throat in his sleep.

But the goblin prince is indestructible. And worse—he’s cultured and charming. If I’m not careful, I’ll lose my head.

Or my heart.

The Goblin’s Bride is an enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance for fans of Sylvia Mercedes and Sarah J. Maas, with a revenge-sworn heroine and a brooding goblin prince. There’ll be kisses, sizzling tension, and a dark mystery that lovers of Hades & Persephone and Beauty & The Beast will enjoy.

This book is medium burn, with moderate heat, and a single love interest.]]> 251 Leigh Kelsey Jagged 4 Loved it

What a refreshing MFC!
And also, not a HEA yet. I'm so pleased.

I went into this with really low expectations because, well, everything in this genre is pretty much the same thing over and over. The MFC is always meek. Well, that's not the case here!

I immediately liked Letta. I still do; she's still herself, even though she's grown so much throughout this book. I love that she attempted her goal rather than abandoning it and that there were consequences!

I enjoyed the banter. My only gripe is the lack of real interaction and connection with the side characters.

It was a very fun read. I had thought this was going to close out, and the next book would be about someone else, so I was prepared to bail out, but that isn't the case either. Bravo. I needed this book. ]]> 3.99 2022 The Goblin’s Bride (A Feud So Dark and Lovely, #1)
author: Leigh Kelsey
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/24
date added: 2025/03/24
shelves:
review:
Loved it

What a refreshing MFC!
And also, not a HEA yet. I'm so pleased.

I went into this with really low expectations because, well, everything in this genre is pretty much the same thing over and over. The MFC is always meek. Well, that's not the case here!

I immediately liked Letta. I still do; she's still herself, even though she's grown so much throughout this book. I love that she attempted her goal rather than abandoning it and that there were consequences!

I enjoyed the banter. My only gripe is the lack of real interaction and connection with the side characters.

It was a very fun read. I had thought this was going to close out, and the next book would be about someone else, so I was prepared to bail out, but that isn't the case either. Bravo. I needed this book.
]]> Silent Luna 36058353 261 Sabrina Noury 1680309285 Jagged 1 Awful

This was not a werewolf book. This just needed werewolf traits to hold the relationship together.
Repetitive plot devices that always had Grace passing out and waking in a hospital. The plot made no sense. None of it had any business happening.

The tenses were all over the place. Present tense and past tense being used in the same sentence.

This was such an empty read. The situation wasn't written well. Grace was incredibly bold after less than a week. And everyone treated her with kids gloves. Constantly.

This is....terrible. ]]> 3.66 Silent Luna
author: Sabrina Noury
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.66
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2025/03/23
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves:
review:
Awful

This was not a werewolf book. This just needed werewolf traits to hold the relationship together.
Repetitive plot devices that always had Grace passing out and waking in a hospital. The plot made no sense. None of it had any business happening.

The tenses were all over the place. Present tense and past tense being used in the same sentence.

This was such an empty read. The situation wasn't written well. Grace was incredibly bold after less than a week. And everyone treated her with kids gloves. Constantly.

This is....terrible.
]]> <![CDATA[Bound by Deception (The Enforcer's Bride #1)]]> 214291422
Outlander meets The Witcher and Throne of Glass. BOUND BY DECEPTION is a high-stakes Fantasy Romance with enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn delicious spice, a mail-order-bride, and a dark and lush world inspired by Celtic myth.

Bree Fellshadow is a master assassin, but when she’s sent to work as a spy in the enemy court, she finds herself out of her depth.

Killing the queen’s enemies is easy compared to pretending to be a biddable wife or dealing with her obnoxious chief-enforcer husband—a powerful warrior-druid who both enrages and unsettles her.

Cailean mac Brochan is also worryingly suspicious, and she keeps drawing his attention. But Bree must gain his trust, to learn where and when the enemy will strike.

That is � if she survives long enough.

From best-selling author Jayne Castel comes a brand new, Romantic Fantasy duology, where druids, mortals, and Fae collide with Celtic myth. If you love stories about betrayal, sacrifice, divided loyalties, and redemption—and if you like fierce, stabby heroines, and grumpy, protective heroes—you won’t be able to put down this addictive Romantasy.]]> 340 Jayne Castel 1991280076 Jagged 2 Hmm we'll go with two

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book.

The cadence is all wrong, and the plot is incredibly disjointed. Too much time was spent on Bree ultimately doing and learning nothing. The romance switched suddenly without a reason for these characters to form any kind of bond. They spent little time together, and what time they did was spent in hostility.

Elements of this story didn't line up together. Things happened with no real reason to discern why they even would.

But I did like Bree. She failed miserably and was much too naive, but her overall personality was refreshing. There was also growth for Bree.

Cailean was a different story. There really wasn't anything about him to like, even for Bree to like. He was cold and didn't thaw at all. His expectations that a woman should smother herself until she bled out her entire self wasn't challenged. His conditions were cruel. Expecting a submissive, timid wife is one thing. Expecting a woman to forgo her entire essence and to be silent and unwanted is something else entirely.
I think Cailean needs a reckoning with himself. And Bree should've given him the last entry in Fia's diary and let him know her fate was kinder.

It ended okay. I'm not in any hurry to read further. But I've definitely read worse than this.]]> 3.79 Bound by Deception (The Enforcer's Bride #1)
author: Jayne Castel
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.79
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/22
date added: 2025/03/22
shelves:
review:
Hmm we'll go with two

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book.

The cadence is all wrong, and the plot is incredibly disjointed. Too much time was spent on Bree ultimately doing and learning nothing. The romance switched suddenly without a reason for these characters to form any kind of bond. They spent little time together, and what time they did was spent in hostility.

Elements of this story didn't line up together. Things happened with no real reason to discern why they even would.

But I did like Bree. She failed miserably and was much too naive, but her overall personality was refreshing. There was also growth for Bree.

Cailean was a different story. There really wasn't anything about him to like, even for Bree to like. He was cold and didn't thaw at all. His expectations that a woman should smother herself until she bled out her entire self wasn't challenged. His conditions were cruel. Expecting a submissive, timid wife is one thing. Expecting a woman to forgo her entire essence and to be silent and unwanted is something else entirely.
I think Cailean needs a reckoning with himself. And Bree should've given him the last entry in Fia's diary and let him know her fate was kinder.

It ended okay. I'm not in any hurry to read further. But I've definitely read worse than this.
]]> The Midnight Arrow 223163012 “Tell me a secret, little witch.�

Marion enjoys her quiet life of solitude in the shadowy woods of the Black Veil, where even the local villagers don’t dare venture. She sells her healing potions at the village market by day and tends to her otherworldly garden by night, caring for her magical bees and furry familiar, Peek, at their cottage.

Then, one moonlit night, she encounters a devilishly handsome male—with powerful wings, sharp fangs, and high fae-like beauty—shot through with a lethal poisoned arrow.

Under her healer’s oath, she’s bound by magic to try to save the mysterious stranger. But as she nurses him back to health, she begins to suspect that Lorik Ravael isn’t quite what he seems. He knows too much about the Black Veil, rumored to be the entrance to the Below, a realm of dangerous magic and soulless monsters. Yet she’s drawn to him, bewitched by his luminous eyes, seductive grin, and silver tongue of riddles.

But as their forbidden desire ignites, she fears Lorik is hiding darker secrets than she imagined—secrets that could cost her a heart she isn’t willing to give.

The Midnight Arrow was previously published in The Lovely A Monster Romance Anthology by Emma Hamm, Juliette Cross, and Zoey Draven. This edition includes a bonus short story and can be read as a standalone.]]> 236 Zoey Draven Jagged 1 Bland

It's a short story, really.

Marion is one dimensional. I'm not sure how old she is, but it doesn't really matter. She's empty.

There was no real point to this story. There's not a plot. It's really a sappy, boring love story?

There's no excitement, no action, no adversity. There's not really any emotion, either. It's incredibly flat.

It's more of an idea than anything else.

Couldn't tell you who the target audience is. People who enjoy short stories, perhaps? That's really what this is.
Also, there's typos all over this thing. ]]> 3.93 2025 The Midnight Arrow
author: Zoey Draven
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2025
rating: 1
read at: 2025/03/20
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves:
review:
Bland

It's a short story, really.

Marion is one dimensional. I'm not sure how old she is, but it doesn't really matter. She's empty.

There was no real point to this story. There's not a plot. It's really a sappy, boring love story?

There's no excitement, no action, no adversity. There's not really any emotion, either. It's incredibly flat.

It's more of an idea than anything else.

Couldn't tell you who the target audience is. People who enjoy short stories, perhaps? That's really what this is.
Also, there's typos all over this thing.
]]> <![CDATA[Relics of the Wolf (Magnetic Magic #2)]]> 223060101
Frustrated, angry, and betrayed, she must find the mysterious artifact she lost, unravel the politics of the pack, and defend against attempts on her life.

With everything intertwined, she has a daunting road ahead, and her conflicting feelings about the lone werewolf, Duncan, aren’t helping anything. She doubts she can trust him, no matter how charming he is, but she may need to if she wants to get to the bottom of her troubles—and survive the week.]]> 245 Lindsay Buroker Jagged 3 Cute

Don't look closely, there's plot holes everywhere. But it's a fun read.
I like Duncan. I'm getting used to Luna, though she's not my favorite. Their banter is good, though. ]]> 4.49 2025 Relics of the Wolf (Magnetic Magic #2)
author: Lindsay Buroker
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/17
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves:
review:
Cute

Don't look closely, there's plot holes everywhere. But it's a fun read.
I like Duncan. I'm getting used to Luna, though she's not my favorite. Their banter is good, though.
]]> Assassin (Darkblade, #1) 57938414 All in Voramis know the legend of the Hunter.
Relentless. Immortal. Death walking. The greatest assassin who ever lived.
Pay the master killer his due and the Hunter will execute any target, carry out any contract, no matter how impossible.

But when the Bloody Hand crime syndicate harms the innocents under his protection, they foolishly make an enemy of the one man they can’t afford to anger. The price of the Hunter’s vengeance is high—paid in blood and eternal damnation. Not even an army of crooks, cutthroats, and demonic creatures of nightmare can stand in his way.

He’s far more than just one man…he’s the Keeper-damned Hunter of Voramis. ]]> 962 Andy Peloquin Jagged 4 3.5 stars rounded

There is definitely something here.

This book was really long. Unnecessarily long. A lot of repetition that should have been cut out. A lot of the action scenes, particularly with the demons, were almost verbatim.

However, the story is robust. There are a lot of elements running through this. And a lot is taking place at once. There are characters, descriptions, and scenarios that appear to be happenstance or meaningless but turn out to be very important. I liked that.

And the risks this author takes! I'm not about to yell. Actually, I have been looking for something with consequences. This book delivers there.

I struggle with third-person perspective. And well, male authors seem to love that perspective. Most males I know also love that perspective. So it is what it is. This certainly wasn't written for women. And I'm fine with that, too.
So I never really connected with the main character. A lot of his thoughts felt superficial to me. His motivation was clear, and his character development was built well over the course of the read. Being that he never had a name might be part of the lack of connection for me.

I loved the plot. I liked that everything connected in some way. This is not quite Mark Lawrence maniacal and just misses the mark on full engagement. It was kind of slow for me, and several times, I was tempted to skim, even with all the death. I think that the repetitive language and description were the cause of this.

Still. This is a solid story. I'll read the next one. ]]> 4.18 2021 Assassin (Darkblade, #1)
author: Andy Peloquin
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/16
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves:
review:
3.5 stars rounded

There is definitely something here.

This book was really long. Unnecessarily long. A lot of repetition that should have been cut out. A lot of the action scenes, particularly with the demons, were almost verbatim.

However, the story is robust. There are a lot of elements running through this. And a lot is taking place at once. There are characters, descriptions, and scenarios that appear to be happenstance or meaningless but turn out to be very important. I liked that.

And the risks this author takes! I'm not about to yell. Actually, I have been looking for something with consequences. This book delivers there.

I struggle with third-person perspective. And well, male authors seem to love that perspective. Most males I know also love that perspective. So it is what it is. This certainly wasn't written for women. And I'm fine with that, too.
So I never really connected with the main character. A lot of his thoughts felt superficial to me. His motivation was clear, and his character development was built well over the course of the read. Being that he never had a name might be part of the lack of connection for me.

I loved the plot. I liked that everything connected in some way. This is not quite Mark Lawrence maniacal and just misses the mark on full engagement. It was kind of slow for me, and several times, I was tempted to skim, even with all the death. I think that the repetitive language and description were the cause of this.

Still. This is a solid story. I'll read the next one.
]]> <![CDATA[Ruin (The Infernis Duology #1)]]> 217101858
King Renwick rules the rival kingdom of Infernis, the land of the dead. When Oralia flees the palace of Aethera after her power is let loose with deadly results, he recognizes her potential as a weapon and aids her escape.

Oralia finds herself the prisoner of the man she has been taught to fear most, and Renwick is surprised to find there is more to this princess than her untamed powers. Despite the gulf of secrets and magic between them, Renwick can’t deny the pull he feels towards her, and Oralia struggles to resist the one person who cannot only survive her touch, but craves it.

As Oralia uncovers the truth of her parentage and masters her magic, she will discover that the power to raze or save either Aethera or Infernis lies in her hands. War between the two kingdoms looms and she must decide who she can trust and which she wants power or love.

Ruin is a true slow burn romance, with enemies to lovers, nods to multiple mythological stories reimagined into new lore, LGBTQIA+ representation (supporting characters). ]]> 387 Gillian Eliza West Jagged 2 1.7 stars

.... nothing actually happened in this book.

There are a number of issues I take with this book. But before that, I want to note the potential of the premise. There could have been something here. Certainly, the world had a lot to work with, but for some reason, West ignored it all.

The biggest issue was that everything was told to you. Almost nothing was shown to you. Most of the important interconnecting interactions happened off the page. It's all well and good that West could envision what happened here, but your readers need to actually see and experience it. We can't do that when you just tell us all this stuff happened. Also, that's incredibly boring.

The age of the characters did not in any way reflect their maturity level. They were supposed to be centuries old. But they read like children. This was especially problematic because this book was explicit, and that was incredibly disturbing. This was made worse because every sex scene was from the male perspective. It came across as creepy and like pedophilia given how Oralia was written. Just bad vibes.

West tries to be inclusive by incorporating a non binary character. On the face of it, I didn't care about that; however, somehow, everyone just knows their pronoun... immediately without being told. Their pronoun just happens to be "they." I can't begin to tell you how difficult it was to work my way around this when there were groups of people interacting who were also being referred to as "they." I got lost trying to figure out who was being referenced. Using Sid's name during these events would have helped a lot!

There was no plot. There were no struggles. Everything was superficial, shallow, and i wasn't convinced things needed to happen the way they happened. Especially how this ended.

Ren is one dimensional and very, very feminine. But he also doesn't feel like a god. Actually, none of them do.

There was NO action. None. Nada. What genre was this trying to break into? It's really sappy, with repetitive love scenes and minimal wholesome interaction.

I was completely underwhelmed.
Anyway, this is not for me. ]]> 3.93 Ruin (The Infernis Duology #1)
author: Gillian Eliza West
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.93
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/10
date added: 2025/03/10
shelves:
review:
1.7 stars

.... nothing actually happened in this book.

There are a number of issues I take with this book. But before that, I want to note the potential of the premise. There could have been something here. Certainly, the world had a lot to work with, but for some reason, West ignored it all.

The biggest issue was that everything was told to you. Almost nothing was shown to you. Most of the important interconnecting interactions happened off the page. It's all well and good that West could envision what happened here, but your readers need to actually see and experience it. We can't do that when you just tell us all this stuff happened. Also, that's incredibly boring.

The age of the characters did not in any way reflect their maturity level. They were supposed to be centuries old. But they read like children. This was especially problematic because this book was explicit, and that was incredibly disturbing. This was made worse because every sex scene was from the male perspective. It came across as creepy and like pedophilia given how Oralia was written. Just bad vibes.

West tries to be inclusive by incorporating a non binary character. On the face of it, I didn't care about that; however, somehow, everyone just knows their pronoun... immediately without being told. Their pronoun just happens to be "they." I can't begin to tell you how difficult it was to work my way around this when there were groups of people interacting who were also being referred to as "they." I got lost trying to figure out who was being referenced. Using Sid's name during these events would have helped a lot!

There was no plot. There were no struggles. Everything was superficial, shallow, and i wasn't convinced things needed to happen the way they happened. Especially how this ended.

Ren is one dimensional and very, very feminine. But he also doesn't feel like a god. Actually, none of them do.

There was NO action. None. Nada. What genre was this trying to break into? It's really sappy, with repetitive love scenes and minimal wholesome interaction.

I was completely underwhelmed.
Anyway, this is not for me.
]]> <![CDATA[Threaded (The Solstice Cycle, #1)]]> 213601948
Mariah had been preparing for this moment her entire life. Her twenty-first birthday was supposed to bring with it freedom � from expectation, from scrutiny, from the oppressive lord who reigns over her hometown. But when a letter arrives from the Queen summoning her to the capital for a ceremony that happens only once every few hundred years, she has no choice but to follow through on this final obligation before she can achieve her independence.

What she did not anticipate, however, was being chosen for a future she doesn’t want or deserve.

As Mariah is thrown into a world of cutthroat politics and ruthless power grabs, she is forced to come to terms with mysterious powers that both terrify her and that may hold the keys to saving a world that doesn’t even know it’s under siege. She also finds herself drawn to the brooding, disgraced son of a Lord, an unwilling member of her sworn guard, and the pull between them places Mariah in more danger than she can fathom. As they grow closer, uncovering the forgotten mysteries of their world and their gods, they begin to present a threat to the kingdom’s delicate balance of power…a threat that simply cannot be ignored.

Love is a weakness. Mariah must never forget that. But will she fall prey to it, anyways?]]> 602 Tay Rose Jagged 1 Nope

So much nope.
The first ten percent is at odds with itself. Mariah has a wonderful, loving family, but all she can think of is leaving and never looking back. Never going back. And supposedly not caring about it at all.
She had no friends. Doesn't want or need them. And has an awful personality. Yet, she's supposedly very talented in combat but has no balance.... those two things do not go together at all.
First secund at the palace, and she's strutting her stuff after thinking she'd hide in the background.... and immediately tries to make a new friend. These contradictions blow her character development to shreds and make her wide open to be anything, anyone, without rules to govern her persona.

I was already struggling with the long-winded, boring descriptions and the brief character interactions that held no life, but once this started heading into juvenile territory, I realized this YA style wasn't going to work for me. ]]> 3.98 Threaded (The Solstice Cycle, #1)
author: Tay Rose
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.98
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2025/03/07
date added: 2025/03/07
shelves:
review:
Nope

So much nope.
The first ten percent is at odds with itself. Mariah has a wonderful, loving family, but all she can think of is leaving and never looking back. Never going back. And supposedly not caring about it at all.
She had no friends. Doesn't want or need them. And has an awful personality. Yet, she's supposedly very talented in combat but has no balance.... those two things do not go together at all.
First secund at the palace, and she's strutting her stuff after thinking she'd hide in the background.... and immediately tries to make a new friend. These contradictions blow her character development to shreds and make her wide open to be anything, anyone, without rules to govern her persona.

I was already struggling with the long-winded, boring descriptions and the brief character interactions that held no life, but once this started heading into juvenile territory, I realized this YA style wasn't going to work for me.
]]> <![CDATA[Savage Daemons (The Waif in the Wilds #4)]]> 205123729
A Lightbringer has crept into our realm, slithering in before the deadline, with brand-new sinister plans. Chloe must face her past, her deepest fears, and survive a trek through the darkest depths of all the realms to get her true love back.

And Dwayne ... well, let's not spoil his story. Although the "King of Chaos" has a nice ring to it.]]> 266 Lauretta Hignett Jagged 2 Rushed

Yeah... last books are hard.
This was a mess, though.

I laughed three times. Every time because of Dwayne. I love that goose.

But what even happened here? It seems that Hignett forgot what the main plot of this series was. It wasn't bringing up old characters that those of us who haven't read the other series haven't even met. Given that they don't play an active role in any of this series, there was no place for them using up most of this book. It was a disaster.
It felt like I missed several books between the last book and this one. The whole story was off.

Barely any time was spent on the light bringers. The resolution was rushed and anticlimactic. It ruined everything.

Honestly, if I had known it would end like this, I wouldn't have read it. The first three books were great, this one completely missed the mark.]]> 4.32 2024 Savage Daemons (The Waif in the Wilds #4)
author: Lauretta Hignett
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/06
date added: 2025/03/06
shelves:
review:
Rushed

Yeah... last books are hard.
This was a mess, though.

I laughed three times. Every time because of Dwayne. I love that goose.

But what even happened here? It seems that Hignett forgot what the main plot of this series was. It wasn't bringing up old characters that those of us who haven't read the other series haven't even met. Given that they don't play an active role in any of this series, there was no place for them using up most of this book. It was a disaster.
It felt like I missed several books between the last book and this one. The whole story was off.

Barely any time was spent on the light bringers. The resolution was rushed and anticlimactic. It ruined everything.

Honestly, if I had known it would end like this, I wouldn't have read it. The first three books were great, this one completely missed the mark.
]]> <![CDATA[Green Vampire (Mackenzie Green #4)]]> 210630603 Mackenzie thought she could finally breathe after escaping the Governments clutches—but fate has other plans.

After being held captive and tortured for months, Mackenzie is finally home. But her peace is shattered when Master Dagmar asks for her help. Children are still going missing, and the Task Force created to stop these abductions is hitting road bumps at every turn.

With her powerful mate by her side, she must track down the Rogue, a monster vampire crazed from drinking supernatural blood.

Their hunt leads them to the Warrens, the vampire city below GreenRiver. Where they delve deep into the world of the undead. Together, Lucan and Mackenzie must stop the Rogue before more young lives are lost.

With their relationship still forming, can Lucan and Mackenzie strengthen their bond enough to finally overcome their foe? Or will the trauma of the past be the catalyst that tears them apart?]]> 408 J.S. Kennedy Jagged 2 Slow

There is so much downtime and such a slow plot in this that I skimmed most of it.
I won't be reading further. This wiring style doesn't work for me.
I need action.... real action. Not over explained, repetitive "action."

Now, while I can't stand MacKenzie, because she only cares about herself, how she feels, and ensures only her needs are met, I think the author did a good job with her trauma. The issue was how fickle it was, and really, it should've been present in the last book because it felt a bit forced in the beginning of this one.
Also, her choices affected people. There are consequences. Everyone treated her with kids' gloves. Someone needed to actually kick her ass. Her siblings.

Lucan was much better in this book. I liked that he didn't always back down to her awful behavior, but he's got emotional needs too, and they were not being met at all. Everything was about her. Now, she needed to heal, but she kept talking about "together" when really everything was on her terms. That's not real.

I will say this, Kennedy uses her characters. They're not throw away names. This is actually a very good thing, but easily overlooked because of the Scooby-Doo plots and juvenile writing. I don't think this author is ready for adult books, but she might do better with YA. Or work on her plot devices and dialogue so that it's more grown up.

Not for me, but younger readers might enjoy it. ]]> 4.40 2024 Green Vampire (Mackenzie Green #4)
author: J.S. Kennedy
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves:
review:
Slow

There is so much downtime and such a slow plot in this that I skimmed most of it.
I won't be reading further. This wiring style doesn't work for me.
I need action.... real action. Not over explained, repetitive "action."

Now, while I can't stand MacKenzie, because she only cares about herself, how she feels, and ensures only her needs are met, I think the author did a good job with her trauma. The issue was how fickle it was, and really, it should've been present in the last book because it felt a bit forced in the beginning of this one.
Also, her choices affected people. There are consequences. Everyone treated her with kids' gloves. Someone needed to actually kick her ass. Her siblings.

Lucan was much better in this book. I liked that he didn't always back down to her awful behavior, but he's got emotional needs too, and they were not being met at all. Everything was about her. Now, she needed to heal, but she kept talking about "together" when really everything was on her terms. That's not real.

I will say this, Kennedy uses her characters. They're not throw away names. This is actually a very good thing, but easily overlooked because of the Scooby-Doo plots and juvenile writing. I don't think this author is ready for adult books, but she might do better with YA. Or work on her plot devices and dialogue so that it's more grown up.

Not for me, but younger readers might enjoy it.
]]> <![CDATA[Green Shadow (Mackenzie Green, #3)]]> 63039006 Two paths, one fate.

Lucan now knows who—and what� Mackenzie truly is. She is Terra, the supernatural boogieman whose tales of carnage are used by parents to bring wayward children in line.

But she’s captive, and all his plans for the future are decimated� unless he can find her and bring her home.

Mackenzie—thrust back into the nightmare of her childhood—learns the awful truth. Her captors have no mercy� and now they know how to force her to do their bidding. Her achilleas heel. And they’ll use that knowledge against her in the worst possible way. But as her hopes for rescue dwindle, she must use every bit of her wits and skills just to survive. Because even in darkness, light can be found.

Mackenzie must hold out long enough for those she loves to free her, but every passing second brings her closer to crumbling under the weight of a past she can’t outrun.

Warning: This book contains concepts that might be disturbing to some readers. It references to rape for the purpose of breeding. There are no graphic scenes, and everything happens off page.]]> 417 J.S. Kennedy Jagged 2 Repetitive

This was a slow installment. The writing is still very childish for the most part.
Some aspects were good. I liked where things were going with Brooke, but everything happened off the page, so you missed out on what could have been a great addition to the read.

This is the book that's supposed to redeem Lucan.... it does the opposite. It highlights how awful he is and how he isn't a good match at all.
The idea is that he isn't perfect, and he needs to work on himself while also struggling with who MacKenzie is....
Here's the issue.... he knew the circumstances for what she was, so this didn't work well. It made him out to be holier than thou and judgmental. Not once does he acknowledge that or put himself in her shoes. He was also holding crimes above her head that someone else forced her hand in. Overall, I think this would've been better had he severed the bond, knowing he wasn't right for her.
The other issue with this is the implication that Lucan needed to change to actually be compatible. He had to pass tests, essentially, to remain worthy. I just can see how people would feel if it were MacKenzie in his place.

The plot for this one included a tournament. Combat isn't Kennedy's strength, so it's cringey. I mean, we have silly shit talking scenes that don't belong. The whole thing reminded me of little kids squaring off in an alley somewhere, not professionals. None of the abilities these characters are supposed to have are utilized. It was boring.

There's a rape scene...kinda. You know with plenty of time that it's coming and you know it happened. It isn't on the page. But... it isn't done well either. Honestly, it wasn't necessary. It doesn't actually do much for how MacKenzie thinks, behaves, or expresses trauma later. It was more a cheap shot that should have been left out.

The best thing about this series is the family dynamic. That is done very well. Here's hoping the next book is the final book... I'm about done with this series. ]]> 4.31 2022 Green Shadow (Mackenzie Green, #3)
author: J.S. Kennedy
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/01
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves:
review:
Repetitive

This was a slow installment. The writing is still very childish for the most part.
Some aspects were good. I liked where things were going with Brooke, but everything happened off the page, so you missed out on what could have been a great addition to the read.

This is the book that's supposed to redeem Lucan.... it does the opposite. It highlights how awful he is and how he isn't a good match at all.
The idea is that he isn't perfect, and he needs to work on himself while also struggling with who MacKenzie is....
Here's the issue.... he knew the circumstances for what she was, so this didn't work well. It made him out to be holier than thou and judgmental. Not once does he acknowledge that or put himself in her shoes. He was also holding crimes above her head that someone else forced her hand in. Overall, I think this would've been better had he severed the bond, knowing he wasn't right for her.
The other issue with this is the implication that Lucan needed to change to actually be compatible. He had to pass tests, essentially, to remain worthy. I just can see how people would feel if it were MacKenzie in his place.

The plot for this one included a tournament. Combat isn't Kennedy's strength, so it's cringey. I mean, we have silly shit talking scenes that don't belong. The whole thing reminded me of little kids squaring off in an alley somewhere, not professionals. None of the abilities these characters are supposed to have are utilized. It was boring.

There's a rape scene...kinda. You know with plenty of time that it's coming and you know it happened. It isn't on the page. But... it isn't done well either. Honestly, it wasn't necessary. It doesn't actually do much for how MacKenzie thinks, behaves, or expresses trauma later. It was more a cheap shot that should have been left out.

The best thing about this series is the family dynamic. That is done very well. Here's hoping the next book is the final book... I'm about done with this series.
]]> <![CDATA[Green Mage (Mackenzie Green, #2)]]> 60529022 You’re only paranoid if nobody’s out to get you.

Mackenzie’s paranoia hasn’t ebbed, if anything, it’s only gotten worse, and it’s starting to wear thin on her family. Add in a new familiar, and her sister’s sudden rebellion, and tempers ignite.

As a hunter for Catch and Release, Mackenzie doesn’t choose her assignments, they are chosen for her. So, when Lucan has doubts about the security for the upcoming peace summit, he hires Mackenzie to be his deadly arm candy.

But being on Lucan’s arm has an unexpected effect.

He’s the Dragon Protector, and she should know better than to get attached, but despite her best effort, her feelings for him spark into something more.

As the summit drags on and things heat up Mackenzie receives a terrifying message and she’s forced to choose: freedom or the life of someone she's bound to protect. However, Mackenzie’s choices have deeper consequences, as secrets she has carefully guarded are about to be revealed…]]> 448 J.S. Kennedy Jagged 2 Ehhh

The juvenile writing really ruins this. It's not really written for adults.
It's written like a Scooby-Doo episode, with a plot that's much less sophisticated.
The naivety of all of the characters destroys any depth Kennedy tried to build into the connections.
There really was no need for how this ended. Even with the situation as it stood. Not a thing was done to plug any of the plot holes.

But it's mindless reading, which is all I have the brain power for right now, so I suppose I'll read the next one. ]]> 4.40 2022 Green Mage (Mackenzie Green, #2)
author: J.S. Kennedy
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2022
rating: 2
read at: 2025/02/27
date added: 2025/02/27
shelves:
review:
Ehhh

The juvenile writing really ruins this. It's not really written for adults.
It's written like a Scooby-Doo episode, with a plot that's much less sophisticated.
The naivety of all of the characters destroys any depth Kennedy tried to build into the connections.
There really was no need for how this ended. Even with the situation as it stood. Not a thing was done to plug any of the plot holes.

But it's mindless reading, which is all I have the brain power for right now, so I suppose I'll read the next one.
]]> <![CDATA[Green Gryphon (Mackenzie Green, #1)]]> 62683032 The Dragon Protector asking Mackenzie for a favor—Maybe the sky truly has fallen.

Mackenzie works for Catch and Release, a bounty-hunting guild, and she loves her job. She goes after the usual suspects: Rogue vampires, feral shifters, and crazed mages. Nightmare stuff.

The last thing she ever imagined was Lucan, an infuriating and high-ranking dragon shifter, hiring her to find a child kidnapped from his Tribe. Even though her magical talents lean more towards bodyguarding and hunting dangerous beings, condemning a kid to death isn’t who she is.

But as Mackenzie gets deeper into her hunt, she uncovers deadly secrets surrounding the child, the kidnapper, and Lucan himself.

One thing’s for sure; when the going gets tough, Mackenzie gets dangerous.]]> 359 J.S. Kennedy Jagged 3 Hard to rate this one

2.5 to 2.75, I'd say.

So, this started off with a little action... usually, that's good. MacKenzie ruins it, though, because she just can't shut up. She has a running inner monologue that's just incredibly juvenile and annoying. None of her musings add to the scene. Instead, it breaks the scene and disrupts the flow.

A good deal of this book was spent on boring downtime, spotted with repetitive plot devices. But the worst part was the massive bad guy monologue "that only happens in books." This is always awful, but especially annoying here because Kennedy called it out explicitly earlier in the read. It's lazy writing. Repetitive plot devices are also lazy. Leaving the character in the dark while the reader already knows what's going on is also lazy. So we have a pattern here.

I see that some people likened this to Ilona Andrews ... yeah, I'm not seeing that, really. If it's because there's magic and a slightly dystopian world with siblings, well, that was a thing long before The Legacy series. If it's because Makenzie is a bounty hunter, well, that's a thing, too.

The world building could use some actual development. This world is tiny. It's a city. You never leave it.

Now, as for MacKenzie's character development... she's annoying. And she's not bound to any rules, so it's difficult to get a read on her.
She's combative at stupid times. She's supposed to be offering help to some characters in a bind. She knows they'll be twitchy and claims she'll have to handle it just right. What does she do? Instigated a confrontation with a child in the mix that could've and likely actually would've become a violent interaction. For what? To sling some lame insults around. Honestly, I still can't figure out the point of that. It was completely unnecessary and unprofessional. If she was going for a power play of dominance, maybe it would've made sense, but she wasn't.

Now, the magic was interesting. The family relationship was also good. The info dumping, not so much. The romance is a work in progress, but so much is just told to you rather than happening through the interactions. We'll see if the next one gets any better before I drop this series.]]> 4.39 2021 Green Gryphon (Mackenzie Green, #1)
author: J.S. Kennedy
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/23
date added: 2025/02/23
shelves:
review:
Hard to rate this one

2.5 to 2.75, I'd say.

So, this started off with a little action... usually, that's good. MacKenzie ruins it, though, because she just can't shut up. She has a running inner monologue that's just incredibly juvenile and annoying. None of her musings add to the scene. Instead, it breaks the scene and disrupts the flow.

A good deal of this book was spent on boring downtime, spotted with repetitive plot devices. But the worst part was the massive bad guy monologue "that only happens in books." This is always awful, but especially annoying here because Kennedy called it out explicitly earlier in the read. It's lazy writing. Repetitive plot devices are also lazy. Leaving the character in the dark while the reader already knows what's going on is also lazy. So we have a pattern here.

I see that some people likened this to Ilona Andrews ... yeah, I'm not seeing that, really. If it's because there's magic and a slightly dystopian world with siblings, well, that was a thing long before The Legacy series. If it's because Makenzie is a bounty hunter, well, that's a thing, too.

The world building could use some actual development. This world is tiny. It's a city. You never leave it.

Now, as for MacKenzie's character development... she's annoying. And she's not bound to any rules, so it's difficult to get a read on her.
She's combative at stupid times. She's supposed to be offering help to some characters in a bind. She knows they'll be twitchy and claims she'll have to handle it just right. What does she do? Instigated a confrontation with a child in the mix that could've and likely actually would've become a violent interaction. For what? To sling some lame insults around. Honestly, I still can't figure out the point of that. It was completely unnecessary and unprofessional. If she was going for a power play of dominance, maybe it would've made sense, but she wasn't.

Now, the magic was interesting. The family relationship was also good. The info dumping, not so much. The romance is a work in progress, but so much is just told to you rather than happening through the interactions. We'll see if the next one gets any better before I drop this series.
]]> <![CDATA[The Rise of The Darkest Flame (The Dark Flame Series Book 1)]]> 212897950
To make this tragedy even more life altering, Carys is dragged back to Credula (kicking and screaming) to marry the heir to the throne.

Damieren Thepyra is the crown prince of a crumbling kingdom on the cusp of war and the biggest thorn in her side. Once best friends, once lovers, and now strangers having to set aside their differences and a pain-filled past in order to rebuild their kingdom.

Faced with the traumas of their past, healing, forgiveness, and discovering oneself, The Rise of the Darkest Flame is tale of second chances and finding power in truth.]]> 430 Katherine Whiteheart Jagged 1 DNF

Made it to part way through part two. Took me a few days to even get that far. I put it down A LOT.
Nothing had happened by this point.
Carys is a lowsy character to read from. She's incredibly bitter, and I'm sure it's for a good reason, but by this point, you still don't know why. There's enough for suspicion, but every time you start to go down that path, the characters avoid it.
This is annoying. It also hinders any connection between these characters that are supposed to be getting married and rekindling their supposed romance. I ran out of patience because their actions didn't line up with their thoughts or even their goals.

Carys was too hypocritical for me. She's always snapping or scowling or glaring or just being plain rude. Ren is empty, so there's not much for Carys to connect to, in her defense, but this made it much harder to read.
Carys asks to be trained so she can defend herself..... but then is able to defend herself just fine and even stated that she had been working on that for the last 15 years and easily takes on Ren, who is supposed to be a seasoned warrior.....uh huh...

Aside from all that, there were so many missing words and sentences that didn't make sense. It was incredibly slow and dull. By now, there should have been at least some action, but it's just a bore.

This had decent reviews, but I am baffled as to why.]]> 3.88 The Rise of The Darkest Flame (The Dark Flame Series Book 1)
author: Katherine Whiteheart
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.88
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/02/20
shelves:
review:
DNF

Made it to part way through part two. Took me a few days to even get that far. I put it down A LOT.
Nothing had happened by this point.
Carys is a lowsy character to read from. She's incredibly bitter, and I'm sure it's for a good reason, but by this point, you still don't know why. There's enough for suspicion, but every time you start to go down that path, the characters avoid it.
This is annoying. It also hinders any connection between these characters that are supposed to be getting married and rekindling their supposed romance. I ran out of patience because their actions didn't line up with their thoughts or even their goals.

Carys was too hypocritical for me. She's always snapping or scowling or glaring or just being plain rude. Ren is empty, so there's not much for Carys to connect to, in her defense, but this made it much harder to read.
Carys asks to be trained so she can defend herself..... but then is able to defend herself just fine and even stated that she had been working on that for the last 15 years and easily takes on Ren, who is supposed to be a seasoned warrior.....uh huh...

Aside from all that, there were so many missing words and sentences that didn't make sense. It was incredibly slow and dull. By now, there should have been at least some action, but it's just a bore.

This had decent reviews, but I am baffled as to why.
]]> Alone (Serenity, #1) 12513885
Upon meeting a stranger, Sebastian, she is shown the possibility of a different future.

Only Sebastian has a dark secret; he is a vampire.

As Serenity’s life takes a terrifying turn, she finds herself drawn into a world she never knew existed; one of murder, love and immortality. She is forced to confront her own weaknesses to save both her own life and that of the vampire she has come to love. But in the end all that matters is; can she find the strength to be Alone?]]> 207 Marissa Farrar Jagged 1 DNF

Terrible writing.
Nothing about this captured my attention.
There were so many inconsistencies and contradictions all within the first few chapters.
Serenity is an abused woman. She's passing out from being beaten, so is ultimately fired. But later that night, Mr creepy vampire is watching her disrobe and doesn't notice a single bruise.
She's waiting for him to show up, and when he does, she immediately gives him attitude.... attitude she would never give her husband. It's so out of place. The whole thing makes no sense.
I gave up. ]]> 3.61 2009 Alone (Serenity, #1)
author: Marissa Farrar
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.61
book published: 2009
rating: 1
read at: 2025/02/15
date added: 2025/02/15
shelves:
review:
DNF

Terrible writing.
Nothing about this captured my attention.
There were so many inconsistencies and contradictions all within the first few chapters.
Serenity is an abused woman. She's passing out from being beaten, so is ultimately fired. But later that night, Mr creepy vampire is watching her disrobe and doesn't notice a single bruise.
She's waiting for him to show up, and when he does, she immediately gives him attitude.... attitude she would never give her husband. It's so out of place. The whole thing makes no sense.
I gave up.
]]> Metal Angels: Part Three 40974428
Blake Beckworth has never been 'most' people.

She craves knowledge. A hunger for understanding of how the world works, even though she's happiest when that world is kept at arms length. The media have tagged her a bio-engineering genius. A game changer. But Blake had no clue exactly what that game entailed when Tamas Cressly, owner of the high-tech robotics firm, the Facility, brought her into his inner circle.
Introduced her to the aliens he worked alongside.
Handed her the role of Technician.
And asked her to believe in the gods.

Now her sister Kira is running for her life, and the four mighty warbringers Blake helped create, set in motion a chain of events that will destroy everything Blake has ever understood about her world.

Metal Angels is a FOUR part SERIAL. Each book continues on from the last and these are not standalone books.

**NOTE** These books contain explicit language and sex scenes. If you don't like it hot, best to get out of this kitchen.
]]> 195 D.K. Girl 1732536805 Jagged 3 Drags a bit

Although a lot takes place in these shorts, this one managed to drag.
I have come to really dislike all of the characters except Az. To be fair, the time-line running through this is really short, so there's not really an opportunity for growth. But there's only so much of Kira I can take. She's terrible.

Everyone is gay or something in this series. Amazing, really. I didn't realize I'd picked up an LGBT blah blah book. So, if you're into that shit, this will work for you. If you're not, just skim most of Kiras perspective, hers is filled with depravity, but you do need her section to link in the rest of the read. But most of it you can tune out. That's how I'm getting by, anyway.

Really, I am not interested in the Kira/Eron angle for the romance here. Mainly because you witnessed none of it, so I'm not convinced there's anything there at all.

Her and Az have chemistry, but it's made clear that path won't be happening.

The plot is good, though. I like the story. There are kind of stakes here, but not really. I'm certainly not concerned about anyone making it out alive, which lowers the rating a lot. But there are unique elements that keep things interesting. ]]> 4.24 Metal Angels: Part Three
author: D.K. Girl
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/15
date added: 2025/02/15
shelves:
review:
Drags a bit

Although a lot takes place in these shorts, this one managed to drag.
I have come to really dislike all of the characters except Az. To be fair, the time-line running through this is really short, so there's not really an opportunity for growth. But there's only so much of Kira I can take. She's terrible.

Everyone is gay or something in this series. Amazing, really. I didn't realize I'd picked up an LGBT blah blah book. So, if you're into that shit, this will work for you. If you're not, just skim most of Kiras perspective, hers is filled with depravity, but you do need her section to link in the rest of the read. But most of it you can tune out. That's how I'm getting by, anyway.

Really, I am not interested in the Kira/Eron angle for the romance here. Mainly because you witnessed none of it, so I'm not convinced there's anything there at all.

Her and Az have chemistry, but it's made clear that path won't be happening.

The plot is good, though. I like the story. There are kind of stakes here, but not really. I'm certainly not concerned about anyone making it out alive, which lowers the rating a lot. But there are unique elements that keep things interesting.
]]> <![CDATA[The Court that Bleeds Gold (The Gold Weaver, #1)]]> 209594084 An action-packed dark fantasy romance perfect for fans of Raven Kennedy, Krista Street, and Sarah J. Maas.


Desperate to escape marrying a brutal king, I make a deal with a Fae Prince...
“I can spin gold,� I lie.
With my life at stake, I have no other choice.
I get one chance to turn my lie into truth, and I’m shocked when I succeed.
But now the cruel human king demands I become his wife—passing between his bed and being locked away in a tower, spinning gold until my last breath.
My only way out is to summon him.
A brutal Fae prince.
The deal we strike is sickening, but it’s the only way I’ll live after I’m caught escaping. My new captor drags me back to his realm.
A place of profound beauty and savage cruelties.
As wicked fairies play sadistic games, the prince is my sole protector.
He’s not just protecting me, though. He’s guarding his own secrets.
I should hate him. But our pact shows me a side his court never sees.
There is more behind his monstrous mask.
I can’t stop myself from looking.
Especially when I learn what he really wants with me.


The Court that Bleeds Gold is the first book in a dark fantasy romance trilogy. This enemies to lovers series has shades of Rumpelstiltskin and Beauty and the Beast, with a dark hero who will absolutely burn this damned world to the ground for our sharp-tongued heroine. Expect steam, violence and plenty of barbed exchanges.]]> 334 Zara Storm Jagged 1 Boring

Most of this book is spent on childish drama.
Humans are a poor match for otherworldly creatures. Mainly because they're always written as the human having superiority complexes while accusing the others of behaving that way. They're always comparing them to and expecting them to be like humans....
There is no exception here. FMC, whose name I've already forgotten, constantly acts like she's better than MMC. She's forever judging him through human standards and is willfully ignorant of faerie customs. In fact, his way of life is beneath her, and he needs to change to be within her ideals.
She made a choice. She knew the consequences of her choices. But still, she's not responsible for them, is she?
They had no chemistry, and I rolled my eyes through each of their encounters.

Anyway. There's little character development. For being in a new realm, there's little world building.

I couldn't stand Fiona, and that angle was so transparent, I was disappointed it was used.

This premise had potential. So much could've been done with it. A less holier than thou, smart and spunky, rather than spiteful, character development would've taken this so much further. ]]> 3.90 The Court that Bleeds Gold (The Gold Weaver, #1)
author: Zara Storm
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.90
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2025/02/13
date added: 2025/02/13
shelves:
review:
Boring

Most of this book is spent on childish drama.
Humans are a poor match for otherworldly creatures. Mainly because they're always written as the human having superiority complexes while accusing the others of behaving that way. They're always comparing them to and expecting them to be like humans....
There is no exception here. FMC, whose name I've already forgotten, constantly acts like she's better than MMC. She's forever judging him through human standards and is willfully ignorant of faerie customs. In fact, his way of life is beneath her, and he needs to change to be within her ideals.
She made a choice. She knew the consequences of her choices. But still, she's not responsible for them, is she?
They had no chemistry, and I rolled my eyes through each of their encounters.

Anyway. There's little character development. For being in a new realm, there's little world building.

I couldn't stand Fiona, and that angle was so transparent, I was disappointed it was used.

This premise had potential. So much could've been done with it. A less holier than thou, smart and spunky, rather than spiteful, character development would've taken this so much further.
]]> <![CDATA[Court of Night (Institute of the Shadow Fae, #3)]]> 122753155 246 C.N. Crawford Jagged 1 Childish

This should've been YA. None of the characters feel ancient. Ruadan acts like a toddler. I am not convinced that he's nearly 700.
The plot was something else.... it certainly dated the authors...the Bee Gees? I'm pretty old, and I barely know who they are. I didn't know the song that was referenced. And roller skates? What is this, the 50s? This book felt like it was written for thirteen year olds.
Baleros being the boogie man for so long has gotten old, too. There really wasn't much interaction with him in this installment. And since he's basically immortal, there's no reason to keep fighting him, he just comes back.
Yeah, this was a total bust for me. I won't read further. ]]> 3.98 Court of Night (Institute of the Shadow Fae, #3)
author: C.N. Crawford
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.98
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2025/02/11
date added: 2025/02/11
shelves:
review:
Childish

This should've been YA. None of the characters feel ancient. Ruadan acts like a toddler. I am not convinced that he's nearly 700.
The plot was something else.... it certainly dated the authors...the Bee Gees? I'm pretty old, and I barely know who they are. I didn't know the song that was referenced. And roller skates? What is this, the 50s? This book felt like it was written for thirteen year olds.
Baleros being the boogie man for so long has gotten old, too. There really wasn't much interaction with him in this installment. And since he's basically immortal, there's no reason to keep fighting him, he just comes back.
Yeah, this was a total bust for me. I won't read further.
]]> <![CDATA[Ravenous Beasts (The Waif in the Wilds, #3)]]> 202560973
Even Dwayne is driving me insane. There's no training in this world that could prepare me for dealing with a love-sick battle goose.

The only person who I want to have a piece of me, the only person who I want to get closer to...

The Vampire Lord. He's suddenly keeping me at arms length. There's a traitor in our midst, a troublemaker, someone lurking in the background, keeping him away.

And I'm making things worse. I can't tell him the truth. Not yet.]]> 244 Lauretta Hignett Jagged 4 Good addition

Moves so fast. I love this series. Dwayne is my favorite battle goose.
I like the story. I like Chloe. But I didn't like waiting for Chloe to catch up with me with what was going on. If you're going to leave things so obvious, don't drag it out. It's annoying.
Love the idea here about the aspects of a concept and the light bringers.
I like the shades of grey in all of the characters. I also love that Nathaniel has finally been vindicated.
I'm eager to read the final book. ]]> 4.50 2024 Ravenous Beasts (The Waif in the Wilds, #3)
author: Lauretta Hignett
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/10
date added: 2025/02/10
shelves:
review:
Good addition

Moves so fast. I love this series. Dwayne is my favorite battle goose.
I like the story. I like Chloe. But I didn't like waiting for Chloe to catch up with me with what was going on. If you're going to leave things so obvious, don't drag it out. It's annoying.
Love the idea here about the aspects of a concept and the light bringers.
I like the shades of grey in all of the characters. I also love that Nathaniel has finally been vindicated.
I'm eager to read the final book.
]]> <![CDATA[Way of the Wolf (Magnetic Magic, #1)]]> 222918576 You can only escape your destiny for so long�

It’s been more than twenty years since tragedy prompted Luna Valens to walk away from her pack.

Scarred by her past, she’s done her best to lead a normal human life. Thanks to a potion that suppresses her magic, nobody around her has a clue that she’s a werewolf.

±«˛ÔłŮľ±±ôâ€�

Her potion supplier disappears, her family reestablishes contact, and a mysterious werewolf with a metal detector and a penchant for calling her my lady saunters into her life.

As if all that weren’t enough, someone from her past is trying to kill her. Someone dangerous.

To survive and figure out what’s going on, Luna will have to once again embrace her power. But, after so long, will she be able to summon the wolf?]]> 228 Lindsay Buroker Jagged 3 Quick read

Nothing fancy here.
Your typical middle-aged divorcee with a lack luster "troubled" past and spiteful attitude that tells you all you need to know about why she's in the lonely state she's in.
This one has kids, but you don't meet them.

Twenty-five years is a little long to not move past the trauma Luna had. Especially given what she was. She gave into the calling much too easily for a Twenty-five year hiatus.

Nothing really happens in this book. It's very transparent, so you're not surprised by any events that take place.

I did like Duncan and his quirky personality. But they kind of moved really quickly.

The pack names were ridiculous. I'm from the area, so it was easy to picture where things were taking place. Shoreline is a shit hole, though. Seattle, too, for that matter. Monroe area seems werewolf worthy, but certainly not Shoreline.

Anyway, it's not great but it's not terrible. And it's quick. ]]> 4.29 2025 Way of the Wolf (Magnetic Magic, #1)
author: Lindsay Buroker
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/09
date added: 2025/02/09
shelves:
review:
Quick read

Nothing fancy here.
Your typical middle-aged divorcee with a lack luster "troubled" past and spiteful attitude that tells you all you need to know about why she's in the lonely state she's in.
This one has kids, but you don't meet them.

Twenty-five years is a little long to not move past the trauma Luna had. Especially given what she was. She gave into the calling much too easily for a Twenty-five year hiatus.

Nothing really happens in this book. It's very transparent, so you're not surprised by any events that take place.

I did like Duncan and his quirky personality. But they kind of moved really quickly.

The pack names were ridiculous. I'm from the area, so it was easy to picture where things were taking place. Shoreline is a shit hole, though. Seattle, too, for that matter. Monroe area seems werewolf worthy, but certainly not Shoreline.

Anyway, it's not great but it's not terrible. And it's quick.
]]> In an Instant 51037979
Impossible choices are made, decisions that leave the survivors tormented with grief and regret. Unable to let go, Finn keeps vigil as they struggle to reclaim their shattered lives. Jack, her father, who seeks vengeance against the one person he can blame other than himself; her best friend, Mo, who bravely searches for the truth as the story of their survival is rewritten; her sister Chloe, who knows Finn lingers and yearns to join her; and her mother, Ann, who saved them all but is haunted by her decisions. Finn needs to move on, but how can she with her family still in pieces?

Heartrending yet ultimately redemptive, In an Instant is a story about the power of love, the meaning of family, and carrying on…even when it seems impossible.]]> 326 Suzanne Redfearn 1542006597 Jagged 4 Emotional read

Not quite Jodi Picoult level of emotional destruction, but still, this was a doozy.
I think I picked this up as a Kindle First pick, which can be a serious gamble, but this one paid off.

A great representation of regret and grief. It missed the mark a bit with consequences, though.

Most of this was really good. I felt the impact of Oz so deeply, but I couldn't help but notice there was no funeral held for him. And that was an unintentional heartbreak from the author, I think.

Ann... her struggle was well documented. But the consequences regarding her marriage were lacking. There were issues here prior to the event that came back full force in the aftermath. Unforgivable actions that had nothing to do with her choices during the catastrophe.

Jack was kind of ignored a bit, and I really feel like his aftermath held the potential to really take this book into a masterpiece of representing survivors' guilt. It was his insistence on going that resulted in this series of events, after all.

The true impact of the aftermath never quite made it through the telling, unlike other stories on this level where you're given the whole of it. I can't help but compare to Jodi because her writing covers it all and just kills you with the brutal honesty of it. This came close, but just didn't quite get there.

The perspective was fantastic. I like how this was written. But I wish Suzanne would have gotten deeper into the psyche.

Still, this was a fantastic read.]]> 4.36 2020 In an Instant
author: Suzanne Redfearn
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/08
date added: 2025/02/08
shelves:
review:
Emotional read

Not quite Jodi Picoult level of emotional destruction, but still, this was a doozy.
I think I picked this up as a Kindle First pick, which can be a serious gamble, but this one paid off.

A great representation of regret and grief. It missed the mark a bit with consequences, though.

Most of this was really good. I felt the impact of Oz so deeply, but I couldn't help but notice there was no funeral held for him. And that was an unintentional heartbreak from the author, I think.

Ann... her struggle was well documented. But the consequences regarding her marriage were lacking. There were issues here prior to the event that came back full force in the aftermath. Unforgivable actions that had nothing to do with her choices during the catastrophe.

Jack was kind of ignored a bit, and I really feel like his aftermath held the potential to really take this book into a masterpiece of representing survivors' guilt. It was his insistence on going that resulted in this series of events, after all.

The true impact of the aftermath never quite made it through the telling, unlike other stories on this level where you're given the whole of it. I can't help but compare to Jodi because her writing covers it all and just kills you with the brutal honesty of it. This came close, but just didn't quite get there.

The perspective was fantastic. I like how this was written. But I wish Suzanne would have gotten deeper into the psyche.

Still, this was a fantastic read.
]]> <![CDATA[Blood of the Sands (The Ballan Desert, #1)]]> 212129057
Keera is an exile struggling to survive, forced to rob passing travelers or face starvation. When she steals from the wrong man—a vicious masked warrior named the Viper—his hand around her throat awakens an ancient magic within her, and she uses it to escape his clutches. Now, Keera must master her power to protect the city of Kelvadan—the only place an exile like her can find a home—from the Viper and his growing army.

The Viper serves the magic of the desert, but the sins of the past threaten to destroy it. To protect his home, he will do everything it takes, even marching on the great city of Kelvadan. However, the real key to healing the desert’s magic might lie in the infuriating but intriguing exile who slipped through his fingers and now fights for his sworn enemies.

Keera and the Viper are on opposite sides of a war to save the Ballan desert, but the strange bond they share could be the key to saving their home—or destroying their world as they know it.

Blood of the Sands is a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent and L.J. Andrews..]]> 415 S.C. Grayson Jagged 2 Eh

This was like a child safe version of a very, very watered-down hunger games in the desert. Frankly, it was boring.
The characters felt like toddlers.
The politics were vague and underdeveloped.
I was not interested at all. I'm not sure why there was a queen. Keera was ridiculous and her actions and thought patterns made little sense outside of needing to move the story in a direction. I spelled out the book to my husband and it was more ridiculous out loud than reading this thing. Also, you might want to reread this, there were errors all of the place.

The desert and the magic had potential. That was the two stars. But, but oh boy, was it lacking excitement. There were no stakes in this story. Everything was just so.

Yeah, nah. I'm not reading any further.]]> 4.06 2024 Blood of the Sands (The Ballan Desert, #1)
author: S.C. Grayson
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2025/02/06
date added: 2025/02/06
shelves:
review:
Eh

This was like a child safe version of a very, very watered-down hunger games in the desert. Frankly, it was boring.
The characters felt like toddlers.
The politics were vague and underdeveloped.
I was not interested at all. I'm not sure why there was a queen. Keera was ridiculous and her actions and thought patterns made little sense outside of needing to move the story in a direction. I spelled out the book to my husband and it was more ridiculous out loud than reading this thing. Also, you might want to reread this, there were errors all of the place.

The desert and the magic had potential. That was the two stars. But, but oh boy, was it lacking excitement. There were no stakes in this story. Everything was just so.

Yeah, nah. I'm not reading any further.
]]> <![CDATA[Fractured Gods (The Waif in the Wilds, #2)]]> 200699758 There's a serial killer on the loose in Castlemaine...

Well, to be honest, there's lots of killers in this town, including me. But when a handful of supernaturals in Castlemaine go missing, and start showing up dead with strange amputations and odd lacerations all over their bodies, the magical townsfolk start to get very nervous.

Whoever the killer is, he's after one of my new friends. I'm determined to stop him.

But first, I have to figure out a way of escaping the Ironclaw pack. Braxton Myles, the Alpha of Ironclaw, has taken me hostage as compensation for losing a few of his werewolves in a fight with my goose buddy Dwayne.

It wasn't Dwayne who killed his men, though. It was me. Braxton Myles has no idea what I'm capable of.

He's about to find out.

Fractured Gods is book two of The Waif In The Wilds, a fun, fast-paced Urban Fantasy adventure.]]> 260 Lauretta Hignett Jagged 3 3.5 stars

It would've been 4 stars, but no, you don't get to skip two weeks for a book in a different series without warning. So, be aware, readers, you need to read the last book of the original series to get that piece of this book.
Maybe it wouldn't have annoyed me so much if it hadn't disrupted the flow of this book. It probably would have worked better as the beginning of the next book. The placement was awkward and left me feeling like I missed a huge chunk of story... because I did... and I'm not convinced that I wouldn't have felt that way had I read the other series first, given that this was two books after that series ended. It is also a big spoiler for that series, which I had intended to read, but now it's ruined. I know how it ended.

Aside from that mood killer, this book was really fun.
I love love love Dwayne. I want him!
I enjoyed the beginning, actually. I haven't felt anticipation like that from a read in a long while. I also like how Chloe thinks to get out of situations. I believe that she had these skills because she shows you that she does.
I like her character all around. She's very multidimensional while not whiny and overbearing.
Malik could use some work, though. He's a bit flat and clunky. He doesn't feel real like Chloe does.
The side mystery was good. There was some good use of misdirection, while breadcrumbs were expertly used to tie in the conclusion.
This is a really fun series. It's a shame that Hignett spoiled her other series herself! I won't read that one now, but I'll keep an eye out for others. ]]> 4.51 2023 Fractured Gods (The Waif in the Wilds, #2)
author: Lauretta Hignett
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.51
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/03
date added: 2025/02/03
shelves:
review:
3.5 stars

It would've been 4 stars, but no, you don't get to skip two weeks for a book in a different series without warning. So, be aware, readers, you need to read the last book of the original series to get that piece of this book.
Maybe it wouldn't have annoyed me so much if it hadn't disrupted the flow of this book. It probably would have worked better as the beginning of the next book. The placement was awkward and left me feeling like I missed a huge chunk of story... because I did... and I'm not convinced that I wouldn't have felt that way had I read the other series first, given that this was two books after that series ended. It is also a big spoiler for that series, which I had intended to read, but now it's ruined. I know how it ended.

Aside from that mood killer, this book was really fun.
I love love love Dwayne. I want him!
I enjoyed the beginning, actually. I haven't felt anticipation like that from a read in a long while. I also like how Chloe thinks to get out of situations. I believe that she had these skills because she shows you that she does.
I like her character all around. She's very multidimensional while not whiny and overbearing.
Malik could use some work, though. He's a bit flat and clunky. He doesn't feel real like Chloe does.
The side mystery was good. There was some good use of misdirection, while breadcrumbs were expertly used to tie in the conclusion.
This is a really fun series. It's a shame that Hignett spoiled her other series herself! I won't read that one now, but I'll keep an eye out for others.
]]> <![CDATA[Sin & Salvation (Demigods of San Francisco, #3)]]> 43526853
It won't be long before he claims his vengeance.

The race is on. Kieran and Lexi must scrape together an army worthy of taking on the Demigod of San Francisco before he destroys them all.

But Valens isn't Lexi's only problem. Mordecai's rapid recovery has been noticed, and he has once again become a threat to his old pack.

Lexi's little family is in jeopardy of being torn apart, and to save them...she must finally embrace what it means to be a Soul Stealer.]]> 325 K.F. Breene Jagged 3 Not terrible

It's not a bad end to this storyline.
It's still very high level. Little character development. Especially for the Six. It was really disappointing that Alexis learned nothing about them until they needed to be put into play. She learned most of it in this book from Daisy, of all people.
Bria's behavior still didn't suit this story. While I liked her, she was incredibly out of place.

I'm not sure why marriage was brought up and then rejected while insinuating that legally binding was somehow more important and intimidating than soul binding. Was this supposed to highlight how ridiculous everyone in this story was? Because that's what it did.

It was still an easy read. The pacing was solid. I read this quickly.
]]> 4.48 2019 Sin & Salvation (Demigods of San Francisco, #3)
author: K.F. Breene
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves:
review:
Not terrible

It's not a bad end to this storyline.
It's still very high level. Little character development. Especially for the Six. It was really disappointing that Alexis learned nothing about them until they needed to be put into play. She learned most of it in this book from Daisy, of all people.
Bria's behavior still didn't suit this story. While I liked her, she was incredibly out of place.

I'm not sure why marriage was brought up and then rejected while insinuating that legally binding was somehow more important and intimidating than soul binding. Was this supposed to highlight how ridiculous everyone in this story was? Because that's what it did.

It was still an easy read. The pacing was solid. I read this quickly.

]]> <![CDATA[The Book That Held Her Heart (The Library Trilogy, #3)]]> 216247528 The secret war that defines the Library has chosen its champions and set them on the board

The fate of an infinite library hangs on one book, a book that holds the power to break the unbreakable. In the face of such forces, fragile things like hearts, family, and the world seem certain to fail.

The people most vital to Livira are scattered across time and space, lost, divided into factions, in mortal peril. Somehow, she must bring them together and resolve the unresolvable argument that fuels the library’s war. The bond between Livira and Evar has stretched and stretched again. Can it hold at the end, when things fall apart? Can it bring them together against impossible odds? This is the last chapter, the final page. The end threatens and no one, not characters, readers, or even the author, will emerge unscathed.]]> 384 Mark Lawrence 0593437977 Jagged 0 to-read 3.87 2025 The Book That Held Her Heart (The Library Trilogy, #3)
author: Mark Lawrence
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Stars May Fall (Stars May Burn, #2)]]> 213995221
General Kasten has suffered injustice after injustice in silence. Now he has snapped. If his enemies can’t cure his beloved wife, Sophie, he will burn the kingdom to the ground.

And not even he knows where the destruction would end.

But Kasten isn’t the only threat to Fenland. Sinister plots start to unravel as Kasten finds himself once again the target of lies and deceit. The only solution is an unlikely alliance to bring down the king.

If he will accept it.

The cost of treason may be too high and Kasten has already paid so much. There is only one thing he still cares about: Sophie and keeping her safe.

But the problem is, she wants to save everyone.


The stunning conclusion to the romantasy, Stars May Burn.]]> 424 Alice Ivinya Jagged 2 Underwhelming

This was a chore to read.

Sophie.... you suck.
All her ridiculousness just made it worse.
She frets about not being strong enough and gets mad because she shouldn't be part of the action. Well, she proved time and time again just why she didn't belong there. Then she gets upset that Kasten behaved like a soldier. She calls him a monster. Then, she avoids him, all while feeling sorry for herself. Then she's ungrateful for his display of love. Just, girl, let him have someone who loves him for him. They were not a good match.

Annabelle. Oh, why wasn't this from her perspective the entire time? She's interesting. She's useful. She's mostly realistic. I think the horror of her situation would've been more emotionally impactful had this story been about her instead. Her involvement was far more interesting than boring Sophie. But such is the norm for these books.

This was a really slow read. I put it down a lot and struggled to keep reading. I made it, though! Too much thinking in circles. Boring action. Too much judgment from Sophie, who knows nothing of warring but felt she should be there to prove herself to someone who didn't need or want it. Then, she wants to be pregnant, frets about the possibility, yet wants to risk herself? Yeah, that didn't mesh well at all.

Good job on the breadcrumbs, though. Those lined up well.
Terrible job of explaining the why with a bad guy monologue. This could've been imparted along the way with the breadcrumbs. Instead of one giant info dump.

The wind down was lacking. Not sure why we needed more Sophie drama. I just couldn't stand her. Anyway, glad that's over!]]> 4.16 Stars May Fall (Stars May Burn, #2)
author: Alice Ivinya
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.16
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/02/01
date added: 2025/02/01
shelves:
review:
Underwhelming

This was a chore to read.

Sophie.... you suck.
All her ridiculousness just made it worse.
She frets about not being strong enough and gets mad because she shouldn't be part of the action. Well, she proved time and time again just why she didn't belong there. Then she gets upset that Kasten behaved like a soldier. She calls him a monster. Then, she avoids him, all while feeling sorry for herself. Then she's ungrateful for his display of love. Just, girl, let him have someone who loves him for him. They were not a good match.

Annabelle. Oh, why wasn't this from her perspective the entire time? She's interesting. She's useful. She's mostly realistic. I think the horror of her situation would've been more emotionally impactful had this story been about her instead. Her involvement was far more interesting than boring Sophie. But such is the norm for these books.

This was a really slow read. I put it down a lot and struggled to keep reading. I made it, though! Too much thinking in circles. Boring action. Too much judgment from Sophie, who knows nothing of warring but felt she should be there to prove herself to someone who didn't need or want it. Then, she wants to be pregnant, frets about the possibility, yet wants to risk herself? Yeah, that didn't mesh well at all.

Good job on the breadcrumbs, though. Those lined up well.
Terrible job of explaining the why with a bad guy monologue. This could've been imparted along the way with the breadcrumbs. Instead of one giant info dump.

The wind down was lacking. Not sure why we needed more Sophie drama. I just couldn't stand her. Anyway, glad that's over!
]]> <![CDATA[Stars May Burn (Stars May Burn, #1)]]> 210402355 Some stars shine. Others cause the world to burn.

With Lady Sophie’s husband still warm in his grave, and her reputation stained from being unable to produce an heir, the last thing she expects is her father to arrange a rushed wedding. The groom is none other than General Kasten, the illegitimate son of the King.

The same man who is feared and hated by the entire realm.

Still, she has been trained to be the dutiful wife and accepts her role without complaint. Yet how can she hope to be the spouse she is expected to be when the General is frequently absent and seems to be hiding dark secrets that cause her curiosity to burn?

Kasten’s luck is running out. With the King and his court eager to see him dead, he knows he must marry or risk his lands falling into the wrong hands. His plan seemed a simple one; marry the woman he has always secretly admired but keep his distance to avoid forming an attachment. After all, he will likely be dead within the year.

No need to cause her unnecessary anguish.

It doesn’t take long for Kasten to realize he’s misjudged the beautiful widow. Sophie misses nothing and is learning dangerous truths that could get them both killed. Kasten has always been willing to lay down his life in the name of peace but he will not allow them to harm her.

To keep his bride safe, he would burn the kingdom to the ground.

A heart-pounding dark fantasy world with clean slow burn romance, perfect for fans of The Starlit Prince, Mistborn, Defy the Night, and Alchemy of Souls.]]> 446 Alice Ivinya Jagged 3 2.5

Well, this is a good example of how not to write a romance. There needs to be interactions between the two to be convincing.

There are a lot of tropes in this book. The miscommunication trope, or in this case, the complete lack of communication. The bumbling naive trope. The rebellious trope. The hard done by trope. And the tortured soul but still good trope...times two, in this case. Annnnd the touch her and die trope.

Honestly, this book was incredibly dull. It picked up at the end, at about 95%. Otherwise, it was spent detailing how much the two main characters didn't know or understand each other and how they actively avoided each other.
It would've been much more fun if they were on the same page earlier on. Just think about how differently the palace ball could have been if Sophie was sly instead of stupidly thinking she knew better than her husband.

I don't understand the need to write such an idiotic FMC. Why is this a thing? Naivety is one thing, oblivion is another. Who of your readers will relate to such an air head? Or was the goal to bore or annoy your readers to death? It didn't align with her intelligence in the sophisticated nature of herbology either.

The magic was interesting, but there was no world building. I'm guessing the author thought the pages and pages of explanation at the beginning of the book would handle that. Well, I didn't bother with that since most of the books I've read with those explained it all anyway. So, be aware of that, I guess.

I liked Callum and most of the banter between the characters when there were some. But to be frank, I'm not at all invested in the plot because it's incredibly weak and underdeveloped. The politics are left vague and offer nothing to the read.

Sophie is at least growing as a character, and her frequent fainting had a reason. I'll read the next one with low expectations, and who knows? Maybe I'll be surprised. ]]> 4.14 Stars May Burn (Stars May Burn, #1)
author: Alice Ivinya
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.14
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/26
date added: 2025/01/26
shelves:
review:
2.5

Well, this is a good example of how not to write a romance. There needs to be interactions between the two to be convincing.

There are a lot of tropes in this book. The miscommunication trope, or in this case, the complete lack of communication. The bumbling naive trope. The rebellious trope. The hard done by trope. And the tortured soul but still good trope...times two, in this case. Annnnd the touch her and die trope.

Honestly, this book was incredibly dull. It picked up at the end, at about 95%. Otherwise, it was spent detailing how much the two main characters didn't know or understand each other and how they actively avoided each other.
It would've been much more fun if they were on the same page earlier on. Just think about how differently the palace ball could have been if Sophie was sly instead of stupidly thinking she knew better than her husband.

I don't understand the need to write such an idiotic FMC. Why is this a thing? Naivety is one thing, oblivion is another. Who of your readers will relate to such an air head? Or was the goal to bore or annoy your readers to death? It didn't align with her intelligence in the sophisticated nature of herbology either.

The magic was interesting, but there was no world building. I'm guessing the author thought the pages and pages of explanation at the beginning of the book would handle that. Well, I didn't bother with that since most of the books I've read with those explained it all anyway. So, be aware of that, I guess.

I liked Callum and most of the banter between the characters when there were some. But to be frank, I'm not at all invested in the plot because it's incredibly weak and underdeveloped. The politics are left vague and offer nothing to the read.

Sophie is at least growing as a character, and her frequent fainting had a reason. I'll read the next one with low expectations, and who knows? Maybe I'll be surprised.
]]> <![CDATA[War of the Black Tower (War of the Black Tower, #1)]]> 20654676
Baleron is the youngest son of the king of Havensrike, a land eternally at war with the sinister empire of Oslog to the south, ruled by the Dark Lord himself. Baleron, a womanizer and rogue, the black sheep of the royal family one step from being kicked out of the castle, longs to redeem himself in his father's eyes. But when his beautiful sister Rolenya is seized by the dark powers, the thralls of the Dark Lord call out to Baleron in worship, calling him the Chosen One of their Master. What can they mean?

As if that weren't bad enough, the gears of war begin to turn, and the legions of Oslog pour forth from their lairs to make war upon the free peoples of the North. If Baleron can't save his sister and unlock the secret of his nature, the Dark Lord will sweep the world in shadow.

War of the Black Tower: Part One: Cursed by the Dark Lord is the first volume in the action-packed epic fantasy trilogy by USA Today and New York Times bestselling author Jack Conner. With the darkness and grit of George R. R. Martin and the sweeping adventure of J. R. R. Tolkien, War of the Black Tower features grand set pieces, epic battles, operatic action and the best dragon since Smaug. If you like thrilling action adventure with amazing twists and turns you won't see coming, don't miss out on this unique epic fantasy series.]]> 303 Jack Conner 0991284828 Jagged 2 Yeah....a bit fiat for me

I struggle with a third-person point of view because I find it difficult to connect.
Add to that points of view that keep changing, and it gets even more difficult to connect.
This book, though, held no emotion. Atrocities were taking place, and you only knew it because you were told it.
The plot takes forever to come together, but that's typical of this style. But there was not much excitement, oddly, since things were definitely happening, but I felt completely outside of it.
There was no anticipation because as soon as things start to come together, the point of view changes and the flow was broken.
I never truly got into the read and didn't care what happened.]]> 3.68 2014 War of the Black Tower (War of the Black Tower, #1)
author: Jack Conner
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2014
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/23
date added: 2025/01/23
shelves:
review:
Yeah....a bit fiat for me

I struggle with a third-person point of view because I find it difficult to connect.
Add to that points of view that keep changing, and it gets even more difficult to connect.
This book, though, held no emotion. Atrocities were taking place, and you only knew it because you were told it.
The plot takes forever to come together, but that's typical of this style. But there was not much excitement, oddly, since things were definitely happening, but I felt completely outside of it.
There was no anticipation because as soon as things start to come together, the point of view changes and the flow was broken.
I never truly got into the read and didn't care what happened.
]]> <![CDATA[Vicious Creatures (The Waif in the Wilds, #1)]]> 198822196 I've been asleep for the past ten years.

The horror of waking up from the best dream ever and remembering you’re a monster is indescribable. My soul is screaming for mercy, for forgiveness, for redemption� but I know I’ll never get it. I’m going to Hell for everything I’ve done.

The only thing I can do now is take as many monsters with me as I can.

My list is almost complete. There’s one more name to go, and it’s the hardest job I’ve ever done.

I’m on my way to Castlemaine � a bizarre little town hidden in between Wildwood Canyon and the Badlands of California.

Strange things lurk in Castlemaine. It’s the Bermuda Triangle of the United States � a place of weird old magic, odd people, and vicious creatures like me. Nobody ever wants to go there, because they might not ever come back. But I’ve got no choice.

I’m going to take out the man who taught me to kill.


Vicious Creatures is book one in The Waif in the Wilds, a hot new Urban Fantasy series by bestselling author Lauretta Hignett.]]> 276 Lauretta Hignett Jagged 4 Where can I get Dwayne the murder happy battle goose?

I really enjoyed this.
At first, I was really confused, and I wasn't sure this was going to work out. I'm glad I kept reading because this was exactly what I wanted.
It's dark. Hignett didn't shy away from it or sugar coat it.
It's really sad, too.
It's also fucking hilarious. My favorite scene was Dwayne and Jeb squaring off about their deeds.
However, it's incredibly transparent. I knew exactly where everything was leading once you got past the first act. I even knew what was going on with Henri.

I haven't read the series this one is attached to, but so far, I haven't seen a need to read it before this.
I think I will read it, though, if it's written anything like this. ]]> 4.38 2023 Vicious Creatures (The Waif in the Wilds, #1)
author: Lauretta Hignett
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/21
date added: 2025/01/21
shelves:
review:
Where can I get Dwayne the murder happy battle goose?

I really enjoyed this.
At first, I was really confused, and I wasn't sure this was going to work out. I'm glad I kept reading because this was exactly what I wanted.
It's dark. Hignett didn't shy away from it or sugar coat it.
It's really sad, too.
It's also fucking hilarious. My favorite scene was Dwayne and Jeb squaring off about their deeds.
However, it's incredibly transparent. I knew exactly where everything was leading once you got past the first act. I even knew what was going on with Henri.

I haven't read the series this one is attached to, but so far, I haven't seen a need to read it before this.
I think I will read it, though, if it's written anything like this.
]]> <![CDATA[Scarred Resolve (Jacky Leon, #10)]]> 212711042
After a mysterious phone call and a secret meeting, I need to get the help of my family to deal with what comes next. With two dead humans already, the unknown werecat that killed them must be tracked down and put down. There’s no coming back from the Last Change.

With my heart still wounded from the loss of Fenris, I know I’m not ready for this. I don’t have a choice in the matter.]]> 314 K.N. Banet Jagged 4 Very good

This series has somehow stayed the distance, holding onto the depth while navigating all kinds of drama, including blended families.
I'm waiting for the Hisao book.... he's the one we've yet to get to know.
I haven't read the other series, and so I'm annoyed by the references to happenings in them since I can't connect those dots. I'm only annoyed because in the beginning, this was a stand-alone series and called out as such.
Even so, the growth of the characters, particularly Jacky, is very impressive.
As for the plot, there are some leaps that the characters make to come to conclusions that I'm not convinced they would make... but I'm seeing the end goal now, and I'm not sure if I'd have bothered with the series if I'd known it was going to orbit stupid witches.
I did, however, really enjoy Subiras' explanation of magic. I thought it was a bit over explained, as if I was too dull to understand the first time, and even the second, but still, it was lovely.
Because the next book is so new, I will wait a bit to read it.]]> 4.53 2024 Scarred Resolve (Jacky Leon, #10)
author: K.N. Banet
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.53
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/01/19
date added: 2025/01/19
shelves:
review:
Very good

This series has somehow stayed the distance, holding onto the depth while navigating all kinds of drama, including blended families.
I'm waiting for the Hisao book.... he's the one we've yet to get to know.
I haven't read the other series, and so I'm annoyed by the references to happenings in them since I can't connect those dots. I'm only annoyed because in the beginning, this was a stand-alone series and called out as such.
Even so, the growth of the characters, particularly Jacky, is very impressive.
As for the plot, there are some leaps that the characters make to come to conclusions that I'm not convinced they would make... but I'm seeing the end goal now, and I'm not sure if I'd have bothered with the series if I'd known it was going to orbit stupid witches.
I did, however, really enjoy Subiras' explanation of magic. I thought it was a bit over explained, as if I was too dull to understand the first time, and even the second, but still, it was lovely.
Because the next book is so new, I will wait a bit to read it.
]]> <![CDATA[An Easy Death (Gunnie Rose, #1)]]> 60305746
She may be young, but Gunnie Rose has acquired a fearsome reputation and the wizards are at a desperate crossroads, even if they won't admit it. They're searching frantically to locate the only man whose blood they believe can save their tsar's life.

A powerful enemy sends enemies who want their mission to fail. The trio are set upon by a powerful force does not want them to succeed in their mission. Lizbeth Rose is a gunnie who has never failed a client, but her oath will test all of her skills and resolve to get them all out alive.]]> 332 Charlaine Harris Jagged 3 Different

It's not my typical read, but it turns out I needed something different.

It's written in a very dry, frank tone. Awfully flat, considering all the goings on, yet strangely captivating.

"...i still hated her. But with respect. "

I don't recall when I got this book. And I guess I have the next one, too. I might pick it up when I need something to cleanse the pallet. This is a good book for it.

It's not very exciting, even though by rights, it really should be. It's not emotional, even though there's plenty of times where it should be. But the plot moves, and most of it makes sense for the structure and goals.
And, to be fair, I haven't read many books with a Western feel, so this felt original to me. ]]> 4.15 2018 An Easy Death (Gunnie Rose, #1)
author: Charlaine Harris
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/16
date added: 2025/01/16
shelves:
review:
Different

It's not my typical read, but it turns out I needed something different.

It's written in a very dry, frank tone. Awfully flat, considering all the goings on, yet strangely captivating.

"...i still hated her. But with respect. "

I don't recall when I got this book. And I guess I have the next one, too. I might pick it up when I need something to cleanse the pallet. This is a good book for it.

It's not very exciting, even though by rights, it really should be. It's not emotional, even though there's plenty of times where it should be. But the plot moves, and most of it makes sense for the structure and goals.
And, to be fair, I haven't read many books with a Western feel, so this felt original to me.
]]> The Bible 48668003
In 1611 the first copies of the new "Authorized Version" were released. Like every new Bible version before, it had to deal with people hesitant to give up their older versions. But it quickly overcame these trials, and within 25 years it had replaced the Geneva Translation as the version most used in Churches and for private study. And because of its excellence, the King James Version would become the only English Bible for almost three centuries.]]> 669 Anonymous 8834191935 Jagged 0 currently-reading 4.33 1611 The Bible
author: Anonymous
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.33
book published: 1611
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/01/13
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Nights of Iron and Ink (The Darkest Flame #1)]]> 63349412 1. Do not harm a fae
2. Do not rob a fae
Or the Enforcer will come for you.
A dream.
Vera wants nothing more than to earn a place with the Rogues, but with her penchant for turning everything to ash and her monstrous appearance, she fits in better with the flesh-eating beasts plaguing her world than she does the fierce warriors fighting them. When the opportunity to join their ranks finally presents itself, nothing goes as planned. Too late, she realizes she’s broken the second fae law and she didn't attempt to steal from just any fae. She attempted to steal from him, the Enforcer.
A bargain.
Vera is lucky enough to find herself more useful to the Enforcer alive than dead. A bargain is struck—her life in exchange for what was stolen. Only Vera never planned for the Enforcer to join her search. Enigmatic as he is dangerous, he stands for everything she hates, and rouses her desire as much as her anger. Forced to work together to track down the missing weapon, Vera starts to unravel the mystery of the man behind the deadly façade. And discovers he is not at all what she thought.
A rebellion.
Discontent is brewing in the lands. Mortals are no longer satisfied to serve as fodder for the monsters in the south, and slaves for the fae in the north. An unforeseen enemy has taken notice, playing off the fears and hatred of the mortals. This saboteur will stop at nothing to keep Vera and the Enforcer from uncovering their plot. With more than Vera's life at stake, she will have to make a difficult choice, one that damns her world to darkness if she chooses her heart.

Please Note: This book contains explicit language, romance, and violence. It is not intended for anyone under 18 years of age. This is book one in a series and ends on a cliffhanger.]]> 352 Shannen Durey 173664503X Jagged 3 2.75

Oh, this started rough. And having read that this was a rewrite of the original, which had been YA, it makes sense.

This book wasn't sure what it was. Vera wasn't sure how old she was.
The tone of the book wasn't sure if it should be dark or slightly gray but ended in the lighter side of the dark spectrum.

If you can get past the first third of the book, it does get better. Vera kind of settles into herself. All of the ridiculous mentions of her go away. I'm not sure what the point of that was because that unveiling was not worth the hype.

Durey tried her hand at breadcrumbs, and while the littering of them was done well, the connecting of them could use some work.

The problem with a lot of these indie romantacies is that not a lot of time is spent working with the side characters. That's an error that should be corrected. When the romance isn't the sole focus, you're bringing these stories back into a full book category, which means you need to write a full story.
A full story needs character development for more than just the two main characters. And there was barely any character development here.

I will say that I appreciated the consequences. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but Vera behaved in ways that broke the rules of her breif development. She was supposed to be shunned from humanity, yet she was quite bold with Ronan. She wasn't very shy, and her appearance barely registered during their initial attraction, which didn't make sense. Vera seemed self-conscious during most interactions with people, but not at all with Ronan. There was no build-up to her comfort.

I liked the magic. Especially the Enforcer magic. I didn't like that none of this was explained. In true lazy YA fashion, it was all explained by telling you that it couldn't be explained because SECRETS. Yeah, no, that won't cut it with me.

Maybe there's more in the next book. ]]> 4.20 2022 Nights of Iron and Ink (The Darkest Flame #1)
author: Shannen Durey
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/12
date added: 2025/01/12
shelves:
review:
2.75

Oh, this started rough. And having read that this was a rewrite of the original, which had been YA, it makes sense.

This book wasn't sure what it was. Vera wasn't sure how old she was.
The tone of the book wasn't sure if it should be dark or slightly gray but ended in the lighter side of the dark spectrum.

If you can get past the first third of the book, it does get better. Vera kind of settles into herself. All of the ridiculous mentions of her go away. I'm not sure what the point of that was because that unveiling was not worth the hype.

Durey tried her hand at breadcrumbs, and while the littering of them was done well, the connecting of them could use some work.

The problem with a lot of these indie romantacies is that not a lot of time is spent working with the side characters. That's an error that should be corrected. When the romance isn't the sole focus, you're bringing these stories back into a full book category, which means you need to write a full story.
A full story needs character development for more than just the two main characters. And there was barely any character development here.

I will say that I appreciated the consequences. I did enjoy the romance for the most part, but Vera behaved in ways that broke the rules of her breif development. She was supposed to be shunned from humanity, yet she was quite bold with Ronan. She wasn't very shy, and her appearance barely registered during their initial attraction, which didn't make sense. Vera seemed self-conscious during most interactions with people, but not at all with Ronan. There was no build-up to her comfort.

I liked the magic. Especially the Enforcer magic. I didn't like that none of this was explained. In true lazy YA fashion, it was all explained by telling you that it couldn't be explained because SECRETS. Yeah, no, that won't cut it with me.

Maybe there's more in the next book.
]]> <![CDATA[Araneae Nation: The Complete Collection]]> 35583428
A Heart of Ice
A Hint of Frost
A Feast of Souls
A Cast of Shadows
A Time of Dying
A Kiss of Venom
A Breath of Winter
A Veil of Secrets
A Solstice of Mischief]]> 1214 Hailey Edwards Jagged 3 Don't read it this way

My mistake was reading this series in this one and done format. Unless you don't mind slow, slow reads, I wouldn't recommend it with this series.

Where this series shines is in the world building. Edward's has created a marvelous world here with a few different clans that we get to witness with their varying cultures and interconnected dependencies on one another.
She's worked a series spanning plot around a legend that all the clans have knowledge of and woven it into the cultures of the clans. I think she did a fine job of that.
Her play on zombies was unique and interesting for the majority of the read.

The romance worked for only two of the stories in this whole series. The rest may as well have never happened because they lacked real connection, chemistry, and failed to convince me that they'd ever take place with those characters in those scenarios.

The final book left me feeling completely unsatisfied and as though this entire story was unnecessary because, ultimately, nothing came of it. Nothing truly was resolved. It feels unfinished. But I'm seeing a pattern here because this is the second series I've read by Edward's where this has been the case. And while I enjoy her writing, I don't enjoy non endings.

It's not a bad series overall. It's unique and interesting, but the world is the focus here rather than the plot or the characters, and as such, it's not very exciting. I'd recommend reading it between something exciting to avoid the slow read fatigue. ]]> 4.23 2017 Araneae Nation: The Complete Collection
author: Hailey Edwards
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/08
date added: 2025/01/08
shelves:
review:
Don't read it this way

My mistake was reading this series in this one and done format. Unless you don't mind slow, slow reads, I wouldn't recommend it with this series.

Where this series shines is in the world building. Edward's has created a marvelous world here with a few different clans that we get to witness with their varying cultures and interconnected dependencies on one another.
She's worked a series spanning plot around a legend that all the clans have knowledge of and woven it into the cultures of the clans. I think she did a fine job of that.
Her play on zombies was unique and interesting for the majority of the read.

The romance worked for only two of the stories in this whole series. The rest may as well have never happened because they lacked real connection, chemistry, and failed to convince me that they'd ever take place with those characters in those scenarios.

The final book left me feeling completely unsatisfied and as though this entire story was unnecessary because, ultimately, nothing came of it. Nothing truly was resolved. It feels unfinished. But I'm seeing a pattern here because this is the second series I've read by Edward's where this has been the case. And while I enjoy her writing, I don't enjoy non endings.

It's not a bad series overall. It's unique and interesting, but the world is the focus here rather than the plot or the characters, and as such, it's not very exciting. I'd recommend reading it between something exciting to avoid the slow read fatigue.
]]> <![CDATA[A Veil of Secrets (Araneae Nation, #5)]]> 23007596
"Araneae Nation, Book 5"

Fresh from the battlefields of Erania, Marne rides south with Edan, headed for the city of Beltania. Among the Mimetidae guards accompanying them is Asher, who s been a thorn in her side since the day they met. He s rude and abrasive yet he was the first to volunteer as escort.

Marne dreams of a fresh start where no one knows who or what she is. But first, they must cross the veil. Rumor has it spirits haunt that grim stretch of road, and unwary travelers who enter are never heard from again.

Veil or no veil, Asher is honor bound to see Marne safely to her new home. Though truth be told, Marne leaving Erania is the last thing he wants. This journey is his final chance to convince her distance will only make his heart grow fonder.

When Edan is lost to the mists, Marne is trapped in a strange land with no allies with a man who draws her closer every day. Closer to her heart, and her secrets. Secrets she must reveal if they are to save the one man bent on tearing them apart.

Warning: This book contains one heroine willing to fly into the face of danger and the hero who gives her heart wings. This adventure is BYOM, Bring Your Own Meal. Trust me, where we re going, takeout is to die for. Literally."]]> 218 Hailey Edwards 1619224518 Jagged 2 Like the author, I was kind of done with this series by this book. This book lacked everything the first two had going for it.

The finale was anticlimactic and, like the Black Hat series, left so many things open.

Again, the romance was rushed and unconvincing. The plot was slow. And pretty much, this book was boring.

With how this ended, the story didn't really have to happen. It's more that the world was more important than any of the stories taking place.

I put this down with three pages left to go last night before finishing just now. That sums this book up perfectly.]]> 3.95 2014 A Veil of Secrets (Araneae Nation, #5)
author: Hailey Edwards
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2014
rating: 2
read at: 2025/01/08
date added: 2025/01/08
shelves:
review:
Huh...
Like the author, I was kind of done with this series by this book. This book lacked everything the first two had going for it.

The finale was anticlimactic and, like the Black Hat series, left so many things open.

Again, the romance was rushed and unconvincing. The plot was slow. And pretty much, this book was boring.

With how this ended, the story didn't really have to happen. It's more that the world was more important than any of the stories taking place.

I put this down with three pages left to go last night before finishing just now. That sums this book up perfectly.
]]> <![CDATA[A Breath of Winter (Araneae Nation, #4)]]> 18802292 There’s no easy cure for a love of epidemic proportions.

Araneae Nation, Book 4

Zuri and her mercenary brothers had a simple mission. Transport a captured harbinger to Erania and collect the bounty. But this job turns out to be anything but easy.

Their welcome to the northland is nothing short of frigid. A scuffle with border guards and her prisoner’s attempted escape leave Zuri injured—and she and her brothers stuck in quarantine. Worse, the bounty comes with silken strings attached. Strings held by a scientist with a daring, dangerous plan.

Because Zuri and her prisoner barged in before his fail-safes were in place, Henri had no choice but to lock them all down until he’s sure there’s no risk of spreading plague. He’d planned to study the harbinger, but it’s the mercenary holding the leash who intrigues him the most.

When Henri’s experiment goes awry, they learn they’ve all been pawns in a plan with one bring the Araneae Nation to its knees. Zuri is forced to make a choice that could sign her death warrant—or sacrifice everyone she loves.

This book contains a chair-bound heroine who won’t let anyone—least of all a man—push her around. Expect tea-drinking, net-tossing, and knife-wielding. Should you feel compelled to indulge in a bear ride, please keep your hands on the reins and your feet in the stirrups. Author not responsible for possible maulings.

]]> 271 Hailey Edwards 1619221357 Jagged 3
It's hard to give more than that because this was a very, very slow book. I put it down a lot.
I get there's not much to work with when the main character is bedridden and underground. But you'd think that maybe the romance would take point then.... it didn't. This was a really bland romance.

There were several clues littered throughout this book for the subtle mystery taking place. A lot of thought went into this story, but sadly, it lacked excitement.

Where did Marne come from? This kind of broke the arching plot for me. So far, everything has happened in stages you get to follow. But Marne came out of nowhere with a history that gave Henri knowledge that we've not witnessed yet, allowing him to answer questions we didn't even have yet.

I wanted more for Henri. Zuri thought she had interest for him, but I didn't see her actually showing him that interest. I also didn't really see a connection between them, either.

If I weren't reading this series as a single book, I likely wouldn't pick up the next one for some time, if at all. Although it's very interesting, I need more stimulation.]]> 3.85 2013 A Breath of Winter (Araneae Nation, #4)
author: Hailey Edwards
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/05
date added: 2025/01/05
shelves:
review:
2.75 stars, really.

It's hard to give more than that because this was a very, very slow book. I put it down a lot.
I get there's not much to work with when the main character is bedridden and underground. But you'd think that maybe the romance would take point then.... it didn't. This was a really bland romance.

There were several clues littered throughout this book for the subtle mystery taking place. A lot of thought went into this story, but sadly, it lacked excitement.

Where did Marne come from? This kind of broke the arching plot for me. So far, everything has happened in stages you get to follow. But Marne came out of nowhere with a history that gave Henri knowledge that we've not witnessed yet, allowing him to answer questions we didn't even have yet.

I wanted more for Henri. Zuri thought she had interest for him, but I didn't see her actually showing him that interest. I also didn't really see a connection between them, either.

If I weren't reading this series as a single book, I likely wouldn't pick up the next one for some time, if at all. Although it's very interesting, I need more stimulation.
]]> <![CDATA[A Kiss of Venom (Araneae Nation, #3.5)]]> 20644209
Araneae Nation, Book 3.5

Betrayed by her lover and exiled from her clan home, Nicolette has carved herself a new identity from the heart of her old life. Hardened by grief and desperate to survive, she hones a new skill set…and the daggers that go along with it.

Armand is heir to the wealthiest clan in the Araneae Nation. His entire life is as mapped as his heritage. Tradition dictates his every decision, and the one choice he ever made for himself cost him the woman he loved.

When Nicolette is offered a contract she can’t refuse, she returns to Erania with deadly intentions. Her secrets are safe behind the façade she created. Or they would be if Armand would stop chipping at the cracks in her veneer.

One kiss ignites an old flame, and suddenly their history is in danger of repeating. Armand falls for Nicolette’s charade, but she can’t let a second chance at happiness distract her from her mission. Someone in the Araneidae nest is marked for death, and Nicolette aims to deliver.

Warning: This story contains one heroine bent on revenge and one hero determined to atone for his sins. Also included are venom kisses, poison hangovers, pointy objects and questionable taste in condiments. Expect fireworks, near-death experiences and one surprise ten years in the making.]]> 102 Hailey Edwards Jagged 1 This one wasn't done right.
Armand is a sleezy asshole. And he remained one.
And while Astrid suffered, her behavior wasn't justified. How she endangered and withheld information from her daughter in such a selfish manner didn't endear her to me.
This story would've been better as a fully fleshed out one. These types of betrayals need time to breathe in order to be sorted out properly. They aren't suited to novellas because things move too quickly, and it's jarring and completely unbelievable.

Given the nature of Astrid's return, this is even more shaky. The outcome doesn't fit the story. This was not well done. The emotional aspect of the read was a mockery to the entire situation, given how quickly Astrid gives in.

I like Hailey Edward's writing, but this one was a bust.]]> 3.88 2014 A Kiss of Venom (Araneae Nation, #3.5)
author: Hailey Edwards
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2014
rating: 1
read at: 2025/01/01
date added: 2025/01/01
shelves:
review:
Yeah, no.
This one wasn't done right.
Armand is a sleezy asshole. And he remained one.
And while Astrid suffered, her behavior wasn't justified. How she endangered and withheld information from her daughter in such a selfish manner didn't endear her to me.
This story would've been better as a fully fleshed out one. These types of betrayals need time to breathe in order to be sorted out properly. They aren't suited to novellas because things move too quickly, and it's jarring and completely unbelievable.

Given the nature of Astrid's return, this is even more shaky. The outcome doesn't fit the story. This was not well done. The emotional aspect of the read was a mockery to the entire situation, given how quickly Astrid gives in.

I like Hailey Edward's writing, but this one was a bust.
]]> <![CDATA[A Time of Dying (Araneae Nation, #3)]]> 17592490 They just might survive…if they don’t kill each other first.

Araneae Nation, Book 3

Once the future Segestriidae maven, Kaidi lived a privileged life. Now she spends her nights haunting cities ravaged by the plague. Spade in hand, she stalks rows of freshly dug graves for corpses…and then she takes their heads.

Her new life is caked in blood and spattered with gore, but it’s hers. At least until—to her fury—she’s caught napping.

A plague survivor by the skin of his teeth, Murdoch risks his neck to solve the mysteries left in its wake. Bodies have gone missing. Guards have left their posts and never returned home.

When he rouses a female dozing among the dead, he’s unprepared for the violence of her response. Or his. Beneath the grime, she’s lovely. Too bad the blood under her fingernails belongs to his clansmen.

He has no choice but to follow this alluring creature deeper into her world of winged beasts and flesh-eating monsters. She holds the knowledge he craves, but the price is high—and they may both pay for it with their lives.

This book contains one heroine in desperate need of a bath and one hero willing to wash away her sins. Expect threats, swears and general cursing. Love is a slippery slope, and these two are sliding.

]]> 291 Hailey Edwards 1619216604 Jagged 3 She had real character flaws that came with consequences. And because of that, she had to earn the trust of people she had once held respect from.
Kaidi is also the only one who has taken an active role in the underlying plot rather than a passive one. This actually saved the book.
The underlying plot is really good. We've had a lot of clues up until now, but now we're getting a better understanding of what's going on.
This is a unique take on zombies, I've not yet read anything like it, and I have read a lot of books.
The story is well written. It is a slow read, so far, the entire series has been, but there's a lot going on here, and it's not boring.]]> 3.84 2013 A Time of Dying (Araneae Nation, #3)
author: Hailey Edwards
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/30
date added: 2024/12/30
shelves:
review:
The romance is meh, but I like Kaidi's personality. Outside of Isolde, she's my favorite yet.
She had real character flaws that came with consequences. And because of that, she had to earn the trust of people she had once held respect from.
Kaidi is also the only one who has taken an active role in the underlying plot rather than a passive one. This actually saved the book.
The underlying plot is really good. We've had a lot of clues up until now, but now we're getting a better understanding of what's going on.
This is a unique take on zombies, I've not yet read anything like it, and I have read a lot of books.
The story is well written. It is a slow read, so far, the entire series has been, but there's a lot going on here, and it's not boring.
]]> <![CDATA[A Cast of Shadows (Araneae Nation, #2.5)]]> 17018784
An "Araneae Nation" Story

Daraja has grown up watching her brothers journey down the river on the traditional Deinopidae rite of passage. Each returned with riches from their travels, and lovers with whom to share their lives.

Now she has reached the age where she would strike out on her own to seek her fortune-if she were male. Instead, she is expected to sit patiently, weave her nets and wait for the river to bring a husband to her.

Patience, however, has never been her strong suit.

Brynmor haunts the forest surrounding the city of Cathis, his disembodied spirit inextricably bound to the wild canis roaming his lands. Until the day he stumbles across a brazen trespasser in his woods.

Compelled to step in when the canis suspect her of poaching one of their own, Brynmor fears he has lost a piece of his ragged soul to the feisty, adventure-seeking female. And when the canis confront the real poachers, he is forced to choose which life to sacrifice. Hers...or his own.

Warning: This book contains one heroine with a knack for weaving nets and one hero who relishes getting caught. Expect singing, some howling, ghostly shenanigans, and the start of a love that transcends death.]]> 97 Hailey Edwards 1619214865 Jagged 2
I'm glad this one was not full length. Nor that it was necessary for the overall series.
Ghost sexy time isn't my thing, I guess. The whole thing just skeeved me out.
Brynmor's story outside of all that was really good, though.
And maybe this would've worked better if there was a history between them. But instead, this was just really sad. Darajah came across as giving up on life rather than embracing it. She ultimately settled for something less than she deserved. Brynmor didn't redeem himself. He incriminated himself further by interfering with the living in such a horrific way - condemning her to a half life.
I feel like this was maybe supposed to read like a legend of old. But it failed to hit that mark. It just read like a cheesy romance that hit on the ick factor.]]> 3.70 2013 A Cast of Shadows (Araneae Nation, #2.5)
author: Hailey Edwards
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2013
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2024/12/28
shelves:
review:
Not for me.

I'm glad this one was not full length. Nor that it was necessary for the overall series.
Ghost sexy time isn't my thing, I guess. The whole thing just skeeved me out.
Brynmor's story outside of all that was really good, though.
And maybe this would've worked better if there was a history between them. But instead, this was just really sad. Darajah came across as giving up on life rather than embracing it. She ultimately settled for something less than she deserved. Brynmor didn't redeem himself. He incriminated himself further by interfering with the living in such a horrific way - condemning her to a half life.
I feel like this was maybe supposed to read like a legend of old. But it failed to hit that mark. It just read like a cheesy romance that hit on the ick factor.
]]> <![CDATA[A Feast of Souls (Araneae Nation, #2)]]> 16046544
Araneae Nation, Book 2

Born with the ability to communicate with the dead, few things take Mana by surprise. But when a canis lopes into her life, announcing himself as the long-dead father of a childhood friend, she’s shocked. To make matters worse, he has a dire message that she alone can deliver.

Now Mana must face Vaughn, the male who inspired one too many girlish fantasies, and impart the spirit’s message—without acknowledging her source—so the soul can be laid to rest.

With rumors of a burgeoning clan war setting his nerves on edge, the last thing Vaughn needs is for an innocent to get caught in the crosshairs. But the woman he remembers as an awkward girl refuses to leave his side until he’s heard her out. That’s not the only change in her that calls to him. Her kindness soothes his battle-scarred soul—and he craves her in ways a warrior shouldn’t.

When they are both captured, they learn of an even greater threat. The plague devastating the southlands has come to his clan home. And his best—and only—chance to keep his people alive is the female who walks among the dead.

Product Warnings
This book contains one fierce hero with a nose for danger, one stubborn heroine who smells like trouble, and one wolfish spirit who makes most relationships with the in-laws seem downright tame. Fur, fangs and some biting should be expected. But never fear, the hero has a sword, and he knows how to use it.]]> 257 Hailey Edwards 1619213680 Jagged 4 I remembered this one better than the first one. I still stand by my initial impression of this book.
This series is rather slow, but it's a fun read.
This isn't my favorite style, though. Different couples following the same plot. The romance ends up being cookie cutter and rushed. I left the stars alone, but this would really be a three star book to me now.


Original review...2013

"Fever made me crazed." She pointed at her foot. "Named my little toe Little Alis, I did. Gods know I had Nerys serve Little Alis tea in a thimble."

Like the first book, this follows a unique plot and subplots.
The romance was a bit icky...dating your cousin's half brother who you have known your whole life...and it was oddly paced at times too. It was too much and not enough at the same time. Kind of sudden, with little chemistry, and then backtracking.

Mana's daftness was a bit too much for me at times, too. She was an interesting character, and I did enjoy her overall.

The world building could have been better, but the originality of the races was fun, and I did enjoy seeing their customs and behavioral differences explored more in this book.

Unfortunately, this book was still focusing entirely too much on the romance, and not enough on the bigger story: The Yellow Death. As this plague is a connection to this whole series, I would have liked for this part of the plot to have progressed a little more than it did.

I still enjoyed the book. I liked Vaughn in the first book, and I still kind of enjoyed him in this one. But his character wasn't really the same. He wasn't hard enough for my liking in this book. He became an entirely different person, and I would have liked that to have been much more subtle.

But as a whole, I did enjoy the book, and I am very interested in where the story is going. I will be looking out for the next one.]]> 3.92 2012 A Feast of Souls (Araneae Nation, #2)
author: Hailey Edwards
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2013/08/22
date added: 2024/12/27
shelves:
review:
2024 reread.
I remembered this one better than the first one. I still stand by my initial impression of this book.
This series is rather slow, but it's a fun read.
This isn't my favorite style, though. Different couples following the same plot. The romance ends up being cookie cutter and rushed. I left the stars alone, but this would really be a three star book to me now.


Original review...2013

"Fever made me crazed." She pointed at her foot. "Named my little toe Little Alis, I did. Gods know I had Nerys serve Little Alis tea in a thimble."

Like the first book, this follows a unique plot and subplots.
The romance was a bit icky...dating your cousin's half brother who you have known your whole life...and it was oddly paced at times too. It was too much and not enough at the same time. Kind of sudden, with little chemistry, and then backtracking.

Mana's daftness was a bit too much for me at times, too. She was an interesting character, and I did enjoy her overall.

The world building could have been better, but the originality of the races was fun, and I did enjoy seeing their customs and behavioral differences explored more in this book.

Unfortunately, this book was still focusing entirely too much on the romance, and not enough on the bigger story: The Yellow Death. As this plague is a connection to this whole series, I would have liked for this part of the plot to have progressed a little more than it did.

I still enjoyed the book. I liked Vaughn in the first book, and I still kind of enjoyed him in this one. But his character wasn't really the same. He wasn't hard enough for my liking in this book. He became an entirely different person, and I would have liked that to have been much more subtle.

But as a whole, I did enjoy the book, and I am very interested in where the story is going. I will be looking out for the next one.
]]> <![CDATA[A Hint of Frost (Araneae Nation, #1)]]> 13045039
Araneae Nation, Book 1

When the head of the Araneidae clan is found poisoned in her nest, her eldest daughter, Lourdes, becomes their clan’s new maven. If her clan is to survive, she has but one choice: she must marry before her nest is seized. All she needs is a warrior fierce enough to protect her city and safeguard her clansmen. Such a male is Rhys the Cold.

Born the youngest son of an impoverished maven, the only things Rhys has to his name are his sword and his mercenary reputation. His clan is starving, but their fondness for the flesh of fellow Araneaeans makes them unwelcome dinner guests. Torn between loyalty to his clan and fascination with his future bride, Rhys’s first taste of Lourdes threatens to melt the cold encasing his heart.

Amid the chaos of battle, Lourdes’s sister disappears and is feared captured. Lourdes and Rhys pursue their enemies into the southlands, where they discover an odd plague ravaging southern clans as it travels north, to Erania. Determined to survive, Lourdes will discover whether she’s worth her silk or if she’s spun the thread by which her clan will hang.

Warning: This book contains one mercenary hero with a biting fetish, one determined heroine who gets nibbled, and an answer to the age-old question, “What does dragon taste like?� Matricide and sibling rivalry are available upon request. The house special is revenge, best served cold.]]> 256 Hailey Edwards 1609287568 Jagged 4 I didn't realize I read this already.... so, not sure what to make of that. I don't usually forget a book no matter how shitty it is. Oddly enough, my opinion was pretty much identical. I will say that I prefer the Black Hat series to this one. But this is still original. And it's a decent read.


Original review from 2013


This was adorable, even considering the dark aspects of it.
It was very unique--here's why:
No love triangle.
Lourdes had a healthy respect for men, there was no fem-nazi agenda. She had no plans to change her lover.
There was time spent building the relationship, even though it had been fast tracked in other ways.
There was no true villain to encounter.

I really liked it. The world building could have been a little better though. I would have liked to understand the clans and how the whole world worked. It was kind of just left in the background, making some things a little confusing.
I enjoyed the innocence of Lourdes, and even with Rhys. He was a great male character. He actually acted male. He was mysterious, but kind, always kind. He wasn't a douche bag, there wasn't any unnecessary angst from him. Though there was plenty with Vaughn. I loved him, though. There could have been some more character development with the side characters, but the overall story was pretty good.
I enjoyed it enough to read the next in this series.]]> 3.68 2012 A Hint of Frost (Araneae Nation, #1)
author: Hailey Edwards
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2012
rating: 4
read at: 2013/04/25
date added: 2024/12/23
shelves:
review:
2024 Reread apparently.
I didn't realize I read this already.... so, not sure what to make of that. I don't usually forget a book no matter how shitty it is. Oddly enough, my opinion was pretty much identical. I will say that I prefer the Black Hat series to this one. But this is still original. And it's a decent read.


Original review from 2013


This was adorable, even considering the dark aspects of it.
It was very unique--here's why:
No love triangle.
Lourdes had a healthy respect for men, there was no fem-nazi agenda. She had no plans to change her lover.
There was time spent building the relationship, even though it had been fast tracked in other ways.
There was no true villain to encounter.

I really liked it. The world building could have been a little better though. I would have liked to understand the clans and how the whole world worked. It was kind of just left in the background, making some things a little confusing.
I enjoyed the innocence of Lourdes, and even with Rhys. He was a great male character. He actually acted male. He was mysterious, but kind, always kind. He wasn't a douche bag, there wasn't any unnecessary angst from him. Though there was plenty with Vaughn. I loved him, though. There could have been some more character development with the side characters, but the overall story was pretty good.
I enjoyed it enough to read the next in this series.
]]> <![CDATA[A Heart of Ice (Araneae Nation, #0.5)]]> 22042940 68 Hailey Edwards 1502202115 Jagged 2
“Males are simple creatures,� she confided. “Your comment aroused the wrong end of him.� “The wrong end?� I choked. “Is there a right one?� - best quote of the novella.

I'm not a fan of short stories because there's not enough time to connect. But I got this series as the whole collection, so this was the first book in line. Being that I haven't read anything beyond this, there's nothing to reference these characters to, so naturally, everything moves far too quickly for any believable situation.

On top of that, my guess is this was released as an afterthought, so not truly the first book. Therefore, world building and character development is practically nonexistent.

The good news is, I've read Edward's Black Hat series, so I know there's a lot more to come and can see there'll be some awesome humor in store as well.]]> 3.56 2014 A Heart of Ice (Araneae Nation, #0.5)
author: Hailey Edwards
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2014
rating: 2
read at:
date added: 2024/12/21
shelves:
review:
Not many novellas reach beyond 2 stars for me, so keep that in mind.

“Males are simple creatures,� she confided. “Your comment aroused the wrong end of him.� “The wrong end?� I choked. “Is there a right one?� - best quote of the novella.

I'm not a fan of short stories because there's not enough time to connect. But I got this series as the whole collection, so this was the first book in line. Being that I haven't read anything beyond this, there's nothing to reference these characters to, so naturally, everything moves far too quickly for any believable situation.

On top of that, my guess is this was released as an afterthought, so not truly the first book. Therefore, world building and character development is practically nonexistent.

The good news is, I've read Edward's Black Hat series, so I know there's a lot more to come and can see there'll be some awesome humor in store as well.
]]> <![CDATA[Wings of Starless Night (Kingsdaughter, #1)]]> 203148637
A traitor princess.

After the tragic deaths of Allina’s parents when she was five, her uncle ascended to the throne in the ensuing chaos, bringing peace and prosperity to Sorcen for the following fourteen years. Allina has always considered him her true father—until the day he orders her death and starts a war by kidnapping Prince Cohrven Nightheart, heir to the Liral Court, a wicked realm Allina’s only heard of in whispers.

A captured prince.

Everyone fears the Nightheart. When he was twelve, he earned his name and his dark reputation as a monster without mercy—or remorse. Since then, rumours of his unrivalled cruelty have only grown.

An evil that has been waiting�

When Cohrven is tortured by her uncle in a gruesome spectacle, Allina uses her hidden illusory magic to save him and escape, but not before his wings are shredded. As her uncle hunts them, time is running short before Liral retaliates in a devastating attack that Cohrven assures will annihilate Sorcen and everyone Allina loves along with it. To survive and preserve the Court that has forsaken her, Allina has to trust the Nightheart, even when he leads her to an ancient evil that could be their destruction.

Wings of Starless Night is an enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, new adult romantasy debut that will captivate you all the way to its breathtaking conclusion. It contains adult content meant for readers eighteen years of age and older. Content warnings are available on the author's website.]]> 318 Sadie Sterling 1738037517 Jagged 2 Potential is there

I can see what the goal was. I can see what was being attempted. Unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the mark.

I did try to keep in mind the age and immaturity of the characters while reading this. It was hard, though, because Sterling seemed to struggle with where they should be maturity wise.
This was supposed to be more NA, but it ended up being YA instead. Cohrven read as a 12 year old boy for most of this read, well, more like a 12 year old girl. Allina strayed between 13 and 25, but mostly hung around 15.

The character development needed a lot more work. A lot of this book was spent traveling in silence. Books become movies in my head, and I'm just picturing weeks of silence. That's incredibly boring and unlikely. This time should've been spent with character interactions, where the reader gets to learn more about them and be convinced of their budding attraction. But nope, silence it is!
Cohrven is supposed to be incredibly powerful, but he spends this book in near constant need of being saved by Allina. I see where you're going with this, but it doesn't quite work. It made sense in the beginning, but not so much later.

The pacing was awkward. It started off exciting, then long silence while traveling, then an unnecessary stop over in Liral where again, we learn pretty much nothing about our characters, and then more silent traveling. Then, once we're close to the end, we get a little bit of excitement. So, most of this book is boring and slow. With nothing to show for it.

There was some decent world building. I did feel like the story was taking place in another realm.
There were some good moments in the book, too, highlighting Sterling's potential as an author. I enjoyed the Wither, and I think more focus on that character would have helped.
The magic was interesting, too.

The plot was kind of abandoned once our main characters got to Liral. Then things just kind of happened haphazardly. Other characters were introduced for no real purpose, and pretty much no progress was made with the romance or even the overall goal of the book.

So, it's not a complete dud, but plenty of room to grow. I think Sterling has potential, though, to grow into a talented author. ]]> 4.02 Wings of Starless Night (Kingsdaughter, #1)
author: Sadie Sterling
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.02
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/21
date added: 2024/12/21
shelves:
review:
Potential is there

I can see what the goal was. I can see what was being attempted. Unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the mark.

I did try to keep in mind the age and immaturity of the characters while reading this. It was hard, though, because Sterling seemed to struggle with where they should be maturity wise.
This was supposed to be more NA, but it ended up being YA instead. Cohrven read as a 12 year old boy for most of this read, well, more like a 12 year old girl. Allina strayed between 13 and 25, but mostly hung around 15.

The character development needed a lot more work. A lot of this book was spent traveling in silence. Books become movies in my head, and I'm just picturing weeks of silence. That's incredibly boring and unlikely. This time should've been spent with character interactions, where the reader gets to learn more about them and be convinced of their budding attraction. But nope, silence it is!
Cohrven is supposed to be incredibly powerful, but he spends this book in near constant need of being saved by Allina. I see where you're going with this, but it doesn't quite work. It made sense in the beginning, but not so much later.

The pacing was awkward. It started off exciting, then long silence while traveling, then an unnecessary stop over in Liral where again, we learn pretty much nothing about our characters, and then more silent traveling. Then, once we're close to the end, we get a little bit of excitement. So, most of this book is boring and slow. With nothing to show for it.

There was some decent world building. I did feel like the story was taking place in another realm.
There were some good moments in the book, too, highlighting Sterling's potential as an author. I enjoyed the Wither, and I think more focus on that character would have helped.
The magic was interesting, too.

The plot was kind of abandoned once our main characters got to Liral. Then things just kind of happened haphazardly. Other characters were introduced for no real purpose, and pretty much no progress was made with the romance or even the overall goal of the book.

So, it's not a complete dud, but plenty of room to grow. I think Sterling has potential, though, to grow into a talented author.
]]> <![CDATA[Play Dead (Crossroads Queen, #6)]]> 210560335
This time, the Wild Hunt is on its way to town, commanded by its ruthless leader who has a score to settle with Lorelei’s friend, the Night Mallt.

Meanwhile, the Castle has opened its doors as a sanctuary for an unexpected and unwelcome visitor, which puts a damper on Lorelei’s budding relationship with resident demon prince of hell, Kane Sullivan. Even worse, the houseguest brings another hunting party to town, one that Lorelei has been careful to avoid.

As the threats escalate and secrets are revealed, Lorelei must come to terms with a moment of truth she never anticipated—if she can survive the hunt.

Play Dead is the sixth book in the Crossroads Queen series.]]> 282 Annabel Chase Jagged 1 Dnf

Supposed to be a buddy read, but this series keeps getting worse.
Right off the bat, I wasn't interested in the proposed plot. Everything is watered down in this series, so when the wild hunt was brought up, I cringed. I like the wild hunt, I can't bring myself to read a defiled version of it in Chases regular style.

I popped into the reviews to see if it's worth it.... and, it's not. I'm moving on. ]]> 4.52 2024 Play Dead (Crossroads Queen, #6)
author: Annabel Chase
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.52
book published: 2024
rating: 1
read at: 2024/12/18
date added: 2024/12/18
shelves:
review:
Dnf

Supposed to be a buddy read, but this series keeps getting worse.
Right off the bat, I wasn't interested in the proposed plot. Everything is watered down in this series, so when the wild hunt was brought up, I cringed. I like the wild hunt, I can't bring myself to read a defiled version of it in Chases regular style.

I popped into the reviews to see if it's worth it.... and, it's not. I'm moving on.
]]> <![CDATA[The Halfblood's Hoard (Halfblood Legacy Book 1)]]> 133142588
On the eve of her 21st birthday, her apartment is completely trashed. Tracking down the perpetrators leads her into a growing web of mysteries. Turning 21 adds a fresh wave of complications and a reveals a dark heritage that she would never have seen coming. To make things worse, a new client brings even more layers into the mess.

Somehow, Alex has to find answers to all the chaos in her life and stay alive while doing it. Whatever happens, her life will never be the same again.]]> 466 Devin Hanson Jagged 1 Not for me

The writing was awkward, and the plot was hazy. But aside from all that, this was not at all for me. I'm not into young girls sleeping with guys they consider to be their father's age. Also, I'm not into girl on girl.
Honestly, though, I've never really been a fan of djinn either. And pairing them with angels and demons didn't really help.
Alex is a shitty person, too, so an unlikable main character just adds to the pain of this read. On top of being awful, she's horribly stupid and naive. I'm not convinced she belongs in the supernatural world she's supposed to be a part of.
The character interactions are awkward. Nothing feels like it should go the way it ultimately goes. Alex's mother is weird, and her behavior is childish, but she doesn't come across as an ancient being. Neither does David, for that matter.

Then there's the awkwardness of accusing a character of being racist for insinuating that Chinatown is dangerous and then immediately describing Chinatown as being dangerous and shady.... unbelievable.

Anyway, not for me.
]]> 4.16 2018 The Halfblood's Hoard (Halfblood Legacy Book 1)
author: Devin Hanson
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2018
rating: 1
read at: 2024/12/17
date added: 2024/12/17
shelves:
review:
Not for me

The writing was awkward, and the plot was hazy. But aside from all that, this was not at all for me. I'm not into young girls sleeping with guys they consider to be their father's age. Also, I'm not into girl on girl.
Honestly, though, I've never really been a fan of djinn either. And pairing them with angels and demons didn't really help.
Alex is a shitty person, too, so an unlikable main character just adds to the pain of this read. On top of being awful, she's horribly stupid and naive. I'm not convinced she belongs in the supernatural world she's supposed to be a part of.
The character interactions are awkward. Nothing feels like it should go the way it ultimately goes. Alex's mother is weird, and her behavior is childish, but she doesn't come across as an ancient being. Neither does David, for that matter.

Then there's the awkwardness of accusing a character of being racist for insinuating that Chinatown is dangerous and then immediately describing Chinatown as being dangerous and shady.... unbelievable.

Anyway, not for me.

]]> <![CDATA[Fated Fury (Fate of the Darkmages Book 1)]]> 214330871 Sometimes the safest place is in the midst of danger.
Darkmages die.

Everyone knew this.

Everyone accepted it…except her.

Meet Valentina, the last member of the Forza bloodline, a darkmage and granddaughter of Alfonse Forza—one of the most powerful and infamous Darkmages to walk the earth.

Until he disappeared without a trace.

The last known location of the Eclipse was inside the Mage Directorate Headquarters. She must now infiltrate the Directorate, locate the missing Eclipse, and somehow escape with her life.

Everything was going as planned, until her plan ran into Xander Ashford—Enforcer Xander Ashford, who has sworn to kill darkmages.

Now, Valentina must unleash her dormant darkmage powers, find and recover the Eclipse all while evading the Directorate and Inquisitor Emery, the lead mage who controls a relentless group of mage enforcers who follow only one law when it comes to darkmages.

Darkmages die.]]> 220 Orlando A. Sanchez Jagged 2 1.5

This is not a book. It's a short story, and the length supports that.
What we have here is an interesting idea that needs to be fleshed out. Right now, it's choppy, disjointed, and has too many leaps on the page with all of the necessary elements happening off the page in the authors head.

Your readers aren't in your head, and we need more details. We need to form a connection with the characters. There is nothing here to give that connection.

The dialogue needs a lot of work. There was a lot of talking in circles and actual contradictions from the same character in the same conversation.

Nothing was explained very well. Val and Xander are not going to work very well. This is reading more as YA... and maybe it's supposed to. But anyway, it's not ready. This feels more like an outline.]]> 4.35 Fated Fury (Fate of the Darkmages Book 1)
author: Orlando A. Sanchez
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.35
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/15
date added: 2024/12/15
shelves:
review:
1.5

This is not a book. It's a short story, and the length supports that.
What we have here is an interesting idea that needs to be fleshed out. Right now, it's choppy, disjointed, and has too many leaps on the page with all of the necessary elements happening off the page in the authors head.

Your readers aren't in your head, and we need more details. We need to form a connection with the characters. There is nothing here to give that connection.

The dialogue needs a lot of work. There was a lot of talking in circles and actual contradictions from the same character in the same conversation.

Nothing was explained very well. Val and Xander are not going to work very well. This is reading more as YA... and maybe it's supposed to. But anyway, it's not ready. This feels more like an outline.
]]> <![CDATA[Dead to the World (Crossroads Queen, #1)]]> 144085997
She isn’t even like other supernaturals. Her specialties are the nightmares of the living, communication with the dead, and cooking bacon until it’s golden brown and perfectly crispy—no magic required.

Six months ago she moved to the ultimate fixer upper, a monstrosity from the Gilded Age that borders the local cemetery in the sleepy Pennsylvania town of Fairhaven. Lorelei is content to spend the next few years in solitude, renovating the house and avoiding humanity, until a missing young woman disrupts her plans. Lorelei’s search for the teenager means crossing paths with the residents she’s successfully avoided so far, including the human police chief, the coven, a cursed vampire, the assassins guild, the werewolf pack, and the mysterious and infuriatingly alluring owner of The Devil’s Playground, an elegant nightclub that caters to the local supernatural clientele.

Lorelei plans to find the girl quickly and return to the privacy of her castle walls before anyone learns her secrets, but you know what they say about the best laid plans�

Dead to the World is the first book in the Crossroads Queen urban fantasy series.]]> 236 Annabel Chase Jagged 3 2.75 rounded

Short but okay.
This book was more for introducing side characters. The overall plot was lacking a lot. The conclusion was ridiculous and anticlimactic. Kinda ruined the book, really.
I do like the mythology. Not your usual suspects, at least not all of them. Outside of that, this is a very transparent read. And Lorelei is very bland.
The writing could also use some work. It's very stiff. The banter is awkward a lot. The attempts to be hip and down with the current lingo were cringe worthy and will only serve to date the book in the future.
But still an entertaining read, overall.]]> 4.21 2023 Dead to the World (Crossroads Queen, #1)
author: Annabel Chase
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/09
date added: 2024/12/14
shelves:
review:
2.75 rounded

Short but okay.
This book was more for introducing side characters. The overall plot was lacking a lot. The conclusion was ridiculous and anticlimactic. Kinda ruined the book, really.
I do like the mythology. Not your usual suspects, at least not all of them. Outside of that, this is a very transparent read. And Lorelei is very bland.
The writing could also use some work. It's very stiff. The banter is awkward a lot. The attempts to be hip and down with the current lingo were cringe worthy and will only serve to date the book in the future.
But still an entertaining read, overall.
]]> <![CDATA[Dead Weight (Crossroads Queen, #5)]]> 204696804
Lorelei and Kane aren’t the only ones haunted by their histories. When unfamiliar werewolves cause trouble in town, Arrowhead alpha Weston Davies realizes his tragic past is about to catch up with him and threaten the life he's managed to build.

Meanwhile, an issue with a disgruntled fae could result in an interrealm incident if it isn’t handled with velvet gloves, which isn’t exactly Lorelei’s style.

As their problems continue to mount, it becomes clear that unless they face their respective pasts—they'll have no future.

Dead Weight is the fifth book in the Crossroads Queen series. For fans of feisty females, found family, paranormal romance subplots, tortured demon princes, and a feel-good vibe.]]> 284 Annabel Chase Jagged 1 I need a break

If you're into girl power while the men take a back seat, this series is definitely for you. But be warned, everything is solved very easily without many complications.

West is a terrible alpha. He literally ran and hid. I lost any respect I had for him. He was the only male who almost resembled one. Not anymore.

There were a few too many storylines running through this one, which made it very disjointed.

Lorelei still thinks she needs to do everything herself. She still thinks everyone owes her an explanation while she shouldn't explain things herself.

She's randomly opening up now, but her reasons for doing so don't make sense.

Chase forgets some of the events from prior books. She forgot that she had already told Nana Pratt that she controlled her hand with the scraping knife in the previous book. It wasn't a revelation in this one.

The slow burn romance isn't cute anymore. Mainly because no progress has happened in 5 books. They're at a standstill, and it's no longer interesting. I'm okay that they're taking their time, but they still behave like acquaintances.

I need to read something else before continuing because this is painful. But it's a buddy read, so I'll finish this series one way or another. ]]> 4.49 2024 Dead Weight (Crossroads Queen, #5)
author: Annabel Chase
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2024
rating: 1
read at: 2024/12/14
date added: 2024/12/14
shelves:
review:
I need a break

If you're into girl power while the men take a back seat, this series is definitely for you. But be warned, everything is solved very easily without many complications.

West is a terrible alpha. He literally ran and hid. I lost any respect I had for him. He was the only male who almost resembled one. Not anymore.

There were a few too many storylines running through this one, which made it very disjointed.

Lorelei still thinks she needs to do everything herself. She still thinks everyone owes her an explanation while she shouldn't explain things herself.

She's randomly opening up now, but her reasons for doing so don't make sense.

Chase forgets some of the events from prior books. She forgot that she had already told Nana Pratt that she controlled her hand with the scraping knife in the previous book. It wasn't a revelation in this one.

The slow burn romance isn't cute anymore. Mainly because no progress has happened in 5 books. They're at a standstill, and it's no longer interesting. I'm okay that they're taking their time, but they still behave like acquaintances.

I need to read something else before continuing because this is painful. But it's a buddy read, so I'll finish this series one way or another.
]]> <![CDATA[Dead Wrong (Crossroads Queen, #4)]]> 199291817
When a series of attacks threatens the town, Lorelei is thrust back into the magical spotlight. This time, she isn't sure she can weather the storm on her own without drawing too much attention to herself and, even worse, endangering the lives of everyone she's come to care about.

Dead Wrong is the fourth book in the Crossroads Queen series, featuring a strong female protagonist, a slow burn romance, magic and mayhem, and a coterie of paranormal friends and found family.]]> 260 Annabel Chase Jagged 2 Okay

The plot in this one is okay. We get more obscure deities, so that's fun.
Lorelei really hasn't grown at all. 4 books in, so now I don't expect her to. She'll remain hypocritical bitch.
The explanation for how her grandfather discovered that she was a goddess needs some work. Not sure why he would come to that conclusion when there are so many options. Actually, there are a lot of plot holes I've actively ignored in order to keep reading without going on a rant.
Lorelei is finally moving to the conclusion you knew from the first book. Everything takes forever for some reason. It's like Chase actually thinks we'll be surprised.
If i weren't buddy reading these, I'd have dropped this by now. But there's a few more to go. ]]> 4.44 2024 Dead Wrong (Crossroads Queen, #4)
author: Annabel Chase
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/13
date added: 2024/12/13
shelves:
review:
Okay

The plot in this one is okay. We get more obscure deities, so that's fun.
Lorelei really hasn't grown at all. 4 books in, so now I don't expect her to. She'll remain hypocritical bitch.
The explanation for how her grandfather discovered that she was a goddess needs some work. Not sure why he would come to that conclusion when there are so many options. Actually, there are a lot of plot holes I've actively ignored in order to keep reading without going on a rant.
Lorelei is finally moving to the conclusion you knew from the first book. Everything takes forever for some reason. It's like Chase actually thinks we'll be surprised.
If i weren't buddy reading these, I'd have dropped this by now. But there's a few more to go.
]]> <![CDATA[Dead Last (Crossroads Queen, #3)]]> 184435678
She’s also desperate for money.

When a mage assassin asks for help with a delicate matter involving a ruthless vampire mobster, Lorelei agrees—for a price. Part of the deal is that Kane Sullivan can’t know. Yes, that Kane. Prince of hell. Demon to end all demons. Stubborn, nosy, and ridiculously sexy.

If only the demon weren’t so curious about her.

Lorelei has spent her life moving, hiding, laying low, and avoiding relationships of any kind.

In Fairhaven, that’s all about to change.

Find out how in Dead Last, the third book in the six-book Crossroads Queen urban fantasy series that features a strong female protagonist, a slow-burn romance, monster takedowns, and Scrabble-playing vampires.]]> 232 Annabel Chase Jagged 3 Better

This was better than the first two. The plot was more interesting. And we have an answer for what Lorelei is now, though it's not mind-blowing or earth-shattering news.

The males of this series are all soy boys with no real appeal unless you like girly men. There is a solid theme of man hating that flows through this series, but now we have the male personas to back it up at least. It's clear that the author buys into the idea that masculine men are toxic. And all the other bullshit associated with those views. But I respect that her male characters are built to fit that belief. Other authors who use this angle still write alpha males.

Anyway, why was Lorelei covered in blood and guts when all she did was snap a neck? I must've missed the stabbing.

Still reading along at this point, so we'll see what happens next. ]]> 4.46 2023 Dead Last (Crossroads Queen, #3)
author: Annabel Chase
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2024/12/12
date added: 2024/12/12
shelves:
review:
Better

This was better than the first two. The plot was more interesting. And we have an answer for what Lorelei is now, though it's not mind-blowing or earth-shattering news.

The males of this series are all soy boys with no real appeal unless you like girly men. There is a solid theme of man hating that flows through this series, but now we have the male personas to back it up at least. It's clear that the author buys into the idea that masculine men are toxic. And all the other bullshit associated with those views. But I respect that her male characters are built to fit that belief. Other authors who use this angle still write alpha males.

Anyway, why was Lorelei covered in blood and guts when all she did was snap a neck? I must've missed the stabbing.

Still reading along at this point, so we'll see what happens next.
]]> <![CDATA[Dead of Night (Crossroads Queen, #2)]]> 143921182 For Lorelei Clay, no good deed goes unpunished�

Reluctant ghost whisperer Lorelei Clay wants a working moat, which is the only reason she agrees to help with yet another supernatural situation. The simple ghostbusting job quickly escalates when Lorelei discovers the involvement of a powerful and ancient collective not known for their social skills.

Lorelei wants nothing more than to get back to her renovations and her life of solitude, but it becomes painfully clear that if she can’t fix this small-town problem, Fairhaven is going to suffer big-time consequences.

Dead of Night is the second book in the Crossroads Queen urban fantasy series.]]> 220 Annabel Chase Jagged 2 Solid 2 stars

So, book two, and still no description of what Lorelei looks like. If not for the cover, I'd have nothing to picture her as.

Here, we have a recycled plot from book one. I'm not a fan. Again, the resolution is incredibly underwhelming.

I can see that Chase is attempting to leave breadcrumbs, and I'll give her props for effort, but this is turning out to be a rather clumsy series. Very transparent. I had the blackbird pegged as soon as we saw it in the first book. So far, everything has been surface level. I've been informed things improve a bit in the future books, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

I am enjoying the different mythological creatures, even though we only have brief interactions with them. And I'm reading along with a friend, so I'll read the next ones. ]]> 4.38 2023 Dead of Night (Crossroads Queen, #2)
author: Annabel Chase
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/11
date added: 2024/12/11
shelves:
review:
Solid 2 stars

So, book two, and still no description of what Lorelei looks like. If not for the cover, I'd have nothing to picture her as.

Here, we have a recycled plot from book one. I'm not a fan. Again, the resolution is incredibly underwhelming.

I can see that Chase is attempting to leave breadcrumbs, and I'll give her props for effort, but this is turning out to be a rather clumsy series. Very transparent. I had the blackbird pegged as soon as we saw it in the first book. So far, everything has been surface level. I've been informed things improve a bit in the future books, but I'm not going to hold my breath.

I am enjoying the different mythological creatures, even though we only have brief interactions with them. And I'm reading along with a friend, so I'll read the next ones.
]]> <![CDATA[A Crown of Tears and Treason (The Curse of Silver Secrets and Cruel Shadows, #1)]]> 209234562 To keep my family safe and prevent a devastating Clan war, I would do anything–even marry the powerful prince I’ve hidden from all my life.

When the vicious Blood Brotherhood prince I’ve been hidden from all my life finally comes to claim me at my wedding and kills my heinous groom, he gives me one choice–stay here and take my chances with the unknown force raining poisoned arrows on my ceremony or leave with him as his bride.

He’s the man I was raised to fear.

He’s the most ruthless warrior in all of Malhaven.

Few dare to even speak his name.

But with my family’s safety on the line, I choose the unthinkable and agree to become his queen.

As I try to adjust to my new home, the treacherous ways of Clan life, and learn the magic I was forbidden from practicing, I discover that the enemy I once feared might be the only one I can trust–and the sole person I can’t resist.

But the secret he’s keeping might finally accomplish what the assassins failed to do–destroy everyone I love and shatter our world forever.

A Crown of Tears and Treason is book 1 in the first duology of the A Curse of Silver Secrets and Cruel Shadows series. It’s a slowburn, enemies-to-lovers romantasy where banter is a love language and secrets can kill. The series starts out hot and only gets hotter as the mystery grows.

In the War of the Clans, which side will you choose? Protectorate VS Blood Brotherhood.
]]> 574 Vera Raye Jagged 2 Needs work

I can't say it has a good premise because I don't know what it is. It doesn't have a plot, exactly, more like several storylines surrounding the same characters. The storylines are okay, but Raye needs to learn how to focus. The reader should be able to identify clear objectives and pinpoint the overarching goal. Here, I'm not sure which one is the dominant line.
Because of this, you never quite know which storyline you're walking. This interrupts the flow of the book.
Furthermore, entirely too much of the story happens off the page. Overall, I felt like I read half of this story. Zandyr, in particular, really highlighted this. He went from not liking Evie to being completely enamored with her for no discernable reason.

We still don't know why Evie's parents ran off with her. Why were they worried about Zandyr. Evie claims they were enemies, but we never actually saw evidence of that.

We don't know why all of her cousins were scattered away from their home clan. Just because they're betrothed doesn't explain that. We also don't know why they were all betrothed to the same clan, nor why they're all Zandyr's warriors.

We are also subjected to repetitive phrases. Evie licks the inside of her cheek a lot. I tried it, and it's very awkward, and she must've looked ridiculous when she did it. The awful, overused line of not knowing where one or the other begins or ends is used twice! Once for bodies in passion and the other to describe dress paneling of all things. Just stop that. That line should be illegal. Any author using it should be immediately discredited and stoned for good measure.

I don't know.... maybe I'll read the next one. Evie, at least, isn't a complete waste of character. ]]> 4.23 2024 A Crown of Tears and Treason (The Curse of Silver Secrets and Cruel Shadows, #1)
author: Vera Raye
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2024/12/08
date added: 2024/12/08
shelves:
review:
Needs work

I can't say it has a good premise because I don't know what it is. It doesn't have a plot, exactly, more like several storylines surrounding the same characters. The storylines are okay, but Raye needs to learn how to focus. The reader should be able to identify clear objectives and pinpoint the overarching goal. Here, I'm not sure which one is the dominant line.
Because of this, you never quite know which storyline you're walking. This interrupts the flow of the book.
Furthermore, entirely too much of the story happens off the page. Overall, I felt like I read half of this story. Zandyr, in particular, really highlighted this. He went from not liking Evie to being completely enamored with her for no discernable reason.

We still don't know why Evie's parents ran off with her. Why were they worried about Zandyr. Evie claims they were enemies, but we never actually saw evidence of that.

We don't know why all of her cousins were scattered away from their home clan. Just because they're betrothed doesn't explain that. We also don't know why they were all betrothed to the same clan, nor why they're all Zandyr's warriors.

We are also subjected to repetitive phrases. Evie licks the inside of her cheek a lot. I tried it, and it's very awkward, and she must've looked ridiculous when she did it. The awful, overused line of not knowing where one or the other begins or ends is used twice! Once for bodies in passion and the other to describe dress paneling of all things. Just stop that. That line should be illegal. Any author using it should be immediately discredited and stoned for good measure.

I don't know.... maybe I'll read the next one. Evie, at least, isn't a complete waste of character.
]]> A Flame Under the Moon 196321791
Freedom is a luxury Viona Tarvas was never meant to have. Born into a kingdom of darkness, untamed powers burn beneath her skin, making her destined to become a weapon. It is an identity she swore to keep hidden, one that led her further into the shadows. While keeping her sword raised and tipped with grief, little does she know she is tied to more than just an ancient prophecy.

A decision...

Cloaked by the night sky, she's taken against her will by a rude and irritatingly handsome stranger. He pushes her boundaries and incites fury like no other. She plans to fight him every step of the way, until she discovers a life-changing betrayal by her own flesh and blood. Her captor promises answers to the powers that lie dormant, but she questions his motives.

Shadows unveiled...

She soon discovers she's not only in a race against time, but her presence also seems to bring division no matter where she finds herself. While she holds the future of Vendrelle at her fingertips, something darker follows her.
Enigmatic forces are at play while visions pull her into a hollow space where the line of truth is blurred.

Time is of the essence.
Will she be able to make sense of it all and hone her gifts before time runs out, or will shattering truths cleave the
This is an epic adult dark fantasy romance novel about a journey through the shadows of betrayal, harrowing truths, and learning how to accept oneself while also finding love in the darkest of places.]]> 564 Monica Amore Jagged 1 DNF 40%

I tried to see this one through. I thought it just needed a moment to get itself on track, but 40% later, I realized this is just how it is.
So, nothing makes sense.
The Princess's original circumstances didn't make sense. Sure, her father's stuff can be explained away and likely is at some point, but her behavior isn't and likely wasn't.
Viona is a bitch. I'm not sure if Amore was trying for sassy or if she actually intended for catty, but Viona was just a bitch. I didn't connect with her. Callian was stupid. He reminded me of an ape. His overly forward behavior after kidnapping a woman was ridiculous, and Vionas' responses were outlandish, especially with how quickly she changes course.
Anyway, this did not keep my attention at all. I barely recall anyone's name. I've forgotten the point of the book and I want to read something I'll enjoy. ]]> 3.78 2024 A Flame Under the Moon
author: Monica Amore
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2024
rating: 1
read at: 2024/12/04
date added: 2024/12/04
shelves:
review:
DNF 40%

I tried to see this one through. I thought it just needed a moment to get itself on track, but 40% later, I realized this is just how it is.
So, nothing makes sense.
The Princess's original circumstances didn't make sense. Sure, her father's stuff can be explained away and likely is at some point, but her behavior isn't and likely wasn't.
Viona is a bitch. I'm not sure if Amore was trying for sassy or if she actually intended for catty, but Viona was just a bitch. I didn't connect with her. Callian was stupid. He reminded me of an ape. His overly forward behavior after kidnapping a woman was ridiculous, and Vionas' responses were outlandish, especially with how quickly she changes course.
Anyway, this did not keep my attention at all. I barely recall anyone's name. I've forgotten the point of the book and I want to read something I'll enjoy.
]]> <![CDATA[Sin & Magic (Demigods of San Francisco, #2)]]> 42947844
Have I lost my mind?

Thankfully, I don't have to do it alone. Kieran has brought in help: a Necromancer who loves to flirt with danger. Bria can help me find the clues to free Kieran's mom.

She can also help me learn my potent and extremely terrifying magic.

But as we work deeper into magical San Francisco, we uncover a minefield waiting to explode. I'm learning that there are far worse things than death.]]> 425 K.F. Breene Jagged 3 Easy, fun read. 2.5 stars

This was an okay sequel. I've heard it gets better as the series moves along, so we'll see.

So far, things have had very low stakes, and Lexi handles everything really with very little complications. That's a bit disappointing, but her powers are interesting.

I'm not overly attached to any of the characters since there's nothing of substance to grab a hold of for any of them, even at this point.

Lexi is oddly materialistic while being slightly practical. It's a unique quirk for a main character. Her taking anything she can get gives credence to her survival nature.

I'm still not overly enamored with Daisy, but I'm hoping to see how she comes along. I like Bria even though she's the last person Kieran would ever pair with someone he wanted to keep under the radar. In other circumstances, she'd be a great character... she just didn't make sense for this book.

I'm hoping the characters become more than names as this series progresses because that would make this so much better. ]]> 4.36 2018 Sin & Magic (Demigods of San Francisco, #2)
author: K.F. Breene
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/29
date added: 2024/11/29
shelves:
review:
Easy, fun read. 2.5 stars

This was an okay sequel. I've heard it gets better as the series moves along, so we'll see.

So far, things have had very low stakes, and Lexi handles everything really with very little complications. That's a bit disappointing, but her powers are interesting.

I'm not overly attached to any of the characters since there's nothing of substance to grab a hold of for any of them, even at this point.

Lexi is oddly materialistic while being slightly practical. It's a unique quirk for a main character. Her taking anything she can get gives credence to her survival nature.

I'm still not overly enamored with Daisy, but I'm hoping to see how she comes along. I like Bria even though she's the last person Kieran would ever pair with someone he wanted to keep under the radar. In other circumstances, she'd be a great character... she just didn't make sense for this book.

I'm hoping the characters become more than names as this series progresses because that would make this so much better.
]]> <![CDATA[Fated to the Warrior Wolf (The Hunted Omegas #3)]]> 213691048 Houston, this was not part of the plan. Not even a little tiny bit. He's not my fated mate, yet here I am, pregnant regardless.

Leigh
It's not supposed to be possible, but I guess when your BFF is some sort of unicorn wolf with special powers, things tend to get a bit wonky. But that's not really the point. The point is I'm super duper for sure pregnant, and he's pissed off, growly, and grumpy as hell.

Oh, and he found out by accident. While I was telling his best friend. And puking, loudly. Huzzah for morning sickness, yo.

And . . . he didn't seem thrilled. Not loving the trajectory, here. But I'll protect my tiny, perfect Petal. Even from her own father if I have to.

Gael
Am I still breathing? I'm not really sure. Because a one night stand isn't supposed to come with these sorts of consequences. I mean, sure, if we were human. But wolves? It's not that easy. There are signs.

But despite the utter lack of a starter pistol announcing that we were a go, the four pregnancy tests laid out on her bathroom counter don't lie. I'm going to be a dad. Pretty sure my face is about to melt off with the shock.

She and I are like oil and water. Fire and gasoline? Yeah, that one. It's not because I don't like her. Hell, I can't stop thinking about her. The problem is she knows how to push every last one of my buttons, and she's determined to slam the door in my face.

But I'm not the kind of guy to take no for an answer, not when the woman I'm crazy about and my baby are on the line. We might not have mate signsâ€�˛â±đłŮâ€�but I know she's the one for me. Now I just have to prove that I can be the one for her, too.

That can't be too difficult, right?

One-click now to dive into this steamy wolf-shifter romance.â…â…â…â…â�
If you

Wolf ShiftersFated Mates (but not insta-love)Surprise Baby/Secret BabyCinnamon Roll HeroSupportive Girl Bestieswith just a dash of Grumpy/Sunshine . . .This is the book for you!â…â…â…â…â�

This new paranormal romance from April L. Moon is perfect for fans of Shannon Mayer and Jaymin Eve. The first book contains a HEA for our main couple. The story arc spans multiple books, but each one contains a new couple and a new romance, while still bringing in familiar faces until our world's problems are solved.]]> 430 April L. Moon Jagged 3 Moving along

I had thought this was going to be my favorite, but towards the end, I'd really gotten tired of Leigh. I mean, she went three weeks without talking to Gael. And she treated him so poorly. I was happy the first time she realized her nonsense was awful, but it didn't stop her from only thinking about herself for the rest of the read. This was the first book in the series where I didn't think that the couple belonged together. I really liked Gaels letters, but i thought that Leigh decided to read them too late. Gael didn't seem like the type to allow all of the games. She claimed him when someone else wanted him and then dumped him right after. That was awful, I was expecting Gael to let her know how her games felt and that he wouldn't play them anymore, and she could make her own decision and stick to it. The back and forth went on a little too long, I think, because I lost the connection between them.
Also, Petal and Poppy? Why???? They sound like a name you'd give a pet, not a child.
I still like the overall plot, and I'll pick up the next one. ]]> 4.15 Fated to the Warrior Wolf (The Hunted Omegas #3)
author: April L. Moon
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.15
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/27
date added: 2024/11/27
shelves:
review:
Moving along

I had thought this was going to be my favorite, but towards the end, I'd really gotten tired of Leigh. I mean, she went three weeks without talking to Gael. And she treated him so poorly. I was happy the first time she realized her nonsense was awful, but it didn't stop her from only thinking about herself for the rest of the read. This was the first book in the series where I didn't think that the couple belonged together. I really liked Gaels letters, but i thought that Leigh decided to read them too late. Gael didn't seem like the type to allow all of the games. She claimed him when someone else wanted him and then dumped him right after. That was awful, I was expecting Gael to let her know how her games felt and that he wouldn't play them anymore, and she could make her own decision and stick to it. The back and forth went on a little too long, I think, because I lost the connection between them.
Also, Petal and Poppy? Why???? They sound like a name you'd give a pet, not a child.
I still like the overall plot, and I'll pick up the next one.
]]> <![CDATA[Whispers of the Dead (Cora Roberts, #1)]]> 57905043
I’m the local bed and breakfast owner who offers extras such as supernatural autopsies and burials, earning me the title of The Undertaker.

A string of murders brings the lord of the shifters and the vampire prince to my door. Together we take on the evil lurking in the shadows. But as we draw closer to the truth, they begin to unpick my secrets, which I must protect with my life. Pity they have the best senses in town.

My name is Cora Roberts, elemental badass with a secret that will rock the world.]]> Adaline Winters Jagged 2 Choppy

I haven't read Kat Daniel's, so I can't speak to the plagiarism of that series, but I have read the other series with Rogan. I'm not seeing a play by play of that, but I do see similar elements as well as that of Patricia Briggs. Sebastian is very similar to Stephen, and so is the connection she has with Sebastian that Mercy has with Stephen.

My issue is with the writing. Winters doesn't know how to write in the present tense. She kept flip flipping between present and past tense, often within the same paragraph of description. It drove me batty.

The scenarios made little sense. Cora wanted to keep her secret, yet had very sensitive supernatural beings living with her. Both of which had loose lips. Cora had the ability to drop important conversations for weeks at a time, and for some reason, no one had an issue waiting that long to pick it back up. Cora has a debilitating ability that constantly leaves her compromised, yet she thinks she's all powerful and doesn't need help. Cora treats Hundson like shit and then gets upset if he takes her at her word.
Cora has a past that doesn't make sense, either. If she's so bad ass, how was she captured and tortured for a week without raising hell?
She spends the majority of this book either hurt or unconscious. I'm failing to see her total bad assery.
So many things at odds with each other.
]]> 4.21 2021 Whispers of the Dead (Cora Roberts, #1)
author: Adaline Winters
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2021
rating: 2
read at: 2024/11/25
date added: 2024/11/25
shelves:
review:
Choppy

I haven't read Kat Daniel's, so I can't speak to the plagiarism of that series, but I have read the other series with Rogan. I'm not seeing a play by play of that, but I do see similar elements as well as that of Patricia Briggs. Sebastian is very similar to Stephen, and so is the connection she has with Sebastian that Mercy has with Stephen.

My issue is with the writing. Winters doesn't know how to write in the present tense. She kept flip flipping between present and past tense, often within the same paragraph of description. It drove me batty.

The scenarios made little sense. Cora wanted to keep her secret, yet had very sensitive supernatural beings living with her. Both of which had loose lips. Cora had the ability to drop important conversations for weeks at a time, and for some reason, no one had an issue waiting that long to pick it back up. Cora has a debilitating ability that constantly leaves her compromised, yet she thinks she's all powerful and doesn't need help. Cora treats Hundson like shit and then gets upset if he takes her at her word.
Cora has a past that doesn't make sense, either. If she's so bad ass, how was she captured and tortured for a week without raising hell?
She spends the majority of this book either hurt or unconscious. I'm failing to see her total bad assery.
So many things at odds with each other.

]]> <![CDATA[Spirit Walker- Silver Creek Pack : Mates Emergence Book One]]> 63338422 Eat. Sleep. Alpha.
That's what I know.
I learned to rule my pack with an Iron fist the day my sister went missing.
I left no room for errors.
Then she walked into my life.
Harley Rayne.
A fiery-tempered raven with a head of dark hair and eyes I could drown within.
I never expected her to tear apart my world.
I also never expected her to tell me she could see dead people and that my sister was one of them.

Harley

I've always been the strange girl. The one others could do without.
I liked it that way.
Because I was strange, a weird chick with odd abilities.
I could see dead people and that often gave people the willies.
But I had a vow, I swore to protect.
I'd always help a lost spirit.
I had a rule too, never contact the family directly.
All until the Silver Creek Pack.
All until him.
I break all of my rules and in return, Axton Silverton breaks me.]]> 358 Emmaleigh Wynters Jagged 1 Toxic disaster

This was a disaster and probably the epitome of shitty indie writing.

The sad thing is that the plot had a lot of potential. Beta readers, respected beta readers, if an editor was off the table, should have been employed here.

The first thing I noticed was that it took five chapters to get through a five sentence interchange between the main characters. This short conversation was broken up by an abundance of ridiculous inner monologue and bizarre metaphors that ultimately meant nothing. Wynters was very fond of meaningless metaphors.

Worse, Wynters does not know her way around the English language. Tenses were all over the damn place. "Never" was used far too often and usually incorrectly. It is not always substitutable for "didn't." To and too are also not interchangeable. They mean different things. As the book progressed, spelling and grammatical errors became increasingly frequent.

The relationship between Harley and Axton was very toxic. The chemistry was forced, and the bond was disrespected by how they both behaved with each other. Axton was awful. Even the moments where Wynters tried to redeem him, he just came across as selfish and needing to use Harley rather than care for her at all.
They were not good together. You can't just tell readers that they are while showing them that they're not. But this is where this book is as it stands.

Harley had the potential to be a great character. She's badass right up until she isn't. Then she's just reckless without any sense.

All attempts for deep connection fell flat because Harley spends too much time contradicting herself. She thinks in circles but is always at odds with her own thoughts with her actions.

And by 80%, the pacing had slowed so much, and the plot was lost that I completely lost interest in where the story was going. I skimmed it to the end after that. I'm not bothered to read further, but honestly, even if it was decent, I wouldn't bother just because of the editing - or lack of, as it happens.

I do not recommend wasting your time with this disaster.]]> 4.18 Spirit Walker- Silver Creek Pack : Mates Emergence Book One
author: Emmaleigh Wynters
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.18
book published:
rating: 1
read at: 2024/11/21
date added: 2024/11/21
shelves:
review:
Toxic disaster

This was a disaster and probably the epitome of shitty indie writing.

The sad thing is that the plot had a lot of potential. Beta readers, respected beta readers, if an editor was off the table, should have been employed here.

The first thing I noticed was that it took five chapters to get through a five sentence interchange between the main characters. This short conversation was broken up by an abundance of ridiculous inner monologue and bizarre metaphors that ultimately meant nothing. Wynters was very fond of meaningless metaphors.

Worse, Wynters does not know her way around the English language. Tenses were all over the damn place. "Never" was used far too often and usually incorrectly. It is not always substitutable for "didn't." To and too are also not interchangeable. They mean different things. As the book progressed, spelling and grammatical errors became increasingly frequent.

The relationship between Harley and Axton was very toxic. The chemistry was forced, and the bond was disrespected by how they both behaved with each other. Axton was awful. Even the moments where Wynters tried to redeem him, he just came across as selfish and needing to use Harley rather than care for her at all.
They were not good together. You can't just tell readers that they are while showing them that they're not. But this is where this book is as it stands.

Harley had the potential to be a great character. She's badass right up until she isn't. Then she's just reckless without any sense.

All attempts for deep connection fell flat because Harley spends too much time contradicting herself. She thinks in circles but is always at odds with her own thoughts with her actions.

And by 80%, the pacing had slowed so much, and the plot was lost that I completely lost interest in where the story was going. I skimmed it to the end after that. I'm not bothered to read further, but honestly, even if it was decent, I wouldn't bother just because of the editing - or lack of, as it happens.

I do not recommend wasting your time with this disaster.
]]> <![CDATA[The Wheel of Osheim (The Red Queen's War, #3)]]> 27154427 All the horrors of Hell stand between Snorri Ver Snagason and the rescue of his family, if indeed the dead can be rescued.

For Jalan Kendeth getting out alive and with Loki’s Key is all that matters. The key can open any lock and possession of it may enable Jal to to return to the three Ws that have been the core of his debauched life: wine, women, and wagering.

But the Wheel of Osheim is turning ever faster and it will crack the world unless it’s stopped. When the end of all things looms, and there’s nowhere to run, even the worst coward must find new answers]]> 656 Mark Lawrence 0007531613 Jagged 5 books-i-have 4.31 2016 The Wheel of Osheim (The Red Queen's War, #3)
author: Mark Lawrence
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at:
date added: 2024/11/20
shelves: books-i-have
review:

]]> Cursed (The Watchers, #1) 16099844 Alternate Cover Edition for ASIN: B009TBGTU6

Since she was eight years old, Lilly Rayne Nightingale felt like Fate was trying to wipe away her existence through a series of odd, near fatal incidences. Luckily, her best friend Will was always one step ahead of Fate preventing her from being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Will was her knight in shining armor until he broke her heart after their one and only kiss.

On Lilly’s first day of college, she meets Brand Cole. Intrigued by Brand, Lilly must decide whether or not she can give up her adolescent fantasy of being reunited with Will and allow Brand the opportunity to conqueror her heart.

Not only do Will and Brand both love Lilly, they share a dark secret neither wants Lilly to discover. Lilly thinks Fate is after her once again when a new series of attempts on her life start to take place, but she soon learns someone of flesh and blood is trying to kill her this time.]]> 458 S.J. West Jagged 0 to-read 3.95 2012 Cursed (The Watchers, #1)
author: S.J. West
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Fugitive Mate (Silverlake Shifters, #1)]]> 32594559 A Fugitive Mate�
Emma Wilkes is on the run from her ex-boyfriend—with a stolen laptop containing evidence of his crimes. When she meets a hot guy in a truck stop bar, she pretends to be his date, hoping to throw her ex’s hit squad off her trail.

A Desperate Alpha�
Alpha wolf Jace Monroe has only weeks to find a true mate and bond with her, or he’ll lose his pack and his territory. To him, the stranger coming on to him is just a delectably curvy distraction from his troubles. But to his wolf, she’s the one.

One Wild Night
So when Emma steals Jace’s motorcycle and vanishes from his motel room in the middle of the night, Jace vows to track her down and find out who she really is—a conniving con woman, or the mate he’s been waiting for all his life.

But can he find her—and persuade her to trust him—before time runs out for both of them?

Silverlake Shifters
Smokin� hot shifter men with hearts of gold; the strong, passionate women who love them; secrets, lies and danger; naughty, steamy love scenes—and happily ever afters.

Content warning: This book contains naughty language and steamy love scenes, and is intended for adults only.]]> 234 Anastasia Wilde Jagged 2 Bah

Started good. Lots of action.... but pacing!!!! This was insanely rushed. Emma mentions her dislike for instalove and then proceeds to instalove! Why bother mentioning how dumb it is if you're going to do it anyway?
This was going well until the cave, and then it nosedived straight to hell.
The backplot was stupid. Over royalties? Yeah...
I'm not convinced of any of it and won't bother reading the rest. ]]> 4.07 Fugitive Mate (Silverlake Shifters, #1)
author: Anastasia Wilde
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.07
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2024/11/18
date added: 2024/11/18
shelves:
review:
Bah

Started good. Lots of action.... but pacing!!!! This was insanely rushed. Emma mentions her dislike for instalove and then proceeds to instalove! Why bother mentioning how dumb it is if you're going to do it anyway?
This was going well until the cave, and then it nosedived straight to hell.
The backplot was stupid. Over royalties? Yeah...
I'm not convinced of any of it and won't bother reading the rest.
]]> <![CDATA[Court of Darkness (Institute of the Shadow Fae, #2)]]> 122753147
That is, until he throws me into the dungeons. I’m on the naughty list, and the mentor who once trained me is cold as ice. Now, I must pass every single trial, or the Institute’s executioners will rip me to pieces. Good thing I can handle it. I was the queen of the gladiator ring, and I do not go down easily.

This book is from the Demons of Fire and Night world.]]> 244 C.N. Crawford Jagged 2 Novelty has worn off a bit

I'm a contrary thing, so I wanted to like this just because so many hated on it.
But really, this doesn't have much to offer. Everything is surface deep. Now that our MMC can talk, though technically he did not achieve his goal, I was expecting some dialogue to help solidify their connection. Silly me. I should have known that the man hating would get to me sooner or later and that the lack of substance from the first book would carry over into this one.

The plot is pretty much to see how many times we can get Arianna out of her clothes without anything actually coming from it. The secondary plot needs some work. The antagonists are not even one dimensional, they're vaguely an idea.

I do like Arianna for the most part. And I'm curious to see how she handles having her secret uncovered. ]]> 4.04 2018 Court of Darkness (Institute of the Shadow Fae, #2)
author: C.N. Crawford
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2018
rating: 2
read at: 2024/11/17
date added: 2024/11/17
shelves:
review:
Novelty has worn off a bit

I'm a contrary thing, so I wanted to like this just because so many hated on it.
But really, this doesn't have much to offer. Everything is surface deep. Now that our MMC can talk, though technically he did not achieve his goal, I was expecting some dialogue to help solidify their connection. Silly me. I should have known that the man hating would get to me sooner or later and that the lack of substance from the first book would carry over into this one.

The plot is pretty much to see how many times we can get Arianna out of her clothes without anything actually coming from it. The secondary plot needs some work. The antagonists are not even one dimensional, they're vaguely an idea.

I do like Arianna for the most part. And I'm curious to see how she handles having her secret uncovered.
]]> <![CDATA[Court of Shadows (Institute of the Shadow Fae, #1)]]> 122753134
But my Friday night takes a bad turn when a lethally gorgeous fae--Ruadan--tries to assassinate me. He's taken a vow of silence until he’s slaughtered the outlaws on his kill list. Outlaws like me.

Ruadan lets me live on one condition: I have to earn my place at the Institute of the Shadow Fae. As a powerful demi-fae, I can take the competition.

But things fall apart when I’m given an impossible choice: betray my mentor Ruadan, or my best friend dies. Now, I face a quandary my gladiatorial past did not prepare me for.

This book is from the Demons of Fire and Night world.]]> 224 C.N. Crawford Jagged 3 Quick and easy read

This book got a lot of hate.... I'm not sure why. Apparently, a man wrote some of it, so maybe that's the crime.

Anyway, this book did not incite any rage in me. Actually, I found the idea of a silent MMC to be an interesting idea. The problem with this is that you have to take the word of the FMC for all of his intentions. It also means that care should've been taken to make sure chemistry between the two was shown, not just told. It was lacking a bit here.
This book was short. I think there was plenty of opportunity to flesh out Ariannas' backstory and the budding interest between the two characters.

I do agree with some readers regarding the repetitive language. Back arching. Stolen lines from other characters. Also, the drama was really superficial nonsense that didn't really work well in this world.

I'm a bit surprised by the hate given that this book had plenty of man hating nuggets in here that normally placate these types of angry readers. Arianna was a pretty strong female character. She wasn't whiny, but her biggest weakness was someone being kind to her. I kind of liked that, actually. I'll read the next one. ]]> 3.89 2018 Court of Shadows (Institute of the Shadow Fae, #1)
author: C.N. Crawford
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/16
date added: 2024/11/16
shelves:
review:
Quick and easy read

This book got a lot of hate.... I'm not sure why. Apparently, a man wrote some of it, so maybe that's the crime.

Anyway, this book did not incite any rage in me. Actually, I found the idea of a silent MMC to be an interesting idea. The problem with this is that you have to take the word of the FMC for all of his intentions. It also means that care should've been taken to make sure chemistry between the two was shown, not just told. It was lacking a bit here.
This book was short. I think there was plenty of opportunity to flesh out Ariannas' backstory and the budding interest between the two characters.

I do agree with some readers regarding the repetitive language. Back arching. Stolen lines from other characters. Also, the drama was really superficial nonsense that didn't really work well in this world.

I'm a bit surprised by the hate given that this book had plenty of man hating nuggets in here that normally placate these types of angry readers. Arianna was a pretty strong female character. She wasn't whiny, but her biggest weakness was someone being kind to her. I kind of liked that, actually. I'll read the next one.
]]> <![CDATA[The Unlikeable Demon Hunter (Nava Katz, #1)]]> 59911934 The mission: kill demons. The catch: infuriatingly sexy minder. The challenge: don't get the two confused.

Nava Katz traded a lost dream for an impressively cynical attitude. The one thing she does care about? Her hard-working twin brother. Then she interrupts his induction ceremony into a secret supernatural society, accidentally torches his life-long ambition, and steals his destiny.

°Â˛ąľ±łŮ—włó˛ą˛ą˛ą˛ąłŮ?

She expects to be chastised, not thrown into a trial by fire, battling demons to keep humanity safe while she’s learning to master her powers and facing her worst nightmare: a purpose.

To add insult to literal injury, it turns out that evil fiends are a delight compared to the all-male hunters, who shockingly, are not cool with a woman in their ranks.

They assign her to their most ruthless slayer: Rohan, a man whose inner demons earn nods of respect from actual ones. He’s pursuing his own high-stakes mission, with no interest in babysitting some chick that everyone expects to die soon.

But Nava excels in defying people’s expectations, and besides, spite is a powerful motivator. So, she hatches a plan to bring her brother into the fold alongside her. Sure, it involves defeating a vengeful demon out for blood, but you can’t make an omelet without breaking a few bones.

The Brotherhood wants her gone. The demons want her dead. First gig as a Chosen One and she's already nailing it.

Featuring a snarky heroine, kickass action, and spicy romance, this laugh-out-loud, deliciously addictive series sucker-punches you in the heart when you're not looking.

Fall into bed with a demon hunter and read all night!


“Don’t buy it if your offended by bad language, immoral behavior, lose ethics, sassy attitude, hot guys ... cuz it does it all - and its GREAT!!!� � Amazon Reviewer]]> 327 Deborah Wilde Jagged 1 I'm not the target audience for this

I'm not really feeling the supernatural ho angle. It's hard for me to like a heroine who has no self-respect like this one. But she had a strong personality, and she was better than the usual sex shy delicate flower we typically see in books like this, so I was willing to give her a shot.
The love interest being a former band member was pretty much the last straw for me. I'm just concerned that he's going to bust out lyrics or something stupid like that, and the way this story is already going, it wouldn't surprise me.
Anyway, this is not for me. Younger readers might really like it, though. ]]> 3.89 2017 The Unlikeable Demon Hunter (Nava Katz, #1)
author: Deborah Wilde
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2017
rating: 1
read at: 2024/11/15
date added: 2024/11/15
shelves:
review:
I'm not the target audience for this

I'm not really feeling the supernatural ho angle. It's hard for me to like a heroine who has no self-respect like this one. But she had a strong personality, and she was better than the usual sex shy delicate flower we typically see in books like this, so I was willing to give her a shot.
The love interest being a former band member was pretty much the last straw for me. I'm just concerned that he's going to bust out lyrics or something stupid like that, and the way this story is already going, it wouldn't surprise me.
Anyway, this is not for me. Younger readers might really like it, though.
]]> <![CDATA[The Rogue King (Inferno Rising, #1)]]> 43724829
As a rogue dragon, Brand Astarot has spent his life in the dark, shunned by his own kind, concealing his true identity. Only his dangerous reputation ensures his survival. Delivering a phoenix to the feared Blood King will bring him one step closer to the revenge he's waited centuries to take. No way is he letting the feisty beauty get away.

But when Kasia sparks a white-hot need in him that’s impossible to ignore, Brand begins to form a new plan: claim her for himself…and take back his birthright.]]> 338 Abigail Owen Jagged 3 Okay

I liked Kasia for the most part, right up until her tantrum.
The plot was okay, a bit cheesy, but okay.
There were some inconsistencies. Brand did know Kasia was supposedly a mechanic because she told him in the car. Brand said earlier in the book that he helped Ladon kill the king, then later said he wasn't there.

I might read further because of the character in the dungeon, but I'm assuming that's the final book.]]> 4.18 2019 The Rogue King (Inferno Rising, #1)
author: Abigail Owen
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.18
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/14
date added: 2024/11/15
shelves:
review:
Okay

I liked Kasia for the most part, right up until her tantrum.
The plot was okay, a bit cheesy, but okay.
There were some inconsistencies. Brand did know Kasia was supposedly a mechanic because she told him in the car. Brand said earlier in the book that he helped Ladon kill the king, then later said he wasn't there.

I might read further because of the character in the dungeon, but I'm assuming that's the final book.
]]> <![CDATA[Wings of Ink (Wings of Ink, #1)]]> 201495822 The seductive and thrilling first book in the Wings of Ink epic romantic fantasy series from award-winning author Angelina J. Steffort.

Stuck in prison, pirate Wolayna Milevishja is waiting to be dealt her punishment—one worse than death, her captors promised when they closed the door of her cell over nine months ago.

Now that punishment has come to collect her.

Wolayna is taken to the mystical fairylands as this year’s bride for the Crow King, and that, even the humans in this world know, means there is no hope.

As Wolayna quarrels with her fate, frosty disdain melts into heart-stopping attraction, and she realizes that, maybe, King Myron, has just as little choice as she has. Something ancient and vengeful is at work in the Crow realm, and the intrigue at court is just the surface of the looming danger closing in on them.

Will Wolayna outsmart fate and find the freedom she’s owed, or will this new world of winged horror and surprising beauty be the death of her?

If you like witty, independent heroines and morally-grey, tormented heroes, you will devour this sizzling, addictive fantasy adventure.



Perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses, From Blood and Ash, and Beauty and the Beast, WINGS OF INK is an epic romantic fantasy with enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, slow-burn spice, and a magical world filled with mysteries and monsters.]]> 468 Angelina J. Steffort Jagged 2 Different take on Beauty and the Beast

I'm not a big fan of retellings. But this wasn't terrible.
It was, however, very noticeable that English is not the first language of the author. Some of the wording seems like it was written by AI, like it was not quite right. But it makes sense now, given that the author is Austrian.

Here's the thing, though..... it is painful for readers waiting for the characters to catch up with what they already know. All the unnecessary hints just add to the torture. This is especially true for retellings... because we already know the outcome.

The chemistry between Ayna and Myron was awful in the beginning of the romance, and Anyas's conflicting emotions didn't make sense for her situation. The chemistry later on was better.

I'm not sure why Ayna felt righteousness at all, she was a terrible person. That's why she ended up in prison, not because of her dad, but because of her own choices. She bragged about killing sailors while looting their ships. Why should she judge anyone else?

A lot of telling instead of showing. But there were some interesting elements. I liked the murderous lake of tears. I didn't like the bad guy monologue during battle. But maybe I'll read the next one if I'm on a bad streak because it wasn't the worst book I've read.]]> 3.96 Wings of Ink (Wings of Ink, #1)
author: Angelina J. Steffort
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.96
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2024/11/11
date added: 2024/11/11
shelves:
review:
Different take on Beauty and the Beast

I'm not a big fan of retellings. But this wasn't terrible.
It was, however, very noticeable that English is not the first language of the author. Some of the wording seems like it was written by AI, like it was not quite right. But it makes sense now, given that the author is Austrian.

Here's the thing, though..... it is painful for readers waiting for the characters to catch up with what they already know. All the unnecessary hints just add to the torture. This is especially true for retellings... because we already know the outcome.

The chemistry between Ayna and Myron was awful in the beginning of the romance, and Anyas's conflicting emotions didn't make sense for her situation. The chemistry later on was better.

I'm not sure why Ayna felt righteousness at all, she was a terrible person. That's why she ended up in prison, not because of her dad, but because of her own choices. She bragged about killing sailors while looting their ships. Why should she judge anyone else?

A lot of telling instead of showing. But there were some interesting elements. I liked the murderous lake of tears. I didn't like the bad guy monologue during battle. But maybe I'll read the next one if I'm on a bad streak because it wasn't the worst book I've read.
]]> <![CDATA[Sin & Chocolate (Demigods of San Francisco, #1)]]> 42196479
Those people usually have a lot of drama in their life. Drama I happily do without. I live in a forgotten corner of nowhere for a reason: there is safety in anonymity. I have enough problems just trying to get by.

But when Kieran, a sinfully sexy demigod at the pinnacle of power, crashes into my life, suddenly my whole world is turned upside down.

He’s harboring a deadly secret, one that could destroy all he holds dear. He thinks I’m the key to his salvation, and he wants me to help him claim vengeance.

He also wants me with a passion that burns my body from the inside out.

To ignore him is impossible, but to give in to my desires, even for a night, would thrust me into danger I might not survive.

Can I resist the temptation?]]> 439 K.F. Breene Jagged 3 2.5 rounded up

This was easy to put down. It wasn't slow, per se, but it wasn't exciting either. Definitely not a compelling page turner. It was recommended to me, and I enjoyed another series of Breene's well enough that I picked it up.

Daisy is a bit of a problem. She doesn't read as a fourteen year old. Her use of language doesn't add up to her development. 14 going on 50 typically has more to do with personality rather than vocabulary, and her personality wasn't really jiving with that.

I liked Alexis' attitude but not so much her contradictinary inner monologue and behavior. She was easily manhandled emotionally and physically without much pushback, which didn't follow everything you know about her, magic involved or not. Kind of sick of bad behavior being accepted because someone is hot.

Kieran is one dimensional with a single track mind. He immediately falls for Alexis, while he describes her as looking like a homeless woman with a rats nest for hair.... yeah, that's unlikely. I didn't really mind him. He was pretty honest about who and what he was as a person. I took more of an issue with the instalove on his behalf. There was plenty of time for him to organically fall for her since, by the end, nothing has come of it.

I like the magic. I like that Alexis has wards that she's struggling to feed. Alexis, at least, is a well fleshed out character. I'll give the next one a shot.]]> 4.28 2018 Sin & Chocolate (Demigods of San Francisco, #1)
author: K.F. Breene
name: Jagged
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/09
date added: 2024/11/09
shelves:
review:
2.5 rounded up

This was easy to put down. It wasn't slow, per se, but it wasn't exciting either. Definitely not a compelling page turner. It was recommended to me, and I enjoyed another series of Breene's well enough that I picked it up.

Daisy is a bit of a problem. She doesn't read as a fourteen year old. Her use of language doesn't add up to her development. 14 going on 50 typically has more to do with personality rather than vocabulary, and her personality wasn't really jiving with that.

I liked Alexis' attitude but not so much her contradictinary inner monologue and behavior. She was easily manhandled emotionally and physically without much pushback, which didn't follow everything you know about her, magic involved or not. Kind of sick of bad behavior being accepted because someone is hot.

Kieran is one dimensional with a single track mind. He immediately falls for Alexis, while he describes her as looking like a homeless woman with a rats nest for hair.... yeah, that's unlikely. I didn't really mind him. He was pretty honest about who and what he was as a person. I took more of an issue with the instalove on his behalf. There was plenty of time for him to organically fall for her since, by the end, nothing has come of it.

I like the magic. I like that Alexis has wards that she's struggling to feed. Alexis, at least, is a well fleshed out character. I'll give the next one a shot.
]]> <![CDATA[The Rise of the Hotel Dumort (The Bane Chronicles, #5)]]> 17334064
The immortal Magnus Bane is making the most of his time in the Roaring Twenties: He's settled into New York society and is thriving among the fashionable jazz set. And there is nowhere better to see and be seen than the glamorous Hotel Dumort, a glittering new addition to the Manhattan landscape. But a different type of glamour may be at play...]]> 61 Cassandra Clare 144249560X Jagged 0 to-read 3.79 The Rise of the Hotel Dumort (The Bane Chronicles, #5)
author: Cassandra Clare
name: Jagged
average rating: 3.79
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2024/11/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]>