Hidden from mortal eyes and divided into three factions are the creatures of darkness that coexist with mortals.
In the witches� town Morganefaire, an ancient legend tells the story of a mirror that was once shattered into four fragments, each able to entrap a powerful soul.
Eighteen-year-old Amber is a struggling necromancer on a mission: help vampire Aidan stop the Prophecy of Morganefaire and protect the innocents from the inevitable fate that will befall them should the wrong faction win. When bodies begin to pile up, Amber realizes she has no choice than to work together with the fashion-savvy yet irritating ghost of a young witch to solve the mystery and protect the one she loves.
In a world of forbidden love, of ancient enemies and bonds spun by fate, nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted. Amber’s life will never be the same again unless she finds out who the murderer is, and quick, before everything she ever loved is taken from her forever�
Amber just seems to step out of the frying pan and right into the fire over and over and over. Things aren’t what they seem in Morganefaire...strange things are happening, people are turning up dead, ghosts are floating around... This series is about to become deathly serious and Amber may find hers of in way over her head.
Wow, a cliff-hanger, that's rare in this series! I know from the Feature & Follow post this week that many actually hated cliff-hangers, but I actually really liked them ;) I don't mind waiting, but if the book comes out 2 years later than the previous book, I would be really pissed. I guess it all depends on how the cliff-hanger was set up and how long 'til the next of the series was out. In Forever and Beyond's case, I love the cliff-hanger! Although, to be fair, Shadow Blood, the sixth in the series is already out, so I didn't really care about the cliff-hanger ending ;P
There is another thing that I love about this book, it's the mystery. This time, the book features a murder mystery instead of the whole secretive boyfriend thing, and I must say I love murder mysteries much much more! The mystery was set up pretty good, we have Amber, still our protagonist, arrived in Morganefaire, an ancient witch/warlock town that no one knows existed and where it was located, and also immediately a dead girl turned up. The people wanted to blame it on Amber, since she was a new comer and a vampire (Aidan and Kieran had been there before), and Amber must solve the mystery about the murder before she was killed herself... As much as I love the whole mystery thing, I must say this book still didn't provide much in terms of answers to the mystery. Actually, it wasn't solved at all. There was a link somewhere between different events, but the book ended we can see how Amber links all things together.
Another complain I have on this book is how bad it handled all the unsolved mystery from the last book. At the start of the book, we had Amber do a brief recap on the events that happened in the last few books, since that happens in a lot of series books, I don't really mind. What really annoyed me is that the unanswered questions were kind of just glossed over and were just briefly explained within one paragraph or so. It was like Scott wanted to just throw away all the remaining loose ends immediately so she can start new ones. I like a good ending to each and every plot lines, so this whole explained-within-a-sentence thing really pissed me off.
Also, the love triangle from the last book was kind of just brushed off the second Amber knew who was haunting her in the last book. She blamed the whole showing-affection-to-Devon thing as the ghost's fault, which I totally disagreed. She was the one who called him when she needed someone to talk to, and all the moments they shared together didn't seem forced. Deep down I know Amber actually had a thing for Devon, but for whatever reason, it was brushed off in this book. It was really unfair to this still-blooming love triangle, not to mention it was totally unsatisfying. It was actually a continuation of the whole throwing-away-all-loose-ends thing that I commented above.
World-building:
In this book we were introduced to Morganefaire, an ancient witch/warlock town which location was unknown. I liked the setting of Morganefaire, it was kind of original, a paradise (or at least, a safe place) for witches and warlocks to live in, so they won't be threatened by mortals. Good thinking, which definitely added some brownie points for my rating on this books.
Characters
Sigh, still no Clare... I really want to read about Clare, it was mentioned that she lost her mate and I really wanted to know the story. Come on, Amber, give the mic to Clare already! Anyway, we did have some new characters in this book, the first one that I thought of is Julie, the ghost of the girl whose body was found shortly after Amber's arrival.
I don't really like Julie all that much. She had many mood-swings, which Amber attributed to being a ghost. But I still hated it, she was mean to Amber and only wanted her to solve the mystery of her death and she didn't ask nicely either. She seemed spoiled to me, and I don't do spoiled characters. She did kind of bonded a friendship with Amber later in the book though, despite how treated Amber at times. I thought it was kind of annoying that she pushed Amber around, like she was the boss of her. Like I said, spoiled. I did like the mystery surrounding her murder, but other than that, I like nothing to do with this character :P
Conclusion:
This book was an acceptable addition to the Ancient Legends, and it definitely had its moments, but I really didn't think it was all that great, so I would give it a 3 stars. The book would be better suited for fans of the series, it was a good continuation on Amber's story. But if you're looking to butt into the series halfway, I don't suggest you to read this book first, as it was kind of a disappointment, at least to me, instead start with Doomed, the second book, which I gave a glowing five star review, I genuinely liked it! (Review !)
I have been a fan of this series since A Job from Hell and I have no idea how Jayde Scott is able to come up with such a gripping story with each book! Seriously, this was book 5 and I am still enthralled with this story. I was lucky enough to receive a copy from the author and couldn't put it down. Forever and Beyond is in our lovely Amber's point of view again. I really love these characters. Amber is probably my favorite. She has been through a lot recently. She is dealing with being a vampire and the need to feed. I'm surprised she is doing so well. Aidan makes a big difference. They are so cute together! Even with things are going crazy. This book picks up where the previous one left off. Aidan, Amber, and Kieran are heading to Morganefaire. Things are not quite right here. Bodies are piling up and there are suspicions are raised. Amber takes things into her own hands as well especially after she meets a rather pesky ghost.
Julie proved to be an interesting addition. Annoying at times but, helpful. It will be interesting to see what happens with her. Aidan is still awesome and super good looking. I still feel like he is keeping something from Amber. Kieran's relationship with Patricia is also interesting. I hope we get to learn a little bit more about them in the next one.
Things are starting to click into place for the group. The sneak peak of Shadow Blood will leave you anxiously waiting for it. Some big players are introduced! I can't wait to see what is going to happen next. And what I have learned about Jayde Scott's books is that I probably can't guess and it WILL be great! If you haven't started this series you need to! Hopefully Shadow Blood comes out soon!
Amber and Aidan are now in Morganefaire meeting with the council trying to decide what the next step is. As they try to reason it out young women are being found dead. Amber starts her own investigation into what is going on. She now has a ghost named Julie to think about. Julie was the first girl found murdered and left behind by a reaper. Amber is shocked by that fact and knows something isn’t right. The vampires are outsiders and the witches don’t trust them. Now that girls are being found dead, old grievances are coming out. The war is almost a reality. Amber finds herself in the middle of more secrets and trouble. This is book five in the Ancient Legends Series. And it’s official, I can’t stand the main character Amber. I have lost all hope for her getting any better. She is the heroine but I refuse to put her in that role. She acts immature, impulsively and never listens. I had to make myself read this book. The only reason I continue with this story is I like the storyline. However if I don’t like the main character it is very difficult to get into the book. Basically this was a journey to see how Amber messes things up and refuses to have confidence in herself. I don’t like incompetent, unsure female leads. I give this book a 2 out of 5.
This was my favorite so far in the series, and now I am bummed that I have to wait to read the next one until October! Amber is getting more into her necromancer skills in this series, as she works directly with a ghost who died but does not know how or who killed her. Amber and Aidan's relationship continues, and it is better in this book because they aren't each trying to hide things from each other. That was pretty frustrating in the last book. The only thing I didn't like about this book was that all of the bad things that happened to Amber in the last book (ie: kissing Devon, seeing blood everywhere, her sudden bloodlust), weren't really explained, just sort of referenced as Rebecca possessing her (except for the bloodlust thing, which is still prominent in this book). And while I got that she was being possessed, I would have liked to have heard the discussion/argument about what happened. Surely there was some heated conversation, hurt feelings on Aidan's part, until they figured out what happened and how to move forward. Ok, I guess I really wanted to witness that drama - it was just such a big part of the last book, but nothing really came from it except a few quick mentions throughout F & B.
Other than that, great book, great series, and I look forward to the next.
I loved Dead and Beyond, so I was more than eager to jump into the sequel-and believe me, it did not disppoint. It was every bit as good as the last one and within 2 chapters I was hooked. I love the way the author develops her characters-makes them grow and makes them learn from mistakes. Noone in her book is perfect and yet she makes them so strong, likeable, unpredictable, and distinct that it's not easy to forget them. Whenever I've finished a book in this series, I already miss them. Beside the characters and the good story line, which keep me on on the edge of my seat, I like how much humor the author infuses in her books.
it's very hard for me to find books that are romantic, suspenseful, dramatic AND Funny. So far I was not left disappointed with this series but if I had to give a score , I still would say that Forever and Beyond exceeds the first book. It's just better. Maybe because there are more twists that kept me entertained. I dunno.
The ending was pretty huge -again- and I'm dying to know what will happen next.
Amber, the main character in this book, is a necromancer and a vampire, who thinks in such an amusing, self-deprecating and cynical manner that I had to laugh out loud and often. She is not the usual heroine you imagine: she is far from perfect. She is strong and in this book I could connect with her. Although this book was very funny, what I admired most was the author’s ability to entrance the reader. There is non stop action from beginning to end. If there is something I can say about this series is that each book is better than the last and each story line more interwoven than the other. For the most part I also felt like Sherlock Holmes, trying to put the clues together. But mystery and suspense are not the only things why I would give 5 stars. The relationship between Aidan and Amber is also admirable. Aidan is exactly the kind of guy you wish for a heroine (or a reader). If you are looking for a suspenseful read that takes you by surprise, I would not bypass this one. It’s an excellent value at 2.99
First of all I have to say I absolutely adore Jayde Scott and all of the other stories in this series. However, this book left me a little disappointed and wanting a little more. I really felt like there was more story to tell, and the ending seemed abrupt, and completely took me off guard.
I enjoyed the story but felt like there were a lot of unresolved storylines from the last book and would've liked to have seen how Aiden and Amber resolved all of the things that happened in the last book. I kept waiting for them to be discussed but they weren't. With that said, I am still anxiously awaiting the next book in the series to see how the story unfolds, and what happens to the characters.
Once again we follow Amber now a necromancer with Adrian as she starts to use her gift and solve some mysteries. Still having to deal the supernaturals such as vampires, devil's daughter, voodoo priestess, The Shadows, a Seer and Ghost plus all the dangers of the Lore Court Succubus, and now Witches. There is a prophecy of war and Aiden and Amber are trying to find allays. There gave been murders in Morganfaire and Amber is determined to find at what is happening.
This book like the others in the series has humour and mystery. Odd characters that you can't help but love. Jayde Scott left us the reader with a total cliffhanger ...I'm sure I let out a startle NO don't end it here. And like true Amber fashion she is always her self in Hot Water.
This is it. THE perfect curl up book you want to read under a blanket no matter if it's raining, the sun's shining, or if it's night outside. What captivated me most about Forever and Beyond was the plot: the relationship between Amber and Aidan and the relationship between Kieran and Patricia, the spirit that is lost but wants so dearly help, the deaths of witches and accusations and the mystery about the witches town. This book was a delicious read. Sometimes I laughed and sometimes a chill went down my spine. The characters were believable. I felt very sad about Julie's death and Angel's disappearance, hope they both will be freed in the next book.
I had no idea what the book was going to be about. But i heard that so many people loved the ancient legends series so it must be good. I am always cautious when i read books because you just never know. But Dead and Beyond and Forever and Beyond are probably one of my favorite books ever. The characters are really likeable and its easy to just feel what they are feeling. I loved the concept of a mortal becoming a vampire then getting the choice to become human again. All this for a very reasonable price.
I absolutely loved the Ancient Legends books. In less than one week, I've read all 5 books. Right from the start each book is engaging. The story builds dramatically and the characters are varied and intriguing. But what I love most about this series is that you can read each book in the series on its own. There is always something in each book that is appealing. I find some characters (Kieran, Amber and Julie) incredibly hilarious. Even if they are just work of fiction with some paranormal, romance but lots of action in it, it makes them immensely entertaining. Worth a tenner!
Although I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of books, especially Aidan and Amber, I must say this one part of the series wasn't quite enough for me, personally. I was expecting a little more to the plot, maybe a little more adventure or at least a new development to Aidan and Amber's relationship, or maybe Kirean's character being developed or more focused upon. However, despite my slight disappoint I did enjoy this chapter in the series and look forward to the following book.
It's difficult to express how I feel about Forever and Beyond in a typed review when it evokes so many emotions. In my head and with my hands, I can, but it's hard to write and put together on a keyboard. I would say I loved everything about it but even when I write this, it's still a vast understatement.
What a great follow up....at first i was swooning.. the chemistry between Aidan and Amber is amazing. And Kieran is super hot....by chapter 10 i was totally absorbed, unable to stop and had to laugh a couple of times at some scenes.. by chapter 17 was totally freaked out and kept checking my surrounding... all in good ways and by the end, I just wanted more.
A refreshing story filled with vibrant characters, feisty humor, and an irresistible romance that left me swooning for more. The premise is not something I usually will dig my teeth into but I found myself getting excited and blitzed through this book in a matter of hours...And that ending, it doesn't exactly help me to quit smoking as I am waiting for the next book in anticipation.
I think I read this book in 2 days! It was easy to get lost in her story and when it was over, I started from page one again just to get a different point of view knowing the story. It was nice to see her being strong but also see her weak. It made her more real to me. I can't wait to start the next book
Amber visits the witch town for protection. Unfortunately for her, witches disappear and everyone becomes suspicious. A dead witch starts to haunt her. Amber has to work with her. With her help she finds out something that changes her life. Then she gets the chance also to become mortal and human again. Will she use this chance? And if she does, will it have consequences?
I loved this book. however I wish the author would have concentrated more on the plot rather than the mushy stuff. as I said in my last review on this series, I love the mushy but sometimes it takes away from the book and puts me in the mind of a romance novel. not exactly what I was hoping to read with a vampire book.
My favorite Ancient Legends book so far. The ancient war background was very interesting and I can't wait to see which court wins. What I love about this series is that the books are funny but not mindless romance reads. There's actually an actual backstory and a world full of drama and intrigue.
My fav new author! :) I bought Dead & Beyond and Forever & Beyond on a whim, and I am so glad I did!I loved Amber but I also loved Julie even if I am not really into paranormal stories. It took me a chapter or so to really dig into the book, but it sure does pick up after that!
When you say Jayde Scott the words that come to my mind are spine tingling read, sarcastic strong characters, hilarious situations & value for money. Thankfully the author doesn’t disappoint me even this time.
I've been dying to read this book for forever. Well, now I finally have and I am hooked! Insightful and addictive I am truly convinced that Scott is the master of scintillating and epic storytelling and plots that I am always incapable of putting one of her books down!
I decided to purchase this. So very glad that I did! I had so many laugh out loud moments and moments where I just skipped work that my family was starting to question whether I was crazy or what? I literally found myself wanting to read it again when I was finished.
I love this author and her style of writing. I was not expecting much however this series is fantastic. The writing is so detailed and colorful that you can picture the characters as you are reading. Can't wait for the next book.
Beyond and Forever was thrillingly engaging, romantic, action-packed, seductive, tempting, funny, and had me on the edge of my seat. And begging for more once the novel ended. It was perfect- it wasn't too short, it wasn't too long. I loved the first 3 books, but this one was so much better.
Even though I love Jayde Scott's books and the Ancient Legends series, this book left me so confused. I don't get the majority of the information that we're being fed and just can't figure out how it relates to the original storyline. I get the feeling that I missed a book.
I really enjoyed this book. It was packed with adventure and has one hell of a cliffhanger ending! The only sad part is that so many of the great characters from the previous books are not in this one. Perhaps we will see them in the next.
Although I loved the previous books I feel like the author just stopped this one at the halfway point and closed up shop. Very few questions were answered and, after reading the preview of the next book they won't be answered anytime soon.