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Diaries of an Urban Panther #2
Claws and Effect
Violet Jordan Rule #2 of being a Find reliable sidekicks
Dear Diary,
Once I took down Haverty, the Primo of the city, I thought life was going to get better. After four assassination attempts, I’m thinking not so much. Haverty’s pack needs a new leader and I’ve just about run out of reasons why I’m not right for the job. Besides, having loyal followers would definitely help me fight off whoever’s out for my blood. Especially since my boyfriend is always busy playing White Hat to every Wanderer except me.
So now I just need to figure out how to mentor new shifters, run a pack, keep my “real� job, and have some sort of personal life. I guess it’s all in a day’s work for this writer-by-day / panther-by-night.
Dear Diary,
Once I took down Haverty, the Primo of the city, I thought life was going to get better. After four assassination attempts, I’m thinking not so much. Haverty’s pack needs a new leader and I’ve just about run out of reasons why I’m not right for the job. Besides, having loyal followers would definitely help me fight off whoever’s out for my blood. Especially since my boyfriend is always busy playing White Hat to every Wanderer except me.
So now I just need to figure out how to mentor new shifters, run a pack, keep my “real� job, and have some sort of personal life. I guess it’s all in a day’s work for this writer-by-day / panther-by-night.
365 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 27, 2011
11 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Arista
11Ìýbooks213ÌýfollowersAmanda was born in Illinois, raised in Corpus Christi, lives in Dallas but her heart lies in London. Good thing she loves to travel.
During the summer after second grade, she read every book in the young adult section of the library, much to the surprise of the local librarian. So she started making up her own stories and hasn’t stopped.
She has a husband who fights crime, one dog who thinks he’s a real boy, and another who might be a fruit bat in disguise. She recently added a tiny human to the mix who is following in her mother’s footsteps of storytelling.
Along with her BA in English & Psychology and her MA in Education, Amanda is a graduate of the SMU Creative Writing Program and now teaches other aspiring authors. She has delivered lectures at several writer conferences and loves discussing craft, character, and structure. Her current favorite: Stirring up Trouble with Romantic Subplots.
She is represented by Kimberly Brower, of Brower Literary & Management.
During the summer after second grade, she read every book in the young adult section of the library, much to the surprise of the local librarian. So she started making up her own stories and hasn’t stopped.
She has a husband who fights crime, one dog who thinks he’s a real boy, and another who might be a fruit bat in disguise. She recently added a tiny human to the mix who is following in her mother’s footsteps of storytelling.
Along with her BA in English & Psychology and her MA in Education, Amanda is a graduate of the SMU Creative Writing Program and now teaches other aspiring authors. She has delivered lectures at several writer conferences and loves discussing craft, character, and structure. Her current favorite: Stirring up Trouble with Romantic Subplots.
She is represented by Kimberly Brower, of Brower Literary & Management.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
January 9, 2012
Originally posted at:
I can’t believe the bad guys aren’t really bad and in fact turn into heroes. Who does that kind of thing? Ms. Arista does in her latest tale that proves that sequels really can be as good as the original. In fact, except for the heroine, Violet, and the hero, Chaz and a few of Violet’s friends, everyone else is brand new or just about. Truthfully, Claws and Effect is even better because now I know who I’m dealing with � or so I thought.
One of the best things I can say about this newest story is that it’s not what I anticipated. Sure, the relationship between Violet and Chaz is still evolving and growing; I expected that. What I couldn’t predict was the direction the author had her characters go in. What I couldn’t foresee was the changing nature of the original bad guys and the roles they played in this current book. I should have hated them like Jessa, Violet’s best friend; certainly I had plenty of ammunition to do so. But Ms. Arista had her heroine discover her true strength within and her basic personality isn’t one of hate or anger or spite but forgiveness, humor and love. In the first book, I saw a woman in the who was afraid and initially unsure of her destiny and would have preferred to bury her nose in a screenplay and shut out the world. Towards the end, she rose up to meet and defeat evil and discovered some amazing things about herself. Claws and Effect took me along with Violet as she faced some more home truths about herself and the life she now has to live.
Here is where I’ll share that not only is this story told in first person point of view but that it’s wickedly effective. So much so that at first I thought I was seeing things and almost thought I caught a major scene / editing error. Because I was restricted to Violet’s POV, I didn’t find out what was really going on until she did. It took awhile but once I got to that part, I was floored and thoroughly amazed. My actual words were, “That is SO COOL!!� So, my advice is: wait for it. It’ll knock your socks off because after that point, the action speeds up and the Prima attitude really comes out to play. Of course, none of that would be effective if Ms. Arista didn’t have such tight control of her writing. Her choice of words, use of details and fast paced dialogue kept the energy high and my heart rate up.
Be amazed. Readers will be reading the polished version whereas this review is based on the ARC. As expected there were numerous typos and silly misses but the most astounding fact is that this story is so well told, intricately plotted with characters that grabbed my heartstrings and imagination, and was delivered with such passion and intensity that editing glitches were a nonissue. I unequivocally adored Claws and Effect and will be buying the finished version for my keeper shelf.
That being said, a word about the heroine, Violet - what a sweetheart! Okay, so that was three words. I really enjoyed her ability to garner loving and healthy friendships by being true to what makes her so special. Violet actually cared about those around her. She stepped out a limb more than once in this book and could have seriously gotten hurt, well more hurt that she was, but she did it anyway because that’s what heroes do. They just do what has to be done because it’s right, because someone needs to and it’s never done for the glory or gains for themselves. They have this need to help. That’s Violet. And it’s why I think she’s one of the better female heroines out there in bookland. She feels real to me.
For those that really swooned over Chaz in the first book like I did, be prepared to have your faith in him shaken. Things are not what they appear but for awhile, you couldn’t convince me of that. Again, some really great writing from Ms. Arista. I had no idea where the relationship between Chaz and Violet was going to end up especially when Myers came on the scene. Talk about complications and conflict.
I also liked the connection conflict and the use of italics to differentiate it from the active story. The question is, is it real? Something tells me that the next book in the series is going to be very creative and intense because I think “he� might come back. And won’t that just ruin Violet’s day.
I realize that I’ve made references to the previous book in the series and it might scare some readers into thinking that this tale might not be a good stand alone. I think it can. The author makes the characters explain to readers the key points they need to know to feel included. The only thing that won’t have depth of understanding is just how unusual Chaz and Violet’s relationship is. I am glad to say that their little worry is resolved and things can now progress to a more passionate expression of their love. As it is, this story is filled with love, romance and true commitment. I’m happy.
Claws and Effect is a jewel in the paranormal romance crown. It’s a story that sparkles and shines from the talent that is Ms. Arista. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. I simply had to know what was going to happen to Violet and Chaz. Were they going to make it? Was Chaz going to commit to Violet? Was she even going to survive the choices she had to make in this story? So many questions kept getting answered chapter after chapter with new ones being asked and explored. I am enchanted by the world Ms. Arista has created and the characters she’s peopled it with. This book is a work of art and the series is a wonderful addition for paranormal romance fans who want an effective balance between the conflict of darkness and the light of love. This story has it all and I’m eager for more.
I can’t believe the bad guys aren’t really bad and in fact turn into heroes. Who does that kind of thing? Ms. Arista does in her latest tale that proves that sequels really can be as good as the original. In fact, except for the heroine, Violet, and the hero, Chaz and a few of Violet’s friends, everyone else is brand new or just about. Truthfully, Claws and Effect is even better because now I know who I’m dealing with � or so I thought.
One of the best things I can say about this newest story is that it’s not what I anticipated. Sure, the relationship between Violet and Chaz is still evolving and growing; I expected that. What I couldn’t predict was the direction the author had her characters go in. What I couldn’t foresee was the changing nature of the original bad guys and the roles they played in this current book. I should have hated them like Jessa, Violet’s best friend; certainly I had plenty of ammunition to do so. But Ms. Arista had her heroine discover her true strength within and her basic personality isn’t one of hate or anger or spite but forgiveness, humor and love. In the first book, I saw a woman in the who was afraid and initially unsure of her destiny and would have preferred to bury her nose in a screenplay and shut out the world. Towards the end, she rose up to meet and defeat evil and discovered some amazing things about herself. Claws and Effect took me along with Violet as she faced some more home truths about herself and the life she now has to live.
Here is where I’ll share that not only is this story told in first person point of view but that it’s wickedly effective. So much so that at first I thought I was seeing things and almost thought I caught a major scene / editing error. Because I was restricted to Violet’s POV, I didn’t find out what was really going on until she did. It took awhile but once I got to that part, I was floored and thoroughly amazed. My actual words were, “That is SO COOL!!� So, my advice is: wait for it. It’ll knock your socks off because after that point, the action speeds up and the Prima attitude really comes out to play. Of course, none of that would be effective if Ms. Arista didn’t have such tight control of her writing. Her choice of words, use of details and fast paced dialogue kept the energy high and my heart rate up.
Be amazed. Readers will be reading the polished version whereas this review is based on the ARC. As expected there were numerous typos and silly misses but the most astounding fact is that this story is so well told, intricately plotted with characters that grabbed my heartstrings and imagination, and was delivered with such passion and intensity that editing glitches were a nonissue. I unequivocally adored Claws and Effect and will be buying the finished version for my keeper shelf.
That being said, a word about the heroine, Violet - what a sweetheart! Okay, so that was three words. I really enjoyed her ability to garner loving and healthy friendships by being true to what makes her so special. Violet actually cared about those around her. She stepped out a limb more than once in this book and could have seriously gotten hurt, well more hurt that she was, but she did it anyway because that’s what heroes do. They just do what has to be done because it’s right, because someone needs to and it’s never done for the glory or gains for themselves. They have this need to help. That’s Violet. And it’s why I think she’s one of the better female heroines out there in bookland. She feels real to me.
For those that really swooned over Chaz in the first book like I did, be prepared to have your faith in him shaken. Things are not what they appear but for awhile, you couldn’t convince me of that. Again, some really great writing from Ms. Arista. I had no idea where the relationship between Chaz and Violet was going to end up especially when Myers came on the scene. Talk about complications and conflict.
I also liked the connection conflict and the use of italics to differentiate it from the active story. The question is, is it real? Something tells me that the next book in the series is going to be very creative and intense because I think “he� might come back. And won’t that just ruin Violet’s day.
I realize that I’ve made references to the previous book in the series and it might scare some readers into thinking that this tale might not be a good stand alone. I think it can. The author makes the characters explain to readers the key points they need to know to feel included. The only thing that won’t have depth of understanding is just how unusual Chaz and Violet’s relationship is. I am glad to say that their little worry is resolved and things can now progress to a more passionate expression of their love. As it is, this story is filled with love, romance and true commitment. I’m happy.
Claws and Effect is a jewel in the paranormal romance crown. It’s a story that sparkles and shines from the talent that is Ms. Arista. Once I started reading, I didn’t want to stop. I simply had to know what was going to happen to Violet and Chaz. Were they going to make it? Was Chaz going to commit to Violet? Was she even going to survive the choices she had to make in this story? So many questions kept getting answered chapter after chapter with new ones being asked and explored. I am enchanted by the world Ms. Arista has created and the characters she’s peopled it with. This book is a work of art and the series is a wonderful addition for paranormal romance fans who want an effective balance between the conflict of darkness and the light of love. This story has it all and I’m eager for more.
April 22, 2022
This book would have been worth a 4 or 5 star rating if it weren’t for all the spelling and editing errors. This book should never have been published nor should it have found it’s way into a library. Just stupid mistakes like:
That instead of Than
One instead On
Hart instead of Heart
On instead of In
On and on it went. Chapter 8 stood out as the worse chapter for spelling errors. If it wasn’t the spelling errors, it was the lack of punctuation when it was needed and sentences that had to be read over again and over again, just to understand what was being said. I little more work on some scenes. But the ending was abrupt and lacking of a decent satisfying end. It just ended with a phone call.
I gave this a three star because the story itself was good� though it doesn’t meet the “Hot and Sizzle� kind of romance I normally read. But whatever�
That instead of Than
One instead On
Hart instead of Heart
On instead of In
On and on it went. Chapter 8 stood out as the worse chapter for spelling errors. If it wasn’t the spelling errors, it was the lack of punctuation when it was needed and sentences that had to be read over again and over again, just to understand what was being said. I little more work on some scenes. But the ending was abrupt and lacking of a decent satisfying end. It just ended with a phone call.
I gave this a three star because the story itself was good� though it doesn’t meet the “Hot and Sizzle� kind of romance I normally read. But whatever�
September 23, 2015
Loved it.
December 24, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring by more than 0.50 of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
I had rated the 1st book at 3.5* last year, but this one I did not like at all and so she's now an author to avoid
Went off the characters, found them annoying.
The MC is TSTL.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
I had rated the 1st book at 3.5* last year, but this one I did not like at all and so she's now an author to avoid
Went off the characters, found them annoying.
The MC is TSTL.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
February 26, 2013
NOTE:
I am posting this same review for all three books since this is a trilogy and reading ANY of the books alone would be a confusing and dismal activity :) - dcm
Diaries of an Urban Panther Series
By
Amanda Arista
While NOT officially part of the trilogy, this story closes the loop on one of the characters after the events in the trilogy
“First Dates Are Hell� from
Summary:
Violet Jordan Rule #1 of being a superhero: No tights.
Violet Jordan Rule #2 of being a superhero: Find reliable sidekicks.
Violet Jordan‘s Rule #3 of being a superhero: Family first, fur second.
Dear Diary,
By now you know I'm hardly a normal girl. Last night I woke up naked in an alley after fighting off some werewolves. All in a day's work, I guess.
I thought I was dealing pretty well with the whole Werepanther thing: the training, the apocalyptic prophecies. And the hot guy following me around, protecting me at every turn is definitely a bonus. I'm even starting to become accustomed to the bloodshed and the violence—and that's what scares me. What will tomorrow bring�
I thought life was going to get better. After four assassination attempts, I'm thinking not so much. The pack needs a new leader, and I've just about run out of reasons why I'm not right for the job.
Besides, having loyal followers would definitely help me fight off whoever's out for my blood. Especially since my boyfriend is always busy playing White Hat to every wanderer except me. I'm glad he thinks I'm tough enough to handle my own business, but a little extra backup would be nice.
With new supernatural creatures popping up at every turn (Ghouls? Really?), the city divided, and my long-lost cousin blazing into town, I've got a lot on my mind. Oh, not to mention I'm supposed to be planning a wedding. Chaz has got to be the best, most patient (and probably clinically insane) boyfriend around.
But defeating my sworn enemy in a battle for the souls of Dallas is going to require more than just my full attention. It means learning to depend on everyone—especially Chaz—if any of us are going to make it out of this alive. Because if Plan A doesn't work, I'm going to need them for Plan B. And Plan C . . .
Review:
Violet is hardly normal, she has went from being a script-writer for horror movies to being a shapeshifter but there is something special about Violet, something that an old prophesy says will help all of the shapshifters in Dallas have a better life �. If she lives that long and overcomes more problems than you could list with Excel.
This series was a bit of a surprise since I had the first 2 books buried in my “to-be-read� stack of books for over a year and that is where they would still be if I had not been given a copy of Vampires Gone Wild to review and in that anthology the best story was one called “First Dates Are Hell� which was very good and it came from the Urban Panther series (actually in the timeline it was after the trilogy of books).
So after enjoying that story I grabbed the paperback books I had, put them up for sale and bought all 3 and started reading and was totally hooked into this story, I am not sure if the author was writing a trilogy when she wrote Diaries of an Urban Panther but these 3 books have to be read together to really get the full impact (who wants to read 1 book of the Lord of the Rings?) and while each book has an ending of sorts the real story that threads through all of them is the one that ends in the last book of this trilogy.
While I do not want to give away too much of the story, I can say it was one of the best reading experiences I have had in several months, but while I am extolling this series greatness I need to point out that if you are OCD about editing then book 2 may pose some problems since her editor must have jumped ship during the writing/publication of Claws and Effects (book #2) but I was still able to enjoy it and continue on but be forewarned.
The ending of the main story arc threading through all the books coming to an epic end in book 3 and one of the best endings I have seen in awhile to be honest. The characters were fleshed out very well, Violet was an awesome heroine and her humor was what made reading this series a much more pleasurable task.
Let me just say that as a full time reviewer as a hobby, I get dozens of free books every month and I went and BOUGHT all of these books after reading the story in Vampires Gone Wild and in spite of some bad editing and stumbles along the way, this story was so good I could care less.
I give it 5 Stars not because it is an awesome piece of writing but because it was the best story I have read in a long time AND I liked the way it made me feel when it ended. You don’t get many of those type stories.
My hope is that she may come back to this series since I loved it but the ending was good enough I can live with this being all these is, get these books and enjoy a great story and ignore any stumbles along the way to an awesome ending. The story in Vampires Gone Wild was just a bonus to close a loop on one of the characters and it was done exceptionally.
UPDATE: While I composed this review I got this update from the author, looks like we will see more of this world, but maybe not with Violet as the main story (as the one in Vampires Gone Wild)
"Dear Douglas,
Thank you for the compliments. Makes a girl glow with happiness.
As for right now, the Urban Panther series will remain a trilogy. But I love that universe and am working hard at expanding the Those Who Wander line. Valiance and Esme were just the beginning and I think we both know that Violet can't mind her own business to save her hide, so we will probably see her again in come incarnation.
Thank you again for your kind words and if you need anything in the future, let me know!
-Amanda Arista"
Diaries of an Urban Panther Series
By
Amanda Arista
While NOT officially part of the trilogy, this story closes the loop on one of the characters after the events in the trilogy
“First Dates Are Hell� from
Summary:
Violet Jordan Rule #1 of being a superhero: No tights.
Violet Jordan Rule #2 of being a superhero: Find reliable sidekicks.
Violet Jordan‘s Rule #3 of being a superhero: Family first, fur second.
Dear Diary,
By now you know I'm hardly a normal girl. Last night I woke up naked in an alley after fighting off some werewolves. All in a day's work, I guess.
I thought I was dealing pretty well with the whole Werepanther thing: the training, the apocalyptic prophecies. And the hot guy following me around, protecting me at every turn is definitely a bonus. I'm even starting to become accustomed to the bloodshed and the violence—and that's what scares me. What will tomorrow bring�
I thought life was going to get better. After four assassination attempts, I'm thinking not so much. The pack needs a new leader, and I've just about run out of reasons why I'm not right for the job.
Besides, having loyal followers would definitely help me fight off whoever's out for my blood. Especially since my boyfriend is always busy playing White Hat to every wanderer except me. I'm glad he thinks I'm tough enough to handle my own business, but a little extra backup would be nice.
With new supernatural creatures popping up at every turn (Ghouls? Really?), the city divided, and my long-lost cousin blazing into town, I've got a lot on my mind. Oh, not to mention I'm supposed to be planning a wedding. Chaz has got to be the best, most patient (and probably clinically insane) boyfriend around.
But defeating my sworn enemy in a battle for the souls of Dallas is going to require more than just my full attention. It means learning to depend on everyone—especially Chaz—if any of us are going to make it out of this alive. Because if Plan A doesn't work, I'm going to need them for Plan B. And Plan C . . .
Review:
Violet is hardly normal, she has went from being a script-writer for horror movies to being a shapeshifter but there is something special about Violet, something that an old prophesy says will help all of the shapshifters in Dallas have a better life �. If she lives that long and overcomes more problems than you could list with Excel.
This series was a bit of a surprise since I had the first 2 books buried in my “to-be-read� stack of books for over a year and that is where they would still be if I had not been given a copy of Vampires Gone Wild to review and in that anthology the best story was one called “First Dates Are Hell� which was very good and it came from the Urban Panther series (actually in the timeline it was after the trilogy of books).
So after enjoying that story I grabbed the paperback books I had, put them up for sale and bought all 3 and started reading and was totally hooked into this story, I am not sure if the author was writing a trilogy when she wrote Diaries of an Urban Panther but these 3 books have to be read together to really get the full impact (who wants to read 1 book of the Lord of the Rings?) and while each book has an ending of sorts the real story that threads through all of them is the one that ends in the last book of this trilogy.
While I do not want to give away too much of the story, I can say it was one of the best reading experiences I have had in several months, but while I am extolling this series greatness I need to point out that if you are OCD about editing then book 2 may pose some problems since her editor must have jumped ship during the writing/publication of Claws and Effects (book #2) but I was still able to enjoy it and continue on but be forewarned.
The ending of the main story arc threading through all the books coming to an epic end in book 3 and one of the best endings I have seen in awhile to be honest. The characters were fleshed out very well, Violet was an awesome heroine and her humor was what made reading this series a much more pleasurable task.
Let me just say that as a full time reviewer as a hobby, I get dozens of free books every month and I went and BOUGHT all of these books after reading the story in Vampires Gone Wild and in spite of some bad editing and stumbles along the way, this story was so good I could care less.
I give it 5 Stars not because it is an awesome piece of writing but because it was the best story I have read in a long time AND I liked the way it made me feel when it ended. You don’t get many of those type stories.
My hope is that she may come back to this series since I loved it but the ending was good enough I can live with this being all these is, get these books and enjoy a great story and ignore any stumbles along the way to an awesome ending. The story in Vampires Gone Wild was just a bonus to close a loop on one of the characters and it was done exceptionally.
UPDATE: While I composed this review I got this update from the author, looks like we will see more of this world, but maybe not with Violet as the main story (as the one in Vampires Gone Wild)
"Dear Douglas,
Thank you for the compliments. Makes a girl glow with happiness.
As for right now, the Urban Panther series will remain a trilogy. But I love that universe and am working hard at expanding the Those Who Wander line. Valiance and Esme were just the beginning and I think we both know that Violet can't mind her own business to save her hide, so we will probably see her again in come incarnation.
Thank you again for your kind words and if you need anything in the future, let me know!
-Amanda Arista"
March 12, 2019
Violet is dealing with the aftermath of the events in the previous book. Since she killed Spencer and Haverty, technically she is now the leader of a pack she doesn’t want. Plus she has a handful of pack outcasts to rehabilitate. And her relationship with Chaz is in danger. He’s worried whether their intimacy might endanger him into becoming a panther and neither of them are handling it well.
Felt sad for Violet through most of this but couldn’t quite get mad at Chas since I knew something was going to happen on his side. I love how her ‘pack� develops and they support her. Violet definitely needed them as they do her.
Though I understand the sentiment and logic behind the cure for the shifter/non-shifter relationship thing, I was a little disappointed in the explanation. It seemed a little trite and vague. There should have been more.
Footnote: 1) I’m finding a lot errors of the grammar, wrong word choice, misspellings, and etc. types. Such as: leaving off the ‘ands�, quite instead of quiet, etc. Enough to through off the flow of the story. In fact, it seems that the eBook versions have more errors the paper versions of books. It's like English isn't the first language of the person who edit them and they weren't paying attention.
Fave scenes: the hidden lock, Shadow’s change, Violet’s ‘conversation� with Shadow and taking down Yasmina.
Felt sad for Violet through most of this but couldn’t quite get mad at Chas since I knew something was going to happen on his side. I love how her ‘pack� develops and they support her. Violet definitely needed them as they do her.
Though I understand the sentiment and logic behind the cure for the shifter/non-shifter relationship thing, I was a little disappointed in the explanation. It seemed a little trite and vague. There should have been more.
Footnote: 1) I’m finding a lot errors of the grammar, wrong word choice, misspellings, and etc. types. Such as: leaving off the ‘ands�, quite instead of quiet, etc. Enough to through off the flow of the story. In fact, it seems that the eBook versions have more errors the paper versions of books. It's like English isn't the first language of the person who edit them and they weren't paying attention.
Fave scenes: the hidden lock, Shadow’s change, Violet’s ‘conversation� with Shadow and taking down Yasmina.
January 1, 2023
This second book in the series kind of surprised me a little bit 🤗 but in a good way, slightly evilauthor here... I just couldn't stop reading again, like the first book! It's true magic. Somehow it's really just an amazing fit for me and if you love Urban Fantasy you would love this series, guaranteed everything but sappy romance with the dripping body parts every other page... 🙈 Actually it's a huge extra 🌟 for me
Thank you lady Amanda for violet's story💜💜
Thank you lady Amanda for violet's story💜💜
April 30, 2022
3.25 Stars for me
I will keep this short. The h is much improved in this story but it just seemed to drag on. If it had been a couple of hours shorter, I think that this would have been a 4 star listen for me. I do like the author and will look at her other stories.
I will keep this short. The h is much improved in this story but it just seemed to drag on. If it had been a couple of hours shorter, I think that this would have been a 4 star listen for me. I do like the author and will look at her other stories.
October 13, 2017
Needed an editor at least on the kindle edition. Love the story but the typos and poor english use were distracting.
November 11, 2017
Yeah, I enjoyed another great book in this series! The stakes are upped, and yeah, a lot happens in this book! It was so great, and I can't wait to read the 3rd and final full length book!
September 4, 2019
This is just getting better and better! Although I hated the thought that Chaz was a cheater!! Whew!! I love all the 'mutts'!
May 31, 2023
story is great but soooo many typos. I guess the editors were on vacation before this went to print.
November 28, 2023
I really hate to say it, but works like this give self published stories a bad name with the lack of proofreading.
April 30, 2024
enjoyed this storyline as a great distraction the night before my surgery. I couldn't sleep, and it was a nice distraction
January 12, 2017
Great story but poor editing
Thank goodness this was book 2 as the poor editing was VERY annoying. There were a ton of grammar errors and wrong usage of words, way more than you should see in a professionally published book.
However, that was really my only gripe and the reason why I did not give this 5 stars. The storyline was great. It starts out about 3 months after the end of the last book. We don't see very much of Chaz for reasons you will need to get from the story, but we do see all the rest. Violet is still a super heroine, Tucker and Jessa are good sidekicks with different skill sets. The rest of the gang is there too, along with a new panther who has come for help from Violet. There is still a lot of action and I loved seeing all the growth that each character does. They really draw you into the story.
If you read the original Diaries of an Urban Panther, I think you would like this book...BUT don't read this one first. The errors would distract you from the story and you really need the background from book 1. Like I said, the story itself was great, but you do have to overlook a lot of editing issues. Try this one second and see what you think.
Thank goodness this was book 2 as the poor editing was VERY annoying. There were a ton of grammar errors and wrong usage of words, way more than you should see in a professionally published book.
However, that was really my only gripe and the reason why I did not give this 5 stars. The storyline was great. It starts out about 3 months after the end of the last book. We don't see very much of Chaz for reasons you will need to get from the story, but we do see all the rest. Violet is still a super heroine, Tucker and Jessa are good sidekicks with different skill sets. The rest of the gang is there too, along with a new panther who has come for help from Violet. There is still a lot of action and I loved seeing all the growth that each character does. They really draw you into the story.
If you read the original Diaries of an Urban Panther, I think you would like this book...BUT don't read this one first. The errors would distract you from the story and you really need the background from book 1. Like I said, the story itself was great, but you do have to overlook a lot of editing issues. Try this one second and see what you think.
January 1, 2012
Dear reviewer,
Please be sure to read book 1 in the series before delving into book 2.
This was a very entertaining, fast paced read that, once I got passed the fact that I was missing certain pieces of the story from not reading the first book, had me flipping pages furiously to see what happened next.
Violet Jordan finds herself having to outwit would be assassins around every corner, train a "new" panther on what to expect from the next couple of months, figure out what to do with the pack of dogs that are turning to her for help, get her movie script edits turned in on time and find some time with her knight in shining armor, Chaz when he's not out saving everyone else. Needless to say, a lot happens in this story and to dear Violet. But Violet is make of some pretty strong stuff and no matter what is thrown at her, she seems to be able to handle it like it's nobody's business.
What was most intriguing to me was Violet's interaction with the dogs: Tucker, Tyler, Nash and Shadow. Not knowing completely what happened in the first story, I've figured out they were not the nicest bunch of men/dogs and Violet had every right to hate them. But instead, she saw how lost these men were without their pack leader and put her personally feelings aside to help them. What she did gave the men confidence and pride and all of them (including Violet) a sense of family that was missing with them before.
The ending to the story kind of threw me, because I was expecting some kind of resolution to the Causes attempt to manipulate Violet into doing what they wanted. Instead, it seems we need to wait for Book 3 to see what the outcome of Violet's interaction with the Cause. I almost feel that the sub-plot involving Spencer in the Veil will play into whatever is going on with the Cause, but that is something we'll have to wait to see what happens.
If you enjoy your shifter storylines with intrigue and some levity, this one is definitely a book you should grab.
Please be sure to read book 1 in the series before delving into book 2.
This was a very entertaining, fast paced read that, once I got passed the fact that I was missing certain pieces of the story from not reading the first book, had me flipping pages furiously to see what happened next.
Violet Jordan finds herself having to outwit would be assassins around every corner, train a "new" panther on what to expect from the next couple of months, figure out what to do with the pack of dogs that are turning to her for help, get her movie script edits turned in on time and find some time with her knight in shining armor, Chaz when he's not out saving everyone else. Needless to say, a lot happens in this story and to dear Violet. But Violet is make of some pretty strong stuff and no matter what is thrown at her, she seems to be able to handle it like it's nobody's business.
What was most intriguing to me was Violet's interaction with the dogs: Tucker, Tyler, Nash and Shadow. Not knowing completely what happened in the first story, I've figured out they were not the nicest bunch of men/dogs and Violet had every right to hate them. But instead, she saw how lost these men were without their pack leader and put her personally feelings aside to help them. What she did gave the men confidence and pride and all of them (including Violet) a sense of family that was missing with them before.
The ending to the story kind of threw me, because I was expecting some kind of resolution to the Causes attempt to manipulate Violet into doing what they wanted. Instead, it seems we need to wait for Book 3 to see what the outcome of Violet's interaction with the Cause. I almost feel that the sub-plot involving Spencer in the Veil will play into whatever is going on with the Cause, but that is something we'll have to wait to see what happens.
If you enjoy your shifter storylines with intrigue and some levity, this one is definitely a book you should grab.
September 4, 2012
*** Spoiler from book 1***This book is about Violet Jordan who six month ago was attacked by a shapeshifter who happened to be a panther but it wasn't a freak attack it was planned. So Violet is still learning to deal with being a shapeshifter, in the first book she kills the pack leader Haverty a very evil man and his son also evil is banned to a fairy prison in a mirror. In book two Violet is dealing with being because she is now the leader of the pack. She's been avoiding taking control because she's not sure she's up to the responsibility.
After sending the younger Haverty to the mirror his hench men or mutts as she calls them are in desperate need of a new leader, Violet decides to help them out because they need her. Her best friend Jessa isn't thrilled about her involvement because the mutts are the ones who held her captive in book one. There is also a new panther in town who's just learning to be a cat who happens to be as much of a nerd as Violet is. Since taking out Haverty others want to run the pack so Violet has to be on constant guard when it comes to potential threats.
I loved the first book and this book didn't let me down in the Violet Jordan series. The characters are well written so that you have a good idea who they really are. I love we know so much about Violet and her closest friends sometimes it feels like your even in her head. This book sucked me in right from the start and I had a hard time putting it down, there is just so much going on I had to know what was going to happen next. I like the few twists in the story I didn't see coming too, always nice to have a surprise. It's a great series and I love the shapeshifter aspect, plus Violet is totally a sci fi nerd like me so I easily relate to her. I like the relationships that Violet has in the book each is unique and special. I can see myself re-reading this series over again, it's that good.
After sending the younger Haverty to the mirror his hench men or mutts as she calls them are in desperate need of a new leader, Violet decides to help them out because they need her. Her best friend Jessa isn't thrilled about her involvement because the mutts are the ones who held her captive in book one. There is also a new panther in town who's just learning to be a cat who happens to be as much of a nerd as Violet is. Since taking out Haverty others want to run the pack so Violet has to be on constant guard when it comes to potential threats.
I loved the first book and this book didn't let me down in the Violet Jordan series. The characters are well written so that you have a good idea who they really are. I love we know so much about Violet and her closest friends sometimes it feels like your even in her head. This book sucked me in right from the start and I had a hard time putting it down, there is just so much going on I had to know what was going to happen next. I like the few twists in the story I didn't see coming too, always nice to have a surprise. It's a great series and I love the shapeshifter aspect, plus Violet is totally a sci fi nerd like me so I easily relate to her. I like the relationships that Violet has in the book each is unique and special. I can see myself re-reading this series over again, it's that good.
January 14, 2012
Claws and Effect is the second book in the Diaries of an Urban Panther series, featuring Violet Jordan. It’s written in first person, from Violet’s point of view. At the start of the story Violet is still struggling to come to terms with the power she received from Harvety. She constantly fights the magic that swirls in her and resists entreaties from other shapeshifters who want her to run the pack.
Sometimes it’s possible to read series out of order, but with this one you definitely need to read book one before you read this one. I think you’d struggle if you started with book two.
It’s the characters that really make this series for me. Violet shows definite growth as she learns to wield her power, starts to interact with some of the dog shapeshifters and struggles to stay ahead of the baddies. Violet has a boyfriend, but he is absent for a lot of the time, and she worries that he’s not interested in her any longer. Violet is like the girl next door, and sometimes a bit of a screw up, but as she starts to embrace her powers she becomes more kick-ass.
The secondary characters of Jessa, a fairy princess and the keyholder, add to the book, but it’s the dog shifters that I had a real soft spot for. They were interesting characters that also show distinctive character arcs throughout the story.
There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this book—the plot, the characters, the pace and the setting work together beautifully to create a seamless read and an excellent addition to what is fast becoming one of my favorite series.
Note: this book was provided by the author for review.
Sometimes it’s possible to read series out of order, but with this one you definitely need to read book one before you read this one. I think you’d struggle if you started with book two.
It’s the characters that really make this series for me. Violet shows definite growth as she learns to wield her power, starts to interact with some of the dog shapeshifters and struggles to stay ahead of the baddies. Violet has a boyfriend, but he is absent for a lot of the time, and she worries that he’s not interested in her any longer. Violet is like the girl next door, and sometimes a bit of a screw up, but as she starts to embrace her powers she becomes more kick-ass.
The secondary characters of Jessa, a fairy princess and the keyholder, add to the book, but it’s the dog shifters that I had a real soft spot for. They were interesting characters that also show distinctive character arcs throughout the story.
There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this book—the plot, the characters, the pace and the setting work together beautifully to create a seamless read and an excellent addition to what is fast becoming one of my favorite series.
Note: this book was provided by the author for review.
February 17, 2013
I liked this second Urban Panthers story. Most of the story is Violet adapting to her new powers and dealing with the void that killing of the big bad of the previous story left in Violet's home town. With her maker trapped behind the Veil, Violet is the supernatural heir-apparent. Violet fights taking on the job of Prima to the pack that has been left foundering by Haverty's defeat, but her innate compassion finds her taking on the stray 'dogs' who were the ones harrying her and Jessica last go round just because they are so downtrodden and pathetic now.
What I really liked about the book was all of the connections that Violet makes, she is really a good person and I like how her misfit 'pack' blooms under her care. I also really liked the hints about the larger part of the Wanderer world when Violet ends up learning to deal with some new aspects of her power later in the story. I missed Chaz, though I can see why having him mostly out of the picture was key to having Violet grow as a character and grow into her powers and new responsibilities. And I didn't enjoy Violet's dream connection with her nemesis as much as I did her mother's stories in the previous book. And, yes, the editing issues that others have mentioned in their reviews haven't been fixed and are noticeable even to a non-technical reader like me - but still I enjoyed this book enough that I went out and bought the next one.
What I really liked about the book was all of the connections that Violet makes, she is really a good person and I like how her misfit 'pack' blooms under her care. I also really liked the hints about the larger part of the Wanderer world when Violet ends up learning to deal with some new aspects of her power later in the story. I missed Chaz, though I can see why having him mostly out of the picture was key to having Violet grow as a character and grow into her powers and new responsibilities. And I didn't enjoy Violet's dream connection with her nemesis as much as I did her mother's stories in the previous book. And, yes, the editing issues that others have mentioned in their reviews haven't been fixed and are noticeable even to a non-technical reader like me - but still I enjoyed this book enough that I went out and bought the next one.
April 24, 2013
There are a few authors that came to mind as I was reading these books; Charlaine Harris, Julia Kenner and Patricia Briggs to name but a few. It had that sweet exciting thrill of a good chick lit paranormal read you just love to curl up on the sofa on a cold do-nothing day with.
The editing could have used a bit more fine-tuning and there were a few spots of missing logic that had me shaking my head, (nothing to do with the supernatural aspects of the tale, of course, just mundane things like chugging water to stop nausea and her best friend not knowing how she took her coffee, etc), but the main story and characters were very well-thought-out and kept me turning pages in anticipation.
I really enjoyed getting to know Violet No-Middle-Name Jordan and following her on her journey was both happily exhausting and exhilarating. At every turn I found myself laughing at her snarkiness, praying to the Gods and goddesses of literature for her and the other favorite characters' survival and rooting for their much-deserved happily ever after. Looking past the mistakes in editing; Amanda Arista's "Diaries of an Urban Panther" trilogy was a surprising joy to have had the pleasure of reading.
The editing could have used a bit more fine-tuning and there were a few spots of missing logic that had me shaking my head, (nothing to do with the supernatural aspects of the tale, of course, just mundane things like chugging water to stop nausea and her best friend not knowing how she took her coffee, etc), but the main story and characters were very well-thought-out and kept me turning pages in anticipation.
I really enjoyed getting to know Violet No-Middle-Name Jordan and following her on her journey was both happily exhausting and exhilarating. At every turn I found myself laughing at her snarkiness, praying to the Gods and goddesses of literature for her and the other favorite characters' survival and rooting for their much-deserved happily ever after. Looking past the mistakes in editing; Amanda Arista's "Diaries of an Urban Panther" trilogy was a surprising joy to have had the pleasure of reading.
January 6, 2013
4.5 stars
I'm maybe a tiny bit in love with this series? *lol* Last year,the first book was one of the biggest surprises for me because I didn't expect it to be this good. Now book 2 was another surprise because it was as good as the first one and especially in the paranormal genre,that doesn't happen too often (or maybe I'm just reading the wrong books ^^).
First of all,Violet is a heroine after my liking. She kicks some serious ass but she also makes mistakes. But instead of moping around she attacks everything with a lot of humor and when she does something wrong,she just tries to do it better the next time. I really adore her! I also adore her relationship with Chaz. They had a lot of issues but I like the way these two are dealing with everything and I also liked that there was a good explanation for the misunderstanding between them and also why it took them a bit longer to get over it.
My favorite part of this book was Violet and her pack. Loved the guys and how hard to tried to make up for everything that happened before. I loved how they all grew closer and became a little family eventually :)
I'm maybe a tiny bit in love with this series? *lol* Last year,the first book was one of the biggest surprises for me because I didn't expect it to be this good. Now book 2 was another surprise because it was as good as the first one and especially in the paranormal genre,that doesn't happen too often (or maybe I'm just reading the wrong books ^^).
First of all,Violet is a heroine after my liking. She kicks some serious ass but she also makes mistakes. But instead of moping around she attacks everything with a lot of humor and when she does something wrong,she just tries to do it better the next time. I really adore her! I also adore her relationship with Chaz. They had a lot of issues but I like the way these two are dealing with everything and I also liked that there was a good explanation for the misunderstanding between them and also why it took them a bit longer to get over it.
My favorite part of this book was Violet and her pack. Loved the guys and how hard to tried to make up for everything that happened before. I loved how they all grew closer and became a little family eventually :)
May 28, 2013
Excellent story. Great characters, great story and so much action it's hard to stop reading. So much happened in this book and am sure there will be so much more to come in the next one. I can't wait!
Now, to the questions and observations:
1) I love the Violet gives the "bad" guys the benefit of the doubt.
2) When will she meet the "mecca" lady again.
3) How is she going to handle getting married, learning her abilities and securing Dallas?
4) Will Tyler return to the group and forgive Violet?
5) Will she continue to be the Key?
Oh and one thing I am grateful to the author for is the balance between the bad and the good. I hate having stories where bad things keep happening and very little good/happy parts to keep the character going, even if it ends up that way.
Great job!
Now, to the questions and observations:
1) I love the Violet gives the "bad" guys the benefit of the doubt.
2) When will she meet the "mecca" lady again.
3) How is she going to handle getting married, learning her abilities and securing Dallas?
4) Will Tyler return to the group and forgive Violet?
5) Will she continue to be the Key?
Oh and one thing I am grateful to the author for is the balance between the bad and the good. I hate having stories where bad things keep happening and very little good/happy parts to keep the character going, even if it ends up that way.
Great job!
December 29, 2011
3.5 Stars
A lot happened in this story, and certain things didn't work so well for me. I think that there's enough material here for two books, and maybe the author would have been better served to divide the book as such. Also, if this book was edited, the editor needs to be fired; typos, word omissions, homophone confusion, and the like abounded. It was especially noticeable because I used the "text-to-speech" function of my Kindle; it's distracting to hear "suite" when you know that that author intended to say "suit."
This book is certainly worth the money I paid for it, but I can easily imagine how it could have been improved.
A lot happened in this story, and certain things didn't work so well for me. I think that there's enough material here for two books, and maybe the author would have been better served to divide the book as such. Also, if this book was edited, the editor needs to be fired; typos, word omissions, homophone confusion, and the like abounded. It was especially noticeable because I used the "text-to-speech" function of my Kindle; it's distracting to hear "suite" when you know that that author intended to say "suit."
This book is certainly worth the money I paid for it, but I can easily imagine how it could have been improved.
January 27, 2013
It was much better than the first. It had more action, more twist and turns that were unexpected.
Violet and Chaz are driven apart by unexpected forces - his boss. They want Violet to mate with another panther but luckily the new panther in town grows a pair and tells the truth but not before Violet sees Chaz in a rather comprised situation.
An air elemental is trying to be the new Boss and will stop at nothing to end Violet.
Violet finally decides to be a real Prima and takes under her wings the "boys" or the dog shifters that attacked her and Jessa on the first book.
Violet and Chaz finally learns how they can have sex without passing the panther gene.
Violet and Chaz are driven apart by unexpected forces - his boss. They want Violet to mate with another panther but luckily the new panther in town grows a pair and tells the truth but not before Violet sees Chaz in a rather comprised situation.
An air elemental is trying to be the new Boss and will stop at nothing to end Violet.
Violet finally decides to be a real Prima and takes under her wings the "boys" or the dog shifters that attacked her and Jessa on the first book.
Violet and Chaz finally learns how they can have sex without passing the panther gene.
January 7, 2012
Amanda Arista has done it again. Bringing a new twist to the shifter table. A witty and kick ass heroine along with unforgettable supporting characters. Intense and action packed storyline.
The editing was horrible and a bit distracting but I can't let that affect my rating and take away from this book. Still made it to my favorites lists. I hope we have many more Violet Jordan adventures in our future. I know they will definatley be on my pre-order list!
The editing was horrible and a bit distracting but I can't let that affect my rating and take away from this book. Still made it to my favorites lists. I hope we have many more Violet Jordan adventures in our future. I know they will definatley be on my pre-order list!
September 16, 2012
Okay much better than the first! I thought Violet and Charles show a lot more personality in this one and not only because they take their romance to the next level. The character growth from the previous novel to this one is quite evident. I think the author's writing and world building has also gotten better with just one novel and it really shows.
Not much else to say except that these are fun easy reads and I can't wait to see what this author can do next. :)
Not much else to say except that these are fun easy reads and I can't wait to see what this author can do next. :)
October 8, 2012
I love the direction that this series is going and can’t wait to see what’s in store for Violet and her boys next. I give Claws and Effect 4.5 stars. Full review can be found here:
January 14, 2012
I was so thrilled to see this second installment of the Diaries of and Urban Panther series.
Amanda Arista has created a great cast of characters struggling to survive in a harsh hunted world and still keep themselves and their own relationships together.
The characters are fabulous and their trials and errors make a fantastic cast.
Amanda Arista has created a great cast of characters struggling to survive in a harsh hunted world and still keep themselves and their own relationships together.
The characters are fabulous and their trials and errors make a fantastic cast.
January 5, 2012
I was hooked when the first book came out. I couldn't wait for Claws and Effect, and I really hope she continues. This story kept me wanting more. The only draw back I found would be the errors. It should have been proof read better.
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