bookslovebrains's reviews
336 reviews

I’ve been wanting to read Darynda’s books for a while now and only just realized I had this sitting on my shelf!

There’s a lot that happens in this book, which is a feat considering it’s relatively short. I’m some ways, I feel that certain things were wayyy drawn out (the first 70 or 80 pages going back and forth with her grandmother, for example) and the rest was way to condensed (three cases plus some side tangents in the rest of the 150 or so pages).

Despite that, it (and Defiance herself - the main character) was quirky, interesting, and funny. I outright snorted a few times. Definitely a good start to the series.

Wow! I’m so glad I finally picked this up! To be honest, it started off kind of slow and I kind of just pushed through, thinking this suffered from first-book-in-the-series syndrome (you know, where the first book is just some set up and so the series gets better with each book). It wasn’t bad, per se - just a lot of repetitive going-ons.

But, by the second half of the second part, this book got unbelievably interesting! The plot-twist, the cliffy cliff-hanger, and the general plot-line has a lot of potential for the second book!

Perhaps if I hadn’t seen the movie first, I’d have liked this book better. To be honest, it’s not bad - there are parts that were better and more fantastical than the movie, but then there are parts that really fall short in comparison (the ship in the sky, for example). Still, it would’ve been a 5-star read if it wasn’t for the ending. That was quite sad and I just don’t like sad in my romance books - even if the romance is minor.

Such a marvelous and magical book! The plot started right off with little fanfare, sucking the reader in right away. And oh my gosh this was such an intense read! You know, like when you’re watching a movie and the killer is gaining on the soon-to-be-victim and you’re just like “go! go! close the door!!”? This is exactly what I was like with this book. I was on the edge of my seat and tense the whole time!

Everything was tied up quite nicely, but it did end a bit quickly considering. That being said, I would love a sequel to continue the magic.

This was a good read with an interest plot/setting. It’s both futuristic and more medieval than the actual Middle Ages. It kinda gives my Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels world, but I’m not mad at that.

I do think it could use a little more plot development. There were moments when it was really strong, but then it kinda lacked. I think really, it’s just there isn’t that great of a balance between the plot and the romance - after the couple got together, it just kinda seemed rushed.

That being said, this was a solid good 4-star read and I want to read the rest of the series - it’s definitely a world I want to visit again and learn more about.

I was really planning to read just for a few hours before I went to bed, but I ended up not being able to put this down. The plot-line was novel, the main character was well-written, and the side characters were interesting.

I do have kind of a complaint/question about the fact that it appears as if people are safe behind closed/locked doors (and/or they could also just drink remedies), but there is a need for magicians? This doesn’t detract from the read it’s just a little plot hole that’s overlooked that’s been bugging me. Honestly, if it wasn’t for this, it’d probably be a 5-star read.

I’ve read and reread this book (and this whole series) so many very times. In fact, this series is one of my most reread series - I’ve probably read it close to a dozen times.

It’s just that - the world is so deliciously built, the characters so very well developed, and the plot is basically perfect. Plus - hilarious and dragonlicious shenanigans. I really hope G. A. Aiken continued with the series, especially with the way this one ended. I would LOVE to have a series with the kids - especially the first three and Dagmar and Gwenvael’s kids - they are so intriguing!

**** Caveat - I will say that anytime I recommend this author, either as G. A. Aiken or as Shelly Laurenston, I always suggest you start with the first book in her series because the world building and character development (which is what makes this series so great) happens over the course of the books and not just in any one book.

I’m technically rating it 4.5 stars, but it was good enough that I don’t want it to be bumped down just because Goodreads doesn’t do half-point rating systems.

This book was about as good as the first book, but I definitely enjoyed the characters more in this one - we get to see more of each of them and most of them give their POV at least once. Definitely felt bad for Jace in this one.

Even though I feel kinda silly for letting this series sit for so long, I’m glad I don’t have to wait for the next book, especially with that ending.

Gena is always so consistent with her excellence! How can one person have so much creativity!?

The only good thing about waiting so long to read this series, despite being a forever fan of Gena’s, is that I only have to wait three days to read Roux’s book.

I squealed like a little girl when she brought in our fave characters. And the ending! Gena always creates seemingly undefeatable foes or plots, but she always manages, somehow. I, as always, had no clue how our characters were going to get out of this one.

I’m giving this a technical rating of 4.5 stars, but it was good enough that I don’t want to negatively affect its rating with a 4 star read here.

This was a great sequel - plot was diverse enough from the first one, we get introduced to more harpies, and see a little more of the Astra men (go Roux and Ian!!). I also got some feels for Erebus, and I’m not sure if that’s okay yet. Yes, villains are my thing.

The only reason that I’m not 100% on this one is just because of the ending. Don’t worry! No spoilers, but there is a HEA (if you’re familiar with Showalter, you’d know that all of her books have HEAs). It’s just that her endings always have unimaginable twists to save the day - this one…kinda did, but was really just kinda anticlimactic-y and rushed. It doesn’t take away from the story, but since it was kinda of the last thing the readers are left with, it’s definitely noticeable.

That being said….ROUX! I can’t wait for his book. So glad I only have two days. The sad thing - if she’s giving Astra warriors their books in the order of their rank, it’s going to be FOREVER until we get Ian’s, especially since she’s giving side (but main) characters their story also. God, if she writes one Warlord book a year, like she’s been doing, we’re looking at 10 years until his book