Maeve'ra 3: Bloodtraitor

Maeve'ra 3: Bloodtraitor by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I still struggle with this series. On the one hand, it's nice to finally get the full story about how the first Midnight fell. There are also a lot of names mentioned here that are referenced in the original Den of Shadows and Kiesh'ra series as well as the sakkari's foretelling linking to a lot of those events. As an actual book series, it falls short. There is very little actual development and nothing short of characters getting jostled to and fro resulting in a rather anticlimactic fall of Midnight. There is a lot of talk about slaves and how they often are inside and out of Midnight depending on their generation, which is seen more clearly in the very front and center actions of Malachi and most of the Obsidian clan.

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Maeve'ra 2.5: The Prophet

Maeve'ra 2.5: The Prophet by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Based on the numbering, I'm guessing this will be the equivalent of a flash back for the next full book, which is why I'm reading it first even though I have both on hand. Like The Rebel, this feels more like a teaser than a short story. It's enough to make you wonder what will happen without actually giving much of anything in the way of story progress. Somewhat enjoyable yet also slightly annoying at the same time.

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Maeve'ra 1.5: The Rebel

Maeve'ra 1.5: The Rebel by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


I'm not really sure what purpose this short is supposed to serve. It really just gives more conversation and filler to Keeda'a backstory, which is already referenced in the main books. I guess it could act as a type of teaser, but still not sure it warrants it's own book.

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Den of Shadows 6: Token of Darkness

Den of Shadows 6: Token of Darkness by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It's part of the Den of Shadows series, but unlike any other book so far. Most of the books have at least one vampire as a main character. They aren't even mentioned this time around. While there are "witches" in this book, they are more self-made than the born witches with various abilities and tools that are part of the vampire world. The entire ghost/elemental concept is also entirely new. Personally, I think this should be considered a stand alone book as it doesn't fit into the rest as a series at all. In some ways, it a refreshing change of pace. In others, with no tie in to the rest of the books and no movement after this book in any sequels, it feels short and disjointed. Almost like it doesn't have a place the way Samantha didn't until towards the end of the book. Cooper is easy to like and be annoyed with at the same time as he doesn't have much of a spine despite the whole "ex-football player" thing repeated constantly. Delilah and Ryan are also hard to like for various reasons. Probably the most character draw comes from Brent, and he's more of a side character that is involved but wishes he wasn't all at the same time.

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Den of Shadows 5: Persistence of Memory

Den of Shadows 5: Persistence of Memory by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Erin is so confused about everything that it makes it very hard to get into her character. You get hints through the various other characters around her that obviously are not human, but it isn't until the very end when it all comes together. While there's a little bit of everything (vampire, shifter, witch) in the mix here, there is no one that really stands out. Overall the story feels like a bit of a wash to me. A quick read if it catches your fancy, but not anything to stand out or top the charts.

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Den of Shadows 4: Midnight Predator

Den of Shadows 4: Midnight Predator by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Like many other in the series, not loved enough to be a favorite overall book, but one of my favorites of this author's work. The names are somewhat odd, but then the characters are different too. Jaguar is by far my favorite though, and really makes this book for me. Ravyn is amusing, and Nathaniel is interesting, as is Turquoise/Catherine/Cathy. Really, though, it's the interaction with Jaguar that drives everything. He is both everything and nothing of what is expected. Sadly, we only get more of the vampire's pasts later on, not more of this future. Sometimes characters from other books have been mentioned in passing later on. Part of me wishes this would happen, or a sequel specific to these characters would come out so we'd know what Turquoise ultimately chooses and if Jaguar is still in that picture. There always seems to be a new surprise when he shows up, and it's rather refreshing.

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Den of Shadows 3: Shattered Mirror

Den of Shadows 3: Shattered Mirror by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I definitely enjoy more of the earlier books most. This time we meet more of the Vida family. Why I still can't say that I like Dominique, and Adianna is questionable to me, it is both amusing and refreshing to find Sarah can be both concerned about Vida law at yet willing to see people (especially vampires) for who they are at the same time. Christopher/Kristopher's world seems to be very divided, though Sarah rather unwittingly appears to bring all 3 siblings back together as she hunts Nikolas. Nissa appears to be the most "human" of the group by far, though Christopher isn't far behind despite his "past" with Nikolas. Even Nikolas appears not to be what everyone thought he was in the beginning. It's hard not to like these characters despite their rather volatile beginnings.

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Den of Shadows 2: Demon in My View

Den of Shadows 2: Demon in My View by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was my very first Amelia Atwater-Rhodes book ever read, and it's stayed with me since then. While I can't say it's one of my favorite overall books, or even an amazing masterpiece, I can say that it's a fun and intriguing piece that does a good job of making you want to like the characters and learn more about them and their world. It was the description of Jessica's Tiger, Tiger which appears to essentially tell the story found in the first book Into the Forest of the Night that really prompted me to go back and read that first book. Jessica obviously has issues, and they end up being rather unique for a number of reasons. Aubrey is very easy to like despite his "dangerous" persona. Add Caryn into the mix to tie everything together and keep the story balanced, and you have an interesting triangle the entertains. I can't say that I've ever liked Vida, and Fala is just a barrel of fights waiting to happen. Overall though, I enjoy this story a lot and often find myself coming back to it when I want a quick and amusing spin through a good vampire realm.

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Den of Shadows 1: In the Forests of the Night

Den of Shadows 1: In the Forests of the Night by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


A quick read but not a huge draw at the same time. This book does a good job of setting the foundation for the series and introducing many of the main characters from the world of "shadows." Mostly, this is Rachel/Risika's story, with a lot of Aubrey confrontations scattered in. I actually first read this book after reading the sequel, which was the bigger overall draw for me, so wasn't able to get into this one as much. While I do still enjoy it, it's never really managed to grab me as some of the other books in the series do.

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Kiesha'ra 5: Wyvernhail

Kiesha'ra 5: Wyvernhail by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 1 of 5 stars


Well, this book does finally pair everyone off, with the exception of Sive's alistair being exiled for treason. Even Hai and Nicias finally figure things out. Other than that, it's a huge mess. There's really no other description for it. We go from Zane to Oliza, to Salem, back to Oliza, to Hai and back to Salem just on the side of the Serpiente alone. That doesn't even factor in trying to keep all of Hai's visions straight as things in the real world play out. It's just too much and too scrambled. I still love the first book, and the second is enjoyable to me, though not as much as the first. After that, the series really just fell apart.

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Kiesha'ra 4: Wolfcry

Kiesha'ra 4: Wolfcry by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


This book takes a hard turn away from the original story. Again, Danica and Zane are only mentioned more in passing as the story focuses on Oliza. As the title might suggest, we also see a lot more of the wolves. Wyverns Court shows that for all that the war has ended, the hate still festers. Rather than forcing the issue on either side and allowing it to implode, Oliza steps back, choosing a mate that cannot even allow for heirs as we find our first same sex pair of the series. Who needs to worry about what people will think of their "king" and heir when there is no king, her mate is not from either species, and there will be no heirs. A neat avoidance in my mind, though some would say also practical. Still feels like a step back from everything Danica and Zane strive for in the first place.

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Kiesha'ra 3: Falcondance

Kiesha'ra 3: Falcondance by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


Appropriately titled, this book nearly moves us away entirely from the the Avians and Serpiente. Where Danica and Zane are the much loved original pair, and still hold a rather prominent position in the sequel, they are barely even mentioned in passing with this third installment. Even their daughter, who is supposedly the focal point of all the change to Wyvern's Court, is only really seen at the beginning and the end of the book. The focus, instead, is on Nicias, Sebastian/Anderios and Kel/Erica's son. We do get a little bit of surprise all the backstory in the previous books don't even hint at when we meet Hai. This takes place mostly in the Falcon's White City, which seems to be falling apart from the inside as opposed to outside forces like the other lands during the war. Can't say I like he falcons any more after hearing more of their story though.

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The Maeve'ra 2: Bloodkin

The Maeve’ra 2: Bloodkin by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


I have to admit, I'm having a much harder time getting into this series than the original shifter series Amelia wrote. The old and familiar characters like Jaguar and Jeshika are barely mentioned in passing as they pretty much stay in Midnight and don't interact with the outside world other than lording their market and power over everyone. Keeda seems to be the main focus in this book instead of Vance, though he still has plenty of time in the spotlight too. The two of them appear to be on the fringes of everything happening, yet still tied up in the center at the same time. It seems as if Keeda is starting to put pieces of the various prophecies together, though it's yet to be determined how that will all play out to the downfall of Midnight. There also seems to be a lot less hostility between the avians and the serpiente, even though this is clearly after the initial betrayal that would have resulted in their war taking place. Rather, the focus seems to be on the serpents and Obsidian. While Obsidian appears to be a bit of a mash up of various species looking for their own peace on the outside of their various cultures, it would also seem from the clans description that this would be where the white vipers like Adelina and Ailbhe come from. Hopefully the next book will clear things up as it appears this is meant to be another trilogy.

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Maeve'ra 1: Bloodwitch

Maeve'ra 1: Bloodwitch by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


It's interesting going back to the beginning of Midnight with this series. I loved Jaguar in Midnight Predator, so it was nice to see him again. Jeshika played in interesting role as both part of the main crew yet often being off to the side until the end of the story. Vance is very slow to start analyzing his world, though I suppose that's somewhat understandable given it is what he was raised to consider "normal" until his surroundings started changing again. It will be interesting to see if we learn anything more of Alasdair in this new trilogy, and how that fits in to the Serpiente and Avian lore we learned in the Kiesha'ra series. Obsidian seems like an interesting idea given the current climate between all the clans. There is a lot of potential set up well despite the shorter style of books. Anything longer might not have held attention as well, especially considering the genre. Still, would have liked to have seen some more details and fleshing out of the story overall. A lot feels like it is missed due to the entire story being from Vance's point of view - it's obvious he misses a lot going on around him, especially in the beginning.

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Kiesha'ra 2: Snakecharm

Kiesha'ra 2: Snakecharm by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The sequel is told from Zane's point of view instead of Danica's as the first one is. For anyone wanting more progression between our favorite rulers however, you'll be left disappointed. Outside of the fact that Danica is pregnant, more happens revolving the visiting falcons and subsequent loss/retrieval of their people than any real growth with the main pair. The foundation is set for Wyvern's Court, which is where the next book will take place, but that's pretty much it outside of Danica's fainting spells and frequent market skirmishes, largely pointed out by their unwanted visitor. It's still enjoyable, and a nice change to get Zane's view of things, but not as engaging as the original.

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Kiesha'ra 1: Hawksong

Kiesha'ra 1: Hawksong by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I have to admit, Danica and Zane are a favorite of mine when it comes to Amelia's books. Monarchs of two very different lands at war with each other for so long neither side truly remembers how it started anymore, they are desperate to find peace and save what little remains of their families. No one seems to believe a hawk and a cobra can love each other, but it seems all their challenges and doubts will push them further to that end. Danica has her avian reserve that she wraps around herself with like a shield, while Zane uses his own fierce emotions to channel his actions, marking him for the lethal and quick cobra he is. Neither of these characters are by any means shy or needy. Rather they are both strong and learn to lean on each other equally as they grow together.

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Den of Shadows 9: Promises to Keep

Den of Shadows 9: Promises to Keep by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Not my favorite of the Den of Shadows books, but still an interesting read. Jay doesn't seem to fit in with other witches at all, despite his hunter status. First off, he's far more comfortable out in the wild with Lynx, second, he makes friends with vampires surprisingly easy and willingly donates blood, something most other witches would likely kill over. This laid back attitude gets him into more than a little trouble as he tries to help the wrong person without the right information. Now the entire power balance has shifted, and we're just starting to see the tip of the iceberg with those changes.

Surprisingly kind of liked Xeke, though Rikai annoyed me a lot. Brina was an interesting surprise, especially when it turned out she could talk to Lynx the same way Jay did. Especially considering her own oblivion to her cat's demands earlier in the book. Definitely like her more as the human-almost-witch than as the vampire. Apparently Renna is Jessica's new name (from Demon in My View) and she is one of the "three wild cards" along with Xeke and Rikai. Surprising that she wasn't with Aubrey considered how connected they seemed in the earlier book.

There were also a lot of references to the Kiesha'ra series. The Cobriana family was mentioned by name aside from many references to the serpiente and the avian's. Kind of made me miss that series as I really liked Danica and Zane.

Overall, not the same character attachment as some of the earlier books (Demon in My View, Hawksong and Midnight Predator especially come to mind). A lot of interesting twists though. Makes me wonder if the next book with continue to combine Den of Shadows with Kiesha'ra or if this was sort of a one time crossover.

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Den of Shadows 8: Poison Tree

Den of Shadows 8: Poison Tree by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I originally wasn't sure if I would consider this more a Den of Shadows or Kiesha'ra book as it involves both shapeshifters and vampires, especially the Mistari and references to the Serpiente. I found the emphasize on the brutality of the Mistari interesting, especially as they were the mediating clan for the Serpiente and Avian war, being the "neutral territory." The tie ins between Sahara, Jason, Christian and Alyssia are complex at the best of times. Fascinating how they constantly cross paths without really wanting to. Was glad that Jason showed up at the end for the challenge as it was his rightful place and put the priorities back in place for the pairs nicely. Kind of hope the cubs decide to stay with Sahara, but could see them choosing to leave with the way they had been raised too. Overall it had a lot of information both about the Mistari and Onyx. Also nice to see Ravyn again as I did like her in Midnight Predator.

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666: The Number Of The Beast

666: The Number Of The Beast by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


The stories obviously don't go too in depth or develop very far because they are short stories. What they do give you though are glimpses of various spooky happenings of a very wide variety. Some are harder to puzzle out. Others are just simply enjoyable. Nice variety for an anthology.

This includes the following stories:

• A Trick of the Light by Chet Williamson
• Channel 99 by Peter Abrahams
• Empire of Dirt by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
• Erased by Jane Mason
• Ever After by Isobel Bird
• Grandma Kelly by David Moody
• Haunted by Ellen Schreiber
• If You Knew Suzie by Heather Graham
• Imagining Things by T.E.D. Klien
• Incident Report by Joshua Gee
• La Fleur De Nuit by P. D. Cacek
• Saving Face by Christopher Pike
• Scapegoat by Robin Wasserman
• Shelter Island by Malissa de la Cruz
• Slam Dance by Bentley Little
• The Legend of Anna Barton by Laurie Faria Stolarz
• The Little Sacrifice by Joyce Carol Oates
• Wolfsbane by Sarah Hihes Stephens

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Den of Shadows 7: All Just Glass

Den of Shadows 7: All Just Glass by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Given how long it's taken for this sequel to be published, I was surprised with just how close to the end of Shattered Mirror that it picks up - literally Adia's point of view from just after having witnessed Sarah being changed.

Honestly not as good as it's predecessor, but still a decent read. I've always been a little annoyed by the lack of a conclusive ending to these stories. While it's still rather ambiguous at the end of Glass, there is at least more direction than at the end of Mirror. Especially found Dominique's history rather interesting. Very glad Adia didn't disappoint when it came to her relationship with her sister.

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