Psy-Changeling 24: Atonement Sky by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This new installment has a much slower start than many of the series with perhaps some of the most challenging hurdles to overcome for the new pairs. While there are other pairings included, the main feature are Eleri and Adam. Their tie to each other is suspect from the beginning, but buried under a decade of anger and regret, leading to a very tense and potentially volatile meeting when Eleri returns to WindHaven territory. While the majority of books in this series have some sort of "impossible" obstacle to overcome, this one returns back to an ongoing problem with the needed for shielding outside of the psynet, and the confirmation (at least within confidential circles) that there are at least certain psy like the J that are at extreme risk if they lose those shields. It's still not a perfect solution, but this is the first real progress that has been seen in this tech, and leaves real hope for the other races. There are a number of allies and agencies working together here, which further proves just how far the world has come, though there are still plenty of dangerous looming ahead still, especially for the psy that are still reliant on the psynet. Some annoyance at the end as well as we have this secondary focus on Adam's second hand and her relationship, but despite suspicions, nothing is confirmed other than that they remain together at the end of this volume.
View all my reviews
Showing posts with label genre: paranormal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label genre: paranormal. Show all posts
May 16, 2026
May 11, 2026
Guild Hunter 18: Archangel's Eternity
Guild Hunter 18: Archangel's Eternity by Nalini Singh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
While this follows the more traditional format of the story ongoing, there is a quote at the beginning of the each chapter that can be a tad confusing as it sometimes references what is in the current chapter and at other times just seems to be an entirely random quote highlighting some part of the character's history. Elena starts off struggling with the weight of the losses in her newish immortality and leading to a whole new adventure with the next generation of potential archangels. There is no end of challenges and changes between friends going back to Sleep, Raphael's mother needing to Sleep at least temporarily to stave off the madness again, Michaela changing entirely, and Illum's "father" on the verge of starting a full out war because he doesn't see him as a father any longer. It's a bit weird to consider the series ending with this volume as it feels like just the beginning of a new stage in the series and as we've had many books focusing on different relationships even as Elena and Raphael have continued to grow together. Despite feeling somewhat unfinished, there is truth in the idea that the pair have come full circle at this stage, even though they will have many adventures yet to come given their immortality. The underlying messages of despair and love are very poignant, playing well into the timeline while also illustrating just how much these characters have survived and evolved over the course of the series.
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
While this follows the more traditional format of the story ongoing, there is a quote at the beginning of the each chapter that can be a tad confusing as it sometimes references what is in the current chapter and at other times just seems to be an entirely random quote highlighting some part of the character's history. Elena starts off struggling with the weight of the losses in her newish immortality and leading to a whole new adventure with the next generation of potential archangels. There is no end of challenges and changes between friends going back to Sleep, Raphael's mother needing to Sleep at least temporarily to stave off the madness again, Michaela changing entirely, and Illum's "father" on the verge of starting a full out war because he doesn't see him as a father any longer. It's a bit weird to consider the series ending with this volume as it feels like just the beginning of a new stage in the series and as we've had many books focusing on different relationships even as Elena and Raphael have continued to grow together. Despite feeling somewhat unfinished, there is truth in the idea that the pair have come full circle at this stage, even though they will have many adventures yet to come given their immortality. The underlying messages of despair and love are very poignant, playing well into the timeline while also illustrating just how much these characters have survived and evolved over the course of the series.
View all my reviews
February 22, 2026
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar 7
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar 7 by HYBE
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dardan may have been dealt with in a rather surprising manor, and the teens may have returned to their school life, but that doesn't mean all answers are there. There is also still a lot of animosity between the vampires and werewolves due to their blood rather than just their competitive schools, which isn't surprising given the way they grew up, but is still rather hilarious given the way everyone still fawns over Sooha. Even wolves that have never met her before are making things a tad awkward with all the devotion. At least everyone seems okay with Sooha and Heli, not that anyone seems to be leaving them any time alone since they're always flocking around Sooha. With that being said, who is this new girl that shows up at the end and what does she mean by Sooha taking her place? She looks like the past version of Selen especially with her eye color, but how could everything at the blood altar take place and everyone be drawn to Sooha if she was not actually the princess? Opens a rather large can of worms without any sign of a resolution as this is the last volume in the series.
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dardan may have been dealt with in a rather surprising manor, and the teens may have returned to their school life, but that doesn't mean all answers are there. There is also still a lot of animosity between the vampires and werewolves due to their blood rather than just their competitive schools, which isn't surprising given the way they grew up, but is still rather hilarious given the way everyone still fawns over Sooha. Even wolves that have never met her before are making things a tad awkward with all the devotion. At least everyone seems okay with Sooha and Heli, not that anyone seems to be leaving them any time alone since they're always flocking around Sooha. With that being said, who is this new girl that shows up at the end and what does she mean by Sooha taking her place? She looks like the past version of Selen especially with her eye color, but how could everything at the blood altar take place and everyone be drawn to Sooha if she was not actually the princess? Opens a rather large can of worms without any sign of a resolution as this is the last volume in the series.
View all my reviews
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar 6
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar 6 by HYBE
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There's never a dull moment, with constant fights and discoveries as they figure out where the Blood Altar is and recover more of their memories. While the wolves don't have the same memories, Khan at least seems to be piecing some things together with his own visit, just as Sooha and Heli especially seem to be seeing the most of their past memories overall. Dardan continues to be a major thorn and obstacle to everyone's safety, though for as many times as it has seemed like he's had the upper hand, he hasn't actually been able to kill any of the main group yet. Heli has a good point as well, wondering why the symbol on his hand is glowing even after supposedly losing his powers. Given how dire things are, hopefully freeing the wolves will bring the reinforcements needed, especially since Khan should be somewhere in that mix. A little surprised that he wasn't on the altar with Sooha, Dardan, and Marge though we briefly saw him on the altar previously - just where did Khan disappear to?
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There's never a dull moment, with constant fights and discoveries as they figure out where the Blood Altar is and recover more of their memories. While the wolves don't have the same memories, Khan at least seems to be piecing some things together with his own visit, just as Sooha and Heli especially seem to be seeing the most of their past memories overall. Dardan continues to be a major thorn and obstacle to everyone's safety, though for as many times as it has seemed like he's had the upper hand, he hasn't actually been able to kill any of the main group yet. Heli has a good point as well, wondering why the symbol on his hand is glowing even after supposedly losing his powers. Given how dire things are, hopefully freeing the wolves will bring the reinforcements needed, especially since Khan should be somewhere in that mix. A little surprised that he wasn't on the altar with Sooha, Dardan, and Marge though we briefly saw him on the altar previously - just where did Khan disappear to?
View all my reviews
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar 5
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar 5 by HYBE
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It's not surprising that these new wolves who have been held captive and never met Sooha are more than a little sceptical when it comes to her abilities and Heli's claims regarding their past. When they're in danger though, they prove to be rather good allies and not so concerned with bloodline as just their survival. It's too bad that those who know Heli's group better and are more familiar with Sooha haven't spoken up more, especially as Khan is meant to be their leader, to pull the groups together. There is far more danger when the groups are split, as evident by this latest attack and what they are up against. Dardan also seems to be getting desperate with his latest attack and his musings about how to stop Sooha and claim all of her power before she can give it to her knights. They have the sword, and they're learning more along the way, but that won't be enough if they can't make it in time to stop Dardan.
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It's not surprising that these new wolves who have been held captive and never met Sooha are more than a little sceptical when it comes to her abilities and Heli's claims regarding their past. When they're in danger though, they prove to be rather good allies and not so concerned with bloodline as just their survival. It's too bad that those who know Heli's group better and are more familiar with Sooha haven't spoken up more, especially as Khan is meant to be their leader, to pull the groups together. There is far more danger when the groups are split, as evident by this latest attack and what they are up against. Dardan also seems to be getting desperate with his latest attack and his musings about how to stop Sooha and claim all of her power before she can give it to her knights. They have the sword, and they're learning more along the way, but that won't be enough if they can't make it in time to stop Dardan.
View all my reviews
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar 4
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar 4 by HYBE
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
We get a lot more information on the past with several flashbacks in this volume. Heli especially seems to have a rather significant role to play, similar to Khan on the werewolf side. There is also some indication that perhaps the two races were not always enemies as they now believe, though this "first vampire" seems to be up to no good on both sides. It will be interesting when Sooha wakens if she remembers anything, be it from the past or current events that are taking place and she seems to be aiding in. Dardan seems to be under the impression that she's remembering the past, which would make some sense as it's hard to believe he wouldn't do something if he was aware she was somehow helping Heli and his brothers. Hopefully the two groups will meet up soon and be able to work together rather than fighting each other, especially while they share a common goal in saving Sooha and stopping Dardan.
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
We get a lot more information on the past with several flashbacks in this volume. Heli especially seems to have a rather significant role to play, similar to Khan on the werewolf side. There is also some indication that perhaps the two races were not always enemies as they now believe, though this "first vampire" seems to be up to no good on both sides. It will be interesting when Sooha wakens if she remembers anything, be it from the past or current events that are taking place and she seems to be aiding in. Dardan seems to be under the impression that she's remembering the past, which would make some sense as it's hard to believe he wouldn't do something if he was aware she was somehow helping Heli and his brothers. Hopefully the two groups will meet up soon and be able to work together rather than fighting each other, especially while they share a common goal in saving Sooha and stopping Dardan.
View all my reviews
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar 3
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar 3 by HYBE
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It's unclear why this character looks so much like Chris, but perhaps it is some consolation he is not who they originally thought he was, especially for Sooha, though there are still more questions than answers. A lot is revealed about both the boys and Sooha, though Sooha herself does not know any of this information yet, nor do the werewolves, though it looks like they may be fighting the same battle after all. While Sooha's connection to the boys is clearer, it remains unclear why the wolves also seem to be so drawn to her, perhaps even mores o given her connection appears to be to the vampire side of their rivalry. Hopefully the boys will be able to find Sooha in time, and are strong enough to protect her. The last fight may not have gone well at the start, but it sounds like the "seals" are still degrading and not entirely gone yet, meaning that the boys are not yet at full power.
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It's unclear why this character looks so much like Chris, but perhaps it is some consolation he is not who they originally thought he was, especially for Sooha, though there are still more questions than answers. A lot is revealed about both the boys and Sooha, though Sooha herself does not know any of this information yet, nor do the werewolves, though it looks like they may be fighting the same battle after all. While Sooha's connection to the boys is clearer, it remains unclear why the wolves also seem to be so drawn to her, perhaps even mores o given her connection appears to be to the vampire side of their rivalry. Hopefully the boys will be able to find Sooha in time, and are strong enough to protect her. The last fight may not have gone well at the start, but it sounds like the "seals" are still degrading and not entirely gone yet, meaning that the boys are not yet at full power.
View all my reviews
February 21, 2026
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar 2
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar 2 by HYBE
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oh boy, the cats are all out of the bag now, though it's hard to tell if Sooha only recognizes Heli and his group or if she also recognizes the werewolves in this last encounter. Is Heli's story also correct about the lunar eclipse and werewolf lore? If so, Sooha may have an even more ardent admirer on her hands. How is Chris back from the dead as well? As happy as Sooha is to see him originally, there seems to be something very wrong with this character and his new appearance. Also hints that he may have something to do with the boys, not that they seem to be aware themselves with their history at the orphanage. It's still not clear exactly how or why Sooha is different from other humans, or why all of her new friends are so drawn to her, but from the boy's observations, it seems clear whatever she has is something strong. She seems to have at least calmed down with Heli despite the original panic, though it is yet to be seen how the rest of this encounter will unfold. Lots of cliffhangers to pick up hopefully in the next volume.
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Oh boy, the cats are all out of the bag now, though it's hard to tell if Sooha only recognizes Heli and his group or if she also recognizes the werewolves in this last encounter. Is Heli's story also correct about the lunar eclipse and werewolf lore? If so, Sooha may have an even more ardent admirer on her hands. How is Chris back from the dead as well? As happy as Sooha is to see him originally, there seems to be something very wrong with this character and his new appearance. Also hints that he may have something to do with the boys, not that they seem to be aware themselves with their history at the orphanage. It's still not clear exactly how or why Sooha is different from other humans, or why all of her new friends are so drawn to her, but from the boy's observations, it seems clear whatever she has is something strong. She seems to have at least calmed down with Heli despite the original panic, though it is yet to be seen how the rest of this encounter will unfold. Lots of cliffhangers to pick up hopefully in the next volume.
View all my reviews
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar 1
Dark Moon: The Blood Altar 1 by HYBE
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I've been eyeing this series for awhile and finally had a chance to pick up the books today. Nearly finished this first volume in the time we were waiting in line at the store, it was that entertaining. Sooha grows up as a bit of an outcast, considered a vampire by the townsfolk though in truth she's a human with an unusual skill. With the loss of her one friend due what appears to be a vampire attack, Sooha firmly believes vampires are the worst creatures out there and hates them with a passion. The last thing she expects when transferring to a new school because of its strict screening for vampires is to find herself with not one friend, but several, all who seem to be a little unusual just like her. The boys are well aware of her hatred for vampires, but this doesn't seem to concern them at the moment. Even the few that originally think they should keep their distance from Sooha quickly end up acting like puppies with her, eager to please and spend time with her. What is it that is making her this oddity to her new friends, and what will it mean for their relationships as they learn more about each other? It will be interesting to find out, especially with the many diverse personalities, powers, and interactions we have here.
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I've been eyeing this series for awhile and finally had a chance to pick up the books today. Nearly finished this first volume in the time we were waiting in line at the store, it was that entertaining. Sooha grows up as a bit of an outcast, considered a vampire by the townsfolk though in truth she's a human with an unusual skill. With the loss of her one friend due what appears to be a vampire attack, Sooha firmly believes vampires are the worst creatures out there and hates them with a passion. The last thing she expects when transferring to a new school because of its strict screening for vampires is to find herself with not one friend, but several, all who seem to be a little unusual just like her. The boys are well aware of her hatred for vampires, but this doesn't seem to concern them at the moment. Even the few that originally think they should keep their distance from Sooha quickly end up acting like puppies with her, eager to please and spend time with her. What is it that is making her this oddity to her new friends, and what will it mean for their relationships as they learn more about each other? It will be interesting to find out, especially with the many diverse personalities, powers, and interactions we have here.
View all my reviews
January 28, 2026
Game of Destiny
Game of Destiny by Lina Ljunggren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Found this through an ad for online novels for the Astra Novel reading app. Unlike most online reading apps, this doesn't require top offs and coins to unlock new chapters, though there are frequent short ads as a result. Sometimes the ads won't work and you need to restart the app to get the next chapter to unlock correctly, but it's still slightly better than paying for a ton of coins to temporarily unlock a book for reading.
The book itself doesn't have the best formatting or spelling out there, but if you read it just for the story and enjoying the characters, it's constantly moving and evolving, which makes for an entertaining read. Amie has a very unique experience and point of view, which she uses to her own advantage as she makes her way. Finlay was not on her radar at all to begin with, but she ends up drawn to him and her pack. Honestly, if things had turned out differently with the bond, there might have been a revolt from the readers, but it works out very well. There's more than a little bit of drama with twists and turns to keep it interesting. It wraps things up nicely with the epilogue as well, and the story is complete, so it isn't left hanging in addition to the unlocking requirements to read it online.
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Found this through an ad for online novels for the Astra Novel reading app. Unlike most online reading apps, this doesn't require top offs and coins to unlock new chapters, though there are frequent short ads as a result. Sometimes the ads won't work and you need to restart the app to get the next chapter to unlock correctly, but it's still slightly better than paying for a ton of coins to temporarily unlock a book for reading.
The book itself doesn't have the best formatting or spelling out there, but if you read it just for the story and enjoying the characters, it's constantly moving and evolving, which makes for an entertaining read. Amie has a very unique experience and point of view, which she uses to her own advantage as she makes her way. Finlay was not on her radar at all to begin with, but she ends up drawn to him and her pack. Honestly, if things had turned out differently with the bond, there might have been a revolt from the readers, but it works out very well. There's more than a little bit of drama with twists and turns to keep it interesting. It wraps things up nicely with the epilogue as well, and the story is complete, so it isn't left hanging in addition to the unlocking requirements to read it online.
View all my reviews
December 21, 2025
Werewolves Going Crazy Over Me 2
Werewolves Going Crazy Over Me 2 by Manta Comics
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
While there is potential in this series, it remains to have a lot of back and forth, confusion, assumptions, and drama. It turns out this enemy is family with Damien, but that doesn't mean it's safe to assume anything. The press aren't helping as they hound for information on Olivia and spin everything for more sensationalization and disregard the truth. Damien, on the other hand, seems to keep his arrogance while slowly becoming more human as he shows true consideration and care for Olivia, even if she doesn't see it the same way at first. They are still drawn together unexpectedly though, leaving more questions with this unusual connection and ghost of the past. There's no news as to when the next volume will be published either, leaving this hanging for who knows how long and not expecting a resolution that soon given how slowly these first two volumes have gone with their paces.
View all my reviews
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
While there is potential in this series, it remains to have a lot of back and forth, confusion, assumptions, and drama. It turns out this enemy is family with Damien, but that doesn't mean it's safe to assume anything. The press aren't helping as they hound for information on Olivia and spin everything for more sensationalization and disregard the truth. Damien, on the other hand, seems to keep his arrogance while slowly becoming more human as he shows true consideration and care for Olivia, even if she doesn't see it the same way at first. They are still drawn together unexpectedly though, leaving more questions with this unusual connection and ghost of the past. There's no news as to when the next volume will be published either, leaving this hanging for who knows how long and not expecting a resolution that soon given how slowly these first two volumes have gone with their paces.
View all my reviews
November 5, 2025
Demon Under the Waxing Moon
Demon Under the Waxing Moon by Fumi Tsuyuhisa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Minoru has always been different as he's always been able to see demons. He's learned how to avoid them when needed for the most part until "the child" leads him to an unusual dog injured outside his door. Turns out this dog is actually a powerful demon who has lost his name and some of his power due to an encounter with an earlier version of Minoru's soul. Minoru takes this chance as an opportunity to learn something new for his work as an author while also satisfying the demon's craving for his power. What Minoru didn't expect was the emotions and attachment that grow out of this unlikely pact, nor his new roommate's reaction when he assumes the worst and runs right into danger yet again.
View all my reviews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Minoru has always been different as he's always been able to see demons. He's learned how to avoid them when needed for the most part until "the child" leads him to an unusual dog injured outside his door. Turns out this dog is actually a powerful demon who has lost his name and some of his power due to an encounter with an earlier version of Minoru's soul. Minoru takes this chance as an opportunity to learn something new for his work as an author while also satisfying the demon's craving for his power. What Minoru didn't expect was the emotions and attachment that grow out of this unlikely pact, nor his new roommate's reaction when he assumes the worst and runs right into danger yet again.
View all my reviews
October 21, 2025
Vampire Academy
Vampire Academy (2018)
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Perhaps because this is a TV series rather than just a movie, this is able to go into far more detail than the original adaptation was able to. Even with the additional details and expanded cast, it isn't able to put much of a dent into the original story. Even with a good deal of adaptation in this version as well, there is a lot more that goes into this world building and the number of characters that get far more screentime and information than in other versions. It somehow even manages to make Tatiana seem more vicious than in the original books, though she hides it well to the majority of of those around her. Unfortunately, given the time since this original aired, it seems unlikely to return for the rest of the story, though it does leave off at a very well positioned point in the story with a mix of resolution and cliff hanger. Rose is also a bit different overall, especially as they learn about the effects of spirit, but it works well with this version of the story.
September 7, 2025
Werewolves Going Crazy Over Me 1
Werewolves Going Crazy Over Me 1 by Manta Comics
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
There's a lot to unpack in this first volume, and it's a little disjointed as it jumps from character to character. For some reason, Olivia seems to remind at least two werewolves of someone names Julia that seems to have met an unfortunate end. Something about Olivia also seems to calm some of the side effects of the medication Damien has been taking to suppress his werewolf nature. Damien wants to know how she can help him, and Olivia is desperate to find help for her daughter's failing health. Lucky for Damien, he's the CEO of the top pharmaceutical company that is known for their investigations into treating rare and unknown illnesses. Why are they both seeing these things out of their control and what does this unnatural tie truly mean? What is this Silas and priest up to as well? Seems they are also werewolves, but may be enemies at the same time. Not much clarity, but a lot of set up for a lot of drama.
View all my reviews
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
There's a lot to unpack in this first volume, and it's a little disjointed as it jumps from character to character. For some reason, Olivia seems to remind at least two werewolves of someone names Julia that seems to have met an unfortunate end. Something about Olivia also seems to calm some of the side effects of the medication Damien has been taking to suppress his werewolf nature. Damien wants to know how she can help him, and Olivia is desperate to find help for her daughter's failing health. Lucky for Damien, he's the CEO of the top pharmaceutical company that is known for their investigations into treating rare and unknown illnesses. Why are they both seeing these things out of their control and what does this unnatural tie truly mean? What is this Silas and priest up to as well? Seems they are also werewolves, but may be enemies at the same time. Not much clarity, but a lot of set up for a lot of drama.
View all my reviews
September 1, 2025
Platinum Blood
Platinum Blood by Mar Ichigaya
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
For those who are familiar with vampire lore, they may recognize the name Alucard. In this version, Al is raised by Kaname, a priest, and both assume he is a vampire, though there a few oddities to Alucard's life, like being able to hold Kaname's rosary without injury. Al's nature may be the only reason Kaname admits to going along with their arrangement at the start, but truthfully both have strong feelings for the other. There's more than the fair share of NSFW content and suggestive content when another vampire comes across the pair and threatens to steal Kaname away. At the core though, this is a slightly different take to a rather traditional vampire story with a sweetness underneath given the way these two grow together.
View all my reviews
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
For those who are familiar with vampire lore, they may recognize the name Alucard. In this version, Al is raised by Kaname, a priest, and both assume he is a vampire, though there a few oddities to Alucard's life, like being able to hold Kaname's rosary without injury. Al's nature may be the only reason Kaname admits to going along with their arrangement at the start, but truthfully both have strong feelings for the other. There's more than the fair share of NSFW content and suggestive content when another vampire comes across the pair and threatens to steal Kaname away. At the core though, this is a slightly different take to a rather traditional vampire story with a sweetness underneath given the way these two grow together.
View all my reviews
June 15, 2025
Guild Hunter 17: Archangel's Ascension
Guild Hunter 17: Archangel's Ascension by Nalini Singh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This goes back to a similar format as book 14 where it alternates back and forth from the past to the present, except the past doesn't normally go back as far as their childhood but is closer in-line to the rest of the series with the post-war events, though they span several hundreds of years very quickly leading up to current events with the focus once again on Illium and Aodhan. Their interactions are joyful and it's good to see how everyone bands together, but it's also heartbreaking how they are forced to separate and go their own ways because of their powers and instincts that apparently can't be changed. Limited time aside, that doesn't stop Illium from planning to turn the Cadre on its ear and do whatever he can to make changes so he isn't forced into politics and more separation from his family than is truly necessary. Truthfully, this is all expected given Illium's personality and the near ascension during the war along with other observations throughout the series, but that doesn't make it any easier to see or help with the feeling that it's all rushed given the forces beyond them when it comes archangelic power and the perceptions of the Cadre.
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This goes back to a similar format as book 14 where it alternates back and forth from the past to the present, except the past doesn't normally go back as far as their childhood but is closer in-line to the rest of the series with the post-war events, though they span several hundreds of years very quickly leading up to current events with the focus once again on Illium and Aodhan. Their interactions are joyful and it's good to see how everyone bands together, but it's also heartbreaking how they are forced to separate and go their own ways because of their powers and instincts that apparently can't be changed. Limited time aside, that doesn't stop Illium from planning to turn the Cadre on its ear and do whatever he can to make changes so he isn't forced into politics and more separation from his family than is truly necessary. Truthfully, this is all expected given Illium's personality and the near ascension during the war along with other observations throughout the series, but that doesn't make it any easier to see or help with the feeling that it's all rushed given the forces beyond them when it comes archangelic power and the perceptions of the Cadre.
View all my reviews
March 11, 2025
Black Dagger Brotherhood 22.5: A Bloom in Winter
Black Dagger Brotherhood 22.5: A Bloom in Winter by J.R. Ward
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
While this installment is an easy read, it jumps all over the place as the focus is split between two couples while also being tied into what is happening with the Brotherhood and the King. Both relationships seem to be set to failure even though Mayhem is fully onboard with everything and willing to accept anything while Apex has been mourning his lost relationship for 30 years and still seems convinced it's doomed to failure even when he finds Callum again. A lot of negativity and doomsday thoughts flying around for two couples who are supposedly also happy to have found each other. That's without factoring in Whestmorel and his power play. At minimum though, Mayhem and Apex manage to rig things up to the Brotherhood's advantage, even if it doesn't pay off exactly to the extent they had hoped for right off the bat.
View all my reviews
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
While this installment is an easy read, it jumps all over the place as the focus is split between two couples while also being tied into what is happening with the Brotherhood and the King. Both relationships seem to be set to failure even though Mayhem is fully onboard with everything and willing to accept anything while Apex has been mourning his lost relationship for 30 years and still seems convinced it's doomed to failure even when he finds Callum again. A lot of negativity and doomsday thoughts flying around for two couples who are supposedly also happy to have found each other. That's without factoring in Whestmorel and his power play. At minimum though, Mayhem and Apex manage to rig things up to the Brotherhood's advantage, even if it doesn't pay off exactly to the extent they had hoped for right off the bat.
View all my reviews
January 6, 2025
Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits
Kakuriyo: Bed & Breakfast for Spirits (2018)
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This kept coming up on recommendation lists, so decided to give it a try and thoroughly enjoyed the series. As with most anime, it's left a little open ended, so while you can infer a lot of it, there's also room for production to pick it back up again for another season or a feature film down the road depending on the ratings and how the books are doing. While Aoi struggles to find her place and keep herself safe in the hidden realm, she does find some pretty significant answers by the end of this version of the story, though we're left to wonder about her relationship with the master. If her flashbacks are accurate, and they keep expanding throughout the story to show more detail, it would seem it wasn't just one ayakashi she met as a child, but two, though the wording when they leave does beg the question if they already had the contract at that point or not. We're even teased with a very tender scene in the dragon palace ruins that also doesn't turn out like watchers think it will to begin with, but that isn't for a lack of chemistry, even with a healthy dose of denial in the mix. Aoi may be human, but she definitely proves to be more than valuable to her new family, and they all obviously care for her by the end as well.
December 29, 2024
Psy-Changeling 20.2: Music in Silence
Psy-Changeling 20.2: Music in Silence by Nalini Singh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a direct sequel to Music in the Rain, though this time we mostly see Zuli and Alejandro themselves with references to their relationships with Zara. There is so much backstory and potential in these shorts that they are thoroughly enjoyable while still leaving the reader wanting for more. Hopefully they will get more stories in the future, be they additional short stories to fill in their tale, or their own spotlight in the main series. The author really got it with just how influential music can be, and how it is different for all those playing or listening to the piece, not necessarily exactly the same.
View all my reviews
September 28, 2024
Black Dagger Brotherhood 22: The Beloved
Black Dagger Brotherhood 22: The Beloved by J.R. Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
While Wrath was a underlying key feature with his return, he is clearly not the focus of this story and we only get a few scenes with him directly in it. We also see the start of possibly another story with L.W., though not much is confirmed or established by the end of this volume, so that could be a future story coming down the road. Nalla is the real focus here with Nate as the secondary or near tie. A lot of it is Nalla trying to learn more about Nate though, and both are exceptionally quick on the uptake once their relationship does start progressing where we've seen a lot of relationship in the past where one or both parties are in denial or clueless for a good while. Some parallels with Nate and Z are drawn as well, which hopefully will make it easier going forward. If nothing else, there's a drastic change and big learning curve for both of these characters.
View all my reviews
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
While Wrath was a underlying key feature with his return, he is clearly not the focus of this story and we only get a few scenes with him directly in it. We also see the start of possibly another story with L.W., though not much is confirmed or established by the end of this volume, so that could be a future story coming down the road. Nalla is the real focus here with Nate as the secondary or near tie. A lot of it is Nalla trying to learn more about Nate though, and both are exceptionally quick on the uptake once their relationship does start progressing where we've seen a lot of relationship in the past where one or both parties are in denial or clueless for a good while. Some parallels with Nate and Z are drawn as well, which hopefully will make it easier going forward. If nothing else, there's a drastic change and big learning curve for both of these characters.
View all my reviews
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)