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3.79 AVERAGE
3.79 AVERAGE
With Ghost Light, Stevens doesn't really offer anything new, but she does develop the themes and characters of the first book. We get to see more of her world, and more of the magical creatures that inhabit it, which is probably my favorite aspect of the series. There's a real depth to the mythology here, with faeries, vampires, and mermaids falling into their own roles in society. It's not just a bunch of monsters dropped into the 'real' world, but a subtly different world where race extends beyond just skin color.
Ivy is better developed here as well, coming across as a significant participant in the world around her, rather than just an outsider. I felt her struggles to understand and come to grips with her powers were better defined her, giving her a much-needed strength that seemed to be somewhat lacking in the first volume. The characters around her come to life a bit more this time around as well, particularly Jinx, who breaks out of the generic 'someone to confide in' role. Torn is a fantastic new character, and once it became clear he wasn't being introduced solely to fill the hunky bad boy role, I really took to him.
The storyline this time around is a bit more of your standard urban fantasy tale, but it still has enough touches of originality to keep it fresh and intriguing. Stevens' vampires are subtly different from what we've become used to, and she does a great job of handing the touchy subject of putting children as risk, which is something of a relief for me, since stories of the fae almost demand a child-stealing element. There's a much better balance of emotions here as well, creating more of a connection with the reader, and moving beyond mere intellectual interest.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
Ivy is better developed here as well, coming across as a significant participant in the world around her, rather than just an outsider. I felt her struggles to understand and come to grips with her powers were better defined her, giving her a much-needed strength that seemed to be somewhat lacking in the first volume. The characters around her come to life a bit more this time around as well, particularly Jinx, who breaks out of the generic 'someone to confide in' role. Torn is a fantastic new character, and once it became clear he wasn't being introduced solely to fill the hunky bad boy role, I really took to him.
The storyline this time around is a bit more of your standard urban fantasy tale, but it still has enough touches of originality to keep it fresh and intriguing. Stevens' vampires are subtly different from what we've become used to, and she does a great job of handing the touchy subject of putting children as risk, which is something of a relief for me, since stories of the fae almost demand a child-stealing element. There's a much better balance of emotions here as well, creating more of a connection with the reader, and moving beyond mere intellectual interest.
Originally reviewed at Beauty in Ruins
On top of Ivy being stressed over her boyfriends crazy wife haunting her, she's got fey parents lined up at her door waiting for her help in finding their children. And there are rumors of ghost sightings by the humans as well (not good). While she's out investigating the missing children, Ivy has to be careful not to let her wisp side show by glowing in front of humans. She could find herself in serious trouble with the fey world if she does. What would help is if she could find her father and ask him to help her.
I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator is easy to understand and clear speaking. She does slight voice changes for Jinx, Ceff, and others in the story to give the feel of difference in people. She's done well here. She's not over the top excited when reading Ivy.
We start with the familiar introduction to the city of Harborsmouth. A slight ad for the city and Ivy Granger's business. Yet there are warnings that the city is full of supernaturals.
The beginning touches on a few new pieces of information that we learned in the novella Blood and Mistletoe, so you don't have to read it to know what pieces to the world were shared with us. You don't get the feel that you completely missed something. But it's a nice read/listen to see what happened and how.
I like Ivy better in this book. I don't know if it's the narrator's reading of Ivy and didn't make Ivy sound all sugar sweet or if Ivy feels not as innocent as in the first book. Things are not all candy here, and in this story too.
Ivy starts off feeling as a stronger character in this book, even though there are still few things with Ivy's personality that I rolled my eyes at and by the end even more (I think Ivy is one I can listen to one book at a time and take a break from). She has pushed herself to her limits, and still does, which is good in a main character. We see Ceff, the selkie king, through most of this book with Ivy as he's joined her on her jaunt through Harborsmouth to find the fey children. However, he doesn't seem to have much of an importance on the case other than company for Ivy to drool over. He does then have a reason to stay on the mission later, once we find out who's involved though. The plus side, Ivy and Ceff have become closer emotionally in this book.
We get to see many different fey and beings in this world as Ivy visits her friends and clients. This is one world with no end to the fey and beings present. With that, there is great potential of troubles to follow up on.
We even get glimpse of Ivy's parentage. Ivy's blocked memories flutter to the surface and we start to see and learn about her father. We learn that the wisps, Ivy's fey side, have been left without a ruler. Interesting. Ivy even digs further to learn about her father by allying with the Cat Sidhe. Oh the Cat Sidhe... these are a neat addition to the world here, and their leader Lord Torn. I do enjoy them. We also learn about why the fey are drawn to Harborsmouth.
I enjoyed the beginning and the story of the fey children. Then, when the fey children case was solved, I started to feel the story was over. The book starts with and ends with Ivy hunting for her father and I had felt like the last 15 chapters were a whole epilogue or a short story of their own. It felt like the main story, through the book, was the case of the missing children. But I guess, with this ending, Ivy's main point of the book was to find her father, the saving the fey children was a side case that takes up her time and she needs to do, it's her job.
It's a great concept and interesting world. I enjoy what's created here. But, there's always the buts. There are a few holes in the story and inconsistencies that caught my attention. The whole first chapter told me what's to happen, not showing me to bring me close to Ivy and the world. Then the next chapter takes me into backing that with an appearance of Melusine. There are small sections of repeating events started to wear on me by the end of the book.
It sounds like I didn't enjoy the story. That's not true. It just feels the story is on one focus at a time. Which, I guess fits as Ivy does have a job she does and her personal agenda is second seat when she's needed to work.
I listened to the audio version of the book. The narrator is easy to understand and clear speaking. She does slight voice changes for Jinx, Ceff, and others in the story to give the feel of difference in people. She's done well here. She's not over the top excited when reading Ivy.
We start with the familiar introduction to the city of Harborsmouth. A slight ad for the city and Ivy Granger's business. Yet there are warnings that the city is full of supernaturals.
The beginning touches on a few new pieces of information that we learned in the novella Blood and Mistletoe, so you don't have to read it to know what pieces to the world were shared with us. You don't get the feel that you completely missed something. But it's a nice read/listen to see what happened and how.
I like Ivy better in this book. I don't know if it's the narrator's reading of Ivy and didn't make Ivy sound all sugar sweet or if Ivy feels not as innocent as in the first book. Things are not all candy here, and in this story too.
Ivy starts off feeling as a stronger character in this book, even though there are still few things with Ivy's personality that I rolled my eyes at and by the end even more (I think Ivy is one I can listen to one book at a time and take a break from). She has pushed herself to her limits, and still does, which is good in a main character. We see Ceff, the selkie king, through most of this book with Ivy as he's joined her on her jaunt through Harborsmouth to find the fey children. However, he doesn't seem to have much of an importance on the case other than company for Ivy to drool over. He does then have a reason to stay on the mission later, once we find out who's involved though. The plus side, Ivy and Ceff have become closer emotionally in this book.
We get to see many different fey and beings in this world as Ivy visits her friends and clients. This is one world with no end to the fey and beings present. With that, there is great potential of troubles to follow up on.
We even get glimpse of Ivy's parentage. Ivy's blocked memories flutter to the surface and we start to see and learn about her father. We learn that the wisps, Ivy's fey side, have been left without a ruler. Interesting. Ivy even digs further to learn about her father by allying with the Cat Sidhe. Oh the Cat Sidhe... these are a neat addition to the world here, and their leader Lord Torn. I do enjoy them. We also learn about why the fey are drawn to Harborsmouth.
I enjoyed the beginning and the story of the fey children. Then, when the fey children case was solved, I started to feel the story was over. The book starts with and ends with Ivy hunting for her father and I had felt like the last 15 chapters were a whole epilogue or a short story of their own. It felt like the main story, through the book, was the case of the missing children. But I guess, with this ending, Ivy's main point of the book was to find her father, the saving the fey children was a side case that takes up her time and she needs to do, it's her job.
It's a great concept and interesting world. I enjoy what's created here. But, there's always the buts. There are a few holes in the story and inconsistencies that caught my attention. The whole first chapter told me what's to happen, not showing me to bring me close to Ivy and the world. Then the next chapter takes me into backing that with an appearance of Melusine. There are small sections of repeating events started to wear on me by the end of the book.
It sounds like I didn't enjoy the story. That's not true. It just feels the story is on one focus at a time. Which, I guess fits as Ivy does have a job she does and her personal agenda is second seat when she's needed to work.
I really liked this book and I loved that we got to know more about Ivy and her family. It was really interesting to watch her finally come to terms that her mother hadn't been cold and distant because she wanted too, but that there was so much that she couldn't say, and would literally get killed if she tried. It was also awesome to watch as she finally declared herself a fae princess and began to work on finding her father. Of course Ceff's ex played a huge role in this book, and while I can see where it would tear Ivy up, I was glad that Ceff seemed so reasonable and mature about everything. 3 out of 5 stars.
I received Ghost Light in return for an honest review from the author. Ivy is back with a new case this time faerie children have been going missing during the night with no trace. Ivy sets out to find who is taking the children revealing an unexpected enemy has come to Harborsmouth intent on taking what Ivy has. Ivy’s boyfriend Ceff’s ex-wife happens to make a few appearances at first Ivy think’s it’s her mind playing tricks but when she finds a scale and experiences the memories attached to it does she know that she’s real and causing the trouble.
With the help of Jinx and Ceff on the case Ivy hopes she will be able to save the children since she promised their parents she will. Ivy decides that she needs to ask Father Michael about the kidnapping and the flute music she heard in the memory. At the church she also has her first encounter with a church grim the harbingers of death of children. Ivy refuses to let the happen so with the information from Father Michael she and Ceff head off to speak with the vampires. The vampires do have more information but at a cost that Ivy is willing to make if it will save the children.
Her next trip is to club Nexus to find out what Torn a cat sidhe might know since he knew she was the wisp princess which isn't public knowledge. However going to club Nexus will mean outing herself to the whole fae community a risk she will have to take. Not only does she learn about the piper’s possible locations she learns more about her missing father the King of Will-o-the-Wisp. As if saving the children isn't enough for Ivy, she isn't thrilled about coming against her boyfriend’s crazy ex-wife, plus her father’s curse.
I've loved Ivy since I read her first book Shadow Sight she stole my heart then and keeps pushing herself deeper as my favorite paranormal detective. She’s a tough girl who plays with witches, vampires, kelpies, trolls, hobs and keeps coming back for more. She has a fantastic roommate in Jinx who supports her as well as has a fun personality who helps lighten the intensity of the story throughout. Then there is Ceff what’s not to love hot Kelpie King who’s ok with not being able to touch? Awesome!! Love him for Ivy he’s perfect for her. For me Ivy is my new Anita Blake she’s everything because her story is about the cases with a touch of romance.
Ghost Light is a captivating story which drew me in right from the start making it very difficult to put it down. It’s a fast paced action adventure from talking cats to exploding ghouls and then off to pet unicorns. I really enjoy the idea that the author mixes the humans with supernatural beings to create a unique world for our characters. I enjoy the mystery there are twist and turns that kept my guessing till the very end which I love. Ivy is a fanatic character I love everything about her, plus she has great supporting characters that pull at your heartstrings like Marvin. The Ivy Granger series is an entertaining Urban Fantasy that keeps it clean aside from ghoul guts it’s one I can see teens as well as adults falling in love with. I can’t wait for another book; I want to know what’s going to happen to Ivy as she learns more about her father and what case she could be working. If you love Urban Fantasy I suggest you check it out.
With the help of Jinx and Ceff on the case Ivy hopes she will be able to save the children since she promised their parents she will. Ivy decides that she needs to ask Father Michael about the kidnapping and the flute music she heard in the memory. At the church she also has her first encounter with a church grim the harbingers of death of children. Ivy refuses to let the happen so with the information from Father Michael she and Ceff head off to speak with the vampires. The vampires do have more information but at a cost that Ivy is willing to make if it will save the children.
Her next trip is to club Nexus to find out what Torn a cat sidhe might know since he knew she was the wisp princess which isn't public knowledge. However going to club Nexus will mean outing herself to the whole fae community a risk she will have to take. Not only does she learn about the piper’s possible locations she learns more about her missing father the King of Will-o-the-Wisp. As if saving the children isn't enough for Ivy, she isn't thrilled about coming against her boyfriend’s crazy ex-wife, plus her father’s curse.
I've loved Ivy since I read her first book Shadow Sight she stole my heart then and keeps pushing herself deeper as my favorite paranormal detective. She’s a tough girl who plays with witches, vampires, kelpies, trolls, hobs and keeps coming back for more. She has a fantastic roommate in Jinx who supports her as well as has a fun personality who helps lighten the intensity of the story throughout. Then there is Ceff what’s not to love hot Kelpie King who’s ok with not being able to touch? Awesome!! Love him for Ivy he’s perfect for her. For me Ivy is my new Anita Blake she’s everything because her story is about the cases with a touch of romance.
Ghost Light is a captivating story which drew me in right from the start making it very difficult to put it down. It’s a fast paced action adventure from talking cats to exploding ghouls and then off to pet unicorns. I really enjoy the idea that the author mixes the humans with supernatural beings to create a unique world for our characters. I enjoy the mystery there are twist and turns that kept my guessing till the very end which I love. Ivy is a fanatic character I love everything about her, plus she has great supporting characters that pull at your heartstrings like Marvin. The Ivy Granger series is an entertaining Urban Fantasy that keeps it clean aside from ghoul guts it’s one I can see teens as well as adults falling in love with. I can’t wait for another book; I want to know what’s going to happen to Ivy as she learns more about her father and what case she could be working. If you love Urban Fantasy I suggest you check it out.
Being back in Ivy Granger's world was a nice treat. The world-building was what initially made me like the book. With this sequel there are a couple of other aspects that will keep me coming back for more.
While the Ivy Granger series is an urban fantasy this one is much more focused on the Fae than any other creature, and I don't mean the usual Fae and their customs, I mean every kind of creature. Starting with how our main character is actually half wisp, is pretty awesome. There aren't that many books out there were the main focus are all the more obscure Fae. Stevens has done a great job in coming up with this world and all the creatures that go with it as well as their lore and their interactions between each type of Fae. It's always fun finding out the different spins that authors put on Fae lore and this one isn't an exception.
In the first book I had been a bit iffy about Ivy because she came across as a bit weak since A) she couldn't fight and B) how she became a total mess with her visions. I had wanted her to get a grip and get some serious mental fortitude and I'm glad to say that she did advance in this book. She is starting to accept more, bit by bit, her powers and her heritage. Not to mention that she can totally kick ass now thanks to her training. So there was some deifnite growth to Ivy's character and I'm sure there will be more as the series goes on.
For me the highlight of the book was Ivy coming into her powers and Torn. I loved Torn! He is an awesome character! He is a Cat Sidhe who can shift to human form, he can blend with the shadows (think Cheshire cat here) and he is a total badass and has the whole mysterious thing down pat.
As I mentioned in book 1 I do not like Ceff nor do I like his relationship with Ivy at all. Why? I have no clue I just don't like the man and while their relationship has progressed in a normal pace it just isn't doing anything for me. So when the big battle scene came up and Ceff had to fight, was it wrong of me If I was hoping he would die just to get him out of the picture? Probably, but oh well, I can't help it. I never liked the guy and now that Torn is in the picture he is just in the way xD
Disclaimer: Even though I'm gushing about Torn there has been no indication of a love triangle nor do I think it's going to come up. I'd love for Ivy to switch her attentions to Torn but as of now I don't see that happening.
The plot was pretty straight forward although I was a bit confused about the involvement of the lamia with the rest of it. It did get addressed and it does make sense now, or as much sense as anything about that chick will ever make anyway. This is another thing I really like about this book. They don't beat around the bush. They get right to it with their investigating and no running around like a headless chicken that tend to make the book drag while in your head you are shouting in frustration about how slow the characters are acting. In this book there were actually 2 plot threads going on at the same time and Stevens did a nice job setting everything up for the third book.
All in all this was a nice addition to the series and I'm looking forward to reading the next book and finding out more about Ivy and her heritage.
While the Ivy Granger series is an urban fantasy this one is much more focused on the Fae than any other creature, and I don't mean the usual Fae and their customs, I mean every kind of creature. Starting with how our main character is actually half wisp, is pretty awesome. There aren't that many books out there were the main focus are all the more obscure Fae. Stevens has done a great job in coming up with this world and all the creatures that go with it as well as their lore and their interactions between each type of Fae. It's always fun finding out the different spins that authors put on Fae lore and this one isn't an exception.
In the first book I had been a bit iffy about Ivy because she came across as a bit weak since A) she couldn't fight and B) how she became a total mess with her visions. I had wanted her to get a grip and get some serious mental fortitude and I'm glad to say that she did advance in this book. She is starting to accept more, bit by bit, her powers and her heritage. Not to mention that she can totally kick ass now thanks to her training. So there was some deifnite growth to Ivy's character and I'm sure there will be more as the series goes on.
For me the highlight of the book was Ivy coming into her powers and Torn. I loved Torn! He is an awesome character! He is a Cat Sidhe who can shift to human form, he can blend with the shadows (think Cheshire cat here) and he is a total badass and has the whole mysterious thing down pat.
As I mentioned in book 1 I do not like Ceff nor do I like his relationship with Ivy at all. Why? I have no clue I just don't like the man and while their relationship has progressed in a normal pace it just isn't doing anything for me. So when the big battle scene came up and Ceff had to fight, was it wrong of me If I was hoping he would die just to get him out of the picture? Probably, but oh well, I can't help it. I never liked the guy and now that Torn is in the picture he is just in the way xD
Disclaimer: Even though I'm gushing about Torn there has been no indication of a love triangle nor do I think it's going to come up. I'd love for Ivy to switch her attentions to Torn but as of now I don't see that happening.
The plot was pretty straight forward although I was a bit confused about the involvement of the lamia with the rest of it. It did get addressed and it does make sense now, or as much sense as anything about that chick will ever make anyway. This is another thing I really like about this book. They don't beat around the bush. They get right to it with their investigating and no running around like a headless chicken that tend to make the book drag while in your head you are shouting in frustration about how slow the characters are acting. In this book there were actually 2 plot threads going on at the same time and Stevens did a nice job setting everything up for the third book.
All in all this was a nice addition to the series and I'm looking forward to reading the next book and finding out more about Ivy and her heritage.
Really great second book! It didn't have the terrible book 2 in a series curse, which I was very thankful for. The plot was ingenious and really pulled on your heartstrings. Good thinking E.J.!! However, I do wish that ending was a little more powerful. Regardless it was a great read and I am still a huge fan of the series. Paranormal fans if you haven't picked up this series yet, what is wrong with you?
Loved it. First time reading I went way too fast.
Looking forward to both re-reading this and to reading more in the series.
Looking forward to both re-reading this and to reading more in the series.