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jessdone's review against another edition
2.0
My feelings on this book are similar but to the first in the series but more negative. Sara Fine is still a phenomenal writer. She ties many working pieces together into a single narrative and that's commendable (even if I think on some level she's throwing all of that at us so we don't look to deeply at all the unforgivable things happening).
Other good points: I did read the whole series. It was touch and go because there are problematic elements, but it's still a testament to the Sara Fine's skill.
Last good point: each book in the series is a complete ending. The LEAST complete story is in the third book (which is the close of the series) and while the third book is the most rage inducing of the three, it still stands as a complete tale.
Now the bad: In this book the fiancee who used to drug Mattie murders her grandfather for money and makes Mattie carry the thing that killed him even though he knows that if it killed the grandfather it will probably harm her too. I was floored when Mattie continues speaking with Ben after he'd murdered her grandfather (and she was aware that he was responsible). And there is never any punishment for him. He doesn't go to jail, he doesn't repent, he doesn't redeem himself, and he doesn't learn a lesson. Ben's the same drug using, grandfather murdering, money grubbing dude he was in the beginning at the close, He's sooooo self indulgent. It's true Mattie does finally decide at the very end of the book she doesn't want to marry the guy, but it seems like that should be a given and far more needs to happen here. Why doesn't anyone want justice for their beloved grandfather? He was a kind of minor character, but Mattie's portrayed as a character who deeply values family and supposedly has a lot of fond, loving experiences with gramps. I mean she doesn't even go on a journey to come around to forgiving Ben, it's just let go. Not to mention, no one honor's grandpa's dying wish, or even tries to.
Also, can we sidebar? Why are the stakes here so ridiculously high when the characters refuse to act like the stakes are high? Mattie is literally dying while Ben and Asa fuss over which one of them she has feelings for. Both of them would rather figure that out and piss each other off rather than take care of Mattie. I get this is a romance novel so two men fighting over the woman is part of the plot, but this is ridiculous. The object of their desire has thinned down to skin and bones and if often doubled over in pain, how do you claim to care for a person, watch that, and then decide you'd rather argue with your romantic rival? Ben never gets the stakes, always causing strive whenever he's around and Asa seems to only have moments of lucidity.
I can't really fault any of Mattie's decisions in this book because she's in chronic pain and that explains aways most of the bullshit aspects of the books. She's in extreme pain and stress and doesn't know who the trust, the people she thought she could rely on are all the wrong people, which isn't something she's capable of realizing right now (and the headsman kind of cocked up).
I think if the grandfather hadn't been murdered by Ben, almost all the issues in this book could have gone away. It's just way to far for a close family relative to be killed by a fiancee and for the lady and her family to still speak to him.
Other good points: I did read the whole series. It was touch and go because there are problematic elements, but it's still a testament to the Sara Fine's skill.
Last good point: each book in the series is a complete ending. The LEAST complete story is in the third book (which is the close of the series) and while the third book is the most rage inducing of the three, it still stands as a complete tale.
Now the bad: In this book the fiancee who used to drug Mattie murders her grandfather for money and makes Mattie carry the thing that killed him even though he knows that if it killed the grandfather it will probably harm her too. I was floored when Mattie continues speaking with Ben after he'd murdered her grandfather (and she was aware that he was responsible). And there is never any punishment for him. He doesn't go to jail, he doesn't repent, he doesn't redeem himself, and he doesn't learn a lesson. Ben's the same drug using, grandfather murdering, money grubbing dude he was in the beginning at the close, He's sooooo self indulgent. It's true Mattie does finally decide at the very end of the book she doesn't want to marry the guy, but it seems like that should be a given and far more needs to happen here. Why doesn't anyone want justice for their beloved grandfather? He was a kind of minor character, but Mattie's portrayed as a character who deeply values family and supposedly has a lot of fond, loving experiences with gramps. I mean she doesn't even go on a journey to come around to forgiving Ben, it's just let go. Not to mention, no one honor's grandpa's dying wish, or even tries to.
Also, can we sidebar? Why are the stakes here so ridiculously high when the characters refuse to act like the stakes are high? Mattie is literally dying while Ben and Asa fuss over which one of them she has feelings for. Both of them would rather figure that out and piss each other off rather than take care of Mattie. I get this is a romance novel so two men fighting over the woman is part of the plot, but this is ridiculous. The object of their desire has thinned down to skin and bones and if often doubled over in pain, how do you claim to care for a person, watch that, and then decide you'd rather argue with your romantic rival? Ben never gets the stakes, always causing strive whenever he's around and Asa seems to only have moments of lucidity.
I can't really fault any of Mattie's decisions in this book because she's in chronic pain and that explains aways most of the bullshit aspects of the books. She's in extreme pain and stress and doesn't know who the trust, the people she thought she could rely on are all the wrong people, which isn't something she's capable of realizing right now (and the headsman kind of cocked up).
I think if the grandfather hadn't been murdered by Ben, almost all the issues in this book could have gone away. It's just way to far for a close family relative to be killed by a fiancee and for the lady and her family to still speak to him.
ameserole's review against another edition
4.0
This series is getting so freaking good! I honestly have an idea on why it's taking me so long to get through these audios and its: work, traffic, sleep, and wine. Not in that specific order but they are all influencing me to do other stuff.
Mattie is preparing for her wedding to Ben in Splinter. I'm still not a fan of Ben, but hey.. I'm not marrying the guy. I'm still mad at her for choosing Ben over Asa so I didn't really feel bad for her when she was having those anxiety attacks. She chose the wrong guy in my eyes.. so I felt nothing for her.
Another reason why I don't like Ben is this ENTIRE damn book. He somehow tricks Mattie into doing another job but everything goes to shit. She eventually sucks it up and asks Asa for help. OBVIOUSLY she chose the wrong guy.. right? Or is it still just me thinking this?!?!
Well, everyone is going after them at this point once Asa joins forces with her. Of course it was entertaining as hell and I'm still constantly shipping those two. I just really want Ben out of the picture - I hate that guys so much!
Now as much as I hate Ben in this book, Mattie annoyed me just as equally. She kept forgiving that piece of shit. I was so mad at her for doing that. I would've left his ass for Asa by the first time he fucked up. LE SIGH! People frustrate me. Relationships like this frustrate me.
Overall, it would've been better if she was with Asa forever and ever. Forget Ben and move on already!
Mattie is preparing for her wedding to Ben in Splinter. I'm still not a fan of Ben, but hey.. I'm not marrying the guy. I'm still mad at her for choosing Ben over Asa so I didn't really feel bad for her when she was having those anxiety attacks. She chose the wrong guy in my eyes.. so I felt nothing for her.
Another reason why I don't like Ben is this ENTIRE damn book. He somehow tricks Mattie into doing another job but everything goes to shit. She eventually sucks it up and asks Asa for help. OBVIOUSLY she chose the wrong guy.. right? Or is it still just me thinking this?!?!
Well, everyone is going after them at this point once Asa joins forces with her. Of course it was entertaining as hell and I'm still constantly shipping those two. I just really want Ben out of the picture - I hate that guys so much!
Now as much as I hate Ben in this book, Mattie annoyed me just as equally. She kept forgiving that piece of shit. I was so mad at her for doing that. I would've left his ass for Asa by the first time he fucked up. LE SIGH! People frustrate me. Relationships like this frustrate me.
Overall, it would've been better if she was with Asa forever and ever. Forget Ben and move on already!
laura_devouring_books_crumpets's review against another edition
3.0
this is a reveiw embedded with fermented grapejuice.... so......
Maddie... What a complete and utter spanner! really she is as much use as a toothpick while eating coleslaw, her fiance nearly kills her and actually murders her grandpa but hey still in two minds....idiot.....
Asa #drool is the reason i still read but his taste in women is questionable Maddie is an eejit..... Ben i don't know why Maddie even considers him again
Maddie... What a complete and utter spanner! really she is as much use as a toothpick while eating coleslaw, her fiance nearly kills her and actually murders her grandpa but hey still in two minds....idiot.....
Asa #drool is the reason i still read but his taste in women is questionable Maddie is an eejit..... Ben i don't know why Maddie even considers him again
kaydombrowski's review against another edition
2.0
I liked Mattie even less in this book and all her choices and the way her character was written really did it in for me. I don?t think I?ll go onto the third book as this ending was satisfying enough and I felt myself not really caring where a third book would take us. I still enjoyed the fresh take on the rules of magic in this world.
hopeykatt's review against another edition
4.0
Cute
*Spoilers*
I feel like she went too long dragging Ben on when she obviously loves Asa. Nice payoff at the end though.
*Spoilers*
I feel like she went too long dragging Ben on when she obviously loves Asa. Nice payoff at the end though.
charlibirb's review against another edition
3.0
Fun read, I'll finish the series, but I won't come back.
alexperc_92's review
5.0
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
I liked Splinter more than Reliquary. While the first book was an adventure which finished quite bad for me, I liked that in Splinter Mattie and Ben and Asa solved many of their problems.
Months after the events of the first book Mattie still is going to marry Ben the Idiot. When the Idiot does something quite dangerous and IDIOTIC, Mattie will have to dive back into the world of magic and meet Asa again.
I liked Asa much more in this book too and needless to say that despite his power he knows how to kick some serious ass!
After this ending I really want to see what surprises the next book will have!
I liked Splinter more than Reliquary. While the first book was an adventure which finished quite bad for me, I liked that in Splinter Mattie and Ben and Asa solved many of their problems.
Months after the events of the first book Mattie still is going to marry Ben the Idiot. When the Idiot does something quite dangerous and IDIOTIC, Mattie will have to dive back into the world of magic and meet Asa again.
I liked Asa much more in this book too and needless to say that despite his power he knows how to kick some serious ass!
After this ending I really want to see what surprises the next book will have!
raven168's review
3.0
I was so hoping to like this book more than the first one. Why didn't I? Because of Ben. Oh my gawd how I HATED him in this book. So much so, that I really think he is the sole reason I didn't enjoy this one as much. He just racked up betrayal after betrayal toward Mattie, and yet she STILL wouldn't leave him!! I was getting so angry and frustrated with her because, really, how many times must the guy hurt her before she finally says enough is enough? I also really missed the take charge and in control Asa that we got in the first book and that I loved so much. We only get a glimpse of it here and there and it just wasn't enough for me. Like last time, he was definitely my favorite part.
So it's been many months since Mattie and Asa have parted ways and Mattie just keeps getting sicker and sicker. She blames it on the stress of the wedding and denies her belief that it's her heart missing Asa. Things have not gotten better between her and Ben, if anything they get more strained by the day. Ben has been trying very hard to give Mattie the life he knows she wants as well as take care of all the financial debts he has. But it's not going well. He just can't seem to make enough no matter how much he works. So he comes up with what he thinks is a brilliant idea of using Mattie as a reliquary for another original magic and selling it to one of the bosses. That blows up real fast and Mattie can't think of anyone to help her but Asa.
Asa does come right away when he finds out Mattie needs him, but he completely misreads what has been going on and the whole situation is tense from the beginning. They seek help and refuge with a camp of magical carnies. When he finally listens to the truth, he's livid with Ben and sorry for the way he was treating Mattie. But he has to take care of the problem Mattie needed him for before he can take out his aggression. Shortly after the issue with Mattie is taken care of, he finds another one. This one in the form of a magical splinter that is more lethal. And to deal with this problem they'll have to go back to an old enemy. Before that can happen though, Ben betrays Mattie for at least the third time in this book. This time he not only puts Mattie's life in danger but also all those of the people they were staying with.
When Mattie gets caught she finds herself fighting for her life again, only this time she doesn't have Asa by her side. She still holds onto the hope he'll come for her but knows she has to do all she can for herself in the mean time. Unfortunately that goes way south soon after looking up and she ends up in a new form of hell. Until Asa finally makes it to save her again. Soon after that we finally ditch Ben and go to take care of the splinter that's been stuck in her. And finally things really got great for me. The exchange could have gone better to be sure and they get stabbed in the back by more than one person, but by the end Mattie is finally feeling free and whole. And she finally faces her decision of what to do about the brothers. About damn time too.
I am looking forward to the final book because I'm really hoping that we will get more of Asa and Mattie working together before he gets taken from her. Or at the very least, little to no Ben...
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
So it's been many months since Mattie and Asa have parted ways and Mattie just keeps getting sicker and sicker. She blames it on the stress of the wedding and denies her belief that it's her heart missing Asa. Things have not gotten better between her and Ben, if anything they get more strained by the day. Ben has been trying very hard to give Mattie the life he knows she wants as well as take care of all the financial debts he has. But it's not going well. He just can't seem to make enough no matter how much he works. So he comes up with what he thinks is a brilliant idea of using Mattie as a reliquary for another original magic and selling it to one of the bosses. That blows up real fast and Mattie can't think of anyone to help her but Asa.
Asa does come right away when he finds out Mattie needs him, but he completely misreads what has been going on and the whole situation is tense from the beginning. They seek help and refuge with a camp of magical carnies. When he finally listens to the truth, he's livid with Ben and sorry for the way he was treating Mattie. But he has to take care of the problem Mattie needed him for before he can take out his aggression. Shortly after the issue with Mattie is taken care of, he finds another one. This one in the form of a magical splinter that is more lethal. And to deal with this problem they'll have to go back to an old enemy. Before that can happen though, Ben betrays Mattie for at least the third time in this book. This time he not only puts Mattie's life in danger but also all those of the people they were staying with.
When Mattie gets caught she finds herself fighting for her life again, only this time she doesn't have Asa by her side. She still holds onto the hope he'll come for her but knows she has to do all she can for herself in the mean time. Unfortunately that goes way south soon after looking up and she ends up in a new form of hell. Until Asa finally makes it to save her again. Soon after that we finally ditch Ben and go to take care of the splinter that's been stuck in her. And finally things really got great for me. The exchange could have gone better to be sure and they get stabbed in the back by more than one person, but by the end Mattie is finally feeling free and whole. And she finally faces her decision of what to do about the brothers. About damn time too.
I am looking forward to the final book because I'm really hoping that we will get more of Asa and Mattie working together before he gets taken from her. Or at the very least, little to no Ben...
ARC provided by publisher via Netgalley.
momwithareadingproblem's review against another edition
5.0
I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of this review.
As much as I enjoyed book one of Reliquary by Sarah Fine, I LOVED Splinter! In six weeks, Mattie will get the happily ever after she’s dreamed of. She and Ben will be married and everything that’s happened can go away. But she’s sick. She knows deep down the something is wrong. She’s losing weight, her chest feels like it will split open and that doesn’t even begin to touch the emotional trauma at having made her choice over Asa. Did she chose wrong?
Mattie is distraught to say the least this book. She’s struggling to survive, day to day. These anxiety attacks that aren’t really anxiety keep coming and there’s no way around it. The clinic, Ben’s clinic, is bankrupt and now he’s forcing her back to the world of magic to make some quick money. Except she doesn’t want to and when he betrays her in a way she could never anticipate, there’s only one person she can turn to.
Asa…Asa comes to the rescue but he’s angry. He believes that Mattie has been fooling with magic all along and now it will kill her. He plans to help her and then leave but there’s always more to the story. He’s loyal and protective of her and so easy to fall in love with. I fell for him in the first book but his gentle care of Mattie, even his tolerance of Ben puts him on a pedestal in my eyes!
The plot revolves around Ben’s gross betrayal of Mattie and a splinter of magic still trapped inside her. I love the continued world-building in this book. Asa takes them to a carnival of fellow magic users and I’m amazed at the gypsy life they live. I loved it! The intense action, the fantastical elements, and even the romance that continues to add tension to the story drew me in. If you’re a fan of the series or looking for a good paranormal romance/urban fantasy, I highly recommend you grab a copy and start today!
As much as I enjoyed book one of Reliquary by Sarah Fine, I LOVED Splinter! In six weeks, Mattie will get the happily ever after she’s dreamed of. She and Ben will be married and everything that’s happened can go away. But she’s sick. She knows deep down the something is wrong. She’s losing weight, her chest feels like it will split open and that doesn’t even begin to touch the emotional trauma at having made her choice over Asa. Did she chose wrong?
Mattie is distraught to say the least this book. She’s struggling to survive, day to day. These anxiety attacks that aren’t really anxiety keep coming and there’s no way around it. The clinic, Ben’s clinic, is bankrupt and now he’s forcing her back to the world of magic to make some quick money. Except she doesn’t want to and when he betrays her in a way she could never anticipate, there’s only one person she can turn to.
Asa…Asa comes to the rescue but he’s angry. He believes that Mattie has been fooling with magic all along and now it will kill her. He plans to help her and then leave but there’s always more to the story. He’s loyal and protective of her and so easy to fall in love with. I fell for him in the first book but his gentle care of Mattie, even his tolerance of Ben puts him on a pedestal in my eyes!
The plot revolves around Ben’s gross betrayal of Mattie and a splinter of magic still trapped inside her. I love the continued world-building in this book. Asa takes them to a carnival of fellow magic users and I’m amazed at the gypsy life they live. I loved it! The intense action, the fantastical elements, and even the romance that continues to add tension to the story drew me in. If you’re a fan of the series or looking for a good paranormal romance/urban fantasy, I highly recommend you grab a copy and start today!