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gabyk_lib's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoy Kelley's books and her feisty heroine Liv is very readable. The plot does not go where you expect it to and I just really really want to know what happens next!
gilwen's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.5
whatcha_listening_to's review against another edition
4.0
We get some more answers. I love the way each book reveals a little more. Olivia and Ricky are still going strong and though I don’t like him with her, he really stepped up and proved he can be with her.
Gabriel I am still rooting for. Only because Olivia and Ricky don’t feel complete, I know that sounds weird but it is how I feel.
Learning more of the backstory and how these three came to cross paths again is interesting. I liked the mystery and how it’s coming to light.
The first meeting with Tom and Olivia broke my heart but also made me see her birth father in a different light.
The twist at the end with Pamela I didn’t see coming but I really shouldn’t have been surprised.
Again I am enjoying the narration!
Gabriel I am still rooting for. Only because Olivia and Ricky don’t feel complete, I know that sounds weird but it is how I feel.
Learning more of the backstory and how these three came to cross paths again is interesting. I liked the mystery and how it’s coming to light.
The first meeting with Tom and Olivia broke my heart but also made me see her birth father in a different light.
The twist at the end with Pamela I didn’t see coming but I really shouldn’t have been surprised.
Again I am enjoying the narration!
mleach07's review against another edition
1.0
No, just no. There are few things that really annoy me in books, and somehow this book hit on all of them. Look, I LOVED Omen and I even liked the second book Visions. I should have stopped there though. I should have seen the signs there, but I wanted to power through. I needed to know what the heck was happening in Cainsville. However, this book isn’t about Cainsville. The majority of it isn’t even set in Cainsville. The story line isn’t sexy anymore. The underline mystery is so convoluted and also simple it makes me want to pull my hair out.
Here’s how the story took a turn for me. Love triangle (dumb, hate em, unnecessary and mostly overdone). I began to hate Olivia. Olivia, who never cries but spends the whole book in tears. Olivia, who is super awesomely amazing super star awesomeness, and everyone wants a piece of her. Unless that person happens to be some female mother figure then they are awful and terrible and just so incredibly mean to Olivia (Adoptive mother, almost mother-in-law, real mother). Olivia, who is super strong and independent and never needs to be saved, but constantly needs to be saved. There are super secrets that can’t be told for….why? There were also maybe two Omens, but I don’t even remember reading about any. No Omens, nothing. This book made it seem like mothers were just awful, all forms of them. In fact, I’d say that women in general were terrible, because men where just falling over themselves to be in Olivia’s presence. There were NO strong female characters. Yes yes Rose and Grace (maybe) but they were maybe ten sentences out of an entire book of Olivia crying and worrying about dudes. If I had rolled my eyes any harder, I’d need Olivia to come and unstick them, because only someone so super specially awesome like her would be able to do it. No, I will not be continuing this series.
Here’s how the story took a turn for me. Love triangle (dumb, hate em, unnecessary and mostly overdone). I began to hate Olivia. Olivia, who never cries but spends the whole book in tears. Olivia, who is super awesomely amazing super star awesomeness, and everyone wants a piece of her. Unless that person happens to be some female mother figure then they are awful and terrible and just so incredibly mean to Olivia (Adoptive mother, almost mother-in-law, real mother). Olivia, who is super strong and independent and never needs to be saved, but constantly needs to be saved. There are super secrets that can’t be told for….why? There were also maybe two Omens, but I don’t even remember reading about any. No Omens, nothing. This book made it seem like mothers were just awful, all forms of them. In fact, I’d say that women in general were terrible, because men where just falling over themselves to be in Olivia’s presence. There were NO strong female characters. Yes yes Rose and Grace (maybe) but they were maybe ten sentences out of an entire book of Olivia crying and worrying about dudes. If I had rolled my eyes any harder, I’d need Olivia to come and unstick them, because only someone so super specially awesome like her would be able to do it. No, I will not be continuing this series.
alienor's review against another edition
3.0
Reread 08/12 : Skimming through this before starting [b:Betrayals|25174916|Betrayals (Cainsville, #4)|Kelley Armstrong|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1455672545l/25174916._SY75_.jpg|44880912] (I AM SO SCARED) (PLEASE GET RID OF THE LOVE TRIANGLE SHIT)
Whaaaat? Is it finished already? Damn it.
▨ Gabriel character's growth : Alright. I feel like a broken record, so don't mind me. As in the first two books, here lies my favorite part of these books. I'm all about the characters most of the time, and a great characterization can decide of my love for a book. In [b:Deceptions|23006161|Deceptions (Cainsville, #3)|Kelley Armstrong|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1435206640l/23006161._SY75_.jpg|42573201] Gabriel continues to learn how to stop being a cyborg (not really) and I absolutely adored peeking through the layers of his character. GAH. I love this man.
See, I love the way he talks. All practical. I've loved his tough side from the start, his inability to react like people are supposed to, because that what makes him different from other characters : he's not a bad-boy, he's not a knight in shining armor either, he just... is, and I can't help but enjoy every time he appears, even if he is being an ass (yes, it happens. No, it doesn't change a thing).
When he starts showing vulnerabilities, though? I melt. I just - I can't. It's subtle, and it's way more interesting as it is. It's showing, never telling, but he cares, so much - it made my heart throb with wonder and yes, break a little.
"He kept giving me that look, the confusion deepening to something like disappointment, like hurt, as if he'd tried to be kind and thoughtful, and I was rejecting it, and he didn't know why. That little boy, reaching out and being pushed away.
Goddamn it, Gabriel. Don't look at me like that. Wake up. Snap out of it, pull that wall back up and retreat behind it."
Finally, his interactions with Olivia and really - everyone - made my day. I'll take more of this, please.
"His brows shot higher. "That would imply I have time for such frivolities. I don't watch television or movies, and while I read a fair bit, fiction would hardly advance my education. Data, data, data. I cannot make bricks without clay."
I crossed my arms and glowered up at him. "Obviously, you've made an exception."
"I never make exceptions. An exception disproves the rule."
" I hate you so much right now."
▨ Ricky's case : Strangely, I feel bad about Ricky. Why? Because he's genuinely adorable with Olivia and they seem really great together but even if 1)he doesn't annoy me and 2)I don't mind their sex scenes, on the contrary, I can't help but feel not involved in their story. I'm a Gabriel girl through and through, even if I repeat, it's not a love triangle-team Gabriel kind of situation. Not really. To be frank, I have nothing against Ricky : he's sweet, respectful, charming, a little wild... I like him, really.
And still... He isn't near as fascinating as Gabriel. *shrug* Gabriel is the one who makes me smile. Always.
▨ Olivia's behavior : I still like her, but I have to admit that she annoys me a little when she refuses to see the obvious.
Spoiler
I mean, really? Ricky? It's been obvious since the beginning of book 2However, I cannot stand how she handles a certain situation, and it's a spoiler, so here we goes (sorry) :
Spoiler
I don't believe in loving equally. I just don't. Don't give me that shit. Plus, please tell Ricky how you feel, because it's not fair at all.▨ TC! Every book needs a moody cat.
▨ Addictive factor : Once again, the writing is completely addictive and I couldn't stop reading for the life of me. From page one I dived into Cainsville's mess as if I had never stopped, and there are very few series about which I can say that.
▨ Creepy factor :
First of all : I'm a chicken (yes, it's important to state).
This being said, the creepy scenes increased in number in this third book, definitely. I got chills at her visions
▨ ANSWERS!
I'm not gonna lie, the first two books let me -
You get the idea. Lost. Confused. Did I say lost?
So, does it change? Yes we get explanations about the murders. Yes they're twisted and wicked. Yes I loved that. Does the story seem less captivating after getting these answers? Oh hell no. I'm even more curious to see where the story will go from now on.
Now, I must confess that some parts disappointed me and that I am scared that this series will become stereotypical (that's why I lowered my rating)
Spoiler
with the "reincarnations"I strongly hope I'm wrong, and I want to trust [a:Kelley Armstrong|7581|Kelley Armstrong|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1199068298p2/7581.jpg] to stay far from the easiest path
Spoiler
love-triangle shitPs. I need to say something about the bike club scene : it made me cringe so bad. I do not like girl fight at all, and the whole "handling over" Olivia played with my nerves. I know, I have no idea if it is accurate or not. Maybe it is. I still can't help but hate the casual sexism that is pictured there. Ugh.
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ikepauh's review against another edition
It is still a fast paced read as the first half of the book had me flipping page after page at 3 A.M. However by the middle...it could have been book fatigue due to reading them back to back within a short span of time but I felt as if Deceptions was less enjoyable than say, Visions and Omens. This can be easily explained away as (1) Omens was the 1st book in the series and 1st books are almost always engaging since you are introduced to the world and the characters. (2) Visions...I rated higher than Omens because it was to me, THAT good. The supernatural revelations still left me wowed (Dear Kelley, you do it so well!). Side note: Although there is a distinction between the hounds and the Cainsville fae, essentially they are both fae? I am pleased my suspicions about Olivia being mixed blooded were confirmed (being both Cwn and Twyleth Teg).
However, I felt like the dynamic between Gabriel and Olivia has changed. Of course it would change when you bring Ricky into the picture...but I disliked their interactions in Deceptions. When reading other reviewers, it finally came to me. It was as if they no longer saw eye-to-eye and were constantly at odds with each other (it means the same thing, haha). Misinterpreting their actions, miscommunication...urgh. It doesn't help that Gabriel is closed-off and has so much shit to deal with in terms of genuine social interaction and well, displaying his feelings. Why couldn't their friendship have been more developed in Deceptions? (Psstttt: to make the beginnings of a love triangle, following their past avatars Gwynn/Matilda/Arawn). I like that all three were like 'Screw those avatars, we have lives of our own and we're gonna do what we wanna do!'
About the subject of love, the shipper in me digs Gabriel and Oliva together especially Book 1 and Book 2. As we are get to know Gabriel better, I am of the opinion that he is too troubled and has much to overcome to become part of a healthy, stable relationship. It is possible but the way they are written when they are together in this book...Olivia's exasperation, Gabriel's coldness. A big UGH. Where they are at now, she's good with Ricky who I know is written as hot, smart and all that shebang. They have similar backgrounds which is part of the reason why they click so well. I'm okay with that and yet I am not because inner shipper (the little shit) keeps whispering away in my head as I read Deceptions to dislike their relationship. It is complicated for me
However, I felt like the dynamic between Gabriel and Olivia has changed. Of course it would change when you bring Ricky into the picture...but I disliked their interactions in Deceptions. When reading other reviewers, it finally came to me. It was as if they no longer saw eye-to-eye and were constantly at odds with each other (it means the same thing, haha). Misinterpreting their actions, miscommunication...urgh. It doesn't help that Gabriel is closed-off and has so much shit to deal with in terms of genuine social interaction and well, displaying his feelings. Why couldn't their friendship have been more developed in Deceptions? (Psstttt: to make the beginnings of a love triangle, following their past avatars Gwynn/Matilda/Arawn). I like that all three were like 'Screw those avatars, we have lives of our own and we're gonna do what we wanna do!'
About the subject of love, the shipper in me digs Gabriel and Oliva together especially Book 1 and Book 2. As we are get to know Gabriel better, I am of the opinion that he is too troubled and has much to overcome to become part of a healthy, stable relationship. It is possible but the way they are written when they are together in this book...Olivia's exasperation, Gabriel's coldness. A big UGH. Where they are at now, she's good with Ricky who I know is written as hot, smart and all that shebang. They have similar backgrounds which is part of the reason why they click so well. I'm okay with that and yet I am not because inner shipper (the little shit) keeps whispering away in my head as I read Deceptions to dislike their relationship. It is complicated for me
thechaoshour's review against another edition
5.0
Quick Thoughts
1. Everything Kelley Armstrong writes is fantastic and this was no exception.
2. I'm a little disappointed with Olivia and Gabriel's relationship. I'm trying so hard to be patient.
3. I'm glad this is a longer series. There's still so much information we need.
4. I feel like this book wasn't as exciting as the previous ones but it had a lot of information I think we'll need in the previous books. So don't expect a ton of action.
5. I feel slightly disappointed after reading this one. I know everything was important but I was expecting more. It'll be worth it once the next book comes out I'm sure.
1. Everything Kelley Armstrong writes is fantastic and this was no exception.
2. I'm a little disappointed with Olivia and Gabriel's relationship. I'm trying so hard to be patient.
3. I'm glad this is a longer series. There's still so much information we need.
4. I feel like this book wasn't as exciting as the previous ones but it had a lot of information I think we'll need in the previous books. So don't expect a ton of action.
5. I feel slightly disappointed after reading this one. I know everything was important but I was expecting more. It'll be worth it once the next book comes out I'm sure.
beeboisourgod's review against another edition
4.0
I'm not going to give a big long review, I feel the same about this book as I did the second one. I absolutely love the story, the folklore, the mystery and all the twists, but the romance? Not so much. I mean, there's nothing wrong with Ricky, except for one thing: He's not Gabriel. This is why love triangles never work for me, though I think I see what Kelley might be trying to do here in the next couple books with the black and white stone, and etc.? Though not sure how that'll work if it's going the direction I think it is, but anyway) , it's just, I already made my choice back in book 1.
Other than this and every other urban fantasy being weighed down by love scenes with the wrong guy gdi in the midst of murder investigations and chaos, Deceptions is a solid installment filled with surprises and amazing writing and attention to detail (Welsh Fae lore, oh it's a gift). It's like when I read these books, I am Olivia getting pulled into one of her visions, you know, minus the fever and terror.
But, Gabriel, get your act together.
Other than this and every other urban fantasy being weighed down by love scenes
But, Gabriel, get your act together.
sonni89's review against another edition
5.0
SO CLOSE TO POLY I CAN TASTE IT!!!!!!!!
Can this just be the review I leave on this?
I mean, these books are CREEPY AS FUCK and I will have nightmares, and the mythology of them is still SO INTERESTING and I didn't see the parental twist coming in the way it happened, but:
"He will [stay close]. For as long as you let him. And you must let him. Both of them. It's when you choose that you are doomed."
AND
"You protect him as he protects you. And the other, too. The three of you in a circle of support, as it should be, as it was once before the circle was torn asunder and the darkness came."
If that doesn't mean poly, I don't know what does.
All I know is that these books don't end with Olivia, Gabriel, and Ricky living happily as a triad, I will feel SO CHEATED.
Can this just be the review I leave on this?
I mean, these books are CREEPY AS FUCK and I will have nightmares, and the mythology of them is still SO INTERESTING and I didn't see the parental twist coming in the way it happened, but:
Spoiler
OLIVIA AND GABRIEL AND RICKY."He will [stay close]. For as long as you let him. And you must let him. Both of them. It's when you choose that you are doomed."
AND
"You protect him as he protects you. And the other, too. The three of you in a circle of support, as it should be, as it was once before the circle was torn asunder and the darkness came."
If that doesn't mean poly, I don't know what does.
All I know is that these books don't end with Olivia, Gabriel, and Ricky living happily as a triad, I will feel SO CHEATED.