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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
I read part of this book thanks to Net Galley.
This book fell victim to my habit of deciding to read books in a series when I haven't read the first one. Although I enjoyed the narrator's voice, I found I couldn't read past the fifth chapter. This time around, I had missed too much by not having read the first book and I couldn't really piece together the parts of the story and the characters' connections without having their backstory to hand. This is actually a good sign for this book, as it proves the author isn't re-hashing needless back-stories, which is something that can become irritating if you've already been through those stories once before.
The book does take a little while to get started and has a tendency to flick the reader into the past with very little warning. At times, it was a little difficult to reconcile what was past and what was present, although I suspect much of this was due to not having read the previous book.
I do intend to search out the first book in this series, which means I will probably return to this book with a better understanding of what has befallen the characters in the past. The world Amy Carol Reeves has created for her characters is wonderfully dark and evocative and I would like to have a chance to explore it properly.
I was curious as to what the other two books in this trilogy would contain, and I'm happy to say that I did like the direction it went. I got a bit frustrated because I wanted things to move along a bit quicker, especially at the end. I was a bit heartbroken by the lamia, and I am looking forward to seeing what the last book will bring.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Just as a heads-up, I am going to try to keep this review as spoiler-free as I can for both Renegade and Ripper, although the summary hints at the happenings in the first book.
After the rather heart-pounding, breathless events at the close of Ripper, I was super excited to read Renegade and see just where Abbie's journey would take her next. The villain of these books is perfectly twisted and dark, with a major creep factor that - particularly in the first book - makes your skin crawl, and I couldn't wait to see what would happen when he and Abbie came face-to-face again. And while you certainly do see this villain in Renegade, Abbie's biggest concern is her visions of a mythological creature known as a lamia, and her turbulent romantic relationship with William.
As the romantic aspect of this story was played up more and more, I became concerned that it would color my opinion of the story. I wanted more Ripper action, more Abbie being strong-willed and kick-ass, and was afraid her mooning over William and their spat close to the beginning would temper exactly what I loved so much about her in the first book. I am happy to report, therefore, that this wasn't really the case; Abbie remained just as strong and stubborn as ever. I love that she is definitely bucking societal trends in wanting to go to medical school and continuing to volunteer at the hospital. She is just so absolutely full of spunk and life that you can't help but love her!
Normally I don't go for love triangles at all, and I do have to say that this one did annoy me just a tad, but I did enjoy watching Abbie come to terms with her feelings for both William and Simon, and her thought process as she tried to figure out what she wanted. While I don't necessarily "ship" her with one of the other, I do have to admit to a fondness for Simon over William, simply because of his steadfast approach and his willingness to believe and lend a hand whenever Abbie needed it. Sometimes it's the strong, sturdy ones who are the most swoon-worthy, and to me, that's Simon to a tee. I loved that we got more information about his life, and his background, and what makes him so somber and still and quiet. I am definitely looking forward to more of him!
I do want to mention that your understanding and enjoyment of Renegade is very contingent on your having read Ripper. There are a lot of references throughout to characters introduced and situations that happened in the first book, so much so that you will be completely and utterly lost without that background. Just something to keep in mind if this review makes you curious!
Renegade is a really good continuation of Abbie's story. The stakes are really being raised, and she's really having to dig deep and confront quite a lot of darkness. There are a lot of questions raised at the end of the second book, and I can't wait to see how they're all going to be answered in the final installment. If you're looking for a really well done Jack the Ripper story with a wonderful female lead character, do check these books out!
An e-galley was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
After the rather heart-pounding, breathless events at the close of Ripper, I was super excited to read Renegade and see just where Abbie's journey would take her next. The villain of these books is perfectly twisted and dark, with a major creep factor that - particularly in the first book - makes your skin crawl, and I couldn't wait to see what would happen when he and Abbie came face-to-face again. And while you certainly do see this villain in Renegade, Abbie's biggest concern is her visions of a mythological creature known as a lamia, and her turbulent romantic relationship with William.
As the romantic aspect of this story was played up more and more, I became concerned that it would color my opinion of the story. I wanted more Ripper action, more Abbie being strong-willed and kick-ass, and was afraid her mooning over William and their spat close to the beginning would temper exactly what I loved so much about her in the first book. I am happy to report, therefore, that this wasn't really the case; Abbie remained just as strong and stubborn as ever. I love that she is definitely bucking societal trends in wanting to go to medical school and continuing to volunteer at the hospital. She is just so absolutely full of spunk and life that you can't help but love her!
Normally I don't go for love triangles at all, and I do have to say that this one did annoy me just a tad, but I did enjoy watching Abbie come to terms with her feelings for both William and Simon, and her thought process as she tried to figure out what she wanted. While I don't necessarily "ship" her with one of the other, I do have to admit to a fondness for Simon over William, simply because of his steadfast approach and his willingness to believe and lend a hand whenever Abbie needed it. Sometimes it's the strong, sturdy ones who are the most swoon-worthy, and to me, that's Simon to a tee. I loved that we got more information about his life, and his background, and what makes him so somber and still and quiet. I am definitely looking forward to more of him!
I do want to mention that your understanding and enjoyment of Renegade is very contingent on your having read Ripper. There are a lot of references throughout to characters introduced and situations that happened in the first book, so much so that you will be completely and utterly lost without that background. Just something to keep in mind if this review makes you curious!
Renegade is a really good continuation of Abbie's story. The stakes are really being raised, and she's really having to dig deep and confront quite a lot of darkness. There are a lot of questions raised at the end of the second book, and I can't wait to see how they're all going to be answered in the final installment. If you're looking for a really well done Jack the Ripper story with a wonderful female lead character, do check these books out!
An e-galley was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
***
To see more of my reviews, please visit me @ Read and Reviewed!
I enjoy reading Amy Carol Reeves' Ripper novels. I love the setting and the overall gothic feel the author creates from London in the 1880's with a sprinkle of the supernatural. It is also interesting to travel back in time to an era when girls weren't supposed to want anything for themselves, other than a nice home, and certainly not should they ever fancy themselves becoming a physician.
There will be spoilers - continue on at own risk!
"The End Is the Beginning Is the End"
We're picking up almost where the first book ended. One of the members of the cruel and twisted Conclave is still out there somewhere and of course he is after Abbie Sharp and her friend. This time there are cruel murders in London, again, people being resurrected and suspiciously sounding like vamps. However things get lost and Abbie keeps having these visions of a creature that is half woman, half large reptile. Not a good sign! The rest is up to you to find out, I will not reveal the whole caboodle.
Some pet peeves - and start spoilers
Why does the girl, almost without exception, choose the guy who is an ass over the good guy?! Some bad guys(and girls) are nice and just bad by reputation and if you've tried being with them once and it doesn't really work out that well then why o' why try again?
Old affair out in broad daylight
In this case the love interest confesses as to have had a partner earlier in his life, after Abbie picks up some vibes when she and Mr.Lovely visits this past flame, an older woman, and her husband for dinner. Abbie reacts to this, no wonder really it must feel weird to discover such a thing in that kind of setting and I would think that had made anyone a bit insecure. Also Abbie is no more than seventeen, she is supposed to react to these sort of things with a bit of a hormonal outburst. It will pass, but that was not the issue for me here. My problem was the way the boy/man behaved after the relationship went down the drain after this. He behaved like an ass and turned to the bottle instead of trying to win Abbies trust and be the best man that he could be for her and make her see that the past was the past. Instead he welled in self pity, very charming! How can a girl resist such a behavior? Read with dripping sarcasm on tongue.
Chemistry with a capital C
When Dr. Charming makes Abbie's heart beat faster, and the chemistry actually makes my own heart beat a bit faster and the butterflies in my stomach start to dance, she gives it a thought about five seconds and decides no I'll go hook up with "Mr. pity party" over there. Please Mrs. Reeves don't let it end like this, I am begging you!
Historical
I love the historical setting and all the bits and bobs of history that lies hidden in the inky lines. Some historical figures has been written into the story and others are mentioned so I've taken my sweet time with this novel as I wanted to find out more about the real characters(Google, Wikipedia etc). This is not necessary, I am just that kind of curious girl. I have to say that as a bonus I discovered what is thought to be the first modern vampire story; The Vampyre by John William Polidori. It was a short little thing and I will try and review it shortly.
Little clues and pieces of read string are strewn throughout the story making it possible to write some dark and intriguing stories in future novels in this series. I am sticking with it and looking forward to what comes next for Abbie and co.
There will be spoilers - continue on at own risk!
"The End Is the Beginning Is the End"
We're picking up almost where the first book ended. One of the members of the cruel and twisted Conclave is still out there somewhere and of course he is after Abbie Sharp and her friend. This time there are cruel murders in London, again, people being resurrected and suspiciously sounding like vamps. However things get lost and Abbie keeps having these visions of a creature that is half woman, half large reptile. Not a good sign! The rest is up to you to find out, I will not reveal the whole caboodle.
Some pet peeves - and start spoilers
Why does the girl, almost without exception, choose the guy who is an ass over the good guy?! Some bad guys(and girls) are nice and just bad by reputation and if you've tried being with them once and it doesn't really work out that well then why o' why try again?
Old affair out in broad daylight
In this case the love interest confesses as to have had a partner earlier in his life, after Abbie picks up some vibes when she and Mr.Lovely visits this past flame, an older woman, and her husband for dinner. Abbie reacts to this, no wonder really it must feel weird to discover such a thing in that kind of setting and I would think that had made anyone a bit insecure. Also Abbie is no more than seventeen, she is supposed to react to these sort of things with a bit of a hormonal outburst. It will pass, but that was not the issue for me here. My problem was the way the boy/man behaved after the relationship went down the drain after this. He behaved like an ass and turned to the bottle instead of trying to win Abbies trust and be the best man that he could be for her and make her see that the past was the past. Instead he welled in self pity, very charming! How can a girl resist such a behavior? Read with dripping sarcasm on tongue.
Chemistry with a capital C
When Dr. Charming makes Abbie's heart beat faster, and the chemistry actually makes my own heart beat a bit faster and the butterflies in my stomach start to dance, she gives it a thought about five seconds and decides no I'll go hook up with "Mr. pity party" over there. Please Mrs. Reeves don't let it end like this, I am begging you!
Historical
I love the historical setting and all the bits and bobs of history that lies hidden in the inky lines. Some historical figures has been written into the story and others are mentioned so I've taken my sweet time with this novel as I wanted to find out more about the real characters(Google, Wikipedia etc). This is not necessary, I am just that kind of curious girl. I have to say that as a bonus I discovered what is thought to be the first modern vampire story; The Vampyre by John William Polidori. It was a short little thing and I will try and review it shortly.
Little clues and pieces of read string are strewn throughout the story making it possible to write some dark and intriguing stories in future novels in this series. I am sticking with it and looking forward to what comes next for Abbie and co.
The second installment in the Ripper series, Renegade continues the paranormal adventures of Abbie Sharp, a young woman of Victorian England. The first novel, Ripper, introduces the character of the Ripper who commits the infamous the crimes of Jack of the Ripper during the late 1800s. Although in Ripper, Abbie destroyed the Conclave, a group of learned men striving for immortality at any costs, she once again is stalked by the lone survivor, Max (also known as the Ripper.) Ghastly apparitions and visions of a lamia, a half human female and half dragon sea monster, haunt Abbie and force her to confront the reality that she is still not safe from the Ripper’s advances. Uncommon of the era, Abbie resumes pursuing a medical degree and continues to be romantically torn between two young physicians, Dr. William Siddal and Dr. Simon St. John . After a disagreement, William and Abbie’s relationship is broken and William disappears. Created by the Conclave before their demise, the lamia is holding William prisoner in her lair on the Orkney Isles under Max’s orders. In an attempt to rescue William, Abbie and Simon travel under the guise of a married couple to the Orkney Isles.
Due to the complexity of the characters’ background and plot, Renegade should be read following Ripper to be fully appreciated. Departing from the Jack the Ripper theme, Reeves continues to build a rich storyline blending history and paranormal elements together for an enjoyable read.
Due to the complexity of the characters’ background and plot, Renegade should be read following Ripper to be fully appreciated. Departing from the Jack the Ripper theme, Reeves continues to build a rich storyline blending history and paranormal elements together for an enjoyable read.
1.5 stars. I really enjoyed the first one in this series which had the Ripper mystery with paranormal elements - psychic powers, visions and an immortality elixir and a very strong heroine. Unfortunately this one doesn't live up to it. I found the supernatural element in this one over done and heavy handed, the constant POV of Seraphina boring and pointless and the mustache twirling evil of Max also over done but the thing that bugged me most was that Abbie's strength & brains and everything that made her so likable seem to have all dribbled out of her head as a result of her 'love'for the assholish, weak, dissmissive William. Even knowing of the supernatural and conclave from the previous book her dismisses Abbie's experiences, Abbi herself hesitates to tell him of her visions but has no problem taking them to the supportive reliable, kind and dedicated Simon who listens to her and helps her. For awhile it seemed a though she may come to her senses and move forward with Simon but no it seems that her strength and good sense (which is what I liked about her in book 1) have deserted her. She cannot be with the good, decent, reliable man she has a connection with she must choose the unreliable weak drunk who dismisses her and got lost in drink and other women when they broke up abandoning his work as a Dr and all his patients because her feeling for him are more violent and her feeling for Simon to temperate. WTF? I am so disgusted by the fact that the author took a strong and awesome heroine and turned her into a brainless nitwit driven by hormones that I wont bother with the rest of this series.