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maryleong's review against another edition
4.0
This second novel in the Cainsville series brings us back to our favourite investigative duo, controversial heiress Olivia Jones-Taylor and surly lawyer Gabriel Walsh. I enjoyed this more than the first novel; most of the scene-setting had already been done and we could jump right into the story.
When Olivia finds the body of a missing Cainsville woman dressed up to look like her, it appears to be some kind of warning or threat. Even more mysteriously, the cadaver then goes missing from police custody. While investigating the woman's death, Olivia and Gabriel also start to uncover the truth about Cainsville and its mysterious, influential elders.
While I'm not usually a romance girlie, I love how Olivia and Ricky's relationship is simultaneously cosy and also incredibly hot! Biker heir who's also so soft for his girl? Yes. I'm very glad that they aren't going down the "I can fix him" path with Gabriel, because that would be far too cliched. We are seeing some solid character growth where Gabriel has to fix himself and learn to open up to people, so we'll see how that progresses.
I'm thoroughly hooked on this series and can't wait to read the next novel! I want to find out everything about this strange little town and its inhabitants, and how Olivia, Gabriel and Ricky tie into all of its mysteries. On to the next one!
When Olivia finds the body of a missing Cainsville woman dressed up to look like her, it appears to be some kind of warning or threat. Even more mysteriously, the cadaver then goes missing from police custody. While investigating the woman's death, Olivia and Gabriel also start to uncover the truth about Cainsville and its mysterious, influential elders.
While I'm not usually a romance girlie, I love how Olivia and Ricky's relationship is simultaneously cosy and also incredibly hot! Biker heir who's also so soft for his girl? Yes. I'm very glad that they aren't going down the "I can fix him" path with Gabriel, because that would be far too cliched. We are seeing some solid character growth where Gabriel has to fix himself and learn to open up to people, so we'll see how that progresses.
I'm thoroughly hooked on this series and can't wait to read the next novel! I want to find out everything about this strange little town and its inhabitants, and how Olivia, Gabriel and Ricky tie into all of its mysteries. On to the next one!
librarelyy's review against another edition
3.0
3.75 ⭐️ ADDICTING. Struggled so hard to put this book down. A lot of fluff but soo captivating.
fredicia's review against another edition
5.0
Who's the lucky duck that got a early copy and binge read for four hours because she doesn't know how to pace herself?
And who's extremely happy about the result?
No, but seriously, this sequel is everything I could have wanted. Gabriel and Olivia are friends. They are actual friends that eat together and hang out after work and spend time in each other's company for personal enjoyment, despite Gabriel being a emotionally deficient teapot.
Kind of like this dude:
He's getting better though. But more on that later.
Good things! Excellent things!:
==> And the plot thickens. In this book, we learn much more about the origins and goals of Cainsville. Why are they involved in so many weird things? If you've read Cainsville 0.5, you can probably make a semi-basic reasonable conclusion, but it's not the whole story and there's a vast amount of information in addition to that. There's also a new aspect, the Hounds or the Wild Hunt, which is related to the Satan's Saints (Ricky Gallagher's bikers). We're not really sure how they fit into Olivia's and Gabriel's lives (He's representing them, remember?), or if there are ulterior motives, but I suspect they will play a large part in the future. They're not enemies exactly, but the Hunt want Olivia's abilities for themselves and are courting her favour. It's just mentioned in passing in a teensy tiny bit, but it reminds me of Richelle Mead's Gameboard of the Gods. We have a new player on the gameboard, who's name is Tristan, but he's kind of a wild card and no one is sure what his endgame is. As far as I'm concerned, he's just there to mess shit up.
It's getting so interesting. Gabriel and Olivia have a new case they've been dragged into, and Armstrong does a fantastic job of moving things along at an excellent pace. The reader is never bored, and she answers questions that we've had since the first book, specifically, WTF is going on with Cainsville (Seriously, they've had way too many dead bodies connected to them), while adding new aspects to her story. It's good, so entertaining and engaging and I was absolutely ecstatic at the end of this.
==> This is a book about faeries, if it has to be linked to the supernatural; really, at its core, it's a mystery. There are more fantasy components in this sequel, but it's still at low levels. Once again, they do an excellent job of aiding and adding another dimension. That will probably change in the third novel, but right now it is integrated nicely as it is so we'll see where it goes from here. Our protagonists just sort of ... crash into the idea of the supernatural because of Tristan and it creates this other mess for them to deal with. It's like a train wreck that is currently in process.
A train wreck I'm anticipating. Impatiently.
==> CHARACTERS! My favourite, favourite part. Armstrong has here signature banter between our main characters, which is always a delight.
What's developed most in this book is their dynamic and Gabriel's attitude towards Olivia.
Olivia, like in Omens, is stubborn, gets into trouble and doesn't take any bullshit. She's also very humorous and much more confident in her intuition and her relationship with Gabriel. She knows that she can depend on him for help, and I think she shows her appreciation of that in her protectiveness and being on his side. It's a interesting push and pull they have, because while Olivia already had developed her loyalty and her trust, Gabriel has some catching up to do in that department.
My favourite part about all of this, of ANY of this is that she's perfectly aware of how easily Gabriel can defend himself. But someone should defend him once in a while, and she doubts that he'll let anyone else. Olivia is almost foolishly loyal, but it wins people to her side. She isn't dull or insipid. James, her ex, has realized this. So has Ricky and Gabriel. She has the curiosity to match her spunk, and a ridiculous magnet for danger. I'm slightly surprised she made it this far without a serious injury. Hell, I don't even think she's broken any bones. Yet. Olivia, in addition, takes to the supernatural like a fish to the water. She like "Patrick may be immortal? oh cool, let's find some evidence. Changelings are real? Great, let's run some DNA tests from the hair we've stolen." The girl's adaptable.
All of this makes her a compelling character to read about, to follow and immerse yourself in. Because what person doesn't want to read about this amazing lead as a protagonist?
Let's move on to Gabriel now. If you have read this book, which you probably haven't at this point, you'll know that Gabriel has changed.
He's still an arrogant ass...
but, he's become better at showing his feelings, admitting his mistakes and confiding to Rose and Olivia. And he cares. He cares alot more than he did before, and it shows in his actions. Other people are starting to notice that his gestures and protective instincts now include Olivia. They've become partners in the best sense of the word. To me, that's even better than lovers.
He trusts her instincts and doesn't doubt her, even when she backpedals. And the looking out for each other's well being is reciprocal.
My favourite part about their relationship is that it is slow burn. If they do end up together, it's not going to be anytime soon. Right now, Gabriel resents anyone taking away Olivia's time. He's like "that's my friend, she was my friend first." He doesn't have many - hell, anyone really whom he can be around without putting on a mask. Slowly, periodically, he's thawing, and while he's very mature in some ways, he's significantly less so emotionally wise. But he's getting there.
Yeah, nothing ever impedes these two.
-------------------------------------------------------
I found an excerpt online:
http://www.penguin.com/book/visions-by-kelley-armstrong/9780525953050
GO CHECK IT OUT!!
-----------------------------------------------------
The good thing about reading the first book almost a year after its publication is the short time you have to wait for the sequel. Thank Heavens because
I want so much from this book. I want sass, I want wit, I want Olivia and Gabriel to become FRIENDS. But mostly, I just want them to kick some serious ass.
And who's extremely happy about the result?
No, but seriously, this sequel is everything I could have wanted. Gabriel and Olivia are friends. They are actual friends that eat together and hang out after work and spend time in each other's company for personal enjoyment, despite Gabriel being a emotionally deficient teapot.
Kind of like this dude:
He's getting better though. But more on that later.
Good things! Excellent things!:
==> And the plot thickens. In this book, we learn much more about the origins and goals of Cainsville. Why are they involved in so many weird things? If you've read Cainsville 0.5, you can probably make a semi-basic reasonable conclusion, but it's not the whole story and there's a vast amount of information in addition to that. There's also a new aspect, the Hounds or the Wild Hunt, which is related to the Satan's Saints (Ricky Gallagher's bikers). We're not really sure how they fit into Olivia's and Gabriel's lives (He's representing them, remember?), or if there are ulterior motives, but I suspect they will play a large part in the future. They're not enemies exactly, but the Hunt want Olivia's abilities for themselves and are courting her favour. It's just mentioned in passing in a teensy tiny bit, but it reminds me of Richelle Mead's Gameboard of the Gods. We have a new player on the gameboard, who's name is Tristan, but he's kind of a wild card and no one is sure what his endgame is. As far as I'm concerned, he's just there to mess shit up.
The specific answer isn’t as important as the general one, which is that Patrick isn’t human. That something is going on in Cainsville, and we’re caught up in it.
It's getting so interesting. Gabriel and Olivia have a new case they've been dragged into, and Armstrong does a fantastic job of moving things along at an excellent pace. The reader is never bored, and she answers questions that we've had since the first book, specifically, WTF is going on with Cainsville (Seriously, they've had way too many dead bodies connected to them), while adding new aspects to her story. It's good, so entertaining and engaging and I was absolutely ecstatic at the end of this.
==> This is a book about faeries, if it has to be linked to the supernatural; really, at its core, it's a mystery. There are more fantasy components in this sequel, but it's still at low levels. Once again, they do an excellent job of aiding and adding another dimension. That will probably change in the third novel, but right now it is integrated nicely as it is so we'll see where it goes from here. Our protagonists just sort of ... crash into the idea of the supernatural because of Tristan and it creates this other mess for them to deal with. It's like a train wreck that is currently in process.
A train wreck I'm anticipating. Impatiently.
==> CHARACTERS! My favourite, favourite part. Armstrong has here signature banter between our main characters, which is always a delight.
“Please don’t tell me you think vampirism is the explanation here.”
I shuddered. “God, I hope not.”
“We do see Patrick during the day,” Gabriel said.
“Bram Stoker’s Dracula went out in the daytime.”
“You aren’t helping.”
"Sorry."
“Later, I’ll set up a Twitter feed for the firm. Don’t worry—I’ll run it, too. Advertising tweets like: Gabriel Walsh, Attorney-at-Law. Finding the Saint in Satan’s Saints. Or helpful tips like: Note to clients, quicklime is a preservative not a corrosive.”
He gave me a look.
“We’ll work on it,” I said
What's developed most in this book is their dynamic and Gabriel's attitude towards Olivia.
Olivia, like in Omens, is stubborn, gets into trouble and doesn't take any bullshit. She's also very humorous and much more confident in her intuition and her relationship with Gabriel. She knows that she can depend on him for help, and I think she shows her appreciation of that in her protectiveness and being on his side. It's a interesting push and pull they have, because while Olivia already had developed her loyalty and her trust, Gabriel has some catching up to do in that department.
Things went awkwardly after that. Detective What’s-his-name—yes, I should really pay more attention—decided Gabriel was launching some scheme. By claiming a long-dead addict was his mother? That wasn’t just ridiculous—it was unbelievably offensive. I gave the detective hell. By the end of it, I think he had decided I wasn’t nearly as nice as I’d seemed. In fact, given the choice, he’d probably rather have dealt with Gabriel, who took the accusation in stride, calming me down when I lit into the detective
“And he is a person!” I roared, unable to hold back any longer. “He is not a sword. Not a tool. I don’t care what the hell you had in mind for him. You screwed him over, and now you tell me you were tempering—”
My favourite part about all of this, of ANY of this is that she's perfectly aware of how easily Gabriel can defend himself. But someone should defend him once in a while, and she doubts that he'll let anyone else. Olivia is almost foolishly loyal, but it wins people to her side. She isn't dull or insipid. James, her ex, has realized this. So has Ricky and Gabriel. She has the curiosity to match her spunk, and a ridiculous magnet for danger. I'm slightly surprised she made it this far without a serious injury. Hell, I don't even think she's broken any bones. Yet. Olivia, in addition, takes to the supernatural like a fish to the water. She like "Patrick may be immortal? oh cool, let's find some evidence. Changelings are real? Great, let's run some DNA tests from the hair we've stolen." The girl's adaptable.
All of this makes her a compelling character to read about, to follow and immerse yourself in. Because what person doesn't want to read about this amazing lead as a protagonist?
Let's move on to Gabriel now. If you have read this book, which you probably haven't at this point, you'll know that Gabriel has changed.
He's still an arrogant ass...
“Killing a business rival?” he said. “It suggests I need to eliminate an opponent to defeat him.
but, he's become better at showing his feelings, admitting his mistakes and confiding to Rose and Olivia. And he cares. He cares alot more than he did before, and it shows in his actions. Other people are starting to notice that his gestures and protective instincts now include Olivia. They've become partners in the best sense of the word. To me, that's even better than lovers.
“They were there,” I said. “I swear—
“Am I questioning that?”
“No, but—”
“Then stop panicking.”
“I’m not—”
“You are. You found a body, and you called me, and now it’s gone, and you’re panicking because you can’t prove it was there. I don’t doubt you saw something. We’ll figure out what it was."
He trusts her instincts and doesn't doubt her, even when she backpedals. And the looking out for each other's well being is reciprocal.
“So it’s a simple client–lawyer relationship?” She waved at the door with its small glass pane, blacked out by the wall of Gabriel’s back. “He’s right there. He’s been there since he left, and he only left because you wanted him to go. He jumped to do your bidding. Now he’s hovering there, waiting for any sign that you need him.
He could rectify that now. Send a text. I’m sorry. I behaved badly. Please come back.
He would not say that last part, of course. He would never say that. But it was what he wanted—for Olivia to read his apology and understand how hard it was to make it, and even if she was lying beside Ricky, for her to leave his bed and come back. To give him another chance
My favourite part about their relationship is that it is slow burn. If they do end up together, it's not going to be anytime soon. Right now, Gabriel resents anyone taking away Olivia's time. He's like "that's my friend, she was my friend first." He doesn't have many - hell, anyone really whom he can be around without putting on a mask. Slowly, periodically, he's thawing, and while he's very mature in some ways, he's significantly less so emotionally wise. But he's getting there.
He nodded and straightened, tugging on his shirt and adjusting it, as if it wasn’t blood-spattered and filthy. Then he looked down at me. “I am a little queasy. And my head hurts. Also, there’s a slight pain in my shoulder, but it didn’t seem worth mentioning. None of that, however, will impede me.”
I smiled. “Nothing ever does. Come on. Let’s talk to the police and get out of here.”
Yeah, nothing ever impedes these two.
-------------------------------------------------------
I found an excerpt online:
http://www.penguin.com/book/visions-by-kelley-armstrong/9780525953050
GO CHECK IT OUT!!
-----------------------------------------------------
The good thing about reading the first book almost a year after its publication is the short time you have to wait for the sequel. Thank Heavens because
I want so much from this book. I want sass, I want wit, I want Olivia and Gabriel to become FRIENDS. But mostly, I just want them to kick some serious ass.
whimsicallymeghan's review against another edition
4.0
Olivia is trying to get settled into Cainsville, but when she keeps finding the body of a dead woman in places, and it disappears before anyone else can see, she has no idea if it’s real or visions. Turns out the woman she keeps seeing is related to the town and someone is trying real hard to use the body as a warning. With the help of her lawyer, Gabriel and her new beau, Ricky, the three of them are on the case to find out who murdered her, what it has to do with Olivia and why. This was a great follow up and second novel in Armstrong’s Cainsville series. This is starting to move away from sounding like her other series in the sense that the characters are finding their own voices and the supernatural plots are just so good and spooky. We’re given more background, not only into our main character, Olivia, but the town itself. Armstrong has given us just enough to keep us on our toes and to keep asking questions. This novel left us with yet again a slew of unanswered questions, which is how she’s got us completely keyed up and ready for the next book. But back to this one, we learn so much and so much info is flying at us, but it’s done so well that we never truly feel overwhelmed. There were so many times when the reader wanted to look up what certain words or omens meant, but held off for a better appreciation for the story and how the plot progressed, and that it did. The plot was so fast moving that this novel probably could have been read in one sitting, but the reader wanted to enjoy and savour their time with the story, the writing and the characters. Again, Armstrong is so good at creating really creative and distinct characters who are memorable, have flaws but are ultimately trying to do good. Olivia is still trying to find herself and it was good that we got a bit of a break from that because it let us explore her and how the town relates to her and we kind of got to know the town as a person this book. That sounds strange, but if you’ve read this series it makes perfect sense. Because the town has opened up, we’re getting to see how it not only relates to Olivia, but to Gabriel and it’s been so fascinating how deep-rooted and connected everything is becoming. There are more characters from the first book that we’re seeing get more time; we’re not sure how they’re connected just yet, but there’s a high probability they are. The romance plots for the most part stayed subtle, but the reader likes how they are progressing and how open the communication is, that’s another thing Armstrong is really good at, writing characters with great communicating skills. There’s only one character not so great with it, our antagonist, but it’s done in a way that works for this story. The way this ended means the next book has new developments in store for us that will only cause more questions, but this reader can’t wait. Overall, an excellent sequel to what is shaping up to be a great series.
mirificmoxie's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
whatcha_listening_to's review against another edition
4.0
Overall I enjoyed this book. Olivia is really coming into herself. Her relationship with Gabriel isn’t as strained as it was. But there isn’t anything romantic between them YET.
Now Olivia’s relationship with Ricky is HOT, they are explosive I will admit that but I don’t see the connection with him as I see it with her and Gabriel.
More secrets are revealed it’s interesting and it has kept me interested can’t wait to dive into book 3.
I am enjoying the narration.
Now Olivia’s relationship with Ricky is HOT, they are explosive I will admit that but I don’t see the connection with him as I see it with her and Gabriel.
More secrets are revealed it’s interesting and it has kept me interested can’t wait to dive into book 3.
I am enjoying the narration.
caitie95's review against another edition
5.0
I made the mistake of starting to read this book at half ten in the evening. When twenty to three came, and I still had a hundred pages to go, I decided I probably should get at least some sleep that night. Needless to say, I had finished the book before I got round to breakfast.
There's a lot going on in the book, which picks up right where [b:Omens|12140024|Omens (Cainsville, #1)|Kelley Armstrong|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1375108733s/12140024.jpg|17110092] left off. A lot is found out about the town Cainsville, but not as much on the original case. I can see myself rereading the series so far in the near future.
There's a lot going on in the book, which picks up right where [b:Omens|12140024|Omens (Cainsville, #1)|Kelley Armstrong|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1375108733s/12140024.jpg|17110092] left off. A lot is found out about the town Cainsville, but not as much on the original case. I can see myself rereading the series so far in the near future.
alienor's review against another edition
4.0
➸ book 1 : Omens ★★★★ (4.5 stars)
"We are imprisoned by the truth we dare not see.
We are imprisoned by the questions we dare not ask."
► The story starts when [b: Omens|16101040|Omens (Cainsville, #1)|Kelley Armstrong|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1351111087l/16101040._SX50_.jpg|17110092] ends, Olivia still trying to make sense of everything that happened to her - and to her serial-killers biological parents. While [b: Omens|16101040|Omens (Cainsville, #1)|Kelley Armstrong|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1351111087l/16101040._SX50_.jpg|17110092] was meant to be read as a thriller more than anything else, in Visions the mythology introduced there starts to be unraveled and more we learn about the different fights at stake, more I found myself completely enthralled in Kelley Armstrong's story. Indeed whilst the mystery elements are still present, I can't deny that the paranormal aspects increase in importance in this second book.
Every answer leads to more questions, and the different threads we follow seem so intricate that despite the clues given to us the mystery thickens and isn't solved by any means.
Again I felt captivated from the start, the investigation pulling me in and the incredible dialogues holding my interest through and through. As I already said, I really, really love reading about these characters. This series is addictive, trust me on this.
▨ Olivia is resilient, stubborn, flawed, and still completely enjoyable. Despite the fact that I didn't agree with all her choices, I genuinely care about what will happen to her in this strange world she discovered, because frankly? Her actions ring true to me and I can always understand her : she refuses to be used as a pawn yet she's ready to play games to grab the answers she needs. Who wouldn't?
In a word, she's fierce and never, ever annoying. About how many MC can I say that? So few, guys, so few.
▨ Gabriel. GAH. I need to make a statement here : I completely fell for this manipulative little shit who is so much more than he appears. What can I say? He makes me laugh in his bossy way, I care so so much about him! His secret is... He's incredibly multi-layered : from his words to his facial expressions or instant-jerk reactions, we readers have to observe him carefully to try making sense of his character and well, okay, I'm fascinated. Also, he cracks me up. SO MUCH. And I just love the practical and unfeeling way he talks, with maybe, just maybe, feelings lurking behind (I know! Such a crazy theory!)
Once again the quality of the secondary characters strengthens grandly what could have been a weak plot : From the Cainville's inhabitants to the strange
I feel the need to talk about the men gravitating around Olivia and the way relationships between them are handled. In my honest opinion we don't have a love triangle in Visions (and even less in [b: Omens|16101040|Omens (Cainsville, #1)|Kelley Armstrong|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1351111087l/16101040._SX50_.jpg|17110092]).
✔ James is a controlling asshole whose relationship with Olivia ended.
✔ Gabriel is... Well, I'll come back to their relationship after, count me on this (yes, because that's by far my favorite part of the book, duh)
✔ Ricky is the only one who can be seen as a possible love-interest at the time. Period.
But the best thing about this book is by far the way the development of Gabriel & Olivia partnership is handled : as far as characterization is concerned, we have good character development and then we have excellent dynamics growth. Let me tell you something : I rarely met characters whose relationship gradually evolves in such a splendid way that Gabriel and Olivia's. From their somewhat untrusting and forced collaboration in [b: Omens|16101040|Omens (Cainsville, #1)|Kelley Armstrong|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1351111087l/16101040._SX50_.jpg|17110092] to the partnership they develop in Visions, nothing feels forced but everything brings real vibes. Really, it's fucking fantastic how Kelley Armstrong can give us so little hope at first and slowly build foundations for a friendship. Until we starve for more. Damn, I feel like cheering because maybe, just maybe, they're friends now. I know, I'm pathetic. Move on. But I'm not gonna lie : the fierceness they show when they protect each other made my day. As Olivia rightly said, "You read actions and ignore words."
► To sum-up, Visions offers us a strong sequel to the story started in [b: Omens|16101040|Omens (Cainsville, #1)|Kelley Armstrong|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1351111087l/16101040._SX50_.jpg|17110092] and I can't see why you wouldn't love it if you enjoyed book 1. Strongly recommended.
PS. I chose to not add quotes (or barely) even though I saved plenty of them (mostly from Gabriel, of course), because I prefer let you discover them for yourself, especially when it comes to Olivia and Gabriel interactions. Trust me, it's worth it^^.
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