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bridgets_books's review
5.0
I was almost afraid to read this book because I loved book one so much, I thought book two might be a disappointment. I was so very wrong. Judgement Day was everything I hoped for and more!
This book picks up shortly after the ending of May Day. Our intrepid Seeker, Jack Valentine, is facing the consequences of her recent actions. Unfortunately, her arch-nemesis, the Baron is in charge of her sentencing. I do believe he has an ulterior motive for the probation he assigns her.
Judgement Day matches the previous book in continuing this fascinating world of Seekers, Silvers, and intrigue. There is obviously a war coming between the factions and Jack is one of the last to know. How is she supposed to do her job when people hide things from her and interfere with her investigation?
There are heroes to cheer for and villains to hate, and a few characters the reader just can’t be sure of. This makes for a wonderfully tense atmosphere. I also loved the humor scattered throughout the story. There is just so much to love in Judgement Day.
I don’t want to reveal a thing about this book because you need to experience every page as it happens. So let’s just say, I highly recommend this tale if you are into the vampire world at all. It also has LGBTQ+ rep that is just as it should be, simply part of the story and no one blinks about it.
The plot is well thought out and the pace is fast and intense. I could not put it down and finished it faster than I wanted to. What a conundrum…read slower to savor it or power through it because I need to know what will happen next. I might even consider reading it a second time just for pure enjoyment.
I have my fingers crossed that Ms. Jaffrey is working on book three. I’m not ready to leave this world and its characters behind just yet.
I received a copy of the book for the 2021 BBNYA winners' tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
This book picks up shortly after the ending of May Day. Our intrepid Seeker, Jack Valentine, is facing the consequences of her recent actions. Unfortunately, her arch-nemesis, the Baron is in charge of her sentencing. I do believe he has an ulterior motive for the probation he assigns her.
Judgement Day matches the previous book in continuing this fascinating world of Seekers, Silvers, and intrigue. There is obviously a war coming between the factions and Jack is one of the last to know. How is she supposed to do her job when people hide things from her and interfere with her investigation?
There are heroes to cheer for and villains to hate, and a few characters the reader just can’t be sure of. This makes for a wonderfully tense atmosphere. I also loved the humor scattered throughout the story. There is just so much to love in Judgement Day.
I don’t want to reveal a thing about this book because you need to experience every page as it happens. So let’s just say, I highly recommend this tale if you are into the vampire world at all. It also has LGBTQ+ rep that is just as it should be, simply part of the story and no one blinks about it.
The plot is well thought out and the pace is fast and intense. I could not put it down and finished it faster than I wanted to. What a conundrum…read slower to savor it or power through it because I need to know what will happen next. I might even consider reading it a second time just for pure enjoyment.
I have my fingers crossed that Ms. Jaffrey is working on book three. I’m not ready to leave this world and its characters behind just yet.
I received a copy of the book for the 2021 BBNYA winners' tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
readtoramble's review
4.0
4.5 STARS
I was provided a free copy of this book by the author to read in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Trigger warnings: violence, murder, blood, gore, injuries, dead bodies, mention of child neglect, detailed autopsy and forensic investigation, sexual content (consensual), blood-drinking, drugs, alcohol. Josie has a complete list of all content warnings in all her currently published books that you can find on her website!
Judgement Day by Josie Jaffrey is the second book in the Seekers series, which is an urban fantasy, paranormal, mystery series with vampires who have to solve deaths and crimes committed by the Silver, that is by vampires. I adored May Day so when I found out that the second book was being published, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough.
This book is set in Oxford just like the first one and I have really been getting into urban fantasy lately, so I really enjoyed it. We also get to see some other parts of the city such as the Rad Cam, but also more parts of the Baron of Oxford’s mansion, Crimson (a new club) and we spend more time in the college where the Seekers live and work. I love Josie’s descriptions and I could definitely picture all the places we get to see through Jack’s point of view.
I had forgotten how much I loved Jack but as soon as I started reading this book, I was sucked back into the story and into Jack’s point of view. I love her as a character. She is so sassy, determined, strong-willed, but she also has a vulnerable side that was explored more in this book that made her an even more complex character in my opinion. I also still love Cam and Naia, they are great colleagues and I liked that we got a bit more insight into Boyd too. Tabitha was interesting in this instalment, that’s all I can say! And Drake, omg, what an infuriating character. I could totally feel what Jack was feeling when they were together.
I think that Josie has written one of the most unique bunch of vampires I’ve ever had the opportunity to read about. They call themselves the Silver because of something special that happens to their eyes (won’t say what!) and they are not the typical “can’t go out in the sun” vampires. I really, really like this take on the vampire and I think that Jack is definitely one of my favourite vampire characters ever.
I also love murder and mysteries and this was a really intriguing one that turned out to be a lot bigger than just a murder committed by a Silver. The Seekers are tasked with keeping themselves secret and figuring out murders committed with Silver violence and taking care of them. I loved the murder and mysteries in book one and they continued in book 2 but got a lot bigger than I was expecting. I love how the whole thing was pulled off.
I knew I would really enjoy it because May Day was a fantastic first instalment in this series. Judgement Day remained strong and I think it even got better, which is uncommon in the second book in a series.
I love Josie’s writing style. As I just mentioned, she is one of my favourite authors and one of the reasons for that is that her writing style always captures my attention and doesn’t ever drop it. I love reading her words because they are funny and also immersive. I felt the pace was very good also and I struggled to put the book down when I needed to get on with work.
I gave this book 4.5 stars and I thoroughly enjoyed every single page. This was a great book and I just couldn’t read those last chapters fast enough. I was shocked by some revelations and I found the mysteries and secrets to be really well executed and highly enjoyable.
If you love books with a unique take on vampires, murder, mysteries, secrets, complex characters with developing arcs through the series, a well-executed plot, a great writing style and some tense relationships that you can’t help but root for, then you have found your book. I highly recommend Judgement Day to all vampire, fantasy, urban fantasy and mystery lovers.
Full review on my blog here: https://readtoramble.com/book-review-judgement-day-2-seekers-by-josie-jaffrey-4-5-stars/
I was provided a free copy of this book by the author to read in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Trigger warnings: violence, murder, blood, gore, injuries, dead bodies, mention of child neglect, detailed autopsy and forensic investigation, sexual content (consensual), blood-drinking, drugs, alcohol. Josie has a complete list of all content warnings in all her currently published books that you can find on her website!
Judgement Day by Josie Jaffrey is the second book in the Seekers series, which is an urban fantasy, paranormal, mystery series with vampires who have to solve deaths and crimes committed by the Silver, that is by vampires. I adored May Day so when I found out that the second book was being published, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough.
This book is set in Oxford just like the first one and I have really been getting into urban fantasy lately, so I really enjoyed it. We also get to see some other parts of the city such as the Rad Cam, but also more parts of the Baron of Oxford’s mansion, Crimson (a new club) and we spend more time in the college where the Seekers live and work. I love Josie’s descriptions and I could definitely picture all the places we get to see through Jack’s point of view.
I had forgotten how much I loved Jack but as soon as I started reading this book, I was sucked back into the story and into Jack’s point of view. I love her as a character. She is so sassy, determined, strong-willed, but she also has a vulnerable side that was explored more in this book that made her an even more complex character in my opinion. I also still love Cam and Naia, they are great colleagues and I liked that we got a bit more insight into Boyd too. Tabitha was interesting in this instalment, that’s all I can say! And Drake, omg, what an infuriating character. I could totally feel what Jack was feeling when they were together.
I think that Josie has written one of the most unique bunch of vampires I’ve ever had the opportunity to read about. They call themselves the Silver because of something special that happens to their eyes (won’t say what!) and they are not the typical “can’t go out in the sun” vampires. I really, really like this take on the vampire and I think that Jack is definitely one of my favourite vampire characters ever.
I also love murder and mysteries and this was a really intriguing one that turned out to be a lot bigger than just a murder committed by a Silver. The Seekers are tasked with keeping themselves secret and figuring out murders committed with Silver violence and taking care of them. I loved the murder and mysteries in book one and they continued in book 2 but got a lot bigger than I was expecting. I love how the whole thing was pulled off.
I knew I would really enjoy it because May Day was a fantastic first instalment in this series. Judgement Day remained strong and I think it even got better, which is uncommon in the second book in a series.
I love Josie’s writing style. As I just mentioned, she is one of my favourite authors and one of the reasons for that is that her writing style always captures my attention and doesn’t ever drop it. I love reading her words because they are funny and also immersive. I felt the pace was very good also and I struggled to put the book down when I needed to get on with work.
I gave this book 4.5 stars and I thoroughly enjoyed every single page. This was a great book and I just couldn’t read those last chapters fast enough. I was shocked by some revelations and I found the mysteries and secrets to be really well executed and highly enjoyable.
If you love books with a unique take on vampires, murder, mysteries, secrets, complex characters with developing arcs through the series, a well-executed plot, a great writing style and some tense relationships that you can’t help but root for, then you have found your book. I highly recommend Judgement Day to all vampire, fantasy, urban fantasy and mystery lovers.
Full review on my blog here: https://readtoramble.com/book-review-judgement-day-2-seekers-by-josie-jaffrey-4-5-stars/
hannargh's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
3.5
This whole series is a lot of fun, as long as you like (and you really have to): vampires, violence, crime solving that doesn't always work out happily, sex, and a bit more violence. It's part of that tradition of Oxford-based police procedurals, and I have to say I love seeing my place of work wrapped up neatly in books.
This installation starts off quickly - Jack is on probation for some pretty under-the-law antics in the last book, but is finally in a good place in her relationship, still part of the Seekers team, whose job it is to keep vampire antics (Silvers) out of human knowledge, and on track to investigate quite a juicy murder.
However, things did begin to feel a little repetitive after a while - Jack's girlfriend, Tabitha, is constantly checking in on Jack Valentine and her relationship with Killian Drake. The same characters and suspects start to crop up from the previous book, and form a major part of the investigation again. In fact, the actual murder seems to quickly take a back seat in lieu of a growing awareness of the political machinations of the Silver world.
In fact, the investigation into what initially sounded like quite a juicy murder begins to stall quite dramatically about halfway through, whilst the key players, where Jack is very much on the periphery looking in, square up against each other, using anything, or anyone, in their path.
Killian Drake, and his relationship with Jack Valentine is ... problematic? But sexy? It's very confusing. They snipe and play with each other, and Jack goes back to the bar and drinks her feelings away, before wandering back into his house and stirring up the latent sexual tension again. It's good but it's also very not healthy. And I just reading it makes me feel conflicted about whether I should be enjoying it quite so much.
The whole series is super fast-paced, well-written and really draws you in. But don't forget those content warnings - you've got to really like what you're reading.
3.5 stars overall
I received a digital copy of this book as part of a blog tour - all opinions are my own.
This installation starts off quickly - Jack is on probation for some pretty under-the-law antics in the last book, but is finally in a good place in her relationship, still part of the Seekers team, whose job it is to keep vampire antics (Silvers) out of human knowledge, and on track to investigate quite a juicy murder.
However, things did begin to feel a little repetitive after a while - Jack's girlfriend, Tabitha, is constantly checking in on Jack Valentine and her relationship with Killian Drake. The same characters and suspects start to crop up from the previous book, and form a major part of the investigation again. In fact, the actual murder seems to quickly take a back seat in lieu of a growing awareness of the political machinations of the Silver world.
In fact, the investigation into what initially sounded like quite a juicy murder begins to stall quite dramatically about halfway through, whilst the key players, where Jack is very much on the periphery looking in, square up against each other, using anything, or anyone, in their path.
Killian Drake, and his relationship with Jack Valentine is ... problematic? But sexy? It's very confusing. They snipe and play with each other, and Jack goes back to the bar and drinks her feelings away, before wandering back into his house and stirring up the latent sexual tension again. It's good but it's also very not healthy. And I just reading it makes me feel conflicted about whether I should be enjoying it quite so much.
The whole series is super fast-paced, well-written and really draws you in. But don't forget those content warnings - you've got to really like what you're reading.
3.5 stars overall
I received a digital copy of this book as part of a blog tour - all opinions are my own.
avoraciousreader68's review
medium-paced
4.5
4.5
Book source ~ BBNYA
Jack Valentine is a Seeker in Oxford. What’s a Seeker? Well, a Seeker is like an enforcer of the rules. For vampires or Silver as they are called here. Basically, a Silver police officer for other Silver. So, a Seeker’s basic job is to keep humans from discovering Silver. When a human judge is found murdered and signs point to a Silver as the murderer, Jack and her team of Seekers are brought in to solve it. Fairly simple, right? No. Oh, no. Things are about to go horribly sideways just when she’s managed to get her life nearly together.
I loved book 1, May Day so I was fairly certain I would love this one. I was correct. What a convoluted and fucked up plot and I mean that in a good way. What a ride! It’s filled with twisty political machinations, personal issues, mystery, mayhem, and surprises. Lots of action, great characters, and snappy dialogue keep the plot moving forward at a good clip. Before I knew it, I’d come to the last page. And what a page it is. WHOA! What just happened? I absolutely cannot wait for the next book to see how Jack deals with all that has transpired. Because I'm sure she’ll do her usual of getting wasted off her ass. She can be a dumbass that way. I still like her though. Do you like a good paranormal mystery filled with kickass characters? Then do not pass this up.
zcmilano's review
5.0
* Non-Spoiler Review*
The second instalment in the Seeker series and boy did it pack a punch! Jaffrey brings some more twists and turns in this sequel.
Again we enter the world of Jack (Jacqueline) Valentine, a Seeker (detective) of the vampire community. You find her trying to manage a semi-normal life, yet, she has to face consequences for her previous actions. Not only that her current relationship with Tabby is on a knife-edge due to her undercover job with Killian Drake turned into something unexpected.
Jafrrey’s mixture of murder mystery and personal challenges makes Judgement Day a great follow up. Again fantastic storyline, well rounded supporting characters and some sexual tension which I am all for!
Overall this Urban Fantasy gave me everything I wanted! Jaffrey has even written it so you could read it out of order, which I always think is an asset.
The second instalment in the Seeker series and boy did it pack a punch! Jaffrey brings some more twists and turns in this sequel.
Again we enter the world of Jack (Jacqueline) Valentine, a Seeker (detective) of the vampire community. You find her trying to manage a semi-normal life, yet, she has to face consequences for her previous actions. Not only that her current relationship with Tabby is on a knife-edge due to her undercover job with Killian Drake turned into something unexpected.
Jafrrey’s mixture of murder mystery and personal challenges makes Judgement Day a great follow up. Again fantastic storyline, well rounded supporting characters and some sexual tension which I am all for!
Overall this Urban Fantasy gave me everything I wanted! Jaffrey has even written it so you could read it out of order, which I always think is an asset.
deadgoodbookreviews's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
medium-paced
4.0
I had a great time with this sequel - the twists really got me and I can't wait for more snarky vampiric fun in the future!
cerilouisereads's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol, Alcoholism, Blood, Death, Drug use, Gore, Medical content, Murder, Sexual content, Violence, and Vomit
Moderate: Cursing, Domestic abuse, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Minor: Gaslighting, Outing, and Toxic relationship
Outing relates to vampires being revealed as vampires without their consent. Blood references include drinking blood as the central characters are vampires, but also descriptions of injury.si0bhan's review
4.0
I’m a big fan of Josie Jaffrey’s Silverse, and was happy to dive into Judgement Day. It’s the second book in the Seekers series and needs to be read after May Day – that said, you do not need to have read the rest of the universe to enjoy this one, but it certainly makes it a wee bit more enjoyable if you’re aware of the bigger picture.
I’ll be honest and say May Day was not my favourite Josie Jaffrey book, but it certainly had me curious about the series. Fortunately, Judgement Day hooked me in the typical Josie Jaffrey way. There was plenty to enjoy throughout this one – the romance, the mystery, the drama – and it kept me hooked. I was eager to see how all the pieces came together and fell deeper for the characters. Although I saw the ending coming, there were some unexpected details thrown in throughout. Lots of details were introduced, and I’m excited to see what happens in the end.
Without a doubt, I’m eager to see what the next book brings. There are plenty of elements that I’m eager to see come together, plenty of details I am desperate to see play out. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, you need to give this one a read.
I’ll be honest and say May Day was not my favourite Josie Jaffrey book, but it certainly had me curious about the series. Fortunately, Judgement Day hooked me in the typical Josie Jaffrey way. There was plenty to enjoy throughout this one – the romance, the mystery, the drama – and it kept me hooked. I was eager to see how all the pieces came together and fell deeper for the characters. Although I saw the ending coming, there were some unexpected details thrown in throughout. Lots of details were introduced, and I’m excited to see what happens in the end.
Without a doubt, I’m eager to see what the next book brings. There are plenty of elements that I’m eager to see come together, plenty of details I am desperate to see play out. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, you need to give this one a read.
adancewithbooks's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
Thank you to Josie Jaffrey for the review copy in exchange for an honest review. This does not change my opinion in anyway.
Judgement Day is the second installment of the Seekers series. Seekers are vampire agents who try to keep the word about vampires spreading to the human population. They help clean up messes and figure out murders by vampires.
The book starts off a little bit after the ending of May Day. Jack is happy with her lovely girlfriend. Or she wants to be. But the jealousy her girlfriend is skyrocketing at the mention of Killian Drake, Jack archnemesis who she is attracted to that came to a heading in May Day. I really wanted Jack to be happy with her girl but it was just way too obvious what was going on.
In the midst of her very personal problems there is an opening of the first blood bar in Oxford and a body found by a human judge, clearly murdered by one of the vampires. I found this plot interesting because a lot of things started to fall into place. From the first book as well. Things that didn't seem to fit or weren't quite wrapped up got some kind of an answer in this book. I do like it when books keep carrying things over like that.
I enjoyed Judgement Day because of that. I felt lke I was fully wrapped into this world, easy to settle back into and be dragged along the story while there still being enough room for my own thoughts of what was going on. It was a strong installmen. A lot of the questions marks I still kind of had at the end of May Day I did not have. I knew exactly what I was getting into.
As always it was a pleasure to follow Jack around. She might not always be the easiest person but she genuinely cares about the people around her. Like with what happens to her drinking buddy in this book. Still supporting her best friend even though he'd love to join the elite that she hates. She cares about them so I as a reader care.
Jack and Killian had less hot scenes in this book because Jack kept the walls up and Killian actually respected that. Sort of. But instead of sexy sniping at each other we got taking each others stuff so the other had to come after them. Ah young love, haha. It sounds childish but it just fits so well for the kind of relationship they have with each other. And Jack is just naturally incredibly petty like that.
All in all Judgement Day was a fun and solid sequel to May Day, that solidifies the characters and a bigger plot that is coming.
Judgement Day is the second installment of the Seekers series. Seekers are vampire agents who try to keep the word about vampires spreading to the human population. They help clean up messes and figure out murders by vampires.
The book starts off a little bit after the ending of May Day. Jack is happy with her lovely girlfriend. Or she wants to be. But the jealousy her girlfriend is skyrocketing at the mention of Killian Drake, Jack archnemesis who she is attracted to that came to a heading in May Day. I really wanted Jack to be happy with her girl but it was just way too obvious what was going on.
In the midst of her very personal problems there is an opening of the first blood bar in Oxford and a body found by a human judge, clearly murdered by one of the vampires. I found this plot interesting because a lot of things started to fall into place. From the first book as well. Things that didn't seem to fit or weren't quite wrapped up got some kind of an answer in this book. I do like it when books keep carrying things over like that.
I enjoyed Judgement Day because of that. I felt lke I was fully wrapped into this world, easy to settle back into and be dragged along the story while there still being enough room for my own thoughts of what was going on. It was a strong installmen. A lot of the questions marks I still kind of had at the end of May Day I did not have. I knew exactly what I was getting into.
As always it was a pleasure to follow Jack around. She might not always be the easiest person but she genuinely cares about the people around her. Like with what happens to her drinking buddy in this book. Still supporting her best friend even though he'd love to join the elite that she hates. She cares about them so I as a reader care.
Jack and Killian had less hot scenes in this book because Jack kept the walls up and Killian actually respected that. Sort of. But instead of sexy sniping at each other we got taking each others stuff so the other had to come after them. Ah young love, haha. It sounds childish but it just fits so well for the kind of relationship they have with each other. And Jack is just naturally incredibly petty like that.
All in all Judgement Day was a fun and solid sequel to May Day, that solidifies the characters and a bigger plot that is coming.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Gore
Minor: Rape
explicitit sex scene | Blood Drinking through biting