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pages_and_procrastination's Reviews (1.6k)
fast-paced
Ellis is a Gemini without her twin. Geminis are supernaturals who can mimic other supernaturals. Ellis's twin drowned as a kid and Ellis has been blaming herself ever since. As a self-inflicted punishment she works with the conclave (supernatural law enforcement) as a consultant, specializing in drownings. She is currently working on a case linking victims of a supernatural serial killer. Greyson is the beta in a pack and meets Ellis at one of the crime scenes that she is called to. His sister is the latest victim.
Ellis a bit socially awkward, as she doesn't fit in with other species since she is a Gemini without a twin. Greyson is dealing with the loss of his sister and is tasked with hunting down the killer. They bond over their shared grief, an they are continuously pulled toward each other. But Greyson ruins it by asking Ellis to use her skill -that is tied to her dead twin- to bait the serial killer. He thinks that he is better then Ellis' boss because he is up front with what he wants from her, instead of emotionally manipulating her. But Ellis' world begins to shift. The more time that she spends with Greyson and the more that she learns about the killer causes her to begin to question the conclave. And she should, because they are shady AF.
Normally, I don't like stories that are not complete. But somehow, I am not mad about that here. It doesn't end on a cliffhanger, but it's a natural pause in the story. There are a lot of loose strings in the story and the politics of this supernatural world are as complicated and shady as any other. Greyson's wolf has claimed Ellis and she hasn't accepted the claim, but she is attracted to Greyson. He knows that he handled things poorly -but it's obviously not enough to stop him from continuing to try to handle her. Unfortunately, (or fortunately) logic is on his side, along with the fact that he is after the true killer and not just the pawn. . While Ellis is socially awkward, she does stand up for herself and others. She is also very much aware that her boss is emotionally manipulating her. She is aware that the conclave is not perfect, but this case begins to show her that the conclave is not the organization she thought it to be, and not worthy of the trust that she bestowed on it. Ellis -perhaps unknowingly- has shown that she complements Greyson's wolf. If for no other reason, I want to continue the series just to see how their relationship develops. Especially after how this one ends.
** SIDE NOTE** I didn't know this when I picked this up, this is the first in the Gemini series, but it's the second series in the Black Dog Universe. I don't know if they should be read out of order. **
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
I was given a digital copy of this title, free. All opinions are my own.
Tori is running in the park alone when she is attacked by 3 men -that turns out to be demons. She is rescued by another group of men - who are also demons. She comes to in the bed of a stranger, who happens to be a man she saw in passing at a park. This is when she learns about the existence of demons, angels, fae and other supernatural creaures. When the same three men attack her at home with her little sister and best friend/sister, they learn that the attacks are not random. Rune, the demon who saves her and his group start investigating why the rogues demons are hunting Tori. Turns out that Rune is not just any old demon, his a prince of hell. Unsurprisingly, Tori and Rune feel pull towards each other. A random passing - before they actually met each other - had them breaking up with whoever they were dating. Tori's exceeded to take it well, as he is only mentioned in passing. Unfortunately, Rune's ex doesn't and isn't easily avoided in the compound. The actual mystery/plot of the story - the rebellion and why Tori is targeted -is political and an interesting thread. But that's the background of Tori and Rune's romance. Which is fated mates (without calling it that) and insta-lust. Not saying that Tori is a slut, but her waking up in the bed of a stranger surprises absolutely no one. Her younger, obnoxious sister is prepared to give her the stranger-danger lecture -- again. Maybe she's sexually liberated?? Either way she's known for making poor choices/poor judgements about men so much so that her sister and best friend are not comforted when Tori tells them that Rune and Murmur are the good guys. Granted, I think the story only takes place within a week, Tori and Rune's relationship goes from strangers to I'm yours within a day or something ridiculous like that. Tori and Sife's recent break up until she is verbally attacked by Side in the cafeteria. Rune is supposed to be the good guy but he is completely clueless about women and how to treat his girlfriends as partners.I think he is supposed to be seen as overprotective but he seems more overbearing. He also doesn't listen to Tori, pushing her into a safe desk job when Tori keeps saying that she wants to work in the field. But Tori is not easiy cowed, she digs in her heels for a compromise. While she may not be as strong and capable as she will be with training, she has courage and heart. I'm her for her potential. They have a thing about sex in public spaces. The first time could have been an "oops we got carried away" but the second time was just plain awkward. I really liked the side characters especially Vivi and Evie. They were obnoxious and funny. Little sisters for the win!
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a pretty cheesy YA romance. It's a retelling of the Trojan War. It was petty and ridiculous. But it was also sweet cute, and the ending left me with a smile.
I had picked this up from Half Price because I am always on the lookout for retellings of classics and myths that I can add to my classroom library - either for now or in the future. And this is an interesting take, I may be keeping this for a while. (if it wasn't for that this wouldn't really be a book that I'd keep.)
I had picked this up from Half Price because I am always on the lookout for retellings of classics and myths that I can add to my classroom library - either for now or in the future. And this is an interesting take, I may be keeping this for a while. (if it wasn't for that this wouldn't really be a book that I'd keep.)
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
You can find a full review on my blog.
I liked this and think it was a a really good series opener. I liked both Hunter and Mercy, but also found them annoying. This one involves the underworlds of various mythologies, gods and a prophecy that may or may not have been misinterpreted. Nothing good will come from the gods being involved. The story is original but the tone is familiar.
I liked this and think it was a a really good series opener. I liked both Hunter and Mercy, but also found them annoying. This one involves the underworlds of various mythologies, gods and a prophecy that may or may not have been misinterpreted. Nothing good will come from the gods being involved. The story is original but the tone is familiar.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Full Review can be found on my blog. But I did enjoy this, I think it was a bit longer than necessary. But I think Maas did a good job is building and holding the tension. This book had quite a few moments that stood out, that had me cheering or cursing characters. I think that this series is definitely worth checking out.
This was a really cute story. I wouldn't mind if this was a series, where you get to know the other players and get to check in on previous characters.
