The Perilous Sea by Sherry Thomas (The Elemental Trilogy #2)

The Perilous Sea by Sherry Thomas

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Bottom Line: A good continuation of the first book, but lacked an exciting plot of its own.

The Elemental Trilogy
1.  The Burning Sky
2.  The Perilous Sea

Synopsis (Goodreads):

After spending the summer away from each other, Titus and Iolanthe (still disguised as Archer Fairfax) are eager to return to Eton College to resume their training to fight the Bane. Although no longer bound to Titus by a blood oath, Iolanthe is more committed than ever to fulfilling her destiny—especially with the agents of Atlantis quickly closing in.

Soon after arriving at school, though, Titus makes a shocking discovery, one that makes him question everything he previously believed about their mission. Faced with this devastating realization, Iolanthe is forced to come to terms with her new role, while Titus must choose between following his mother's prophecies—and forging a divergent path to an unknowable future.

My Thoughts:

The first thing I thought when I started this book was "did I miss a book or something?" Thomas starts this story off with Iola and Titus in the middle of the Sahara desert with no recollection of each other or how they got there. The book then continues on alternating between Iola and Titus making their way through Atlantis' traps in the desert, and the events at Eton leading up to the desert. I am definitely not a huge fan of timeline hopping stories, and it was definitely a shock after the first book which followed a logical time sequence. But while it was a bit too much for my tired mind to comprehend at first (I think it was 2 AM when I started this), I don't think the skipping was too detrimental to the story.

This story was, as expected, a continuation of Titus and Iola's adventures from the previous story. Unfortunately, it wasn't much more than a continuation, as there was no real separate plot for this book. Now don't misunderstand...there were a lot of important things that happened in this story. Titus' prophesies nearly ruin everything, Atlantis continues to make moves against Titus and Iola, and some surprising allies reveal themselves. But overall, this story seemed to be just a link between the last story and the final book (which is expected in about a YEAR by the way... I am not patient enough for this). Overall, this had a lot of the merits of the first book, but I had to wait for the last 10% or so of the story for most of the action.

Find it on: Amazon | Goodreads | Sherry Thomas

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas (The Elemental Trilogy #1)

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Bottom Line: This story has a well developed magic system with some very strong characters and a very sweet romance. 

The Elemental Trilogy
1.  The Burning Sky
2.  The Perilous Sea

Synopsis (Goodreads):

It all began with a ruined elixir and a bolt of lightning.

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of The Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.

Guided by his mother's visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission—and her life.

The Burning Sky—the first book in the Elemental Trilogy—is an electrifying and unforgettable novel of intrigue and adventure.

My Thoughts:

I'm ashamed to say it, but sometimes I forget how great a book can be without dirty, passionate romance. This book was absolutely wonderful. As the first YA book I've read in several months, I must say I really enjoyed the innocence of this story.  The romance (while certainly not the main plot) was really adorable, and the action was exciting and a little whimsical.

I thought the magic system in this story was well thought out while still being fairly original. The magic realm was separate from the human realm, but overlapping in some locations, allowing mages to travel between both realms. There are magical creatures, instant teleportation spells (super handy), and some really useful enchanted training books. If some aspects of this magic system are a bit too convenient, I'm willing to let it slide, because I feel that everything worked well with Thomas' plot.

Prince Titus and Iolanthe were brought together by Titus' mother's prophesies, and the plot is primarily driven by these prophesies. While it was a little annoying how strongly Titus held too his mother's visions, I think it was a necessary character flaw. It was interesting to consider whether Titus would give up the prophesies as his trust in Iolanthe grew. The relationship between Titus and Iola was fun and sweet. Titus generally played the part of the lovesick puppy, while Iola was all business, but it actually didn't get overly obnoxious. Their developing relationship fit in nicely with the much more important saving-the-world parts of the story.

Find it on: Amazon | Goodreads | Sherry Thomas

Demons by K.F. Breene (Darkness #4)

Demons by K.F. Breene

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Bottom Line: The plot dragged out a bit too much with no real resolution. This was a tough one for me to get in to.

Darkness Series
1.  Into the Darkness
2.  Braving the Elements
3.  On a Razor's Edge
4.  Demons
5. The Council (Oct 30, 2014)

Synopsis (Goodreads):

It’s been a long road, but Sasha has finally claimed her role as the least knowledge mage in history. She’s also acquired a new, incredibly grumpy bodyguard, and a spunky new BFF. With her team by her side, she learns the ropes of this new profession. 

Her experience level is about to be fast-tracked, however. 

On a routine trip to check out a perimeter breach, she encounters a hideous demon called by an experienced magic worker. It is this terrifying discovery that unlocks a deeper problem: Stefan’s troubled past and the reason he gravely mistrusts the Mata. 

While Sasha struggles to fight the physical demons, Stefan struggles to fight the demons of his past. If he fails, his future in Sasha will be lost.

My Thoughts:

After being very pleasantly surprised by the first few books in this series, I was shocked how tough it was for me to get through this novella. I honestly don't know what happened, but I had to push myself to stay interested in this story. The plot begins with a demon summoned by some mysterious, powerful mage. The demon, conveniently, provides a mystery for Sasha to solve with her awesome black magic powers as well as a way for her to prove her abilities to lead her people. Additionally, this demon brings up Stefan's inner demons (ooo double meaning), and we get to see Sasha help our sensitive stud through some tough times. I know, I sound bitter. Honestly, I usually eat this kind of sensitive-tough-guy stuff up, but it was just too forced in this story.  In my opinion, even the sex was forced...there was hardly even a purpose for it. And when I'm clamoring for a purpose for some naughty scenes in a romance, you know there's a problem.

Now I still enjoyed the magic aspects of this story, and the final battle was exciting enough, but the one thing that still eats at me is that there was no POINT to the demon. Even after we discover who summoned the demon (and believe me, it was no real shocker), it seemed like it was just summoned because the mage wanted to see if it could be done. Congrats! You can summon a demon. Story over.

Find it on: Amazon | Goodreads | K.F. Breene

On a Razor's Edge by K.F. Breene (Darkness #3)

On a Razor's Edge by K.F. Breene

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Bottom Line: Quite an exciting story, but fairly reminiscent of the plot from the second book.

Darkness Series
1.  Into the Darkness
2.  Braving the Elements
3.  On a Razor's Edge
4.  Demons
5. The Council (Oct 30, 2014)

Synopsis (Goodreads):

If Sasha thought life would slow down after being captured, she was dead wrong. 

Having an extremely high level of magic, but not knowing how to use it, has become more than a little problematic. Struggling to get her power under control has everyone on their toes, waiting for something to blow up. And then there is the issue of loving Stefan, but not being able to mate him because she hadn't a clue how to lead, which is necessary if she wants to rule by his side.

No, things have not gotten any easier.

With the incoming visit of the Regional and his white mage, the pressure turns way up for both Sasha and Stefan. So many issues are riding on the balance, and one word from the authoritative pair could have Sasha back in her old life, still in danger, and without the resources to carry on.

Sasha has to learn to battle while walking on a razor's edge.

My Thoughts:

This was an enjoyable addition to the Darkness Series. I think the plots are getting more developed as we get further into this series, and I enjoy how Breene is devoting less time to vampire orgies and more time to awesome magic powers. Weird, I know. As the Regional and his mage come to visit Stefan and check in on the oddity that is Sasha, the plot develops into a sort of magic training montage. And it was enjoyable. We get to see what Sasha is capable of, though half of the time she proves only that she has a ton of power and no clue how to use it. But hey, it was entertaining.

The relationship between Stefan and Sasha was put to the test a bit here, as Stefan is required to mate with someone who can stand by his side in a position of leadership. Their interactions were still very romantic, and pretty steamy, but I think the romance aspects of this book were secondary to the action.

While I did enjoy the third book in this series, I did find myself noting many similarities between this plot and that of the second book. It seemed to follow the same formula of Sasha struggling with magic lessons, Sasha getting into trouble, Sasha throwing herself into epic battles...Stefan being his sexy, overprotective self...it was all very familiar, but still quite exciting.

Find it on: Amazon | Goodreads | K.F. Breene

Braving the Elements by K.F. Breene (Darkness #2)

Braving the Elements by K.F. Breene

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Bottom Line: If the dirtiness of the first novella scared you off, consider giving this series a second chance. You really can't go wrong with a magical sword-wielding alpha male. 

Darkness Series
1.  Into the Darkness
2.  Braving the Elements
3.  On a Razor's Edge
4.  Demons

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Sasha has always known she was different, but now she also knows that the shadow men she’s seen all her life, are real. 
With a life goal of fitting in, Sasha hopes her strange abilities will finally make true friendship a possibility. Unfortunately, her magic doesn’t function like everyone else’s. What she thought would make her belong, sets her apart now more than ever.

Stefan, all but promised to a different woman, has tried to keep his mind on his duties instead of the irresistible and free-spirited human. But when she is threatened, he can’t keep his distance anymore. He realizes he’ll stop at nothing to keep her safe, and more importantly, make her his. 

Just when one thing clicks into place, another spirals out of control. Stefan’s clan isn’t the only group that would benefit from an extremely rare type of magic. And their enemies will stop at nothing to get what they want.

My Thoughts:

This was a marvelous continuation of the Darkness Series. Sasha and a very unhappy Charles start attending classes to hone Sasha's magical skills. All the while, Sasha and Stefan struggle with the connection that is constantly pulling them together. Sasha has to deal with a bunch of super-humans who view her as nothing more than a pet with a few magical tricks. Stefan has to balance his attraction to Sasha with his duty to the clan, all while protecting his people from the imminent battles with the Eastern Territories.

If you read the first book and were bothered by the "distasteful sexual situations," the non-consensual sex is absent in this story. Now the crude language and sex warnings still stand, though it was toned down a bit. While mature subject matter is sprinkled throughout the book, I promise you the actual plot dominates...this story is not all sex.

Practically all of my issues with the first novella in this series were resolved in this story. I actually learned to like Sasha. I thought she was weak and purposefully played dumb in the first book, but after learning a bit more about her, I feel a little bad for my hasty judgement. I'll admit, she isn't the strongest heroine I've ever read, but it's not a crime for the heroine to get a little down when life gets rough. At least she has some badass skills she finally gets to show off in battle.

Stefan is definitely one of my favorite heroes. I mean he's just really perfect...can I have one please? Why don't I ever find hot men with magical swordsmanship skills and a killer protective instinct? I feel like that's not too much to ask... All right, so he's the typical alpha male tamed only by the heroine, but I still love it. Their attraction to each other was very steamy, and turns out Stefan is quite the romantic under all that muscle. I was happy that Charles ended up being the comic relief in this story instead of just a despicable sex-addict. My biggest disappointment is that these are so short!

Find it on: Amazon | Goodreads | K.F. Breene

Into the Darkness by K.F. Breene (Darkness #1)

Into the Darkness by K.F. Breene

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Bottom Line: If you are up for A LOT of naughtiness and crude language, this story actually has a very interesting plot.

Darkness Series
1.  Into the Darkness
2.  Braving the Elements
3.  On a Razor's Edge
4.  Demons

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Sasha has grown up with one surety: she’s not normal. 

She sees things in the darkness that no one else can see. Mysterious men cloaked in shadow, moving through the night. The problem is, pointing out invisible people is a fast track to a padded cell. Orphaned at age five, Sasha quickly learns an important survival tip: keep her mouth shut and stay out of the spotlight.

Until one night, everything changes. She and her boyfriend, Jared, find themselves stranded on the wrong side of town. Suddenly, the men she was convinced were hallucinations, are very real. And very dangerous.

As a new world opens up around her, she meets him. The Boss. An alpha leader who entrances her mind and tugs on her body. Primal and sexual, his people have a different set of rules. And they don’t always play nice.

As danger rises up around her, her differences may be the only thing that saves her life. She must embrace what she’s tried so hard to hide, while resisting the person her body craves most. Sasha has finally found her shadow men, and they will change her life forever.

My Thoughts:

There were a lot of warnings for this novella about the tastelessness of some of the sexual situations (i.e. non-consensual), but I'm going to be honest with you--I really didn't think it was that bad. I suppose from someone who reads paranormal romances, it's not that uncommon to see magical beings luring humans into sexual situations that they would not otherwise be ok with. Maybe my moral fiber is fraying...but I would say not to let that warning stop you from enjoying this book if you are ok with books pushing the boundaries a teensy bit. Now the "adult situations" warning you can heed. The language in this book is crude and the sex is abundant and a little graphic (ok, VERY graphic). So prepare yourself to either embrace the naughtiness or put up with it and just enjoy the plot.

That being said, I am glad I finally read this novella. It was free on Amazon (and still is I believe), so I just bought it and let it chill on my kindle for a few months. This story introduces Sasha, a seemingly normal human girl who has always had this odd feeling that something is a little different about her. After a run in with a group of not-quite-human men, Sasha and her boyfriend, Jason, are thrown into the world of the "shadow men."

I'll be honest. I'm not a huge fan of Sasha's. She is a little immature and she seems to revel in the fact that she isn't smart, which is a bit of a heroine pet-peeve of mine. But I am a huge fan of the power Sasha discovers she has. The "shadow men" are characterized as a sort of vampiric race, but I'm not convinced that I see them as vampires. I always thought vampires should be undead...I guess they enjoy the sharing of blood, lots of sex, and they're all ridiculously hot, so maybe that's close enough? But the important part is that they have some very neat skills, and they are currently dealing with a vampire turf war.

Overall, this novella was funny, raunchy, and had a surprisingly exciting plot. As I always do, I failed to notice that this was a series of novellas, so I was very disappointed when the story just stopped 200 pages in. So be prepared to pick up the next book in the series right away!  

Find it on: Amazon | Goodreads | K.F. Breene

Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #7)

Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Bottom Line: A lot of important issues were finally tied up in this story. This novel seemed like more of a way to bring all these situations we've been waiting for into the series instead of having its own separate plot. 

Kate Daniels Series
0.5 Questionable Client
1.   Magic Bites
2.   Magic Burns
3.   Magic Strikes
3.5 Magic Mourns
4.   Magic Bleeds
4.5 Magic Dreams
5.   Magic Slays
5.5 Gunmetal Magic
6.   Magic Rises
7.   Magic Breaks
7.5 Magic Steals (November 25, 2014)
8.   Magic Shifts (2015) 

Synopsis (Goodreads):

No matter how much the paranormal politics of Atlanta change, one thing always remains the same: if there’s trouble, Kate Daniels will be in the middle of it…

As the mate of the Beast Lord, Curran, former mercenary Kate Daniels has more responsibilities than it seems possible to juggle. Not only is she still struggling to keep her investigative business afloat, she must now deal with the affairs of the pack, including preparing her people for attack from Roland, a cruel ancient being with god-like powers. Since Kate’s connection to Roland has come out into the open, no one is safe—especially those closest to Kate.

As Roland’s long shadow looms ever nearer, Kate is called to attend the Conclave, a gathering of the leaders from the various supernatural factions in Atlanta. When one of the Masters of the Dead is found murdered there, apparently at the hands of a shapeshifter, Kate is given only twenty-four hours to hunt down the killer. And this time, if she fails, she’ll find herself embroiled in a war which could destroy everything she holds dear…

My Thoughts:

The Kate Daniels series is my absolute favorite series...of all time. I have read the entire series at least three times this year, thus my enjoyment of this book may be a little biased. That being said, this was NOT my favorite of Andrew's novels. In fact, I think it may be my least favorite of the series--hey, some book had to be my least favorite. Before I start out, I fully recommend reading at least the main novels in this series (I haven't read the short stories yet) before picking up this one or I imagine you'll find yourself quite confused. I would describe this plot as "important"; it included all the necessary components to continuing Kate's story, but it was not the most exciting story on its own. The first half of this book was a little slow for me, as we set up the interactions between the pack and the People, but it certainly picked up towards the end. Without giving away any of the plot, I can say that we finally learn a bit more about Roland and how Kate and Curran will be involved with his plans.

I feel like Kate didn't really do anything super reckless and stupid to save the world in this story, which is always my favorite part of these books! Hopefully she's not becoming *gasp* responsible. In all seriousness, there was something different about Kate in this story that I can't put my finger on. I think perhaps her actions became too businesslike to fit with my view of her. Even her interactions with Curran were a little too stiff, and I certainly did not get enough Curran in this book (a selfish complaint, I know). I still enjoyed the humor and excitement in this story, and I am thrilled to see how Kate's story is finally unfurling. I would say, overall, that this novel did more to get me pumped up for the remaining books in the series than actually pulling me into its own plot.

Find it on: Amazon | Goodreads | Ilona Andrews    

Highlander Betrayed by Laurin Wittig (Guardians of the Targe #1)

Highlander Betrayed by Laurin Wittig

Genre: Paranormal Historical Romance

Bottom Line: An action-packed highlander novel with a touch of magic.  

Guardians of the Targe
1.  Highlander Betrayed
2.  Highlander Avenged (June 24, 2014)  

Synopsis (Goodreads):

Hidden deep in the rugged Scottish Highlands lies the Highland Targe, an ancient relic guarded for centuries by clan MacAlpin. It is said the Targe can shield the heart of the Highlands from invaders and now, as part of his plan to crush the Scottish rebellion, the English king wants the Targe for himself...

Rowan MacGregor, orphaned niece to the chief of the MacAlpins and the rock her family depends upon, is worried. With the dwindling health of her aunt, the Guardian of the Targe, the protections that have kept the clan safe and prosperous are fading, and the new Guardian, one of her cousins, has yet to be chosen. Rowan wants nothing more than to see the clan protected again, but when it seems that will never happen, she despairs—even when a handsome and charming stranger comes to her aid. 

Nicholas fitz Hugh is not what he seems. Half-English, half-Scottish, he turned his back on his Scottish heritage early in his life, giving his loyalty to England instead. Now he is a talented and cunning spy charged with finding and stealing the Highland Targe for his king. 

But when Nicholas finds himself falling for the bonny Rowan and wanting to protect the family she holds so dear, he is forced to choose between his king’s will and his own: Will he betray his king and his mission? Or will he turn his back on the woman he has come to love?

My Thoughts:

This story is a mix between a paranormal, highlander, and spy romance. I actually had no idea that this book had some paranormal aspects before I started reading, so I was pleasantly surprised.  If you don't like mixing some magic in with your historical romances...live a little!  Or just be forewarned.  This was an interesting story about a Scottish clan that has the power to protect the passage to the Highlands with a shield known as the Highland Targe.  Since this shield inspires hope in the highlanders, King Edward of England wants it for himself.  He sends out his top two spies, Nicholas and Archie, to obtain the Highland Targe.  Nicholas infiltrates the MacAlpin clan, and begins to learn about the Targe and the family that guards it.  He is especially interested in Rowan, the beautiful niece of the chief who seems to wield some interesting powers.

I was happy to find that this story did not follow what I have found to be the "typical" historical romance spy plot:  the characters fall in love for most of the book, a few dirty nights...she learns of the betrayal, cry cry cry, forgive, the end.  Highlander Betrayed added a bit more to the plot which kept my interest.  I really enjoyed the plot, but I thought the emotion between Nicholas and Rowan was a little lacking.  It was certainly romantic, and there were a couple sensual scenes, but the overall feel I got from them was a little...tame.  I just did not feel a huge emotional connection with these two characters, even though betrayal plots usually have me bawling.  Regardless, the action held my interest throughout the story.

I enjoyed the magic in this book, but I wish it was explored a little more.  I think the magical aspects of this story were meant to be secondary to the romance and action, so I didn't expect as much as I would from a full on paranormal romance.  It did get a bit annoying when a question about the magic surrounding the Targe was brought up and the answer was always "no one knows, that's just how it has always been."  The plot did leave a few problems unsolved to lead up to the next book in the series, Highlander Avenged, so perhaps we will learn more about the history of the Targe from Jeanette's story.

Overall, I thought this was a nice action-packed highlander story, though a bit lacking in passion.  The magic is a welcome surprise to a paranormal romance lover.  

Find it on: Amazon | Goodreads | Laurin Wittig         

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison (The Hollows #2)

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead by Kim Harrison

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Bottom Line: Another very slow start, but boy did it get exciting once the ball got rolling!

The Hollows
1.  Dead Witch Walking
2.  The Good, the Bad, and the Undead
3.  Every Witch Way but Dead
4.  A Fistful of Charms
5.  For a Few Demons More
6.  Outlaw Demon Wails
7.  White Witch, Black Curse
8.  Black Magic Sanction
9.  Pale Demon
10.  A Perfect Blood
11.  Ever After
12.  The Undead Pool
13.  The Witch With No Name (September 9, 2014)

Synopsis (Amazon):

It's a tough life for witch Rachel Morgan, sexy, independent bounty hunter, prowling the darkest shadows of downtown Cincinnati for criminal creatures of the night.

She can handle the leather-clad vamps and even tangle with a cunning demon or two. But a serial killer who feeds on the experts in the most dangerous kind of black magic is definitely pressing the limits.

Confronting an ancient, implacable evil is more than just child's play -- and this time, Rachel will be lucky to escape with her very soul.

My Thoughts:

Just when I thought I was out, Harrison pulls me back in!  I don't know what it is with this series and the slow starts.  I read this book because I wanted to give the series a second chance after my not-so-enjoyable time with Dead Witch Walking.  I was about to just give up after struggling through the beginning of this one.  I swear it took me three weeks to get up the willpower to finish the first 40% of this book.  Then today I sat down, and I just hit some magic point where the story sucked me in, and I couldn't put the book down until it was through.  So I'm telling you, if you can just get through the first 40-ish percent, it's worth it.

In The Good, the Bad, and the Undead,  Rachel Morgan is working as an independent runner with her vampire roommate Ivy, and her pixy associate Jenks, with some help from her human boyfriend, Nick.  After a string of witch murders, the FIB calls in Rachel's help as a link between the inderlanders and humans.  When Rachel begins to suspect that Trent Kalamack is involved in the murders, she happily takes up the case.  Hijinks ensue...

Alright, my opinion on Rachel has not changed...she still bugs the crap out of me.  It's like any time someone suggests that she thinks rationally, she throws a fit.  Come on woman, use your head!  One thing I did enjoy with this book though, was that we get to see a bit more of Rachel's power.  In the first book I found her quite unremarkable, but now we see that she does have a bit of skill.  And I am hoping that we will continue to learn about her family history, since we start to get hints about Rachel's father.  I loved the addition of Glenn, the FIB agent Rachel works with.  I picture Glenn as a hulking, unflappable secret service agent, and picturing Rachel in her leather and mini skirts walking around with him just makes me giggle.

Some important reasons to keep reading this book:  First, we learn what Trent is!  Hallelujah.  I won't ruin it for you, but if you are as impatient as me, that's big news.  Second, Kisten... I want more Kisten. Third, Al the Demon (great name) is fantastic.  He's hilarious and delightfully naughty, and I'm glad he played a large part in this book after his appearance in Dead Witch Walking.  I really applaud Harrison's ability to make the antagonists so appealing.  I think it's what really made this book enjoyable for me.

Nick...I'm not sure about him.  At first, I was excited that this book was a little naughtier than the first one.  But Nick is quite preoccupied with demons, and I'm just not sure how I feel about him anymore.  There were times when Nick and Rachel's relationship was incredibly sweet, then others where he seemed like he was up to something.  I'm thinking we could do with a little swap for Kist.  Or Trent.  Yum.  I will certainly be picking up the third book soon, and I will pray that it gets a quicker start than the first two because the endings are just so fantastic.    

Find it on: Amazon | Goodreads | Kim Harrison 

Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison (The Hollows #1)

Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison 

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Bottom Line: This story is slowwww to develop.  On it's own, it wasn't great for me, but I'll give this series a second chance.

The Hollows
1.  Dead Witch Walking
2.  The Good, the Bad, and the Undead
3.  Every Witch Way but Dead
4.  A Fistful of Charms
5.  For a Few Demons More
6.  Outlaw Demon Wails
7.  White Witch, Black Curse
8.  Black Magic Sanction
9.  Pale Demon
10.  A Perfect Blood
11.  Ever After
12.  The Undead Pool
13.  The Witch With No Name (September 9, 2014)

Synopsis (Amazon):

All the creatures of the night gather in "the Hollows" of Cincinnati, to hide, to prowl, to party ... and to feed.

Vampires rule the darkness in a predator-eat-predator world rife with dangers beyond imagining -- and it’s Rachel Morgan's job to keep that world civilized.

A bounty hunter and witch with serious sex appeal and an attitude, she'll bring 'em back alive, dead ... or undead.

My Thoughts:

I started reading this book after I saw The Undead Pool on display at the book store.  I figured "wow, a book with a fun cover on the main display?  Must be an extraordinary series!"  Yeah, I didn't get that from this first book.  This book is supposed to be about a badass witch kicking some supernatural booty.  It seemed more like a mediocre witch getting herself into situations she couldn't get out of...for the first 300 pages.

Rachel Morgan is a "good" witch who quits her job at Inderland Security...basically she's a supernatural bounty hunter.  Problem is, people don't quit the I.S. and get away with it.  She immediately is put under a death threat, and has to fight to survive with only the help of her horny vampire roommate, Ivy, and her pixy friend, Jenks.  Now I liked Jenks in this book.  I think of him as the comic relief.  Ivy, I suppose, would be the drama side of the book, since she's in a constant struggle not to attack her roommate.  In this book, we meet Trent Kalamack: an attractive, rich supernatural of some unknown sort who has a HUGE mean streak.  Ok, this guy is borderline evil...but I am really looking forward to seeing how he interacts with Rachel in the rest of the books.  The scenes with Rachel and Trent were among the only parts I enjoyed in this book.  As for romance?  There is none...I was disappointed, but I suppose the book never really promised me romance, so I can't be too upset.  Perhaps something will develop in a later book?  Please?

Alright, so why didn't I enjoy this book?  It took a good three quarters of this book to get to something exciting.  Rachel is weak...I know not every heroine has to be a warrior princess, but I really wish Rachel had some sort of useful power.  Half the book was her doing something incredibly stupid, then sitting there thinking about it until someone saved her.

Will I continue on with the series?  Yes, I will give the second book a shot, at least.  The Hollows series has 12 books right now.  I feel like in order to support a series of that magnitude, a lot needs to be introduced in the first book.  So I'm going to continue on in hopes that the next book will contain a few more exciting magical adventures...and a bit less sitting around getting to know each other.

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