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The Maker's Song #5
On Midnight Wings
A DESPERATE SEARCH. A DARK AND DANGEROUS JOURNEY. AND EVERY STEP COULD DESTROY EVERYONE DANTE LOVES.
ONLY ONE MORTAL WOMAN CAN SAVE HIM . . .
As Dante Baptiste’s true identity as both True Blood and Fallen ripples throughout New Orleans, he and Heather struggle for their lives against different foes, fighting their way back to each other. To free herself from her father’s treachery, Heather accepts help from an ally–and steps into even greater danger. Dante, lost to his brutal past, wavers between his own sense of self and the Bad Seed-programmed S that lurks within, between the never-ending Road and the Great Destroyer. And the danger of becoming both.
. . . UNLESS THE FALLEN REACH HIM FIRST.
Lucien searches frantically for the lovers, all too aware that time is running out. Dark forces continue to gather, eager to possess and manipulate the young vampire for their own ends. The fate of mortals, nightkind, and the Fallen pivots around Dante as he struggles to piece together his shattered psyche and gain control of his power before he rips all three worlds asunder.
ONLY ONE MORTAL WOMAN CAN SAVE HIM . . .
As Dante Baptiste’s true identity as both True Blood and Fallen ripples throughout New Orleans, he and Heather struggle for their lives against different foes, fighting their way back to each other. To free herself from her father’s treachery, Heather accepts help from an ally–and steps into even greater danger. Dante, lost to his brutal past, wavers between his own sense of self and the Bad Seed-programmed S that lurks within, between the never-ending Road and the Great Destroyer. And the danger of becoming both.
. . . UNLESS THE FALLEN REACH HIM FIRST.
Lucien searches frantically for the lovers, all too aware that time is running out. Dark forces continue to gather, eager to possess and manipulate the young vampire for their own ends. The fate of mortals, nightkind, and the Fallen pivots around Dante as he struggles to piece together his shattered psyche and gain control of his power before he rips all three worlds asunder.
386 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 24, 2013
10 people are currently reading
1864 people want to read
About the author
Adrian Phoenix
18 books930 followersAdrian Phoenix writes urban fantasy and is the author of The Maker's Song series, (currently working on book 6) and the Hoodoo series, the third book, Black Moon Mojo and the forthcoming Sons of Darkness series. Her humorous paranormal Thinning the Herd was released January 2016.
She lives in Springfield, Oregon in a zombie-free home (except when meeting deadlines) with three cats, Keats, Emily, and Raven and has two sons, three grandchildren and three granddogs.
She loves to read and see movies, enjoys hiking with her granddog, Cielo, (immortalized in Black Dust Mambo and Black Heart Loa), and hanging out with friends.
She also loves creepy things and yearns to go on a paranormal investigation. She also hopes to do a haunted tour one day.
She also loves, loves, loves music – and anything by Trent Reznor is high on the list. She also loves to hear from my readers and fans, So please feel free to contact her!
Website: http://www.adrianphoenix.com
Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adrian...
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/adriannikolasp...
She lives in Springfield, Oregon in a zombie-free home (except when meeting deadlines) with three cats, Keats, Emily, and Raven and has two sons, three grandchildren and three granddogs.
She loves to read and see movies, enjoys hiking with her granddog, Cielo, (immortalized in Black Dust Mambo and Black Heart Loa), and hanging out with friends.
She also loves creepy things and yearns to go on a paranormal investigation. She also hopes to do a haunted tour one day.
She also loves, loves, loves music – and anything by Trent Reznor is high on the list. She also loves to hear from my readers and fans, So please feel free to contact her!
Website: http://www.adrianphoenix.com
Facebook fan page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adrian...
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/adriannikolasp...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
September 24, 2013
I absolutely LOVE the series but I feel like we've waited 2 very long years to read about a car ride, and hospital stays, when the main characters time together only numbers a few pages of the 366 long page book, not even a chapter. I really liked what was written but... I'm just sorta underwhelmed, kind of like if I went to the store to buy an éclair bit into it only to realize there's no filling, the donut was spectacular but I REALLY wanted the cream too..
September 9, 2013
Most of the time I can't keep myself away from Adrian Phoenix's books, because they are pure, hard-boiled urban fantasy, but on this occasion I felt pretty overwhelmed.
The plot reached its culmination in the previous book, and I justifiably felt that we would get some sort of resolution or at least some answers in the following book. Well, not so much.
Everything gets more and more complicated, Heather and Dante can't catch a break and go through obstacle after obstacle to the point where it feels as sheer masochism to read the series further. Please, Miss Phoenix, end this whole torture soon, because I just get more and more frustrated and exhausted.
The emotions are high on all sides; all the main characters are going through a wringer with Dante spiralling further into insanity, and Heather trying to save him and not let FBI, her father and the rest of bad guys use her against him. Add to it Von struggling against his superiors, angels inter fighting between themselves, treachery upon treachery and an impending apocalyptic doom and gloom... and On Midnight Wings is a very dark, depressing read, which would have been more bearable with a bit more positivity and good old humour.
I will try to finish this series, but at this point I'm not sure I will.
December 10, 2013
The Maker’s Song series has always been a sword through the heart series for me to read. A dark noir urban fantasy; this series both excites me and infuriates me. It’s rather like an intense soap opera, giving us hints towards the overall conclusion all the while leading us down a twisted path of deceit, betrayal, and deception. We are constantly embroiled in the past, present, and future throughout this series; never sure where we are going to end up. That is part of the charm yet also frustrating to a certain extent. Ms. Phoenix does not offer false platitudes nor does she toss in random plot elements to allow us a breather while she prepares for next assault upon our sense.
This series grabbed me from the first moment I met Dante Bastipe and his FBI agent, Heather Wallace. A romance filled with tragedy is born that opens a path to a destiny that could destroy the world. Poor Dante and Heather have been through some of the most dramatic emotionally heartbreaking scenes I have ever encountered in a fictional relationship. Frankly, it never ends for them. Book four, Etched In Bone, left me in a predicament. I’m at the point where I need some happiness or assurances of happiness for my couple because the books are depressing me.
On Midnight Wings picks up exactly where Etched In Bone ends. Heather and Dante were kidnapped and separated. Heather is taken to a mental institution to be “reprogrammed” and Dante wakes in a secret laboratory. His programming as a child by the Shadow Branch is beginning to falter, causing even more fractures in his psyche. A psyche that was only contained by his proximity to his anchor and lover, Heather. With her gone, Dante’s spiral into madness accelerates, further pushed by the torture and horrendous experiments being done on him. The past and present collide in Dante’s mind, leaving Dante in the midst of a continuously cycling psychotic breakdown the majority of the book.
Heather fares little better. Her father, tricked by the FBI, finds Heather and helps her escape though she turns the tables on him. Danger dogs her every step as she uses her bond to Dante to slowly make her way to him. As Heather fights her way to Dante and Dante fights the demons in his mind, Lucian and the rest of Dante’s crew search for them both as they fight their own battles against the ever increasing list of those who seek Dante for their own means.
This book frustrated me. One one hand, I love being back in this dark and sensual world that Phoenix has built. I adore the convoluted characters and the multi layered storylines. This series keeps you guessing as it repeatedly rips your heart out. My frustration comes from the fact that On Midnight Wings offers nothing new in way of advancement in the arc nor the romance. It feels like we are playing catch up; especially after the less than revealing previous installment. Plenty of gripping scenes and engaging dialogue from everyone involved and yet nothing is accomplished till the last few pages. The interaction between key characters is almost null. Add in the fact it took almost two years for this installment to release, I expected more.
I miss seeing Heather and Dante together. Their relationship and romance has become the cornerstone of the series and we have been long denied seeing them together without an ax over their heads. I enjoy anticipation and angst as much as the next reader but this continuous testing and emotional torment of our protagonists is beginning to wear thin. Watching Dante’s descent into madness is interesting, but nothing new. Watching Heather fight her way to Dante’s side is also interesting, but nothing new. It’s a regurgitating plot device that is seen repeatedly throughout this series. I honestly felt some of the constant stream of explanations could have been cut and Dante and Heather’s separation could have been chronicled into a few chapters; allowing them to come together early on and the story to advance.
I did enjoy the various scenes where we are given insight into certain long term characters’ agendas. Almost everyone you have ever met in this series makes an appearance in here, each one fighting their way towards Dante for reasons all their own. While I will continue reading this series as I have a heavy investment in the outcome, the dark overtones it has were extremely prevalent in here and unfortunately lacked the intense action and subtle humor that normally helps to balance that darkness.
Rating: C
This series grabbed me from the first moment I met Dante Bastipe and his FBI agent, Heather Wallace. A romance filled with tragedy is born that opens a path to a destiny that could destroy the world. Poor Dante and Heather have been through some of the most dramatic emotionally heartbreaking scenes I have ever encountered in a fictional relationship. Frankly, it never ends for them. Book four, Etched In Bone, left me in a predicament. I’m at the point where I need some happiness or assurances of happiness for my couple because the books are depressing me.
On Midnight Wings picks up exactly where Etched In Bone ends. Heather and Dante were kidnapped and separated. Heather is taken to a mental institution to be “reprogrammed” and Dante wakes in a secret laboratory. His programming as a child by the Shadow Branch is beginning to falter, causing even more fractures in his psyche. A psyche that was only contained by his proximity to his anchor and lover, Heather. With her gone, Dante’s spiral into madness accelerates, further pushed by the torture and horrendous experiments being done on him. The past and present collide in Dante’s mind, leaving Dante in the midst of a continuously cycling psychotic breakdown the majority of the book.
Heather fares little better. Her father, tricked by the FBI, finds Heather and helps her escape though she turns the tables on him. Danger dogs her every step as she uses her bond to Dante to slowly make her way to him. As Heather fights her way to Dante and Dante fights the demons in his mind, Lucian and the rest of Dante’s crew search for them both as they fight their own battles against the ever increasing list of those who seek Dante for their own means.
This book frustrated me. One one hand, I love being back in this dark and sensual world that Phoenix has built. I adore the convoluted characters and the multi layered storylines. This series keeps you guessing as it repeatedly rips your heart out. My frustration comes from the fact that On Midnight Wings offers nothing new in way of advancement in the arc nor the romance. It feels like we are playing catch up; especially after the less than revealing previous installment. Plenty of gripping scenes and engaging dialogue from everyone involved and yet nothing is accomplished till the last few pages. The interaction between key characters is almost null. Add in the fact it took almost two years for this installment to release, I expected more.
I miss seeing Heather and Dante together. Their relationship and romance has become the cornerstone of the series and we have been long denied seeing them together without an ax over their heads. I enjoy anticipation and angst as much as the next reader but this continuous testing and emotional torment of our protagonists is beginning to wear thin. Watching Dante’s descent into madness is interesting, but nothing new. Watching Heather fight her way to Dante’s side is also interesting, but nothing new. It’s a regurgitating plot device that is seen repeatedly throughout this series. I honestly felt some of the constant stream of explanations could have been cut and Dante and Heather’s separation could have been chronicled into a few chapters; allowing them to come together early on and the story to advance.
I did enjoy the various scenes where we are given insight into certain long term characters’ agendas. Almost everyone you have ever met in this series makes an appearance in here, each one fighting their way towards Dante for reasons all their own. While I will continue reading this series as I have a heavy investment in the outcome, the dark overtones it has were extremely prevalent in here and unfortunately lacked the intense action and subtle humor that normally helps to balance that darkness.
Rating: C
December 12, 2014
I still love this series and the complex world Adrian Phoenix created. I love it as much as I did after reading book 1, A Rush of Wings, and being totally blown away. And I love Heather, and Dante, and Lucien more and more with each book. But I am giving this a 3.5/5 because I feel like the story is really getting drawn out.
Its just been a constant stream of Dante being kidnapped and tortured by vampires, psychopaths, evil angels, the government, other branches of the government, eviler angels, etc, etc. I am really getting tired of it. I guess this is all leading towards pushing Dante into becoming the Great Destroyer and then probably being saved by Heather, but I dont like seeing quite so much of it. Its starting to all seem the same.
Although the more Dante is tortured and pushed to his limits, the more I love him. I LOVE DANTE SO MUCH!!! But its not even in a swoony book-boyfriend kind of way. I just love him so much as a person and admire his strength. I sort of have two separate lists of favourite heroes in my head. One is book boyfriends, and one is just heroes--male leads whose romantic relationship, or lack thereof, has no effect on my love for them. Dante would be on the latter, along with heroes like Ender Wiggin and Eragon. But make no mistake, I am most certainly swooning and drooling ALL OVER his daddy. ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓ (At least, this is how I imagine him in my head)
I love Lucien and I look forward to seeing him protect his son further, now that Leviathon has awakened. I also want to learn more about Annie's baby. That wasnt really addressed at all in this book. Is Annie the only one who knows who the father is? As well as the father. He seemed to have figured it out real quick. Things could get interesting. But please, dont focus the next book on kidnappings and failed rescue attempts! It took all of this book for Heather to track down Dante after he was kidnapped at the end of the last one. It was so frustrating!
Edit: I contacted the author and she said that the end of the series is not in sight for her. That she will continue writing the series as long as she can keep the story interesting. I guess I can live with that. Not like I really wanna leave these characters yet anyway.
Its just been a constant stream of Dante being kidnapped and tortured by vampires, psychopaths, evil angels, the government, other branches of the government, eviler angels, etc, etc. I am really getting tired of it. I guess this is all leading towards pushing Dante into becoming the Great Destroyer and then probably being saved by Heather, but I dont like seeing quite so much of it. Its starting to all seem the same.
Although the more Dante is tortured and pushed to his limits, the more I love him. I LOVE DANTE SO MUCH!!! But its not even in a swoony book-boyfriend kind of way. I just love him so much as a person and admire his strength. I sort of have two separate lists of favourite heroes in my head. One is book boyfriends, and one is just heroes--male leads whose romantic relationship, or lack thereof, has no effect on my love for them. Dante would be on the latter, along with heroes like Ender Wiggin and Eragon. But make no mistake, I am most certainly swooning and drooling ALL OVER his daddy. ↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓ (At least, this is how I imagine him in my head)
I love Lucien and I look forward to seeing him protect his son further, now that Leviathon has awakened. I also want to learn more about Annie's baby. That wasnt really addressed at all in this book. Is Annie the only one who knows who the father is? As well as the father. He seemed to have figured it out real quick. Things could get interesting. But please, dont focus the next book on kidnappings and failed rescue attempts! It took all of this book for Heather to track down Dante after he was kidnapped at the end of the last one. It was so frustrating!
Edit: I contacted the author and she said that the end of the series is not in sight for her. That she will continue writing the series as long as she can keep the story interesting. I guess I can live with that. Not like I really wanna leave these characters yet anyway.
June 22, 2011
Oh I cant wait to read this book! The release date is too far away ! Just read Etched in bone and I think I will die with the mere excitement! That book really purely got me to my BONE !!!
And this book better be a happy ending! Cant wait to see DANTE happy and in peace. He's been through a lot. Please please please give him some peace GOD !
And this book better be a happy ending! Cant wait to see DANTE happy and in peace. He's been through a lot. Please please please give him some peace GOD !
September 25, 2013
Got about a quarter of the way through reading and stopped. I just skimmed the rest of the book to see what happens. It was just so bad. After 2 years of waiting this is what we get? Car rides, hospital stays and a bunch of other non sense. I couldn't continue actually reading because it was so boring. The whole book was just about finding Dante. Nothing else happens really. Just a super mega pain splitting belly flop this book was.
September 23, 2013
On Midnight Wings picks up where Etched in Bone left off. However, that was over two years ago, so you may need to re-read it before starting this book. I didn't and found it a bit difficult to keep everything straight at times. However, Adrian Phoenix did provide snippets from Etched in Bone throughout to help remind readers what "recently" happened to the characters.
Dante's strength continues to amaze me. He's been continually abused - mentally and physically - for most of his life. Yet, despite the agency's attempts, he still hasn't broken. Throughout the series it's been clear that his close ties with friends like Von and his bond with Heather are partly responsible. So, when he's taken from those who he depends on we see the barrier between Dante and S become even thinner. Will he be able to separate the here-and-now from the past?
Thank you to Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for a review copy of this book. The quote was taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted from the final copy.
Dante's strength continues to amaze me. He's been continually abused - mentally and physically - for most of his life. Yet, despite the agency's attempts, he still hasn't broken. Throughout the series it's been clear that his close ties with friends like Von and his bond with Heather are partly responsible. So, when he's taken from those who he depends on we see the barrier between Dante and S become even thinner. Will he be able to separate the here-and-now from the past?
The truth is never what you hope it will be.The character development and story progression we are accustomed to in previous books in the series is unfortunately lacking in On Midnight Wings. By the end of the book we are no closer to answers than we were by the end of Etched in Bone. Nevertheless, this continues to be one of my favorite series, mostly because of the unique Creawdwr/Fallen/Nightkind/Ilygad character types Phoenix has created.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Simon & Schuster for a review copy of this book. The quote was taken from the pre-published copy and may be altered or omitted from the final copy.
October 5, 2013
This is book 5 of Adrian Phoenix's series The Maker's Song. If you haven't read the other books in this phenomenal series yet, stop reading this now and go pick up A Rush of Wings. This series must be read in the proper order for the books to make any sense at all.
On Midnight Wings picks up mere moments after book four, Etched in Bone, ended, with Von, Lucien, Silver and Annie trying to make sense of a seemingly senseless attack, and trying desperately to locate Heather and Dante.
Phoenix doesn't pull any punches here, as her characters are catapulted from one dire situation into another, while forming new alliances, discovering new enemies, and facing betrayal, all while Dante slowly loses his tenuous hold on reality.
This book was a long time coming, but was totally worth the wait. Now comes the hard part: waiting for book 6!
On Midnight Wings picks up mere moments after book four, Etched in Bone, ended, with Von, Lucien, Silver and Annie trying to make sense of a seemingly senseless attack, and trying desperately to locate Heather and Dante.
Phoenix doesn't pull any punches here, as her characters are catapulted from one dire situation into another, while forming new alliances, discovering new enemies, and facing betrayal, all while Dante slowly loses his tenuous hold on reality.
This book was a long time coming, but was totally worth the wait. Now comes the hard part: waiting for book 6!
July 29, 2013
Date: September 3, 2013
9781451645347, 1451645341
FICTION / Fantasy
I have read all books from this series. But when I started en scrolled true the whole French dictionary and the the story finally started I had not a clue who or what I was reading about. It was like a completely new series.
I have never before come across a book that I actually had to catch up on the previous books to understand the last one. Maybe because there was no introduction or replay to get the reader back in track. But this book was very had to read for me. Actually had to skip some filler pages that just didn't work for me.
9781451645347, 1451645341
FICTION / Fantasy
I have read all books from this series. But when I started en scrolled true the whole French dictionary and the the story finally started I had not a clue who or what I was reading about. It was like a completely new series.
I have never before come across a book that I actually had to catch up on the previous books to understand the last one. Maybe because there was no introduction or replay to get the reader back in track. But this book was very had to read for me. Actually had to skip some filler pages that just didn't work for me.
October 5, 2013
I'm pretty disappointed with this one as it wasn't much of interesting to me.
Too much POVs from others when all I am interested are Dante and Heather.
I hope that next one will be good and more on Dante and Heather then whatever those sick idiots have in mind.
Unmake them already!!
Too much POVs from others when all I am interested are Dante and Heather.
I hope that next one will be good and more on Dante and Heather then whatever those sick idiots have in mind.
Unmake them already!!
September 22, 2013
On Midnight Wings, the fifth installment in The Maker's Song series, begins exactly where Etched in Bone left off. Heather and Dante are carried away in different directions by two different organizations, both with intent to do them severe harm. Dante is so drugged out of his mind that he has no idea where he is, and his grasp on reality begins to flicker. Heather has been kidnapped by the FBI, and her bi polar and pregnant sister, Annie, feels responsible for her disappearance. Von and Lucian are still in New Orleans, trying to come up with a game plan to get both Heather and Dante back. If Heather isn't found safe and sound, then Dante will be lost, as well.
The truth is never what you hope it will be.
We find Dante back in a laboratory situation. How this man's mind hasn't cracked yet is beyond me. Think of the worst kind of mental and emotional torture and that is what Dante has been forced to relive over and and over again. Project Bad Seed has done their best to destroy the boy Dante was and the man he has become. Dante faces torture after torture in this book, to the point where I'm hoping that Ms. Phoenix will give this poor guy a break.
And being the only nonhuman subject in the project, Dante had garnered special attention. Had been shoved with cool deliberation beyond boundaries no human subject would've survived. Just to see if he could. Dante had been placed in the worst foster homes available, shuffled around constantly; everything and everyone he'd ever cared about or loved had been systematically stripped from him. Human monsters had fragmented and buried his memories, implanted deadly programming.
Heather has been taken to a mental institution where her captors hope she can be reprogrammed. When her fate is uncovered by her disgusting father, he tries to set her free. Unfortunataely for James Wallace, Heather has myriad reasons for hating him and doesn't play by her father's rules. Heather is determined to find her man, one way or another. She does find a way to free herself, but has a difficult time doing it. Danger follows her every move, but she finds out quickly that her bond with Dante is still strong....until it isn't.
A star, cool and white, burned at his mind's core. A bond. A familiar and constant presence buried beneath pain and broken glass and barbed wire. The sending carried with it the scent of rain and lilacs and sage, a scent he knew intimately.
Von, Lucian, Annie and the rest of Dante's crew are desperately trying to find him and Heather. A Fallen we met previously has an important part in this book and tries to create chaos. Von runs into his own troubles and has to be rescued himself. Annie seems to have turned over a new leaf, but it will be interesting to see if she follows along that path. Lucian is hell bent to move heaven and earth to find his son, and travels between worlds to accomplish that task. We see familiar Fallen faces, including The Morning Star, in this book. We also meet the mother of the last Maker, who makes a promise (or a threat, depending on how you look at it) to Lucian. Aside from Dante's close knit group of friends, everyone wants something from Dante. The Fallen, the FBI, and stand alone players all have their own reasons for attempting to control him.
No one can ever be used against you if you're willing to kill them yourself. Fuck you. The truth is never what you hope it will be. "Ain't listening," Dante muttered, even though he was - he couldn't help it. He stumbled back out into the corridor, into air thick with the reek of death, of coppery blood and pungent piss. The silence soothed the ache in his head. Silence.
Adrian Phoenix is one of my favorite authors, and The Maker's Song has become one of my all-time favorite UFs. I highly recommend that you do not read this book as a stand alone. This series is meant to be read in order. Adrian Phoenix does an excellent job of running several different plot lines at the same time. The different plot points have been running together since the first book in this series, and to have an understanding of the characters and with the story, you really must read this one from the beginning. The different threads in this story are complicated and all related to one another. Sometimes they become convoluted, but the consistency is top notch. I know it can get confusing at times, trying to remember all the side stories and back stories that are presented in this series, but they all tie together perfectly.
Phoenix, in my opinion, does a perfect job in portraying Dante and his waning grasp on reality in this book. Dante is on the verge of completely losing his mind, and the dialogue makes his situation really come to life. Phoenix gets into the broken mind of this terribly damaged being and makes it very believable as is evident in the quote below where Dante is having what amounts to a conversation with himself.
Ain't S? Liar, liar, latex pants on fire. Now who's the big fate menteur? Tais-toi. Shit the fuck up. Ain't listening. Oh, yeah, you are. Even when you think you ain't, you are.
I also love the relationship between Heather and Dante. It comes through again and again that these two are not just in love, they are inextricably tied to one another. Without Heather, Dante would refuse to continue living. Without Dante, Heather would rather be dead. There is truth in their feelings for one another. I am a huge fan of the Cajun Phoenix always injects into this series. It adds a layer of texture to the dialogue and this series wouldn't be the same without it. My only complaint with this book is that due to circumstances, we don't have a lot of time where Heather and Dante are actually together. I missed that very much in this book.
Ms. Phoenix - you left us with another cliff hanger. Not nearly as bad as the last, but with one that has me asking all sorts of questions. There are many loose ends left flapping in the breeze at the end of this book. I only hope that we see another Maker's Song book soon. And can we please get some time, even if it's only a few days, where Dante can be happy? That man needs a break so he can lounge in his latex and spend time with Heather. Then back to to saving the world!
The truth is never what you hope it will be.
We find Dante back in a laboratory situation. How this man's mind hasn't cracked yet is beyond me. Think of the worst kind of mental and emotional torture and that is what Dante has been forced to relive over and and over again. Project Bad Seed has done their best to destroy the boy Dante was and the man he has become. Dante faces torture after torture in this book, to the point where I'm hoping that Ms. Phoenix will give this poor guy a break.
And being the only nonhuman subject in the project, Dante had garnered special attention. Had been shoved with cool deliberation beyond boundaries no human subject would've survived. Just to see if he could. Dante had been placed in the worst foster homes available, shuffled around constantly; everything and everyone he'd ever cared about or loved had been systematically stripped from him. Human monsters had fragmented and buried his memories, implanted deadly programming.
Heather has been taken to a mental institution where her captors hope she can be reprogrammed. When her fate is uncovered by her disgusting father, he tries to set her free. Unfortunataely for James Wallace, Heather has myriad reasons for hating him and doesn't play by her father's rules. Heather is determined to find her man, one way or another. She does find a way to free herself, but has a difficult time doing it. Danger follows her every move, but she finds out quickly that her bond with Dante is still strong....until it isn't.
A star, cool and white, burned at his mind's core. A bond. A familiar and constant presence buried beneath pain and broken glass and barbed wire. The sending carried with it the scent of rain and lilacs and sage, a scent he knew intimately.
Von, Lucian, Annie and the rest of Dante's crew are desperately trying to find him and Heather. A Fallen we met previously has an important part in this book and tries to create chaos. Von runs into his own troubles and has to be rescued himself. Annie seems to have turned over a new leaf, but it will be interesting to see if she follows along that path. Lucian is hell bent to move heaven and earth to find his son, and travels between worlds to accomplish that task. We see familiar Fallen faces, including The Morning Star, in this book. We also meet the mother of the last Maker, who makes a promise (or a threat, depending on how you look at it) to Lucian. Aside from Dante's close knit group of friends, everyone wants something from Dante. The Fallen, the FBI, and stand alone players all have their own reasons for attempting to control him.
No one can ever be used against you if you're willing to kill them yourself. Fuck you. The truth is never what you hope it will be. "Ain't listening," Dante muttered, even though he was - he couldn't help it. He stumbled back out into the corridor, into air thick with the reek of death, of coppery blood and pungent piss. The silence soothed the ache in his head. Silence.
Adrian Phoenix is one of my favorite authors, and The Maker's Song has become one of my all-time favorite UFs. I highly recommend that you do not read this book as a stand alone. This series is meant to be read in order. Adrian Phoenix does an excellent job of running several different plot lines at the same time. The different plot points have been running together since the first book in this series, and to have an understanding of the characters and with the story, you really must read this one from the beginning. The different threads in this story are complicated and all related to one another. Sometimes they become convoluted, but the consistency is top notch. I know it can get confusing at times, trying to remember all the side stories and back stories that are presented in this series, but they all tie together perfectly.
Phoenix, in my opinion, does a perfect job in portraying Dante and his waning grasp on reality in this book. Dante is on the verge of completely losing his mind, and the dialogue makes his situation really come to life. Phoenix gets into the broken mind of this terribly damaged being and makes it very believable as is evident in the quote below where Dante is having what amounts to a conversation with himself.
Ain't S? Liar, liar, latex pants on fire. Now who's the big fate menteur? Tais-toi. Shit the fuck up. Ain't listening. Oh, yeah, you are. Even when you think you ain't, you are.
I also love the relationship between Heather and Dante. It comes through again and again that these two are not just in love, they are inextricably tied to one another. Without Heather, Dante would refuse to continue living. Without Dante, Heather would rather be dead. There is truth in their feelings for one another. I am a huge fan of the Cajun Phoenix always injects into this series. It adds a layer of texture to the dialogue and this series wouldn't be the same without it. My only complaint with this book is that due to circumstances, we don't have a lot of time where Heather and Dante are actually together. I missed that very much in this book.
Ms. Phoenix - you left us with another cliff hanger. Not nearly as bad as the last, but with one that has me asking all sorts of questions. There are many loose ends left flapping in the breeze at the end of this book. I only hope that we see another Maker's Song book soon. And can we please get some time, even if it's only a few days, where Dante can be happy? That man needs a break so he can lounge in his latex and spend time with Heather. Then back to to saving the world!
July 29, 2014
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: I could not read more than five pages at a time without becoming frustrated and confused with On Midnight Wings. Some of this was due to the multiple points-of-view and awkwardly delivered flashbacks, but most of my issue was due to the fact that some stories are just too involved to jump into mid-series. Despite picking the book up several times in the past two months, I unfortunately found it impossible to finish and therefore don’t feel I can provide an adequate or fair review.
Opening Sentence: Lucien De Noir sat beside the unconscious girl curled on the bed, box springs creaking beneath him.
The Review:
As I stated in the “Quick & Dirty” above, I wasn’t able to finish On Midnight Wings. However, I’m not sure I would have found this story enjoyable given my issue with the writing style even if I had read the previous books in the series. Multiple character point-of-view, internal dialogue, flashbacks (delivered in present tense) and a tremendous reliance on a backstory without reference made it difficult to stay engaged – or even interested – in what’s supposed to be happening now.
The story opens immediately after the shooting and apparent kidnapping of Dante Baptiste and Heather Wallace. Dante has a lot of titles to his name – “creawdwr,” True Blood, Nightkind, Fallen, “Tee-Tee” … and frontman of a band called Inferno. He’s both powerful and mentally unstable thanks to this mixed heritage, capable of large scale destruction of the mortal, Vampire and Fallen worlds at only twenty-four years of age. He’s also the last survivor of Project Bad Seed – a black ops program which aimed to create sociopaths that could be used as weapons against the country’s enemies. Though he escaped from the program years before, the various groups who run the program want him back. There are several hidden agendas among the many players involved but the ultimate goal seems to be to use Dante’s own memories against him in order to finally – and completely – break him.
Lucien, Dante’s father, can’t let that happen. He knows that Heather is the only person who can prevent Dante from going over the edge to become the Great Destroyer (yet another title). Which is a double whammy since Lucien also can’t find Dante without Heather. The problem? Heather was kidnapped by her own father and placed in a psychiatric hospital in an unknown location. As Lucien and the other Nightkind members of Infernal try to track them both down, another issue arises with Heather’s younger sister. Could there be another half-breed in the making?
Obviously I don’t know how this book ends. I’m all for complicated plots with unique characters and creative world-building – all of which Phoenix seems to be more than capable of producing. However, like an avalanche gaining speed and collecting everything in its path, the story’s momentum makes it difficult to catch up and the writing style didn’t create any desire to make that happen. Still, I hope that my inability to finish On Midnight Wings won’t deter anyone interested in the series from picking it up! My only suggestion is to definitely start with A Rush of Wings (Book 1).
Notable Scene:
Bad-guy handcuffs for the angel who’d reeled her in like a lost kite from among the blazing stars when she’d floated away from her body.
Mommy turns on the TV in the motel in Oregon – the motel with the picture of a winking beaver chewing on a twig, outlined in glowing color – and is searching for the Cartoon Network when Violet hears the firecrackers pop-pop-popping outside in the parking lot. Hears the sound of breaking glass. Then her mommy’s scream, jagged and raw.
“My baby!”
Violet tries to tell Mommy that she’s okay, but she can’t. She just drifts up and away, leaving her body, with its wide, staring eyes and the new dark and bleeding hole above them; leaving behind her wailing mother, and wishing she could stay.
Then Dante catches her.
“Don’t kick him!” Violet raced across the room, her paper wings rustling at her back. Crouching beside Dante, she glared up at the orderlies. “Stop being so mean! Mr. Purcell and the doctors promised that they’d make him happy, promised that they’d take care –“
“Hush, sweetie, don’t you worry none,” one orderly, a man with curly brown hair and a name tag reading Joe, said. “He’s tough. He can take it, trust me.”
FTC Advisory: Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster provided me with a copy of On Midnight Wings. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: I could not read more than five pages at a time without becoming frustrated and confused with On Midnight Wings. Some of this was due to the multiple points-of-view and awkwardly delivered flashbacks, but most of my issue was due to the fact that some stories are just too involved to jump into mid-series. Despite picking the book up several times in the past two months, I unfortunately found it impossible to finish and therefore don’t feel I can provide an adequate or fair review.
Opening Sentence: Lucien De Noir sat beside the unconscious girl curled on the bed, box springs creaking beneath him.
The Review:
As I stated in the “Quick & Dirty” above, I wasn’t able to finish On Midnight Wings. However, I’m not sure I would have found this story enjoyable given my issue with the writing style even if I had read the previous books in the series. Multiple character point-of-view, internal dialogue, flashbacks (delivered in present tense) and a tremendous reliance on a backstory without reference made it difficult to stay engaged – or even interested – in what’s supposed to be happening now.
The story opens immediately after the shooting and apparent kidnapping of Dante Baptiste and Heather Wallace. Dante has a lot of titles to his name – “creawdwr,” True Blood, Nightkind, Fallen, “Tee-Tee” … and frontman of a band called Inferno. He’s both powerful and mentally unstable thanks to this mixed heritage, capable of large scale destruction of the mortal, Vampire and Fallen worlds at only twenty-four years of age. He’s also the last survivor of Project Bad Seed – a black ops program which aimed to create sociopaths that could be used as weapons against the country’s enemies. Though he escaped from the program years before, the various groups who run the program want him back. There are several hidden agendas among the many players involved but the ultimate goal seems to be to use Dante’s own memories against him in order to finally – and completely – break him.
Lucien, Dante’s father, can’t let that happen. He knows that Heather is the only person who can prevent Dante from going over the edge to become the Great Destroyer (yet another title). Which is a double whammy since Lucien also can’t find Dante without Heather. The problem? Heather was kidnapped by her own father and placed in a psychiatric hospital in an unknown location. As Lucien and the other Nightkind members of Infernal try to track them both down, another issue arises with Heather’s younger sister. Could there be another half-breed in the making?
Obviously I don’t know how this book ends. I’m all for complicated plots with unique characters and creative world-building – all of which Phoenix seems to be more than capable of producing. However, like an avalanche gaining speed and collecting everything in its path, the story’s momentum makes it difficult to catch up and the writing style didn’t create any desire to make that happen. Still, I hope that my inability to finish On Midnight Wings won’t deter anyone interested in the series from picking it up! My only suggestion is to definitely start with A Rush of Wings (Book 1).
Notable Scene:
Bad-guy handcuffs for the angel who’d reeled her in like a lost kite from among the blazing stars when she’d floated away from her body.
Mommy turns on the TV in the motel in Oregon – the motel with the picture of a winking beaver chewing on a twig, outlined in glowing color – and is searching for the Cartoon Network when Violet hears the firecrackers pop-pop-popping outside in the parking lot. Hears the sound of breaking glass. Then her mommy’s scream, jagged and raw.
“My baby!”
Violet tries to tell Mommy that she’s okay, but she can’t. She just drifts up and away, leaving her body, with its wide, staring eyes and the new dark and bleeding hole above them; leaving behind her wailing mother, and wishing she could stay.
Then Dante catches her.
“Don’t kick him!” Violet raced across the room, her paper wings rustling at her back. Crouching beside Dante, she glared up at the orderlies. “Stop being so mean! Mr. Purcell and the doctors promised that they’d make him happy, promised that they’d take care –“
“Hush, sweetie, don’t you worry none,” one orderly, a man with curly brown hair and a name tag reading Joe, said. “He’s tough. He can take it, trust me.”
FTC Advisory: Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster provided me with a copy of On Midnight Wings. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
February 7, 2014
With this fifth book in the series, The Maker’s Song has firmly changed focus from shadowy organizations to the boundless magic of vampire and Fallen kind. The last, sick machinations of the Shadow Bureau scramble to destroy Dante and Heather, but while past books were mired with too many agents and agencies, this time around the balance falls towards mystery and myth. Phoenix has written ON MIDNIGHT WINGS so that even those new to the series can jump in and get swept away in the action.
Despite the abundance of drama in this series, very little of it engenders real emotion for the characters. Five books of betrayal, flash after flash of the rape, torture, and abuse Dante suffered as a child, and always some shadowy organization plotting his death, activation, or downfall… a constant onslaught of doom is the norm for these characters. Drama to the point of melodrama, the comedic weight of opposition stacked against poor, damaged Dante finally crashes in this book. The endless repetition of child abuse and death that beats in Dante’s head coalesces from fragments into a whole, and while the last few chapters had me racing to finish, my biggest emotional reaction was hope that the images of rape and abuse that haunt Dante could finally rest in peace. No such luck, however. ON MIDNIGHT WINGS was my favorite of the series, but it is a transitional book, not a finale. Phoenix is turning Dante’s gaze from the real world to a celestial battle, and from here on out it looks like the violence will switch to a much larger scale.
Phoenix’s world is thick with betrayal and intrigue, and fans of the dark drama of Lilith Saintcrow’s Dante Valentine or J. R. Ward’s LOVER AWAKENED will have lots of pain and angst to enjoy. For myself, however, Dante Baptiste has so many characteristics it’s hard to see him as a character. Vampire, angel, sociopath, maker… in early books his myth smothered the story; he existed only as a reflection of others’ reactions. In this story, at long last, as the long foreshadowed secrets and events come to a crescendo, all I hoped for was an end. An end to Dante’s pain, and end to the government’s plots, and one last magical super nova to make all of this noise and angst worth it. ON MIDNIGHT WINGS certainly takes the story to a precipice, but I don’t think I’ll be following this series over the edge to completion.
Sexual Content: References to child abuse, rape, and sex.
Despite the abundance of drama in this series, very little of it engenders real emotion for the characters. Five books of betrayal, flash after flash of the rape, torture, and abuse Dante suffered as a child, and always some shadowy organization plotting his death, activation, or downfall… a constant onslaught of doom is the norm for these characters. Drama to the point of melodrama, the comedic weight of opposition stacked against poor, damaged Dante finally crashes in this book. The endless repetition of child abuse and death that beats in Dante’s head coalesces from fragments into a whole, and while the last few chapters had me racing to finish, my biggest emotional reaction was hope that the images of rape and abuse that haunt Dante could finally rest in peace. No such luck, however. ON MIDNIGHT WINGS was my favorite of the series, but it is a transitional book, not a finale. Phoenix is turning Dante’s gaze from the real world to a celestial battle, and from here on out it looks like the violence will switch to a much larger scale.
Phoenix’s world is thick with betrayal and intrigue, and fans of the dark drama of Lilith Saintcrow’s Dante Valentine or J. R. Ward’s LOVER AWAKENED will have lots of pain and angst to enjoy. For myself, however, Dante Baptiste has so many characteristics it’s hard to see him as a character. Vampire, angel, sociopath, maker… in early books his myth smothered the story; he existed only as a reflection of others’ reactions. In this story, at long last, as the long foreshadowed secrets and events come to a crescendo, all I hoped for was an end. An end to Dante’s pain, and end to the government’s plots, and one last magical super nova to make all of this noise and angst worth it. ON MIDNIGHT WINGS certainly takes the story to a precipice, but I don’t think I’ll be following this series over the edge to completion.
Sexual Content: References to child abuse, rape, and sex.
September 23, 2013
With this fifth book in the series, The Maker's Song has firmly tipped from shadowy organizations to the boundless magic of vampire and Fallen kind. The last, sick machinations of the Shadow Bureau scramble to destroy Dante and Heather, but while I struggled with the endless agents in past books, this time around the balance falls towards mystery and myth.
The Maker's Song series has always suffered from an over abundance of drama, all of which engendered very little real emotion for the characters. Five books of betrayal, flash after flash of the rape, torture, and abuse Dante suffered as a child, and always some shadowy organization plotting his death, activation, or downfall. Drama to the point of melodrama, the comedic weight of opposition stacked against poor, damaged Dante finally crashes in this book. The endless repetition of child abuse and death that beats in Dante's head coalesces from fragments into a whole, and while the last few chapters had me racing to finish, my biggest emotional reaction was hope that Chloe, and the images of rape and abuse she brings with her, could finally rest in peace.
Phoenix's world is thick with betrayal and intrigue, and fans of the dark, dark drama of Lilith Saintcrow's Dante Valentine or J. R. Ward's LOVER AWAKENED will have lots of pain and angst to enjoy. For myself, however, Dante Baptiste has so many characteristics it's hard to see him as a character. Vampire, angel, sociopath, maker... in early books his myth smothered the story; he existed only as a reflection of others' reactions. In this story, at long last, as the long foreshadowed secrets and events come to a crescendo, all I hoped for was an end. An end to Dante's pain, and end to the government's plots, and one last magical super nova to make all of this noise and angst worth it. ON MIDNIGHT WINGS certainly takes the story to a precipice, but I don't know if I have one more book in me.
Full Review to Follow.
Sexual Content: References to child abuse, rape, and sex.
The Maker's Song series has always suffered from an over abundance of drama, all of which engendered very little real emotion for the characters. Five books of betrayal, flash after flash of the rape, torture, and abuse Dante suffered as a child, and always some shadowy organization plotting his death, activation, or downfall. Drama to the point of melodrama, the comedic weight of opposition stacked against poor, damaged Dante finally crashes in this book. The endless repetition of child abuse and death that beats in Dante's head coalesces from fragments into a whole, and while the last few chapters had me racing to finish, my biggest emotional reaction was hope that Chloe, and the images of rape and abuse she brings with her, could finally rest in peace.
Phoenix's world is thick with betrayal and intrigue, and fans of the dark, dark drama of Lilith Saintcrow's Dante Valentine or J. R. Ward's LOVER AWAKENED will have lots of pain and angst to enjoy. For myself, however, Dante Baptiste has so many characteristics it's hard to see him as a character. Vampire, angel, sociopath, maker... in early books his myth smothered the story; he existed only as a reflection of others' reactions. In this story, at long last, as the long foreshadowed secrets and events come to a crescendo, all I hoped for was an end. An end to Dante's pain, and end to the government's plots, and one last magical super nova to make all of this noise and angst worth it. ON MIDNIGHT WINGS certainly takes the story to a precipice, but I don't know if I have one more book in me.
Full Review to Follow.
Sexual Content: References to child abuse, rape, and sex.
November 30, 2013
Although I found this book impossible to put down, I am left a little disappointed now that I have finished. The reason for this is that after reading five books, when I look back over the whole series so far, really not enough has happened.
Dante and Heather are one of my favourite fictional couples, and I love Von, Lucian and Silver, plus many of the other characters in the series, but there is just far too many bad guys. With so many people after Dante and Heather, the books seem to be full of the same story over and over. I would enjoy it so much more if there was time for relationship building to happen, instead of disaster after disaster.
I have also read that the author has no real idea of how many books there will be in this series, and I am fearful that she has no real outline for where this story is going, and it may turn out to be one of those never ending series, and I feel that I will end up giving up before I ever reach the conclusion. This is such a worry for me, as like I said, I love these characters, but don't want to be reading to many more books before a clear and complete ending is reached, as I think I will give up before getting there.
As I am rating just this book, it was a four star read, I just hope my worries for the series as a whole don't turn out to be true.
Dante and Heather are one of my favourite fictional couples, and I love Von, Lucian and Silver, plus many of the other characters in the series, but there is just far too many bad guys. With so many people after Dante and Heather, the books seem to be full of the same story over and over. I would enjoy it so much more if there was time for relationship building to happen, instead of disaster after disaster.
I have also read that the author has no real idea of how many books there will be in this series, and I am fearful that she has no real outline for where this story is going, and it may turn out to be one of those never ending series, and I feel that I will end up giving up before I ever reach the conclusion. This is such a worry for me, as like I said, I love these characters, but don't want to be reading to many more books before a clear and complete ending is reached, as I think I will give up before getting there.
As I am rating just this book, it was a four star read, I just hope my worries for the series as a whole don't turn out to be true.
September 25, 2013
I have waited 2 years for this to come out thinking it would be the last book in the series...Boy, was I wrong. I am glad though because it made it quite confusing at the end with another cliffhanger. I am alright without knowing when the next book will be out but after waiting 2 years I want to know if there is another one and when it will be out like a possiblity not one written in stone.
Ok onto the story I was mesmorized and saddened that this story was fast paced and it was so everyone is out to get me type of story. There seemed to be no allies with them and that really freaking sucks. I am still wondering what will happen now that leviathan is awake and what will happen to Annie's pregnancy. There are so many loose ends that it gives me a headache just thinking about it.
There were no love scenes or anything like that this book was strictly about them finding each other and the destroyer part of the book. I was a little in awww about the plot and the twists involved because it was quite complicated.
Overall I am still in love with the series and cannot wait until the next book whenever that may be...
Ok onto the story I was mesmorized and saddened that this story was fast paced and it was so everyone is out to get me type of story. There seemed to be no allies with them and that really freaking sucks. I am still wondering what will happen now that leviathan is awake and what will happen to Annie's pregnancy. There are so many loose ends that it gives me a headache just thinking about it.
There were no love scenes or anything like that this book was strictly about them finding each other and the destroyer part of the book. I was a little in awww about the plot and the twists involved because it was quite complicated.
Overall I am still in love with the series and cannot wait until the next book whenever that may be...
September 27, 2013
I really loved this series.... but since the last book I've read was 2011, I was having a hard time catching up as to who is who and what is what. It is still action packed and all, it just got real confusing this time for me. There is just way too many characters to keep up with and that's besides which one was vampire, shifters, fallen angels, good or bad human..
And it's a cliffhanger as always. My rating is not really fair to say if you re-read the previous books again maybe it'll all make sense to me. But, just on reading this one, I'd say much as I want to like it, I am more confused than liking it. :D
Though, I would still read the next book, hoping it won't be 2 years from now, see if Heather and Dante gets their HEA.
And it's a cliffhanger as always. My rating is not really fair to say if you re-read the previous books again maybe it'll all make sense to me. But, just on reading this one, I'd say much as I want to like it, I am more confused than liking it. :D
Though, I would still read the next book, hoping it won't be 2 years from now, see if Heather and Dante gets their HEA.
August 1, 2013
Are you serious???? No, No, Noooooo I want more and more NOW!!!!!!
OMG the long awaited(least for me) 5th book in the Makers series is Amazing!!! I was not disappointed!!!! Lucky enough to receive this ARC from Edleweiss, I couldn't wait to get started and as always Adrian delivered a well told, heart wrenching, sometimes comical, story of a man who I've fallen in love with and as desperately as Heather, I wish to save Dante!!!! The ending, well Adrian your killing me, how long till book six cuz I don't know if I can take the not knowing... I need more and NOW!!! lol If you haven't read this series, I suggest you pick it up from book one and don't stop till you finish On Midnight's Wings!!!
OMG the long awaited(least for me) 5th book in the Makers series is Amazing!!! I was not disappointed!!!! Lucky enough to receive this ARC from Edleweiss, I couldn't wait to get started and as always Adrian delivered a well told, heart wrenching, sometimes comical, story of a man who I've fallen in love with and as desperately as Heather, I wish to save Dante!!!! The ending, well Adrian your killing me, how long till book six cuz I don't know if I can take the not knowing... I need more and NOW!!! lol If you haven't read this series, I suggest you pick it up from book one and don't stop till you finish On Midnight's Wings!!!
October 13, 2013
Fifth in The Maker's Song urban fantasy series revolving around young Dante Baptiste, a Maker who is half-vampire/half-Fallen angel.
My Take
This one is a combination bridge and tidy-up before the huge action sequence that seems to be setting up for book 6. It's driven me nuts waiting for Phoenix to release this story, and after reading the scenes in which Dante is fracturing...all I can say is wow. I thoroughly understand why it took so long, and as much as it pains me to say this, it's okay if it takes her this long again to get book 6 right…*blubber, sob*…
Phoenix pulled me inside of Dante's mind, pulling me into his nightmare in such a way that I completely got it. It made so much sense. Brava! And it didn't make me cry...it had gone way beyond crying… He's such a good man, struggling so hard to do what's right, fighting against his programming.
Oooh, Phoenix is so mean. She gives out all these bonds and psychic connections, and then prevents them from working. Tricksy. The odd thing about all this tension supposedly being created is that I didn't feel tense. Yes, I did race through the pages, desperate to learn what happens next, but the fear was missing.
It's difficult to believe all these federal agents are this stupid. They did their best to torture, er, create, Dante as a sociopath, and when he acts like one—especially when they continue to torture and imprison him, send assassins after him, just how do they expect him to act? I mean, duh. It's incredible the resources and work they put into taking Dante out. The total lack of morals or ethics.
It certainly feels true about the agency rivalry, although I do hope that there is nothing like a Bad Seed Project anywhere. The level of evil this stoops to! And it's exhausting with all these people after them all.
Ooh, Mauvais is pissed! He had no idea about Dante and the idiot actually thinks he'll be able to talk Dante into working with him??
The Story
The story takes up where it left off in Etched in Bone , 4, with Dante and Heather captured by different forces and spirited away. With Lucien gone and the rest of the band battling for their lives.
There are too many after them, coming from too many directions, and neither Lucien nor Von can find Heather or Dante.
And don't count on loyalty or familial love...
The Characters
Dante "Tee-Tee" Baptiste Prejean is both nightkind and Fallen angel, for Lucien De Noir, the Nightbringer, is his father. But he's also a creawdwr, capable of Making and Unmaking, a godlike being, and one who was tortured throughout his childhood in the Bad Seed Project, making him into the sociopath, S. Genevieve was Dante's mother. Members of the band include Jack Cheramie, their human drummer. Both Silver and Von McGuinn are nightkind; Silver was human before he was turned while Von, a nomad, is an Ilygad, a Keeper of nightkind history. The Cage is/was the bar where Dante and his friends held sway. Simone was Trey's sister. The one who died in the fire.
As a True Blood, Dante's existence is highly prized by the Elohim who want to control him. That he is also a vampire ensures that vampires also want to control him. Papa Prejean was his last foster father. The one who used Chloe to control him, force him to allow himself to be used by the perverts Papa sold him to night after night.
Heather Wallace was FBI before she fell in love with Dante. Bonded with him as his calon-cyfaill, she'll do anything for him. Annie Wallace is Heather's bipolar sister, desperate for her father's approval. Special Agent James Wallace is their amazingly selfish, single-minded father, who left Dante to die.
The FBI
Special Agent-in-Charge Oscar Heyne is Wallace's direct supervisor. And nightkind. Teodoro Díon intends to break Dante, make him into the Great Destroyer in revenge for what the Elohim did to his daughter. Webster is Díon's supervisor. Barry Lang is the ADIC in Washington D.C. Caterina Cortini is an assassin reprogrammed by Díon. Seraphina Ivey has nephilim blood and has gone along with Díon's plans until now.
Shadow Branch Agent Emmett Thibodaux was with Bad Seed before he learned the truth in Beneath the Skin , 3. Merri Goodnight is his partner. Galiana is Merri's mère de sang and part of the Conseil du Sang of vampires who intend to claim Dante.
Bad Seed has tortured Dante before at the Doucet-Bainbridge Sanitarium where they have imprisoned young Violet, the little girl Dante brought back from the dead. I do like Violet. A most intelligent little girl. Chloe is a treasured memory of a little girl from Dante's past. Joe and Tyler are orderlies who question their orders. Richard Purcell is a Shadow Branch agent who is dying to torture and kill Dante. Ya wanna talk sociopath…? Here's your man…! Bronson, Holland, Roberts, and DeAgostino are vicious jerks just like Purcell.
The Strickland Deprogramming Institute is in Dallas, Texas. Allan Wade is the therapist treating the "deluded" Heather. Sue is one of the nurses.
Guy Mauvais is the Lord of New Orleans vampires and feuding with Dante and his people. Well, he burned their house down and murdered Simone… Edmond is his majordomo. Phaedra. Loki is a Fallen angel with vicious mischief on his mind. Giovanni Toscanini is Renata's fil de sang, and Caterina is his sister.
Nightkind are what we think of as vampires. Most are made; very few, like Dante, are born. True Bloods.
Renata Alessa Cortina is high priestess of the vampire Cercle de Druide based in Rome.
Holly Miková was llafnau, the nightkind equivalent of Navy SEALS, a special forces branch of the Ilygaid.
The Elohim are angels who live in Gehenna, Fallen angels, who are desperate for another Maker since their last one died, some 2,000 years ago. The Morningstar has taken a pledge from Dante. Lucien considers Gabriel, one of the remaining Celestial Seven, a seat-warming pretender to the throne. Astarte is one of the angels who lied to Dante. Hekate, the Morningstar's daughter, is a healer and a former lover of Lucien's. Yahweh was the last creawdwr whom Lucien killed. Leviathan was Yahweh's mother, and she's threatening to kill or take a child of Lucien's if he should ever have one. Michael is a Fallen who has been imprisoned inside a tomb and has the Steel Bond.
The Cover
The cover is aswirl in wisps surrounding an intent, black-leather-clad Heather focused on firing her gun, blazing with fire from its muzzle as well as the fire behind her that encompasses Dante.
There are so many possibilities with this title, and my thoughts lean toward Dante's state of mind plus the color of his wings, for he's descending into madness On Midnight Wings.
My Take
This one is a combination bridge and tidy-up before the huge action sequence that seems to be setting up for book 6. It's driven me nuts waiting for Phoenix to release this story, and after reading the scenes in which Dante is fracturing...all I can say is wow. I thoroughly understand why it took so long, and as much as it pains me to say this, it's okay if it takes her this long again to get book 6 right…*blubber, sob*…
Phoenix pulled me inside of Dante's mind, pulling me into his nightmare in such a way that I completely got it. It made so much sense. Brava! And it didn't make me cry...it had gone way beyond crying… He's such a good man, struggling so hard to do what's right, fighting against his programming.
Oooh, Phoenix is so mean. She gives out all these bonds and psychic connections, and then prevents them from working. Tricksy. The odd thing about all this tension supposedly being created is that I didn't feel tense. Yes, I did race through the pages, desperate to learn what happens next, but the fear was missing.
It's difficult to believe all these federal agents are this stupid. They did their best to torture, er, create, Dante as a sociopath, and when he acts like one—especially when they continue to torture and imprison him, send assassins after him, just how do they expect him to act? I mean, duh. It's incredible the resources and work they put into taking Dante out. The total lack of morals or ethics.
It certainly feels true about the agency rivalry, although I do hope that there is nothing like a Bad Seed Project anywhere. The level of evil this stoops to! And it's exhausting with all these people after them all.
Ooh, Mauvais is pissed! He had no idea about Dante and the idiot actually thinks he'll be able to talk Dante into working with him??
The Story
The story takes up where it left off in Etched in Bone , 4, with Dante and Heather captured by different forces and spirited away. With Lucien gone and the rest of the band battling for their lives.
There are too many after them, coming from too many directions, and neither Lucien nor Von can find Heather or Dante.
And don't count on loyalty or familial love...
The Characters
Dante "Tee-Tee" Baptiste Prejean is both nightkind and Fallen angel, for Lucien De Noir, the Nightbringer, is his father. But he's also a creawdwr, capable of Making and Unmaking, a godlike being, and one who was tortured throughout his childhood in the Bad Seed Project, making him into the sociopath, S. Genevieve was Dante's mother. Members of the band include Jack Cheramie, their human drummer. Both Silver and Von McGuinn are nightkind; Silver was human before he was turned while Von, a nomad, is an Ilygad, a Keeper of nightkind history. The Cage is/was the bar where Dante and his friends held sway. Simone was Trey's sister. The one who died in the fire.
As a True Blood, Dante's existence is highly prized by the Elohim who want to control him. That he is also a vampire ensures that vampires also want to control him. Papa Prejean was his last foster father. The one who used Chloe to control him, force him to allow himself to be used by the perverts Papa sold him to night after night.
Heather Wallace was FBI before she fell in love with Dante. Bonded with him as his calon-cyfaill, she'll do anything for him. Annie Wallace is Heather's bipolar sister, desperate for her father's approval. Special Agent James Wallace is their amazingly selfish, single-minded father, who left Dante to die.
The FBI
Special Agent-in-Charge Oscar Heyne is Wallace's direct supervisor. And nightkind. Teodoro Díon intends to break Dante, make him into the Great Destroyer in revenge for what the Elohim did to his daughter. Webster is Díon's supervisor. Barry Lang is the ADIC in Washington D.C. Caterina Cortini is an assassin reprogrammed by Díon. Seraphina Ivey has nephilim blood and has gone along with Díon's plans until now.
Shadow Branch Agent Emmett Thibodaux was with Bad Seed before he learned the truth in Beneath the Skin , 3. Merri Goodnight is his partner. Galiana is Merri's mère de sang and part of the Conseil du Sang of vampires who intend to claim Dante.
Bad Seed has tortured Dante before at the Doucet-Bainbridge Sanitarium where they have imprisoned young Violet, the little girl Dante brought back from the dead. I do like Violet. A most intelligent little girl. Chloe is a treasured memory of a little girl from Dante's past. Joe and Tyler are orderlies who question their orders. Richard Purcell is a Shadow Branch agent who is dying to torture and kill Dante. Ya wanna talk sociopath…? Here's your man…! Bronson, Holland, Roberts, and DeAgostino are vicious jerks just like Purcell.
The Strickland Deprogramming Institute is in Dallas, Texas. Allan Wade is the therapist treating the "deluded" Heather. Sue is one of the nurses.
Guy Mauvais is the Lord of New Orleans vampires and feuding with Dante and his people. Well, he burned their house down and murdered Simone… Edmond is his majordomo. Phaedra. Loki is a Fallen angel with vicious mischief on his mind. Giovanni Toscanini is Renata's fil de sang, and Caterina is his sister.
Nightkind are what we think of as vampires. Most are made; very few, like Dante, are born. True Bloods.
Renata Alessa Cortina is high priestess of the vampire Cercle de Druide based in Rome.
Holly Miková was llafnau, the nightkind equivalent of Navy SEALS, a special forces branch of the Ilygaid.
The Elohim are angels who live in Gehenna, Fallen angels, who are desperate for another Maker since their last one died, some 2,000 years ago. The Morningstar has taken a pledge from Dante. Lucien considers Gabriel, one of the remaining Celestial Seven, a seat-warming pretender to the throne. Astarte is one of the angels who lied to Dante. Hekate, the Morningstar's daughter, is a healer and a former lover of Lucien's. Yahweh was the last creawdwr whom Lucien killed. Leviathan was Yahweh's mother, and she's threatening to kill or take a child of Lucien's if he should ever have one. Michael is a Fallen who has been imprisoned inside a tomb and has the Steel Bond.
The Cover
The cover is aswirl in wisps surrounding an intent, black-leather-clad Heather focused on firing her gun, blazing with fire from its muzzle as well as the fire behind her that encompasses Dante.
There are so many possibilities with this title, and my thoughts lean toward Dante's state of mind plus the color of his wings, for he's descending into madness On Midnight Wings.
January 28, 2022
Unfortunately though this is the last book of the series the author has written as of 2022, it is not the last book in the series.
This book ends with a major cliffhanger. I hate it when this happens.
I am partially to blame in that I didn't do all my homework prior to starting this series.
Beware
This book ends with a major cliffhanger. I hate it when this happens.
I am partially to blame in that I didn't do all my homework prior to starting this series.
Beware
September 5, 2017
This is an incredibly slow moving book, & VERY repetitive. So much unnecessary details, like describing step by step a character changing clothes. The view points of different characters (usually in different locations), was used instead of anything actually happening. Dante was forever going over & over, his past with Chloe, his injuries & his confusion. There are far better techniques to express someone's torment without this boring repetitiveness. I became annoyed with the whole thing. Probably wont read more of the series, unless I hear it improves GREATLY.
September 11, 2019
Felt like I am sill trying to get to the climax. A cliffhanger that is way too long :(
October 3, 2013
On Midnight Wings by Adrian Phoenix The Maker’s Song series has always been a sword through the heart series for me to read. A dark noir urban fantasy; this series both excites me and infuriates me. It’s rather like an intense soap opera, giving us hints towards the overall conclusion all the while leading us down a twisted path of deceit, betrayal, and deception. We are constantly embroiled in the past, present, and future throughout this series; never sure where we are going to end up. That is part of the charm yet also frustrating to a certain extent. Ms. Phoenix does not offer false platitudes nor does she toss in random plot elements to allow us a breather while she prepares for next assault upon our sense.
This series grabbed me from the first moment I met Dante Bastipe and his FBI agent, Heather Wallace. A romance filled with tragedy is born that opens a path to a destiny that could destroy the world. Poor Dante and Heather have been through some of the most dramatic emotionally heartbreaking scenes I have ever encountered in a fictional relationship. Frankly, it never ends for them. Book four, Etched In Bone, left me in a predicament. I’m at the point where I need some happiness or assurances of happiness for my couple because the books are depressing me.
On Midnight Wings picks up exactly where Etched In Bone ends. Heather and Dante were kidnapped and separated. Heather is taken to a mental institution to be “reprogrammed” and Dante wakes in a secret laboratory. His programming as a child by the Shadow Branch is beginning to falter, causing even more fractures in his psyche. A psyche that was only contained by his proximity to his anchor and lover, Heather. With her gone, Dante’s spiral into madness accelerates, further pushed by the torture and horrendous experiments being done on him. The past and present collide in Dante’s mind, leaving Dante in the midst of a continuously cycling psychotic breakdown the majority of the book.
Heather fares little better. Her father, tricked by the FBI, finds Heather and helps her escape though she turns the tables on him. Danger dogs her every step as she uses her bond to Dante to slowly make her way to him. As Heather fights her way to Dante and Dante fights the demons in his mind, Lucian and the rest of Dante’s crew search for them both as they fight their own battles against the ever increasing list of those who seek Dante for their own means.
This book frustrated me. One one hand, I love being back in this dark and sensual world that Phoenix has built. I adore the convoluted characters and the multi layered storylines. This series keeps you guessing as it repeatedly rips your heart out. My frustration comes from the fact that On Midnight Wings offers nothing new in way of advancement in the arc nor the romance. It feels like we are playing catch up; especially after the less than revealing previous installment. Plenty of gripping scenes and engaging dialogue from everyone involved and yet nothing is accomplished till the last few pages. The interaction between key characters is almost null. Add in the fact it took almost two years for this installment to release, I expected more.
I miss seeing Heather and Dante together. Their relationship and romance has become the cornerstone of the series and we have been long denied seeing them together without an ax over their heads. I enjoy anticipation and angst as much as the next reader but this continuous testing and emotional torment of our protagonists is beginning to wear thin. Watching Dante’s descent into madness is interesting, but nothing new. Watching Heather fight her way to Dante’s side is also interesting, but nothing new. It’s a regurgitating plot device that is seen repeatedly throughout this series. I honestly felt some of the constant stream of explanations could have been cut and Dante and Heather’s separation could have been chronicled into a few chapters; allowing them to come together early on and the story to advance.
I did enjoy the various scenes where we are given insight into certain long term characters’ agendas. Almost everyone you have ever met in this series makes an appearance in here, each one fighting their way towards Dante for reasons all their own. While I will continue reading this series as I have a heavy investment in the outcome, the dark overtones were extremely prevalent in here and unfortunately it lacked the intense action and subtle humor that normally helps to balance that darkness.
Rating: C
This series grabbed me from the first moment I met Dante Bastipe and his FBI agent, Heather Wallace. A romance filled with tragedy is born that opens a path to a destiny that could destroy the world. Poor Dante and Heather have been through some of the most dramatic emotionally heartbreaking scenes I have ever encountered in a fictional relationship. Frankly, it never ends for them. Book four, Etched In Bone, left me in a predicament. I’m at the point where I need some happiness or assurances of happiness for my couple because the books are depressing me.
On Midnight Wings picks up exactly where Etched In Bone ends. Heather and Dante were kidnapped and separated. Heather is taken to a mental institution to be “reprogrammed” and Dante wakes in a secret laboratory. His programming as a child by the Shadow Branch is beginning to falter, causing even more fractures in his psyche. A psyche that was only contained by his proximity to his anchor and lover, Heather. With her gone, Dante’s spiral into madness accelerates, further pushed by the torture and horrendous experiments being done on him. The past and present collide in Dante’s mind, leaving Dante in the midst of a continuously cycling psychotic breakdown the majority of the book.
Heather fares little better. Her father, tricked by the FBI, finds Heather and helps her escape though she turns the tables on him. Danger dogs her every step as she uses her bond to Dante to slowly make her way to him. As Heather fights her way to Dante and Dante fights the demons in his mind, Lucian and the rest of Dante’s crew search for them both as they fight their own battles against the ever increasing list of those who seek Dante for their own means.
This book frustrated me. One one hand, I love being back in this dark and sensual world that Phoenix has built. I adore the convoluted characters and the multi layered storylines. This series keeps you guessing as it repeatedly rips your heart out. My frustration comes from the fact that On Midnight Wings offers nothing new in way of advancement in the arc nor the romance. It feels like we are playing catch up; especially after the less than revealing previous installment. Plenty of gripping scenes and engaging dialogue from everyone involved and yet nothing is accomplished till the last few pages. The interaction between key characters is almost null. Add in the fact it took almost two years for this installment to release, I expected more.
I miss seeing Heather and Dante together. Their relationship and romance has become the cornerstone of the series and we have been long denied seeing them together without an ax over their heads. I enjoy anticipation and angst as much as the next reader but this continuous testing and emotional torment of our protagonists is beginning to wear thin. Watching Dante’s descent into madness is interesting, but nothing new. Watching Heather fight her way to Dante’s side is also interesting, but nothing new. It’s a regurgitating plot device that is seen repeatedly throughout this series. I honestly felt some of the constant stream of explanations could have been cut and Dante and Heather’s separation could have been chronicled into a few chapters; allowing them to come together early on and the story to advance.
I did enjoy the various scenes where we are given insight into certain long term characters’ agendas. Almost everyone you have ever met in this series makes an appearance in here, each one fighting their way towards Dante for reasons all their own. While I will continue reading this series as I have a heavy investment in the outcome, the dark overtones were extremely prevalent in here and unfortunately it lacked the intense action and subtle humor that normally helps to balance that darkness.
Rating: C
September 29, 2020
I love the series but I felt this one and the previous one were not that good. After reading this one I felt the writer had boxed herself in and didb't know how to get out. Maybe supported by how long it has take to get a sequel out.
October 11, 2013
I presume you know what the book is about. I'm letting you know what I like or disliked about it.
No, I can't recommend this book or this series. I just can't do it. I've never before read an authors character(s) and wanted so desperately to do the fan-fiction thing and write my own damn story. But that's the summation of where I am with this series.
I think Ms. Phoenix has a phenomenal writing style - check this out and tell me you aren't completely captured by the words, their grace, and their beauty:
Teodoro moved his hand up from Dante’s chest and trailed a finger along his smooth jawline. Brushed the pad of his thumb across that full kiss-me-bite-me lower lip. Breathtaking. Even bloodied and unconscious, the creawdwr’s beauty scorched. Hinted at tangled sheets and hungry moans. Moonlight and fire seemed to pulse white-hot through his veins, smoldering beneath his alabaster skin, skimming the length of his lean-muscled body— intoxicating and deadly. Tempting.
Phoenix, Adrian (2013-09-24). On Midnight Wings: Book Five of The Maker's Song (p. 92). Pocket Books. Kindle Edition.
And check this out:
Dante in charcoal— his eyes closed, jaw tight, caught in the act of wiping a dark trickle of blood from his nose with a hoodie sleeve, moonlight glinting from the ring in his collar. A simple drawing, not yet completed, or so it looked to Von, but somehow Vincent had managed to capture not only Dante’s beauty, tension, and pain in bold strokes of gray and black, but had symbolized in that casual swipe of a hoodie sleeve the quiet will that kept Dante on his feet, kept him moving, kept him fighting. At the bottom of the sketch, printed in charcoal letters: Secrets.
Phoenix, Adrian (2013-09-24). On Midnight Wings: Book Five of The Maker's Song (p. 125). Pocket Books. Kindle Edition.
Ms. Phoenix has absolute command of exactly who Dante is and how she wants him written BUT on the other side of the scales is the complete and total lack of a story. There is none. Really. Nada. zip. It's just been 5 books of truly very little time spent with the characters that are so enthralling and one silly goose chase after another.
The characters absolutely have stolen my heart and there they rest. There's a saying "that a card laid is a card played". Well, I'm going to take the gift of the characters I've been introduced to and call it good. I'm just not going to spend the time it takes to read another 400 pages for the story not to go anywhere meaningful. I'm out.
notes below are just that - notes - not part of this review.
---------------------------
In the meantime. What the hell is a web-runner. grrrr this author loses me with this sh*&. Seems to me the term "web-runner" is the third or fourth generation elusive phrase of some recent (as in the previous page alone)reference, that because I can't connect to or grasp to find it's relevance, my mind wonders once to often within 10 pages and then.... I'm off reading another book.
So. What the hell is a web-runner again? I'm trying. I really am trying.
hahahaha! Jokes on me, the reader - you know. The one supposedly being entertained? One page LATER and here in lies the answer, "a web-runner:
Someone who could search deep and fast. Someone they could trust.
Phoenix, Adrian (2013-09-24). On Midnight Wings: Book Five of The Maker's Song (p. 128). Pocket Books. Kindle Edition.
--oh, that's productive. Let's reference a phrase BEFORE it's defined.
um. yeah. Let's do that.
No, I can't recommend this book or this series. I just can't do it. I've never before read an authors character(s) and wanted so desperately to do the fan-fiction thing and write my own damn story. But that's the summation of where I am with this series.
I think Ms. Phoenix has a phenomenal writing style - check this out and tell me you aren't completely captured by the words, their grace, and their beauty:
Teodoro moved his hand up from Dante’s chest and trailed a finger along his smooth jawline. Brushed the pad of his thumb across that full kiss-me-bite-me lower lip. Breathtaking. Even bloodied and unconscious, the creawdwr’s beauty scorched. Hinted at tangled sheets and hungry moans. Moonlight and fire seemed to pulse white-hot through his veins, smoldering beneath his alabaster skin, skimming the length of his lean-muscled body— intoxicating and deadly. Tempting.
Phoenix, Adrian (2013-09-24). On Midnight Wings: Book Five of The Maker's Song (p. 92). Pocket Books. Kindle Edition.
And check this out:
Dante in charcoal— his eyes closed, jaw tight, caught in the act of wiping a dark trickle of blood from his nose with a hoodie sleeve, moonlight glinting from the ring in his collar. A simple drawing, not yet completed, or so it looked to Von, but somehow Vincent had managed to capture not only Dante’s beauty, tension, and pain in bold strokes of gray and black, but had symbolized in that casual swipe of a hoodie sleeve the quiet will that kept Dante on his feet, kept him moving, kept him fighting. At the bottom of the sketch, printed in charcoal letters: Secrets.
Phoenix, Adrian (2013-09-24). On Midnight Wings: Book Five of The Maker's Song (p. 125). Pocket Books. Kindle Edition.
Ms. Phoenix has absolute command of exactly who Dante is and how she wants him written BUT on the other side of the scales is the complete and total lack of a story. There is none. Really. Nada. zip. It's just been 5 books of truly very little time spent with the characters that are so enthralling and one silly goose chase after another.
The characters absolutely have stolen my heart and there they rest. There's a saying "that a card laid is a card played". Well, I'm going to take the gift of the characters I've been introduced to and call it good. I'm just not going to spend the time it takes to read another 400 pages for the story not to go anywhere meaningful. I'm out.
notes below are just that - notes - not part of this review.
---------------------------
In the meantime. What the hell is a web-runner. grrrr this author loses me with this sh*&. Seems to me the term "web-runner" is the third or fourth generation elusive phrase of some recent (as in the previous page alone)reference, that because I can't connect to or grasp to find it's relevance, my mind wonders once to often within 10 pages and then.... I'm off reading another book.
So. What the hell is a web-runner again? I'm trying. I really am trying.
hahahaha! Jokes on me, the reader - you know. The one supposedly being entertained? One page LATER and here in lies the answer, "a web-runner:
Someone who could search deep and fast. Someone they could trust.
Phoenix, Adrian (2013-09-24). On Midnight Wings: Book Five of The Maker's Song (p. 128). Pocket Books. Kindle Edition.
--oh, that's productive. Let's reference a phrase BEFORE it's defined.
um. yeah. Let's do that.
October 19, 2014
This review is more of a review on the whole series so far books one to five than a review of the fifth book itself. On Midnight Wings is the fifth installment in the series The Maker's Song and I enjoyed it just as much as the previous installments. I think Adrian Phoenix is a brilliant writer able to drag you into her books leave you dying for the her next installment.
One thing I really like about this author's writing is how true she stays to the character's personalities. Their reactions to each other and the situations they are in make sense and never seemed contrived out of convenience to further plot at the cost of the characters. None of them ever have some extreme change of heart for no apparent reason, and as the reader you can almost feel the relationships between the characters, whether they are lovers, enemies, friends, or family. For me what makes a book great are characters and how well I can connect with them.
In Adrian Phoenix's books you connect with all the characters even the ones that you don't like and the ones that frustrate you. That's another thing I like about this authors writing, you get a peek inside of everyone's mind, and you get to see things from everyone's point of view. Sometimes in books seeing everyone's point of view takes away from the main characters, but I don't feel like that's the case in these books. In fact I feel like it kind of enhances the main characters in these books and makes you root for them to succeed even more. Or at least that's what it did for me, I loved seeing things from Dante's and Heather's point of view more than others but I also enjoyed seeing things from Lucien's, Von's, The Morning Star, and even Annie's point of view too.
This series is fast paced and wonderfully written, the books pull you into Dante's world and make you feel like you are apart of it. One complaint I have about this series are the cliffhangers. Its sort of a love hate type of thing. I think the cliffhangers are fantastic and devious and I love them. However I also can't stand them because waiting to see what happens next drives me insane. Its not so much a complaint against the writing as much as it is my own impatience. These books are full of so much drama, intrigue, betrayal and angst it almost leaves you out of breath. However this series also has friendship, loyalty, and deep bonds between all of the characters that really make these books shine. Also, every time a new book comes out in this series I feel that the wait was well worth it and I get pulled right back into Dante's world. All of the books are very hard to put down and the characters stay with you even after you finish reading. As much as I enjoy this series, I am aware that the constant cliffhangers and switching point of views aren't really to everyone's liking, but if you give these books a chance I feel like all the waiting and frustration really pays off. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys books with a well crafted setting and three-dimensional characters.
One thing I really like about this author's writing is how true she stays to the character's personalities. Their reactions to each other and the situations they are in make sense and never seemed contrived out of convenience to further plot at the cost of the characters. None of them ever have some extreme change of heart for no apparent reason, and as the reader you can almost feel the relationships between the characters, whether they are lovers, enemies, friends, or family. For me what makes a book great are characters and how well I can connect with them.
In Adrian Phoenix's books you connect with all the characters even the ones that you don't like and the ones that frustrate you. That's another thing I like about this authors writing, you get a peek inside of everyone's mind, and you get to see things from everyone's point of view. Sometimes in books seeing everyone's point of view takes away from the main characters, but I don't feel like that's the case in these books. In fact I feel like it kind of enhances the main characters in these books and makes you root for them to succeed even more. Or at least that's what it did for me, I loved seeing things from Dante's and Heather's point of view more than others but I also enjoyed seeing things from Lucien's, Von's, The Morning Star, and even Annie's point of view too.
This series is fast paced and wonderfully written, the books pull you into Dante's world and make you feel like you are apart of it. One complaint I have about this series are the cliffhangers. Its sort of a love hate type of thing. I think the cliffhangers are fantastic and devious and I love them. However I also can't stand them because waiting to see what happens next drives me insane. Its not so much a complaint against the writing as much as it is my own impatience. These books are full of so much drama, intrigue, betrayal and angst it almost leaves you out of breath. However this series also has friendship, loyalty, and deep bonds between all of the characters that really make these books shine. Also, every time a new book comes out in this series I feel that the wait was well worth it and I get pulled right back into Dante's world. All of the books are very hard to put down and the characters stay with you even after you finish reading. As much as I enjoy this series, I am aware that the constant cliffhangers and switching point of views aren't really to everyone's liking, but if you give these books a chance I feel like all the waiting and frustration really pays off. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys books with a well crafted setting and three-dimensional characters.
December 13, 2013
Actual rating would be about 3 1/2 stars for this book. For a couple reasons, but the biggest and most important is because the main characters have so little interaction with each other (until the end). They each face their own set of problems that get piled on top of them one after another in different places. I became frustrated with this book in the series because it bothers me how much pain and suffering keeps getting heaped onto Dante. Damn it, I just want his life to get better. He is such a good person (in his own way) and so damn loyal to those he cares about, that he deserves some freakin' peace already. Heather's dad is jerk on so many levels and I fear what he might do in the next book with his whole one betrayal deserves another thinking. Fighting her way free of each person that kept coming after her, Heather was finally able to chase after the tug of Dante. And it was such a relief when she finally found him. Even when he's out of it, them together is always my favorite parts. This book, Dante's fall into madness was pushed over the cliff and despite how hard he fought and tried, it sometimes seemed even Heather wouldn't be enough to pull him back. Luck and quick thinking on her part saved them both. I liked getting a small glimpse of Lucien's darker side when he was searching for information on where Heather was taken. With his search for Heather, I couldn't help but think that they should do whatever it is they do to form a mental bond between Heather and him or Von. Wouldn't that make things better in so many ways? Von's temporary blood link just wasn't enough this time. Although, if the only way to do so would be to turn her, I don't know if she would go for it...she didn't want that in the first book, but who knows if she would so easily say no now. I kind of think Purcell deserved worse than he got, and Loki was so messed up and twisted that he deserved what he got too. The only one that went unpunished this book was Dion and gawd he needs to be caught. I truly hope that the end of this series is near. Not because I don't enjoy them, I totally do, but because I simply want things to finally work out for Heather and Dante and not have so many people from a bunch of different worlds after them to use them and do to them as they seem fit.
September 22, 2013
Dark, twisting and chaotic; On Midnight Wings picks up where Etched in Bone left off. Dante is missing and Heather has been kidnapped by her father. Can Lucien, Von, Silver and Annie find them before it's too late and Dante finally looses his slippery hold on his sanity? Past and present collide inside his mind, battling with the SB (Shadow Branch) programming implanted in him as a child and outside forces determined to turn him into The Great Destroyer. Heather is his only anchor but when she is taken away will he be able to stand against impossible odds to remain true to himself and the promises that he has made those he loves, or will he turn into what they all fear?
I have mixed feelings about this book, on one hand I loved it and couldn't put it down turning the pages as fast as I could to find out what was going to happen next. Who was going to betray whom. What sadistic player would appear next. What ensuing barbaric game they would put Dante through. The emotions where intense and punched you right in the chest, in classic Adrian Phoenix style. Dante and Heather can't seem to catch a break and to be honest, I felt just as exhausted as them while reading! This is definitely a series that will put you through all aspects of an emotional ringer.
On the other hand, I was disappointed that the series arc did not progress. Especially after the dragged out story line in the last book. I feel that the 300+ pages could have been summarized in just a few chapters and more progress made in the over all story. I actually found myself skimming in areas because there were so many explanations but not enough forward motion. It was also so long since I read the last book in the series, since this one's release was pushed back a few times, that I had a bit of a time catching back up to the going-on's in the series as your dumped right back into the action within the first sentence.
Each and every character that you have come to love in this series is featured through out On Midnight Wings. Each with their own dire situation to fight through, and each determined to get to Dante before it's too late. I am hoping for more of a coming together and answers of some sort in the next book. I feel that the series has reached the point where some resolution is needed instead of being dragged down by more doomsday flash. The The Maker's Song series has always had a very dark feel to it but was balanced well with humor and sexiness, this installment is missing that balance. On Midnight Wings is my least favorite of the series but I have faith in the series still and it is still a series that I would recommend wholeheartedly to urban fantasy fans everywhere.
I have mixed feelings about this book, on one hand I loved it and couldn't put it down turning the pages as fast as I could to find out what was going to happen next. Who was going to betray whom. What sadistic player would appear next. What ensuing barbaric game they would put Dante through. The emotions where intense and punched you right in the chest, in classic Adrian Phoenix style. Dante and Heather can't seem to catch a break and to be honest, I felt just as exhausted as them while reading! This is definitely a series that will put you through all aspects of an emotional ringer.
On the other hand, I was disappointed that the series arc did not progress. Especially after the dragged out story line in the last book. I feel that the 300+ pages could have been summarized in just a few chapters and more progress made in the over all story. I actually found myself skimming in areas because there were so many explanations but not enough forward motion. It was also so long since I read the last book in the series, since this one's release was pushed back a few times, that I had a bit of a time catching back up to the going-on's in the series as your dumped right back into the action within the first sentence.
Each and every character that you have come to love in this series is featured through out On Midnight Wings. Each with their own dire situation to fight through, and each determined to get to Dante before it's too late. I am hoping for more of a coming together and answers of some sort in the next book. I feel that the series has reached the point where some resolution is needed instead of being dragged down by more doomsday flash. The The Maker's Song series has always had a very dark feel to it but was balanced well with humor and sexiness, this installment is missing that balance. On Midnight Wings is my least favorite of the series but I have faith in the series still and it is still a series that I would recommend wholeheartedly to urban fantasy fans everywhere.
October 18, 2013
4 1/2 stars
“On Midnight Wings” is Book Five of the ‘Maker’s Song’ series by Adrian Phoenix. This thrilling but dark urban fantasy continues to follow Dante Baptiste as events conspire to force him closer to madness and threaten to tip the balance so that he becomes the Unmaker. The betrayal and capture of both Heather and Dante stuns their allies who are handicapped by their inability to track either. The multitude of warring factions, each of which has its own plans for Dante, cause an odd game of tug of war which complicates the disposition of Heather. Sadly, the allies have their own obstacles to overcome before they can help the beleaguered couple who, as usual, may have to rely solely on themselves for rescue but it may be too late for Dante as he spirals downward into despair.
This complex and alluring urban fantasy is filled with an almost overwhelming cast of characters who are disturbing yet mesmerizing. There is a sometimes dismaying amount of death and destruction yet one cannot help but feel empathy for the dichotomy personified in the main character, Dante. The adamantine bond which has been formed between him and his mortal lover Heather is delicious to observe yet its existence can still be threatened and this only adds to the escalating tension that is a perpetual aspect of this enthralling series. It is definitely recommended that the series be read from the beginning and in order and even then it is somewhat difficult to keep track of the shifting alliances and multitude of goals being pursued. The harsh torments suffered throughout Dante’s life are constantly alluded to in his flashbacks and it is easy to see why his grasp of reality is so tenuous but one cannot help but empathize with him, despite his ofttimes horrific actions...which is why this author is so impressive. The ability to turn situations on end and make one sympathetic to actions that would not be otherwise condoned is an impressive talent and I always anxiously await the next installment in the series so that I can be amazed yet again by the machinations of the various factions. This was an excellent addition to the series although one should be warned that there are just as many questions, if not more, that still need to be answered. I look forward to unravelling more of the mysteries.
© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.
“On Midnight Wings” is Book Five of the ‘Maker’s Song’ series by Adrian Phoenix. This thrilling but dark urban fantasy continues to follow Dante Baptiste as events conspire to force him closer to madness and threaten to tip the balance so that he becomes the Unmaker. The betrayal and capture of both Heather and Dante stuns their allies who are handicapped by their inability to track either. The multitude of warring factions, each of which has its own plans for Dante, cause an odd game of tug of war which complicates the disposition of Heather. Sadly, the allies have their own obstacles to overcome before they can help the beleaguered couple who, as usual, may have to rely solely on themselves for rescue but it may be too late for Dante as he spirals downward into despair.
This complex and alluring urban fantasy is filled with an almost overwhelming cast of characters who are disturbing yet mesmerizing. There is a sometimes dismaying amount of death and destruction yet one cannot help but feel empathy for the dichotomy personified in the main character, Dante. The adamantine bond which has been formed between him and his mortal lover Heather is delicious to observe yet its existence can still be threatened and this only adds to the escalating tension that is a perpetual aspect of this enthralling series. It is definitely recommended that the series be read from the beginning and in order and even then it is somewhat difficult to keep track of the shifting alliances and multitude of goals being pursued. The harsh torments suffered throughout Dante’s life are constantly alluded to in his flashbacks and it is easy to see why his grasp of reality is so tenuous but one cannot help but empathize with him, despite his ofttimes horrific actions...which is why this author is so impressive. The ability to turn situations on end and make one sympathetic to actions that would not be otherwise condoned is an impressive talent and I always anxiously await the next installment in the series so that I can be amazed yet again by the machinations of the various factions. This was an excellent addition to the series although one should be warned that there are just as many questions, if not more, that still need to be answered. I look forward to unravelling more of the mysteries.
© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.
December 3, 2013
An edgy, eclectic and highly original paranormal fantasy tale
‘On Midnight Wings’ {book 5 of the maker’s song series} is an action-packed, fast-paced thrilling story that maintains its momentum throughout. Full of intense passion, refreshing inventiveness and unforgettable characters this is an explosive read not to be missed! Utterly mesmerized and enraptured by a unique world of Vampires and Fallen Angels, I was stunned by the author’s extraordinary creativity and searing vision. The complex world-building and dense storyline was second-to-none; being something that many fans of paranormal and urban fantasy will love. A. Phoenix’s characters have flaws and faults as much as any ‘real’ person, expressing their heart and making them seem so convincing and believable. This beautifully written book with its complex, emotive and undeniably compelling plot is something that I am so pleased to have had the chance to read.
Having not read the other 4 books within this lengthy series, It did take a while for me to grasp the concept of the storyline {with such prior events unknown to me}, and picture this ‘new’ exciting world. Torn between three worlds wherein tactile violence and shimmering beauty are fused together in the most brilliant way, I was enchanted by the darkly haunting setting filled with such secrets and wonder. Dante Baptiste was a fascinating character, whose dual identity as a True Blood and a Fallen makes her magnetically interesting to read about. The bloody violence between mortals and vampires and darker forces of evil was truly spine chilling and bloodcurdling in places, but brilliantly conceived so that I couldn’t tear my eyes away! Unexpected twists in the plot kept me in suspense throughout, while the mystery infused with lust and murder created such a riveting read.
Compulsively unputdownable and deliciously dark this gritty, phenomenal paranormal story is a fantastic read! I would highly recommend this outstanding fifth instalment complete with a cataclysmic cliffhanger ending that will leave you wanting more. I am greatly impressed by this author hence I cannot wait to discover and seek out more of her work, including other series {such as the Hoodoo}.
* 4.5 Stars *
*I won a copy of ‘On Midnight Wings’ {book 5 in the maker’s song series} by Adrian Phoenix through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway *
‘On Midnight Wings’ {book 5 of the maker’s song series} is an action-packed, fast-paced thrilling story that maintains its momentum throughout. Full of intense passion, refreshing inventiveness and unforgettable characters this is an explosive read not to be missed! Utterly mesmerized and enraptured by a unique world of Vampires and Fallen Angels, I was stunned by the author’s extraordinary creativity and searing vision. The complex world-building and dense storyline was second-to-none; being something that many fans of paranormal and urban fantasy will love. A. Phoenix’s characters have flaws and faults as much as any ‘real’ person, expressing their heart and making them seem so convincing and believable. This beautifully written book with its complex, emotive and undeniably compelling plot is something that I am so pleased to have had the chance to read.
Having not read the other 4 books within this lengthy series, It did take a while for me to grasp the concept of the storyline {with such prior events unknown to me}, and picture this ‘new’ exciting world. Torn between three worlds wherein tactile violence and shimmering beauty are fused together in the most brilliant way, I was enchanted by the darkly haunting setting filled with such secrets and wonder. Dante Baptiste was a fascinating character, whose dual identity as a True Blood and a Fallen makes her magnetically interesting to read about. The bloody violence between mortals and vampires and darker forces of evil was truly spine chilling and bloodcurdling in places, but brilliantly conceived so that I couldn’t tear my eyes away! Unexpected twists in the plot kept me in suspense throughout, while the mystery infused with lust and murder created such a riveting read.
Compulsively unputdownable and deliciously dark this gritty, phenomenal paranormal story is a fantastic read! I would highly recommend this outstanding fifth instalment complete with a cataclysmic cliffhanger ending that will leave you wanting more. I am greatly impressed by this author hence I cannot wait to discover and seek out more of her work, including other series {such as the Hoodoo}.
* 4.5 Stars *
*I won a copy of ‘On Midnight Wings’ {book 5 in the maker’s song series} by Adrian Phoenix through a Goodreads, first-read book giveaway *
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