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Witch, Warlock and Vampire #5
Something Witchy This Way Comes (Underworld, #5)
A witch’s work is never done, and in bestselling author H. P. Mallory’s mesmerizing new novel, Jolie Wilkins finds that the real magic is only just beginning.
For smart and sexy witch Jolie Wilkins, being Queen of the Underworld is a royal pain. Back from a round of time travel, Jolie must now protect her realm from the sinister Lurkers—a powerful breed of half-humans bent on conquering the undead. And if there’s one thing she knows, it’s that the supernatural never go down without a fight.
At least Jolie has her soul mate (and finally official boyfriend), warlock Rand Balfour, by her side. Honorable, brave, and unbelievably handsome, Rand is everything Jolie wants in a man. So why can’t she forget the dangerously alluring vampire, Sinjin Sinclair? With her private life heating up and a battle boiling over, Jolie sets out to prove that in matters of love and war, the fairer hex has its own set of charms.
For smart and sexy witch Jolie Wilkins, being Queen of the Underworld is a royal pain. Back from a round of time travel, Jolie must now protect her realm from the sinister Lurkers—a powerful breed of half-humans bent on conquering the undead. And if there’s one thing she knows, it’s that the supernatural never go down without a fight.
At least Jolie has her soul mate (and finally official boyfriend), warlock Rand Balfour, by her side. Honorable, brave, and unbelievably handsome, Rand is everything Jolie wants in a man. So why can’t she forget the dangerously alluring vampire, Sinjin Sinclair? With her private life heating up and a battle boiling over, Jolie sets out to prove that in matters of love and war, the fairer hex has its own set of charms.
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First published January 1, 2012
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About the author
H.P. Mallory
359 books2,800 followersI’m a huge fan of anything paranormal and I always have been. I get super excited whenever they have those Twilight Zone Marathon days and anything ghost or vampire related will always attract my attention.
My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.
Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting!
H.P.
My interests are varied but aside from writing, I’m most excited about traveling. I’m extremely fortunate to have been able to live in England and Scotland, both places really having a profound effect on my books.
Thanks for checking out my books and I hope you enjoy them! Happy Haunting!
H.P.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
September 28, 2012
This is definitely a recovery from the previous book, but I am sadly disappointed in Jolie's continued attachment to Sinjin. I don't buy his excuse for going back in time, not at all. If all he wanted was to protect Jolie, ruining her life wasn't the way to do it. Not to mention, all that "extra" time she was supposed to have for training didn't happen because the Lurkers found her anyway and nearly killed her because she was so unprepared. And what was wrong with all of the training she received for the battle against Bella?
I think that this book was too rushed, too short. It felt incomplete, like I was just reading a couple of chapters out of a really long book. Both not enough and too much happened. I feel like it should have been fleshed out more. I finished it in 3 or 4 hours, which means it was much too short to handle all that new info.
***Later note: I am seeing that this is to be the last installment in the series, and if that's the case, my review goes from 3 to 2 stars. How could Mallory leave so much unresolved?? I mean, there are some major issues outstanding here, not the least of which are the Lurkers. I don't care if there are spin-offs, this is the story I was reading, I don't want it relegated to background info.
I think that this book was too rushed, too short. It felt incomplete, like I was just reading a couple of chapters out of a really long book. Both not enough and too much happened. I feel like it should have been fleshed out more. I finished it in 3 or 4 hours, which means it was much too short to handle all that new info.
***Later note: I am seeing that this is to be the last installment in the series, and if that's the case, my review goes from 3 to 2 stars. How could Mallory leave so much unresolved?? I mean, there are some major issues outstanding here, not the least of which are the Lurkers. I don't care if there are spin-offs, this is the story I was reading, I don't want it relegated to background info.
November 26, 2012
ETA: Waiiiit a second. This is the END of the series?! No way in hell does this read like a wrap-up. Yes, we get some answers, but the action is far from finished. Too much regarding the enemy threat is left unresolved, not to mention my feelings of dissatisfaction when it comes to Jolie fully embracing her role. A final parting line saying she's ready means little when it's something she's proclaimed several times before. I want proof, dammit!
Ugh. In that light, downgrade to 2.5.
Book three seems to have been a strange, unexplainable fluke.
This book, like the fourth in the series, has stronger plotting and pacing. It develops the Lurker threat to a fuller extent. At the same time, it delves into Jolie's background and the source of her magic.
Both these subjects are a welcome departure from the all-encompassing emotional wahwah that too often took center stage in earlier installments (though we do have to endure some of that in the beginning). While I understand most UF incorporates a love interest or two, the main relationship here is a source of irritation for me.
Jolie is in a leadership position, and as I said in my status updates, I don't think her chosen partner respects that aspect of her. What's more, she defers to him constantly. It's one thing to want to appear democratic and to take the advice of someone more experienced. It's another to allow yourself to be cowed into decisions you don't agree with because you're afraid of pissing off a man. The whole thing makes me view Jolie as inadequate.
Especially when we get to see her interact with someone whose fierce desire to protect her is second only to his willingness to accede to her wishes. Mallory gives us a foil for the main love interest and the comparison reveals the warlock as lacking.
But enough on that score. Something Witchy This Way Comes is rather more exciting because the central conflict develops outside the confines of Jolie's head. Yes, the original threat of Bella did, too, but that battle didn't seem as unsettling. This time we get to meet the enemy, humanizing (for lack of better phrase) their plight and painting the whole affair in shades of grey. And I do so like grey areas.
The story ends with a battle fought but the war just beginning. There's plenty of new information to process, and I have to imagine Mallory has more in mind for Jolie.
Hopefully that includes a strengthened backbone.
Ugh. In that light, downgrade to 2.5.
Book three seems to have been a strange, unexplainable fluke.
This book, like the fourth in the series, has stronger plotting and pacing. It develops the Lurker threat to a fuller extent. At the same time, it delves into Jolie's background and the source of her magic.
Both these subjects are a welcome departure from the all-encompassing emotional wahwah that too often took center stage in earlier installments (though we do have to endure some of that in the beginning). While I understand most UF incorporates a love interest or two, the main relationship here is a source of irritation for me.
Jolie is in a leadership position, and as I said in my status updates, I don't think her chosen partner respects that aspect of her. What's more, she defers to him constantly. It's one thing to want to appear democratic and to take the advice of someone more experienced. It's another to allow yourself to be cowed into decisions you don't agree with because you're afraid of pissing off a man. The whole thing makes me view Jolie as inadequate.
Especially when we get to see her interact with someone whose fierce desire to protect her is second only to his willingness to accede to her wishes. Mallory gives us a foil for the main love interest and the comparison reveals the warlock as lacking.
But enough on that score. Something Witchy This Way Comes is rather more exciting because the central conflict develops outside the confines of Jolie's head. Yes, the original threat of Bella did, too, but that battle didn't seem as unsettling. This time we get to meet the enemy, humanizing (for lack of better phrase) their plight and painting the whole affair in shades of grey. And I do so like grey areas.
The story ends with a battle fought but the war just beginning. There's plenty of new information to process, and I have to imagine Mallory has more in mind for Jolie.
Hopefully that includes a strengthened backbone.
November 12, 2012
Well, I have just finished reading this entire series in a week. I didn't realise until I went to find #6 that this book was the end of a series! It really just didn't read like a final book to me- even if there are plans for a spin off, it seems like a cop-out not to give the series a bit more justice and a proper send off.
I really love all these characters (although I will say that Rand seemed to become an extreme characture of himself from book 4 onwards). I love how Jolie finally seemed to mature into a proper 'grown up' in this book (it's about time), and that she finally was able to identify her feelings for Sinjin and recognise the value of his friendship.
I think the issue I have with this series is that it all seems to be a bit rushed. From the Jolie's introduction to the Underworld in Book 1 she is seemingly pushed straight into the middle of a pending war, with little or no build up- this seems to have been a consistent recurrence in this series. I just get the feeling that the books have been planned in a way that sets out all the major plot events, with the 'fill in' parts thrown in as a bit of an afterthought and not enough 'ground work' in how the characters actually get from one milestone to the next.
And the secret long-lost sister? The only thing that would make that all even more cliche is if the sister ends up with Sinjin. That would make me sad and detract from the relationship that he and Jolie have spent the last 5 books working towards.
Overall, I really like the characters and the world that H.P has created. I think that there are some definite pacing issues that could probably be addressed with a rewrite somewhere down the track.
I really love all these characters (although I will say that Rand seemed to become an extreme characture of himself from book 4 onwards). I love how Jolie finally seemed to mature into a proper 'grown up' in this book (it's about time), and that she finally was able to identify her feelings for Sinjin and recognise the value of his friendship.
I think the issue I have with this series is that it all seems to be a bit rushed. From the Jolie's introduction to the Underworld in Book 1 she is seemingly pushed straight into the middle of a pending war, with little or no build up- this seems to have been a consistent recurrence in this series. I just get the feeling that the books have been planned in a way that sets out all the major plot events, with the 'fill in' parts thrown in as a bit of an afterthought and not enough 'ground work' in how the characters actually get from one milestone to the next.
And the secret long-lost sister? The only thing that would make that all even more cliche is if the sister ends up with Sinjin. That would make me sad and detract from the relationship that he and Jolie have spent the last 5 books working towards.
Overall, I really like the characters and the world that H.P has created. I think that there are some definite pacing issues that could probably be addressed with a rewrite somewhere down the track.
September 17, 2012
3.5
I have followed this series from its beginning and I have to say that I have some issues about this last installment. I will give an insight into my thoughts about the previous books so that maybe it will shed some light on my rating.
In the first book, Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble, I enjoyed Jolie's inner musings. They were witty and made her seem very real to me considering the world H.P. Mallory set her in. In Toil and Trouble, the author did a great job in presenting the full cast of characters and in fully developing her world. I even enjoyed her flirting with Sinjin. I thought the time traveling finally brought some resolution to the whole Rand and Jolie affair, so when I picked up Witchful Thinking I was ready to delve into Rand and Jolie's relationship and see any new adventures they were going to be thrown in. When it ended so abruptly I overlooked it because I knew there was going to be another book and it would all be explained. But when I picked up The Witch Is Back I was disappointed to be going back in time. I really did not see the point behind it all but I had invested a lot of time on these characters and I wanted to know what happened next, but I really did not enjoyed the book as much as the others.
So when I requested and received the ARC for this book from NetGalley, I have to admit I was very hesitant to start it. I did not want this to be a total failure. It was not a disappointment to the point that I did not like it, but I found it lacked some of the elements that made this series special to me.
First, I found that the start of the book dragged a bit. It centered too much on the whole Rand, Jolie, Sinjin triangle and I thought that was left behind in book 4. As I kept on reading I found that the writing lacked some of the humor the other books brought. I could not overlook this easily since it was what really kept me coming back to the series. This is turn made Jolie's inner musings lack interest. She kept second guessing her decisions and having conversations with herself that added nothing to the story and spoiled my enjoyment of her thoughts and reactions. As I mentioned earlier, I had found Jolie's voice to be very enjoyable, but on this book I found it at times to be both annoying and repetitive.
That aside, I have to say that the book did have its entertaining moments. What I liked the most was that the author took me to that place I was on book two, where I could not stop reading because I really wanted to see where she was taking me with the new turn of events she brought to the page. Some were handled very well, others could have been presented better but the story behind them was interesting enough to me that I could overlook it easily.
Once again, all the characters were great and I enjoyed what each one brought to the story. Even the newly introduced characters were developed fully and added to the resolution of the plot. As always, the writing, although it lacked some of its humor, was very good and besides the slow pace at the beginning, the author developed the story very well. There was action and excitement and I thought some of the revelations were excellent. I could tell you more about it, but I would love for you to be as expectant as I was while reading and come to your own conclusions as to how it was presented and how the resolution was achieved.
All in all, I am very glad I stuck around to see this series to the end. I would have loved an Epilogue to really see how it all played out in the future, but it was a very enjoyable read regardless. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
**This book will be published on September 25, 2012.
I have followed this series from its beginning and I have to say that I have some issues about this last installment. I will give an insight into my thoughts about the previous books so that maybe it will shed some light on my rating.
In the first book, Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble, I enjoyed Jolie's inner musings. They were witty and made her seem very real to me considering the world H.P. Mallory set her in. In Toil and Trouble, the author did a great job in presenting the full cast of characters and in fully developing her world. I even enjoyed her flirting with Sinjin. I thought the time traveling finally brought some resolution to the whole Rand and Jolie affair, so when I picked up Witchful Thinking I was ready to delve into Rand and Jolie's relationship and see any new adventures they were going to be thrown in. When it ended so abruptly I overlooked it because I knew there was going to be another book and it would all be explained. But when I picked up The Witch Is Back I was disappointed to be going back in time. I really did not see the point behind it all but I had invested a lot of time on these characters and I wanted to know what happened next, but I really did not enjoyed the book as much as the others.
So when I requested and received the ARC for this book from NetGalley, I have to admit I was very hesitant to start it. I did not want this to be a total failure. It was not a disappointment to the point that I did not like it, but I found it lacked some of the elements that made this series special to me.
First, I found that the start of the book dragged a bit. It centered too much on the whole Rand, Jolie, Sinjin triangle and I thought that was left behind in book 4. As I kept on reading I found that the writing lacked some of the humor the other books brought. I could not overlook this easily since it was what really kept me coming back to the series. This is turn made Jolie's inner musings lack interest. She kept second guessing her decisions and having conversations with herself that added nothing to the story and spoiled my enjoyment of her thoughts and reactions. As I mentioned earlier, I had found Jolie's voice to be very enjoyable, but on this book I found it at times to be both annoying and repetitive.
That aside, I have to say that the book did have its entertaining moments. What I liked the most was that the author took me to that place I was on book two, where I could not stop reading because I really wanted to see where she was taking me with the new turn of events she brought to the page. Some were handled very well, others could have been presented better but the story behind them was interesting enough to me that I could overlook it easily.
Once again, all the characters were great and I enjoyed what each one brought to the story. Even the newly introduced characters were developed fully and added to the resolution of the plot. As always, the writing, although it lacked some of its humor, was very good and besides the slow pace at the beginning, the author developed the story very well. There was action and excitement and I thought some of the revelations were excellent. I could tell you more about it, but I would love for you to be as expectant as I was while reading and come to your own conclusions as to how it was presented and how the resolution was achieved.
All in all, I am very glad I stuck around to see this series to the end. I would have loved an Epilogue to really see how it all played out in the future, but it was a very enjoyable read regardless. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
**This book will be published on September 25, 2012.
September 29, 2012
Jolie banishes Sinjin from her kingdom against her will. It was a decision made by majority rules.
Bella loses her mind and dies in her cell. The power of her visions from Luce were too much for her to take, but whose to say Jolie didn't kill her...the whole story seemed a little rushed.
Luce, the powerful elder of the Lurkers, kidnaps Jolie. He wanted her on his side obviously.
Oh before all this went down, she found that she was pregnant. OMG! Her and Rand hadn't even got married yet and I find this most unfortunate as this is the last book in the series!! There is no time for that now.
Jolie meets her twin Sister, Bryn. Their mother was a fae whose name was Keila and their father was a lurker. That is how jolie has magical powers. Mathilda knew this but she never told her :/
If that wasn't enough, Sinjin was the one who comes and rescues her from the lurkers; not Rand. Rand and Mercedes were basically powerless and I wasn't impressed .
Sinjin was almost killed by Nairn who used vampire blood to revive their dying soldiers or some shit like that.
Oh ya their was fighting, but Luce did most of the damage by blowing the Lurkers fortress up and disappearing, taking all his people with him 'cept Bryn, so Jolie ends up keeping her prisoner at Konlich Kirk.
Have I ever mentioned how beautiful Konlich Kirk is? Imagine a huge castle overlooking the ocean somewhere in Scotland.
Bella loses her mind and dies in her cell. The power of her visions from Luce were too much for her to take, but whose to say Jolie didn't kill her...the whole story seemed a little rushed.
Luce, the powerful elder of the Lurkers, kidnaps Jolie. He wanted her on his side obviously.
Oh before all this went down, she found that she was pregnant. OMG! Her and Rand hadn't even got married yet and I find this most unfortunate as this is the last book in the series!! There is no time for that now.
Jolie meets her twin Sister, Bryn. Their mother was a fae whose name was Keila and their father was a lurker. That is how jolie has magical powers. Mathilda knew this but she never told her :/
If that wasn't enough, Sinjin was the one who comes and rescues her from the lurkers; not Rand. Rand and Mercedes were basically powerless and I wasn't impressed .
Sinjin was almost killed by Nairn who used vampire blood to revive their dying soldiers or some shit like that.
Oh ya their was fighting, but Luce did most of the damage by blowing the Lurkers fortress up and disappearing, taking all his people with him 'cept Bryn, so Jolie ends up keeping her prisoner at Konlich Kirk.
Have I ever mentioned how beautiful Konlich Kirk is? Imagine a huge castle overlooking the ocean somewhere in Scotland.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 16, 2014
Forgive me, but I'm going to rant. This book made me so mad at the end that I've completely stopped reading ALL H. P. Mallory "books". She wrote in her blog about "how sad" she was to see the series "end." IT DOESN'T END. There is no complete resolution to the story and the plot, and SWITCHING PROTAGONISTS DOES NOT EQUAL A SPIN-OFF....IT IS STILL A CONTINUATION OF THE SAME STORY. Just from a different pov. You'd think that someone who is writing books telling you how to become your own self-published author would know something about this....but again, she is self published, meaning a lack of professionals reviewing her work. I tolerated some things in her overall work because I liked her characters (actually to be truthful, I really only liked Jolie and Knight, don't get me started on how annoying Dulcie can be). Things such as poor story arc, inconsistencies, and weirdly meandering plots with sudden unconnected twists (a little set-up anyone?) were overlooked because I really liked Jolie and her inner monologues, and let's face it, Knight is just plain sexy. But my increasingly baffled irritation with these books came to a head for me at the piss-poor plot summation, if you could even call it that, in this "novel". Or should I say novella, since you could probably combine all the "books" together into one decent longer novel. Which the author would have known if she took a lit-writing course or 2...or 3 or 4.....
In the end, I think she rushed writing these books. It takes time to truly flush out a story and write it fully, and then edit with a fine tooth comb, all of which is just not there. Great ideas, but not enough finesse, or frankly, experience. I was once a fan, hoping that things would improve as the author wrote more, but sadly, this is not the case. So I'm giving up...take me off the distro list, since I won't be buying any more books.
In the end, I think she rushed writing these books. It takes time to truly flush out a story and write it fully, and then edit with a fine tooth comb, all of which is just not there. Great ideas, but not enough finesse, or frankly, experience. I was once a fan, hoping that things would improve as the author wrote more, but sadly, this is not the case. So I'm giving up...take me off the distro list, since I won't be buying any more books.
August 22, 2012
Jolie Wilkins is in trouble. Her heart tells her life belongs with Rand yet something also tells her Sinjin. All three are back again in a tale that will make you laugh, cry and unsure who to root for in this new one. Rand and Jolie have bonded considered married in the underworld department. Married in every way except human but Jolie loves him more than ever. The problem is that Rand is still jealous of her relationship with Sinjin and his interference in Los Angeles two years ago. Rand knows Sinjin wants his woman but is determined to make things right. Not only does she have to figure out her relationship with Rand and Sinjin but also the Lurkers. They want her and determined to get her no matter what the circumstances. One minute she is in bliss with happiness with Rand and the next she is bewildered of the things Luce, elder of the Lurkers tells her about her past. Is everything she thought of herself a lie? Will Rand still want her once her true heritage comes to light?
Rand and Sinjin, vampire and warlock, both love their queen, Jolie. Yet only one man will win her true love but at what cost. H.P. Mallory has done it again in a series that I am loving every minute. There are still lots of things to come to light in what happened in Los Angeles with Jolie. Was it for selfish reasons or were Sinjin’s feelings years ago true? Now Rand is still my favorite even though there are times he seems stuffy he truly loves Jolie. There are still a lot of secrets that need to be told and H.P. Mallory throws a curveball in this book that will shock you. Jolie is one woman with men wanting her but only one will truly win her heart and soul. Rand or Sinjin? Awesome book and definitely worth getting whether a stand-alone or getting the whole series you won’t be disappointed.
Rand and Sinjin, vampire and warlock, both love their queen, Jolie. Yet only one man will win her true love but at what cost. H.P. Mallory has done it again in a series that I am loving every minute. There are still lots of things to come to light in what happened in Los Angeles with Jolie. Was it for selfish reasons or were Sinjin’s feelings years ago true? Now Rand is still my favorite even though there are times he seems stuffy he truly loves Jolie. There are still a lot of secrets that need to be told and H.P. Mallory throws a curveball in this book that will shock you. Jolie is one woman with men wanting her but only one will truly win her heart and soul. Rand or Sinjin? Awesome book and definitely worth getting whether a stand-alone or getting the whole series you won’t be disappointed.
February 9, 2021
I went into this thinking my persistence was going to pay off. Sinjin exposed himself to be the rat-bastard i always knew he was. Jolie is back where she belongs. She is going to stop obsessing about Sinjin Right?
Wrong.
20% in when she was still more worried about him than any of the important issues before her I finally accepted the fact that this is The Sinjin Show.
It could have been a fun story with a satisfying end. Instead it feels more like the prequel for Singin's series. I'm done. I wouldn't read those books if she paid me.
Wrong.
20% in when she was still more worried about him than any of the important issues before her I finally accepted the fact that this is The Sinjin Show.
It could have been a fun story with a satisfying end. Instead it feels more like the prequel for Singin's series. I'm done. I wouldn't read those books if she paid me.
January 29, 2018
Ok what was this?! What kind of ending to a series is this?!
The whole "Jolie is a lurker" was ridiculous! Everything in this book was nonsensical! And what happened in the end?! No battle with the lurkers , we are done here, end of series?! WTF ?!
The whole "Jolie is a lurker" was ridiculous! Everything in this book was nonsensical! And what happened in the end?! No battle with the lurkers , we are done here, end of series?! WTF ?!
July 26, 2015
Jolie Wilkins, after her previous adventure with going back in time, is more than ready to take her full place as queen over her people, and to finally be a full part of Rand's life. Even though things seem to be looking up for her, she is still worried for the Lurker threat who endanger her people, and whom they will more than likely be at war with, but with the love of her life, Rand, by her side, she is confident, that as long as they are together, anything is possible. What she didn't take into account, is the close the Lurker threat looms closer, the more she learns of herself, and wonders of her true destiny? Only when she relies on her strong bond with Rand, will she be able to withstand the coming storm that could threaten everything that she holds dear.....
Something Witchy This Way Comes, is the fifth installment in the Jolie Wilkins series. Ever since the first book in the series, I have always loved this story, and I have just loved this author.....although I didn't know how much I would like this book after the last one, but I found that it was entertaining, and filled with suspenseful moments, that I really wondered what would happen next. It wasn't predictable at all, which was one of my favorite aspects while reading it, that there were surprises here and there. I have to say though, normally I hate love triangles, but for some reason in this story, I have just loved the love triangle with Jolie, Rand and Sinjin, it definitely adds flair to the story and enhances the characteristics of the plot. The only thing I didn't like too much, was how indecisive Jolie can be, but I just love Rand, he is so sexy and appealing and his character is so endearing and one can't help but love him to pieces. Overall a fun and intense story that was very satisfying as the end of the series!!!! Truly Enjoyed It!!!
Something Witchy This Way Comes, is the fifth installment in the Jolie Wilkins series. Ever since the first book in the series, I have always loved this story, and I have just loved this author.....although I didn't know how much I would like this book after the last one, but I found that it was entertaining, and filled with suspenseful moments, that I really wondered what would happen next. It wasn't predictable at all, which was one of my favorite aspects while reading it, that there were surprises here and there. I have to say though, normally I hate love triangles, but for some reason in this story, I have just loved the love triangle with Jolie, Rand and Sinjin, it definitely adds flair to the story and enhances the characteristics of the plot. The only thing I didn't like too much, was how indecisive Jolie can be, but I just love Rand, he is so sexy and appealing and his character is so endearing and one can't help but love him to pieces. Overall a fun and intense story that was very satisfying as the end of the series!!!! Truly Enjoyed It!!!
July 5, 2013
I enjoyed this one better than the time travel one, although there was a certain contrivedness to this story as well.
But, as a series finale I thought it kind of sucked. There's really no resolution after all the build-up throughout the series. It's like the lurkers decided to take their marbles and go home.
Learning some of the back-story of Jolie's parents (and family) was interesting. But that was my problem with the whole story - there were lots of interesting possibilities and none of them were really fleshed out.
I came away thinking that the author got tired of the story and decided to just wind it down with the conclusion being left as an exercise to the reader.
Umm, wait, let's see, did they all die? Was the whole thing a sham created by a couple of strong individuals? What was the motivation for the lurkers & underworld hating each other?
And I had to laugh at the whole morning sickness thing. Even as a guy I figured that one out before Jolie did.
If you read the rest of the series and liked it then of course you should read this one. If you are looking for a series, this was ok, but there are others that are probably better.
But, as a series finale I thought it kind of sucked. There's really no resolution after all the build-up throughout the series. It's like the lurkers decided to take their marbles and go home.
Learning some of the back-story of Jolie's parents (and family) was interesting. But that was my problem with the whole story - there were lots of interesting possibilities and none of them were really fleshed out.
I came away thinking that the author got tired of the story and decided to just wind it down with the conclusion being left as an exercise to the reader.
Umm, wait, let's see, did they all die? Was the whole thing a sham created by a couple of strong individuals? What was the motivation for the lurkers & underworld hating each other?
And I had to laugh at the whole morning sickness thing. Even as a guy I figured that one out before Jolie did.
If you read the rest of the series and liked it then of course you should read this one. If you are looking for a series, this was ok, but there are others that are probably better.
September 26, 2012
Once again, I am weighing in with the "guy's" opinion here. I found this to be the strongest offering of the series. Jolie did something that is, in y opinion, vital to making a series something special: She matured as a character. It can be very easy to simply write the character as a static creation that plows ahead with the same mindset in offering after offering. What makes this work is the same thing that works for Kim Harrison's characters...the character grows from life events just as a "real" person might.
This offering will satisfy most fans of the series with the events that unfold. I offer no spoilers here...that would be unfair to the fans who have invested their time in this wonderful series. What I will say is that H.P. Mallory provides closure while leaving enough here for a continuation.
If you have found this while searching for a quality read in the "paranormal romance" or "urban fantasy" category, then start at book one[[ASIN:1470088282 Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble: The Jolie Wilkins Series (Volume 1)]]. You will be glad you did.
This offering will satisfy most fans of the series with the events that unfold. I offer no spoilers here...that would be unfair to the fans who have invested their time in this wonderful series. What I will say is that H.P. Mallory provides closure while leaving enough here for a continuation.
If you have found this while searching for a quality read in the "paranormal romance" or "urban fantasy" category, then start at book one[[ASIN:1470088282 Fire Burn And Cauldron Bubble: The Jolie Wilkins Series (Volume 1)]]. You will be glad you did.
October 7, 2012
Before I buy a book and begin reading I usually rely on comments, reviews and ratings by my friends and editorials. Having said that...I never buy a book by the cover, you know the old saying "Never judge a book by it's cover". Well, this time I looked at the ratings and reviews and thought it looked pretty promising. But what really sold me on this book was it's cover (it reminded me for some reason of that 1960's sitcom "Bewitched"). While the book was laced with sarcasm, wit and good old basic humor, for some reason I expected it to be a little lighter. I don't know why. I just did. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed the story line and I probably would have enjoyed it much more had it not been so filled with all sorts of magical creatures and characters as this isn't really my cup of tea. I can only say, if you're into vampires, werewolves, witches, faeries, romance and magical confrontations this book is for you as it is original and great escapism.
November 12, 2012
This was a terrible finale to a mediocre series. In the last book more new twists and turns were brought in than questions were answered. Let's talk about how many mixed feelings we have about Sinjin's 'betrayal' and how we don't want to banish him for the first half of the book, then in the second half let's throw in a random pregnancy, a long lost sister and the most anti climactic war ever, then let's tie it all up with the lamest happily ever after. I understand Jolie is new to the Underworld and new to her role as Queen, but she's just so damn naive. She blindly believes anything anyone tells her, be it Rand, Mercedes, Sinjin, or Luce. She makes really awful decisions that get her into predicaments that she can't handle. All this time the author hinted that Sinjin actually loved Jolie but it was never addressed between the two characters. What's the point of the love triangle then? All in all I was utterly disappointed in this book. Definitely not the best in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2014
I like the story. More action this time. I like how it was developed from a crazy love story to a possibly-real story about other creatures. It answered a few questions about the Lurkers and opened up another whole set of questions about these other worldly creatures. Even though the book is short, I liked how the author tried to put in as much story as she can.
Spoilers section in this review are actually the things I hate about the book. Haha. But overall, it was fun to read. This book (unlike the other Jolie Wilkin series) try to create something NEW by introducing new characters, thus making it more exciting to read.
**Spoiler**
**Spoiler**
**Spoiler**
I was expecting to see more Rand in this book after the previous one that is aaaaaaaaall about Sinjin. And I hate how Jolie continues to THINK she still feels something for Sinjin even after bonding with Rand. Bella Swan, is that you??
Spoilers section in this review are actually the things I hate about the book. Haha. But overall, it was fun to read. This book (unlike the other Jolie Wilkin series) try to create something NEW by introducing new characters, thus making it more exciting to read.
**Spoiler**
**Spoiler**
**Spoiler**
I was expecting to see more Rand in this book after the previous one that is aaaaaaaaall about Sinjin. And I hate how Jolie continues to THINK she still feels something for Sinjin even after bonding with Rand. Bella Swan, is that you??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 5, 2012
This book is full of revelations-good and bad. We find out more about Jolie's family and learn why her abilities surpass other witches and are introduced to the Lurkers and find out who they are.
I like the heroine, Jolie's character who goes through a whole lot in this book and she remained strong, smart and good throughout it all.
The only thing that kept me from giving this book 5 stars is that Jolie has too many inner conversations and arguments with herself,, and despite the fact that I love Rand for Jolie and they have a healthy and believable relationship; I didn't feel for him as I did in other books.
I did, however, finish this book in one day so that says how much I liked the story.
I like the heroine, Jolie's character who goes through a whole lot in this book and she remained strong, smart and good throughout it all.
The only thing that kept me from giving this book 5 stars is that Jolie has too many inner conversations and arguments with herself,, and despite the fact that I love Rand for Jolie and they have a healthy and believable relationship; I didn't feel for him as I did in other books.
I did, however, finish this book in one day so that says how much I liked the story.
September 2, 2014
Honestly, pretty disappointed in this last one. It left you completely in the dark at the end. I understand the next series is from a different characters perspective but that just bothers me. Finish it out the way it was started. This was one of those books that you have to read because its the last in the series and who can read 4 books and not the 5th when its the last one, I mean come on. We don't get to find out what happens between jolie's people and the lurkers, we don't get to find out what happens with jolie and bryn and we don't get closure with Sinjin. The series could have easily have ended with this book but nope had to stretch it out for another series. I probably wont read those because of this book though.
September 27, 2012
The end of a saga and it's sad to say goodbye to good friends. This book is full of twists and turns and focusing on Jolie and her future and backstory. She finally finds where her magic comes from and secrets are revealed . Sinjin is redeemed and love conquers all.
Read
December 7, 2012Love these books!!!
August 27, 2013
Perfect ending to a great series!! Loved this one!
June 28, 2019
What the ever loving heck just happened? This is just rubberish. Seriously, I am ticked off. The only reason I am not giving a 1 star review is because I have dedicated numerous hours of my life to this series.
Did the author just give up? Maybe there is a spin off that will explain why this happened, but honestly I don't care. You build up the most powerful, horrible enemy the series has seen and just end it with the lingering threat? So ridiculous. Plus the author decided that it would also be a good idea to create a twin sister for the heroine to rescue. Lovely pointless plot twist. Such crap. The only saving grace of this entire book was Sinjin's redemption. It was well executed and appropriate to his character. I have not been this disappointed in a long time.
Did the author just give up? Maybe there is a spin off that will explain why this happened, but honestly I don't care. You build up the most powerful, horrible enemy the series has seen and just end it with the lingering threat? So ridiculous. Plus the author decided that it would also be a good idea to create a twin sister for the heroine to rescue. Lovely pointless plot twist. Such crap. The only saving grace of this entire book was Sinjin's redemption. It was well executed and appropriate to his character. I have not been this disappointed in a long time.
December 15, 2023
too much repeating
I completely understand the concept of serials however the constant repetition of the same material book after book up into the actual 40 plus books in overwhelmingly unnecessary. These books would have been great fun if they’d been condensed. Money grab? Lack of focus? What causes an author to mismanage their story? I’d like to know what happens to the central 5-6 characters but to get there I have to skim through over 40 MORE books. Rarely does a series that long remain interesting. I’m not sure the relationship problems, magic mistakes and “travel” can make a story that stretches out into that many words.if I couldn’t read these through Kindle unlimited I’d stop right here. As is they are on my back burner for when I’m not reading anything else.
I completely understand the concept of serials however the constant repetition of the same material book after book up into the actual 40 plus books in overwhelmingly unnecessary. These books would have been great fun if they’d been condensed. Money grab? Lack of focus? What causes an author to mismanage their story? I’d like to know what happens to the central 5-6 characters but to get there I have to skim through over 40 MORE books. Rarely does a series that long remain interesting. I’m not sure the relationship problems, magic mistakes and “travel” can make a story that stretches out into that many words.if I couldn’t read these through Kindle unlimited I’d stop right here. As is they are on my back burner for when I’m not reading anything else.
March 25, 2024
Something Witchy This Way Comes: A Witch Romance Series (Witch, Warlock and Vampire Book 5)
Something Witchy This Way Comes: A Witch Romance Series (Witch, Warlock and Vampire Book 5) I have not been able to stop reading this series. I love the characters…. Jolie, Rand, and Sinclair, and all the other characters, this story is fast-paced and full of the unexpected twists and turns . I can't wait to see what the author has in store in book 6! I am hooked. I love H.P. Mallory and her writing. I have enjoyed many of her other books also. Totally worth the the reading of this series ….
Definitely recommend this book 📕 / series 📚now onto book 6…
Something Witchy This Way Comes: A Witch Romance Series (Witch, Warlock and Vampire Book 5) I have not been able to stop reading this series. I love the characters…. Jolie, Rand, and Sinclair, and all the other characters, this story is fast-paced and full of the unexpected twists and turns . I can't wait to see what the author has in store in book 6! I am hooked. I love H.P. Mallory and her writing. I have enjoyed many of her other books also. Totally worth the the reading of this series ….
Definitely recommend this book 📕 / series 📚now onto book 6…
October 31, 2018
I can’t believe that a series that drug out for five whole books, still didn’t have a decent resolution at the end. Apparently it is going to spin off into continued story of Singin and bran, and I guess you’ll get the rest of what happens to Randall and Julie through those books. I am not continuing the rest of that. This is light seasonal reading if you want something mindless and can tolerate the repetition and you like vampires and witches and what not.
August 1, 2019
Boooooooo!
If this is the last book of the Jolie series, it didn't feel like it.
Lots of things left up in the air and unresolved.
My only thought for Mallory doing this is if she planned on tying up things during the Brynn & Sinjin series, which would piss me off even more. Maybe not everyone wants to read that series, but now we HAVE TO so we can see what happened to Jolie and Rand??
Ugh!! Not happy..
If this is the last book of the Jolie series, it didn't feel like it.
Lots of things left up in the air and unresolved.
My only thought for Mallory doing this is if she planned on tying up things during the Brynn & Sinjin series, which would piss me off even more. Maybe not everyone wants to read that series, but now we HAVE TO so we can see what happened to Jolie and Rand??
Ugh!! Not happy..
June 8, 2017
This really didn't read like the end of a series. I definitely was disappointed that it didn't really wrap things up at all. Sad really, the series started with so much potential. I really felt like the author was just over it and put this out because she had to.
September 24, 2017
Fast read
I started this book a few years ago to finish the series, but never got into it. Started reading it last night and finished today. It was a good way to "end" the series but it still leaves more to wonder about so there could be another book in future.
I started this book a few years ago to finish the series, but never got into it. Started reading it last night and finished today. It was a good way to "end" the series but it still leaves more to wonder about so there could be another book in future.
August 11, 2022
The End?
It makes no sense. How can that be the end? The story has just begun so How can you move on to a story told by two different characters. Disappointing and I don't know if I want to read the next book or not.
It makes no sense. How can that be the end? The story has just begun so How can you move on to a story told by two different characters. Disappointing and I don't know if I want to read the next book or not.
February 20, 2024
Great
This book is so good and right we're it should be in the series. I love everything about it. I the love and sadness in this book is so worth the read. I can't wait to see where this series goes and I would recommend this series to everyone.
This book is so good and right we're it should be in the series. I love everything about it. I the love and sadness in this book is so worth the read. I can't wait to see where this series goes and I would recommend this series to everyone.
October 27, 2017
Left us hanging for the spin offs.
Looking forward to more from these characters if not this series.
Looking forward to more from these characters if not this series.
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