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Grace Murphy #3
Volcanoes
“I needed something big. I'd found a dormant volcano
in my earlier exploration. Yeah – that would be big and
in typical Grace Murphy fashion, I didn't think this one
through, I just blew it.”
Be careful what you ask of Fate - sometimes she gives it to you.
When we last saw our heroine, she'd watched her faithful pet rip off her new best friend's head to save her son's life and Atlantis was rising from the depths. Now, Grace Murphy is back in the third installment of the Huntress series, but this time she's facing an all-out war. It's critical that Nyx (and Atlantis) stay buried, but her psychotic brats will do most anything to get her back.
You didn't think that was all, did you? Of course there's more!�
With Hypnos invading her dreams, Dylan caught up in the throes of his "change" and juggling her relationships with two hunky Gods, Drew and Heph, to say Grace's hands are full would be an understatement.
Grace wished her life would just go back to the way it was before, and that she wouldn't have her powers or responsibilities anymore. Unfortunately, it looks like Fate answered this time. The results aren't pretty.
"Delightful! Grace Murphy is like an Urban Fantasy Stephanie Plum!" - Margie Abrahms
in my earlier exploration. Yeah – that would be big and
in typical Grace Murphy fashion, I didn't think this one
through, I just blew it.”
Be careful what you ask of Fate - sometimes she gives it to you.
When we last saw our heroine, she'd watched her faithful pet rip off her new best friend's head to save her son's life and Atlantis was rising from the depths. Now, Grace Murphy is back in the third installment of the Huntress series, but this time she's facing an all-out war. It's critical that Nyx (and Atlantis) stay buried, but her psychotic brats will do most anything to get her back.
You didn't think that was all, did you? Of course there's more!�
With Hypnos invading her dreams, Dylan caught up in the throes of his "change" and juggling her relationships with two hunky Gods, Drew and Heph, to say Grace's hands are full would be an understatement.
Grace wished her life would just go back to the way it was before, and that she wouldn't have her powers or responsibilities anymore. Unfortunately, it looks like Fate answered this time. The results aren't pretty.
"Delightful! Grace Murphy is like an Urban Fantasy Stephanie Plum!" - Margie Abrahms
212 pages, ebook
First published August 6, 2012
4 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 16, 2017
This improved from the last one. No more love triangle and no cliff hanger ending!
I like that we continue to meet and get to know figures from the Greek pantheon. I love that Diana and Grace call Poseidon either Pie or Poe. Family is still important as Grace tries to put Dylan first and they have a great relationship. But it seems the bad guys have fixated on Grace and things get bad quickly. First her powers burn out then things get worse.
Grace sometimes acts like a impetuous child instead of the 30-something mother she is, which can be annoying. But her life went from fairly normal to insanely dangerous, so it is a little bit understandable.
I like that we continue to meet and get to know figures from the Greek pantheon. I love that Diana and Grace call Poseidon either Pie or Poe. Family is still important as Grace tries to put Dylan first and they have a great relationship. But it seems the bad guys have fixated on Grace and things get bad quickly. First her powers burn out then things get worse.
Grace sometimes acts like a impetuous child instead of the 30-something mother she is, which can be annoying. But her life went from fairly normal to insanely dangerous, so it is a little bit understandable.
July 5, 2016
I really enjoyed the latest Grace Murphy story (that's what she said). It was fast paced, funny, and full of surprises. (I'm editing this to say that I got the book off Kickstarter because I think that is what I'm supposed to do...)
December 29, 2012
Check out the book blog tour at my blog, click the tour banner.
Volcanoes (Grace Murphy book 3) Review
Not a YA book, for mature readers only, due to language and violence, like war stuff, no sexual situations at all.
*Your safe to read the review up till I tell you to stop if you have not read books 1 and 2, then after that, there will be spoilers for the first 2 books.
Wow, got to say I just love this series so much. I love Grace, she is so funny, has that snarky personality that gets her into some sticky situations. She really is real, but with the huge responsibility on her shoulders.
The writing in these books is really good, I feel like I am in the story right with Grace, I get sucked right into it. I was so hooked on these books from the first few pages in book one, Huntress, and could not stop reading from there on. This book is just as exciting as the first 2, Grace has more to deal with, one of them being something she didn’t think she would have to worry about, her mortality.
*If you have not read books 1 & 2 stop here, if you do not want to know anything that happens in them.
I won’t say too much here so not to spoil anything for Volcanoes.
So, if you read book 2, you know we ended with the hunters of Olympus trying to stop the rising of Alantis, to keep Nyx buried there. We start here, right where that cliffhanger ends with Grace and Adonis/Drew on a sandy beach, trying to come up with a plan to stop the rising of Alantis. Nyx’s kids are determined to raise it, and rescue Nyx. Hyono being one of them, and he can enter your dreams, and things can happen to you in these dreams. So he torments Grace when she sleeps.
I won’t say what happen in that first few chapters, as it’s exciting and the start of a great story.
I really love how Hephaestus and Grace grow closer, and how Grace and Adonis/Drew work toward the whole forgiving part. She can’t get over that he is Dylan’s father, and he never said anything. (If you didn’t know this, then you didn’t read the first 2 books)
Here is a cute part with Grace and Drew/Adonis:
"Fine. I've been a bitch. I'm sorry."
"It would be a better apology if you weren't snarking it at me." He rolled his eyes and left the room.
I like how a lot more happen with her son Dylan, he is really developing his powers, and I feel he will turn into a really powerful hunter, after all, with Grace (who is daughter of Diana the Huntress) and Adonis as his parents; he is destined to be a great Hunter.
I love the funny witty parts, one stands out some that made me laugh out loud, with Grace and Poseidon when he needs to take her deep into the ocean:
Poseidon stopped and breathed in a heavy sigh, annoyed. "I am considered the God of the Sea, Grace. How do you suppose you'll survive this?"
He rolled his eyes at me and preceded me out the door.
My own eyes narrowed with suspicion. I wasn't going to rule out the idea that my mother had grown tired of my crap and was going to just off me. "I'll go, but if I think for an instant that you're going to let me drown, you are… Okay there's nothing I can do. But I'm going to be pissed," I warned.
"Duly noted," he replied with mock sincerity.
I won’t say much more now, as I do not want to spoil this action packed, full of suspense story. I will give you some good teasers though.
I have a part her where Grace describes Hephaestus, and in my previous review of Rifts, I said my vision of him was of Chris Hemsworth, well, in that book, his exact looks were not mentioned, so I came up with my own, so I still see it as him, just darker hair, works for me.
Hephaestus was what everyone imagined a demi-god to look like - black hair, piercing blue eyes and a body that showed strength and power. I heard he kept it so short because it was curly and he didn't want anyone to think him soft.
I will leave you with this little funny part, a conversation with Grace and Poseidon where she is talking about how he and Hephaestus were arguing:
"Well now that that bit of awkwardness is over, what are we doing here? With all of the arguing and waving of your collective junk at each other to see whose was bigger, you never did tell me."
"Waving our collective junk at each other?"
I gestured to my lady parts and shrugged. His eyes widened and he stepped back with a look of horror. "My gods do you have absolutely no manners or humility whatsoever? You are one of the foulest mouthed, chicken brained people I've ever met in my extensive years. You say the first thing that comes to your mind and be-damned the consequences. The thought of bringing you into a diplomatic situation fills me with dread, Grace. Dread."
I can’t wait for the next book. It’s such an enticing story. I can’t get enough!! Hope you like the little teasers to give you a taste of Grace.
5 out of 5 big stars from me!
I was provided a copy of this book for the book tour with Reading Addiction Blog Tours.
August 16, 2012
I loved this one, I think more then the 1st 2. I will have to reread it, as the first time I just devoured it! Stayed up until dawn to finish it! Now I'm going to go back and reread all 3 again. I re-read the 1st 2 before I read this one (pre-release through a fundraiser), but again was reading so fast, had to get to the end of the 1st two so I could read this one! No time to think, eat, make notes..., just READ!!! It's a visceral experience for me when I read. I am IN the movie of the book in my mind. Sometimes after I read a great book (like these) I have a hard time thinking of them as books, as they played in my mind like a full featured film with me in the movie with the characters! This "movie" was excellent!!
I wrote this to Nicole on the books discussion pages, and thought I would add it to my review.
I was just sitting here and thinking of the Grace Murphy series and why I like them so much?? Oftentimes I like something but can't quite put my finger on "why." So, why do I like the series??
First I suppose the biggest requirement is has to be in the Sci/Fi, Fantasy area or a mystery. It's what I like to read. But that just narrows the field a bit. There's still a gazillion choices....
In order for me to like a book it has to first be well written, in spelling, grammar, etc. But what makes it enjoyable? What brings it above just being decently written? (and your's are very well written with only minor editing misses).
Then a book must tell the story well. Keeping track of the events, leading from one to the next in a comprehensive manner. No jumping here and there with no reason written. No missing or suddenly added characters (where suddenly they just appear or disappear), I've ran into that sometimes! I then have to spend time going back and trying to find what I missed. Where did they leave or enter the story?
Then, it must "make a movie" in my head. So, the descriptions and dialogue must be clearly written and "real" but without the minutia of where every piece of furniture is in the scene; or detailed descriptions of what they are wearing, how the hair is done up, etc. I tried reading a mystery recently that every other paragraph was about the details of what each character was wearing, down to their shoes! And with brand name, color, and if that item had a "name" it was listed! Drove me nuts, it didn't matter that the mystery parts were pretty good and interesting. The endless details made it unreadable. You never do that Nicole! You give us just enough to set the stage so to speak.
I also won't read books that are distasteful to me. Another mystery made blanket statements about all pitbulls being killers and should be killed. Nope not finishing that book!
Being a lover of Sci/fi/Fantasy, there are many more books with men as the "hero," and being a woman I want to see "me" in the story. So, I look for ones written by women and "starring" women. Written by women, because a man, generally, can't write a real woman into a book. Not in the lead role anyway.
But even then, too often a woman hero comes off as a man in womens clothes and appearance. I like to see real women, but not those that can cook and clean and care for the kids, and do all that perfectly, and be the hero. I want a fallible woman. One like me, that can cook but doesn't live her life to. That makes mistakes. Your Grace is such a woman.
That isn't to say I want all my women to be feminine, no-sir-ree!! I'm all for the sword and sorceress types too!
So, the basics are all there. What elevates it for me to a book that makes me want to keep reading? What makes a book that I can't set down?
There is something that I really can't articulate that makes a sci/fi/fantasy book something that I will love.
For your series, I was initially intrigued with the modern world having something so different as the ancient pagan gods of greece/rome in it. I love the ancient religions and myths, even studied comparative religion when I was in college. So was very drawn into trying the first book.
And then our heroine finds she is a "superwoman" even though she had no idea. She makes mistakes, rails at the insanity of this hidden world and those that are trying to kill her and her son, but ultimately makes the decision to do the "right" thing. She doesn't use her gifts for ill, but for good. And her new found friends and relatives also do what is right for the world and humanity, with a few hiccups along the way, LOL.
I guess that is important to me, too. The protagonist has to be likeable, and a "nice" person.
With your's it's that I like Grace. She's believable, she isn't perfect, but she tries to do the right thing, most of the time anyway, LOL. For example, I love it when she has those internal arguments with herself. Knowing she shouldn't egg on the fight with being a bit, hmmm... shrewish, LOL. But she's so mad she says it anyway! I've done that!! So often in books the protagonist never really does anything untoward. Never would they rile someone up just because they can and they are angry. I love that about Grace, she's so REAL.
Your series is also, I think, the first one with a MOM as the lead character. I am not a Mom (other then my furred and feathered kids), but I can feel in my heart what she feels for her son. The fear and yet pride with how he is handling things, how is growing up. The wish to keep them in swaddling clothes, knowing eventually he will leave the nest, and proud that he is growing up into someone we can admire, but the fear!!!
So, not sure I really answered that question I started with. Yes, a book must fill the requirements above, but there is still something that I can't put my finger on.... oh well! All I really know is I like this series! Woohoo Grace Murphy!! May your series last a long time!
Thanks Nicole for writing such a great series!
I wrote this to Nicole on the books discussion pages, and thought I would add it to my review.
I was just sitting here and thinking of the Grace Murphy series and why I like them so much?? Oftentimes I like something but can't quite put my finger on "why." So, why do I like the series??
First I suppose the biggest requirement is has to be in the Sci/Fi, Fantasy area or a mystery. It's what I like to read. But that just narrows the field a bit. There's still a gazillion choices....
In order for me to like a book it has to first be well written, in spelling, grammar, etc. But what makes it enjoyable? What brings it above just being decently written? (and your's are very well written with only minor editing misses).
Then a book must tell the story well. Keeping track of the events, leading from one to the next in a comprehensive manner. No jumping here and there with no reason written. No missing or suddenly added characters (where suddenly they just appear or disappear), I've ran into that sometimes! I then have to spend time going back and trying to find what I missed. Where did they leave or enter the story?
Then, it must "make a movie" in my head. So, the descriptions and dialogue must be clearly written and "real" but without the minutia of where every piece of furniture is in the scene; or detailed descriptions of what they are wearing, how the hair is done up, etc. I tried reading a mystery recently that every other paragraph was about the details of what each character was wearing, down to their shoes! And with brand name, color, and if that item had a "name" it was listed! Drove me nuts, it didn't matter that the mystery parts were pretty good and interesting. The endless details made it unreadable. You never do that Nicole! You give us just enough to set the stage so to speak.
I also won't read books that are distasteful to me. Another mystery made blanket statements about all pitbulls being killers and should be killed. Nope not finishing that book!
Being a lover of Sci/fi/Fantasy, there are many more books with men as the "hero," and being a woman I want to see "me" in the story. So, I look for ones written by women and "starring" women. Written by women, because a man, generally, can't write a real woman into a book. Not in the lead role anyway.
But even then, too often a woman hero comes off as a man in womens clothes and appearance. I like to see real women, but not those that can cook and clean and care for the kids, and do all that perfectly, and be the hero. I want a fallible woman. One like me, that can cook but doesn't live her life to. That makes mistakes. Your Grace is such a woman.
That isn't to say I want all my women to be feminine, no-sir-ree!! I'm all for the sword and sorceress types too!
So, the basics are all there. What elevates it for me to a book that makes me want to keep reading? What makes a book that I can't set down?
There is something that I really can't articulate that makes a sci/fi/fantasy book something that I will love.
For your series, I was initially intrigued with the modern world having something so different as the ancient pagan gods of greece/rome in it. I love the ancient religions and myths, even studied comparative religion when I was in college. So was very drawn into trying the first book.
And then our heroine finds she is a "superwoman" even though she had no idea. She makes mistakes, rails at the insanity of this hidden world and those that are trying to kill her and her son, but ultimately makes the decision to do the "right" thing. She doesn't use her gifts for ill, but for good. And her new found friends and relatives also do what is right for the world and humanity, with a few hiccups along the way, LOL.
I guess that is important to me, too. The protagonist has to be likeable, and a "nice" person.
With your's it's that I like Grace. She's believable, she isn't perfect, but she tries to do the right thing, most of the time anyway, LOL. For example, I love it when she has those internal arguments with herself. Knowing she shouldn't egg on the fight with being a bit, hmmm... shrewish, LOL. But she's so mad she says it anyway! I've done that!! So often in books the protagonist never really does anything untoward. Never would they rile someone up just because they can and they are angry. I love that about Grace, she's so REAL.
Your series is also, I think, the first one with a MOM as the lead character. I am not a Mom (other then my furred and feathered kids), but I can feel in my heart what she feels for her son. The fear and yet pride with how he is handling things, how is growing up. The wish to keep them in swaddling clothes, knowing eventually he will leave the nest, and proud that he is growing up into someone we can admire, but the fear!!!
So, not sure I really answered that question I started with. Yes, a book must fill the requirements above, but there is still something that I can't put my finger on.... oh well! All I really know is I like this series! Woohoo Grace Murphy!! May your series last a long time!
Thanks Nicole for writing such a great series!
November 20, 2012
I throughly l enjoyed writer Hamlett’s writing it’s refreshing full of humor Grace’s sarcacastic narration that sometimes was full of self-loathing and wit, dialogue that was intelligent but sharp endeared her to me. I felt a kinship with Grace it could have been the smart mouth I love sassy characters, act first and ask questions after. I could identify with her I’m not ashamed to admit I have a volcanic temper, see I made a pun. The pacing was good and had a nice rhythm slow in the appropriate moments and picking suddenly it kept me on my toes.
Grace had been through so much I kept wondering what else could happen then it would happen albeit her powers getting burned out after a nearly catastrophic event is one. So far this series hasn’t disappointed. There were moments I just laughed out loud at something Grace said or the situation she found herself in. And others I felt for her because of thing she had to face or deal with some new startling news she’d just discovered and now had to process. Grace is a neurontic mess but she’s real— a mother that loves her son entirely too much but what mother doesn’t? I could feel just how much Grace loved her son by the way writer Hamlett describes Grace and Dylan’s relationship it made me feel sappy. And was among my favorite scenes in the books.
Having said that after reading the progression of Grace’s character through out the series I’m a little annoyed she still has the pity party, self loathing still in her playlist. Granted she has had to deal with some extraordinary circumstances and anyone would doubt themselves in the face off those kind of situations. It amazes me how much she always wants to run away whenever she’s confronted, called on her pity party like behavior or bitch-ness. When she’s hurt,confused, angry, scared she go on the defense and turns into super bitch even to the guy who loves her. Grace has two responses fight or flight. I think its time for her to be over this and she gets told this constantly throughout the series so it’s nothing new. The thing I love about Grace is her sassy mouth but good God there are times when silence is best and those are times she’s not. And it’s my impression that Drew has loved her from the beginning even though she constantly mean to ever since she found out he’s her baby daddy. Still all this is part of her charm I guess when you read all three books in one sitting it becomes glaring.
Volcanoes left a good impression on me and can’t wait to see what happens next to Grace so I gave Volcanoes a four out of five. The writing was beautifully done, detail descriptions, awesome real down to earth female lead character (Yaaay ) intriguing plot lines nicely blended into each other my overall feeling was love more than dismay. I could do with a bit less woe is me from Grace after three books its time to grow a pair Grace. Overall this an adult book with language to boot so I’m kinda of pushing it with the 16 age limit to start but these days teenagers talk like sailors and know more than I did when I was 16. So I recommend this book for the 16 -adult age group.
4/5
Grace had been through so much I kept wondering what else could happen then it would happen albeit her powers getting burned out after a nearly catastrophic event is one. So far this series hasn’t disappointed. There were moments I just laughed out loud at something Grace said or the situation she found herself in. And others I felt for her because of thing she had to face or deal with some new startling news she’d just discovered and now had to process. Grace is a neurontic mess but she’s real— a mother that loves her son entirely too much but what mother doesn’t? I could feel just how much Grace loved her son by the way writer Hamlett describes Grace and Dylan’s relationship it made me feel sappy. And was among my favorite scenes in the books.
Having said that after reading the progression of Grace’s character through out the series I’m a little annoyed she still has the pity party, self loathing still in her playlist. Granted she has had to deal with some extraordinary circumstances and anyone would doubt themselves in the face off those kind of situations. It amazes me how much she always wants to run away whenever she’s confronted, called on her pity party like behavior or bitch-ness. When she’s hurt,confused, angry, scared she go on the defense and turns into super bitch even to the guy who loves her. Grace has two responses fight or flight. I think its time for her to be over this and she gets told this constantly throughout the series so it’s nothing new. The thing I love about Grace is her sassy mouth but good God there are times when silence is best and those are times she’s not. And it’s my impression that Drew has loved her from the beginning even though she constantly mean to ever since she found out he’s her baby daddy. Still all this is part of her charm I guess when you read all three books in one sitting it becomes glaring.
Volcanoes left a good impression on me and can’t wait to see what happens next to Grace so I gave Volcanoes a four out of five. The writing was beautifully done, detail descriptions, awesome real down to earth female lead character (Yaaay ) intriguing plot lines nicely blended into each other my overall feeling was love more than dismay. I could do with a bit less woe is me from Grace after three books its time to grow a pair Grace. Overall this an adult book with language to boot so I’m kinda of pushing it with the 16 age limit to start but these days teenagers talk like sailors and know more than I did when I was 16. So I recommend this book for the 16 -adult age group.
4/5
March 4, 2013
Volcanoes (Grace Murphy 3) reads like a diary with internal monologues thrown-in. Its humor that’s comical bordering on satirical. If you can’t LOL while reading this book then you have no sense of humor. You should stop reading and get that checked immediately.
Grace Murphy is a mid-thirty-ish author, mother, demi-god with borderline arrested development in her early twenties. Her problems don’t stem from her recent discover that her mother is Diana, goddess of the Hunt, they are her problem. The dysfunction of her family makes me smile that they aren't mine.
Coming off her adventures in Rift, her enemies make their revenge personal. Grace Murphy is constantly at odds with her family and friends, struggle to break the cycle. It’s just plain humor as she tries to break it like a monkey banging its head against the cage. Through her amazingly displays of power to her constant battles with Hypnos and the other children of Nyx, Grace is finally accepting that she’s a badass demi-god daughter of Diana.
The story ends resolute with much of her conflicts unresolved. Yet you know there are more stories to tell in the life of Grace Murphy. Grace Murphy is a character in progress, she is nowhere close to reaching her potential based on her parentage. It will be interesting to see where the amazingly hilarious author Nicole Hamlett takes her.
Grace Murphy is a mid-thirty-ish author, mother, demi-god with borderline arrested development in her early twenties. Her problems don’t stem from her recent discover that her mother is Diana, goddess of the Hunt, they are her problem. The dysfunction of her family makes me smile that they aren't mine.
Coming off her adventures in Rift, her enemies make their revenge personal. Grace Murphy is constantly at odds with her family and friends, struggle to break the cycle. It’s just plain humor as she tries to break it like a monkey banging its head against the cage. Through her amazingly displays of power to her constant battles with Hypnos and the other children of Nyx, Grace is finally accepting that she’s a badass demi-god daughter of Diana.
The story ends resolute with much of her conflicts unresolved. Yet you know there are more stories to tell in the life of Grace Murphy. Grace Murphy is a character in progress, she is nowhere close to reaching her potential based on her parentage. It will be interesting to see where the amazingly hilarious author Nicole Hamlett takes her.
August 7, 2012
Wow!! Nicole really out did herself on this one. Volcanoes was amazing! It was a more serious side to Grace. She was still her usual self but she began to learn how to cope with things a little better. She also realized how much she was loved and that she had a true family. You will be on the edge of your seat just waiting to know what happens next.
August 7, 2012
The book was GREAT!!! Grace is hilarious! I would have liked 2 c more of Grace on fire though (smile). I was sad it ended. I can't wait for the next one. I hope it's sooner rather than later. I know great writing takes time but I CAN'T WAIT.
August 18, 2012
I knew it would be a five star-er.
This was just as good as the other two and I'm really excited to read the rest of the series (it's one of the best I've ever read).
Love it N.H!!
This was just as good as the other two and I'm really excited to read the rest of the series (it's one of the best I've ever read).
Love it N.H!!
September 11, 2012
LOVED this book, and a great ending. You do have to read it twice to really catch everything that's going on, but definitely sucks you in
October 29, 2012
Even better than the last two. Loved it. Only nit pick is the font so hard to read.
December 3, 2012
Have you ever read the first page of a story and you know by the end of the page that the narrating character is beyond awesome and no matter what you will read every single book narrated by this character because you cannot get enough? There has only been a handful of books that grab me like that and the first book in the series, Huntress did just that. So when I began reading the third installment of the Grace Murphy series I was expecting another amazingly sarcastic and smart-aleck novel. That’s exactly what I got.
The book began with Grace belittling her lover/husband/whatever and making him feel 2 inches tall. If you’ve ever been in a serious relationship and wanted to embarrass your significant other in front of all his friends, well that’s what Grace did. Only her significant other is a “Greek god” and all his friends are too. There’s no filter on Grace and I love her for it. She’s a superwoman (divorced mom, writer, and superhero) and she’s got sass. I’m super jealous of her relationship with her son – it’s just like the one I want to have with my kid when he’s older – and it feels so very real.
This novel is very dialogue heavy and since Grace rarely takes situations as seriously as they need to be taken, the pacing feels lagged at times. I wanted to just shake Grace sometimes and tell her that enough is enough and she should go DO whatever. But, Grace remains in character no matter what. If you don’t like Grace, this will be a hard novel to finish. If you like Grace and don’t mind the constant reminders from the other characters to get back on track, then you’ll love it.
The other characters don’t have as distinct personalities as I wished (minus Drew but he’s vacant for much of the novel) and they universally like to remind Grace of her faults. It’s like a 169 page roast of a superhero and pretty damn funny at times. Because Grace has lost her powers and must learn to rely on other people to help her save the world, and this gal is in desperate need of learning some humility.
Grace narrates like she has OCD, so her mind jumps from this to that at the littlest of distractions. If your focus is the story and the plot, then Grace is frustrating. If you’d like a cynical view from a super-human gal with a highly addictive personality, then you love hanging out with Grace during the novel. The story happens, but it definitely isn’t the star of this novel. Grace Murphy is.
I prefer typically prefer books that are fast pace and more plot driven than character driven, but this is a series that I will follow despite everything. I didn’t like it quite as much as the first two, but it is still a solid B (4 star).
(I received a copy of this book as part of the blog tour in exchange for my honest review.)
The book began with Grace belittling her lover/husband/whatever and making him feel 2 inches tall. If you’ve ever been in a serious relationship and wanted to embarrass your significant other in front of all his friends, well that’s what Grace did. Only her significant other is a “Greek god” and all his friends are too. There’s no filter on Grace and I love her for it. She’s a superwoman (divorced mom, writer, and superhero) and she’s got sass. I’m super jealous of her relationship with her son – it’s just like the one I want to have with my kid when he’s older – and it feels so very real.
This novel is very dialogue heavy and since Grace rarely takes situations as seriously as they need to be taken, the pacing feels lagged at times. I wanted to just shake Grace sometimes and tell her that enough is enough and she should go DO whatever. But, Grace remains in character no matter what. If you don’t like Grace, this will be a hard novel to finish. If you like Grace and don’t mind the constant reminders from the other characters to get back on track, then you’ll love it.
The other characters don’t have as distinct personalities as I wished (minus Drew but he’s vacant for much of the novel) and they universally like to remind Grace of her faults. It’s like a 169 page roast of a superhero and pretty damn funny at times. Because Grace has lost her powers and must learn to rely on other people to help her save the world, and this gal is in desperate need of learning some humility.
Grace narrates like she has OCD, so her mind jumps from this to that at the littlest of distractions. If your focus is the story and the plot, then Grace is frustrating. If you’d like a cynical view from a super-human gal with a highly addictive personality, then you love hanging out with Grace during the novel. The story happens, but it definitely isn’t the star of this novel. Grace Murphy is.
I prefer typically prefer books that are fast pace and more plot driven than character driven, but this is a series that I will follow despite everything. I didn’t like it quite as much as the first two, but it is still a solid B (4 star).
(I received a copy of this book as part of the blog tour in exchange for my honest review.)
December 31, 2012
The third installment of the Grace Murphy series was phenomenal. It was a roller coaster ride that just made my experience worthwhile. From reading the first two books, Huntress until Rifts, I couldn't praise this series enough for what its worth. I have devoured this book from page one to the last and I still wanted more.
With everything that happened to Grace, there is really no stopping her. She maybe a little too into your face type of girl but attitude/spunk/badass describes her best. I believe that Volcanoes is one of the most significant book in the series and with what I read so far, Ihope know that the fourth book will be more awesome than the first three. Grace in Volcanoes does have a lot on her shoulders and there were times that I just want to smack her straight in the face to wake her up from her self loathing and negativity but if you were on her shoes, you wouldn't do things differently.
I love Grace's voice in this book. Although it can be a pain to read with all that emotion cooped up in her, it felt genuine. You can feel her emotion as she goes through her ordeal but still read a lot of kickassery in the mix. It wasn't easy for Grace or the characters in the story, and by reading it you can really tell.I love the relationship Grace shares with her family and how each character developed throughout the story.
This is not the end for Grace, this is only the beginning. The ending was so awesome I almost cried on the idea of waiting for the next book. What is so great about the Grace Murphy series is not just the character and how she made a voice in a story that becomes distinctly her own but it is how Hamlett wrote it everything effectively. Hamletts writing is refreshing and very distinct. She has easily became one of my favorite author this year and for me the Grace Murphy series is one of those series that I would be re-reading again and again without hesitation. Best read in succession but you can also read it as stand alone, but believe me you want to warm up to Graces character so read it from the very start. I assure it the series is worth your time and money. Hamlett outdid herself on this one, I am excited to see what she offers on the next installment. :D
With everything that happened to Grace, there is really no stopping her. She maybe a little too into your face type of girl but attitude/spunk/badass describes her best. I believe that Volcanoes is one of the most significant book in the series and with what I read so far, I
I love Grace's voice in this book. Although it can be a pain to read with all that emotion cooped up in her, it felt genuine. You can feel her emotion as she goes through her ordeal but still read a lot of kickassery in the mix. It wasn't easy for Grace or the characters in the story, and by reading it you can really tell.I love the relationship Grace shares with her family and how each character developed throughout the story.
This is not the end for Grace, this is only the beginning. The ending was so awesome I almost cried on the idea of waiting for the next book. What is so great about the Grace Murphy series is not just the character and how she made a voice in a story that becomes distinctly her own but it is how Hamlett wrote it everything effectively. Hamletts writing is refreshing and very distinct. She has easily became one of my favorite author this year and for me the Grace Murphy series is one of those series that I would be re-reading again and again without hesitation. Best read in succession but you can also read it as stand alone, but believe me you want to warm up to Graces character so read it from the very start. I assure it the series is worth your time and money. Hamlett outdid herself on this one, I am excited to see what she offers on the next installment. :D
November 26, 2012
This book is the first in the Urban Fantasy genre for me, and I am only glad I gave it a try..Volcanoes is the third book in the series of Gracy Murphy series, since I was told that it was a stand alone book, I gave it a shot..Truly this one could be enjoyed without reading the earlier books in the series..Grace recalls her odyssey in the last series thus giving the reader an idea of the story so far time and again..We are introduced to Grace who is trying to control her mind and focus to build a wall to avoid the sea gushing in..She does it very easily, there appears Nyx with sparkling glow that taunts her..Okay, so its Nyx, Atlantis she has fight from rising form the ocean.. When we think that is all for Grace to fight on, she is hit by parenting issue with her kid , even her relations...As a final touch there is Hypnos, a nemesis that stalks her in her sleep..Now she has no time to rest, as expected she has to save the people she loves with all this going on..
I liked the equation that Grace shares with her mother, its a deep and a warm bond..Every one has their part demarked even Scooter her adorable dog...The plot is engaging and moved at a reasonable pace , but what put me off was Grace's somber way of dealing things, she gets too irritating at time dealing with her household issues, I know this for sure because I am currently reading the second book in the series where Grace is more in control of herself.. Hamlett has been successful in building an aura for fantasy with care..I also enjoyed the sense of humor that Grace carries around all through, her self contemplation is also engaging...Its a tale of a woman on whose shoulder tonnes of troubles rests along with her everyday troubles, she tries her best to deal because that is the only option left to her...Do give it a try for the sake of Grace..
I liked the equation that Grace shares with her mother, its a deep and a warm bond..Every one has their part demarked even Scooter her adorable dog...The plot is engaging and moved at a reasonable pace , but what put me off was Grace's somber way of dealing things, she gets too irritating at time dealing with her household issues, I know this for sure because I am currently reading the second book in the series where Grace is more in control of herself.. Hamlett has been successful in building an aura for fantasy with care..I also enjoyed the sense of humor that Grace carries around all through, her self contemplation is also engaging...Its a tale of a woman on whose shoulder tonnes of troubles rests along with her everyday troubles, she tries her best to deal because that is the only option left to her...Do give it a try for the sake of Grace..
January 7, 2013
I received this book as part of a blog tour for review. I had never heard of the series or the author before but decided to give it a try. My first impression was not a good one. I had to restart this book 3 times before it finally grabbed me…..but it did.
From what I read ahead of time, this is a book that can certainly be read as a standalone and they were right. However, there was a lot of rehashing of details from previous books. Not having read the previous books, I don’t feel that it was 100% necessary for the plot line of this book but it definitely helped understand the characters better.
Grace, the main character, is pretty funny. She has a good sense of humor and it’s carried throughout the book. Between her and the supporting cast, I can totally understand why this series has such a wide following. It’s not often that an author devotes as much attention to the supporting cast as they do the main character but Nicole Hamlett went all out for them.
Overall, I am going to give Volcanoes 3 stars. As I said, it was a little hard to get into and I am thinking that a big part of that may be because I hadn’t read the previous books in the series. I was new to the characters and the flow of the authors writing. It really took me until about half way through before I was really into it. I would suggest to anyone looking to pick up this series, start with the first book and read through. I am going to do just that and try rereading this book afterward. If you like urban fantasy, heavy on the fantasy, you’d like this book.
From what I read ahead of time, this is a book that can certainly be read as a standalone and they were right. However, there was a lot of rehashing of details from previous books. Not having read the previous books, I don’t feel that it was 100% necessary for the plot line of this book but it definitely helped understand the characters better.
Grace, the main character, is pretty funny. She has a good sense of humor and it’s carried throughout the book. Between her and the supporting cast, I can totally understand why this series has such a wide following. It’s not often that an author devotes as much attention to the supporting cast as they do the main character but Nicole Hamlett went all out for them.
Overall, I am going to give Volcanoes 3 stars. As I said, it was a little hard to get into and I am thinking that a big part of that may be because I hadn’t read the previous books in the series. I was new to the characters and the flow of the authors writing. It really took me until about half way through before I was really into it. I would suggest to anyone looking to pick up this series, start with the first book and read through. I am going to do just that and try rereading this book afterward. If you like urban fantasy, heavy on the fantasy, you’d like this book.
November 1, 2012
I chose to read this book without reading the other two due to a busy schedule, and since I was assured it was a stand alone book I didn't worry about trying to fit the first two of the series in.
It was, I admit, a slow starter for me. It didn't really pick up to the point that I found myself gripping the kindle as I devoured the pages, until the last probably half of the book, and by that time I found myself hooked.
I loved the way it was written, the description fit beautifully with each setting. I also enjoyed that being a part of the Sci Fi/ Fantasy setting's there can be major hit or misses and N.H. nailed it all within this book.
The only down side of the book was how much seemed packed into the story, I found myself having to re-read sections to make sure I got everything and I still felt like I had missed parts. It is definitely going to be a re-read once I have time to get the other two read so I am more invested in the series.
I love how down to earth Grace was however, you really fall in love with the characters N.H. invests so much time in.
It was, I admit, a slow starter for me. It didn't really pick up to the point that I found myself gripping the kindle as I devoured the pages, until the last probably half of the book, and by that time I found myself hooked.
I loved the way it was written, the description fit beautifully with each setting. I also enjoyed that being a part of the Sci Fi/ Fantasy setting's there can be major hit or misses and N.H. nailed it all within this book.
The only down side of the book was how much seemed packed into the story, I found myself having to re-read sections to make sure I got everything and I still felt like I had missed parts. It is definitely going to be a re-read once I have time to get the other two read so I am more invested in the series.
I love how down to earth Grace was however, you really fall in love with the characters N.H. invests so much time in.
September 14, 2015
Be careful what you ask of Fate - sometimes she gives it to you.When we last saw our heroine, she'd watched her faithful pet rip off her new best friend's head to save her son's life and Atlantis was rising from the depths. Now, Grace Murphy is back in the third installment of the Huntress series, but this time she's facing an all-out war. It's critical that Nyx (and Atlantis) stay buried, but her psychotic brats will do most anything to get her back.With Hypnos invading her dreams, Dylan caught up in the throes of his "change" and juggling her relationships with Drew and Heph, to say Grace's hands are full would be an understatement.You didn't think that was all, did you? Of course there's more!Grace wished her life would just go back to the way it was before, and that she wouldn't have her powers or responsibilities anymore. Unfortunately, it looks like Fate answered this time. The results aren't pretty.
December 10, 2012
"Volcanoes" is the third book in the 'Grace Murphy' series. Nicole pens this sci-fi fantasy in a well written with believable characters, especially Grace, as the minor characters really don't have a distinct personality but still a great read. I suggest you read the books in order so you don't get confused, but this series is a great read for all sci-fi fantasy fans.
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy which was provided for an honest review.
June 11, 2013
Book Review: Volcanoes by Nicole Hamlett - this is the third in a series (starts with Huntress) about a single mom that finds out she is the daughter of Diana, one of the 'greek gods'. With her parentage comes a lot of powers she has to learn to control and use and even more enemies. The series has some light romance elements but is mostly an action series.
Click through for the full review on my blog at http://bookwi.se/volcanoes/
Click through for the full review on my blog at http://bookwi.se/volcanoes/
October 28, 2014
2.5 stars.
This one was better than the previous one, possibly because whilst Grace continued to whine for at least half of it there was far less confusing romance angst. The way things end promises a new direction for the series and left me wanting to know what happens next in Grace's story, which is a big step up from the second book which made me almost made me not read this one in the first place.
This one was better than the previous one, possibly because whilst Grace continued to whine for at least half of it there was far less confusing romance angst. The way things end promises a new direction for the series and left me wanting to know what happens next in Grace's story, which is a big step up from the second book which made me almost made me not read this one in the first place.
February 27, 2013
We are three books in, I would hope that Grace would stop acting like a teenager, thinking she is immortal and also shooting her mouth off. There are actually folks who have been doing this a lot longer AND have people skills,
November 24, 2014
I liked this one a lot less than the other two. I think Grace devolved into a whiny neurotic teenager and her back and forth with the two guys in her life is getting annoying.
If the next one doesn't get some action on the romance front, I'm giving up.
If the next one doesn't get some action on the romance front, I'm giving up.
Read
February 16, 2015Not as good as the first 2.
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