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Underworld Detection Agency #5
Under A Spell
Count your blessings, guard your curses—and watch your back…
Sophie Lawson was seriously hoping life at the UDA would get back to relative normal now that her boss Pete Sampson has been reinstated. Unfortunately, her new assignment is sending her undercover into a realm where even the most powerful paranormals fear to tread…her old high school. Being a human immune to magic is no defense against soulless picture-perfect mean girls—or a secret witch coven about to sacrifice a missing female student. And Sophie's Guardian, uber-proper Englishman Will, is determined to convince Sophie he's the kind of temptation she should indulge in permanently. Now, as the clock ticks down to apocalypse, he and Sophie will have to summon every trick in the book to battle devilish illusion, lethal sorcery—and betrayals they'll never see coming…
Sophie Lawson was seriously hoping life at the UDA would get back to relative normal now that her boss Pete Sampson has been reinstated. Unfortunately, her new assignment is sending her undercover into a realm where even the most powerful paranormals fear to tread…her old high school. Being a human immune to magic is no defense against soulless picture-perfect mean girls—or a secret witch coven about to sacrifice a missing female student. And Sophie's Guardian, uber-proper Englishman Will, is determined to convince Sophie he's the kind of temptation she should indulge in permanently. Now, as the clock ticks down to apocalypse, he and Sophie will have to summon every trick in the book to battle devilish illusion, lethal sorcery—and betrayals they'll never see coming…
392 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
26 people are currently reading
870 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Jayne
28 books681 followersHannah is the author of the UNDERWORLD DETECTION AGENCY CHRONICLES from Kensington books and the upcoming young adult thrillers TRULY, MADLY, DEADLY and SEE JANE RUN available from Sourcebooks, Inc. When she's not battling the demons of the Underworld or tackling a murderer at Hawthorne High, Jayne kicks her feet up in her San Francisco bay area home and attempts to share couch space with two enormous cats.
Now that you're here, kick up your feet and stay awhile...
Now that you're here, kick up your feet and stay awhile...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
August 6, 2013
This is the fifth book in the series, and the second I have read. I read the fourth book Under the Gun but I think now I am done with this series. The good news is that this is a stand alone book, the mystery that needs to be solved is self contained, the relationships and past history among the character’s are clear. You will not feel left out at all.
My main problem with this series is that Sophie, the lead, is one of the worst detective’s ever. And not in a fun Pink Panther kind of a way. She doesn’t have a firm grasp on how to investigate and is terrible about putting together clues. She is also constantly terrified. I’m not claiming that I would be brave if I had her job, but its time for her to put on her big girl panties and get to work. She is the daughter of a demon (who is most likely the Devil himself) and this is the fifth book so she should be way less jumpy. Also since she doesn’t have magic, super strength, or healing abilities so she needs to at least take some self defense classes. It’s the 21st century, we’re over the whole damsel in distress thing. And finally, Sophie has one super power. She is immune to magic. That’s the only reason why she has any business working at UDA. So why/how does she get enthralled by witches? More than once.
The love triangle thing between Sophie, Will, and Alex is stupid. As I said I did not read the first three books. So I missed out on the budding love story. But Alex was completely M.I.A. in the fourth book, and made himself scarce in this book without explanation. Yet Sophie was so busy pining over the Alex, Will barely registered on her radar. Sophie doesn’t do anything outstanding in general for Will that would explain his infatuation with her. Which means Will must be some kind of closet masochist.
The mystery wraps up, but there is kind of Scooby Doo “if it wasn’t for you meddling kid’s” vibe about it. My impression of this series is that it is some kind of disjointed soap opera, so unless I have absolutely nothing else to read and am bored out of my skull I don’t see myself reading the next book in this series.
My main problem with this series is that Sophie, the lead, is one of the worst detective’s ever. And not in a fun Pink Panther kind of a way. She doesn’t have a firm grasp on how to investigate and is terrible about putting together clues. She is also constantly terrified. I’m not claiming that I would be brave if I had her job, but its time for her to put on her big girl panties and get to work. She is the daughter of a demon (who is most likely the Devil himself) and this is the fifth book so she should be way less jumpy. Also since she doesn’t have magic, super strength, or healing abilities so she needs to at least take some self defense classes. It’s the 21st century, we’re over the whole damsel in distress thing. And finally, Sophie has one super power. She is immune to magic. That’s the only reason why she has any business working at UDA. So why/how does she get enthralled by witches? More than once.
The love triangle thing between Sophie, Will, and Alex is stupid. As I said I did not read the first three books. So I missed out on the budding love story. But Alex was completely M.I.A. in the fourth book, and made himself scarce in this book without explanation. Yet Sophie was so busy pining over the Alex, Will barely registered on her radar. Sophie doesn’t do anything outstanding in general for Will that would explain his infatuation with her. Which means Will must be some kind of closet masochist.
The mystery wraps up, but there is kind of Scooby Doo “if it wasn’t for you meddling kid’s” vibe about it. My impression of this series is that it is some kind of disjointed soap opera, so unless I have absolutely nothing else to read and am bored out of my skull I don’t see myself reading the next book in this series.
March 24, 2015
Another quirky installment to the Underworld Detection Agency series. Sophie gets sent back to high school and has her own personal demons to put to rest. I'm beginning to get tired of the hot and then cold attitude of Alex's. I've always liked Will but it makes me mad when he's condescending to Sophie. Wish there had been more Nina parts...she's the highlight of the series IMO. Sets things up nicely for the final installment and I can't wait to see how it all plays out.
September 9, 2015
I've figured out what makes this series work for me: when Alex and Sophie work together. I've never really taken a shine to Will all that much and his bland, gratuitous "British-isms". Calling someone "love" does not make one British, nor does having a deep affection for football. In this installment, Sophie an Will were the partners and Alex was around, albeit showing a decidedly different side of himself. I do appreciate the fact that he's wrestling with himself over his feelings for Soph, but this triangle has gone on for far too long.
Sophie and Will are sent back to high-school; Sophie's alma mater and the epicenter of many of her bad memories. She was bullied at Mercy, sometimes harshly and relentlessly, so needless to say she's quite a bit hesitant to return as an undercover substitute teacher. One student has been murdered with another that has gone missing. Sampson is convinced there is a coven involved so while Will and Sophie investigate the potential Underworld involvement, Alex and the real police are investigating the human elements to the crime(s). Alex and Sophie see each other in passing and that wasn't nearly enough for me.
The mystery this time around was fairly easy to solve, which didn't bother me all that much. It happens. What did bother me was the continuity problems which I started noticing in book 4. ChaCha either weighs 3 or 8 pounds, she can't be both. Kale can be 18 or 19 or almost 19 but again, can't be both. And one major element that stuck in my craw in this installment was Sophie not only being affected by magic, but "conveniently" passing out not once or twice, but 3 times. Sophie's claim to fame and her usefulness at the UDA has always been her magical immunity. Even dragon fire didn't burn her clothes, so I was rather disappointed to read in this installment the many times she was overtaken by magic. The "convenient" excuse was a powerful witch, but that still didn't sit right with me. I'm not allergic to peanuts, unless I eat 50,000. Does that make sense? No? Because you either are or you aren't, quantity doesn't matter.
Bottom line - fairly disappointing installment in the UDA series. I recommend books 1, 2 and 4 because those are the ones that embody what I grew to love about this series. This installment? Not so much. It wasn't even that funny and coming off of the funniest book in the series (4), that's a major letdown.
2.5 stars, sorry Soph.
Sophie and Will are sent back to high-school; Sophie's alma mater and the epicenter of many of her bad memories. She was bullied at Mercy, sometimes harshly and relentlessly, so needless to say she's quite a bit hesitant to return as an undercover substitute teacher. One student has been murdered with another that has gone missing. Sampson is convinced there is a coven involved so while Will and Sophie investigate the potential Underworld involvement, Alex and the real police are investigating the human elements to the crime(s). Alex and Sophie see each other in passing and that wasn't nearly enough for me.
The mystery this time around was fairly easy to solve, which didn't bother me all that much. It happens. What did bother me was the continuity problems which I started noticing in book 4. ChaCha either weighs 3 or 8 pounds, she can't be both. Kale can be 18 or 19 or almost 19 but again, can't be both. And one major element that stuck in my craw in this installment was Sophie not only being affected by magic, but "conveniently" passing out not once or twice, but 3 times. Sophie's claim to fame and her usefulness at the UDA has always been her magical immunity. Even dragon fire didn't burn her clothes, so I was rather disappointed to read in this installment the many times she was overtaken by magic. The "convenient" excuse was a powerful witch, but that still didn't sit right with me. I'm not allergic to peanuts, unless I eat 50,000. Does that make sense? No? Because you either are or you aren't, quantity doesn't matter.
Bottom line - fairly disappointing installment in the UDA series. I recommend books 1, 2 and 4 because those are the ones that embody what I grew to love about this series. This installment? Not so much. It wasn't even that funny and coming off of the funniest book in the series (4), that's a major letdown.
2.5 stars, sorry Soph.
November 29, 2025
Sophie Lawson an agent for the UDA (Underworld Detective Agency) is getting sent on her most dangerous assignment yet...she must go under cover as a substitute in her old high school. A magical immune human is a wonderful talent but can't keep Sophie from fallen victim to the mean girls. Sophie must discover who is sacrificing the students before the most recent girl is murdered to their evil plot. A horrifying betrayal might keep Sophie from stopping the impending apocalypse but she will do everything in her non-power to save the day.
To top it all off, besides facing her old high school Sophie must traverse her relationships with Alex and Will.
Although I found the “evil master minds” easy to pick out, I still enjoyed reading Sophie's exploits.
Under A Spell was an easy, entertaining and enjoyable read, Sophie's newest adventure will hit the spot for the paranormal fantasy reader who likes a little romance triangle on the side.
I received this ARC copy of Under A Spell from Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication August 6, 2013.
To top it all off, besides facing her old high school Sophie must traverse her relationships with Alex and Will.
Although I found the “evil master minds” easy to pick out, I still enjoyed reading Sophie's exploits.
Under A Spell was an easy, entertaining and enjoyable read, Sophie's newest adventure will hit the spot for the paranormal fantasy reader who likes a little romance triangle on the side.
I received this ARC copy of Under A Spell from Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review. This book is set for publication August 6, 2013.
February 3, 2016
This is yet another book in this series in which the character of Sophie has no growth. If anything, her character has taken a great leap backwards.
I believe that these books are might be mismarked and should possibly be labeled - Young Adult or even New Adult. The humor, what little there was, was childish and over-done. The plot, part of which has Sophie having to go back to her old high school to investigate student disappearances and possible coven activity was interesting. However, having Sophia re-live her own experiences in the same high school over and over, felt as if we were beating a dead horse after a while.
I can almost compare these books to Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series – the first few are great and you think that the humor and naiveté of the main character is cute, but after a while, it starts to grate on you. You start to wonder just how someone can be so stupid or naive after so many books. Shouldn’t they have learned something by now…anything?*ARC SUPPLIED BY PUBLISHER*
I believe that these books are might be mismarked and should possibly be labeled - Young Adult or even New Adult. The humor, what little there was, was childish and over-done. The plot, part of which has Sophie having to go back to her old high school to investigate student disappearances and possible coven activity was interesting. However, having Sophia re-live her own experiences in the same high school over and over, felt as if we were beating a dead horse after a while.
I can almost compare these books to Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series – the first few are great and you think that the humor and naiveté of the main character is cute, but after a while, it starts to grate on you. You start to wonder just how someone can be so stupid or naive after so many books. Shouldn’t they have learned something by now…anything?*ARC SUPPLIED BY PUBLISHER*
August 8, 2013
GENRE: Urban Fantasy
THEME: Werewolves, Vampires, Supernatural and Witches
RECEIVED: Author
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
I can’t believe its already been five books for the Underworld Detective Agency, I feel like this series is still just getting started. Jayne’s writing is still strong and her lead character Sophie is growing up more and more, starting to hold her own and fight back. As a die-hard fan I’m hoping that we finally get to know more about the Vessel of Souls in the next book because I’m ready to find out more about what Sophie is.
Under a Spell follows Sophie Lawson who is once again stuck in the middle of some supernatural chaos. But not only that…she has to go back to the one place she never wanted to see again, high school. Sophie is sent to go undercover with her Guardian Will to her high school where missing girls maybe connected to witchcraft. As always with Sophie things never go smoothly and it seems she may be getting closer to finding out what it means to be the Vessel of Souls.
Sophie has always been an awkward, clumsy and well liked character. She may be the Vessel of Souls but in the end she’s just a human who has no special skill, except for getting in the middle of trouble. I think that’s why I can connect to her so easily is because most Urban Fantasy heroines are usually kick butt super powered woman and Sophie is just like the reader, normal. She has been dealt with a handful of dangers in the last four books, but this one hits a personal note. She connects to a student who reminds her of herself in high school. Her character has started to become a super sleuth, she’s getting to be more confident in her detective work. I’m also rooting for Sophie to keep going in the direction she is now, independent and determined to get the case done and save people.
The boys this time around actually switched places for me. I liked Alex the fallen angel and cop with a major bad attitude in the first two books, but he’s too much drama and changes his mind too much. I didn’t like how he treated Sophie, and pretty much if he’d listen to her the case would of moved a lot quicker. I’m glad Sophie is opening her eyes more and I really don’t want her to like Alex again. Until I get some answer about his mood swings, he’s on my bad list. I’m rooting for Will on the romance side, he’s a sweet charmer and protector, but I also feel like he’s letting Sophie make decision for herself, he’s not always jumping in to protect her now. Plus we get Sophie and Will working together to sole this case. I adored their scenes together, I was either laughing or feeling the chemistry. So I’m definitely team Will and can’t wait to see how his job title will change a little more in the next book due to the spoiler in the end of the book.
Overall I still love this series, the characters are always fresh and can make me laugh. I like Urban Fantasies with a splash of humor, mystery, intense villains, and surprising twists; this book had it all. Nina is back as well; along with her nephew Vlad and the duo have some great one-liners that always make me smile. The plot in this one was spot on; I can see the author is starting to connect to the back-story plot now. I can wait to see what Jayne is going to surprise the readers with next!
RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel with humor, action and all the right stuff that everyone wants in the Urban Fantasy story. Fans of authors Ann Aguirre and Jennifer Estep will be captivated by Hannah Jayne’s novel Under A Spell.
THEME: Werewolves, Vampires, Supernatural and Witches
RECEIVED: Author
BLOG: http://seeingnight.blogspot.com/
REVIEW:
I can’t believe its already been five books for the Underworld Detective Agency, I feel like this series is still just getting started. Jayne’s writing is still strong and her lead character Sophie is growing up more and more, starting to hold her own and fight back. As a die-hard fan I’m hoping that we finally get to know more about the Vessel of Souls in the next book because I’m ready to find out more about what Sophie is.
Under a Spell follows Sophie Lawson who is once again stuck in the middle of some supernatural chaos. But not only that…she has to go back to the one place she never wanted to see again, high school. Sophie is sent to go undercover with her Guardian Will to her high school where missing girls maybe connected to witchcraft. As always with Sophie things never go smoothly and it seems she may be getting closer to finding out what it means to be the Vessel of Souls.
Sophie has always been an awkward, clumsy and well liked character. She may be the Vessel of Souls but in the end she’s just a human who has no special skill, except for getting in the middle of trouble. I think that’s why I can connect to her so easily is because most Urban Fantasy heroines are usually kick butt super powered woman and Sophie is just like the reader, normal. She has been dealt with a handful of dangers in the last four books, but this one hits a personal note. She connects to a student who reminds her of herself in high school. Her character has started to become a super sleuth, she’s getting to be more confident in her detective work. I’m also rooting for Sophie to keep going in the direction she is now, independent and determined to get the case done and save people.
The boys this time around actually switched places for me. I liked Alex the fallen angel and cop with a major bad attitude in the first two books, but he’s too much drama and changes his mind too much. I didn’t like how he treated Sophie, and pretty much if he’d listen to her the case would of moved a lot quicker. I’m glad Sophie is opening her eyes more and I really don’t want her to like Alex again. Until I get some answer about his mood swings, he’s on my bad list. I’m rooting for Will on the romance side, he’s a sweet charmer and protector, but I also feel like he’s letting Sophie make decision for herself, he’s not always jumping in to protect her now. Plus we get Sophie and Will working together to sole this case. I adored their scenes together, I was either laughing or feeling the chemistry. So I’m definitely team Will and can’t wait to see how his job title will change a little more in the next book due to the spoiler in the end of the book.
Overall I still love this series, the characters are always fresh and can make me laugh. I like Urban Fantasies with a splash of humor, mystery, intense villains, and surprising twists; this book had it all. Nina is back as well; along with her nephew Vlad and the duo have some great one-liners that always make me smile. The plot in this one was spot on; I can see the author is starting to connect to the back-story plot now. I can wait to see what Jayne is going to surprise the readers with next!
RECOMMENDATION:
This is an adult novel with humor, action and all the right stuff that everyone wants in the Urban Fantasy story. Fans of authors Ann Aguirre and Jennifer Estep will be captivated by Hannah Jayne’s novel Under A Spell.
November 6, 2013
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Under A Spell is the fifth book in the Underworld Detection Agency featuring human "breather" Sophie Lawson who is not only immune to magic, but is also the fated Vessel of Souls that has everyone, good and bad angels, looking high and low for her. Protecting her from said angels, is Guardian/Firefighter Will Sherman and she may, or may not be in a love triangle with Fallen Angel Alex Grace who is working as a SFPD Detective but has suddenly turned colder than ice.
When UDA Head and Werewolf Pete Simpson asks Sophie to go back to Mercy High where she was once a student and was treated more or less like pond scum, Sophie sees, in her eyes, her whole world coming to an end. But, Sophie and Will have a job to do even without Alex's and the SFPD's assistance. Girls have gone missing and a witch coven is being suspected by Simpson after a body is found with a Pentagram. There are numerous suspects, and even though there are clearly more powerful witches around like Kale and Lorraine, it is Sophie's job to find a way to save the girls. I just wish that she had picked up on subtle hints and asked for help a whole lot earlier than she did
I kind of felt for Sophie in the beginning. Imagine having to go back to the HELL HOLE that you thought you left behind 10 years of more ago and end up being forced into returning. Imagine having to face the reality that nothing has changed much in that there are still mean girls who love picking up on people not in their cliche. But, Sophie also grated on my nerves as you can clearly see by my status updates. I think the UDA series is a tongue and cheek PNR and Sophie is the comic relief. She may try to be all series and tough, but in the end, she's extremely luck to have survived this long.
I have judicially read each story in this series from the beginning. I have watched Sophie become nothing more than a file clerk to becoming head of the Fallen Angel department at UDA with dreams and aspirations of being a major heroine with kick ass abilities that have never once cropped up except in her own fantasies. I have dealt with the fact that Sophie is stuck in the middle between two men, Alex and Will, who have the ability to get under your skin and make you scream in disappointment because they continue to lead her not into temptation but delivers her into plenty of agony and nights alone with her dog, and best friend Nina LaShay. I have watched Sophie face many demons who have done everything in their arsenal to take Sophie out, only to see her still standing at the end of the story by the grace of sheer luck.
Under A Spell continues a mystery and adds suspense to it. When will Sophie's father, presumably the Devil himself, finally show up and confront her? Why are people now coming up to her and saying "You look just like him?" I hate reading sneak peeks, but the sneak peek for the next installment of the UDA may just answer my questions. Will be interesting to see where Jayne takes the series from here.
*Recvd via NetGalley 06/27/2013* Released: August 6th 2013 by Kensington
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Under A Spell is the fifth book in the Underworld Detection Agency featuring human "breather" Sophie Lawson who is not only immune to magic, but is also the fated Vessel of Souls that has everyone, good and bad angels, looking high and low for her. Protecting her from said angels, is Guardian/Firefighter Will Sherman and she may, or may not be in a love triangle with Fallen Angel Alex Grace who is working as a SFPD Detective but has suddenly turned colder than ice.
When UDA Head and Werewolf Pete Simpson asks Sophie to go back to Mercy High where she was once a student and was treated more or less like pond scum, Sophie sees, in her eyes, her whole world coming to an end. But, Sophie and Will have a job to do even without Alex's and the SFPD's assistance. Girls have gone missing and a witch coven is being suspected by Simpson after a body is found with a Pentagram. There are numerous suspects, and even though there are clearly more powerful witches around like Kale and Lorraine, it is Sophie's job to find a way to save the girls. I just wish that she had picked up on subtle hints and asked for help a whole lot earlier than she did
I kind of felt for Sophie in the beginning. Imagine having to go back to the HELL HOLE that you thought you left behind 10 years of more ago and end up being forced into returning. Imagine having to face the reality that nothing has changed much in that there are still mean girls who love picking up on people not in their cliche. But, Sophie also grated on my nerves as you can clearly see by my status updates. I think the UDA series is a tongue and cheek PNR and Sophie is the comic relief. She may try to be all series and tough, but in the end, she's extremely luck to have survived this long.
I have judicially read each story in this series from the beginning. I have watched Sophie become nothing more than a file clerk to becoming head of the Fallen Angel department at UDA with dreams and aspirations of being a major heroine with kick ass abilities that have never once cropped up except in her own fantasies. I have dealt with the fact that Sophie is stuck in the middle between two men, Alex and Will, who have the ability to get under your skin and make you scream in disappointment because they continue to lead her not into temptation but delivers her into plenty of agony and nights alone with her dog, and best friend Nina LaShay. I have watched Sophie face many demons who have done everything in their arsenal to take Sophie out, only to see her still standing at the end of the story by the grace of sheer luck.
Under A Spell continues a mystery and adds suspense to it. When will Sophie's father, presumably the Devil himself, finally show up and confront her? Why are people now coming up to her and saying "You look just like him?" I hate reading sneak peeks, but the sneak peek for the next installment of the UDA may just answer my questions. Will be interesting to see where Jayne takes the series from here.
*Recvd via NetGalley 06/27/2013* Released: August 6th 2013 by Kensington
September 6, 2016
This series is beginning to wear thin. First of all the author is stringing the love triangle thing along FOREVER. I've found that the majority of avid genre readers I talk to abhor the triangle trope and many will avoid any series that use it. I don't mind as long as it resolves quickly and advances the plot. This one certainly hasn't achieved the former. The books seem to swing back and forth between guys (i.e. one book the MC is with Alex, the next she's with Will) with the "off guy" buzzing around in the background making just enough noise to make everybody remember how conflicted she is. It's gotten old.
And I've even lost the thread of what the over-arching theme of the series is. I know Sophie is a
This is a series that probably could have sustained itself indefinitely with "a case from the UDA" per book if Sophie wasn't quite so inept as an investigator and if the ridiculous romance angle could get resolved already. The Vessel of Souls plotline, however, requires resolution of some kind. At the rate it's going, I'm not sticking around for that resolution.
And I've even lost the thread of what the over-arching theme of the series is. I know Sophie is a
This is a series that probably could have sustained itself indefinitely with "a case from the UDA" per book if Sophie wasn't quite so inept as an investigator and if the ridiculous romance angle could get resolved already. The Vessel of Souls plotline, however, requires resolution of some kind. At the rate it's going, I'm not sticking around for that resolution.
December 15, 2015
This review was first published on my blog Lecture toute une Aventure
Sometimes I wonder why I continue some series…it’s perhaps because I hate giving up but I’m starting to think I will be glad when this one finish and we get a real conclusion.
Don’t take me wrong it’s not a bad series and I really love all the supernaturals we discover along the story and I do like it…however the author doesn’t manage to catch my rapt attention…Hannah Jayne tried to make the plot complex with false leads etc but for me it was really, really too predictable and I got angry with how obtuse Sophie is becoming… I mean everything is just under her nose… some even tell her , try to reason with her but no she stays focused on her first idea… no instinct at all ( which in a sense contradict what was her best asset in the precedent novels)
Sophie really disappointed me and the non ending love triangle is not helping her cause but even worse…she doesn’t understand what is happening despite the fact that her sister used a similar stratagem in the past and that got on my nerves
This was a easy read even if did not kept my full attention and perhaps I needed that; and while I would love to read next book it’s not a priority for me to get it at this time but I do plan to see the end to this ;)
Sometimes I wonder why I continue some series…it’s perhaps because I hate giving up but I’m starting to think I will be glad when this one finish and we get a real conclusion.
Don’t take me wrong it’s not a bad series and I really love all the supernaturals we discover along the story and I do like it…however the author doesn’t manage to catch my rapt attention…Hannah Jayne tried to make the plot complex with false leads etc but for me it was really, really too predictable and I got angry with how obtuse Sophie is becoming… I mean everything is just under her nose… some even tell her , try to reason with her but no she stays focused on her first idea… no instinct at all ( which in a sense contradict what was her best asset in the precedent novels)
Sophie really disappointed me and the non ending love triangle is not helping her cause but even worse…she doesn’t understand what is happening despite the fact that her sister used a similar stratagem in the past and that got on my nerves
This was a easy read even if did not kept my full attention and perhaps I needed that; and while I would love to read next book it’s not a priority for me to get it at this time but I do plan to see the end to this ;)
December 13, 2014
I really enjoy these Underworld Detection Agency books. They are everything I love in my urban fantasy plus an over abundance of humor. Sophie is hilarious and awkward and I love it. I laugh out loud often when I read these books, but then I’m on the edge of my seat as Sophie tries to solve whatever paranormal mystery is happening at the time. Under a Spell was action packed and awesomely funny from beginning to end. There’s always a sense of danger, even when Sophie is making us laugh.
There’s really no movement on the relationship front in this book. Alex is pulling away. Will is in her face, but by the end of the book Sophie is still alone. I’ve always been team Alex and I’m hoping that in the next book things are figured out. But this series doesn’t really need a resolution there to be great. Sophie and her friends are fun and I can’t wait to read the next book. I think the next one might be the end of Sophie’s story, but I haven’t been able to confirm that. If it is, I’ll be sad, but I can’t wait to see how she goes out. I’m sure it’ll be with a bang and I’m betting we’ll finally get to see her pops.
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review
There’s really no movement on the relationship front in this book. Alex is pulling away. Will is in her face, but by the end of the book Sophie is still alone. I’ve always been team Alex and I’m hoping that in the next book things are figured out. But this series doesn’t really need a resolution there to be great. Sophie and her friends are fun and I can’t wait to read the next book. I think the next one might be the end of Sophie’s story, but I haven’t been able to confirm that. If it is, I’ll be sad, but I can’t wait to see how she goes out. I’m sure it’ll be with a bang and I’m betting we’ll finally get to see her pops.
Arc provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an honest review
July 25, 2014
And today I finished another awesome Sophie read! As always the trouble finds Sophie, I understand Sophie had a uncomfortable childhood but reliving it every other chapter gets a little annoying! But it was still quirky, fun and pretty awesome!
February 25, 2016
3.5 stars
December 26, 2019
These are incredibly silly and the world building is very inconsistent. And yet, I am still reading them. I can't explain the appeal but it is there.
January 25, 2021
Sophie is sent back to the one place she hates most: high school. Going undercover as a substitute teacher she has to investigate the satanic murder of one of its students.
I really don’t like Sophie's 'friends'. Nina’s too into herself, hardly even noticed what going on with Sophie and if she does she makes fun of her. Not a very helpful friend. And Alex and Will are both self-centered and un-supporting, especially Alex. Will keeps turning hot and cold on his support, constantly teasing her with innuendos, then treating her ideas like she’s a child. But at least he’s there. Alex doesn’t even have the guts to tell he wants going on. He either just disappears or ignores her. They spend more time being jealous of each other, than caring for her. I would just tell them all to get lost and go off on my own. Vlad’s the best supporter.
Fave scenes: dumpster diving, stealing pens, will’s shoelaces, Sophie’s hole and evidence vs fire hazard.
I really don’t like Sophie's 'friends'. Nina’s too into herself, hardly even noticed what going on with Sophie and if she does she makes fun of her. Not a very helpful friend. And Alex and Will are both self-centered and un-supporting, especially Alex. Will keeps turning hot and cold on his support, constantly teasing her with innuendos, then treating her ideas like she’s a child. But at least he’s there. Alex doesn’t even have the guts to tell he wants going on. He either just disappears or ignores her. They spend more time being jealous of each other, than caring for her. I would just tell them all to get lost and go off on my own. Vlad’s the best supporter.
Fave scenes: dumpster diving, stealing pens, will’s shoelaces, Sophie’s hole and evidence vs fire hazard.
September 21, 2017
Excellent book!
This book was an edge of your seat wild ride!!!! There are a lot of suspects, but no one you can really put your finger on. Alex is being a jerk to Sophie and she doesn't know why. Will is still guarding Sophie and she still. Ight have feelings for him. Crazy ending!!!
This book was an edge of your seat wild ride!!!! There are a lot of suspects, but no one you can really put your finger on. Alex is being a jerk to Sophie and she doesn't know why. Will is still guarding Sophie and she still. Ight have feelings for him. Crazy ending!!!
April 25, 2014
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Under A Spell is one of those rare stories that combines laugh-out-loud moments with fast-paced thrills. Though her inner dialogue can get tiring at times, Sophie Lawson is probably the most realistic paranormal heroine I’ve encountered and I truly appreciated the light-hearted flair that her diverse cast of friends brought to the story.
Opening Sentence: “You want me to do what?”
The Review:
Sophie Lawson leads a fairly normal life. She has a roommate, a job and a boyfriend. It just so happens that her roommate is a vampire; her job is with the Scotland Yard of the paranormal world known as the Underworld Detective Agency; and her boyfriend has been avoiding her since she told him she loved him. Oh, did I mention that he’s a fallen angel who has to kill her to re-enter Heaven because her body is the current home to the Vessel of Souls?
The description of how Sophie came to be the Vessel of Souls isn’t clear, but I’d think that being a kind of supernatural holding cell for all of the human souls stuck in limbo and safeguarding the power to enslave all of humankind if it falls into the wrong angelic or evil hands would give a girl some paranormal benefits. Unfortunately the only ability Sophie possesses in her otherwise still very human body is an immunity to magic. Which makes her the perfect choice to go undercover after an unregistered coven is suspected of a kidnapping at her alma mater. The multitude of supernatural baddies Sophie’s faced is nothing compared to what awaits her at the all-girl Mercy High though. Her memories are more Carrie than High School Musical and she can’t stop freaking out at the thought of returning to the place where her self-esteem was murdered. Turns out that some things never change and when Sophie’s first meeting with the school’s “in” crowd goes as poorly as she expected, she ends up becoming the champion for another outcast girl at the school.
As if dealing with the poster child for mean-girl bullies and a possible coven isn’t enough, Sophie’s roommate has turned their apartment into a theatre production, a vindictive untrained teenage witch is after her boss and she’s been assigned a new partner. Will Sherman – her incredibly sexy neighbor, Guardian for the Vessel of Souls, local firefighter hero and the man she didn’t choose – is going in undercover with her. Will’s close proximity and swoon-worthy flirtations only emphasizes the distance Alex Grace, her possible ex-boyfriend, has put between them. It’s clear that Will still cares for Sophie and it’s not long until she begins questioning her choice. A sentiment her friends (and this reader) obviously share and aren’t afraid to mention.
Unable to separate her miserable past from the dangerous present, Sophie sets out to convince Will of a student’s guilt even as the evidence points to a more sinister and longer lasting threat than anyone realized. The stakes get higher and the threats hit closer to home as it becomes clear that Sophie’s mistake could mean the death of someone she cares for.
Anyone looking for a mystery with a bit of silliness will enjoy Under A Spell. However, you should move along if you’re looking for a paranormal romance because this is possibly the most un-romantic romance story I’ve come across. Sure there’s plenty sex-on-a-stick references to Will, yet the action is as exciting as a church ice cream social. It’s commendable that Sophie is using her considerable will power to control herself since she’s in love with Alex, but not even a tiny kiss with the delicious Englishman? Granted, I haven’t read the other books in the series and Alex could very well be the dreamiest angel to ever lose his wings. Yet, with what little exposure of Alex there was in this installment, I couldn’t for the life of me understand Sophie’s longing for the jerk.
I’d also be lying if I didn’t say there were times when Sophie’s pity party crossed into annoying territory. Yes, the teenage girls were as cruel as…well, teenage girls can be. Fallon was every bit That Girl, the one both envied and despised by the majority of her frenemies, and there were definitely times when I wanted to drop kick her. It was hard to understand why Sophie continued to cower in front of the girl after her initial confrontation. Thankfully Jayne balanced Sophie’s neurosis with a number of light-hearted characters that limited my annoyance and kept the amusement high. Which is probably the only reason why I’m going to start reading at the beginning of the series before continuing on with the next book.
Notable Scene:
“But she’s a teenage girl, Sophie. Who you’re accusing of killing her best friend.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I’m not saying she killed her, I’m saying that Fallon may have had more to do with it than you think.”
“And I’m saying she may have had less to do with it than you think.”
“You don’t know teenage girls, Will. You don’t know what they’re like.”
Will took a step back from me, his eyes raking over me in a way that made me feel exposed. “Those are your demons, love. Not hers.”
FTC Advisory: Kensington Books provided me with a copy of Under A Spell. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Under A Spell is one of those rare stories that combines laugh-out-loud moments with fast-paced thrills. Though her inner dialogue can get tiring at times, Sophie Lawson is probably the most realistic paranormal heroine I’ve encountered and I truly appreciated the light-hearted flair that her diverse cast of friends brought to the story.
Opening Sentence: “You want me to do what?”
The Review:
Sophie Lawson leads a fairly normal life. She has a roommate, a job and a boyfriend. It just so happens that her roommate is a vampire; her job is with the Scotland Yard of the paranormal world known as the Underworld Detective Agency; and her boyfriend has been avoiding her since she told him she loved him. Oh, did I mention that he’s a fallen angel who has to kill her to re-enter Heaven because her body is the current home to the Vessel of Souls?
The description of how Sophie came to be the Vessel of Souls isn’t clear, but I’d think that being a kind of supernatural holding cell for all of the human souls stuck in limbo and safeguarding the power to enslave all of humankind if it falls into the wrong angelic or evil hands would give a girl some paranormal benefits. Unfortunately the only ability Sophie possesses in her otherwise still very human body is an immunity to magic. Which makes her the perfect choice to go undercover after an unregistered coven is suspected of a kidnapping at her alma mater. The multitude of supernatural baddies Sophie’s faced is nothing compared to what awaits her at the all-girl Mercy High though. Her memories are more Carrie than High School Musical and she can’t stop freaking out at the thought of returning to the place where her self-esteem was murdered. Turns out that some things never change and when Sophie’s first meeting with the school’s “in” crowd goes as poorly as she expected, she ends up becoming the champion for another outcast girl at the school.
As if dealing with the poster child for mean-girl bullies and a possible coven isn’t enough, Sophie’s roommate has turned their apartment into a theatre production, a vindictive untrained teenage witch is after her boss and she’s been assigned a new partner. Will Sherman – her incredibly sexy neighbor, Guardian for the Vessel of Souls, local firefighter hero and the man she didn’t choose – is going in undercover with her. Will’s close proximity and swoon-worthy flirtations only emphasizes the distance Alex Grace, her possible ex-boyfriend, has put between them. It’s clear that Will still cares for Sophie and it’s not long until she begins questioning her choice. A sentiment her friends (and this reader) obviously share and aren’t afraid to mention.
Unable to separate her miserable past from the dangerous present, Sophie sets out to convince Will of a student’s guilt even as the evidence points to a more sinister and longer lasting threat than anyone realized. The stakes get higher and the threats hit closer to home as it becomes clear that Sophie’s mistake could mean the death of someone she cares for.
Anyone looking for a mystery with a bit of silliness will enjoy Under A Spell. However, you should move along if you’re looking for a paranormal romance because this is possibly the most un-romantic romance story I’ve come across. Sure there’s plenty sex-on-a-stick references to Will, yet the action is as exciting as a church ice cream social. It’s commendable that Sophie is using her considerable will power to control herself since she’s in love with Alex, but not even a tiny kiss with the delicious Englishman? Granted, I haven’t read the other books in the series and Alex could very well be the dreamiest angel to ever lose his wings. Yet, with what little exposure of Alex there was in this installment, I couldn’t for the life of me understand Sophie’s longing for the jerk.
I’d also be lying if I didn’t say there were times when Sophie’s pity party crossed into annoying territory. Yes, the teenage girls were as cruel as…well, teenage girls can be. Fallon was every bit That Girl, the one both envied and despised by the majority of her frenemies, and there were definitely times when I wanted to drop kick her. It was hard to understand why Sophie continued to cower in front of the girl after her initial confrontation. Thankfully Jayne balanced Sophie’s neurosis with a number of light-hearted characters that limited my annoyance and kept the amusement high. Which is probably the only reason why I’m going to start reading at the beginning of the series before continuing on with the next book.
Notable Scene:
“But she’s a teenage girl, Sophie. Who you’re accusing of killing her best friend.”
I narrowed my eyes. “I’m not saying she killed her, I’m saying that Fallon may have had more to do with it than you think.”
“And I’m saying she may have had less to do with it than you think.”
“You don’t know teenage girls, Will. You don’t know what they’re like.”
Will took a step back from me, his eyes raking over me in a way that made me feel exposed. “Those are your demons, love. Not hers.”
FTC Advisory: Kensington Books provided me with a copy of Under A Spell. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
June 15, 2019
Loved the cover so thought I'd give it a go.
Considering it turned out to be book 5 in the series, I found it easy enough to jump in and read.
Really liked the characters, will definitely be checking out the rest of the series.
Considering it turned out to be book 5 in the series, I found it easy enough to jump in and read.
Really liked the characters, will definitely be checking out the rest of the series.
July 5, 2024
Ya, no. The main character IS too inane. And WTH, is she immune to magic or not? Seems like a pretty important plot point and it shouldn't be a " maybe, if the spell isn't too strong. "
August 6, 2013
Under A Spell Hannah Jayne
ARC supplied by Netgalley
I've read all these now from the first in the series, and its always a fun adventure where poor Sophie lands in all sorts of trouble. This time is no exception. Thinking now her old boss is back she'll be able to relax, Sophie and Will are sent as supply teachers to a school where a pupil is missing as there's rumours of witchcraft involvement. As usual Sophie takes on more than just the job, desperately wanting to find the missing girl, and fearing it's part of a chain and others will go missing. There are similarities to a girl missing from the school the previous year, who was found dead with witchcraft markings on her.
Will, he veers from flirty to back to Protector constantly and I'm not surprised poor Sophie wonders what’s going on with him. She's attracted to Will very much, but she's in love with Fallen angel Alex – and recently found he's got the problem that Sophie is the [person he needs to destroy to get back into Grace. So their on off relationship is definitely Off though he hasn't actually told Sophie that. (jerk) Gone from Loving Alex to Cold Alex, and Sophie just doesn't know where she stands. Like her I'm getting confused too, and hope the next book brings something a bit more definitive – though I'm not sure which one I favour. There's something about Alex, he was so great at first til he found out about Sophie, then Will, flirty British Will is sometimes all on and smiles, then the next minute just reminding Sophie he's only there as a task to protect her in her Vessel of Souls role. One minute he's very protective, and next when she's running into something that could be dangerous he's “I’m watching the footy love – good luck and call me when its over...” Puzzling to her and me. Ah well, that’s why we keep reading.
As usual the simple job turns out to be tip of the iceberg, and poor Sophie gets bashed and battered once again, with some life threatening moments. Its a good job she heals fast. There's lots of appearances by lovely vampire flatmate Nina – that woman is so funny. She reminds me of Pasty from the wonderful TV show Absolutely Fabulous. She's always striving for something more and in the most unattainable way. She loves Sophie, and yet as ever thinks everything revolves around herself – it seems to be a common vamp trait. When the chips are down though she's with Sophie all the way regardless of the danger. Vlad, Nina's nephew – 16 years old but 113 vampire years, and really is a typical teen; hormonal, arrogant ( and the vamps take arrogant to a new position) and with a teens ever changing love life! You can't help liking him, and the mix of them provides for some really funny moments. Vlads love life excels in this book!
There's murder and mayhem, witchcraft and witches, hexes and curses, and the excitement and danger grows til Sophie faces death once more. I had some ideas who was involved...but I was wrong. Hannah lays false trails to catch us out :) and I was caught! Though I was correct in one suspect. That made the surprise all the sweeter. The only thing I didn't like was the ending – and that's purely from a frustration point of view – I want the next book now so I can find out what happens next, what Will is going to say., what Alex will do next. You know – all the things you want to know from a good series. Its why I love to reread once the series is complete – I can just have a mammoth session of reading without the frustration of waiting for next book.
Priced at £4.31 for a massive 414 pages its excellent value and will join my keepers file for re reading.
Stars: Well written of course, brilliant plots that had me fooled yet again (good job its Sophie and not me, I'd have been dead ages ago) Has to be another five star read.
ARC supplied by Netgalley
I've read all these now from the first in the series, and its always a fun adventure where poor Sophie lands in all sorts of trouble. This time is no exception. Thinking now her old boss is back she'll be able to relax, Sophie and Will are sent as supply teachers to a school where a pupil is missing as there's rumours of witchcraft involvement. As usual Sophie takes on more than just the job, desperately wanting to find the missing girl, and fearing it's part of a chain and others will go missing. There are similarities to a girl missing from the school the previous year, who was found dead with witchcraft markings on her.
Will, he veers from flirty to back to Protector constantly and I'm not surprised poor Sophie wonders what’s going on with him. She's attracted to Will very much, but she's in love with Fallen angel Alex – and recently found he's got the problem that Sophie is the [person he needs to destroy to get back into Grace. So their on off relationship is definitely Off though he hasn't actually told Sophie that. (jerk) Gone from Loving Alex to Cold Alex, and Sophie just doesn't know where she stands. Like her I'm getting confused too, and hope the next book brings something a bit more definitive – though I'm not sure which one I favour. There's something about Alex, he was so great at first til he found out about Sophie, then Will, flirty British Will is sometimes all on and smiles, then the next minute just reminding Sophie he's only there as a task to protect her in her Vessel of Souls role. One minute he's very protective, and next when she's running into something that could be dangerous he's “I’m watching the footy love – good luck and call me when its over...” Puzzling to her and me. Ah well, that’s why we keep reading.
As usual the simple job turns out to be tip of the iceberg, and poor Sophie gets bashed and battered once again, with some life threatening moments. Its a good job she heals fast. There's lots of appearances by lovely vampire flatmate Nina – that woman is so funny. She reminds me of Pasty from the wonderful TV show Absolutely Fabulous. She's always striving for something more and in the most unattainable way. She loves Sophie, and yet as ever thinks everything revolves around herself – it seems to be a common vamp trait. When the chips are down though she's with Sophie all the way regardless of the danger. Vlad, Nina's nephew – 16 years old but 113 vampire years, and really is a typical teen; hormonal, arrogant ( and the vamps take arrogant to a new position) and with a teens ever changing love life! You can't help liking him, and the mix of them provides for some really funny moments. Vlads love life excels in this book!
There's murder and mayhem, witchcraft and witches, hexes and curses, and the excitement and danger grows til Sophie faces death once more. I had some ideas who was involved...but I was wrong. Hannah lays false trails to catch us out :) and I was caught! Though I was correct in one suspect. That made the surprise all the sweeter. The only thing I didn't like was the ending – and that's purely from a frustration point of view – I want the next book now so I can find out what happens next, what Will is going to say., what Alex will do next. You know – all the things you want to know from a good series. Its why I love to reread once the series is complete – I can just have a mammoth session of reading without the frustration of waiting for next book.
Priced at £4.31 for a massive 414 pages its excellent value and will join my keepers file for re reading.
Stars: Well written of course, brilliant plots that had me fooled yet again (good job its Sophie and not me, I'd have been dead ages ago) Has to be another five star read.
October 10, 2013
Being an urban fiction fanatic this story held a lot of promise. In between Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs and Devon Monk releasing their new books I try to find those series that are on par with them but I have missed. I thought that maybe I had found one with Hannah Jayne and her series the Underworld Detection Agency. Sophie Lawson is our main heroine and she is a null which means that magic doesn't work on her. She is also the vessel of souls which means... she gets a cute Guardian called Will who is British? I only started on this book which is in the fifth in the series so forgive me for not knowing. It's something important I tell you that.
Anyhoo, she has to go back to high school in order to investigate girls who are disappearing and showing up dead from the angle of witchcraft. She is not a police officer just a PARANORMAL investigator, something Alex, the fallen angel, likes to remind her about. Sophie has some kind of weird history with Alex, I think they used to date but now they are broken up? Regardless Alex is now a right douche bag and takes out his anger on Sophie. She acts horribly weak around him and though I gather their relationship went sour she is usually more kick ass confident than when she is in situations with him.
Back in the high school Sophie is masquerading as a teacher, which is very worrying because she is in no way trained and in addition has horrible memories of high school. She manages to get through her fear/disgust/horror/hate of high school and get the job done. I have to say Sophie came across as a little childish which made me a tad confused about her age because I thought she was an adult. She seems to be on the edge of teenager and adult but not enough of either to make her believable in the important job she holds. Investigating CRIMES, real life people die, crimes... She reminds me a lot of Stephanie Plum and though I just wrote a review on Ms. Plum I read this book before Notorious Nineteen. Sophie bumbles through her investigation with a lot of luck and protection from Guardian Will. She lives with Vampires which was an interesting twist though a bit of a tangential story line that often had me annoyed for being taken away from the action.
Her character was often highly judgmental and didn't change her opinion despite obvious evidence to the contrary. I wasn't entirely sure if this is because she was back in high school for this book or if it is the same throughout the series. Despite supposedly being an experienced investigator Sophie's investigating technique appeared to be nosy, rude and inexperienced. She was blunt, apparently oblivious to the affect her questions had. I think this is what confused me most about Sophie, that she is constantly stuck between two different people not being one or the other. She is smart but ditzy, experienced but rude, solves problems but fumbles through her job? Her personality isn't coherent and neither is the book, stuck weirdly between young adult and urban fiction. I felt a lot of promise with its potential as an urban fiction novel and really loved the ongoing story about the vessel of souls. While I really want to read the next book to find out about it I am not sure I would be able to read through more bipolar Sophie Lawson and asshole Alex. If the characters get a little revamp I could see this series as becoming a fav!
3/5
xxx
George
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Hannah Jayne and Kensington Books for the copy!
Anyhoo, she has to go back to high school in order to investigate girls who are disappearing and showing up dead from the angle of witchcraft. She is not a police officer just a PARANORMAL investigator, something Alex, the fallen angel, likes to remind her about. Sophie has some kind of weird history with Alex, I think they used to date but now they are broken up? Regardless Alex is now a right douche bag and takes out his anger on Sophie. She acts horribly weak around him and though I gather their relationship went sour she is usually more kick ass confident than when she is in situations with him.
Back in the high school Sophie is masquerading as a teacher, which is very worrying because she is in no way trained and in addition has horrible memories of high school. She manages to get through her fear/disgust/horror/hate of high school and get the job done. I have to say Sophie came across as a little childish which made me a tad confused about her age because I thought she was an adult. She seems to be on the edge of teenager and adult but not enough of either to make her believable in the important job she holds. Investigating CRIMES, real life people die, crimes... She reminds me a lot of Stephanie Plum and though I just wrote a review on Ms. Plum I read this book before Notorious Nineteen. Sophie bumbles through her investigation with a lot of luck and protection from Guardian Will. She lives with Vampires which was an interesting twist though a bit of a tangential story line that often had me annoyed for being taken away from the action.
Her character was often highly judgmental and didn't change her opinion despite obvious evidence to the contrary. I wasn't entirely sure if this is because she was back in high school for this book or if it is the same throughout the series. Despite supposedly being an experienced investigator Sophie's investigating technique appeared to be nosy, rude and inexperienced. She was blunt, apparently oblivious to the affect her questions had. I think this is what confused me most about Sophie, that she is constantly stuck between two different people not being one or the other. She is smart but ditzy, experienced but rude, solves problems but fumbles through her job? Her personality isn't coherent and neither is the book, stuck weirdly between young adult and urban fiction. I felt a lot of promise with its potential as an urban fiction novel and really loved the ongoing story about the vessel of souls. While I really want to read the next book to find out about it I am not sure I would be able to read through more bipolar Sophie Lawson and asshole Alex. If the characters get a little revamp I could see this series as becoming a fav!
3/5
xxx
George
A huge thank you to NetGalley, Hannah Jayne and Kensington Books for the copy!
October 15, 2013
Originally Posted at Vampire Book Club
I’ll admit, when I started this book I did not know that it was No. 5 in a series. Normally I do not read series books out of order for obvious reasons. I thought, however, for the sake of review I would give it a try.
Sophia Lawson works at the Underworld Detection Agency. She is their only human or “breather” on staff. She is impervious to magic and cannot perform it either. In Under a Spell Sophie’s boss tasks her with returning to her old high school as a substitute teacher in order to find out if there is a coven of witches on campus. The previous year a girl went missing and was found dead in a ritualistic-type of setting leading authorities to believe a coven was responsible. Another girl has now gone missing, hence sending Sophie in to investigate. Her role is only to find the coven, however Sophie’s heartstrings won’t let her forget about the girl and she veers off on an investigation of her own.
Posing as a professor, Sophie’s Guardian Will accompanies her on the assignment. Besides being with the Underworld Detection Agency, Sophie is also the Vessel of Souls. She is a being that holds all the souls of those in limbo. Needless to say, there are those that want the vessel and Will’s main job is to protect Sophie from the fallen angels that would destroy her.
Throw in a love triangle between said Guardian and an abovementioned Fallen Angel and you truly have trouble brewing. Not to mention Sophie’s immortal vampire roommate/best friend Nina, Nina’s vampire nephew Vlad (perpetually 16 even though he’s more than 100), Vlad’s on-again, off-again teenage witch girlfriend Kale who’s none too happy when the vampire’s eyes wander, and Steve the 3 ½ troll who’s in love with Sophie and refers to himself in the third person and you’ve got yourself a crazy cast of characters.
Despite not having read the series before I really enjoyed the story. The mystery of the missing girls drew me in right away and Sophie, while not without her faults, was endearing. She really tried her hardest to solve the case even when everyone wanted her to stay out of it.
I will say that for all Sophie wanted to do the right thing, she was really hindered by her bias. She didn’t have a good run in high school herself and she projected a lot of those pent up feelings into the job. It led her astray and kept her from seeing what I felt was right in front of her face. It also kept her from listening to others’ opinions, which was both good and bad in the end.
The plot was book specific, so if you were just picking this book up you shouldn’t be lost. I felt there was also enough information given about the overall series storyline, that I didn’t feel too confused. There were some things a little unclear, but I’m really interested in going back and starting the series from the beginning.
The romance was very light. My ears perked up when a love triangle was mentioned, but there was very little progress made on that front. From what I could ascertain something big happened in the previous book, so I’m thinking this may have been a slight breather from relationship stuff. And while the mystery was solved, Hannah Jayne definitely directs things into the next book with the ending.
I’ll admit, when I started this book I did not know that it was No. 5 in a series. Normally I do not read series books out of order for obvious reasons. I thought, however, for the sake of review I would give it a try.
Sophia Lawson works at the Underworld Detection Agency. She is their only human or “breather” on staff. She is impervious to magic and cannot perform it either. In Under a Spell Sophie’s boss tasks her with returning to her old high school as a substitute teacher in order to find out if there is a coven of witches on campus. The previous year a girl went missing and was found dead in a ritualistic-type of setting leading authorities to believe a coven was responsible. Another girl has now gone missing, hence sending Sophie in to investigate. Her role is only to find the coven, however Sophie’s heartstrings won’t let her forget about the girl and she veers off on an investigation of her own.
Posing as a professor, Sophie’s Guardian Will accompanies her on the assignment. Besides being with the Underworld Detection Agency, Sophie is also the Vessel of Souls. She is a being that holds all the souls of those in limbo. Needless to say, there are those that want the vessel and Will’s main job is to protect Sophie from the fallen angels that would destroy her.
Throw in a love triangle between said Guardian and an abovementioned Fallen Angel and you truly have trouble brewing. Not to mention Sophie’s immortal vampire roommate/best friend Nina, Nina’s vampire nephew Vlad (perpetually 16 even though he’s more than 100), Vlad’s on-again, off-again teenage witch girlfriend Kale who’s none too happy when the vampire’s eyes wander, and Steve the 3 ½ troll who’s in love with Sophie and refers to himself in the third person and you’ve got yourself a crazy cast of characters.
Despite not having read the series before I really enjoyed the story. The mystery of the missing girls drew me in right away and Sophie, while not without her faults, was endearing. She really tried her hardest to solve the case even when everyone wanted her to stay out of it.
I will say that for all Sophie wanted to do the right thing, she was really hindered by her bias. She didn’t have a good run in high school herself and she projected a lot of those pent up feelings into the job. It led her astray and kept her from seeing what I felt was right in front of her face. It also kept her from listening to others’ opinions, which was both good and bad in the end.
The plot was book specific, so if you were just picking this book up you shouldn’t be lost. I felt there was also enough information given about the overall series storyline, that I didn’t feel too confused. There were some things a little unclear, but I’m really interested in going back and starting the series from the beginning.
The romance was very light. My ears perked up when a love triangle was mentioned, but there was very little progress made on that front. From what I could ascertain something big happened in the previous book, so I’m thinking this may have been a slight breather from relationship stuff. And while the mystery was solved, Hannah Jayne definitely directs things into the next book with the ending.
August 16, 2013
Review originally posted on my blog: A Book Obsession..
Sophie Lawson has just been handed her worst nightmare of a case: going back to her old high school. The mere thought sends her into a state of utter panic, but with girls going missing and a witch coven at suspicion, she doesn't have much not choice. Not if she doesn't want those girl's deaths on her conscious. So, teamed up with her Guardian, Will, she'll be headed back to the one place she swore never to return. Vampires, ghouls, and even the devil himself have nothing on this school's mean girls.
Sophie drove me absolutely insane in this book. She's rash and crazy, and honestly a little insane. Her constant visuals of her kicking butt are so far from reality, it's laughable. I'll admit that her antics were initially rather amusing to me earlier in this series, and largely the reason I've continued on with these books. That being said, she went from amusing to annoying in this installment, and it really turned me off. I cannot count the number of times she got herself into trouble where just even a little bit of forethought or listening to other's advice would have largely prevented said trouble. To make matters worse whenever one of the two leading men looked at her or heck even breathed, it turned into this inner discussion of her lady bits getting turned on etc etc. It was rather excessive, especially since A. 99% there was no real trigger for that kind of reaction, and B. She made it clear that there wouldn't be any funny business anyway, so enough about the lady bits already I say!
Now, onto the romance. I don't even know where to begin, considering there wasn't any, which frustrated me to no end. In the beginning of the series, there was a thing between Sophie and Alex. And then in the third book things got hairy when Will was added to the mix, making for a dreaded love triangle. Then in the very next book Will goes away, and is suddenly all forgotten about. And now in this installment it's back to Alex wanting nothing to do with her, and Will does, yet Sophie is firmly in the Alex camp despite him being a jerk. Confused yet? So was I. The romance has been so all over the place in this series, and then for there to be absolutely no real romance or hell even one single real kiss in this whole darn book, well you can imagine my frustration.
I had hard time staying interested in this book as it just couldn't seem to hold my attention. Between my annoyance with Sophie and the really messed up love triangle and the plot that never seemed to end, this was a very frustrating read for me. Honestly, I have to admit that I'm not too sure of this series any more. It seems each new installment only brings more frustration rather than any progress in any department, be it the romance, or the overall story arc. I just need a little more than has been given. Since I don't like to quit series this far into things, I'll give things one more shot, but if the next one isn't more impressive, this series and I may just have to call each other quits.
Sophie Lawson has just been handed her worst nightmare of a case: going back to her old high school. The mere thought sends her into a state of utter panic, but with girls going missing and a witch coven at suspicion, she doesn't have much not choice. Not if she doesn't want those girl's deaths on her conscious. So, teamed up with her Guardian, Will, she'll be headed back to the one place she swore never to return. Vampires, ghouls, and even the devil himself have nothing on this school's mean girls.
Sophie drove me absolutely insane in this book. She's rash and crazy, and honestly a little insane. Her constant visuals of her kicking butt are so far from reality, it's laughable. I'll admit that her antics were initially rather amusing to me earlier in this series, and largely the reason I've continued on with these books. That being said, she went from amusing to annoying in this installment, and it really turned me off. I cannot count the number of times she got herself into trouble where just even a little bit of forethought or listening to other's advice would have largely prevented said trouble. To make matters worse whenever one of the two leading men looked at her or heck even breathed, it turned into this inner discussion of her lady bits getting turned on etc etc. It was rather excessive, especially since A. 99% there was no real trigger for that kind of reaction, and B. She made it clear that there wouldn't be any funny business anyway, so enough about the lady bits already I say!
Now, onto the romance. I don't even know where to begin, considering there wasn't any, which frustrated me to no end. In the beginning of the series, there was a thing between Sophie and Alex. And then in the third book things got hairy when Will was added to the mix, making for a dreaded love triangle. Then in the very next book Will goes away, and is suddenly all forgotten about. And now in this installment it's back to Alex wanting nothing to do with her, and Will does, yet Sophie is firmly in the Alex camp despite him being a jerk. Confused yet? So was I. The romance has been so all over the place in this series, and then for there to be absolutely no real romance or hell even one single real kiss in this whole darn book, well you can imagine my frustration.
I had hard time staying interested in this book as it just couldn't seem to hold my attention. Between my annoyance with Sophie and the really messed up love triangle and the plot that never seemed to end, this was a very frustrating read for me. Honestly, I have to admit that I'm not too sure of this series any more. It seems each new installment only brings more frustration rather than any progress in any department, be it the romance, or the overall story arc. I just need a little more than has been given. Since I don't like to quit series this far into things, I'll give things one more shot, but if the next one isn't more impressive, this series and I may just have to call each other quits.
August 21, 2013
Sophie Lawson is an investigator in the Fallen Angels Division of the Underworld Detection Agency. She also happens to be the Vessel of Souls (or be the host for the Vessel of Souls), although not having read any other books in this series I’m not entirely sure exactly what that means. It has something to do with holding all of the souls that are in limbo, but beyond that the book doesn’t really explain it. For whatever reason, fallen angels are after the Vessel, which requires Sophie to have a Guardian. For Sophie’s latest case, she has to do the unthinkable—go back to high school. Girls have been disappearing for years from Mercy High, and now the UDA thinks a coven of witches may be to blame. Can Sophie survive high school and a coven of teen witches?
This book reminded me of two other series that I have read. One is Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan books. Rachel is a witch, where Sophie is a non-magical human, but she works for an agency that deals with things that go bump in the night, she has a vampire roommate, she works with a pixie, and she even has red hair. The other is Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson series. Charley is a private investigator who happens to see dead people (because she’s the Grim Reaper, which seems not a whole lot different from the “vessel of souls”). For me, Sophie Lawson as a heroine falls somewhere in between these two other characters. I don’t care much for Rachel Morgan—in fact, I haven’t finished reading that series and don’t know if I ever will because of my inability to find anything likable about her. I love Charley Davidson and laugh maniacally the entire time I’m reading Jones’ books, and while Sophie Lawson is funny, she’s not THAT funny. So that puts her squarely in the middle for me, which is not really a bad thing.
There were a couple of things that bugged me. One, which I alluded to already, is that you are definitely at a disadvantage if you haven’t read any previous books in the series. There’s a lot going on, such as the love triangle between Sophie, Will, and Alex, that you really don’t get a good idea about what’s happened before. The whole Vessel of Souls thing, which I think is really important and actually figures into the resolution of the story in this novel, is really not explained in this novel for those of us not “in the know.” Another thing that bothered me was that Will’s character seemed pretty inconsistent. One minute he’s brushing off Sophie nearly getting killed, saying he’s only concerned about protecting her from fallen angels, while the next minute he gets mad at her for not calling him over to sift through police files about the case. Does he want to be left alone or doesn’t he?
This book reminded me of two other series that I have read. One is Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan books. Rachel is a witch, where Sophie is a non-magical human, but she works for an agency that deals with things that go bump in the night, she has a vampire roommate, she works with a pixie, and she even has red hair. The other is Darynda Jones’ Charley Davidson series. Charley is a private investigator who happens to see dead people (because she’s the Grim Reaper, which seems not a whole lot different from the “vessel of souls”). For me, Sophie Lawson as a heroine falls somewhere in between these two other characters. I don’t care much for Rachel Morgan—in fact, I haven’t finished reading that series and don’t know if I ever will because of my inability to find anything likable about her. I love Charley Davidson and laugh maniacally the entire time I’m reading Jones’ books, and while Sophie Lawson is funny, she’s not THAT funny. So that puts her squarely in the middle for me, which is not really a bad thing.
There were a couple of things that bugged me. One, which I alluded to already, is that you are definitely at a disadvantage if you haven’t read any previous books in the series. There’s a lot going on, such as the love triangle between Sophie, Will, and Alex, that you really don’t get a good idea about what’s happened before. The whole Vessel of Souls thing, which I think is really important and actually figures into the resolution of the story in this novel, is really not explained in this novel for those of us not “in the know.” Another thing that bothered me was that Will’s character seemed pretty inconsistent. One minute he’s brushing off Sophie nearly getting killed, saying he’s only concerned about protecting her from fallen angels, while the next minute he gets mad at her for not calling him over to sift through police files about the case. Does he want to be left alone or doesn’t he?
September 11, 2013
Usually I'm very strict with myself about reading series books in order, but when I started reading Under a Spell, I didn't realize that it was the fifth book in the Underworld Detection Agency series; however, I was already reading -- and enjoying it, so what the heck -- rules are meant to be broken. Occasionally.
Sophia Lawson is the only human staff member at the Underworld Detection Agency. Magic does not work on her, nor can she perform magic. Sophia is sent undercover as a substitute teacher to investigate the possible presence of a witch coven on campus. The previous year, a girl had gone missing, only to be discovered dead in a manner that pointed responsibility toward a coven. Now, another girl has gone missing and Sophia is sent in -- ONLY to discover if a coven is indeed present! Unable to forget the girl, Sophia delves into an investigation of her own.
Sophia is not only an agent of the Underworld Detective Agency. She is also the Vessel of Souls (she holds the souls of those in limbo), which makes her a particularly tasty target for fallen angels. Protecting Sophia -- and posing as a professor -- is Will, her Guardian. A love triangle featuring Sophia, her Guardian, and one of those pesky, dangerous fallen angels percolates in the background, but is not front and center in this book.
Wacky characters populate this book -- a fashionista vampire roommate, Nina; her forever-teenaged, hundred-year-old vampire nephew, Vlad; Vlad's testy, justifiably jealous teen witch girlfriend, Kale; and Steve the troll (in love with Sophia) -- and keep the humor and action balanced with a light romance.
I enjoyed this story. It moved quickly, the love triangle (which I am so thoroughly sick of, on the whole) wasn't too angsty or tense, and although I hadn't read the rest of the series, I wasn't too lost. I'm sure I missed a few things, but the plot for this story was book-centric, not really focused on over-arching storylines. The characters were fun and interesting, kooky without being too out there. I like Sophia -- she's certainly flawed, but she is caring, well-intentioned, intelligent, and endearing. She is also stubborn and too often caught up in her own perspective (her rotten high school years keep interfering in her ability to see this case clearly) to see what's going on around her, strongly opinionated and self-willed (which is both good and bad unless balanced).
On the whole, I think I will take a look at the other books in this series. I would recommend Under a Spell for a fun, magical mystery read -- with a little romance thrown in.
Sophia Lawson is the only human staff member at the Underworld Detection Agency. Magic does not work on her, nor can she perform magic. Sophia is sent undercover as a substitute teacher to investigate the possible presence of a witch coven on campus. The previous year, a girl had gone missing, only to be discovered dead in a manner that pointed responsibility toward a coven. Now, another girl has gone missing and Sophia is sent in -- ONLY to discover if a coven is indeed present! Unable to forget the girl, Sophia delves into an investigation of her own.
Sophia is not only an agent of the Underworld Detective Agency. She is also the Vessel of Souls (she holds the souls of those in limbo), which makes her a particularly tasty target for fallen angels. Protecting Sophia -- and posing as a professor -- is Will, her Guardian. A love triangle featuring Sophia, her Guardian, and one of those pesky, dangerous fallen angels percolates in the background, but is not front and center in this book.
Wacky characters populate this book -- a fashionista vampire roommate, Nina; her forever-teenaged, hundred-year-old vampire nephew, Vlad; Vlad's testy, justifiably jealous teen witch girlfriend, Kale; and Steve the troll (in love with Sophia) -- and keep the humor and action balanced with a light romance.
I enjoyed this story. It moved quickly, the love triangle (which I am so thoroughly sick of, on the whole) wasn't too angsty or tense, and although I hadn't read the rest of the series, I wasn't too lost. I'm sure I missed a few things, but the plot for this story was book-centric, not really focused on over-arching storylines. The characters were fun and interesting, kooky without being too out there. I like Sophia -- she's certainly flawed, but she is caring, well-intentioned, intelligent, and endearing. She is also stubborn and too often caught up in her own perspective (her rotten high school years keep interfering in her ability to see this case clearly) to see what's going on around her, strongly opinionated and self-willed (which is both good and bad unless balanced).
On the whole, I think I will take a look at the other books in this series. I would recommend Under a Spell for a fun, magical mystery read -- with a little romance thrown in.
September 17, 2013
FUN FUN FUN!
3.5Stars
Definitely the best way to describe this is just saying it over and over again. I really had fun reading this. It's one of those books you just read in one sitting, smirk allot and are thoroughly entertained.
And honestly that's that. It's not one of those books that leaves you in awe of the writters skills or amazed by the worldbuilding nor does it stay with you for days.. it's just good old fun.
I never read any of the previous books, but that actually didn't matter. I caught up really quickly with what's going on. And this could just as well work as a standalone.
I have in fact marked the series as a to read, for when I feel for some lighthearted Paranaormal Action that's loads of fun.
As I said the world building was not exactly awe inspiring. It's the usual in many ways, but it's solid enough to pass as good. The series is definitely not driven by world building, so it doesn't have much of an impact. Still this is well enough constructed to go with the fun theme the author has injected throughout the book and has a innate quirkiness, which I found endearing.
The character building is similare to the world building, good enough. Not amazing. I found myself laughing and smirking at Sophie's ditzyness. She is clumsy, silly, angsty and quite all over the place. But it's just enough to make one smirk, not too much that it put me off. She stands in contrast to the oh-so-perfect paranormal support-cast, that are so eccentric they make Sophie look perfectly normal and sane. I think part of the fun of the book is those contrasts, Jayne did a great job at walking the tightrope between funny and silly.
The book is definitely plot driven. And it's a non-stop action ride. There is never a dull moment, which suited me just fine.
There is a love triangle - and for some reason I - who usually really loathes them- didn't care about it, in fact I chose a camp and even more surprising, got invested and enjoyed it.
The book ends on a cliffy... so be warned. Which left me looking for the release date of the next book- yeah I wanna know what Sophie and Co. are up to next- oh and more importantly I need to know where the love triangle will go. I'm team Will, btw.
This is your big-bang fun action paranormal. Not a book that boasts any subtle moment or great writing, but as I said it is packed with fun. A quick, entertaining read for one of those evening that you feel like quirky fun.
3.5Stars
Definitely the best way to describe this is just saying it over and over again. I really had fun reading this. It's one of those books you just read in one sitting, smirk allot and are thoroughly entertained.
And honestly that's that. It's not one of those books that leaves you in awe of the writters skills or amazed by the worldbuilding nor does it stay with you for days.. it's just good old fun.
I never read any of the previous books, but that actually didn't matter. I caught up really quickly with what's going on. And this could just as well work as a standalone.
I have in fact marked the series as a to read, for when I feel for some lighthearted Paranaormal Action that's loads of fun.
As I said the world building was not exactly awe inspiring. It's the usual in many ways, but it's solid enough to pass as good. The series is definitely not driven by world building, so it doesn't have much of an impact. Still this is well enough constructed to go with the fun theme the author has injected throughout the book and has a innate quirkiness, which I found endearing.
The character building is similare to the world building, good enough. Not amazing. I found myself laughing and smirking at Sophie's ditzyness. She is clumsy, silly, angsty and quite all over the place. But it's just enough to make one smirk, not too much that it put me off. She stands in contrast to the oh-so-perfect paranormal support-cast, that are so eccentric they make Sophie look perfectly normal and sane. I think part of the fun of the book is those contrasts, Jayne did a great job at walking the tightrope between funny and silly.
The book is definitely plot driven. And it's a non-stop action ride. There is never a dull moment, which suited me just fine.
There is a love triangle - and for some reason I - who usually really loathes them- didn't care about it, in fact I chose a camp and even more surprising, got invested and enjoyed it.
The book ends on a cliffy... so be warned. Which left me looking for the release date of the next book- yeah I wanna know what Sophie and Co. are up to next- oh and more importantly I need to know where the love triangle will go. I'm team Will, btw.
This is your big-bang fun action paranormal. Not a book that boasts any subtle moment or great writing, but as I said it is packed with fun. A quick, entertaining read for one of those evening that you feel like quirky fun.
August 11, 2013
In Under A Spell, Hannah Jayne's fifth book in the Underworld Detection Agency series, Sophie Lawson faces her greatest fear - high school. Ordered to go undercover as a substitute teacher at her alma mater to investigate rumours of a coven on campus. Sophie would rather walk through hell fire than the halls of the all girl school but with one girl dead and another girl missing, Sophie is determined to make the grade.
Set in San Francisco in a world where vampires, trolls and pixies etc live alongside the ignorant human populace, Under A Spell is a light, fast paced read combining action, humour romance and mystery.
Oddly Sophie's one ability, an immunity to magic, doesn't seem to hold here, making her vulnerable to a witch who is able to project realistic illusions. I had expected this storyline would have given Sophie the chance to have the upper hand for once, instead she is as vulnerable and clueless as ever. Though Sophie's investigative skills are amateurish at best, her motivations can't be faulted. She is sincere in her determination to find the missing girl alive, even at the risk of her own life.
Those familiar with the series might be disappointed to find Alex, the fallen angel/cop that Sophie pines after, is giving her the cold shoulder in Under A Spell. Luckily Will - Sophie's guardian, due to her being the host of the Vessel of Souls - joins her during the investigation providing plenty of romantic tension as Sophie's attention wavers between the two men.
In amongst the drama, Sophie's teenage vampire roommate, Vlad, is having more than a little trouble with the woman in his life, and BFF Nina has hit on the bright idea of filming an ad for the UDA, in which she wants Sophie to star. I really like Vlad and Nina whose blunt manners and vampiric confidence(as long as there are no birds nearby) contrasts nicely with Sophie's attraction to chaos.
Under A Spell is a quick, entertaining read. If you haven't read a previous installment of this series (I have read only the fourth book, Under the Gun), the story works as a stand alone but the relationship dynamics may seem lacking.
August 14, 2013
This is definitely part of a series, though I didn't know that when I picked it up from NetGalley. Sophie Lawson was pretty amusing as a character, though her snark got on my nerves. Anyone who knows me, knows I like snark and have snarkiness in my heroines. Unfortunately, Sophie was just waaaay over the top at times and places. There were a few times I almost gave up on the book. But, the overall story was intriguing enough that I ultimately couldn't put this book down and not finish it.
As I said, I enjoyed it though had issues. One of my main issues, beyond Sophie's pretty constant whining about high school, was her absolute blind spot to the ultimate villain (okay, one of the two) in the book. From almost the beginning, it was pretty clear who one of them was, and almost no one looked twice at the individual. (Sorry, trying not to spoil this, because it's worth the read, but on the other hand, one of my major problems comes from the issue of one of the villains).
I loved the secondary cast, from Sophie's two vampire roommates to her sexy Englishman Will and apparently a complicated relationship with an angel named Alex who works as a police officer. Some of Ms. Jayne's descriptions were hilarious and kept my attention even as I wanted to slap Sophie upside the head from time to time for being a ditz.
This book rated 3 stars from me. I might pick up other books in the series because I'm curious about how things got to where they are, but on the other hand, I'm not positive how much of Sophie I could actually take in a single (or more) sitting(s).
Thank you for letting me read this book, Kensington/Ms. Jayne.
As I said, I enjoyed it though had issues. One of my main issues, beyond Sophie's pretty constant whining about high school, was her absolute blind spot to the ultimate villain (okay, one of the two) in the book. From almost the beginning, it was pretty clear who one of them was, and almost no one looked twice at the individual. (Sorry, trying not to spoil this, because it's worth the read, but on the other hand, one of my major problems comes from the issue of one of the villains).
I loved the secondary cast, from Sophie's two vampire roommates to her sexy Englishman Will and apparently a complicated relationship with an angel named Alex who works as a police officer. Some of Ms. Jayne's descriptions were hilarious and kept my attention even as I wanted to slap Sophie upside the head from time to time for being a ditz.
This book rated 3 stars from me. I might pick up other books in the series because I'm curious about how things got to where they are, but on the other hand, I'm not positive how much of Sophie I could actually take in a single (or more) sitting(s).
Thank you for letting me read this book, Kensington/Ms. Jayne.
August 14, 2013
If this your first Underworld D. Agency book I would suggest reading a previous one(Under Wraps: Underworld Detection Agency Series, Book 1).
This can be read as a standalone book but some of the relationships are written in a way that presumes previous knowledge.
Case in point would be Vlad and Kale. Their squabbling and interaction is described here and there with a few fractions of info, which doesn't really give any clear indication of why, when or what who did what to whom. So the reader has to fill in the gaps. The same goes for the attraction triangle a la Will-Sophie-Alex. Once again the reader doesn't really know why Alex is acting all huffy or why he insists on making annoyingly vague statements and flouncing off at every opportunity. In fact his flounces take priority over finding a missing teenager.
The story started out slow and was a little disjointed here and there, but it picked up and was quite enjoyable.
I think the author was trying a little too hard to keep it in the YA ball-park because the tone and behaviour of the characters swung like a pendulum. They switched from teen-tone to witty adult quips to squee moments and back again to sensible adults.
Although I have to admit there were quite a few one-liners in there that made me
chuckle.
Overall I think the author needs to develop the main character more and have her actually take a few steps forward instead of treading the same path over and over again. Let her grow into the strong adult individual she can be instead of being the often obtuse and impulsive teen she acts like.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley.
This can be read as a standalone book but some of the relationships are written in a way that presumes previous knowledge.
Case in point would be Vlad and Kale. Their squabbling and interaction is described here and there with a few fractions of info, which doesn't really give any clear indication of why, when or what who did what to whom. So the reader has to fill in the gaps. The same goes for the attraction triangle a la Will-Sophie-Alex. Once again the reader doesn't really know why Alex is acting all huffy or why he insists on making annoyingly vague statements and flouncing off at every opportunity. In fact his flounces take priority over finding a missing teenager.
The story started out slow and was a little disjointed here and there, but it picked up and was quite enjoyable.
I think the author was trying a little too hard to keep it in the YA ball-park because the tone and behaviour of the characters swung like a pendulum. They switched from teen-tone to witty adult quips to squee moments and back again to sensible adults.
Although I have to admit there were quite a few one-liners in there that made me
chuckle.
Overall I think the author needs to develop the main character more and have her actually take a few steps forward instead of treading the same path over and over again. Let her grow into the strong adult individual she can be instead of being the often obtuse and impulsive teen she acts like.
I received a copy of this book via Netgalley.
July 24, 2013
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Admittedly, I have not read any of the other books in this series, so that put me at a slight disadvantage when it came to backstory and overarching storylines. That being said, this book was a lot of fun to read. I’m sure I’m missing a lot of history, but the Will/Sophie/Alex drama really grabbed my attention. I was hoping that there would be some resolution (or at least some payoff of the smutty variety), but that wasn’t really what this book was about.
This book was about a lot of high school drama and mostly metaphorical demons. The setting was high school in a world that appears to be similar to Kim Harrison’s world (minus the tomato problem). There are witches and vampires and fallen angels in the open, or at least in the open for the main character. Sophie was a great main character, complete with flaws and man drama. The banter between her and Will was amazing and made the pages fly by. The mystery wasn’t too hard to solve, but still kept the story interesting. I’d be interested to see if this series is a “1 crime solved per book” type, or if it deviates and goes in different directions along the way.
I’ll definitely keep this author in mind and maybe even go back to check out the books I missed out on (there was a lot of mention of Will and Alex unclothed, so that might be worth it).
Admittedly, I have not read any of the other books in this series, so that put me at a slight disadvantage when it came to backstory and overarching storylines. That being said, this book was a lot of fun to read. I’m sure I’m missing a lot of history, but the Will/Sophie/Alex drama really grabbed my attention. I was hoping that there would be some resolution (or at least some payoff of the smutty variety), but that wasn’t really what this book was about.
This book was about a lot of high school drama and mostly metaphorical demons. The setting was high school in a world that appears to be similar to Kim Harrison’s world (minus the tomato problem). There are witches and vampires and fallen angels in the open, or at least in the open for the main character. Sophie was a great main character, complete with flaws and man drama. The banter between her and Will was amazing and made the pages fly by. The mystery wasn’t too hard to solve, but still kept the story interesting. I’d be interested to see if this series is a “1 crime solved per book” type, or if it deviates and goes in different directions along the way.
I’ll definitely keep this author in mind and maybe even go back to check out the books I missed out on (there was a lot of mention of Will and Alex unclothed, so that might be worth it).
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