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Bound by Magick #3
Going Under
In the wake of the Magister’s rampage, chaos rules. Left reeling, the Others and the humans scramble to create some sort of unity in the face of growing unrest and violence from anti-Other hate groups—and PR guru Molly Ryan is the witch who can do it. She grew up in the human world but there’s nothing left for her there. She’s lost her PR firm and her friends, and now she’s decided to put all her fight toward aiding the Others in this dark new reality. Gage Garrity, one of the few Others who survived the massacre, fears that the crusade will expose Molly to greater dangers than ever before.
Now, together, with magick on their side, Molly and Gage are on the road in a desperate struggle to unite a torn world. From state houses to television news to legislative conference rooms across the country, they’re fighting the good fight. And it’s bringing out a passion in both of them they never expected—one as volatile, intense and all-consuming as their relentless battle for world unity. A battle that could be their undoing…
Now, together, with magick on their side, Molly and Gage are on the road in a desperate struggle to unite a torn world. From state houses to television news to legislative conference rooms across the country, they’re fighting the good fight. And it’s bringing out a passion in both of them they never expected—one as volatile, intense and all-consuming as their relentless battle for world unity. A battle that could be their undoing…
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 5, 2013
About the author
Lauren Dane
111 books5,004 followersLauren Dane has been writing stories since she was able to use a pencil, and before that she used to tell them to people. Of course, she still talks nonstop, and through wonderful fate and good fortune, she’s now able to share what she writes with others. It’s a wonderful life!
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
The basics: Lauren is a mom, a partner, a best friend and a daughter. Living in the rainy but beautiful Pacific Northwest, she spends her late evenings writing like a fiend when she finally wrestles all of her kids to bed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 29, 2013
Original Post at Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
GOING UNDER by Lauren Dane Says More About Human Nature than "Other" Nature
GOING UNDER was very different from anything I had ever read by Lauren Dane. It occurs in the same world of "Others" that The de LaVega Cats and the Cascadia Wolves Series occupy but it felt very different. It felt more like Dane was in a literary fiction mode, reminiscent of Piccoult but with a lot more sex. Or, maybe it's because the story is told from the Witches' perspective and that their voice is different. Or, perhaps it is that their world has dramatically changed since this event of The Magister. that seems to have outed all the Supes, killed a lot of them and somehow scared the heck out of regular humans.
I missed those books so I was a bit lost over what went down, but it sounds like a paradigmatic apocalypse. These beings, the supernaturals, had lived amongst humans in secret forever, but knowing about them made them a threat. This demonstrates a human failing and a form of completely irrational mass hysteria. I think this best read as a series in sequence; having missed the earlier books, I often felt lost.
The characters are also more complex. Or, rather there is an attempt to make them deeper than I usually experience in steamy books. And Dane is known for steamy books. I am not sure if Dane is aiming for a confused, strong, forceful woman or if she just didn't quite nail the character. But Molly, the heroine here is really blocked, hurt and frustrated by feelings she's afraid to express for fear of "losing it" and events she cannot control. Okay, well maybe Dane does hit the nail on the head. The guy, Gage is not as interesting as Molly even though it is defined on Dane's website as his story. He's reeling too, but feels a bit like he was pulled out of central casting.
Where Dane does shine is in the plot and it's socio-political theme. It seemed scary, thrilling and complex, and its development made me angry at the "bad guys," humans! In this, the humans, in the form of Human Interest Groups - Human ONLY groups, gruesomely murdering and trying to legislate against "Others" or Supernatural people. Humanity at its worst. There's a real sense of how unfairly the Others are being treated, and how very patient and tolerant the Others are towards humans. Molly is a PR expert who crafts messages to defuse the situations and save people. This is a good example of how paranormally themed books are foils for the human situation. By removing it to a fantasy situation it gives the author the leeway to explore without having to endure ideologically misguided anger. I felt the characters' fear; their anger and frustration. Humanity's very worst is demonstrated through their terrible acts of violence against innocents.
Since GOING UNDER was a meatier book than I expected from Lauren Dane it also took longer to read. It's interesting that what I found most compelling was the plot and not the character's feeling on hanging on for fear one would "go under;" yet the book title is more reflective of the character's situation, I think, than the political societal one. I did feel throughout that I was not sure what would happen. Would one of the main characters be sacrificed to the plot.
All in all, this was a story that engaged me in some ways and not in others. Since it wasn't what I expected I was unjustifiably disappointed at first, but I warmed up to it; the "human" story was really good. I highly recommend this story, but would advise it in order for the backstory.
GOING UNDER by Lauren Dane Says More About Human Nature than "Other" Nature
GOING UNDER was very different from anything I had ever read by Lauren Dane. It occurs in the same world of "Others" that The de LaVega Cats and the Cascadia Wolves Series occupy but it felt very different. It felt more like Dane was in a literary fiction mode, reminiscent of Piccoult but with a lot more sex. Or, maybe it's because the story is told from the Witches' perspective and that their voice is different. Or, perhaps it is that their world has dramatically changed since this event of The Magister. that seems to have outed all the Supes, killed a lot of them and somehow scared the heck out of regular humans.
I missed those books so I was a bit lost over what went down, but it sounds like a paradigmatic apocalypse. These beings, the supernaturals, had lived amongst humans in secret forever, but knowing about them made them a threat. This demonstrates a human failing and a form of completely irrational mass hysteria. I think this best read as a series in sequence; having missed the earlier books, I often felt lost.
The characters are also more complex. Or, rather there is an attempt to make them deeper than I usually experience in steamy books. And Dane is known for steamy books. I am not sure if Dane is aiming for a confused, strong, forceful woman or if she just didn't quite nail the character. But Molly, the heroine here is really blocked, hurt and frustrated by feelings she's afraid to express for fear of "losing it" and events she cannot control. Okay, well maybe Dane does hit the nail on the head. The guy, Gage is not as interesting as Molly even though it is defined on Dane's website as his story. He's reeling too, but feels a bit like he was pulled out of central casting.
Where Dane does shine is in the plot and it's socio-political theme. It seemed scary, thrilling and complex, and its development made me angry at the "bad guys," humans! In this, the humans, in the form of Human Interest Groups - Human ONLY groups, gruesomely murdering and trying to legislate against "Others" or Supernatural people. Humanity at its worst. There's a real sense of how unfairly the Others are being treated, and how very patient and tolerant the Others are towards humans. Molly is a PR expert who crafts messages to defuse the situations and save people. This is a good example of how paranormally themed books are foils for the human situation. By removing it to a fantasy situation it gives the author the leeway to explore without having to endure ideologically misguided anger. I felt the characters' fear; their anger and frustration. Humanity's very worst is demonstrated through their terrible acts of violence against innocents.
Since GOING UNDER was a meatier book than I expected from Lauren Dane it also took longer to read. It's interesting that what I found most compelling was the plot and not the character's feeling on hanging on for fear one would "go under;" yet the book title is more reflective of the character's situation, I think, than the political societal one. I did feel throughout that I was not sure what would happen. Would one of the main characters be sacrificed to the plot.
All in all, this was a story that engaged me in some ways and not in others. Since it wasn't what I expected I was unjustifiably disappointed at first, but I warmed up to it; the "human" story was really good. I highly recommend this story, but would advise it in order for the backstory.
September 16, 2012
This review was posted at Under the Covers
First of all, I’m totally biased in regards to this story because I’ve been wanting Gage to get his HEA from the very first book of the series. He’s the good boy that’s really sort of a bad boy, that I couldn’t get enough of. And GOING UNDER didn’t disappoint. This story was not what I was expecting but it delivered on everything I wanted.
I know a lot of people have the bad habit of picking up books out of order, but I find that in this world and with the continuous storyline, you’d do better reading in order so you are not confused. CHAOS BURNING set the stage for the events in this book. Our Others are basically dealing with the aftermath of the Magister and the fact that now humans know of their existence.
In dealing with this, Meriel has to hire a PR to take care of the many concerns regarding humans and their fear of Others. Enter our heroine, PR guru Molly Ryan. She’s dealt with her own issues due to the outing of Others. She lost her job because of it and now has the opportunity to make a difference using the skills that she’s best at. She’s a tough chick, not afraid to wear the pants in a mans world and go head to head with people. She knows what she wants and what needs to be done to reach the desired goals. That to me is so important, because I HAVE to love the heroine. And especially Gage’s heroine, couldn’t have done better.
Then, there’s Gage. He was enamored from the get-go. Ahhh yes, how the mighty have fallen. Tough on the outside but a smoking hot teddy bear on the inside. He didn’t struggle as much as I thought he would to let Molly in, even if it was physical to begin with. Their chemistry was perfect and sizzled off the pages. Their romance was perfectly entwined with the rest of the story and not once did I feel as if it was putting the brakes on the flow of the drama around them.
Gage, being such an alpha male, has to deal with having a female that needs to be out on the frontlines. There are times she will be exposed to danger. And he just has to be able to deal with that as best as he can without restricting her. And I love that he can.
GOING UNDER is my favorite book in the series so far. It had everything I wanted. A great storyline, a lot of forward movement in the world and developments, a new fresh storyline, and the main couple was extraordinaire. I really can’t wait for the next installment!
*ARC provided by publisher
First of all, I’m totally biased in regards to this story because I’ve been wanting Gage to get his HEA from the very first book of the series. He’s the good boy that’s really sort of a bad boy, that I couldn’t get enough of. And GOING UNDER didn’t disappoint. This story was not what I was expecting but it delivered on everything I wanted.
I know a lot of people have the bad habit of picking up books out of order, but I find that in this world and with the continuous storyline, you’d do better reading in order so you are not confused. CHAOS BURNING set the stage for the events in this book. Our Others are basically dealing with the aftermath of the Magister and the fact that now humans know of their existence.
In dealing with this, Meriel has to hire a PR to take care of the many concerns regarding humans and their fear of Others. Enter our heroine, PR guru Molly Ryan. She’s dealt with her own issues due to the outing of Others. She lost her job because of it and now has the opportunity to make a difference using the skills that she’s best at. She’s a tough chick, not afraid to wear the pants in a mans world and go head to head with people. She knows what she wants and what needs to be done to reach the desired goals. That to me is so important, because I HAVE to love the heroine. And especially Gage’s heroine, couldn’t have done better.
Then, there’s Gage. He was enamored from the get-go. Ahhh yes, how the mighty have fallen. Tough on the outside but a smoking hot teddy bear on the inside. He didn’t struggle as much as I thought he would to let Molly in, even if it was physical to begin with. Their chemistry was perfect and sizzled off the pages. Their romance was perfectly entwined with the rest of the story and not once did I feel as if it was putting the brakes on the flow of the drama around them.
Gage, being such an alpha male, has to deal with having a female that needs to be out on the frontlines. There are times she will be exposed to danger. And he just has to be able to deal with that as best as he can without restricting her. And I love that he can.
GOING UNDER is my favorite book in the series so far. It had everything I wanted. A great storyline, a lot of forward movement in the world and developments, a new fresh storyline, and the main couple was extraordinaire. I really can’t wait for the next installment!
*ARC provided by publisher
August 11, 2012
Lauren Dane is definitely one of my favorite authors. I'm always not~so~patiently waiting for her next release. Bound By Magick is a favorite series of mine and it continues to get better with each new release. I LOVED Meriel and Dominic in Heart Of Darkness and I ABSOLUTELY ADORED Simon and Lark in Chaos Burning (Chaos Burning is by far my favorite of the series and Simon and Lark are one of my all-time favorite couples~Lark has to be one of my all-time favorite heroines~just love her character.) So you can imagine how excited I was to finally get to read more about Gage~who had been in the background since the series began.
This is where my review gets hard for me to write because Going Under fell short of the mark for me. I didn't feel that spark between Gage and Molly that I felt with the other couples even though I liked them both so much. (Well, Gage did act like an asshat to Molly through most of the book and I wanted to kick him in his junk!! He was so nice to everyone else but her.) I'm not sure what the problem was for me but I just couldn't connect with them. The writing was great as the norm with a Lauren Dane book, so I am sure that the problem is all me. I plan to re~read again at a later date to see if I still feel the same way.
Oh...Gage...The way he treated Molly and how back and forth he was with her had me not liking him all that much in this book. He would be thinking sweet things about her but instead of saying them he would say something insulting and mean. Which took me by surprise because I loved him in the previous two books and he didn't treat the other characters in the book like this. He was so nice to everyone else. I just couldn't understand why he treated Molly that way. And it took him a long time to redeem himself in my eyes~luckily he finally did. I guess I had a love/hate relationship with Gage. Oh...I LOVED Molly's character so much. She was strong and vulnerable at the same time. I loved her ability to charm people and she was so smart and funny and feisty. I so wish I had her character's ability to talk to people. lol I loved how she knew exactly the right thing to say in any situation and I also loved how she dealt with all the conflicting personalities. My heart broke for her in all that she had to endure. And when Gage wasn't being an asshat, I loved how he supported, protected and loved her. I loved Fain and cannot wait for his book. I am hoping to see more of Simon and Lark and also Gage and Molly and how their relationship progressed from the end of this book.
With all the twists and turns in this story I am so looking forward to what Lauren Dane has in mind for the next book. I cannot wait to see what happens next. There was such pure evil in this book that at times it was difficult to read, especially the horrible things that happened to the Others just because they were not human. This unique and complicated world Lauren Dane has created for Bound by Magick along with the interesting and lovable mixture of characters, just blows me away every time I return. And is exactly why I continue to look forward to returning. So even though I was a little disappointed in this book, I was still entertained and so look forward to more.
4 out of 5 rating!!
***ARC provided by Lauren Dane. Thank you!!
This is where my review gets hard for me to write because Going Under fell short of the mark for me. I didn't feel that spark between Gage and Molly that I felt with the other couples even though I liked them both so much. (Well, Gage did act like an asshat to Molly through most of the book and I wanted to kick him in his junk!! He was so nice to everyone else but her.) I'm not sure what the problem was for me but I just couldn't connect with them. The writing was great as the norm with a Lauren Dane book, so I am sure that the problem is all me. I plan to re~read again at a later date to see if I still feel the same way.
Oh...Gage...The way he treated Molly and how back and forth he was with her had me not liking him all that much in this book. He would be thinking sweet things about her but instead of saying them he would say something insulting and mean. Which took me by surprise because I loved him in the previous two books and he didn't treat the other characters in the book like this. He was so nice to everyone else. I just couldn't understand why he treated Molly that way. And it took him a long time to redeem himself in my eyes~luckily he finally did. I guess I had a love/hate relationship with Gage. Oh...I LOVED Molly's character so much. She was strong and vulnerable at the same time. I loved her ability to charm people and she was so smart and funny and feisty. I so wish I had her character's ability to talk to people. lol I loved how she knew exactly the right thing to say in any situation and I also loved how she dealt with all the conflicting personalities. My heart broke for her in all that she had to endure. And when Gage wasn't being an asshat, I loved how he supported, protected and loved her. I loved Fain and cannot wait for his book. I am hoping to see more of Simon and Lark and also Gage and Molly and how their relationship progressed from the end of this book.
With all the twists and turns in this story I am so looking forward to what Lauren Dane has in mind for the next book. I cannot wait to see what happens next. There was such pure evil in this book that at times it was difficult to read, especially the horrible things that happened to the Others just because they were not human. This unique and complicated world Lauren Dane has created for Bound by Magick along with the interesting and lovable mixture of characters, just blows me away every time I return. And is exactly why I continue to look forward to returning. So even though I was a little disappointed in this book, I was still entertained and so look forward to more.
4 out of 5 rating!!
***ARC provided by Lauren Dane. Thank you!!
April 28, 2013
I won this book via a giveaway from READ~write~LOVE. This is book 3 in the Bound by Magic series. I have read book 2, and also gave book 2 a 3-star rating, like this one. I don't care for this series as much of some of Lauren Dane's other works. I would characterize this book as more of an Urban Fantasy/Sci Fi sort of book than a romance. I felt like the romance was sort of an afterthought rather than the focus of the book.
This book is mostly about the gowing strife and looming battle between humans and Others. The Magister, a supernatural villain, has just killed thousands of Others (witches, vampires, werebeasts, and Fae) and has outed the Others to the humans. The humans, of course, panic. Sucky humans, of which there are many, decide to persecute the Others, to put them in camps, fire them from their jobs, and make a registry of them. There was so much tension in this book that it was too stressful to me to read as a pleasure book. I just got angrier and angrier at all the bigoted people, and I didn't feel that there were enough positive things in the book to balance out the crappy people.
Gage is the quintessential man in denial, believing that he cannot let himself fall in love with a woman. It's not until the VERY end that he allows himself to admit that he loves Molly. I thought there was perfect chance for him to come to the realization that he loves Molly about 50 pages earlier than he did, and I was irritated that he didn't admit it then. I though his admission came too late in the book, and the ending was too abrupt. Granted, this is a series, and the overarcing story line will continue, but the next book will be centered on 2 different characters, so I would have liked this couple to become a recognized couple (to each other; everyone else already knew it much earlier) a little bit sooner in the story.
As I am reading what I have written for this review, the review sounds like it should be a 2 star book, but it really was a 3 star work, so don't let all my complaining turn you off to this book. Just expect the book to be more about the PR machine trying to prevent war and about the bodyguarding of the head of PR, rather than all about romance. Molly was such an honestly good person, and that was very appealing to me.
This book is mostly about the gowing strife and looming battle between humans and Others. The Magister, a supernatural villain, has just killed thousands of Others (witches, vampires, werebeasts, and Fae) and has outed the Others to the humans. The humans, of course, panic. Sucky humans, of which there are many, decide to persecute the Others, to put them in camps, fire them from their jobs, and make a registry of them. There was so much tension in this book that it was too stressful to me to read as a pleasure book. I just got angrier and angrier at all the bigoted people, and I didn't feel that there were enough positive things in the book to balance out the crappy people.
Gage is the quintessential man in denial, believing that he cannot let himself fall in love with a woman. It's not until the VERY end that he allows himself to admit that he loves Molly. I thought there was perfect chance for him to come to the realization that he loves Molly about 50 pages earlier than he did, and I was irritated that he didn't admit it then. I though his admission came too late in the book, and the ending was too abrupt. Granted, this is a series, and the overarcing story line will continue, but the next book will be centered on 2 different characters, so I would have liked this couple to become a recognized couple (to each other; everyone else already knew it much earlier) a little bit sooner in the story.
As I am reading what I have written for this review, the review sounds like it should be a 2 star book, but it really was a 3 star work, so don't let all my complaining turn you off to this book. Just expect the book to be more about the PR machine trying to prevent war and about the bodyguarding of the head of PR, rather than all about romance. Molly was such an honestly good person, and that was very appealing to me.
February 9, 2013
Going Under is book three in a series, but I didn't feel lost when reading it! (Although I do wish I had the background of books 1 & 2, as well as the pleasure of reading them!) The Others (witches, weres, vampires) have been outed and the world knows they exist. In true 'normal human' fashion, there is intense fear and unfound hatred for the Others by many, from their neighbors to top political figures. The hate crimes against the Others is escalating, their voices are not being heard. They face possible confinement in camps, stripped of their rights as citizens.
Molly Ryan was raised in the human world, outside of the Other clans, and never really related to being a witch until she was railroaded out from the PR company she had built. Molly takes a position as the PR rep in Seattle with the Owen Clan, a large and vocal advocate group of Others for Others. She is good at what she does, almost too good, because for every person she brings to the Others' side, she gains an enemy who wants to see her dead. Molly is the ultimate voice of reason in the chaos, able to rise to any occasion without losing her cool in public.
Gage, head of security for the Owen Clan, becomes Molly's almost full time bodyguard. He is obsessed with her safety and is becoming obsessed with her as a woman. he is the ultimate good 'bad boy'...nothing overt, just a quiet strength and way of carrying himself.
What Molly and Gage find together is an attraction that is built on both respect and the obvious physical attraction they have for each other.
What drew me in and held me was that, even with all the violence and hate, it was still a mellow read. The ability for the main characters not to fly off the handle or go over the top was refreshing! Okay, there was some steam, but, not too hot to handle! Lauren Dane has a gift with putting it all together and telling a great story!
This edition was provided by NetGalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
Molly Ryan was raised in the human world, outside of the Other clans, and never really related to being a witch until she was railroaded out from the PR company she had built. Molly takes a position as the PR rep in Seattle with the Owen Clan, a large and vocal advocate group of Others for Others. She is good at what she does, almost too good, because for every person she brings to the Others' side, she gains an enemy who wants to see her dead. Molly is the ultimate voice of reason in the chaos, able to rise to any occasion without losing her cool in public.
Gage, head of security for the Owen Clan, becomes Molly's almost full time bodyguard. He is obsessed with her safety and is becoming obsessed with her as a woman. he is the ultimate good 'bad boy'...nothing overt, just a quiet strength and way of carrying himself.
What Molly and Gage find together is an attraction that is built on both respect and the obvious physical attraction they have for each other.
What drew me in and held me was that, even with all the violence and hate, it was still a mellow read. The ability for the main characters not to fly off the handle or go over the top was refreshing! Okay, there was some steam, but, not too hot to handle! Lauren Dane has a gift with putting it all together and telling a great story!
This edition was provided by NetGalley and Berkley in exchange for an honest review.
January 3, 2016
I enjoyed this book but not as much as 1 & 2 - this became a political rage against the machine and lost a little joy that the first books held. It just became more and more heavy and I lost the developing romance between Molly and Gage. These two just didn't sizzle for me
July 22, 2012
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/02/12/...
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
“Lauren Dane always delivers a steamy, exciting ride,”* and she does it again in her new novel of two lovers fighting for their lives against a rising threat, and a passion that’s just as dangerous…
In the wake of the Magister’s rampage, chaos rules. Left reeling, the Others and the humans scramble to create a some sort of unity in the face of growing unrest and violence from anti-Other hate groups federation—and ruthless PR guru Molly Ryan is the witch who can do it. She grew up in the human world but there’s nothing left for her there. She’s lost her PR firm, her friends and she’s decided to put all her fight toward aiding the Others in this dark, new reality. If there’s anything left for her there, she’s going to fight for it. But Gage Garrity, one of the few Others who survived the massacre, fears that the crusade will expose Molly to greater dangers than ever before.
Now, together, with magick on their side, they’re on the road in a desperate struggle to unite a torn world. From state houses to television news to legislative conference rooms across the country, they’re fighting the good fight. And it’s bringing out a passion in both of them they never expected—one as volatile, intense, and all-consuming as their relentless battle for world unity. A battle that could be their undoing…
This blurb came from the author’s website.
I have been both looking forward to and dreading Going Under. The traumatic events of Chaos Burning left the world and characters I have come to really enjoy in sheer chaos. I didn’t know who survived and who died or just vanished in the wake of the Magister. I really hoped that it wasn’t any of the people whose lives I had already visited but I also guessed that statistically it would be very hard for all of them to come out unscathed even with the deaths from actually fighting off the Magister. So it was with trepidation that I requested this book and started reading. Somehow Dane managed to continue to ramp up the tension and show what the Magister left behind while focusing on characters that had not seen much if any page time previously. I liked how she was able to do that and not completely devastate my memories of other couples but I am still worried about them.
Molly was a rather quiet not really practicing witch. She knew what she was but her focus was on her PR firm and she never felt the need to build her life around her abilities as a witch. When she was still dealing with the grief of losing people close to her, Molly was hit with her friends and co-workers basically kicking her out of the company she founded because she was Other. They cited several clauses in their partnership contract but the bottom line was that they were discriminating against her. Molly decided she would cut her losses and spend her time trying to help the Others against far worse instances of hatred and violence. Even her formidable abilities at finding common ground and getting people to listen could not stand up against fear and hatred fueled violence.
Gage volunteered to protect Molly because once word got out that she was their PR she would become a target. While Gage was a very good bodyguard and paid attention to not just Molly’s physical safety but also her mental/emotional balance he had a rather large blind spot. He refused to talk about his emotional state or feelings and as a result inserted both of his feet on more than one occasion when he was dealing with Molly. Even though he could be an insensitive ass at times he also groveled very nicely and demonstrated on several occasions that he really did care about her. In fact he stole my heart when he decided that he was going to give well demand that Molly take some time to get rid of her frustrations and fears so she could continue doing everything possible to stop a war between humans and Others. He knew Molly well enough by that time to do exactly what was required which meant he had paid very close attention to her minute cues. Something that to me said a lot about how he felt.
The combination of Molly’s quiet strength and determination, Gage’s physical strength and dedication along with the horror of mob mentality humans made a really intense at time heartbreaking read. I could see that Molly was reaching some people but the violent extremely bigoted individuals kept increasing the level of violence towards innocents. As hard as Molly worked it became evident that eventually the adults would decide that talking and trying to find a peaceful solution was not worth the death or suffering of their children and unlike humans Others possessed a lot of lethal skills they would use. Molly did succeed in bringing the majority of the different Other types together so they could work as one strong group instead of a bunch of smaller separate groups with less chance of success. I am looking forward to seeing how that alliance is able to hold up against the increased violence.
Going Under is another great installment in Dane’s Bound by Magick series. She has managed to tie several of her ongoing and previous series together as this particular world deals with the aftermath of the Magister. Since Going Under does build directly on the events of the previous two books I highly recommend that you do not start with this one. Dane provides some back-story but I feel that you will miss many of the nuances if you skip them. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next because things really have not calmed down. I continue to have my fingers crossed that some solution will be found before total war breaks out.
I give Going Under a B+/A-
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Publish Date: Out now
How I got this book: ARC from the publisher via Netgalley
“Lauren Dane always delivers a steamy, exciting ride,”* and she does it again in her new novel of two lovers fighting for their lives against a rising threat, and a passion that’s just as dangerous…
In the wake of the Magister’s rampage, chaos rules. Left reeling, the Others and the humans scramble to create a some sort of unity in the face of growing unrest and violence from anti-Other hate groups federation—and ruthless PR guru Molly Ryan is the witch who can do it. She grew up in the human world but there’s nothing left for her there. She’s lost her PR firm, her friends and she’s decided to put all her fight toward aiding the Others in this dark, new reality. If there’s anything left for her there, she’s going to fight for it. But Gage Garrity, one of the few Others who survived the massacre, fears that the crusade will expose Molly to greater dangers than ever before.
Now, together, with magick on their side, they’re on the road in a desperate struggle to unite a torn world. From state houses to television news to legislative conference rooms across the country, they’re fighting the good fight. And it’s bringing out a passion in both of them they never expected—one as volatile, intense, and all-consuming as their relentless battle for world unity. A battle that could be their undoing…
This blurb came from the author’s website.
I have been both looking forward to and dreading Going Under. The traumatic events of Chaos Burning left the world and characters I have come to really enjoy in sheer chaos. I didn’t know who survived and who died or just vanished in the wake of the Magister. I really hoped that it wasn’t any of the people whose lives I had already visited but I also guessed that statistically it would be very hard for all of them to come out unscathed even with the deaths from actually fighting off the Magister. So it was with trepidation that I requested this book and started reading. Somehow Dane managed to continue to ramp up the tension and show what the Magister left behind while focusing on characters that had not seen much if any page time previously. I liked how she was able to do that and not completely devastate my memories of other couples but I am still worried about them.
Molly was a rather quiet not really practicing witch. She knew what she was but her focus was on her PR firm and she never felt the need to build her life around her abilities as a witch. When she was still dealing with the grief of losing people close to her, Molly was hit with her friends and co-workers basically kicking her out of the company she founded because she was Other. They cited several clauses in their partnership contract but the bottom line was that they were discriminating against her. Molly decided she would cut her losses and spend her time trying to help the Others against far worse instances of hatred and violence. Even her formidable abilities at finding common ground and getting people to listen could not stand up against fear and hatred fueled violence.
Gage volunteered to protect Molly because once word got out that she was their PR she would become a target. While Gage was a very good bodyguard and paid attention to not just Molly’s physical safety but also her mental/emotional balance he had a rather large blind spot. He refused to talk about his emotional state or feelings and as a result inserted both of his feet on more than one occasion when he was dealing with Molly. Even though he could be an insensitive ass at times he also groveled very nicely and demonstrated on several occasions that he really did care about her. In fact he stole my heart when he decided that he was going to give well demand that Molly take some time to get rid of her frustrations and fears so she could continue doing everything possible to stop a war between humans and Others. He knew Molly well enough by that time to do exactly what was required which meant he had paid very close attention to her minute cues. Something that to me said a lot about how he felt.
The combination of Molly’s quiet strength and determination, Gage’s physical strength and dedication along with the horror of mob mentality humans made a really intense at time heartbreaking read. I could see that Molly was reaching some people but the violent extremely bigoted individuals kept increasing the level of violence towards innocents. As hard as Molly worked it became evident that eventually the adults would decide that talking and trying to find a peaceful solution was not worth the death or suffering of their children and unlike humans Others possessed a lot of lethal skills they would use. Molly did succeed in bringing the majority of the different Other types together so they could work as one strong group instead of a bunch of smaller separate groups with less chance of success. I am looking forward to seeing how that alliance is able to hold up against the increased violence.
Going Under is another great installment in Dane’s Bound by Magick series. She has managed to tie several of her ongoing and previous series together as this particular world deals with the aftermath of the Magister. Since Going Under does build directly on the events of the previous two books I highly recommend that you do not start with this one. Dane provides some back-story but I feel that you will miss many of the nuances if you skip them. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next because things really have not calmed down. I continue to have my fingers crossed that some solution will be found before total war breaks out.
I give Going Under a B+/A-
August 11, 2020
Molly and Gage
Molly lives a human life. She works with humans. Her mother as grandparent are human. She has another family. A magickal famiy. The Magister came and killed her best friend and the man she called father. She looses her job and the company she built. She meets Clan Owen and Gage Garrity. Gage is upset. He lost his Uncle, a coworker, and friends. Merkel got shot. Edwina, Mariel's mother was killed. Navigate groups are committing acts of violence against them. Molly steps in as a PR woman. She is awesome. She and Gage call in love. Great story. Loved it.
Molly lives a human life. She works with humans. Her mother as grandparent are human. She has another family. A magickal famiy. The Magister came and killed her best friend and the man she called father. She looses her job and the company she built. She meets Clan Owen and Gage Garrity. Gage is upset. He lost his Uncle, a coworker, and friends. Merkel got shot. Edwina, Mariel's mother was killed. Navigate groups are committing acts of violence against them. Molly steps in as a PR woman. She is awesome. She and Gage call in love. Great story. Loved it.
September 16, 2017
Just finished book 3 of the Bound by Magick series GOING UNDER. Lot's of action but sadly the reason for it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Racism and discrimination, even if its for witches, vampire, weres and others. Hopefully when I get to book 4 there will be some peace. It's very hard not to be emotionally vested when you read about how people are abused. . . . even if they are not of this world.
September 29, 2019
Fabulous heroine
I loved Molly and her passion for her work and her cause. I loved Gage for most of the book but felt the ending was abrupt and I could have used more time with Gage and Molly after he owned up to his mistakes.
I loved Molly and her passion for her work and her cause. I loved Gage for most of the book but felt the ending was abrupt and I could have used more time with Gage and Molly after he owned up to his mistakes.
September 24, 2018
This one was better than the last! Took me a few mins to really get into it but wound up loving it!
October 18, 2019
Another great installment in the Bound By Magick series. Lots of action, suspense and some romantic drama. Can't wait for more.
November 29, 2012
"People. Others. Witches, to be exact."
Going Under was a very different Lauren Dane read for me. At first, I was not sure if I liked it, I found it to move a bit slow in the beginning. The story focused more plot heavy then her other books I have read. About 35% in I found myself really starting to like Gage and Molly, they grew on me as a couple. In addition, I thought the plot was very intriguing. The Others (Witches, Vamps, & Werewolves) are living in secret until a hate group, called PURITY, targets and exposes them; turning all “humans” against them. All they want is to live in peace as they have been doing for centuries. Unfortunately, PURITY has other plans. If they cannot abolish them by removing them from this earth than they will try to pass a bill that strips these vile creatures of their rights and citizenship, forcing them to live in concentration camps and become chipped so the government can track them. Having read a lot of paranormal based book, I was pleasantly surprised by the twist and turns Dane spun in this story.
"We have been persecuted. We have been assaulted, murdered, attacked. We have had our homes burned down and vandalized. We've been fired from our jobs and kicked out of our homes."
Let us just say this quote describes Gage to the tee! Oh, and let me not forget that he is tatted AND pierced. Sigh!! Gage can come ring my bell any day of the week. That man was yummy. I fell head over heels for him. He was so protective of Molly, but at the same time, he could be a complete and total ass. Our bad boy is "under Molly's spell" from the moment he meets her. Gabe was enchanted with her feisty side. I just shook my head when he opened mouth and inserted foot quite a few times, but a second later, I was smiling and giggling. Molly did not take his crap and she freaking called him on it, each and every time.
"Man, he was so...hot. Smart. Sexy. Strong. Powerful. He was all manly and protective and it rang her bell. Not her type at all. But apparently she'd been doing it all wrong because hello."
Molly was freaking KICK ASS! She allowed no one to walk all over her (and I mean no one), she is my new hero. Molly was so articulate with words; she cut you down within a matter of seconds if you thought to belittle her or the cause she was fighting for. Our heroine was smart, she was sassy, and she fought for what she believed in (including Gage). Under her tough exterior, she had a vulnerable side that she rarely allowed anyone see. Molly was loyal; I really loved this about her because her loyalty shined for everyone. So loyal that she placed herself in harm's way to make sure her voice was heard for all Others. She was not about to let anyone's rights be lost or taken away, and under all that polish we had a girl with a heart of gold and a wickedly perverted sense of humor. She was utterly perfect for Gage. Lauren's development of this character was a breath of fresh air. Molly was not anyone's victim, nor was she going to allow others to be either.
"I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We will not be your victims again."
As I stated earlier, this book was much different from Lauren's other series that read. The Brown Siblings was more erotic than plot, and this one was just the opposite. As soon as it started to pick up, I adored it. I did not really feel the sexy steam, as others did, but I did like their chemistry together, a lot. The sexual scenes were good and tastefully written, but I definitely would not call them erotic. The reason for this was the story focuses more on the cause that the Others are fighting, with Molly as their spokesperson and Gabe doing what he could to "protect her,” as her guard, and I just didn't get a feel for the "erotic steam." In my opinion, their relationship was more emotionally intense, and this totally worked.
One of my favorite aspects to Dane's writing is her character development and chemistry. Her characters grab my attention with their tale of love and friendship, they keep me fascinated throughout the story, including her secondary ones. I truly hope to be spending time with Meriel and Lark from the previous books in this series very soon. Also, cannot wait for book four, as I totally loved Faine even though he was not a major part of the story.
I was provided with this book from the publisher for free via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
Going Under was a very different Lauren Dane read for me. At first, I was not sure if I liked it, I found it to move a bit slow in the beginning. The story focused more plot heavy then her other books I have read. About 35% in I found myself really starting to like Gage and Molly, they grew on me as a couple. In addition, I thought the plot was very intriguing. The Others (Witches, Vamps, & Werewolves) are living in secret until a hate group, called PURITY, targets and exposes them; turning all “humans” against them. All they want is to live in peace as they have been doing for centuries. Unfortunately, PURITY has other plans. If they cannot abolish them by removing them from this earth than they will try to pass a bill that strips these vile creatures of their rights and citizenship, forcing them to live in concentration camps and become chipped so the government can track them. Having read a lot of paranormal based book, I was pleasantly surprised by the twist and turns Dane spun in this story.
"We have been persecuted. We have been assaulted, murdered, attacked. We have had our homes burned down and vandalized. We've been fired from our jobs and kicked out of our homes."
Let us just say this quote describes Gage to the tee! Oh, and let me not forget that he is tatted AND pierced. Sigh!! Gage can come ring my bell any day of the week. That man was yummy. I fell head over heels for him. He was so protective of Molly, but at the same time, he could be a complete and total ass. Our bad boy is "under Molly's spell" from the moment he meets her. Gabe was enchanted with her feisty side. I just shook my head when he opened mouth and inserted foot quite a few times, but a second later, I was smiling and giggling. Molly did not take his crap and she freaking called him on it, each and every time.
"Man, he was so...hot. Smart. Sexy. Strong. Powerful. He was all manly and protective and it rang her bell. Not her type at all. But apparently she'd been doing it all wrong because hello."
Molly was freaking KICK ASS! She allowed no one to walk all over her (and I mean no one), she is my new hero. Molly was so articulate with words; she cut you down within a matter of seconds if you thought to belittle her or the cause she was fighting for. Our heroine was smart, she was sassy, and she fought for what she believed in (including Gage). Under her tough exterior, she had a vulnerable side that she rarely allowed anyone see. Molly was loyal; I really loved this about her because her loyalty shined for everyone. So loyal that she placed herself in harm's way to make sure her voice was heard for all Others. She was not about to let anyone's rights be lost or taken away, and under all that polish we had a girl with a heart of gold and a wickedly perverted sense of humor. She was utterly perfect for Gage. Lauren's development of this character was a breath of fresh air. Molly was not anyone's victim, nor was she going to allow others to be either.
"I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We will not be your victims again."
As I stated earlier, this book was much different from Lauren's other series that read. The Brown Siblings was more erotic than plot, and this one was just the opposite. As soon as it started to pick up, I adored it. I did not really feel the sexy steam, as others did, but I did like their chemistry together, a lot. The sexual scenes were good and tastefully written, but I definitely would not call them erotic. The reason for this was the story focuses more on the cause that the Others are fighting, with Molly as their spokesperson and Gabe doing what he could to "protect her,” as her guard, and I just didn't get a feel for the "erotic steam." In my opinion, their relationship was more emotionally intense, and this totally worked.
One of my favorite aspects to Dane's writing is her character development and chemistry. Her characters grab my attention with their tale of love and friendship, they keep me fascinated throughout the story, including her secondary ones. I truly hope to be spending time with Meriel and Lark from the previous books in this series very soon. Also, cannot wait for book four, as I totally loved Faine even though he was not a major part of the story.
I was provided with this book from the publisher for free via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review, thank you!
April 14, 2013
BOOK REVIEW by Michelle 26th September 2013:
RATING: 3.75 GAGE STARS!
I do enjoy reading Lauren Dane’s works. Going Under is the 3rd book in the Bound By Magick series.
Gage Garrity is a guy I have liked since book one. I think he is a stand up guy and very loyal to Clan Owen.
I like very much how Lauren writes very strong women. Molly Ryan is a strong woman who at times can be too strong for her own good.
Molly Ryan has lost her job, her business, because she is a witch. Lauren really brings home how difficult it is when you are different. Humans are killing out of fear of the unknown. It really made me think about other urban fantasy reads I have read where there are witches, werewolves etc living among humans.
I did ask myself why the witches and Others were letting themselves be taken down by humans who are powerless. What I mean to say is, Others are living in very dangerous times among humans, but they didn’t seem to be trying to protect themselves with wards etc. They were getting picked off, pretty easily.
Sitting ducks.
Lauren does give us a reason, but it felt a bit wobbly. I know it was going against everything Molly was trying to do for Clan Owen and all Others in general. I mean families were being attacked, shot. What family wouldn’t release what power they could to stop somebody harming their loved ones, whether you are human or Other. It’s nature to protect those you love.
This part of the story really took over with the romance being more right at the end, but of course there was playtime before then.
* waggles eyebrows*
I would have loved Molly’s job that she has taken on, to have allowed for more story line between Gage and Molly, developing their connection. I know Gage is brave and her bodyguard. I know what Molly is doing for Clan Owen is very important to her.
Gage takes his job very seriously, Molly took her job very seriously. There was a lot of seriousness going on. There was smexi, but everything was serious.
Faine was a wonderful addition. He is Simon’s brother. I am looking forward to Wild Darkness , releasing 5th November 2013. It is Faine’s book. I really liked Faine’s character in Going Under.
I really do enjoy Lauren’s writing and I love her Brown Siblings series...a lot!
I wasn’t feeling this book as much as some of Lauren’s works. I had to have a sit and think what it was. I think there is a lot of conversation in Going Under that slowed the book down.
The action is limited, but that is ok, but I needed something else to plump the story line up.
I like the world Lauren has built for her characters but I think sometimes her writing in this series can get caught up in a lot of conversation which slows the pace down.
I think what I am trying to say, is the big conversations can take away from other things that can be going on and sometimes one person will say it and then further along it is getting repeated more or less by another character or the same character is talking to another character. I find that repetitive. I don’t come across many authors that do this. It’s a repeat speech.
Maybe too much explaining?
For me personally, and I am just one opinion in a sea of no doubt opposite opinion’s to mine, but I want this series to be more alive with action and less lengthy descriptive and lengthy conversation that can get a bit mundane, for me, personally. I do like the world Lauren has built, I do like the Alpha lads and I do like the women aren’t stupid and inept. They aren’t bed bunnies, they are more, much more. I am finding it hard to get out exactly how I am feeling about this series as for me, it has sooo much potential to be more, for me.
But, hey, I am just one fish in a big ocean of readers. Everybody else could be quite happy the way it is. I’m not meaning to be disrespectable, but I feel like something is holding me back from raving about this series.
Michelle
RATING: 3.75 GAGE STARS!
I do enjoy reading Lauren Dane’s works. Going Under is the 3rd book in the Bound By Magick series.
Gage Garrity is a guy I have liked since book one. I think he is a stand up guy and very loyal to Clan Owen.
I like very much how Lauren writes very strong women. Molly Ryan is a strong woman who at times can be too strong for her own good.
Molly Ryan has lost her job, her business, because she is a witch. Lauren really brings home how difficult it is when you are different. Humans are killing out of fear of the unknown. It really made me think about other urban fantasy reads I have read where there are witches, werewolves etc living among humans.
I did ask myself why the witches and Others were letting themselves be taken down by humans who are powerless. What I mean to say is, Others are living in very dangerous times among humans, but they didn’t seem to be trying to protect themselves with wards etc. They were getting picked off, pretty easily.
Sitting ducks.
Lauren does give us a reason, but it felt a bit wobbly. I know it was going against everything Molly was trying to do for Clan Owen and all Others in general. I mean families were being attacked, shot. What family wouldn’t release what power they could to stop somebody harming their loved ones, whether you are human or Other. It’s nature to protect those you love.
This part of the story really took over with the romance being more right at the end, but of course there was playtime before then.
* waggles eyebrows*
I would have loved Molly’s job that she has taken on, to have allowed for more story line between Gage and Molly, developing their connection. I know Gage is brave and her bodyguard. I know what Molly is doing for Clan Owen is very important to her.
Gage takes his job very seriously, Molly took her job very seriously. There was a lot of seriousness going on. There was smexi, but everything was serious.
Faine was a wonderful addition. He is Simon’s brother. I am looking forward to Wild Darkness , releasing 5th November 2013. It is Faine’s book. I really liked Faine’s character in Going Under.
I really do enjoy Lauren’s writing and I love her Brown Siblings series...a lot!
I wasn’t feeling this book as much as some of Lauren’s works. I had to have a sit and think what it was. I think there is a lot of conversation in Going Under that slowed the book down.
The action is limited, but that is ok, but I needed something else to plump the story line up.
I like the world Lauren has built for her characters but I think sometimes her writing in this series can get caught up in a lot of conversation which slows the pace down.
I think what I am trying to say, is the big conversations can take away from other things that can be going on and sometimes one person will say it and then further along it is getting repeated more or less by another character or the same character is talking to another character. I find that repetitive. I don’t come across many authors that do this. It’s a repeat speech.
Maybe too much explaining?
For me personally, and I am just one opinion in a sea of no doubt opposite opinion’s to mine, but I want this series to be more alive with action and less lengthy descriptive and lengthy conversation that can get a bit mundane, for me, personally. I do like the world Lauren has built, I do like the Alpha lads and I do like the women aren’t stupid and inept. They aren’t bed bunnies, they are more, much more. I am finding it hard to get out exactly how I am feeling about this series as for me, it has sooo much potential to be more, for me.
But, hey, I am just one fish in a big ocean of readers. Everybody else could be quite happy the way it is. I’m not meaning to be disrespectable, but I feel like something is holding me back from raving about this series.
Michelle
July 27, 2013
BOOK REVIEW by Michelle 26th September 2013:
RATING: 3.75 GAGE STARS!
I do enjoy reading Lauren Dane’s works. Going Under is the 3rd book in the Bound By Magick series.
Gage Garrity is a guy I have liked since book one. I think he is a stand up guy and very loyal to Clan Owen.
I like very much how Lauren writes very strong women. Molly Ryan is a strong woman who at times can be too strong for her own good.
Molly Ryan has lost her job, her business, because she is a witch. Lauren really brings home how difficult it is when you are different. Humans are killing out of fear of the unknown. It really made me think about other urban fantasy reads I have read where there are witches, werewolves etc living among humans.
I did ask myself why the witches and Others were letting themselves be taken down by humans who are powerless. What I mean to say is, Others are living in very dangerous times among humans, but they didn’t seem to be trying to protect themselves with wards etc. They were getting picked off, pretty easily.
Sitting ducks.
Lauren does give us a reason, but it felt a bit wobbly. I know it was going against everything Molly was trying to do for Clan Owen and all Others in general. I mean families were being attacked, shot. What family wouldn’t release what power they could to stop somebody harming their loved ones, whether you are human or Other. It’s nature to protect those you love.
This part of the story really took over with the romance being more right at the end, but of course there was playtime before then.
* waggles eyebrows*
I would have loved Molly’s job that she has taken on, to have allowed for more story line between Gage and Molly, developing their connection. I know Gage is brave and her bodyguard. I know what Molly is doing for Clan Owen is very important to her.
Gage takes his job very seriously, Molly took her job very seriously. There was a lot of seriousness going on. There was smexi, but everything was serious.
Faine was a wonderful addition. He is Simon’s brother. I am looking forward to Wild Darkness , releasing 5th November 2013. It is Faine’s book. I really liked Faine’s character in Going Under.
I really do enjoy Lauren’s writing and I love her Brown Siblings series...a lot!
I wasn’t feeling this book as much as some of Lauren’s works. I had to have a sit and think what it was. I think there is a lot of conversation in Going Under that slowed the book down.
The action is limited, but that is ok, but I needed something else to plump the story line up.
I like the world Lauren has built for her characters but I think sometimes her writing in this series can get caught up in a lot of conversation which slows the pace down.
I think what I am trying to say, is the big conversations can take away from other things that can be going on and sometimes one person will say it and then further along it is getting repeated more or less by another character or the same character is talking to another character. I find that repetitive. I don’t come across many authors that do this. It’s a repeat speech.
Maybe too much explaining?
For me personally, and I am just one opinion in a sea of no doubt opposite opinion’s to mine, but I want this series to be more alive with action and less lengthy descriptive and lengthy conversation that can get a bit mundane, for me, personally. I do like the world Lauren has built, I do like the Alpha lads and I do like the women aren’t stupid and inept. They aren’t bed bunnies, they are more, much more. I am finding it hard to get out exactly how I am feeling about this series as for me, it has sooo much potential to be more, for me.
But, hey, I am just one fish in a big ocean of readers. Everybody else could be quite happy the way it is. I’m not meaning to be disrespectable, but I feel like something is holding me back from raving about this series.
Michelle
RATING: 3.75 GAGE STARS!
I do enjoy reading Lauren Dane’s works. Going Under is the 3rd book in the Bound By Magick series.
Gage Garrity is a guy I have liked since book one. I think he is a stand up guy and very loyal to Clan Owen.
I like very much how Lauren writes very strong women. Molly Ryan is a strong woman who at times can be too strong for her own good.
Molly Ryan has lost her job, her business, because she is a witch. Lauren really brings home how difficult it is when you are different. Humans are killing out of fear of the unknown. It really made me think about other urban fantasy reads I have read where there are witches, werewolves etc living among humans.
I did ask myself why the witches and Others were letting themselves be taken down by humans who are powerless. What I mean to say is, Others are living in very dangerous times among humans, but they didn’t seem to be trying to protect themselves with wards etc. They were getting picked off, pretty easily.
Sitting ducks.
Lauren does give us a reason, but it felt a bit wobbly. I know it was going against everything Molly was trying to do for Clan Owen and all Others in general. I mean families were being attacked, shot. What family wouldn’t release what power they could to stop somebody harming their loved ones, whether you are human or Other. It’s nature to protect those you love.
This part of the story really took over with the romance being more right at the end, but of course there was playtime before then.
* waggles eyebrows*
I would have loved Molly’s job that she has taken on, to have allowed for more story line between Gage and Molly, developing their connection. I know Gage is brave and her bodyguard. I know what Molly is doing for Clan Owen is very important to her.
Gage takes his job very seriously, Molly took her job very seriously. There was a lot of seriousness going on. There was smexi, but everything was serious.
Faine was a wonderful addition. He is Simon’s brother. I am looking forward to Wild Darkness , releasing 5th November 2013. It is Faine’s book. I really liked Faine’s character in Going Under.
I really do enjoy Lauren’s writing and I love her Brown Siblings series...a lot!
I wasn’t feeling this book as much as some of Lauren’s works. I had to have a sit and think what it was. I think there is a lot of conversation in Going Under that slowed the book down.
The action is limited, but that is ok, but I needed something else to plump the story line up.
I like the world Lauren has built for her characters but I think sometimes her writing in this series can get caught up in a lot of conversation which slows the pace down.
I think what I am trying to say, is the big conversations can take away from other things that can be going on and sometimes one person will say it and then further along it is getting repeated more or less by another character or the same character is talking to another character. I find that repetitive. I don’t come across many authors that do this. It’s a repeat speech.
Maybe too much explaining?
For me personally, and I am just one opinion in a sea of no doubt opposite opinion’s to mine, but I want this series to be more alive with action and less lengthy descriptive and lengthy conversation that can get a bit mundane, for me, personally. I do like the world Lauren has built, I do like the Alpha lads and I do like the women aren’t stupid and inept. They aren’t bed bunnies, they are more, much more. I am finding it hard to get out exactly how I am feeling about this series as for me, it has sooo much potential to be more, for me.
But, hey, I am just one fish in a big ocean of readers. Everybody else could be quite happy the way it is. I’m not meaning to be disrespectable, but I feel like something is holding me back from raving about this series.
Michelle
January 24, 2013
Being new to this series, I was a bit lost at first. I've found it hard to jump into an ongoing series I know nothing about. But it was a Lauren Dane book and I am crazy about her work. So it was with some trepidation that I chose this book, and I'm so glad that I did. Turns out that it is set in the same world as Dane's Cascadia Wolves and de LaVega Cats series,with me being very familiar with both of those, it was easy to catch up.
Going Under reminded me,unfortunately, of how quick we sometimes are to strike out against anything different. And how we often hesitate to speak up against prejudice, and let the loudest and most angry voices over rule our hearts and sense of right. Lauren writes with no fear, and pulls no punches with her stories. Her books very often feature controversial subjects, and that is part of what is so endearing about her work. When I pick up one of her books I know it's going to be an entertaining ride. Her characters are memorable and the pages fairly sizzle with lots of hot love scenes ,but you also get a real story overflowing with drama, suspense and action. In a nutshell : A Lauren Dane book is the total package, and Going Under is no different.
The story opens several weeks after the Magister event. The "others" have been outed to the world, and mass hysteria is sweeping the world. Anti-Other groups have sprung up and are spreading their messages of hate, stirring up all kinds of trouble for the Supernaturals. Most people are ignoring the fact that the Witches, Weres and Vampires have lived among them all this time without sparking the apocalypse. Now, the Others are loosing everything, their jobs, homes and even their lives. I have to admit that while reading this story, I kept wondering if Dane hadn't modeled the Purity group after another well known hate group. Just a thought, but the narrow minded ignorance portrayed by some of that hate group so reminded me of the close resemblance.
Dane is well known for her strong female leads, and Molly was one of the most engaging. She was smart, brave and took no crap from anyone. Molly lost a lot after she was outed, her job, her company and family members. Then instead of feeling sorry for herself, she realized where her talent was needed, and she made it her mission to help her people. One of my favorite parts of the story was "watching" her put people in their places. She got her point across by using her smarts. I liked that Dane portrayed the racists as mostly dumb, as they usually are in reality, and Molly put them in their place without them even knowing they'd been insulted. Each time she handed out one of her trademark smackdowns, I found myself smirking and the words "You go , Girl" drifting through my mind.
Gage was just as engaging as Molly. A typical alpha male, he wanted to protect his woman. And she let him, to a point. He had a few "boy" moments, and didn't want to accept that they were more than friends with benefits, f**k buddies, or whatever. Then when Molly was being targeted, he was scared and got a little overprotective. Despite knowing that their HEA was a given, I had a few doubts with this story. Dane definitely kept me on the edge with this one. Still, at heart this was a romance,and even though I had my doubts, everything worked out in the end.
So, even though I was over my head at first, I ended up enjoying the story. It was easy to find my way, once I realized the connection to the other two series. Still, I think it would've been better had I known the back story first. As such, I would recommend reading the other two Bound By Magick books first. That being said, I'm so glad that I got this book.I enjoyed every minute of this story.
Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to review this book.
March 28, 2013
The Magister has come and gone – been defeated by Clan Owen. Now witches are known to humans and all hell is breaking loose. Groups like PURITY are calling the paranormals “Others” and outing them on tv shows and websites. No one is safe.
Molly is a PR person with a human mother that didn’t know she was a witch until she was 13 years old. She hasn’t hidden who she is but she hasn’t broadcast it either. Now the PR company that she helped build is firing her for being a witch. She wants her job but knows there’s no way she’ll be able to go back to the way things were. After seeing a show that hosted Meriel Owen in an interview Molly decides that being the face of Clan Owen is what she needs to be. She contacts Meriel, offers her services and after a thorough background check and an interview she starts her new job in Seattle.
Immediately Molly is thrust into defending the Others from attack and humans saying that they should be killed, put in camps, tagged with GPS chips, sterilized and much more. Not all humans are saying this but the ones who don’t feel this way aren’t speaking up and being heard. It’s tough going but Molly is pretty much made of steel and works her magic on crowds around the country. She still needs a bodyguard though, especially after her first death threat. Though she's assigned to Faine at first, Gage Garrity soon makes excuse after excuse to be the one that guards Molly. Molly and Gage become friends and then lovers but neither is looking for more. Don’t they say (whoever they are?) that things happen when you’re not even looking for them to? Yep, that’s the case here.
This book was a bit different from the other two that preceded it. I think in this story, while there was definitely a romance going on, the main part of the story was the struggle of the Others and what they have to go through to survive.
Terrible, and I mean horrible things happen to Others all over America and its heartbreaking. I have no idea what America would do if we actually found out there were witches and other paranormals all over the place but I would hope and pray that it would look nothing like it did in this book. *shudders* The Others try to deal with the tragedies and Molly keeps telling the Other groups (weres, vamps and witches) to hang in there but eventually even Molly realizes that by trying to talk to the people that they’re getting nowhere. They don’t want to show force but they don’t want to be thought of as weak either.
While all this is happening we see Molly and Gage who are travelling with each other whenever Molly has a speech or a meeting. They’re great together…to a point. Gage is pretty messed up from what’s happening and while both of them realize that they can be “real” with each other, be truthful and tell it like it is, Gage seems to take this a step further and at times is really quite mean to Molly when they argue. I didn’t like that about him at all and at times I wanted to crawl in the book and hit the man. The romance was a new friends to lovers story but there was nothing truly explosive about it that made me sit back and sigh. It was kind of like I knew they would have their issues but wasn’t real concerned that they might not end up together. Unfortunately this wasn’t a plus. Yes, it was nice, but the story definitely concentrated more on the plight of the Others than Molly and Gage.
I do want to see what happens next in the world that Dane has created. Hopefully things will settle down for the Others and we’ll get another great romance like we did in the first 2 books.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
Molly is a PR person with a human mother that didn’t know she was a witch until she was 13 years old. She hasn’t hidden who she is but she hasn’t broadcast it either. Now the PR company that she helped build is firing her for being a witch. She wants her job but knows there’s no way she’ll be able to go back to the way things were. After seeing a show that hosted Meriel Owen in an interview Molly decides that being the face of Clan Owen is what she needs to be. She contacts Meriel, offers her services and after a thorough background check and an interview she starts her new job in Seattle.
Immediately Molly is thrust into defending the Others from attack and humans saying that they should be killed, put in camps, tagged with GPS chips, sterilized and much more. Not all humans are saying this but the ones who don’t feel this way aren’t speaking up and being heard. It’s tough going but Molly is pretty much made of steel and works her magic on crowds around the country. She still needs a bodyguard though, especially after her first death threat. Though she's assigned to Faine at first, Gage Garrity soon makes excuse after excuse to be the one that guards Molly. Molly and Gage become friends and then lovers but neither is looking for more. Don’t they say (whoever they are?) that things happen when you’re not even looking for them to? Yep, that’s the case here.
This book was a bit different from the other two that preceded it. I think in this story, while there was definitely a romance going on, the main part of the story was the struggle of the Others and what they have to go through to survive.
Terrible, and I mean horrible things happen to Others all over America and its heartbreaking. I have no idea what America would do if we actually found out there were witches and other paranormals all over the place but I would hope and pray that it would look nothing like it did in this book. *shudders* The Others try to deal with the tragedies and Molly keeps telling the Other groups (weres, vamps and witches) to hang in there but eventually even Molly realizes that by trying to talk to the people that they’re getting nowhere. They don’t want to show force but they don’t want to be thought of as weak either.
While all this is happening we see Molly and Gage who are travelling with each other whenever Molly has a speech or a meeting. They’re great together…to a point. Gage is pretty messed up from what’s happening and while both of them realize that they can be “real” with each other, be truthful and tell it like it is, Gage seems to take this a step further and at times is really quite mean to Molly when they argue. I didn’t like that about him at all and at times I wanted to crawl in the book and hit the man. The romance was a new friends to lovers story but there was nothing truly explosive about it that made me sit back and sigh. It was kind of like I knew they would have their issues but wasn’t real concerned that they might not end up together. Unfortunately this wasn’t a plus. Yes, it was nice, but the story definitely concentrated more on the plight of the Others than Molly and Gage.
I do want to see what happens next in the world that Dane has created. Hopefully things will settle down for the Others and we’ll get another great romance like we did in the first 2 books.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Tracy.
November 28, 2012
Going Under, Bound by Magick #3, by Lauren Dane
Grade: B
“A woman with my taste in shoes would never eat a kitten.”
Molly Ryan didn’t know she was a witch until she was thirteen years old and has spent the majority of her life surrounded by and living with humans. After the Magister entered the world and half of Others have died, including Molly’s adoptive father and sister, the humans in the world have started attacking Others. Molly is fired from her job as a partner at a PR firm she help build for no reason but being a witch and she refuses to be bullied anymore. Molly joins Clan Owen as their new PR person and soon meets Gage Garrity, head of security. Gage and Molly form a bond that grows over time and soon they realize they need each other more than they ever want to admit.
To say that I’m obsessed with the Bound by Magick series actually doesn’t even describe how much I love these books. I am a big fan of all of Lauren Dane’s but there’s something about these that take the cake as far as I’m concerned. Going Under is much darker than the previous two books and picks up not long after Chaos Burning ends. Half of the Others of the world have perished and the ones that remain are being hunted, discriminated against and stripped of all of their rights as citizens. The world is a dark place filled with hate and bigotry.
Molly Ryan is one kick ass female and she refuses to be treated like a second class citizen just because she is a witch. Molly takes heat from both the humans trying to strip Others of their rights and by Others who think she’s too pro-human. Add in that many people are trying to kill her and Molly’s not having an easy time right now. Gage is the only person who Molly can let down her guard and cry to when she’s had a bad day and the two form a friendship over time.
I have loved Gage ever since we first met him in Heart of Darkness and I was so excited to get his story. One of the things that I love about this series is that the characters take their time to get to know each other and most start out as friends first and slowly fall in love. Gage and Molly know each other for a while before they start their relationship and even at the beginning they take things super slow. It’s refreshing to watch the characters grow into their love for each other and fight and bicker like a real couple. Things aren't perfect in this world of Others but that’s what makes it so perfect for the readers.
My only issue was that I didn’t feel like anything really got resolved with the Other-Human situation and felt that things were a little anticlimactic towards the end. I guess the fight for equal rights will continue into the next book but from a different angle. I would have liked to see things either get resolved or a war begin but I can’t get everything that I want. What I do need is for the next book and Faine and Helena’s story ASAP. I love this world Mrs. Dane has created and I can’t wait until I get to visit it next.
Grade: B
“A woman with my taste in shoes would never eat a kitten.”
Molly Ryan didn’t know she was a witch until she was thirteen years old and has spent the majority of her life surrounded by and living with humans. After the Magister entered the world and half of Others have died, including Molly’s adoptive father and sister, the humans in the world have started attacking Others. Molly is fired from her job as a partner at a PR firm she help build for no reason but being a witch and she refuses to be bullied anymore. Molly joins Clan Owen as their new PR person and soon meets Gage Garrity, head of security. Gage and Molly form a bond that grows over time and soon they realize they need each other more than they ever want to admit.
To say that I’m obsessed with the Bound by Magick series actually doesn’t even describe how much I love these books. I am a big fan of all of Lauren Dane’s but there’s something about these that take the cake as far as I’m concerned. Going Under is much darker than the previous two books and picks up not long after Chaos Burning ends. Half of the Others of the world have perished and the ones that remain are being hunted, discriminated against and stripped of all of their rights as citizens. The world is a dark place filled with hate and bigotry.
Molly Ryan is one kick ass female and she refuses to be treated like a second class citizen just because she is a witch. Molly takes heat from both the humans trying to strip Others of their rights and by Others who think she’s too pro-human. Add in that many people are trying to kill her and Molly’s not having an easy time right now. Gage is the only person who Molly can let down her guard and cry to when she’s had a bad day and the two form a friendship over time.
I have loved Gage ever since we first met him in Heart of Darkness and I was so excited to get his story. One of the things that I love about this series is that the characters take their time to get to know each other and most start out as friends first and slowly fall in love. Gage and Molly know each other for a while before they start their relationship and even at the beginning they take things super slow. It’s refreshing to watch the characters grow into their love for each other and fight and bicker like a real couple. Things aren't perfect in this world of Others but that’s what makes it so perfect for the readers.
My only issue was that I didn’t feel like anything really got resolved with the Other-Human situation and felt that things were a little anticlimactic towards the end. I guess the fight for equal rights will continue into the next book but from a different angle. I would have liked to see things either get resolved or a war begin but I can’t get everything that I want. What I do need is for the next book and Faine and Helena’s story ASAP. I love this world Mrs. Dane has created and I can’t wait until I get to visit it next.
June 25, 2012
So the threat of the Magister had me gnawing at my fingernails at the end of Chaos Burning the second instalment in Lauren Dane's excellent Bound by Magick series, and I'm happy to report the threat in Going Under was even more sinister as the Clan witches or "Others" find themselves outed by the very vocal and very vicious pro-human faction Purity. The resulting backlash sees ordinary Others being forced out of their jobs and homes.
Molly Ryan who was brought up by her human mother until her magick was noticed at the age of 13 and has always been more human than Other, finds herself a victim of this anti-others backlash when the partners in her PR firm decide to oust her. It's this raging injustice that results in Molly taking her final step into the world of the Others by taking up the post of PR guru for Clan Owen.
Molly finds herself instantly attracted to hunter and all out alpha hero Gage Garrity her hot, smart, sexy and strong bodyguard who's protective vibe just rings Molly's bell completely. Despite Molly's natural ability to work a crowd and get people on her side the pressure on her really starts to mount as she becomes the very public face of the Others thus making her a real target for the Purity crazies.
I thought the paranormal romance element of the story was pretty much perfect- a smart heroine who knows what she wants and yummy, protective, drool inducing alpha male hero, I mean honestly what more can a girl want? I really loved the development of Molly's character, Lauren Dane really does write the best kind of heroines. Molly's public persona is professional, controlled, calm and collected but as her relationship with Gage develops he also sees her heart and sense of humour and definitely appreciates that she knows what she wants and isn't afraid to get it. Gage however, has that guy-ish belief that he's not really the forever type (even though you just know that he is) and Molly gets tired of waiting for his man brain to catch up with his heart.
I got the overwhelming sense that the battle between Others and humans has really just begun, what the humans don't know is that the Others magical powers are actually getting stronger and that they collectively will only take so much from the humans. I couldn't help but shiver at the proposed policy of rounding up Others as "domestic threats" into camps and sterilising them, I really felt Molly's anger and frustration at this persecution and found myself cheering as she changed from mediator and educator to kick ass Molly who speaks for all Others when she takes a stand.
Going Under really took my breath away. It has everything that I've come to expect from this series from the gripping storyline and fantastic world building to the very schmexy paranormal romance I cannot wait for Faine's story. 5 out of 5.
Molly Ryan who was brought up by her human mother until her magick was noticed at the age of 13 and has always been more human than Other, finds herself a victim of this anti-others backlash when the partners in her PR firm decide to oust her. It's this raging injustice that results in Molly taking her final step into the world of the Others by taking up the post of PR guru for Clan Owen.
Molly finds herself instantly attracted to hunter and all out alpha hero Gage Garrity her hot, smart, sexy and strong bodyguard who's protective vibe just rings Molly's bell completely. Despite Molly's natural ability to work a crowd and get people on her side the pressure on her really starts to mount as she becomes the very public face of the Others thus making her a real target for the Purity crazies.
I thought the paranormal romance element of the story was pretty much perfect- a smart heroine who knows what she wants and yummy, protective, drool inducing alpha male hero, I mean honestly what more can a girl want? I really loved the development of Molly's character, Lauren Dane really does write the best kind of heroines. Molly's public persona is professional, controlled, calm and collected but as her relationship with Gage develops he also sees her heart and sense of humour and definitely appreciates that she knows what she wants and isn't afraid to get it. Gage however, has that guy-ish belief that he's not really the forever type (even though you just know that he is) and Molly gets tired of waiting for his man brain to catch up with his heart.
I got the overwhelming sense that the battle between Others and humans has really just begun, what the humans don't know is that the Others magical powers are actually getting stronger and that they collectively will only take so much from the humans. I couldn't help but shiver at the proposed policy of rounding up Others as "domestic threats" into camps and sterilising them, I really felt Molly's anger and frustration at this persecution and found myself cheering as she changed from mediator and educator to kick ass Molly who speaks for all Others when she takes a stand.
Going Under really took my breath away. It has everything that I've come to expect from this series from the gripping storyline and fantastic world building to the very schmexy paranormal romance I cannot wait for Faine's story. 5 out of 5.
February 1, 2013
Going Under, Lauren Dane's latest edition to her Bound by Magick series, contains a delicious mix of emotionally charged content with a healthy dose of hot, steamy scenes, bringing the characters, settings, and situations to life for the reader. Definitely a must-read for anyone who loves witch/shifter/vamp stories!
I think what I enjoyed the most about Going Under was that it felt like the subplot was the budding romance between Gage and Molly. I always felt that the conflict with the human supremecist groups was at the forefront. Delightfully unexpected! However, all of the sexual tension between Molly and Gage – albeit powerful – never overshadowed the importance of the 'war' being waged. THAT is the important stuff. In an 'other' world, systematically eliminating those that are different is nothing short of genocide. Nothing to be taken lightly.
I was rather shocked when Molly simply gave up and went to join the Owen coven. After losing her partnership and her reputation due to being 'outed' as a witch, I thought from the start that Molly had more cajones than that. Sure, she's had some losses (and we hear all about it for the first approximately 40% of the title), but girlfriend needs to bounce back and be the powerful and confident woman that was pissed off that she was treated like crap. That Molly showed up again around 65-70% mark, and seemed to remain for the rest of the title.
Gage, super protector/hero. Mmmhmmm. He's pretty high up in security for the Owen coven. Control freak extraordinaire, Gage is immediately drawn to Molly for some inexplicable reason. I thought it was really interesting that he felt safest when he was the one guarding her. At first, I thought that it was because she was targeted, and he didn't trust anyone but himself. Fortunately, I changed my mind rather quickly. One thing I really don't like about Gage is the self-depreciating perspective he has of himself. He never feels worthy. He never feels as though he is ENOUGH, even though he plainly is spectacular at his job and within his knowledge base. Watching Gage learn to trust and actually care for Molly was spectacular. His feelings are entirely on his sleeve. He is clearly in serious 'like' from early on in the book – that moment when they first met, I'd say.
I'm not sure why it's difficult to write this review. I loved the book. I look forward to the next book. I suppose there's a lot of action that I can't disclose, as it would spoil the title for others. Yeah. That's it.
While I thoroughly enjoyed reading Going Under, with the intense relationship, twisted reality, and somber tone, I'm ready, willing and able to read Faine's story! Gage and Molly were a fabulous couple, but I'm eager to see more from a not witch perspective.
I think what I enjoyed the most about Going Under was that it felt like the subplot was the budding romance between Gage and Molly. I always felt that the conflict with the human supremecist groups was at the forefront. Delightfully unexpected! However, all of the sexual tension between Molly and Gage – albeit powerful – never overshadowed the importance of the 'war' being waged. THAT is the important stuff. In an 'other' world, systematically eliminating those that are different is nothing short of genocide. Nothing to be taken lightly.
I was rather shocked when Molly simply gave up and went to join the Owen coven. After losing her partnership and her reputation due to being 'outed' as a witch, I thought from the start that Molly had more cajones than that. Sure, she's had some losses (and we hear all about it for the first approximately 40% of the title), but girlfriend needs to bounce back and be the powerful and confident woman that was pissed off that she was treated like crap. That Molly showed up again around 65-70% mark, and seemed to remain for the rest of the title.
Gage, super protector/hero. Mmmhmmm. He's pretty high up in security for the Owen coven. Control freak extraordinaire, Gage is immediately drawn to Molly for some inexplicable reason. I thought it was really interesting that he felt safest when he was the one guarding her. At first, I thought that it was because she was targeted, and he didn't trust anyone but himself. Fortunately, I changed my mind rather quickly. One thing I really don't like about Gage is the self-depreciating perspective he has of himself. He never feels worthy. He never feels as though he is ENOUGH, even though he plainly is spectacular at his job and within his knowledge base. Watching Gage learn to trust and actually care for Molly was spectacular. His feelings are entirely on his sleeve. He is clearly in serious 'like' from early on in the book – that moment when they first met, I'd say.
I'm not sure why it's difficult to write this review. I loved the book. I look forward to the next book. I suppose there's a lot of action that I can't disclose, as it would spoil the title for others. Yeah. That's it.
While I thoroughly enjoyed reading Going Under, with the intense relationship, twisted reality, and somber tone, I'm ready, willing and able to read Faine's story! Gage and Molly were a fabulous couple, but I'm eager to see more from a not witch perspective.
July 15, 2012
May 2015 - Reread to catch back up and finish the series
okay, so first I have to say....seeing Warden's in this one just makes me want to go back and read the Cascadia Wolves series
& De La Vega Cats
and the reference to the Lycians I want to read
.....I think 2013 might entail the re-reading of many of Lauren Dane's books to revisit with some of my favorite characters.
Now, this book, first I have to admit that I have not yet finished the book prior to this...I had actually set it aside to read closer to this books release date (I have a problem with waiting the "next in the series"...it's that wanting instant gratification in my reading) Then I saw this on Netgalley and it is coming out soon so wanted to get it read and reviewed before it's release date. So while some of the background stuff was unfamiliar it was not unsurprising from where prior books in this series, the cascadia and de la vega series left off.
So, first...umm..WOW... in this world of magic, witches, vampires and shifters that LD has created along with the intricate relationships, family, friends and lovers. I was pulled in yet again from page one and had a hard time putting it down to sleep....and picked it right back up in the morning to finish. Molly was an amazing character and woman, trying so hard to keep from having to draw a line in the sand, and the difficulty in working with and managing so many factions and personalities while trying to get her footing in this new reality. I have always liked Gabe, but as most of the Alpha main characters in these books he was such an ass at times and such a boy....he did redeem himself and even while being an ass and a boy I still liked him.
One of the incredibly sad facts about this…is how true it is at times to human nature, for people to be so afraid of the unknown, the hatred some carry within…the behavior of the “bad guys” does not seem far fetched at all. I like to think people are better than that and most are, its just those few that ruin it for the rest of us.
A very good read and addition to this series, one small frustration...there is a sneak peak at the next book in the series at the end and after reading that little bit I am again hooked and damn but I hate having to wait....
okay, so first I have to say....seeing Warden's in this one just makes me want to go back and read the Cascadia Wolves series
& De La Vega Cats
and the reference to the Lycians I want to read
.....I think 2013 might entail the re-reading of many of Lauren Dane's books to revisit with some of my favorite characters.Now, this book, first I have to admit that I have not yet finished the book prior to this...I had actually set it aside to read closer to this books release date (I have a problem with waiting the "next in the series"...it's that wanting instant gratification in my reading) Then I saw this on Netgalley and it is coming out soon so wanted to get it read and reviewed before it's release date. So while some of the background stuff was unfamiliar it was not unsurprising from where prior books in this series, the cascadia and de la vega series left off.
So, first...umm..WOW... in this world of magic, witches, vampires and shifters that LD has created along with the intricate relationships, family, friends and lovers. I was pulled in yet again from page one and had a hard time putting it down to sleep....and picked it right back up in the morning to finish. Molly was an amazing character and woman, trying so hard to keep from having to draw a line in the sand, and the difficulty in working with and managing so many factions and personalities while trying to get her footing in this new reality. I have always liked Gabe, but as most of the Alpha main characters in these books he was such an ass at times and such a boy....he did redeem himself and even while being an ass and a boy I still liked him.
One of the incredibly sad facts about this…is how true it is at times to human nature, for people to be so afraid of the unknown, the hatred some carry within…the behavior of the “bad guys” does not seem far fetched at all. I like to think people are better than that and most are, its just those few that ruin it for the rest of us.
A very good read and addition to this series, one small frustration...there is a sneak peak at the next book in the series at the end and after reading that little bit I am again hooked and damn but I hate having to wait....
January 4, 2013
In Chaos Burning, the Magister left a trail of destruction like this world has never seen. Thousands of Others vanished. Now witches, shifters, and vampires are all grieving for lost loved ones but they have no time to mourn. The humans now know of their existence and, in their fear, are lashing out. Molly Ryan was raised in the human world, outside of the clans, and never really related to being a witch until she was fired from the PR company she had built. Her life spinning out of control, her best friend dead because of the Magister, her purpose becomes clear. She volunteers her PR skills to Clan Owen to try to stop what is turning into a war of human versus Others.
Gage Garrity is a protector and in the wake of the Magister's devastation, he feels that he failed in that job. When he meets the clan's new PR guru and sparks fly, he knows he can't fail in protecting Molly. As they work together and grow closer Gage has to accept that there are some things he can't protect Molly from but that doesn't mean he won't risk his life trying.
The Bound By Magick continues to get darker with each installment. In Heart of Darkness, we knew the big bad was coming and in Chaos Burning we got to see the evil up close and personal. Going Under is the aftermath in a world filled with fear and hate. Seeing Molly and Gage find and nurture love in this bleak world was both beautiful and a little sad. The nostalgia for what used to be and the heart breaking yet steady determination to accept the changes and fight to keep everything they love came across clearly. Many times I was reading with a lump in my throat and the action and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. And like Chaos Burning, it left me questioning what's next. How can Dane fix this shattered world she has created. Wild Darkness (release date: November 2013) has become my most anticipated book of the year. I must know how it ends!
If you are a fan of tightly woven paranormal romances with a slight urban fantasy feel, you don't want to miss this series. It's one of my favorites. Warning - The Bound By Magick series does need to be read in order.
Favorite quote:
Gage Garrity is a protector and in the wake of the Magister's devastation, he feels that he failed in that job. When he meets the clan's new PR guru and sparks fly, he knows he can't fail in protecting Molly. As they work together and grow closer Gage has to accept that there are some things he can't protect Molly from but that doesn't mean he won't risk his life trying.
The Bound By Magick continues to get darker with each installment. In Heart of Darkness, we knew the big bad was coming and in Chaos Burning we got to see the evil up close and personal. Going Under is the aftermath in a world filled with fear and hate. Seeing Molly and Gage find and nurture love in this bleak world was both beautiful and a little sad. The nostalgia for what used to be and the heart breaking yet steady determination to accept the changes and fight to keep everything they love came across clearly. Many times I was reading with a lump in my throat and the action and suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. And like Chaos Burning, it left me questioning what's next. How can Dane fix this shattered world she has created. Wild Darkness (release date: November 2013) has become my most anticipated book of the year. I must know how it ends!
If you are a fan of tightly woven paranormal romances with a slight urban fantasy feel, you don't want to miss this series. It's one of my favorites. Warning - The Bound By Magick series does need to be read in order.
Favorite quote:
Right then Molly discovered something about herself. She loved so hard. Harder than she'd ever imagined she could. She loved this man who pushed her so she broke with him and not out there where no one could help her.
February 7, 2013
So I saw this on NetGalley and requested immediately. Hey, it's Lauren Dane and I've enjoyed most of her books. However, I failed to notice that this is the third book in an on-going series. Nevertheless, I bought the other books in the series, since my series OCD demanded I do so before starting this one.
I am glad that I took the time to do that. Although Lauren Dane does give a bit of back story of what happened in the last book, I don't think that it was enough for me to read it as a stand alone book.
The blurb does a great job of explaining what the story is about so I'll go directly to my review. Although I've enjoyed most of the books by Lauren Dane, it seems that her paranormal ones just don't mesh well with my taste. The paranormal ones I've read have only gotten a 3 stars rating or lower. And for this title my rating has not changed.
I'm going to this one a bit differently, because I am stumped in what to say.
Pros
- Great character development with Molly. I felt that Gage needed a bit more work though.
- Wonderful account of the struggles The Others have had to face since their 'outing' to humans.
- Good development and resolution to the plot.
- Near perfect pace to the story. Although it dragged in places, Lauren Dane managed to maintain the pace of the story enough for me to not let it affect my enjoyment of the story or my rating.
Cons
- Too much sex. Yes, I said that. I just found that some of the sex scenes added nothing to the story and didn't fit the characters personalities as portrayed in the book.
- The romance and the plot didn't flow seamlessly. To me it felt like the romance was added as an afterthought, rather than being a part of the story as a whole. This wouldn't matter so much if the book wasn't marketed as a Paranormal Romance.
- Gage got on my nerves with his reluctance to admit that was in love with Molly. His admission of love came to late, in my opinion. This just served me to distance myself from him, which made it harder to connect with him fully. Not something I like to happen with my main characters.
All in all, Going Under is a good, enjoyable paranormal book with a little romance thrown into the mix to appease the romantic in me, but not enough for me to fall in love with it.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
I am glad that I took the time to do that. Although Lauren Dane does give a bit of back story of what happened in the last book, I don't think that it was enough for me to read it as a stand alone book.
The blurb does a great job of explaining what the story is about so I'll go directly to my review. Although I've enjoyed most of the books by Lauren Dane, it seems that her paranormal ones just don't mesh well with my taste. The paranormal ones I've read have only gotten a 3 stars rating or lower. And for this title my rating has not changed.
I'm going to this one a bit differently, because I am stumped in what to say.
Pros
- Great character development with Molly. I felt that Gage needed a bit more work though.
- Wonderful account of the struggles The Others have had to face since their 'outing' to humans.
- Good development and resolution to the plot.
- Near perfect pace to the story. Although it dragged in places, Lauren Dane managed to maintain the pace of the story enough for me to not let it affect my enjoyment of the story or my rating.
Cons
- Too much sex. Yes, I said that. I just found that some of the sex scenes added nothing to the story and didn't fit the characters personalities as portrayed in the book.
- The romance and the plot didn't flow seamlessly. To me it felt like the romance was added as an afterthought, rather than being a part of the story as a whole. This wouldn't matter so much if the book wasn't marketed as a Paranormal Romance.
- Gage got on my nerves with his reluctance to admit that was in love with Molly. His admission of love came to late, in my opinion. This just served me to distance myself from him, which made it harder to connect with him fully. Not something I like to happen with my main characters.
All in all, Going Under is a good, enjoyable paranormal book with a little romance thrown into the mix to appease the romantic in me, but not enough for me to fall in love with it.
I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange of my honest opinion.
March 16, 2013
“Going Under” by Lauren Dane is another fascinating addition to the ‘Bound By Magick’ series and takes place after the world has been permanently damaged by the actions of the being known as the Magister that were described in “Chaos Burning”. Fans of the series will delight in getting an update of characters from the previous books but the story centers around Molly Ryan as she struggles to cope with a country being whipped into hysteria by haters of Others. A campaign to destroy the rights of any who are not human is spearheaded by a group known as PURITY and the persecution of those who are not human escalates until the climate approaches civil war. Molly strives to use her exceptional public relations skills to mediate between the various factions and Gage Garrity necessarily comes into close contact with her in his role as co-leader of the Hunter team in charge of security. Sparks fly between them but Gage is reluctant to commit to the attraction he feels until it may be too late.
This is another enthralling paranormal tale by a very talented author who excels at creating strong and charismatic figures, even if they are other-worldly creatures such as Lycians, witches, vampires or other shapeshifters. The frightening descriptions of the damage that can be done by small numbers of bigots is nicely balanced by the rational and measured responses choreographed by Molly and her associates. There are too many parallels with our relatively recent history for comfort but this story does an impressive job of detailing the way events can prompt irrational behavior through slanted reporting. Molly is an intriguing person who has been encouraged to embrace both her human and witch aspects and it is fascinating (although saddening) to watch her deal with the repercussions of belonging to a group that is being targeted by those with a frightening agenda. The stoic Lycian, Faine, is also a deliciously alpha male and I look forward to reading more about him in subsequent stories and learning more about the Lycians with their origins from the other side of the Veil. Although this story would undoubtedly be enhanced by having read the other two in the series, it can be appreciated as a stand-alone. An enjoyable read about a society that is threatening to recapitulate its past mistakes.
© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.
This is another enthralling paranormal tale by a very talented author who excels at creating strong and charismatic figures, even if they are other-worldly creatures such as Lycians, witches, vampires or other shapeshifters. The frightening descriptions of the damage that can be done by small numbers of bigots is nicely balanced by the rational and measured responses choreographed by Molly and her associates. There are too many parallels with our relatively recent history for comfort but this story does an impressive job of detailing the way events can prompt irrational behavior through slanted reporting. Molly is an intriguing person who has been encouraged to embrace both her human and witch aspects and it is fascinating (although saddening) to watch her deal with the repercussions of belonging to a group that is being targeted by those with a frightening agenda. The stoic Lycian, Faine, is also a deliciously alpha male and I look forward to reading more about him in subsequent stories and learning more about the Lycians with their origins from the other side of the Veil. Although this story would undoubtedly be enhanced by having read the other two in the series, it can be appreciated as a stand-alone. An enjoyable read about a society that is threatening to recapitulate its past mistakes.
© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.
July 15, 2012
This book was so frustrating for me, mostly because the whole storyline revolved around hate, racism, and bigots, something that I can't stand. Sure the people being discriminated against were witches, shifters, and vampires, but it easily could have been written about any race, religion, or anyone else that has been discriminated against down through history, and it wouldn't change the story one bit.
I really liked Molly, loved how she turned her love of PR to help her people. I thought she did a fabulous job against wave after wave of hate and animosity. She was rational, she was quick with facts, she laid out why things were wrong in a way that most people got. In fact I loved it when she brought up how people used to think that women used to ask to be hit or raped, it really shut people up.
I was frustrated that often it seemed like Molly was fighting both sides, human and Other. In so many ways Molly's background played just as big of a part in this story. She related more with the humans, but was a witch, part of both worlds, but not comfortable in either. I think that shown in her work. I loved that Molly was open with humans, that she had answer and question time to address their fears, but at some time enough becomes enough and that line in the sand must be drawn. I loved Molly's speech at the end, I thought it did a great job of once again, letting people know what was so wrong with what they were thinking and then letting them know that now if you brought the fight, well that is what you will get.
I found myself getting so pissed off hearing what was being done, and even more pissed that people in authority weren't doing anything. But like always when these issues pop up, not all people are the bed eggs, they just seem to be the most vocal. I was a little sad that this issue wasn't resolved by the end of the book, but then when you think about it, in real life it wouldn't be that fixed that fast either, so it makes sense.
The romance part of the book was good, but not as good as the other aspect of the story. Gage annoyed me with his whole "just friends" things. What an idiot! And don't even get me started on his lame move towards the end.
I really look forward to more books in this series, I want to see what happens to the hate, can they over come it and all live happily ever after? I sure hope so!
I really liked Molly, loved how she turned her love of PR to help her people. I thought she did a fabulous job against wave after wave of hate and animosity. She was rational, she was quick with facts, she laid out why things were wrong in a way that most people got. In fact I loved it when she brought up how people used to think that women used to ask to be hit or raped, it really shut people up.
I was frustrated that often it seemed like Molly was fighting both sides, human and Other. In so many ways Molly's background played just as big of a part in this story. She related more with the humans, but was a witch, part of both worlds, but not comfortable in either. I think that shown in her work. I loved that Molly was open with humans, that she had answer and question time to address their fears, but at some time enough becomes enough and that line in the sand must be drawn. I loved Molly's speech at the end, I thought it did a great job of once again, letting people know what was so wrong with what they were thinking and then letting them know that now if you brought the fight, well that is what you will get.
I found myself getting so pissed off hearing what was being done, and even more pissed that people in authority weren't doing anything. But like always when these issues pop up, not all people are the bed eggs, they just seem to be the most vocal. I was a little sad that this issue wasn't resolved by the end of the book, but then when you think about it, in real life it wouldn't be that fixed that fast either, so it makes sense.
The romance part of the book was good, but not as good as the other aspect of the story. Gage annoyed me with his whole "just friends" things. What an idiot! And don't even get me started on his lame move towards the end.
I really look forward to more books in this series, I want to see what happens to the hate, can they over come it and all live happily ever after? I sure hope so!
January 12, 2013
NetGalley free read
I think because I haven't read the first two books, I missed some of what brought the nuances to this piece, but I still liked it. I liked Molly's dilemma of having one foot in the human world and one foot in the supernatural.
I even understood Gage's point of view, that if he couldn't protect someone, why get close enough to love them and potentially lose them. The only problem with that was that he was connect to Molly almost immediately and nothing was going to keep that from happening. I think there could have been more angst with regards to Molly's relationship with Tosh, making Gage a little more crazy. I also think Rose could have come back sooner. And although Molly was very mature and didn't go into crazy jealously, there could have been a little more of "is this a relationship, where is this going, is it going anywhere, or does he even care," as part of her story. She was just so sure of him all the time, I wasn't sure what there was to read about their relationship.
The idea of inequality is age old and I liked how the author weaved the failings of history into what was happening in the story's present. I liked the idea that she finally conceded that they were going to have to stand up for themselves and tell the humans, we are stronger that we've let you believe. Turning the other cheek is no longer and option. Come at me and will will hurt you back. I think they should have said it sooner, but I respect to author for having the characters really try to work it out amicably, even though it was one sided for the most part.
I've said this before and I will say it again, I don't like it when characters are part of a story and just dropped. This happened with Molly's mother and foster mother. They were a major part of the story, then all of a sudden they were no where to seen of or heard from again. She didn't even call them when she was hurt. No one rushed to her side, they just ceased to exist in the story.
I think I would have given this book 3 stars if it had just not lost some of the characters and maybe given a tiny bit of backstory so that it could stand alone a little better.
I think because I haven't read the first two books, I missed some of what brought the nuances to this piece, but I still liked it. I liked Molly's dilemma of having one foot in the human world and one foot in the supernatural.
I even understood Gage's point of view, that if he couldn't protect someone, why get close enough to love them and potentially lose them. The only problem with that was that he was connect to Molly almost immediately and nothing was going to keep that from happening. I think there could have been more angst with regards to Molly's relationship with Tosh, making Gage a little more crazy. I also think Rose could have come back sooner. And although Molly was very mature and didn't go into crazy jealously, there could have been a little more of "is this a relationship, where is this going, is it going anywhere, or does he even care," as part of her story. She was just so sure of him all the time, I wasn't sure what there was to read about their relationship.
The idea of inequality is age old and I liked how the author weaved the failings of history into what was happening in the story's present. I liked the idea that she finally conceded that they were going to have to stand up for themselves and tell the humans, we are stronger that we've let you believe. Turning the other cheek is no longer and option. Come at me and will will hurt you back. I think they should have said it sooner, but I respect to author for having the characters really try to work it out amicably, even though it was one sided for the most part.
I've said this before and I will say it again, I don't like it when characters are part of a story and just dropped. This happened with Molly's mother and foster mother. They were a major part of the story, then all of a sudden they were no where to seen of or heard from again. She didn't even call them when she was hurt. No one rushed to her side, they just ceased to exist in the story.
I think I would have given this book 3 stars if it had just not lost some of the characters and maybe given a tiny bit of backstory so that it could stand alone a little better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2013
I was a little lost at first having not read any previous Bound By Magic books, however, the way this book was written you could very well do as I did and read it first. There is enough back story on both main characters or us to fall in love with Gage and Molly. When we first meet Molly she is reeling from having been outed as being a witch which was now called Other, by a group called Purity. The people she works with and started a business with have all turned against her and want her gone. When she realizes she cannot fight them she leaves an has the idea to go work for Clan Owen. When she gets the job she meets Gage who is a Hunter which is like a top security person of some sorts. Things are electric between them from the beginning and I had high hopes of them being able to step away from the chaos and be together. I get my wish of course and it leads us to some steamy Alex scenes which are written very well, they are just written in good taste. All through the book Molly and Gage are constantly traveling to go to meetings about the way the people are trying to get rid of Others basically. Through all that we read of the love gel rowing between them and when Molly is seriously injured we hope for him to tell her he loves her, but we are mistaken when he becomes an idiot and breaks up with her thinking he is a failure. Now we are helplessly waiting for him to pull his head out of his ass and to be honest I was afraid he wouldn't in this book. Bit in the end all is well and you will have to read it yourself to find out what happens. I have to point out that during this book we meet, well I meet as I'm it sure I he was in any previous books yet, Faine who is drop dead gorgeous and a Lycian. I was desperately hoping there would be more about him a s I have my wish as he is the main male character in the next installment!! I would rate this book a four out of five and express my impatience to read the next one!! I was given this book to read by NetGalley for my honest opinion.
October 31, 2013
Definitely enjoyed the book. Mrs. Dane does her usual excellent job of breathing life into the people that populate her book. Would recommend that you start with the first novel in the series as I think you would better understand references to the Magister and why there is so much hate and discord between humans and the Others.
From page one you are thrown in the middle of a battle between the humans and the Others. Outrageous actions taken by racist bigots whipped up a fury in me. It's easy to get emotionally invested with all the shifters, werewolves, and witches as they go from one disaster to another.
Molly, a witch and a public relations specialist, who is outed by a human supremacist group to the public comes across as a real person you keep expecting to see in a news broadcast. From the point of her outing Molly's life turns in a direction she never would have believed possible. Her altered reality includes a unique job and having to work closely with a Hunter witch, Gage. And ladies this witch is HOT!!
Mrs. Dane delivers strong women in her novels and Molly is definitely that. She is also charismatic, a shark in her line of work, and an admitted control freak. Gage has a hard time ignoring Molly as she does him. Increasing danger to Molly combined with a burgeoning attraction is a complication Gage has difficulty dealing with. Love Gage! He is such a "guy". You'll totally get what I'm saying when you read the book.
I will absolutely be looking for the first two books in the series. There is a large cast of Others in this book and looking forward to reading each of their stories. Understand from others, not the "OTHER'S" just other reviewers :) , that this series ties in with several different series Mrs. Dane has written so will also be on the outlook for those.
Recommend you read the books in order but I don't believe you will be disappointed with this or any of the others. Wish there was something between "I liked it" and "I love it". A "REALLY LIKED IT" would be helpful. Read and enjoy!
From page one you are thrown in the middle of a battle between the humans and the Others. Outrageous actions taken by racist bigots whipped up a fury in me. It's easy to get emotionally invested with all the shifters, werewolves, and witches as they go from one disaster to another.
Molly, a witch and a public relations specialist, who is outed by a human supremacist group to the public comes across as a real person you keep expecting to see in a news broadcast. From the point of her outing Molly's life turns in a direction she never would have believed possible. Her altered reality includes a unique job and having to work closely with a Hunter witch, Gage. And ladies this witch is HOT!!
Mrs. Dane delivers strong women in her novels and Molly is definitely that. She is also charismatic, a shark in her line of work, and an admitted control freak. Gage has a hard time ignoring Molly as she does him. Increasing danger to Molly combined with a burgeoning attraction is a complication Gage has difficulty dealing with. Love Gage! He is such a "guy". You'll totally get what I'm saying when you read the book.
I will absolutely be looking for the first two books in the series. There is a large cast of Others in this book and looking forward to reading each of their stories. Understand from others, not the "OTHER'S" just other reviewers :) , that this series ties in with several different series Mrs. Dane has written so will also be on the outlook for those.
Recommend you read the books in order but I don't believe you will be disappointed with this or any of the others. Wish there was something between "I liked it" and "I love it". A "REALLY LIKED IT" would be helpful. Read and enjoy!
November 10, 2013
Note to Lauren Dane. Good god woman, have a heart!! STOP mentioning things like Top Pot Doughnuts and Fran's Chocolates in your books. I have no will power in the late hours. You have no idea how close I came to going on line and blowing the budget on dark chocolate smoked seasalt caramels. It's evil, just evil of you.
Hmmmm... Okay, so things are heating up for Others. But really, does anyone think a hate group could go around this country blowing things, including the Capitol Building, and the overwhelming reaction wouldn't be hunt them down like dogs? I get plot devices, but the Humans First thing worked better when it was all on the down low. My problem with the world building in this series continues. That may be because it's an offshoot of another series, and the things I'm missing -like why would a witch be biologically/anatomically different from normal human? So much so that they stay away from hospitals- are explained there. I don't always require a lot of depth in my world building, but when I keep getting pulled out because of questions like that it's a annoying.
Other issue: by the end of the book Molly is pretty beat up. As someone who has worked in the medical field for 20 years, 10 of them in orthopaedics, no one with a splint on one wrist and a cast on the other gets around on crutches. It is physically impossible. So, out of the story I fall.
Other than that, pretty standard Lauren Dane fare. Bold, intelligent female, alpha, occasionally alpholish male, check. Descent into juvenile behavior (surprisingly, on the male's part for a change), check. Abrupt end, check. Still, there's something about her writing that keeps me coming back for more. The way relationships build, the usually adult behavior. Molly schools Gage on the difference between saying "Sorry" and actually apologizing. It's a good lesson.
So, peeking ahead at my First Reads score... and yes, Faine it is. Oh, thank goodness, the next book isn't set in Seattle. Bless you, Lauren, bless you. My bottomline, financial and the one I sit on, thank you.
Hmmmm... Okay, so things are heating up for Others. But really, does anyone think a hate group could go around this country blowing things, including the Capitol Building, and the overwhelming reaction wouldn't be hunt them down like dogs? I get plot devices, but the Humans First thing worked better when it was all on the down low. My problem with the world building in this series continues. That may be because it's an offshoot of another series, and the things I'm missing -like why would a witch be biologically/anatomically different from normal human? So much so that they stay away from hospitals- are explained there. I don't always require a lot of depth in my world building, but when I keep getting pulled out because of questions like that it's a annoying.
Other issue: by the end of the book Molly is pretty beat up. As someone who has worked in the medical field for 20 years, 10 of them in orthopaedics, no one with a splint on one wrist and a cast on the other gets around on crutches. It is physically impossible. So, out of the story I fall.
Other than that, pretty standard Lauren Dane fare. Bold, intelligent female, alpha, occasionally alpholish male, check. Descent into juvenile behavior (surprisingly, on the male's part for a change), check. Abrupt end, check. Still, there's something about her writing that keeps me coming back for more. The way relationships build, the usually adult behavior. Molly schools Gage on the difference between saying "Sorry" and actually apologizing. It's a good lesson.
So, peeking ahead at my First Reads score... and yes, Faine it is. Oh, thank goodness, the next book isn't set in Seattle. Bless you, Lauren, bless you. My bottomline, financial and the one I sit on, thank you.
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