What do you think?
Rate this book
Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #7
Freak Show
Alexa’s arrival in Sin City is greeted with a warning: leave town or be forced out.
The return of her lover, Arys, has the Vegas vampires on edge. The Wicked Kiss Las Vegas location has changed in his absence. Werewolf death fights and vampire performance art takes it to a whole new level of crazy. The new club owner, Jenner, shares Arys’s bloodline and a few bad memories. Harboring a grudge, he intends to make Arys suffer for a past betrayal.
However, there’s bigger trouble brewing in Sin City. A blood ring with a vendetta makes a deadly foe. It’s going to be a hell of a vacation.
The return of her lover, Arys, has the Vegas vampires on edge. The Wicked Kiss Las Vegas location has changed in his absence. Werewolf death fights and vampire performance art takes it to a whole new level of crazy. The new club owner, Jenner, shares Arys’s bloodline and a few bad memories. Harboring a grudge, he intends to make Arys suffer for a past betrayal.
However, there’s bigger trouble brewing in Sin City. A blood ring with a vendetta makes a deadly foe. It’s going to be a hell of a vacation.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2013
90 people are currently reading
643 people want to read
About the author
Trina M. Lee
94 books647 followersI am the author of the Alexa O’Brien Huntress and the Rebel Heart series. I write urban fantasy that is dark and gritty with a twist of romance and horror but which is ultimately about people in dark places discovering who they are and what they’re made of.
I’ve been writing since the age of 9 when I had a Christmas themed short story published in the local town paper. A lover of rock music, vampires and muscle cars, I’m a dreamer who always secretly wanted to be a rockstar.
I love to hear from readers so don’t hesitate to drop me a line.
I’ve been writing since the age of 9 when I had a Christmas themed short story published in the local town paper. A lover of rock music, vampires and muscle cars, I’m a dreamer who always secretly wanted to be a rockstar.
I love to hear from readers so don’t hesitate to drop me a line.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 16, 2023
Freak Show (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress, #7)
Review:
This installment gives Alexa new avenues to explore in her quest to solve her current demon problems. It also lays the foundation for her vampiric way of life. She's planning for the future (which is new) and expects to transition soon. I think it moves the overall arc forward; it didn't really help or hinder Alexa's personal romance. It introduced new vampires and allowed Alexa to meet and receive invaluable advice from her "vampiric line's" forefather. It served a purpose, so I disagree with the reviews that think this book was worthless to the plot. (Unless we limit the plot to the romantic entanglements she currently has with Shaz and Arys. (In that case, yes, I agree.) I rate the book 2 stars. I can't point my finger as to why, so I'll say it is due to personal preference. Oddly enough, pacing was my issue. The pages in this book are action-packed; however, I had a difficult time getting into the plot. I guess I wasn't really interested until they started discussing future plans. I'm a sucker for intrigue and possibilities.
_____________________________________
Ok, so going forward, I'm going to revisit some feelings and thoughts I shared after reading the first book in this series. The review below is of the complete series to date. Possible spoilers
Series to date review:
World Building
What was once a positive is now a negative. The world building continues to be limited to learning as you go. At times, I feel a little background information should be added just to ensure the reader is aware of everything Alexa is. At certain times it appears Alexa knows more than the reader does and this is not supposed to be possible being that this whole series is written in the 1st person (present tense) from Alexa's POV. What she knows, I, as a reader, should know.
Supernatural Element:
Thus far, they include vampires, hellhounds, ware animals (wolves and big cats), magical humans such as dream-weavers, witches, demons, fallen angels, and others. The supernatural element is not romanticized; they are all monsters to some extent. I wish we'd learn more about the wolves & life as a pack other than Alexa having to change into a wolf to stay grounded & every full moon we know next to nothing about them. Alexa is half wolf, so more things or elements involving the wolves should be present in her daily life. It seems the majority, if not everything, inside Alexa is vampire-related.
Characters (limited to the protagonist and any love interests):
Alexa, the protagonist, has developed into an appalling hypocrite. Her characterization is just incongruous; if I had to describe Alexa, it would be bipolar. It seems the author excuses all her character irregularities as "confusion" or "reckless" behavior. However, Alexa is not consistently reckless, so the label is not accurate, and her "confusion" just adds to her flaws. She does, however, continuously (and quickly) forgive any illicit, guileful, and disingenuous behavior and goes on to play the self-blame game. This is especially annoying to me; it just reeks of low self-worth. I don't particularly enjoy the character trait in my heroines. My biggest gripe is Alexa's lack of core traits and values that make her who she is as an individual. Also, as a career hunter, I'd think some type of training or skill would be involved. Alexa's job and life's work in these 7 books has been as a type of supernatural hunter; I've yet to see anything involving training. She gets her ass handed to her more often than not. In fact, Kale or Jaz are constantly saving his ass. wtf?
Shaz Richardson, who I described as a supportive, overly sympathetic, slightly co-dependent ninny in the past, has also undergone some changes in character. However, this is called character growth. After being caught multiple times in a certain female vampire's company, whom he claimed he was not having "intercourse" with and whom Alexa later finds fucking him, he (shamefully, in my opinion) abandons Alexa for 5 weeks (no communication) to get himself together. Shaz is now a dishonest, faithless, violent alpha wolf who is also a recovering addict and has recently abandoned (I see a trend here) his pack. How lovely! (Sarcastic voice) Shaz and Alexa's relationships are based on familiarity and the fact that Shaz and Alexa are a mated alpha pair. Although no explanation is given to explain what a mated alpha pair is or how it impacts their interactions and relationship.
Arys Knight continues to be a smart, deviously secretive, centuries-old vampire who has now acquired Alexa as his "twin flame" and who works desperately towards keeping Alexa, I suspect by all means necessary. I feel his goal is the same as it's always been for Alexa. I think we're just coming to understand the depth of his insatiable need for Alexa. This is going to be interesting because Alexa is currently mortal. The foundation between Arys and Alexa is the fact that they share a soul. Arys' relationship with his "twin flame," Alexa, runs deep. As deep as a centuries-old obsession can be. Alexa is all things "light" in his world.
Kale Sinclair is a centuries-old vampire with a tortured past and soul. His relationship with Alexa is based, in my opinion, on a strong foundation. He was Alexa's confidant and friend for years. He's both endangered and saved Alexa’s life multiple times as her hunting partner. Kale's an adrenalin junkie whose friendship with Alexa evolved into sexual tension that later became a power play between his and Alexa's vampire senses. All vampires like to play with power, and after the royal couple Arys (the king) and Alexa (the queen), Kale is the next most powerful vampire in town. Kale's relationship with Alexa is logical. Kale is also Alexa's enforcer, which makes Kale a consistent part of her past, present, and future lives. I think treating this relationship as frivolous is a mistake. That said Kale is also mentally and emotionally unstable at times somewhat suicidal.
Thoughts on writing:
The writing is not subpar; it just lacks depth and sometimes comes across as lazy. I love the series' premise. I wish the author put more work into explaining the supernatural element; perhaps some werewolf foundations, ex werewolf characteristics, pack hierarchy, something? The author is already doing this with vampires. I'd also like her to be a bit more consistent with the protagonist's character traits. At the moment, she's coming across as a floozy with hypocritical tendencies and low self-worth. She's absolutely been dealt a bad hand; she's being used as a tool in fate's toolbox, but come on, even with a greater purpose, we need something that identifies her as her. This way, when she loses herself as a vampire as destiny dictates (according to her dreams and all the foretelling magical humans), the reader can identify the difference. I keep coming back to this because this is a big issue when the reader spends 400 pages in the protagonist's head (1st person pov) for 7 books and still can't get a solid feel for who Alexa is as an individual. I'll use a protagonist that some (not I) feel is similar to Alexa as an example. Anita Blake. Anita went from being an angry, narrow-minded, judgmental, virginal, religious woman with low self-worth and daddy issues to evolving as a character into a confident, sexually adventurous, open-minded woman. From point A to point Z, Anita made a radical change, but she was sufficiently developed so that we could follow along without mistaking the growth for flighty or bipolar behavior. Ok, I'm going to quit my rant on that now and move on. I've also noticed several grammatical errors. The proofreading and editing haven't been a big issue for me, but it may be for some.
Rating:
I rate this series a 3. It's average.
In summary:
This series has an ambitiously complex plot that perhaps explains the author's lack of detail in other areas. I also find the sex scenes average. That said, I'd cautiously recommend it. I plan to continue the series up to Alexa's transformation into a vampire and then reevaluate.
Review:
This installment gives Alexa new avenues to explore in her quest to solve her current demon problems. It also lays the foundation for her vampiric way of life. She's planning for the future (which is new) and expects to transition soon. I think it moves the overall arc forward; it didn't really help or hinder Alexa's personal romance. It introduced new vampires and allowed Alexa to meet and receive invaluable advice from her "vampiric line's" forefather. It served a purpose, so I disagree with the reviews that think this book was worthless to the plot. (Unless we limit the plot to the romantic entanglements she currently has with Shaz and Arys. (In that case, yes, I agree.) I rate the book 2 stars. I can't point my finger as to why, so I'll say it is due to personal preference. Oddly enough, pacing was my issue. The pages in this book are action-packed; however, I had a difficult time getting into the plot. I guess I wasn't really interested until they started discussing future plans. I'm a sucker for intrigue and possibilities.
_____________________________________
Ok, so going forward, I'm going to revisit some feelings and thoughts I shared after reading the first book in this series. The review below is of the complete series to date. Possible spoilers
Series to date review:
World Building
What was once a positive is now a negative. The world building continues to be limited to learning as you go. At times, I feel a little background information should be added just to ensure the reader is aware of everything Alexa is. At certain times it appears Alexa knows more than the reader does and this is not supposed to be possible being that this whole series is written in the 1st person (present tense) from Alexa's POV. What she knows, I, as a reader, should know.
Supernatural Element:
Thus far, they include vampires, hellhounds, ware animals (wolves and big cats), magical humans such as dream-weavers, witches, demons, fallen angels, and others. The supernatural element is not romanticized; they are all monsters to some extent. I wish we'd learn more about the wolves & life as a pack other than Alexa having to change into a wolf to stay grounded & every full moon we know next to nothing about them. Alexa is half wolf, so more things or elements involving the wolves should be present in her daily life. It seems the majority, if not everything, inside Alexa is vampire-related.
Characters (limited to the protagonist and any love interests):
Alexa, the protagonist, has developed into an appalling hypocrite. Her characterization is just incongruous; if I had to describe Alexa, it would be bipolar. It seems the author excuses all her character irregularities as "confusion" or "reckless" behavior. However, Alexa is not consistently reckless, so the label is not accurate, and her "confusion" just adds to her flaws. She does, however, continuously (and quickly) forgive any illicit, guileful, and disingenuous behavior and goes on to play the self-blame game. This is especially annoying to me; it just reeks of low self-worth. I don't particularly enjoy the character trait in my heroines. My biggest gripe is Alexa's lack of core traits and values that make her who she is as an individual. Also, as a career hunter, I'd think some type of training or skill would be involved. Alexa's job and life's work in these 7 books has been as a type of supernatural hunter; I've yet to see anything involving training. She gets her ass handed to her more often than not. In fact, Kale or Jaz are constantly saving his ass. wtf?
Shaz Richardson, who I described as a supportive, overly sympathetic, slightly co-dependent ninny in the past, has also undergone some changes in character. However, this is called character growth. After being caught multiple times in a certain female vampire's company, whom he claimed he was not having "intercourse" with and whom Alexa later finds fucking him, he (shamefully, in my opinion) abandons Alexa for 5 weeks (no communication) to get himself together. Shaz is now a dishonest, faithless, violent alpha wolf who is also a recovering addict and has recently abandoned (I see a trend here) his pack. How lovely! (Sarcastic voice) Shaz and Alexa's relationships are based on familiarity and the fact that Shaz and Alexa are a mated alpha pair. Although no explanation is given to explain what a mated alpha pair is or how it impacts their interactions and relationship.
Arys Knight continues to be a smart, deviously secretive, centuries-old vampire who has now acquired Alexa as his "twin flame" and who works desperately towards keeping Alexa, I suspect by all means necessary. I feel his goal is the same as it's always been for Alexa. I think we're just coming to understand the depth of his insatiable need for Alexa. This is going to be interesting because Alexa is currently mortal. The foundation between Arys and Alexa is the fact that they share a soul. Arys' relationship with his "twin flame," Alexa, runs deep. As deep as a centuries-old obsession can be. Alexa is all things "light" in his world.
Kale Sinclair is a centuries-old vampire with a tortured past and soul. His relationship with Alexa is based, in my opinion, on a strong foundation. He was Alexa's confidant and friend for years. He's both endangered and saved Alexa’s life multiple times as her hunting partner. Kale's an adrenalin junkie whose friendship with Alexa evolved into sexual tension that later became a power play between his and Alexa's vampire senses. All vampires like to play with power, and after the royal couple Arys (the king) and Alexa (the queen), Kale is the next most powerful vampire in town. Kale's relationship with Alexa is logical. Kale is also Alexa's enforcer, which makes Kale a consistent part of her past, present, and future lives. I think treating this relationship as frivolous is a mistake. That said Kale is also mentally and emotionally unstable at times somewhat suicidal.
Thoughts on writing:
The writing is not subpar; it just lacks depth and sometimes comes across as lazy. I love the series' premise. I wish the author put more work into explaining the supernatural element; perhaps some werewolf foundations, ex werewolf characteristics, pack hierarchy, something? The author is already doing this with vampires. I'd also like her to be a bit more consistent with the protagonist's character traits. At the moment, she's coming across as a floozy with hypocritical tendencies and low self-worth. She's absolutely been dealt a bad hand; she's being used as a tool in fate's toolbox, but come on, even with a greater purpose, we need something that identifies her as her. This way, when she loses herself as a vampire as destiny dictates (according to her dreams and all the foretelling magical humans), the reader can identify the difference. I keep coming back to this because this is a big issue when the reader spends 400 pages in the protagonist's head (1st person pov) for 7 books and still can't get a solid feel for who Alexa is as an individual. I'll use a protagonist that some (not I) feel is similar to Alexa as an example. Anita Blake. Anita went from being an angry, narrow-minded, judgmental, virginal, religious woman with low self-worth and daddy issues to evolving as a character into a confident, sexually adventurous, open-minded woman. From point A to point Z, Anita made a radical change, but she was sufficiently developed so that we could follow along without mistaking the growth for flighty or bipolar behavior. Ok, I'm going to quit my rant on that now and move on. I've also noticed several grammatical errors. The proofreading and editing haven't been a big issue for me, but it may be for some.
Rating:
I rate this series a 3. It's average.
In summary:
This series has an ambitiously complex plot that perhaps explains the author's lack of detail in other areas. I also find the sex scenes average. That said, I'd cautiously recommend it. I plan to continue the series up to Alexa's transformation into a vampire and then reevaluate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2015
I have been awaiting Freak Show by Trina M Lee as it's the next book in the Alexa series.
It continues from the previous books and Alexa, Arys, Shaz and Jez find themselves trying to let their hair down and forget about the troubles they left at home. Unfortunately because Alexa is sooooo lucky the shit hits the fan and trouble finds its way to her.
In this book we finally see Alexa starting to embrace her more vampiric power from time to time and stops letting people push her around.
We see Shaz and how hos character has changed since his stint in the mountains.
This story is very important with Arys and his past and bloodline family. We get to meet his brothers and sister and even Harleys sire so we get to see the 'family' he has been with in the past with a fair bit of sibling rivalry.
Great addition to the Alexa series I give it ***** out of 5 :-)
It continues from the previous books and Alexa, Arys, Shaz and Jez find themselves trying to let their hair down and forget about the troubles they left at home. Unfortunately because Alexa is sooooo lucky the shit hits the fan and trouble finds its way to her.
In this book we finally see Alexa starting to embrace her more vampiric power from time to time and stops letting people push her around.
We see Shaz and how hos character has changed since his stint in the mountains.
This story is very important with Arys and his past and bloodline family. We get to meet his brothers and sister and even Harleys sire so we get to see the 'family' he has been with in the past with a fair bit of sibling rivalry.
Great addition to the Alexa series I give it ***** out of 5 :-)
March 13, 2014
In terms of a smooth book length arc and consistent characters this might have been the best book to date.
I've seen others suggest that it didn't really add value to the long arc but I disagree. The introduction of the Vegas people into the story, the slight reveals of Alexa's longer purpose, and significantly more development and changes in regards to the politics of the various different groups did move the story along, even if not with leaps and bounds.
It was engaging and I didn't feel like Alexa was as sometimey as she has so often been in the past.
I've seen others suggest that it didn't really add value to the long arc but I disagree. The introduction of the Vegas people into the story, the slight reveals of Alexa's longer purpose, and significantly more development and changes in regards to the politics of the various different groups did move the story along, even if not with leaps and bounds.
It was engaging and I didn't feel like Alexa was as sometimey as she has so often been in the past.
March 15, 2019
Good Book
I would say why the Arthur would name it Freak Show because it is and this book is beyond crazy. Arthur did a good job writing this and she did a great job on it. I do recommend this to my friends to read this book and I am giving a five-stars.
I would say why the Arthur would name it Freak Show because it is and this book is beyond crazy. Arthur did a good job writing this and she did a great job on it. I do recommend this to my friends to read this book and I am giving a five-stars.
January 13, 2020
Great series
I loved all the action that happened in Vegas. I wish Kale could be healed and be the friend that Alexa needs. The feeling that she is going to have to kill him at some point is strong.
I loved all the action that happened in Vegas. I wish Kale could be healed and be the friend that Alexa needs. The feeling that she is going to have to kill him at some point is strong.
June 3, 2024
Kylarai is my least favorite character. There is not a more selfish and self serving character in this series.
More poor decision making by the MCs, though I adore the banter between Falon and Alexa.
Irritated that Shaz is back, but still hopeful for Kale’s redemption.
More poor decision making by the MCs, though I adore the banter between Falon and Alexa.
Irritated that Shaz is back, but still hopeful for Kale’s redemption.
June 24, 2019
Love the series
I really love this series the intricate the love the hate the drama it is totally awesome. Trina m Lee is awesome
I really love this series the intricate the love the hate the drama it is totally awesome. Trina m Lee is awesome
January 14, 2014
eeek! Installment number 7 in Alexa's story and I did love it! It wasn't my favourite in the series and I wasn't keen on Jenner or Sloan but I still loved them. I'm kind of over Shaz at this point!! *ducks to avoid being pelted with rotten vegetation* I know I know! I was surprised to find myself feeling this way but I just want Alexa and Arys now. In fan girl speak *ahem, clears throat* 'I totally ship them!! like, can they be Alexys!? they're my otp and Shaz with her is so notp' :)
But then there's Kale and yes yes yes, again I'm prepared for my vegetation, I want him redeemed!! I want him and Alexa to at least get it on again! nicely this time?? make love??? I don't see how they can with the state Kale is in but a girl can dream *sighs*
Can't wait for Kale's novella! love this series!!! x
But then there's Kale and yes yes yes, again I'm prepared for my vegetation, I want him redeemed!! I want him and Alexa to at least get it on again! nicely this time?? make love??? I don't see how they can with the state Kale is in but a girl can dream *sighs*
Can't wait for Kale's novella! love this series!!! x
March 12, 2014
I am glad Alexa is finally waking up ignorance is not bliss. She is so frightened by the truth she hides from it making it more deadly for everyone involved. This was a turning point in the series because finally she is acknowledging what she needs to do and hopefully getting rid of denial. Arys is still a piece of work and I think he brings down Alexa. I wish she stepped up to him most of the time it gets annoying when Alexa acts passive towards him.
March 26, 2014
A great new book in the Alexa series, this is one of my absolute favorite series out there.
This time we were on a road trip to Las Vegas, and things is bound to happen. I love Arys and only thing I missed was him in on the bedroom action. But we did get some werewolf action here, need I say more? Think not. ;-)
But it was awesome so full pot from me.
This time we were on a road trip to Las Vegas, and things is bound to happen. I love Arys and only thing I missed was him in on the bedroom action. But we did get some werewolf action here, need I say more? Think not. ;-)
But it was awesome so full pot from me.
December 15, 2013
wow just wow. great action pack Trina does no fail to show the action in this book. She sets the stage in Vegas and meets interesting characters and that is not all. this town carries secrets and lives up to its nickname 'Sin City'. it is a must read. I can't wait for the next one.. curious about what she will do with the knowledge she learned.
January 26, 2014
Not a bad book but it felt more like a gap filler with, with a lot of the same things just in another city. Even though I enjoyed the book and will still follow the series there needs to be a bit more resolution to the story line, it was because of this that I skimmed read the book.
November 7, 2014
Action packed!
Started reading book and left it for 2 months, because I was down from the previous book. Picked it up again and the action just kept on coming! A lot of possibilities come together in book 7 and 7.5. Starting book 8 now.
Started reading book and left it for 2 months, because I was down from the previous book. Picked it up again and the action just kept on coming! A lot of possibilities come together in book 7 and 7.5. Starting book 8 now.
November 1, 2019
Alexa goes to Sin city for a vacation. She to relax but she gets everything but that. This book is filled with action and hotness. Even though it's the second time I've read this series, I'm still on the edge of my seat. I love all the characters.
March 10, 2016
Fabulous read
Really, great read. I am so invested in these characters, just loving it! Great story. Beautiful writing. Good back story. Really try the series. If you enjoy shifter books you will love this one.
Really, great read. I am so invested in these characters, just loving it! Great story. Beautiful writing. Good back story. Really try the series. If you enjoy shifter books you will love this one.
May 20, 2022
Entertaining!
This was such a good read! The characters and plot keep you totally hooked in wanting to see what calamity happens next.
I love Alexa, she and her enterage and superbly written complex characters!
Highly recommended.
This was such a good read! The characters and plot keep you totally hooked in wanting to see what calamity happens next.
I love Alexa, she and her enterage and superbly written complex characters!
Highly recommended.
September 9, 2016
I LOVE this series!!! Never a disappointment.
January 11, 2014
I love this series....just enough fantasy to keep me happy! I really enjoy Trina's writing style and character development. I've been addicted to this series since book 1!
March 26, 2014
Just the action I needed from a book right now :D
July 23, 2014
Love Alex's she great character in this series....
August 1, 2015
I really liked the change in scenery and New characters!
March 1, 2016
Really love this book, I just can't get enough of Arys and loved what he let Alexa do to Jenner talk about a taste of your own medicine.
November 9, 2016
Book # 7
Freak show was just as entertaining. I am looking forward to finishing the series.
Freak show was just as entertaining. I am looking forward to finishing the series.
May 2, 2018
Loved it
I just love this whole series it's full of action, big time drama, and white hot passion. Alexa in Vegas could not be more fun. A must read book
I just love this whole series it's full of action, big time drama, and white hot passion. Alexa in Vegas could not be more fun. A must read book
August 14, 2014
So this book was very dark and lots of sad.
December 18, 2013
I loved this book! Def worth the wait :) This series rocks my socks. Can't wait for Kale!!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews