Dangerous Creatures

Dangerous Creatures #1

by Kami Garcia

A new series returns to the world of Beautiful Creatures. Some loves are cursed...others are dangerous.

Ridley Duchannes will be the first to tell you that she's a bad girl. She's Dark. She's a Siren. You can never trust her, or even yourself when she's around. Lucky for her, Wesley "Link" Lincoln can never seem to remember that; quarter Incubus or not, his heart is Mortal when it comes to Ridley. When Link heads to New York City to start a music career, Ridley goes along for the ride-and she has her own reasons. As if leaving small-town Gatlin for the big city, trying to form a band, and surviving life with a partially reformed Siren isn't hard enough already, Link soon learns he has a price on his head that no Caster or Mortal can ever pay.

Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl, the #1 New York Times bestselling coauthors of Beautiful Creatures, are back and casting another magical spell. Their signature mixture of mystery, suspense, and romance, along with a dash of fun and danger, will pull fans in and leave them begging for more.

Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Magic, Supernatural, Fiction

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 20, 2014

About the author

Kami Garcia is a #1 New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author. She is the coauthor of the BEAUTIFUL CREATURES series, which has been published in 51 countries and 37 languages, with over 10 million copies in print. In 2013, Beautiful Creatures released as a feature film from Warner Brothers. Kami is a cofounder of the YALLFEST kid lit book festival and the author of five solo novels, including her Bram Stoker Award-nominated novels Unbreakable and Unmarked (THE LEGION series) and The X-Files Origins: Agent of Chaos. Kami’s first graphic novel Teen Titans: Raven, with artist Gabriel Picolo, is the first book in her TEEN TITANS series for DC Comics and the adult series JOKER/HARLEY: CRIMINAL SANITY, from DC Black Label.

Find Kami online at kamigarcia.com, on Facebook @KamiGarciaYA, and on Twitter and Instagram @KamiGarcia.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I WAS ONLINE WHEN KAMI GARCIA AND MARGARET STOHL announced this, so... I just want to share my reactions:

CASTER CHRONICLES SPIN-OFF SERIES?





ABOUT LINK AND RIDLEY?????



BUT I ALSO GET TO SEE ETHAN AND LENA AND LIV AND JOHN!!!!!!



SETTING: NEW YORK



...and of course, NEW HOT GUY!!!!

[image error]



"MAY 20, 2014"





But anyway....

[Khanh, first of her name, mother of bunnies · Rating 2 out of 5]

Instead, she closed her eyes and started to cry, really cry.
She melted into Link’s arms, burying her face in his shoulder, pressing her runny nose into his spiky hair.

Dear Ridley,

What happened? Granted, it's been a few years since I've read Beautiful Creatures but...what happened to you? What happened to the siren full of spark and fire, reeking of sex, lollipop in her mouth, looking like she just walked out of a teenaged boy's wet dream? When did you become so...domesticated?

When did you become so self-pitying?

Because she wasn’t a regular person. She wasn’t a regular anything. And aside from being a Siren, she wasn’t sure what else she was.

When did you become so pathetic?

I really am the worst person in the world. Worse, even, than a Mortal. Worse than Lennox Gates himself.

When did you become so sad?

I hate my life, Ridley thought. I hate myself. I just wish I hated him.

When did you become...Lena?

You were far and away my favorite character in the Beautiful Creatures series. Unlike the emo, whiny, woe-is-fucking me cousin Lena who seems to be unable to do anything but whine "I'm doooooooooomed. I'm going to become Daaaaaaaaark. I'm going to be evvvvvvvvvil. Woe is me!!!~ Ethan!!!" you seemed to have some spark of independence.

And now, your life revolves around your boyfriend.

Lennox Gates could strip her of her powers, or he could exploit them. He could make her life a living hell, or end it.
But he could not—could not—mess with her Shrinky Dink.

...Shrinky Dink.

When we first met you in that series, you were unapologetically bad. Wicked to the bone. You oozed sexuality, unashamed. You walked through town, leaving trails of broken hearts, destructions, and seething Queen Bee bitches in your wake. You and your take-no-bullshit approach won my heart from the very beginning, because you were so very different from your boo-fucking-hoo cousin and her BEWUVVED, both of whom seem to think a great Saturday night is best spent crying in each other's arms (before pushing one another away). You ain't got time for the chase. You want it. You went for it.

Even if the "it" is that useless piece of shit boyfriend named Link.

May I say for a moment how much I hate that dumb piece of shit? May I say how idiotic he is, how completely, utterly unworthy he is of you? This is a guy who writes a song about a fucking meatball sub.

“She was so juicy, her name should be Lucy.
She was so tender, I loved her like my Fender.
Even when she had sauce, I knew she was my boss.
When she was in a toasted bun, I knew I’d get my meatball fun.”

This is a guy who does stupid shit like try to fucking tackle a bouncer three times his size. This is a guy who's got visions of self-aggrandizement. This is a guy who thinks he's better than what he actually is.

Because what he is, is dirt beneath your feet. But of course, you never see that. I hate Link so much that I didn't even care if you got involved in a love triangle, and honestly, the third wheel is so much fucking better than that piece-of-shit.

I loved you so much, I even tolerated Link for your sake. Every girl's gotta have ONE bad boyfriend in her life, right? Surely you'll get rid of the baggage. But Link doesn't even matter, so long as you never lose that darkness, that devious spirit that I so loved.

Well.

Now, look at you. Depressed. Whiny. Pathetic. And pathetic should never be a word that came within 1 mile of Ridley.

Now you spend all day crying.

- When Ridley woke up, she was crying and she didn’t know why.

- By the time she went to bed, she felt like crying. By the time she fell asleep, she was. Even in her dreams.

What happened, man?

:(

It took me months to read this book. That's just wrong, when it comes to the only interesting character in the series.

[Jess the Shelf-Declared Bibliophile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably closer to a 3.5. It took me a little while to get into this, mostly because it's been awhile since I read the Beautiful Creatures series, so I was rusty with the whole world. I had also debated on if I even wanted to read a spinoff based around Ridley, since she is so unlikeable. She answered that for me very quickly in the very first chapter, though. She admits she's a complete bitch, totally unlikeable. The way she owned it scored her several points in my book.

This book really delved more into the different types of creatures in this world than the initial series, and I found it fascinating. From the struggle of emotions with Dark beings, the auras of different ones, and the unique ways many of them find to use their powers in everyday life. You also definitely understand Ridley more, and therefore her relationship with Link. From a psychology standpoint, it clearly all goes back to her mother's rejection. It's almost silly that Dark creatures can't show, feel or express love, but you do get an understanding of why Ridley feels that way after the way her mother shut her out so coldly at only 16. I get that she was wanting to protect her younger daughters, but it's still heartbreaking. I grew to appreciate and understand her. Also, wtf with the ending?? On to the next one!

[Robbie Claravall]

First Beautiful Creatures and then Dangerous Creatures?
What's next? Safe Creatures? Ugly Creatures?

[Valeria Andrea]

Everything was going great when suddenly - New York?!

Fuck yeah.

Ridley & Link in New York, a siren & a incubus, what could possibly go wrong?

[Alaina · Rating 2 out of 5]

YAY! I finally got the book! I can finally read the series that became a thing because to the caster chronicles! YYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAYYYY!

Dangerous Creatures has Link moving to NY to get a new band together. Ridley, of course, goes with him but not to support her boyfriend. Nope, she's running away and trying to hide from a dark caster, Nox, who has two marks on her. Lucky for her.. he wants Link for one mark. Unlucky for Link I guess.

Okay, so before I got this book (which was free) I didn't really like Ridley in the previous series.. so I honestly didn't have high expectations for this book. Continuing with that little bit of knowledge, given by yours truly, I still don't like Ridley. Color me shocked people! She was just annoying throughout the whole thing. I knew she was a twat in the Beautiful Creatures Series but hot damn woman! Now I just didn't dislike Ridley.. no I didn't like Link either. I think I maybe liked him for like a hot second in the first series.. but yeah.. no .. I HAVE NO IDEA WHY NOW. His music was terrible and the entire time I was thinking.. don't quit your day job which sadly was.. his music. I kind of wish I just got more Lena and Ethan in this book.

Then there's Nox, the bad guy I guess.. who just did absolutely nothing for me. I didn't really care for his character or what he wanted throughout the book. In the end, I just don't think any of the characters, story line, twists, or anything was for me. I guess I'm happy I tried it out to see if I would end up liking this new series.. but I didn't which makes me sad. I'll probably just stick with it just to torture myself because there's only like two books left and one is a novella.

Pray for me.

[Kathy]

OMG! Another series!!! Yay!!! :D

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dangerous Creatures is book one in the Dangerous Creatures series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. This series is a continuation of the Beautiful Creatures series but centers on Lena’s sister, Ridley Duchannes and Ethan’s best friend, Link Lincoln, the mortal/one quarter Incubus.

If you read the prequel, Dangerous Dream, which I did, you know that Link finally blurted out the words that he had been holding inside, “I Love You, Ridley!” And what did Ridley do, she ran. And of course got herself into trouble. She got herself into a card game with Lennox Gates, and lost. She now owes him not one but two markers. One of which Lennox chooses to collect right away. Ridley is to bring Link to New York and he is to play drums in the band that will perform at Lennox’s club. Ridley doesn’t tell Link this, though. Link believes he is going off to New York to become a famous drummer. To hit the big time. And that his now back on again girlfriend, Ridley, is coming with him.



Link, oh Link. He just wants to play music. Personally, I don’t think he will ever really be famous, if any of the lyrics in this book are any indication. Link really is a good person/incubus. He has proven that time and time again throughout his friendship over the years with Ethan. And Link wants to believe that there is good in the girl he loves, Ridley. Yes she is a siren, yes she is undependable and crazy and is a dark castor. But, she’s the one for him.



Lennox Gates is also a dark castor. And he has the sight. He can envision the future. And he has seen what will become of Link and Ridley. But he needs them. Why is the question. Who is pulling Lennox’s strings? Who does he answer to? There is a past connection, though, between Lennox and Ridley. One that Ridley is not aware of. And Lennox is not prepared for the impact Ridley will have on him. Can he carry out his plan?

First, let me say that I absolutely LOVED the Beautiful Creatures series. I was obsessed with it. So you can imagine my excitement to get into this spin off series. You can also imagine my disappointment when it didn’t work for me. I can’t really tell you why. I just never felt invested in Ridley or Link. If I was going to choose one character that got to me, I would have to say it was Lennox. Maybe I needed more romance. But even the suspenseful parts were ho-hum for me. The writing was good. I just never got emotionally involved. If you are one of the readers who really fell in love with Link and Ridley’s characters, then you will probably love this book. Looking through some other reviews, there are many 5 star ratings. So I believe my lack of enthusiasm is just a personal thing. That I was just more team Ethan and Lena. There is a cliff hanger, but sadly, I don’t think I will be continuing on with this series.

[Phrynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember reading the whole of the Beautiful Creatures series and quite enjoying it, but I never intended reading this spin off series which features Ridley, a character I did not much like in those earlier books. However a Challenge I am doing led me to Dangerous Creatures and it was .........okay I suppose.

If anything I like Ridley even less now. At least in the first book she had some fire in her and she was totally in charge of her life. Now she is a weak, watery mess and that does not work for me. I think the only character I really liked in this book was the cat.

Still, the story was pretty good and there was some action in between Ridley's self analysis. The ending was supposed to be a cliff hanger but I think I can pretty well guess what happens next so I probably won't read the next book.

[Kelly (and the Book Boar) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/

Does this one have a fandom that’s going to go buckwild with responses on my review telling me what an idiot I am? If so, that’s cool – I just need to make sure I have some booze handy to add to the entertainment factor.

SOME SPOILAGE ENSUES

You might be asking yourself: “Self, why would a person who gave a 1 Star review to Beautiful Creatures even bother reading Dangerous Creatures?” Well, I’ll tell you why. It’s ‘cause I’m a giver. I read the worst of the worst so you don’t have to. Actually, that’s not true. Although I really hated Beautiful Creatures, I found it to have one redeeming quality:



Oh wait a second – make that two redeeming qualities. When I read Ethan’s character I pictured Phillip Phillips (my brain is weird . . . and AWESOME) and those made for some pretty decent moments.



Sidenote #1: Then they cast the movie (seriously, why the hell was Beautiful Creatures EVER considered interesting enough to be made into a movie?) with a guy who looked like Leonardo DiCaprio and Phillip Phillips had a baby. DELIGHTFUL!



Okay, back on track now. When I saw there was a new book (I’m ignoring the fact that this is the start of yet another bloody series in order to keep my brain from exploding), I thought I’d give it a shot to see if I liked Ridley’s story more than I liked Lena’s. (I also received an e-mail offering me an ARC of this book in exchange for a review, so my sloth-like self did ZILCH to actively seek out a copy.)

Dangerous Creatures started off okay. Ridley was full of piss and vinegar, and although Link wouldn’t ever be my first choice of boyfriend, their love/hate chemistry was kind of working. There was hope this would be filled with action and adventure and the focus on the “Dark” side of things had me intrigued . . .

“Casters don’t get to have fairy tales – especially not Dark Casters. Forget the sunset – the whole castle burns to the ground, taking Prince Charming down with it. Then the seven dwarves go all ninja and drop-kick your butt straight out of the kingdom.”

Sounds promising, right?

So, what happened? In short: NOTHING. Nothing happens. The whole premise is that Ridley lost a high stakes card game and now owes the house a marker – a favor that can be asked at any time forcing Ridley to do anything. But guess what? The marker is NEVER. FLIPPING. CASHED. IN. What happens instead, you ask? Well, we watch Ridley go from a kick-ass sassy Siren to a mealy-mouthed Mary Sue who worries about the state of her relationship with her boyfriend.


Sidenote #2: “The Amazing Spiderman” is on Starz on Demand and I cannot stop myself from watching it over and over again. You may grow sick of the excessive use of Andrew Garfield .gifs I’m sure to be using in the next few weeks.

Oh, and Ridley isn’t just pining for ol’ Link – she also develops feelings for super sexy bad boy Nox as well. Yay! Love triangles! Those hardly ever happen in YA books! (/end sarcasm) This one mixes things up just a bit because Ridley and Lincoln were “ON A BREAK!!!!!” (Ha! I kill me with the old “Friends” references) so introducing a potential new love interest is probably considered super different from all the other love triangle situations*eye roll*. If you couldn’t already tell, I’m annoyed in general by this overused plotline, but in this case I just kept thinking “any girl in their right mind would pick Nox over Link, so just STFU about it already.”

One day I will learn it’s A-Okay to not finish a book. I will also learn that if I don’t like the first series by an author(s), I probably won’t like the second either – especially when the “new” series is just a regurge of the original. Hopefully I will eventually learn that I need to keep my read-to-reviewed ratio on NetGalley a lot higher than I have been in order to not have to finish books I hate (so I can then request more books that I might hate – neverending vicious cycle this one is).



Yeah, you should be sorry, Will. Now hurry up and neuralize me so I can forget I tortured myself with this crap.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest (or in this case, brutally honest) review

[Shahd · Rating 2 out of 5]

One might expect an excellent read of Dangerous Creatures as the book promises the company of our favourite Ridley and Link. And an entertaining Ridley and Link the book does present, but that would be it.
Our main characters and couple, Ridley and Link, were fun, interesting, complex, and offered a dynamic couple as well as they had clear individual voices. They both didn't disappoint with their intriguing-to-explore different personalities and hilarious vivid dialogue. Apart from some forced scenes with Rid, they were both consistent and true.
It was obvious that the authors were trying too hard to trigger sympathy from the reader by having Ridley recall some weakly polished memories. There were many other forced things in the book too as the authors' prescence was clear on many pages. It was as if they were pushing things in certain directions for the plot's development's sake. One strong example is the Binding Spell scene at the start.
The plot was very empty (a complete opposite to the intricately and smartly plotted Beatiful Creatures), yet something was always happening. The book was suffocated with endless fast and rushed insignificant scenes that were obvious distractions to fill the book. Yes, our main characters managed to make those parts bearable and sometimes even fun, but at the end those were just useless fluff. The parts that were crucial to the story were also very rushed and few as well as concentrated only in the last third of the book. So throughout the majority of the book we're wasting out time.
Whatever development or growth the authors were trying to deliver for the characters throughout the story was weak and poorly executed. We do however feel for the characters and undertsand them, yet no clear consistent growth ever happens.
I missed Gatlin during Dangerous Creatures, but I still expected the book to present an even better dangerous New York. That didn't happen. The building of the setting was pretty much non-existant. We're only introduced to Nox's club and we mostly spend our time in Rid's lonely room.
The new characters were okay and occasionally entertaining but we never get close enough to form a real bond with any of them. Lennox Gates though, is a whole other story. He was a complex addicting character and was probably the best factor of the book along with Rid and Link. Nox symbolizes an interesting part of Ridley and their relationship would've been perfectly great if it wasn't for the forced starting kiss and rushed feelings that could've otherwise endangered it to insta-love. On the other hand Link and Ridley's relationship (apart from the occasional "pushes" from the authors) was spot-on, though every other poor factor of the book may have ruined it for me.
The ending was anti-climatic, lame, and (again) too rushed for any real enjoyment. The cliffhanger was certainly not called for as everything could've been neatly wrapped-up.
Overall a satisfyingly great cast of(main) characters with a not-so-great story to tell.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

YES, I need more Link and Ridley! I also love the cover :)

[Neil Franz · Rating 4 out of 5]

No matter what she says, Lena was meant to be Light. I was meant to be Dark. Respect the teams, people.

I really, really love the Caster Chronicles series so when I found out that there is a spin-off, I can't contain my happiness [OMG! ASDFGHJKL! ] and when I knew that this is about Ridley and Link, my happiness has been doubled [OMG!! ASDFGHJKL!!x2]. Seriously, I did not see that coming.

Basically, Dangerous Creatures is about Ridley and Link and their journey to New York. If you've read Dangerous Dream, you had the idea of what Ridley has started, which, of course, was dangerous to her life and Link's.

Dangerous Creatures is dark, pure dark, in magical way, since we're talking about Casters here, dark Casters. I actually felt the darkness seeping on my skin when I'm reading it. Oh no! It was captivating and amazingly engaging for me and I was left here asking for more. More darkness please. Since this is mainly about Ridley, I learned more about her-- her struggles, burdens, dreams and the way she thinks, etc.-- that I haven't known in Beautiful Creatures. I've got too attached with her knowing these feelings of her about herself and everything she had experienced.

And yes, Link, his humor, as always, is everywhere but you will see a grown Link here. And the romance? Of course, love-and-hate relationship which is enjoyable and quite-annoying (in a good and bad way) at the same time.

Dangerous Creatures devised a new plot, a new story, very different from the Beautiful Creatures. You will see familiar characters, besides Rid and Link, that will play a great part on the story. But there are also new characters who are essential and not just a background there. New friends? New enemies? It's for you to find out.

To make the story short: I am so in love with this book but the ending is a cliffhanger. Goddamnit.


What can I say? Payback’s a bitch. But here’s the thing: So am I.

[Steven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, what an ending!

Thanks, Netgalley, for providing me with an early copy for review.

Where to begin? It's been a while since I lasted visited Gatlin, about a year, actually. And boy, I didn't realize how much I missed it!

This spinoff series follows the events of the Beautiful Creatures series, and instead of starring Lena and Ethan, it stars supporting characters Ridley and Link. As they travel to New York to start a new life after graduation, Ridley's hiding a few secrets... most importantly, the results of the events of Dangerous Dream, which most certainly drive the narrative for this book and therefore must be read first. I guess you could catch on without reading it, but it's short and a good story, so why not?

I loved the developing (still!) relationship between Ridley and Link. They're on-again, off-again, like they always are, and their Ross-and-Rachel attempts at romance are brought to the forefront again.

I also really liked the other new characters, Necro, Floyd, Sampson, and Lennox Gates.

This book's actions kept pushing forward and definitely held my interest. It also set up an interesting storyline for the rest of the new series. Honestly, I can't wait until the next ride in the Beater with these two. It might be rocky, with curves and bumps and stops along the way, but it definitely promises to be fun!

[Xin Ya Jian · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF on page 71. I really try my best to like this book. However, the story was too slow and I don't enjoy the main character enough since she has been using and manipulating her boyfriend to get to her own motive. Gonna move on to the next book.

P/S: To those who likes the story, don't feel angry or offended with my review. I'm glad you like it. It just that the book wasn't for me, I guess.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Summary

Ridley Duchannes knows she's a bad girl. A siren and a dark caster, but deep down has a heart of gold for her family and friends. However, when she gets losses a card game and cons Wesley "Link" Lincoln to be a new drummer for a Caster Band things really start to become tense. Especially, when the owner of the band and a club, Nox, has a few secrets of his own and it involves Ridley and Link as well.

My Thoughts

Oh Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl where did you go wrong?

Up until the last part of the book it was going to be a solid three stars, but the ending with the truck really irked me..

I was really looking forward to diving back into the Caster World, and with Ridley as the narrative voice I thought it would be pretty good. She has a lot more bite and character development than Ethan or Lena ever did in the original series. One thing that Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl succeeded in this book where they failed in the others is when they changed POV to make the voices distinct. The POV's changed quite a bit from first person to third person limited. Sometimes it was a bit disorientating.

The book is also not as long as the other books in the Caster Chronicle series. It's a more manageable size and the pacing is rather quick. There are a few times where it does stretch out and lag at times.

I did appreciate one part quite a bit: Though, I don't like Abraham and Silas as the main antagonist you get to see a wider perspective of clan Ravenwood outside of Hunting and Macon. Silas is the equivalent of the Godfather in the Caster World, which is never really mentioned in the original series. You also see how terrible Abraham is not to his own family, but to others as well. The Ravenwoods are deeply dark, and it makes it even more amazing that Macon steps outside those bounds and did the things he did. Though, I wish this was used a bit more.

However, despite some improvement in writing the story fell flat for a few reasons.

1. Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl take a tip out of Cassandra Clare's books. No one stays dead. Abraham Ravenwood and Silas Ravenwood are the antagonist in this novel. Abraham wants revenge on Ridley and Link for killing him. Nox is used as a means to an end because his family has been Abraham's personal equipment for years. Though, we do get to see more Silas in this book, but I was wondering why no one thought to bring Macon into their affairs. If there is anything to redirect attention and deal with a Ravenwood would be a Ravenwood. On the other hand, I do appreciate the fact that Macon is not used as a deux ex machina device.

2. The ending. It was totally uncalled for. They could have ended it as a single volume that left it open for another sequel. Instead, they copped out with a car crash. Really?

3. It would make a lot more sense to head back to Ravenwood because it is bound, and Macon is there. Also, why not pull in John Breed and Lena Duchannes to help them out? A lot of things don't make sense to me in this particular spin-off series.

Ultimately, I'm really waiting for a prequel to the Caster Chronicles because I want to see Lila and Macon's story. I like Ridley and Link, but this story doesn't seem to really add anything to their characters.

[aimee (aimeecanread) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read all the books in the authors' Caster Chronicles series, I knew that I needed to pick this up to get more from the world that I loved. That being said, it's been three years since I read those books, and I only remember the story in chunks and not as a whole. But even if I didn't remember the details, I did understand all the references in Dangerous Creatures. I recommend reading the Caster Chronicles series before starting this one.

"When it came right down to it, that was what Sirens were--pretty songbirds with nightmares for nests."

Ridley, a Siren, was one of my favorite characters before, so it wasn't a surprise that I enjoyed reading from her perspective. I'll admit though, I was a little bit disappointed that she wasn't as badass as she was before. We were introduced to her softer side, but there were plenty of times in Dangerous Creatures where Ridley was vulnerable. I'm not sure if it's a good thing (since it's realistic) or a bad thing (because it was kind of wimpy).

Link was, and probably always be, a self-centered, laid-back idiot. We all love how Link's down-to-earth and can make us laugh with the stupid songs he writes, but once he gets caught up in his own world, he doesn't really think of anything else but getting to the top, being the "cool guy," and that sort of thing.

"When it came to relationships, the truth never set anyone free. The truth only set things on fire."

Clearly. The romance in this one was... confusing as hell, to put it simply. I used to ship Ridley and link so hard, but in this one, they were constantly on-and-off and horrible dynamics. Add in a new possible love interest to turn this in to the most shitty romance (a love triangle, no less) in the Caster World. This new love interest is Lennox Gates, who was petty and bipolar. I didn't like his character one bit, even when he was one of those "tortured" characters who are "changing" (which I generally don't care for).

Majority of the plot seemed kind of pointless. There was this bigger picture that was relevant (the part with the actual villain), but little pieces that built up the story that were just dragging (Ridley's favor--you'll understand when you read it, and other things).

The only thing that made the book an easy read for me was the writing style. I flew through the book, the authors' words making it an addicting read that kept me turning pages, sucking everything in.

***

 A quickie overview:

Read this if: You were a fan of the Caster Chronicles series. You need a sexy, doesn't-take-shit heroine. Drama is good for you.

Don't read this if: Love triangles make you squirm. Trust me, this is one of the worst, most unnecessary kind-of-love-triangles I've ever read.

[Shawna Finnigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

TW// brief mention of suicide and brief mention of Marilyn Manson (an abuser)

I was really scared to read this book. I loved Ridley and Link, so as soon as I found out that they had a spin off series, I immediately bought this book. However, after buying the book, I started hearing from internet friends and fellow reviewers about how much they hated this book, so I was worried that I would hate it, too, and that it would destroy my love for this world. Fortunately I was scared for nothing because I fell in love with this book even more than I loved the Caster Chronicles/Beautiful Creatures series, which is surprising because I really loved the final book in that series.

The pacing is what made this book stand out from its original series. The whole Caster Chronicles felt like somewhat of a slog to get through. I feel bad saying that but the Caster Chronicles is so slow and it was extremely repetitive for no reason. Dangerous Creatures seemed to cut out the unnecessary fluff and dragging moments that the original series had. There was still a lot of repetition but it wasn’t as bad as it was in the original series. It worked really well and brought an even more interesting story. This is just my opinion though as I know other people would argue that the Caster Chronicles is better.

This is a really character driven story. The characters from the original series and the new characters blend together seamlessly to create squad goals and fun relationships that made the story really enjoyable. Ridley and Link were of course as amazing as they were in the original series, but Floyd, Necro, Sampson, and Nox were equally fun in their own way. Necro and Floyd in particular are some of my new favorite fictional characters and I couldn’t get enough of them.

This spin off series took an interesting step away from the casters and incubuses of the original series, leaping into the world of darkborns and necromancers. This leap was unexpected for me but it took the story in a unique and intriguing direction. I’m very curious to see what happens in Dangerous Deception and how these new additions to the caster world evolve throughout the final book in this series.

I can see why people wouldn’t like this series as being that Ridley is manipulative and there is a toxic relationship in this book, but I personally loved this book and I’d encourage fans of Ridley and Link to pick up this book. It is definitely very different from the original series, but it is different in all the best ways.

[Chelsea ✨Arielle’s Nebular Ally and Team Acrux✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let's get something straight. I'm supposed to be the bad guy. I will always disappoint you. Your parents will hate me. You should not root for me. I am not your role model.
I don't know why everyone seems to forget that. I never do.

This is both an easy and hard book to review. Easy because, of course I loved being back into Ridley, Link, Ethan and Lena's world. Hard because, well, again I did not have time to fully immerse myself into the story. I would get a good bit to read, and I would totally get into the story and become very excited, and then I would lose time again. It was a vicious cycle and I was very unhappy that this book I've waited forever on had no time to fully develop for me.

Instead, she slept on, dreaming of things that were far eerier than a ring. Even eerier than an unknown cast-forever binding a Siren, a Natural, a Keeper, a Wayward, and two Incubuses-under a full summer moon in a Caster county.
A full moon was for making magic.
Magic and memories.

The subjects of the book, Ridley and Link, were always favorite characters of mine. They were great side kicks and I loved seeing what all they were willing to do for their friends (In Ridley's case, her cousin and friend). But, admittedly, it scared the shit out of me that they were getting their own story. What could they possibly do for a whole book? Or whole spin-off series, for that matter? But, rest assured, they got themselves into trouble all on their own even without Ethan and Lena around.

He looked at Necro. "What's up, Gaga?"
Ridley snorted. "Link. Don't be rude. It's not Gaga. I'm not even sure it's a lady."
"It? are you talking about me?" Necro examined her fist like she was examining her options. "Ouch, Barbie. Where'd you learn your manners?"

Ridley has screwed up-she lost a deadly hand at a club named Suffer and she now owes 3 markers. One of those, coincidentally, is that this guy needs a drummer for his new club in New York. Hmmm...where does Ridley know a drummer? The other marker...well...let's just say that one could cost her her life.

"Did I say Link Floyd?" Ridley shook her head. "I meant Supertramp."
She glared meaningfully at the blond chick staring at her boyfriend.
Back off.
Floyd bumped fists with Link and added, "Or Superhot."
Excuse me?
Ridley frowned. This wasn't what she was expecting. "Did I say Supertramp? I meant bitch."
Link's eyes flickered over to her, surprised. Even Floyd looked at her like she was psycho.
Rid shrugged. "What? It's a band. Look it up." She stifled the urge to kick the coffee table to pieces. It would be bad for her boots.

One of my only complaints would have to be the cast of characters. I didn't like the new crew. I missed Rid and Link and Ethan and Lena and Olivia and John...and Amma...and Ethan's old aunts. I just missed them. I know this is Rid and Link's journey, but I just kind of hated the band Link got with. Necro and, I think it was Floyd (which, is a GIRL, btw) just bored me to tears and they drove me insane. That isn't to say I didn't like other additions-like Lucille Ball's reappearance (the Aunts' awesome cat) and Lennox Gates-he was a cool character. But because I missed those other characters so much, I wanted their shoes to be filled and to not miss them much. But, as it was, I did.

"Why don't you ever believe me when I say I'm sorry?" Ridley attempted to appear sorry, but she was having trouble remembering how that particular expression looked. She went with sick instead, because she'd faked that one enough times growing up that it was almost second nature.

The writing was, as always, great. I've always loved the way these authors have composed their works together, but, I didn't connect quite like I did with Ethan. Ethan just was one of my favorite voices ever, so Ridley had a lot to compete with. Also, part of my resistance was probably the beginning where I was trying to get used to the switch of characters and POV and also, I really didn't like when the writing referred to Ridley as 'Rid.' I just felt like when it wasn't Link talking or someone who might call her that, it was a tad juvenile. But maybe that's just me. I just didn't connect with that abbreviation in reference to our strong, witty, and hilarious main character.

Then, as quickly as Ridley had caught him, she threw him back, breathless and stammering. When she pulled away, Link looked like he was going to pass out.
"Bye, then," Rid said sweetly.
Link stumbled toward his car. His mother came after him with two open arms, then let them drop, disgusted.
"Well, Wesley Lincoln, are you happy now? What kind a mother could kiss her own son after a sordid display like that?" Mrs. Lincoln snapped. "You'd better go in the house and wash your mouth out or I'll never be able to kiss you again."
"Aww now, wouldn't that be a shame," Ridley purred.

As I think it on it, though, Ridley's inner dialogue broke my heart. She was good but she got dealt a bad stick-I mean she's a Siren for Chrissakes. What's she supposed to do? Not EVER use her mojo? (By that I mean persuasion with the help of cherry red suckers-LOVE that) She fights her nature everyday-she fights the urge to compel people and make them bend to her will. She fights persuading Link to be one way when they are arguing, and she hates when he thinks she is doing it to him anyway. She is very hard on herself, and we never knew that before. She has a sassy snark to her that I hope she never loses-it makes her her, and while it leans her towards the dark caster she is, it only proves one thing: she is putting on a front. Oh, and she does have a 'tude anyway. She is hilarious. I found myself more than once smiling when I didn't realize and laughing when she bantered with Link or his evil mother. I really did enjoy her POV-it was definitely not what I was expecting.

What can I say? Payback's a bitch.
But here's the thing:
So am I.

So, all in all I really loved being back in this world again. I love the way Ridley can call someone "Darlin'" and it doesn't come off cheesy or out of place. It fits with her tone and the way she is either being sweet to someone (Link) or putting them down (Floyd). And Link-all his zaney words and pet names for Ridley have always been out there, but, oddly, they worked in this story. Nothing was overdone and he was just the right amount of jealous (which I love). I hated when he would get mad at her when all she was trying to do was make things right, but I guess that angst is necessary for a story to have a little substance. So. Anyway. Loved the story, loved the world and trouble they created, and loved them. Who'd a thunk it??



For more of my reviews visit

[Mizuki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wesley "Link" Lincoln and Ridley Duchannes go to New York? Of course I want to read about it! But in the end, I'm a bit underwhelmed.

The first half of the book is great actually, it is nice to see the pair exploring NYC and the Caster club scene, some of the new characters are nice too, Lennox Gate is also an okay-ish character until he develops a crush on Ridley, and must a love triangle really be necessary damn it!?

What I don't like is the ending part of the story, the new bad guys and their action look forced and not very frightening, so in the end I'm a bit disappointed.

I think Dangerous Creatures shows many of the old weakness from the previous Caster books (e.g. bothersome romantic plot line, slow-pacing, etc) without sharing much of its charm (strong crew of characters, the finely crafted atmosphere of the Southern town and its way of life, etc). Ethan and Lena, god know they are not the most interesting main couple out there but at least they have a solid and interesting crew of supporting characters to back them up, but sadly out in the Big Apple, Link and Ridley do not have the same kind of supports. Still, I've already borrowed the next book, so I will still be reading.

[Shannelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really am just so confused over what I feel about Dangerous Creatures.

On the one hand, there’s the fact that Ridley is some badass sexy creature who understands that she can grab attention in every way, who also has to deal with conscience problems that she’s never had until she started dating Link.



And then there’s the fact that the story has me going like this:



I seriously had no idea what was going on, especially at the beginning. I just decided to read it on a total whim, and I have no idea what the heck is an Incubus and who the heck are these Ravenwood people. Basically, I was clueless.

Hey, I get it. Spinoff. Obviously meant as fan fulfillment or to earn more money. But seriously? There is not even a single freaking recap, and that is unforgivable. Because seriously, people could just go all like, “I hated Beautiful Creatures but oh look, I can read their new book!” *reads it*



And the story was actually enjoyable and had me barely entertained when I was reading it. But when I look back, I can only think that this story basically went nowhere and that I had wasted a lot of my time.

As much as I loved how much of a woman Ridley was, I didn’t like her lying and Link didn’t like it either. Especially since Ridley lied about a lot of major, important things in the book. But it’s just too much for him to absolutely trust Ridley; heck, I don’t even get why he likes Ridley. If it was me, I would be definitely wary of someone who had done what Ridley did, but not Link. He was absolutely naive in a lot of situations and far too trusting. That may be his chracter, but goddamit, I can’t help but be annoyed.

But despite all my complaints, the most dominant feeling that I have right now would have to be



Maybe I might try the next book, maybe I won’t.

I received an ARC copy of the book from Netgalley.

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I'm going to be honest, I wasn't super excited going into this book. I hated Ridley with every fiber of my being when I read the Beautiful Creatures series. And here's a spin-off that focuses entirely on her...yay.

But I didn't hate it. I know, I'm shocked too. But here's the thing. The parts that I liked had nothing to do with Ridley.

So let's talk about this book. Ridley and Link drive off to New York together, but for different reasons. Link wants to find a new band and make music, Ridley needs to turn in a drummer because she lost a game of poker. Yup, you read that right. She's trading her boyfriend for a poker debt she owes. Classy right? So Link thinks he found a new band but really he's just a pawn in Ridley's poor life choices.

Guys, I really do not understand the Ridley/Link relationship. Not that I really like either of them but they do not make any sense together. Not even in the opposites attract way.

Anyway...

So what did I like about this story that rated it 3 stars? Mostly the new character of Nox - the mysterious "villain" of the story. He was one of the only characters to really come alive in the story and I found myself interested in what was going on with him. There were also Link's new bandmates. They were a motley crew but I enjoyed watching their interactions. And let's be honest, Floyd was a much better match for Link then Ridley would ever be.

But honestly, while I didn't hate this book, this series really did not need to be written. Ridley is not a strong enough, nor likable enough, to hold her own book series. But since I own both of them, I'm off to read the second.

[■©atherine■ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 STARS

Rid and Link? The bad-ass couples! Yes Yes Yes! That was my thought before I read the book.

Was I wrong. The characters were so stupid and poorly built that I think I hurt my eyes rolling them too much. The plot was not that good either. I don't even remember how many times I cried out out of frustration.

To be honest, despite the three stars I gave to the prequel series, I don't think I actually liked it. But this one was even worse. The love-triangle was stupid. The Abraham thing was stupid. And so was the sires and darkborns.

[Ciara]

You had me at Ridley Duchannes, but then NEW YORK?!

Hell yeah!

[Kayla Silverss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved the caster chronicles growing up so I now I decided to pick up the companion series following Ridley and Link's journey and I really liked this book. The book was still dark but very light and fluffy.

[Melanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes I make stupid decisions and read crappy books even though I knew it was gonna be crappy before I picked it up. 1.5 stars.

[Mariah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not terrible, but like, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone? 2.5?

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you were worried that Dangerous creatures wouldn't live up to the original Beautiful creatures series then fear not! Because it is just as good, I was hooked all the way through, and that ending, oh my god that ending!
I've always had a little bit of a nerd crush on Link so I was really excited to hear there would be a new series following him, its actually more about Ridley, who I did like also and I came to really like her in Dangerous creatures. She's so much different to Lena and Link is a lot different to Ethan so this book had a completely different tone to the others whilst still remaining true to the world. I enjoyed that it wasn't set in Gatlin, though I miss the place, it was good to expand on the Caster world, to meet some new characters and learn more about their different abilities.
As usual, Garcia and Stohl's writing blends seamlessly, they clearly both have voices that go together well so that you can't tell that the book is written by two authors and they tell a good story. The pacing was and build up was good.
I didn't love who turns out the be the bad guys to be honest, I'd have preferred something completely new rather than the same old bad guy because I thought it kind of took away some of the finality of the original series and it also stops it from being a series that can stand alone from that so readers looking to start with Dangerous creatures as their introduction to the Caster world will find themselves confused and have parts of the Beautiful creatures series spoiled for them.
Other than that though, I loved it! I loved Link, as usual and it was great to see a new, sometimes vulnerable side of Ridley, I really feel like I know her better now. I'm not sure if the big cliff hanger ending was necessary but I guess I'll find out just as soon as I get my hands on book two... is it next year yet?

[Branwen Sedai *of the Brown Ajah* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let's get something straight: I'm supposed to be the bad guy. I will always disappoint you. Your parents will hate me. You should not root for me. I am not your role model. I don't know why everyone seems to forget that. I never do...

Ridley Duchannes takes center stage in this first book in a new series as she and hybrid Incubus boyfriend Link take off to New York City. Once there they find themselves surrounded by new friends, new enemies, and a scary nemesis from the not so distant past.

I was Dark so Lena could be Light.

I won't lie, the main reason I was so excited about this book was because it featured my absolute FAVORITE character from the Beautiful Creatures series. I freaking love Ridley. She is one tough and sassy girl but she has a heart of gold, even if she doesn't let it show too often. This book was great and I sped through it pretty quickly and even though I almost threw it at the wall because of the cliffhanger ending, I loved it to pieces. The story is a lot different from the Beautiful Creatures storyline, and a bit darker too. I am really glad we got to see more of Ridley's character and learned a bit more about what makes her tick.

I am very eagerly anticipating the next one in this series! :)

What can I say? Payback's a bitch.
But here's the thing:
So am I.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

'There was always more Darkness...I should have told her how I felt about her, the first time I had the chance. That's my only regret. All those years ago, when we were kids. In that beach in Barbados. The first day I met the only person in the world who wouod ever be able to understand me. The girl who knew what it felt like to do the things I could do. I should have told her'. - Page 317.

'Ridley Duchannes. Is there even one stupid tiny little part of you that loves one stupid tiny little part of me?' - Page 323.

' Bevause she couldn't tell one stupid boy who she loved with every muscle in her stupidly broken heart that she loved him more passionately and more deeply than she'd ever loved anyone in the world?' - Page 324.

I'm so happy i finally finished this book even though it took me longer than i expected as i haven't had a chance to really sit down and read in a while. But I'm so so gutted that the ending has a cliffhanger and now i must get the next book in this series to find out what happens next.
WHY!!!
5 stars out of 5 for this book and for the other books in this series too. Love these books so much.