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Liliana and the Fae of Fayetteville #2
Explosive Chemistry: a Fae paranormal romance
As a spider-kin seer, Liliana’s eyes can see the future. What she didn’t see was her visions leading her out of her voluntary seclusion and into the lives of the first friends she’s had in decades. Friends Liliana just rescued from the deadly venom of widow spiders.
Determined to keep the warmth of belonging and stay out of her shell, she looks into the future again and sees death. Her friends Pete the red wolf, Siobhan the fairy sprite, and Nudd the goblin doctor will all die soon—if she doesn’t take steps to nudge the future and discover who was behind the widow spiders.
Except saving her friends will tie Liliana even closer to the handsome and dangerous Unseelie prince Colonel Bennett, and her heart may not come out of that battle unscathed.
Determined to keep the warmth of belonging and stay out of her shell, she looks into the future again and sees death. Her friends Pete the red wolf, Siobhan the fairy sprite, and Nudd the goblin doctor will all die soon—if she doesn’t take steps to nudge the future and discover who was behind the widow spiders.
Except saving her friends will tie Liliana even closer to the handsome and dangerous Unseelie prince Colonel Bennett, and her heart may not come out of that battle unscathed.
- GenresUrban FantasyFantasy
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2023
2 people are currently reading
29 people want to read
About the author
Paige E. Ewing
6 books40 followersPaige E. Ewing (she/her) writes about superheroes and sentient cities, were-spiders and gun-loving fairies. For a living, she hawks big data analysis, machine learning software. For fun, she shoots arrows, and throws axes at people and things. She lives in the middle of nowhere, Texas, and flies a lot to get somewhere, usually in planes. She once invented a way to grow food on Mars that NASA liked, and has a cute trophy to show for it. Her dogs and horses are unimpressed.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 15, 2024
This was more a weak 2.5 stars.
The book was more tell and predict than show and correctly direct people. And a lot of description plot.
Then, as more reviews have pointed out, the romance set up being that Lilliana will go into her heat cycle and is basically interviewing potential mates rather than them being mutually attracted to each other, and all the potentials basically finding her as ha, ha, she's quirky but has the gift of sight and fight, didn't play out well.
I mostly enjoyed Lilliana's relationships growing. The cutest and most pure was between her and Jane. Everyone else was more of a tentative friendship.
The book was more tell and predict than show and correctly direct people. And a lot of description plot.
Then, as more reviews have pointed out, the romance set up being that Lilliana will go into her heat cycle and is basically interviewing potential mates rather than them being mutually attracted to each other, and all the potentials basically finding her as ha, ha, she's quirky but has the gift of sight and fight, didn't play out well.
I mostly enjoyed Lilliana's relationships growing. The cutest and most pure was between her and Jane. Everyone else was more of a tentative friendship.
December 27, 2023
In Paige E. Ewing's "Explosive Chemistry," the second installment of the Liliana and the Fae of Fayetteville series, readers are once again plunged into the enchanting world of Liliana, a spider-kin seer with the unique ability to glimpse into the future. Ewing deftly weaves a tale of friendship, mystery, and unexpected alliances that captivates from the first page to the last, ensuring that readers will be eagerly immersed in Liliana's journey.
One of the novel's strongest elements is the richly developed character of Liliana, whose spider-kin abilities add a layer of mystique to her already intriguing personality. As a seer, Liliana's internal conflict between the desire for solitude and the pull of newfound friendships is expertly portrayed. Ewing masterfully explores Liliana's struggle to balance her innate abilities, her loyalty to friends, and the looming threat of death that she uncovers in her visions. This internal conflict becomes a driving force in the narrative, adding depth to Liliana's character and making her relatable to readers.
The ensemble cast of characters, including Pete the red wolf, Siobhan the fairy sprite, and Nudd the goblin doctor, contributes to the novel's charm. Ewing succeeds in crafting a diverse group with distinct personalities that complement Liliana's journey. The camaraderie and warmth shared among the characters create a sense of genuine friendship that resonates with readers. The author's ability to infuse humor and heart into the interactions between Liliana and her friends enhances the emotional engagement of the story.
The plot's central mystery—the deadly venom of widow spiders and the impending death of Liliana's friends—adds a compelling layer of intrigue. Ewing skillfully navigates the balance between unraveling the mystery and developing the relationships between characters, keeping the pacing dynamic and the narrative engaging. The stakes are high, and the tension rises with each revelation, ensuring that readers will be hooked as Liliana races against time to save those she cares about.
The introduction of the Unseelie prince, Colonel Bennett, adds an element of romance and danger to the narrative. The unfolding relationship between Liliana and Colonel Bennett introduces a captivating dynamic that deepens the emotional resonance of the story. Ewing skillfully navigates the complexities of their connection, creating a romantic subplot that enhances the overall narrative without overshadowing the central mystery.
Ewing's prose is vibrant and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the fantastical world Liliana inhabits. The author's descriptive language and attention to detail bring the magical elements to life, immersing readers in a world where spiders and fairies coexist. The narrative flows seamlessly, and Ewing's ability to balance action, emotion, and world-building showcases her mastery of the fantasy genre.
"Explosive Chemistry" is a stellar addition to the Liliana and the Fae of Fayetteville series. Paige E. Ewing's storytelling prowess shines through as she expertly combines elements of fantasy, friendship, and Fae intrigue. With a well-crafted plot, compelling characters, and a touch of romance, this novel is sure to resonate with readers who crave an enchanting and immersive fantasy experience. "Explosive Chemistry" not only delivers on the promise of its intriguing premise but also leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in Liliana's captivating journey.
One of the novel's strongest elements is the richly developed character of Liliana, whose spider-kin abilities add a layer of mystique to her already intriguing personality. As a seer, Liliana's internal conflict between the desire for solitude and the pull of newfound friendships is expertly portrayed. Ewing masterfully explores Liliana's struggle to balance her innate abilities, her loyalty to friends, and the looming threat of death that she uncovers in her visions. This internal conflict becomes a driving force in the narrative, adding depth to Liliana's character and making her relatable to readers.
The ensemble cast of characters, including Pete the red wolf, Siobhan the fairy sprite, and Nudd the goblin doctor, contributes to the novel's charm. Ewing succeeds in crafting a diverse group with distinct personalities that complement Liliana's journey. The camaraderie and warmth shared among the characters create a sense of genuine friendship that resonates with readers. The author's ability to infuse humor and heart into the interactions between Liliana and her friends enhances the emotional engagement of the story.
The plot's central mystery—the deadly venom of widow spiders and the impending death of Liliana's friends—adds a compelling layer of intrigue. Ewing skillfully navigates the balance between unraveling the mystery and developing the relationships between characters, keeping the pacing dynamic and the narrative engaging. The stakes are high, and the tension rises with each revelation, ensuring that readers will be hooked as Liliana races against time to save those she cares about.
The introduction of the Unseelie prince, Colonel Bennett, adds an element of romance and danger to the narrative. The unfolding relationship between Liliana and Colonel Bennett introduces a captivating dynamic that deepens the emotional resonance of the story. Ewing skillfully navigates the complexities of their connection, creating a romantic subplot that enhances the overall narrative without overshadowing the central mystery.
Ewing's prose is vibrant and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the fantastical world Liliana inhabits. The author's descriptive language and attention to detail bring the magical elements to life, immersing readers in a world where spiders and fairies coexist. The narrative flows seamlessly, and Ewing's ability to balance action, emotion, and world-building showcases her mastery of the fantasy genre.
"Explosive Chemistry" is a stellar addition to the Liliana and the Fae of Fayetteville series. Paige E. Ewing's storytelling prowess shines through as she expertly combines elements of fantasy, friendship, and Fae intrigue. With a well-crafted plot, compelling characters, and a touch of romance, this novel is sure to resonate with readers who crave an enchanting and immersive fantasy experience. "Explosive Chemistry" not only delivers on the promise of its intriguing premise but also leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in Liliana's captivating journey.
January 22, 2025
Paige E. Ewing's Explosive Chemistry immerses readers into the gripping and mystical world of Liliana, a spider-kin seer juggling the complexity of her prophetic abilities with the trials of a society fraught with discrimination and danger. As she navigates visions of death, perilous alliances, and ethical dilemmas, her journey becomes an intriguing tapestry of action, introspection, and relationships—human and Other alike. The novel intertwines themes of survival, morality, and belonging in a richly textured narrative.
The writing in this book is a bit like Liliana herself, spunky, clever, and layered with complexity. Ewing excels at worldbuilding, painting vivid scenes like the lush forest settings or the tense interactions with other supernatural beings. Liliana is the heartbeat of the novel, and I adored her grit and wit. Her transformation from a cautious loner to a reluctant but steadfast hero is compelling. I particularly loved the subtle humor in her observations, such as her irritation with mundane injuries clashing with her dramatic, mystical life. The way she bonds with Janice, a rabbit-kin homemaker, shows another side of Liliana, a desire for connection in a life that’s often lonely and fraught with danger. However, her constant inner struggle seeing death but sometimes failing to prevent it brought a poignant layer of vulnerability that made her feel real. It wasn’t hard to feel both her triumphs and failures. The interactions between Liliana and the Fae prince are deliciously tense, embodying the push-and-pull of trust, power, and respect. Their conversations bristle with undercurrents of potential alliance or conflict.
Explosive Chemistry is an engaging read that combines rich storytelling with sharp characters and a healthy dose of suspense. I'd recommend it to readers who love urban fantasy with a splash of mystery and a protagonist who's both fierce and flawed. If you’re a fan of intricate worldbuilding and moral quandaries wrapped in fast-paced action, this one’s for you.
The writing in this book is a bit like Liliana herself, spunky, clever, and layered with complexity. Ewing excels at worldbuilding, painting vivid scenes like the lush forest settings or the tense interactions with other supernatural beings. Liliana is the heartbeat of the novel, and I adored her grit and wit. Her transformation from a cautious loner to a reluctant but steadfast hero is compelling. I particularly loved the subtle humor in her observations, such as her irritation with mundane injuries clashing with her dramatic, mystical life. The way she bonds with Janice, a rabbit-kin homemaker, shows another side of Liliana, a desire for connection in a life that’s often lonely and fraught with danger. However, her constant inner struggle seeing death but sometimes failing to prevent it brought a poignant layer of vulnerability that made her feel real. It wasn’t hard to feel both her triumphs and failures. The interactions between Liliana and the Fae prince are deliciously tense, embodying the push-and-pull of trust, power, and respect. Their conversations bristle with undercurrents of potential alliance or conflict.
Explosive Chemistry is an engaging read that combines rich storytelling with sharp characters and a healthy dose of suspense. I'd recommend it to readers who love urban fantasy with a splash of mystery and a protagonist who's both fierce and flawed. If you’re a fan of intricate worldbuilding and moral quandaries wrapped in fast-paced action, this one’s for you.
February 2, 2024
Quickly becoming a favorite series!
This book was so good! I liked the first book, but the second one was even better! Lily is struggling to keep her friends alive while also trying to build her connections with them. She struggles a lot socially, which is something I relate a lot too.
Lily sees that one of her new friends is going to die, so she spends most of the book trying to find a way to prevent. This leads her to get just a tiny bit closer to the Colonel, and deepens her bonds with her new friends(who may or may not realize they are her friends). While trying to prevent his death, she is also trying to lay the groundwork for preventing future deaths as well. It's fun to see Lily come out of her shell and use courage to reach out to people.
And holy cannoli, this romance is slow burn. It really didn't show up at all in the first book, outside of Lily's love for Pete. Because she is so isolated, I think she just didn't realize she feels for him more like a sibling than a lover. She is starting to become interested in the Colonel, who also seems to be attracted to her, but we don't get a lot of it in this book either.
I also really enjoy the diversity in the relationships of this book. A lot of the characters seem to be bi, with sprinkles of lesbian and gay. We also learn that Lily's grew up in with triad parents. It's written very naturally as well. It doesn't scream "Hi, gay!", it's just a normal part of the story.
Overall, I can't wait for the next book!
This book was so good! I liked the first book, but the second one was even better! Lily is struggling to keep her friends alive while also trying to build her connections with them. She struggles a lot socially, which is something I relate a lot too.
Lily sees that one of her new friends is going to die, so she spends most of the book trying to find a way to prevent. This leads her to get just a tiny bit closer to the Colonel, and deepens her bonds with her new friends(who may or may not realize they are her friends). While trying to prevent his death, she is also trying to lay the groundwork for preventing future deaths as well. It's fun to see Lily come out of her shell and use courage to reach out to people.
And holy cannoli, this romance is slow burn. It really didn't show up at all in the first book, outside of Lily's love for Pete. Because she is so isolated, I think she just didn't realize she feels for him more like a sibling than a lover. She is starting to become interested in the Colonel, who also seems to be attracted to her, but we don't get a lot of it in this book either.
I also really enjoy the diversity in the relationships of this book. A lot of the characters seem to be bi, with sprinkles of lesbian and gay. We also learn that Lily's grew up in with triad parents. It's written very naturally as well. It doesn't scream "Hi, gay!", it's just a normal part of the story.
Overall, I can't wait for the next book!
November 26, 2023
After years of socially isolating herself, Liliana realizes that she likes having friends. Unfortunately, the people she just befriended live dangerous lives, and Liliana foresees their deaths in the near future. Using her spider seer abilities, Liliana needs to figure out how to keep her new friends alive and safe, even if it may require her to risk her own life in the process.
As in the first book, Liliana has a very unique perspective on the world. There's probably an official term for her social issues and alternative way of dealing with the world, and I don't want to insult anyone by mislabeling it, but it adds a lot to the story, and makes this book refreshingly different from most other urban fantasies.
While the blurb indicates that this is a romance, there was very little action on that front. It's obvious that there will eventually be a relationship between Liliana and her crush, but it's verrrrry slow burn, and they barely talk to each other. Liliana is too busy focusing on saving Pete and the others' lives. I'm ok with that. I like when the plot focuses on an actual plot instead of using the plot as an excuse for a romance.
Liliana has a straightforward view of the world. Her simplistic relationships and interactions and her blunt honesty makes this a cozy read, and her spider woman abilities keeps the plot moving.
As in the first book, Liliana has a very unique perspective on the world. There's probably an official term for her social issues and alternative way of dealing with the world, and I don't want to insult anyone by mislabeling it, but it adds a lot to the story, and makes this book refreshingly different from most other urban fantasies.
While the blurb indicates that this is a romance, there was very little action on that front. It's obvious that there will eventually be a relationship between Liliana and her crush, but it's verrrrry slow burn, and they barely talk to each other. Liliana is too busy focusing on saving Pete and the others' lives. I'm ok with that. I like when the plot focuses on an actual plot instead of using the plot as an excuse for a romance.
Liliana has a straightforward view of the world. Her simplistic relationships and interactions and her blunt honesty makes this a cozy read, and her spider woman abilities keeps the plot moving.
November 16, 2023
My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and City Owl Press. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Genre: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Spice Level: Low-Medium (nothing is on the page but sexual relationships are mentioned)
Romance: Slow burn
Representation: LGBTQ side-characters, Fantasy creatures, Neurodiverse
Language: Low—I don't remember any profanity
EXPLOSIVE CHEMISTRY starts right where book one ended. Liliana is working through how to save her friends. After avoiding community and interaction, she's come to find that she enjoys having people in her life again. She's still working on that whole social interaction thing which leads to fun moments with subtext that she doesn't understand. It makes me realize how often subtext is used.
I've found these characters to be unexpected and multi-layered. It's a fun, fast read. You will need to start at book one for the full impact of the story. I love how we have a resolution to a problem but there are still future problems to be solved. I feel like we make progress in the book.
I recommend this book.
Happy reading!
Genre: Fantasy, Urban Fantasy
Spice Level: Low-Medium (nothing is on the page but sexual relationships are mentioned)
Romance: Slow burn
Representation: LGBTQ side-characters, Fantasy creatures, Neurodiverse
Language: Low—I don't remember any profanity
EXPLOSIVE CHEMISTRY starts right where book one ended. Liliana is working through how to save her friends. After avoiding community and interaction, she's come to find that she enjoys having people in her life again. She's still working on that whole social interaction thing which leads to fun moments with subtext that she doesn't understand. It makes me realize how often subtext is used.
I've found these characters to be unexpected and multi-layered. It's a fun, fast read. You will need to start at book one for the full impact of the story. I love how we have a resolution to a problem but there are still future problems to be solved. I feel like we make progress in the book.
I recommend this book.
Happy reading!
November 21, 2023
I jumped at the chance to read an ARC and provide an honest review of Explosive Chemistry. I loved getting to know Liliana in Precise Oaths and Explosive Chemistry and continued the world-building and story in a satisfying direction that led to a satisfying conclusion while clearly setting up for book three. I highly recommend this series for those who are looking for a fresh voice in the urban fantasy genre with sound world-building and a murder mystery twist.
The representation of neurodivergence in Liliana’s struggles with her social anxiety and other hurdles is authentic, and I found myself cheering for her successfully overcoming those obstacles as much as I cheered during the fight scenes.
Speaking of representation: the diversity of the characters is believable and doesn’t result in any “token” characters. They are all there for a reason and are dynamic and developing as the story continues. I'm looking forward to seeing Ewing continue to weave the threads of these delightful characters' stories.
The representation of neurodivergence in Liliana’s struggles with her social anxiety and other hurdles is authentic, and I found myself cheering for her successfully overcoming those obstacles as much as I cheered during the fight scenes.
Speaking of representation: the diversity of the characters is believable and doesn’t result in any “token” characters. They are all there for a reason and are dynamic and developing as the story continues. I'm looking forward to seeing Ewing continue to weave the threads of these delightful characters' stories.
December 6, 2023
Our heroine isn't used to having friends, but now that she does, she is determined to keep them around. Even if that means more exposure than she would like.
This is book two of the series. it does pretty well as a standalone with the essentials covered early on. That being said, you will get a more complete experience if you read from the beginning.
This is an urban fantasy series with the fae, shifters and the like. The story itself is well written and easy to read with a well developed setting that is fun to explore. The characters are also well developed and lots of fun. I really enjoyed having a spider-kin for our heroine as it definitely sets the story apart. Plus she was a lot of fun in a prickly kind of way. The story itself moves at a good pace with plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. Overall, this was a great addition to the series and I definitely look forward to seeing more.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
This is book two of the series. it does pretty well as a standalone with the essentials covered early on. That being said, you will get a more complete experience if you read from the beginning.
This is an urban fantasy series with the fae, shifters and the like. The story itself is well written and easy to read with a well developed setting that is fun to explore. The characters are also well developed and lots of fun. I really enjoyed having a spider-kin for our heroine as it definitely sets the story apart. Plus she was a lot of fun in a prickly kind of way. The story itself moves at a good pace with plenty of twists and turns to keep things interesting. Overall, this was a great addition to the series and I definitely look forward to seeing more.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes.
December 2, 2023
Seeing into the future and staring down the potential deaths of her friends, spider-seer Liliana sieves through scenarios to save them, all the while training them for the inevitable dangers that lay ahead. Set in a futuristic world where the world is healing, nature is reclaiming its place, and the fae are returning.
The story is relatively fast-paced, and the characters each have their own strengths and oddities. There was one point where I thought the dialogue was written awkwardly until I realized that was just how awkward Liliana was in social settings. I wish she had been less juvenile when interacting with others. Her conversations with Janice are easy to read. With some of the other characters, Liliana is clueless about how to speak to people.
I also didn’t realize that this was the second novel in a series, so I will say that the summary of the last book in chapter one was excellent. There was enough information to put together what happened and the relationships between the characters. This book has piqued my interest in the series enough that I already have the first book purchased and waiting on my to-read shelf!
The story is relatively fast-paced, and the characters each have their own strengths and oddities. There was one point where I thought the dialogue was written awkwardly until I realized that was just how awkward Liliana was in social settings. I wish she had been less juvenile when interacting with others. Her conversations with Janice are easy to read. With some of the other characters, Liliana is clueless about how to speak to people.
I also didn’t realize that this was the second novel in a series, so I will say that the summary of the last book in chapter one was excellent. There was enough information to put together what happened and the relationships between the characters. This book has piqued my interest in the series enough that I already have the first book purchased and waiting on my to-read shelf!
November 5, 2023
I honestly can’t believe this series isn’t more widely known, I loved the first book and this sequel continues the story in a very satisfying direction. It has everything I want in a good story, including: interesting and flawed characters with organic and earned growth, original world-building while being based in strong fantasy traditions, full of diversity without feeling the the author was ticking off a diversity check-list, and lastly it combines my favourite sub genres in fantasy: murder mystery, slow-burn romance and cozy/slice of life storytelling. If you’re a fan of urban fantasy but struggling to find new stories that aren’t derivative or poorly written - this is definitely a hidden gem! I look forward to continuing the series and will definitely pick up the next instalment.
December 5, 2023
The second in this series is just as good as the first – and I loved Precise Oaths!
Liliana, the lead character in this multi-faceted paranormal, is a spider-kin seer who has only just started to cautiously develop some friendships – but now her she is foreseeing their deaths. Can Liliana work out how to keep them (and herself) alive?
Once again, I loved the complexity and authenticity of the characters, the wonderful world-building, and the twist and turns of the plot with the slow-burn romance in the background.
I may not be a spiderkin but I can definitely predict that this will be a series I will be following!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Liliana, the lead character in this multi-faceted paranormal, is a spider-kin seer who has only just started to cautiously develop some friendships – but now her she is foreseeing their deaths. Can Liliana work out how to keep them (and herself) alive?
Once again, I loved the complexity and authenticity of the characters, the wonderful world-building, and the twist and turns of the plot with the slow-burn romance in the background.
I may not be a spiderkin but I can definitely predict that this will be a series I will be following!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2023
I jumped at the chance to review an advance copy of Explosive Chemistry because I'd given five stars to Precise Oaths. I'm happy to report that Explosive Chemistry is even better.
The viewpoint character, Liliana, is a neuro-divergent spider seer. Her quirks appeared consistently. I enjoyed Liliana's focus on developing new friends and protecting them.
The urban fantasy setting is an environmentally repaired Fayetteville in the future. This future assumes little progress in computerization between now and then.
The book was well-edited. It did not end on a cliffhanger, but I am eager to read Book 3.
The viewpoint character, Liliana, is a neuro-divergent spider seer. Her quirks appeared consistently. I enjoyed Liliana's focus on developing new friends and protecting them.
The urban fantasy setting is an environmentally repaired Fayetteville in the future. This future assumes little progress in computerization between now and then.
The book was well-edited. It did not end on a cliffhanger, but I am eager to read Book 3.
December 7, 2023
Spider-kin seer Liliana is trying to forge new friendships, and keep them from dying by changing the multiple futures she sees…
Liliana is a neurodivergent MC that is easy to empathize with and root for. Her friends are a unique blend of characters that learn to work together despite ancient rules that would separate them.
Pete is honorable and meets Lilly where she is. Colonel Bennet is intriguing—powerful with a twist of mischief.
I look forward to how this slow-burn romance develops in future books.
Set in the future, this story is a blend of climate change fiction, SFF, mystery, and paranormal romance.
Ebook provided by the author through PR by the Book. Opinions are my own.
Liliana is a neurodivergent MC that is easy to empathize with and root for. Her friends are a unique blend of characters that learn to work together despite ancient rules that would separate them.
Pete is honorable and meets Lilly where she is. Colonel Bennet is intriguing—powerful with a twist of mischief.
I look forward to how this slow-burn romance develops in future books.
Set in the future, this story is a blend of climate change fiction, SFF, mystery, and paranormal romance.
Ebook provided by the author through PR by the Book. Opinions are my own.
December 9, 2023
Explosive Chemistry
By Paige E. Ewing
Second book in the series. Things keep moving quickly, but since these are short books it makes sense. Tension is building as pieces of the puzzle are being put together. Our main character is relearning how to have friends. And we’re building quite the team as we lead up to the main event. (Maybe the next book?)
My only quibble is the romance bit. Not that it’s the main thing or anything, but I feel like it could just be left out and the book would be good still. I’m still enjoying the characters. I’d probably put this at 3.5 stars.
Thanks to @prbythebook for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
By Paige E. Ewing
Second book in the series. Things keep moving quickly, but since these are short books it makes sense. Tension is building as pieces of the puzzle are being put together. Our main character is relearning how to have friends. And we’re building quite the team as we lead up to the main event. (Maybe the next book?)
My only quibble is the romance bit. Not that it’s the main thing or anything, but I feel like it could just be left out and the book would be good still. I’m still enjoying the characters. I’d probably put this at 3.5 stars.
Thanks to @prbythebook for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2023
Sequels have a tough job, giving them an experience as enjoyable as the first book which drew them in. Explosive Chemistry more than delivers, as we follow Liliana’s attempts to save her friends from nearly certain death. I had a little bit of a hard time with the first segment, as it felt too loosely connected to the characters and the main plot, but Liliana drew me in quickly, as she focuses on her friends. The story is fast paced, and I found it hard to put down. I love the development of the relationships between the characters, and can’t wait to see how Liliana’s visions of the future, and her attempts to shape them come to pass. I’m looking forward to the next one!
November 16, 2023
A delightful look into an alternate world where the magic exists, and is growing.
I was reluctant to read this - most books like this are more involved with the emotions between the characters. This one strikes a good balance of my experiences with multiple people, and the fact that something that would never happen is coming to one of the main characters.
Being the second book in the series, I was happily surprised at how much I could follow what was going on. I imagine the first book would give more depth, but this was still a delightful, non-frustrating read.
I was reluctant to read this - most books like this are more involved with the emotions between the characters. This one strikes a good balance of my experiences with multiple people, and the fact that something that would never happen is coming to one of the main characters.
Being the second book in the series, I was happily surprised at how much I could follow what was going on. I imagine the first book would give more depth, but this was still a delightful, non-frustrating read.
December 7, 2023
The second book is even better than the first. The pace moves quickly, characters have great depth, and Paige continues to add dimension to her world. You really don't realize how high off the ground your belief will be suspended until you turn the final page without realizing you have read that far. And at the risk of sounding cheesy, my favorite moment in this book could be sponsored by Rolling Rock.
December 11, 2023
This is book two in a series. This book has a summary at the start of the book, but I recommend reading book one in this series. It can standalone, but it is much better after reading book one. This book is labeled a romance, but it doesn’t have a lot of romance. The main character is unique with how she is a spider-kin seer who tries to keep her friends from dying through trying to change the future. This book should definitely be on your TBR list if you’re a fan of urban fantasy.
January 9, 2024
4.5 Stars
The second book in a series, this unique urban fantasy continues a great storyline and incorporates some of the most original and complex characters for this genre. I love how well the MC and the group of major characters are written, especially the illustration of the spider-kin's abilities. If you enjoy urban fantasy, you may like this series (strongly suggest that you read books in order).
LibraryThing Early Reviewer
The second book in a series, this unique urban fantasy continues a great storyline and incorporates some of the most original and complex characters for this genre. I love how well the MC and the group of major characters are written, especially the illustration of the spider-kin's abilities. If you enjoy urban fantasy, you may like this series (strongly suggest that you read books in order).
LibraryThing Early Reviewer
January 9, 2024
I didn’t think I was going to like this book, the first part is hard to follow when you’ve not read the first book. But I love the main character who is on the autism spectrum. It makes you understand things better. Lots of action with lots of different characters with different personalities. The story is intriguing and now I can’t wait for the next book. It would be helpful if there was a cheat sheet of the different species and their abilities.
July 13, 2024
I wasn't sure if I was going to like this book when I started it. I didn't realize it was a second book in a series, but the author did a good job of bringing the necessary parts of book 1 into book 2 to keep me informed. I also didn't realize the FMC was neurodivergent until I read some reviews. Once I read the book with thar lens, I never related to a character SO much. It was...great. The story was good, but I just love Liliana and her thoughts so much.
November 6, 2023
A rollicking good adventure: honesty, loyalty, friendship, magical beasts, a dark prince, lethal danger. And when it’s all over, perhaps Liliana will take the big chance and go out for a visit. Well-defined characters, tightly plotted... When you're done, if you haven't already, you'll want to read the first book in this series. And THAT says how good this is. You will want more.
Want to read
November 6, 2023I am so looking forward to reading the next novel in this series! I think Paige is an outstanding author. She's brought forth a really good world of Fae living in the contemporary world. If you have not read the first book, "Precise Oaths," I highly suggest buying it and become immersed in Liliana's world.
November 23, 2023
What’s a spider-kin fortune-teller to do when she forecasts her brand new friends are doomed to die? Anything she does to change their fates might just make things worse.
Paige Ewing delivers a fast-paced second in a series about the eternal conflict between fae factions and their lives hidden from the Normals. Give it a read, now.
Paige Ewing delivers a fast-paced second in a series about the eternal conflict between fae factions and their lives hidden from the Normals. Give it a read, now.
November 24, 2024
4 1/2 stars. I continue to really enjoy this series and it's a very good second book - not standalone, but still a welcome and engrossing story. I find a lot of warmth and charm in these books (along with plenty of confrontation and fighting), and I love the cooperative ensemble cast that the author is building. Plus, the world & magic isn't quite like anything else I've been reading.
November 21, 2023
Another great book from Paige Ewing. This book is a great sequel to the 1st, and makes you excited for the next one. The characters are relatable, while still being brilliant. The story flows well between the book, and is packed with excitement. Definitely worth the read.
December 20, 2023
I enjoy this series so much. I love found family, the characters are all interesting, I enjoy the magical elements and each book keeps me guessing on what will happen next. I can't wait for the next book.
November 25, 2023
A suspenseful read right up to the end! Who would have guessed that a recluse seer who can predict the future would have so many unexpected adventures?
August 11, 2024
With such a titillating title I was hoping a lot of progress would be made on the romance but sadly no. However it is moving in the direction of the hero I prefer so I’m mollified!
December 8, 2023
As a spider-kin seer, Liliana’s eight eyes can see the future, but she’s still surprised to find herself with friends after decades alone. However, keeping a friend might be as hard as making one especially when she foresees Pete, a fae sprite with a machine gun, the goblin doctor who patches them all up, and their very hunky superior officier are fated to die unless she intervenes to save them…
Liliana is a shy, quirky protagonist with a compassionate nature and some highly effective natural weaponry. A wonderful story of found family, action, and coming out of your shell.
Liliana is a shy, quirky protagonist with a compassionate nature and some highly effective natural weaponry. A wonderful story of found family, action, and coming out of your shell.
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