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Rune Alexander #4
Obsidian Wings
Gruesome murders begin to pop up in River County, and Rune is introduced to the bird shifters--to one bird in particular, a woman named Cree Stark.
When she gets a whiff of the shifters' scents where COS had been executing a grisly sacrifice, Rune begins to suspect the birds know more about the slayers--and the twins--than they're willing to admit.
Nothing is more important to Shiv Crew than finding Levi and Denim, but when Lex psychically connects with the twins, it isn't good news she brings back.
As always, COS is at the center of it all.
The world is beginning to look at the church differently, thanks to the tireless work of Bill Rice and others like him. The humans' acceptance is turning to fear.
And what people fear, they hate.
What the slayers are planning next will either finish them for good or give them everything they've ever wanted--Karin Love and unchallenged power.
Rune and the crew race against time to save River County from the biggest monster they've faced yet.
If they fail, the church will be closer than ever to their dream of creating an Otherless world.
In Obsidian Wings, Rune hides a devastating physical weakness, makes an important choice in her love life, and gains a new understanding that will help her face the future.
No matter what happens, their world is changing.
The crew is growing.
And so is Rune Alexander.
When she gets a whiff of the shifters' scents where COS had been executing a grisly sacrifice, Rune begins to suspect the birds know more about the slayers--and the twins--than they're willing to admit.
Nothing is more important to Shiv Crew than finding Levi and Denim, but when Lex psychically connects with the twins, it isn't good news she brings back.
As always, COS is at the center of it all.
The world is beginning to look at the church differently, thanks to the tireless work of Bill Rice and others like him. The humans' acceptance is turning to fear.
And what people fear, they hate.
What the slayers are planning next will either finish them for good or give them everything they've ever wanted--Karin Love and unchallenged power.
Rune and the crew race against time to save River County from the biggest monster they've faced yet.
If they fail, the church will be closer than ever to their dream of creating an Otherless world.
In Obsidian Wings, Rune hides a devastating physical weakness, makes an important choice in her love life, and gains a new understanding that will help her face the future.
No matter what happens, their world is changing.
The crew is growing.
And so is Rune Alexander.
247 pages, ebook
First published May 10, 2014
158 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Laken Cane
44 books468 followersLaken was first published in 2008. After a few exciting years with her publishers, she struck out on her own to write the now complete Rune Alexander series, and never looked back.
She shares her Ohio home with three spoiled dogs, two fish, and a tenacious African Violet. She drinks too much coffee and continues burning up the keys of her trusty laptop, getting the stories out of her head and into her readers' hands.
You can connect with Laken through her website at www.lakencane.com or her Facebook author page at www.facebook.com/authorlakencane
She shares her Ohio home with three spoiled dogs, two fish, and a tenacious African Violet. She drinks too much coffee and continues burning up the keys of her trusty laptop, getting the stories out of her head and into her readers' hands.
You can connect with Laken through her website at www.lakencane.com or her Facebook author page at www.facebook.com/authorlakencane
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
May 11, 2017
✘Contains spoilers✘
Here's the thing: I love action as much as anybody, but constant action? No breaks? Is a big no for me. And in Rune Alexander series, you can't really catch your breath before another thing happens.
I mean, what more can happen now? There's been rapes, attempted murders, succeeded murders, torture, beatings, blown ups, betrayal, a little 'love-triangle', an eye lost, burns, starvation, scars....what more to do to the crew? Oh and god, I miss Z!
At least Rune made the right choice there at the end. Though I didn't like how she put insecurities into my man. He deserves nothing but the best. She better appreciate him. Although I have a feeling Laken Cane won't make their relationship easy, nor let it last...as she seem to like to put the characters through hell...
The Will to Survive.
The Need for Revenge.
Here's the thing: I love action as much as anybody, but constant action? No breaks? Is a big no for me. And in Rune Alexander series, you can't really catch your breath before another thing happens.
Much later, she lay wrapped in his arms and realized she'd never felt more at peace than when she was with the berserker.
I mean, what more can happen now? There's been rapes, attempted murders, succeeded murders, torture, beatings, blown ups, betrayal, a little 'love-triangle', an eye lost, burns, starvation, scars....what more to do to the crew? Oh and god, I miss Z!
Z, if you're listening, don't go far. I might join you soon. I just might join you soon.
I’ll be waiting, sweet thing.
At least Rune made the right choice there at the end. Though I didn't like how she put insecurities into my man. He deserves nothing but the best. She better appreciate him. Although I have a feeling Laken Cane won't make their relationship easy, nor let it last...as she seem to like to put the characters through hell...
“You don’t have to be afraid.” His breath was warm and moist in her ear. “I’ve got you.”
September 20, 2019
Still really good!
So, we got a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of the last one. The story takes off exactly where the other one ended, so that's good (as long as you have this book available as soon as you finish the previous one).
We also get some sort of an end for the story and, yes, continuous action and constant fighting. If you're wondering how Rune can stand it, don't. She's a monster and, if she accepts herself as is, then we have to as well.
It's a really exciting read, like all the books in this series. So if you've read until this point, you definitely shouldn't stop here. Worth seeing some sort of ending, getting some sort of closure.
Oh yes, and let's all get more fun, creepy, engaging action. Onward!
So, we got a bit of a cliffhanger at the end of the last one. The story takes off exactly where the other one ended, so that's good (as long as you have this book available as soon as you finish the previous one).
We also get some sort of an end for the story and, yes, continuous action and constant fighting. If you're wondering how Rune can stand it, don't. She's a monster and, if she accepts herself as is, then we have to as well.
It's a really exciting read, like all the books in this series. So if you've read until this point, you definitely shouldn't stop here. Worth seeing some sort of ending, getting some sort of closure.
Oh yes, and let's all get more fun, creepy, engaging action. Onward!
October 25, 2014
Now this is more like it…. no more going back and forth… but moving onwards!
In this sequel, the COS are creating an even bigger havoc on Rune’s City, and Rune and her crew has yet to find the twins Levi and Denim… Then we are introduced to the bird shifters, not just any birds, they are golden eagles! Cool! Not so cool was how cold and selfish they are. And!!!! They are connected to Strad, Rune’s Berserker… ;) Specially this one particular woman shifter, Cee Stark.
Again, I enjoyed all the action scenes! I love how this series brings us straight to non-stop action and suspense… I’m glad Rune has moved on from her inner monster issues… and she is showing her feelings finally towards her Berserker! Although, the Berserker did let her down here, but Rune is not one to hold grudges long and Strad proved himself big time.
This has some pretty dark and brutal scenes, though everything wasn’t described in details (which I thank the author for not going there). It was shocking and heartrending.
Just like the previous books, this is fast paced and full of surprises… and once again, there is that huge highlighted scene that I enjoyed the most.. It was heart-pumping! What I didn’t like was the part where someone, again, gets away… cause that just opens a lot of questions in my head. ;) And I have a lot of those already… Like; what happened to the shifters they’ve found? What happened to that witch that got away before? Who is the hit man and why? What is Owen’s secret? Why are the zombies still there? These are just some of the questions running in my head.
Now, I am off to the next book!!!!
In this sequel, the COS are creating an even bigger havoc on Rune’s City, and Rune and her crew has yet to find the twins Levi and Denim… Then we are introduced to the bird shifters, not just any birds, they are golden eagles! Cool! Not so cool was how cold and selfish they are. And!!!! They are connected to Strad, Rune’s Berserker… ;) Specially this one particular woman shifter, Cee Stark.
Again, I enjoyed all the action scenes! I love how this series brings us straight to non-stop action and suspense… I’m glad Rune has moved on from her inner monster issues… and she is showing her feelings finally towards her Berserker! Although, the Berserker did let her down here, but Rune is not one to hold grudges long and Strad proved himself big time.
This has some pretty dark and brutal scenes, though everything wasn’t described in details (which I thank the author for not going there). It was shocking and heartrending.
Just like the previous books, this is fast paced and full of surprises… and once again, there is that huge highlighted scene that I enjoyed the most.. It was heart-pumping! What I didn’t like was the part where someone, again, gets away… cause that just opens a lot of questions in my head. ;) And I have a lot of those already… Like; what happened to the shifters they’ve found? What happened to that witch that got away before? Who is the hit man and why? What is Owen’s secret? Why are the zombies still there? These are just some of the questions running in my head.
Now, I am off to the next book!!!!
May 27, 2014
1. Open bag.
2. Remove two slices of bread.
3. Take knife from drawer.
4. Unscrew lid from jar of peanut butter.
5. Insert knife in jar of peanut butter, scoop out then spread peanut butter on one slice.....
IF LAKEN CANE WROTE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONSTRUCTING PB&J.....I'd buy it! I'd gush over it! Hell I'd prolly cry while reading it!
I didn't think it was possible to throw as much gut-wrenching despair into one chapter...damned if she hasn't done it.
And then she pulls our girl Rune up and sends her out to avenge every wrong done to her.
Hells-Yeah!!
Bring on Book 5 Miz Cane! BRING IT ON!
2. Remove two slices of bread.
3. Take knife from drawer.
4. Unscrew lid from jar of peanut butter.
5. Insert knife in jar of peanut butter, scoop out then spread peanut butter on one slice.....
IF LAKEN CANE WROTE INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONSTRUCTING PB&J.....I'd buy it! I'd gush over it! Hell I'd prolly cry while reading it!
I didn't think it was possible to throw as much gut-wrenching despair into one chapter...damned if she hasn't done it.
And then she pulls our girl Rune up and sends her out to avenge every wrong done to her.
Hells-Yeah!!
Bring on Book 5 Miz Cane! BRING IT ON!
September 19, 2014
This series never fails to disappoint, especially if you like blood, guts and gore aplenty in your urban fantasy. Which I do. As the series progresses, each one gets a little darker, a little dirtier, a hell of a lot bloodier and in this installment, definitely creepier. The bird shifters were indeed a creepy group, as was the demon.
Rune and Crew are facing a battle that makes the mini apocalypse from the previous book look like a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. Of course there are still shambling zombies discovered in intervals, but the big threat is the bird shifters. The birds are not a nice group; they are mean, dangerous liars and don't bat an eye when it comes to violence. Except for when it's not of their doing, that's when they get nasty. The birds don't like anyone or anything other than their own kind. Birds are being mutilated and their deaths being displayed publicly and somehow, someway, Rune is convinced the murders have ties to the Church of Slayers. Since the slayers have set up shop in Spiritgrove, anything bringing harm to Others immediately points Shiv Crew's attention to the COS. Rune is trying, mostly unsuccessfully, to convince her team that COS is behind it all. She and the Crew have to figure out who's bringing harm to the birds and they are short two men, as Levi and Denim are still missing.
If Rune weren't an immortal with monster strength and specialized healing abilities, she would for sure be dead. A thousand times dead because no humans - hell, even most vampires, wouldn't walk away from the things she walks away from. That's not to say it doesn't hurt; oh, it does, and she was hurt very personally in this installment. As was another member of the Crew, and it's affecting them both on a deep level, one more than the other.
The characters again continue to be the highlight for me. Ellis has finally let go and is embracing his new love, Strad and Rune are making headway in their relationship. One Crew member had quite a revelation, so to speak, and I'm really looking forward to how that's going to factor in to future books. Cruikshank is still hanging around and I'm antsy to see what exactly he has up his sleeve. Reporters are notoriously dogged in their pursuits, but he's as relentless as a dog sniffing out bacon. He doesn't appear to be disappearing any time soon, which is actually a good thing - he holds information that seems quite interesting.
Really looking forward to the fifth installment in this series, New Regime. Things are a changin' for Shiv Crew and it's anyone's guess whether it's a good thing or a bad thing. As always, I recommend this series, especially for lovers of the darker, gorier side to urban fantasy. Want soft and fuzzy, look elsewhere. Want murder, mayhem, mass destruction? Look no further :)
Rune and Crew are facing a battle that makes the mini apocalypse from the previous book look like a birthday party at Chuck E Cheese. Of course there are still shambling zombies discovered in intervals, but the big threat is the bird shifters. The birds are not a nice group; they are mean, dangerous liars and don't bat an eye when it comes to violence. Except for when it's not of their doing, that's when they get nasty. The birds don't like anyone or anything other than their own kind. Birds are being mutilated and their deaths being displayed publicly and somehow, someway, Rune is convinced the murders have ties to the Church of Slayers. Since the slayers have set up shop in Spiritgrove, anything bringing harm to Others immediately points Shiv Crew's attention to the COS. Rune is trying, mostly unsuccessfully, to convince her team that COS is behind it all. She and the Crew have to figure out who's bringing harm to the birds and they are short two men, as Levi and Denim are still missing.
If Rune weren't an immortal with monster strength and specialized healing abilities, she would for sure be dead. A thousand times dead because no humans - hell, even most vampires, wouldn't walk away from the things she walks away from. That's not to say it doesn't hurt; oh, it does, and she was hurt very personally in this installment. As was another member of the Crew, and it's affecting them both on a deep level, one more than the other.
The characters again continue to be the highlight for me. Ellis has finally let go and is embracing his new love, Strad and Rune are making headway in their relationship. One Crew member had quite a revelation, so to speak, and I'm really looking forward to how that's going to factor in to future books. Cruikshank is still hanging around and I'm antsy to see what exactly he has up his sleeve. Reporters are notoriously dogged in their pursuits, but he's as relentless as a dog sniffing out bacon. He doesn't appear to be disappearing any time soon, which is actually a good thing - he holds information that seems quite interesting.
Really looking forward to the fifth installment in this series, New Regime. Things are a changin' for Shiv Crew and it's anyone's guess whether it's a good thing or a bad thing. As always, I recommend this series, especially for lovers of the darker, gorier side to urban fantasy. Want soft and fuzzy, look elsewhere. Want murder, mayhem, mass destruction? Look no further :)
September 22, 2014
Alright, I will admit it. When this series ends, as they all do at some point, I am going to need extensive therapy for my addiction to Shiv Crew. This forth book in the series comes on the heels of that gut wrenching book three, which left me barely hanging on dealing with the sudden heartbreak the crew has to deal with. This series is so action packed, each page brings new challenges for the crew. They are still no closer to finding Levi and Denim, even after searching everywhere for them. The spirits of the crew are starting to dissolve into chaos and even the ever cheery Ellis is having trouble. Add to that the introduction of the birds, and Hell has arrived for our crew.
Not everyone is surprised when the birds show up. Berzerker seems to know who they are even though none of the crew has ever seen one. The birds are shifters. Human at times, and huge golden eagle like birds at others. They live by their own rules, ones that do not resemble humanity at all. They have a bit of a hive mind, and cannot usually survive when banished from the flock. They only care about themselves and they have no honor. And it looks like the Church of Slayers is back in full force, working to get Karin Love out of prison. Something bad is brewing, but Rune is having trouble pulling the pieces together in time. When Lex is able to sense the twins, hope flickers in the crew, and they will go to any lengths to get their boys back. But what shape will they be in when they are found? The heartbreak comes anew when Rune is caught looking for the twins. Can she survive the horror that the captors unleash on her? Will Shiv Crew ever recover? And what sick, twisted torment will be unleashed on the county this time? The stakes are higher, the evil larger, the battles more epic in this installment of the series. I only wonder, how much more torment can the team take before none of them ever recovers? This book does not disappoint. There is no way one can set this book down because the action never takes a break. It is an adrenaline rush like no other, so hang on , buckle up, and enjoy the ride!
Not everyone is surprised when the birds show up. Berzerker seems to know who they are even though none of the crew has ever seen one. The birds are shifters. Human at times, and huge golden eagle like birds at others. They live by their own rules, ones that do not resemble humanity at all. They have a bit of a hive mind, and cannot usually survive when banished from the flock. They only care about themselves and they have no honor. And it looks like the Church of Slayers is back in full force, working to get Karin Love out of prison. Something bad is brewing, but Rune is having trouble pulling the pieces together in time. When Lex is able to sense the twins, hope flickers in the crew, and they will go to any lengths to get their boys back. But what shape will they be in when they are found? The heartbreak comes anew when Rune is caught looking for the twins. Can she survive the horror that the captors unleash on her? Will Shiv Crew ever recover? And what sick, twisted torment will be unleashed on the county this time? The stakes are higher, the evil larger, the battles more epic in this installment of the series. I only wonder, how much more torment can the team take before none of them ever recovers? This book does not disappoint. There is no way one can set this book down because the action never takes a break. It is an adrenaline rush like no other, so hang on , buckle up, and enjoy the ride!
May 17, 2014
Fantastic
Laken can't pump out books in this series fast enough for me. This is another great addition to the series. She did not disappoint. As usual we get to see Shiv Crew cut down the bad guys. We meet some new characters as well as learn some things about the others.
We're not dealing with Zombies in this one, we're dealing with the Birds and Slayers. Damn those birds, I was internally screaming "don't trust the birds" ;) Rune is an imperfect character and she puts herself in situations that you know will turn out horribly, but somehow she makes it through tougher and stronger than before. You can't help but root for her. She'll do anything for her friends even if it puts her in danger. I've said it before and it bares repeating, She's a bad ass!
Laken tied up storylines and weaved in upcoming ones flawlessly. It was another action packed, adrenaline pumping page-turner.
Laken can't pump out books in this series fast enough for me. This is another great addition to the series. She did not disappoint. As usual we get to see Shiv Crew cut down the bad guys. We meet some new characters as well as learn some things about the others.
We're not dealing with Zombies in this one, we're dealing with the Birds and Slayers. Damn those birds, I was internally screaming "don't trust the birds" ;) Rune is an imperfect character and she puts herself in situations that you know will turn out horribly, but somehow she makes it through tougher and stronger than before. You can't help but root for her. She'll do anything for her friends even if it puts her in danger. I've said it before and it bares repeating, She's a bad ass!
Laken tied up storylines and weaved in upcoming ones flawlessly. It was another action packed, adrenaline pumping page-turner.
November 24, 2014
Amazing follow up. I enjoy this series because the heroine is perfectly imperfect. She is unpredictable, and she changes in the books - a little at a time - like, you know, an actual person. Nothing worse than reading a series of books where all the characters are static. No spoilers - but it's an amazing ride, flows really well with what has come before and whets your appetite for what is yet to come. Can't wait for more!!
June 6, 2014
WOW
I really loved how the 4 books have all been neatly tied together. ILL sit on pins and needles while waiting for book number 5
I really loved how the 4 books have all been neatly tied together. ILL sit on pins and needles while waiting for book number 5
June 4, 2023
These books are good and getting better but one thing jars. The action sequences are not great. There are too many bad guys for a.start, Rune and the crew can kill hundreds in a fight, killing for hours, now a part vampire, part whatever may have that sort of stamina but not regular humans. Also they travel great distances during these fights almost instantly, example Rune can run for a long time to reach the.enemy leaving the.crew.in another.town next thing you know there they are arriving.in the nick of.time.to fight with her and they never run out of weapons of ammunition. This doesn't ruin the story but it does.take.you out of the moment. Rune and the crew are still developing as characters but theirs is a very grim world and some things have happened which will be difficult to.overcome, but if anyone can it's the Crew..............so long as they have each other.................
May 26, 2014
I tried to put off reading this book, not because I’m tired of the series or anything, but because I didn't want to finish. It’s the last book so far in the series (the fifth hasn't come out yet) and I totally wasn't ready for Rune’s adventure to end yet. Inevitably, I did end up reading it and I devoured it in only a couple hours. It was as amazing as I had expected it to be. Laken Cane has a way with words. Her characters are gritty and real. Rune is definitely one of my favorite characters, in any book I've pretty much ever read. She’s right up there with Anita Blake. So this book starts out with some pretty gruesome murders. It’s pretty clear from the get go that it’s the Church of Slayers (COS). But the COS throws the crew for a loop. The murder victims are shifters and the COS are human, so they’re not strong enough on their own; they've been getting Others to help. So, not only does Rune and the Shiv Crew have to find COS, but they have to find the traitors too. Rune ends up getting kidnapped by the COS and you really get to see how sick and depraved they are. It shows that humans can be sick and evil. The Shiv Crew’s boss starts to show the world and shows the humans what the COS is really capable of. I can hopefully see the end of COS coming soon, but I’m sure they won’t go down without more of a bang. Rune is still insecure with herself and her choices but she manages to push past her insecurities and get the job done. I have huge hopes for Rune. I hope she’ll finally figure out that she can’t save anyone and you can’t always make the right decision. Again, like the third book, this one has tons of action. You barely have time to breathe but it’s amazingly done. I can see Rune and the crew growing as well as knitting closer together. They’re all inevitably changed by the COS and it’s not necessarily a bad thing, especially when the horrors of the kidnapping are exposed. The bird shifters are introduced in this book and I really have to say . . . I hated them. They had no emotions, no sense of right or wrong, it was unnerving. I thought I hated Cree (a banished bird shifter) but at the end of the book you find out her reasoning for doing what she did. I still didn't like her but I didn't hate her anymore. I felt pity towards her. But the Crew battles on and they are left alive and, mostly intact, for their next adventure. One that I’m anxiously awaiting. I really hope that it isn’t too long of a wait for book five, but anticipation makes it that much sweeter when it is finally released.
May 26, 2016
Of all of the Rune Alexander books, "Obsidian Wings" is the darkest to date. The author sinks our characters in the deepest, darkest, crevices of torture and despair and quite frankly, I found it base, crude, and uncomfortable at times. No, I'm not a prude; but, the author does push the limits of gratuitous violence at times. For those of you who are like me and don't really care for rape in their reads, be forewarned.
In this installment, Rune and her friends are called on the scene to investigate the gruesome murders of some bird shifters. We get to meet someone from Strad's life, a bird woman named Cree. Meanwhile COS continues to terrorize the others and humans as well. The lives of the others are being sacrifice with the sole intent on raising a demon.
Then, the unthinkable happens, COS kidnaps Levi and Denim while Lex seems to be psychically connected with them. Rune is convinced Cree and the birds know more than they are admitting. Unfortunately, Rune is also kidnapped and things are about to get very vile and nasty. To say, that Owen and Strad are not happy is an understatement; yet, there is a little hope among the despair.
Lex really comes into her own in this installment. She is attracted to one of the crew and when his life is put in danger she morphs from the shy, afraid blind girl to a kickass woman. Strad lets Rune down but has the decency to admit he was taken for a fool. Now, nothing will stop him from proving himself all over to the woman he clearly loves.
This read is much like the others in the series with plenty of action and unusual characters. However, this one took me a lot longer to finish because the subject matter was uncomfortable at times. I felt the author could have handle things in a classier way. Yet, I am still drawn to the series and look forward to the next book.
In this installment, Rune and her friends are called on the scene to investigate the gruesome murders of some bird shifters. We get to meet someone from Strad's life, a bird woman named Cree. Meanwhile COS continues to terrorize the others and humans as well. The lives of the others are being sacrifice with the sole intent on raising a demon.
Then, the unthinkable happens, COS kidnaps Levi and Denim while Lex seems to be psychically connected with them. Rune is convinced Cree and the birds know more than they are admitting. Unfortunately, Rune is also kidnapped and things are about to get very vile and nasty. To say, that Owen and Strad are not happy is an understatement; yet, there is a little hope among the despair.
Lex really comes into her own in this installment. She is attracted to one of the crew and when his life is put in danger she morphs from the shy, afraid blind girl to a kickass woman. Strad lets Rune down but has the decency to admit he was taken for a fool. Now, nothing will stop him from proving himself all over to the woman he clearly loves.
This read is much like the others in the series with plenty of action and unusual characters. However, this one took me a lot longer to finish because the subject matter was uncomfortable at times. I felt the author could have handle things in a classier way. Yet, I am still drawn to the series and look forward to the next book.
July 30, 2014
Enjoyed this one so much more than last book. There seemed to be more plot & direction in this installment. No doubt there is still a ton of action and Rune is still a Super Other with internal battles, but it less chaotic in her mind and out in the world than the last book. Definitely, very bad things happen, but the action rests occasionally, so we can breathe. And allows for a little more interaction between characters. We are given a little background on Strad, which was much needed. Because other than Lex, we don't know much background of these crew members. We have a little on the Twins, but that's just their recent history with COS... And nothing on Jack, Raze & Owen. Mysterious hints about Owen actually not having a past, so guess we'll find out more as Rune becomes more curious. Glad she is keeping him at arm's length and continues to strengthen her relationship with Strad. Their relationship is really the one stabilizing factor in this series... and it's definitely needed with so much unrest and turmoil. Really don't want her to act on her curiosity of Owen. Hope he finds a love interest, just NOT Rune. There are still many battles to fight, an obsessed reporter, a human assassin, the f-ing Birds and a new command coming to oversee the Crew - no lack of storylines. Was considering leaving this series behind, but bk4 has me planning to continue.
June 9, 2014
Thank you Ms. Cane. Another great read. I really do think your books get better and better with each new addition.
The Good:
The cast of misfits. How can you not like this guys? They are scarred heroes. They throw themselves into impossible situations to save people who sometimes don't deserve it. With each book, I'm learning more and more about these guys.
I do like that the world that Shiv Crew exist in is growing. There are bird shifters who are not the nicest people around and that's putting it mildly. There are demons, zombies, other shifters, ghouls... what else is there?
The Bad:
Sometimes, I just want a moment for everyone to breathe. Sometimes the quiet moments are needed.
Seriously, the doctor and his multi-tasking. I didn't know it was possible.
The Good:
The cast of misfits. How can you not like this guys? They are scarred heroes. They throw themselves into impossible situations to save people who sometimes don't deserve it. With each book, I'm learning more and more about these guys.
I do like that the world that Shiv Crew exist in is growing. There are bird shifters who are not the nicest people around and that's putting it mildly. There are demons, zombies, other shifters, ghouls... what else is there?
The Bad:
Sometimes, I just want a moment for everyone to breathe. Sometimes the quiet moments are needed.
Seriously, the doctor and his multi-tasking. I didn't know it was possible.
May 28, 2014
Another great action packed read from Laken Cane, this is the forth book in the series so as always you need to have read the previous to follow the story line. In this book we have some loose ends tidied up, some chaos spread and some decisions made. There are also some vulnerabilities discovered, and who knew that birds were so mean,it's those little black eyes Alfred Hitchcock was on to something.
To Laken: Thanks for putting my name in lights I always knew I should be famous, great book but you have some hard work ahead of you to keep this up :)(NO MORE SLEEPING ALLOWED You created a monster)
To Laken: Thanks for putting my name in lights I always knew I should be famous, great book but you have some hard work ahead of you to keep this up :)(NO MORE SLEEPING ALLOWED You created a monster)
December 14, 2015
My hoped-for character development didn't happen here...
Rune's continuing difficulty with decision making --not actually making the decision, but making the right one--isn't being offset by any sort of long game. There is no hint that she's undergoing the archetypal hero's journey, which would make these seemingly wrong decisions tasks that she must overcome. Instead, she just comes off as impulsive. One of the characters along the way told her that her team wasn't for investigations, just arresting; unfortunately, Cane continues to write her as all action and no insight.
Rune's continuing difficulty with decision making --not actually making the decision, but making the right one--isn't being offset by any sort of long game. There is no hint that she's undergoing the archetypal hero's journey, which would make these seemingly wrong decisions tasks that she must overcome. Instead, she just comes off as impulsive. One of the characters along the way told her that her team wasn't for investigations, just arresting; unfortunately, Cane continues to write her as all action and no insight.
March 25, 2016
This is a MUST read series for those lovers of the paranormal. I absolutely love this series and can't get enough of Shiv Crew. Great story line and awesome characters. You will not be able to put the book down and when you do get to the end of the book, you will want more!! I read a lot, but it takes a special story to pull me in and not let go...this series is that and more. Laken Cane, you rock! Can't wait to see what unfolds in Book 5. :-)
Happy Reading,
Tammy
Happy Reading,
Tammy
September 16, 2015
A step back from book 3, though I give credit due for the imagination it took to put this together. The writing, in the end, is full of adult content (most of the books are), but returned to using more anemic, and at times, almost juvenile phrasing. I'm hoping the next book picks up again. The characters are more cemented here, but, something felt lacking through some of the phrasing/wording alone throughout.
April 3, 2023
Again almost non-stop action but there's enough pauses to keep this one breathable. I liked the new master and how Rune is making connections with all the supernaturals in town but really, screw the birds. Ugh. We learn a major thing about Lex that is bound to have some consequences and finally Rune quits playing around with Strad's heart as much. I'm happy to say COS has revealed its colors and turned most of humanity against it. Full review to come.
June 1, 2014
Each book in the series just keeps getting better. Laken's writing improves with every paragraph that she writes. I like a little more s.e.x. but do enjoy watching Rune fall in love, even though she doesn't want to. Can't wait for the next one!!
May 26, 2014
I love this series more with each book! Rune is by far my favorite female character of all time. You just can't help but love her and want to be part of her crew. She takes care of the people she loves no matter how troubled she is inside. I can't wait for #5!
June 6, 2014
Just finished this fourth book of the Rune Alexander series and I gotta say I really liked it. I really like this whole series so far. It just seems to get better and better. This is a great action packed urban fantasy series.
November 22, 2014
Mind Blowing
Laken Cane just keeps getting better and better. This novel was mind blowing non-stop action. It keeps you on your toes well after the ending. I'm dying to learn more about the cowboy as well as see how Rune and Strad turns out. Moving on to the next installment.
Laken Cane just keeps getting better and better. This novel was mind blowing non-stop action. It keeps you on your toes well after the ending. I'm dying to learn more about the cowboy as well as see how Rune and Strad turns out. Moving on to the next installment.
June 21, 2014
Wow. The punches just keep coming. I think the crew might need a vacation soon
August 2, 2014
This book was more daring than the last rhree. I like the Anita Blake feling wherein she is super badass keeps on getting more super powers but she still has feelings
September 23, 2017
Honestly? They should all be in jail.
While I love the action and all the blood and gore stuff, this is getting ridiculous.
Ever heard of words such as 'chain of command', 'laws', 'court order', 'proper procedure', 'debriefing' or 'suspended pending further investigation'?
No, you haven't - at least not in this series. Why? Because we are living in fucking La-La Land. The Shiv Crew are undiscriminantly killing Others and humans galore, with no repercussions - or even just paperwork.
There's no mention of debriefings, reprimands or even all the fucking red tape and hours of police work that should surely come with all the effing massacres the Crew executes.
Instead of a nice, procedural Anita Blake-ish UF series, we have this sort of clusterfuck Murder Squad team, which in any reality would have long past been fired and/or persecuted.
The worst part is that there seems to be no 'higher authority', despite the fact that we know there is a Police department in town. Instead what we have is a bunch of psychopaths who are, plainly speaking, just murderers. They kill for revenge, they torture for revenge - and now they even have a boss who halfway condones it.
They are outspoken and unapologetic about the fact that they go after people to kill them - not to bring them in and answer to a court of law. And their rhetoric when speaking about the CoS makes what they do border on hate crimes.
I can honestly only suspend my disbelief so far. So in this book, when she escapes a kidnapping and kills a dozen or more humans doing it, then calls her boss to pick her up, and we hear nothing more about it all? No. Just no.
Police should've been all over that scene, and what should have followed was a couple of cops showing up at our girl's door to arrest her. Then she should have been bailed out, but suspended at her job, while facing multiple charges of... first-degree murder, negligent homicide - something.
I just... can't do this anymore.
While I love the action and all the blood and gore stuff, this is getting ridiculous.
Ever heard of words such as 'chain of command', 'laws', 'court order', 'proper procedure', 'debriefing' or 'suspended pending further investigation'?
No, you haven't - at least not in this series. Why? Because we are living in fucking La-La Land. The Shiv Crew are undiscriminantly killing Others and humans galore, with no repercussions - or even just paperwork.
There's no mention of debriefings, reprimands or even all the fucking red tape and hours of police work that should surely come with all the effing massacres the Crew executes.
Instead of a nice, procedural Anita Blake-ish UF series, we have this sort of clusterfuck Murder Squad team, which in any reality would have long past been fired and/or persecuted.
The worst part is that there seems to be no 'higher authority', despite the fact that we know there is a Police department in town. Instead what we have is a bunch of psychopaths who are, plainly speaking, just murderers. They kill for revenge, they torture for revenge - and now they even have a boss who halfway condones it.
They are outspoken and unapologetic about the fact that they go after people to kill them - not to bring them in and answer to a court of law. And their rhetoric when speaking about the CoS makes what they do border on hate crimes.
I can honestly only suspend my disbelief so far. So in this book, when she escapes a kidnapping and kills a dozen or more humans doing it, then calls her boss to pick her up, and we hear nothing more about it all? No. Just no.
Police should've been all over that scene, and what should have followed was a couple of cops showing up at our girl's door to arrest her. Then she should have been bailed out, but suspended at her job, while facing multiple charges of... first-degree murder, negligent homicide - something.
I just... can't do this anymore.
July 19, 2022
Such a captivating, compelling storyline with strong themes.
Monsters and.humans - many of the people in this series think n absolutes, and believe those are the two kinds of beings in the world. In Rune's universe, though, she thinks there are many races and groups of people in the world, but that those within their groups make their choices to be good or evil, which is a prevalent theme in Laken Cane's books. The humans in COS believe those who aren't fully human are the monsters; however, they rape and abuse their prisoners, who are other worldly paranormals, and each shifter or vampire group has those kinds of individuals who deliberately debase and hurt, too. So, it isn't cut and dried, and evil exists in those who can't help whom they are, or who choose to be that way. In Rune's world, nothing is black and white, so all the "normal" precepts of the universal themes don't apply or work. Also, it's why I cannot seem to stop reading these installments. I am hooked! Five stars, because this writer can sure create an ugly world, and tell grisly, brutal stories.
Monsters and.humans - many of the people in this series think n absolutes, and believe those are the two kinds of beings in the world. In Rune's universe, though, she thinks there are many races and groups of people in the world, but that those within their groups make their choices to be good or evil, which is a prevalent theme in Laken Cane's books. The humans in COS believe those who aren't fully human are the monsters; however, they rape and abuse their prisoners, who are other worldly paranormals, and each shifter or vampire group has those kinds of individuals who deliberately debase and hurt, too. So, it isn't cut and dried, and evil exists in those who can't help whom they are, or who choose to be that way. In Rune's world, nothing is black and white, so all the "normal" precepts of the universal themes don't apply or work. Also, it's why I cannot seem to stop reading these installments. I am hooked! Five stars, because this writer can sure create an ugly world, and tell grisly, brutal stories.
December 22, 2021
author’s got iron ones
Well the ending wasn’t the usual fun drama but okay.
This series is so freaking weird. I just saw a random e-jack scene in the middle of a battle and it only adds to the weirdness. Oh, and the author’s got balls for actually having some of her characters raped. Most usually lead up to it and stop before it actually happens but this one went “HERE YOU GO” and then moved on like it was another thing for them to get over. Which is consistent at least, but Jesus…
This book was all about them getting the twins back before something bad happens to the world. It continued a lot of the drama from the last book and introduced new ones. A few seemed to have their endings tied up.
There’s just a lot of bad and dark and you shrug it off or unhealthily compartmentalism the whole thing. The lure of this series is how they move on, for me. And the world in general.
Well the ending wasn’t the usual fun drama but okay.
This series is so freaking weird. I just saw a random e-jack scene in the middle of a battle and it only adds to the weirdness. Oh, and the author’s got balls for actually having some of her characters raped. Most usually lead up to it and stop before it actually happens but this one went “HERE YOU GO” and then moved on like it was another thing for them to get over. Which is consistent at least, but Jesus…
This book was all about them getting the twins back before something bad happens to the world. It continued a lot of the drama from the last book and introduced new ones. A few seemed to have their endings tied up.
There’s just a lot of bad and dark and you shrug it off or unhealthily compartmentalism the whole thing. The lure of this series is how they move on, for me. And the world in general.
October 8, 2022
All’s not well in River County! The team’s still in shock over a team member’s death, Lexi’s not right, the twins are missing, zombies are still limping around, there’s a new vampire master, COS has found the best hiding place ever, Others are being sacrificed, plus Rune and Berserker are at odds over bird suspect, Cree Stark. And… Rune’s disabled and kidnapped!
It’s all COS, right? Right? Is Cruickshank more than a pesky reporter? Will Karen Love be freed? Is Cree’s only crime flirting with Berserker? Where are the twins? Where’s Rune? Was Rune betrayed? Is COS losing support? Will the sacrifices succeed? Most importantly, will the team lose someone else? Luckily, those answers are right here! Right now!
Rating: 4stars
It’s all COS, right? Right? Is Cruickshank more than a pesky reporter? Will Karen Love be freed? Is Cree’s only crime flirting with Berserker? Where are the twins? Where’s Rune? Was Rune betrayed? Is COS losing support? Will the sacrifices succeed? Most importantly, will the team lose someone else? Luckily, those answers are right here! Right now!
Rating: 4stars
December 23, 2019
Great series!! I love this series though by this time I'd like to know just what the heroine is!!! I guess a little mystery is good for the soul i suppose. But I'm super curious and I'm sure others are too. I'll keep reading just in case the author decides to spill the beans. I have a guess and I'm pretty sure I'm right. But we shall see. I'm not gonna spill the beans though. I'll let you all figure it out for yourselves.
Crap i think I put my review in the wrong spot. Hope you can still read it since I'm not rewriting it. It was way long.
Crap i think I put my review in the wrong spot. Hope you can still read it since I'm not rewriting it. It was way long.
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