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Bite Back #2
Trumpf im Ärmel: Amber Farrell - Paranormale Privatdetektivin (Bite Back - Emergenz 2)
‘Diese Woche würde man mich betrügen, das war klar.’
Amber Farrell, Privatdetektivin in Denver, findet sich langsam damit ab, zu den Paranormalen zu gehören, muss jedoch feststellen, dass es einige gefährliche Verantwortlichkeiten mit sich bringt. Nichts ist so wie es scheint, am wenigsten Amber selbst. Und um zu überleben, muss Sie Allianzen mit mächtigen Gruppen schließen, deren Interessen sich nicht decken. Sie weiß, dass sie entbehrlich ist und Betrug scheint unvermeidlich...
Die beiden gegensätzlichen Glaubensrichtungen der Athanate treffen sich in Denver. Nach hundert Jahren Frieden ist die Stimmung gereizt. Ein Krieg wäre eine Katastrophe für alle, Menschen und Paranormale, aber es ist Amber, der die Schuld für die Probleme im Vorfeld der Versammlung in die Schuhe geschoben wird.
Und es wird sehr persönlich...
Amber Farrell, Privatdetektivin in Denver, findet sich langsam damit ab, zu den Paranormalen zu gehören, muss jedoch feststellen, dass es einige gefährliche Verantwortlichkeiten mit sich bringt. Nichts ist so wie es scheint, am wenigsten Amber selbst. Und um zu überleben, muss Sie Allianzen mit mächtigen Gruppen schließen, deren Interessen sich nicht decken. Sie weiß, dass sie entbehrlich ist und Betrug scheint unvermeidlich...
Die beiden gegensätzlichen Glaubensrichtungen der Athanate treffen sich in Denver. Nach hundert Jahren Frieden ist die Stimmung gereizt. Ein Krieg wäre eine Katastrophe für alle, Menschen und Paranormale, aber es ist Amber, der die Schuld für die Probleme im Vorfeld der Versammlung in die Schuhe geschoben wird.
Und es wird sehr persönlich...
439 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 20, 2012
727 people are currently reading
440 people want to read
About the author
Mark Henwick
42 books362 followersI was born in Africa and left out in the sun too often.
After being persuaded that I wasn't going to be able to be a cowboy if I grew up, I got interested in philosophy and psychology. Tending bars proved to me they weren't as much fun as they sounded. While trying to enroll in a class to read Science Fiction full time, I ended up taking an electronic engineering degree which splendidly qualified me to move into marketing. That in turn spawned a late onset career in creative writing.
When not writing, I fly a microlight aircraft, or get muddy on a mountain bike.
I love reading obviously. Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thrillers, History, Crime, Art, oh nearly everything.
After being persuaded that I wasn't going to be able to be a cowboy if I grew up, I got interested in philosophy and psychology. Tending bars proved to me they weren't as much fun as they sounded. While trying to enroll in a class to read Science Fiction full time, I ended up taking an electronic engineering degree which splendidly qualified me to move into marketing. That in turn spawned a late onset career in creative writing.
When not writing, I fly a microlight aircraft, or get muddy on a mountain bike.
I love reading obviously. Urban Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Thrillers, History, Crime, Art, oh nearly everything.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
July 17, 2022
Amber has accepted that she's Athanate (a vampire) and is making her first hesitant steps as the head of her own House with responsibilities and kin. And making matters even more complicated a rival Athanate House is hunting her down and wants to run medical experiments on her. Keeping her head down would be the smart thing to do but Amber finds herself once again in the middle of things and she'll need every skill the army taught her if she's to have a chance of getting herself and her kin out alive.
This book is perfect –– I just can't think of a single bad thing to say about it. At 600 pages it's longer than your typical Urban Fantasy but it's one of those (rare) cases where longer doesn't translate to yawns. I finished the book and was kind of sad that it ended, I really think I could have gone on indefinitely without a care in the world.
With the exception of Raw Deal, the novella which introduced us to the world of Amber Farrell I've been listening to the audiobooks of this series. Book 1 Sleight of Hand was released in late 2014, Hidden Trump came out about a week ago, and Book 3 Wild Card is on the way. This one introduces a new narrator, Julia Motyka and she's perfect. She does both male and female voices well and she completely owns Amber Farrell.
If you want to try on some great urban fantasy, Mark Henwick is definitely worth the effort.
This book is perfect –– I just can't think of a single bad thing to say about it. At 600 pages it's longer than your typical Urban Fantasy but it's one of those (rare) cases where longer doesn't translate to yawns. I finished the book and was kind of sad that it ended, I really think I could have gone on indefinitely without a care in the world.
With the exception of Raw Deal, the novella which introduced us to the world of Amber Farrell I've been listening to the audiobooks of this series. Book 1 Sleight of Hand was released in late 2014, Hidden Trump came out about a week ago, and Book 3 Wild Card is on the way. This one introduces a new narrator, Julia Motyka and she's perfect. She does both male and female voices well and she completely owns Amber Farrell.
If you want to try on some great urban fantasy, Mark Henwick is definitely worth the effort.
June 21, 2017
Let’s get this out of the way first: the title “Hidden Trump” is a play on the recurring phrase in the Bite Back Series, “play the hand you’re dealt”….NOT you-know-who.
That being said, there are politics aplenty in Book Two of this, so far, terrific series. As you’d expect, there are vampires, Weres, FBI agents, and witches….but now we get to add a bit of the dragon introduced in Book One, and also some creepy uber-vampires that remind me of the dementors in the Harry Potter series.
Amber continues to change, and now accepts that she is Athenate (the series’ name for vampire), and because of the timing of her change, and the implications for the future of Athenates everywhere, virtually everyone in the book wants to capture and control her. Lots and lots of action within an impressively complex story. In addition to accepting that she is Athenate, Amber also accepts that she is attracted to both men and women. Her attraction to women is still mainly expressed as flirtation, but the book does include some brief, but very explicit, hetero sex. Perhaps Book Three will even things out ;)
“Hidden Trump” is more plot-based than character-development driven, but the many side characters are given unique and appropriate personalities, even if their motives are often left purposely vague as we move through the many plots and subplots. At the end of the book, with Amber’s small yet devoted group of her house members and Kin, I find myself looking forward to Book Three in the hopes that the personal relationships will be developed as strongly as the plot.
The narrator of Book One left the series for personal reasons during the initial production of “Hidden Trump”, but the new narrator is at least as good….the author says better, and I’m not arguing with him! Overall, this is a stronger book than was the terrific Book One (“Sleight of Hand”), and it deserves 5*
That being said, there are politics aplenty in Book Two of this, so far, terrific series. As you’d expect, there are vampires, Weres, FBI agents, and witches….but now we get to add a bit of the dragon introduced in Book One, and also some creepy uber-vampires that remind me of the dementors in the Harry Potter series.
Amber continues to change, and now accepts that she is Athenate (the series’ name for vampire), and because of the timing of her change, and the implications for the future of Athenates everywhere, virtually everyone in the book wants to capture and control her. Lots and lots of action within an impressively complex story. In addition to accepting that she is Athenate, Amber also accepts that she is attracted to both men and women. Her attraction to women is still mainly expressed as flirtation, but the book does include some brief, but very explicit, hetero sex. Perhaps Book Three will even things out ;)
“Hidden Trump” is more plot-based than character-development driven, but the many side characters are given unique and appropriate personalities, even if their motives are often left purposely vague as we move through the many plots and subplots. At the end of the book, with Amber’s small yet devoted group of her house members and Kin, I find myself looking forward to Book Three in the hopes that the personal relationships will be developed as strongly as the plot.
The narrator of Book One left the series for personal reasons during the initial production of “Hidden Trump”, but the new narrator is at least as good….the author says better, and I’m not arguing with him! Overall, this is a stronger book than was the terrific Book One (“Sleight of Hand”), and it deserves 5*
November 26, 2015
*** 4.45 ***
I loved this book! No, it is not original, it is actually quite similar to many UF series I have read before, including Anita and Mersey. But I appreciate the take this author applies here and freshens the Urban Fantasy world up.
In this book Amber is trying to figure out her place in the vamp community in Denver and has to juggle multiple threats to herself and her loved ones. Much action ensues and things get politically messy and physically bloody. What I most like about this book is that the author was able to somehow, although it seemed almost impossible, in all the commotion, to incorporate a DRAGON!!! What more can a person want????!!!
I loved this book! No, it is not original, it is actually quite similar to many UF series I have read before, including Anita and Mersey. But I appreciate the take this author applies here and freshens the Urban Fantasy world up.
In this book Amber is trying to figure out her place in the vamp community in Denver and has to juggle multiple threats to herself and her loved ones. Much action ensues and things get politically messy and physically bloody. What I most like about this book is that the author was able to somehow, although it seemed almost impossible, in all the commotion, to incorporate a DRAGON!!! What more can a person want????!!!
January 2, 2013
When I first read Sleight of Hand: Bite Back Book 1 (Volume 1), the first book by Mark Henwick, I was, in a word, thrilled. Yes, there are a lot of unknown authors out there, many self published, and many very good. Mark, however, knocked the ball out of the park in his freshman entry into the crowded field of urban fantasy.
Mark's exceptional grasp of character development is the first thing that gripped my attention. His main character, Amber, is a fully three-dimensional character, with a strong back story. She felt, in SoH, like someone I could see myself knowing and liking. She wasn't an overblown character by any means, but she was tough, centered, and above all she feels 'real' in an unreal situation. I was very, very excited, and could hardly wait to read the next in Mark's series. Thank goodness I read it 'late' i.e., not long before the next book was due to be released. It would have been a killer to have to wait a whole year for the next! (OF course, now I have to wait for the next, siiiiiggggghhhhh)
The very first day Hidden Trump became available, I sat down and started to read - and didn't put it down until 5:47 the next morning . . .(*yawn*) I kept meaning to put it down, really I did - I did manage to feed the pups, but not to feed myself! Go to bed? Nah, just one more page. . . one more . . . one more. . .
"Hidden Trump" picks up the same day as the ending of SoH, and the excitement doesn't stop. There is plenty of action to Mark's books, both SoH and HT, and it keeps you riveted to the page. However, unlike other books of the genre the action is, even though it includes werewolves, Athanate and Adepts (oh, my!) amazingly believable. While she is 'becoming' (and that, in itself, is absolutely fascinating - one of the most creative bits of character development/mythos building I have run across in a very, very long time) and she is both strong and fast, she still takes her share of hits both emotional and physical.
There are a couple of what some would call 'oddball' things about Mark's work that left me more than a little impressed. You may laugh at what it is - military and political knowledge. I have quite a bit of it myself, and Mark's knowledge is almost scarily correct, for a 'Brit' - LOL. Secret military groups, political machinations, the fleecing of the American public by the rich, drugs and guns and bad guys (oh, my!) Oh, yea, Mark knows his stuff! Sound boring? Believe me, it is anything but. Amber's interactions with the military that turned their backs on her after ten years of totally dedicated service touched me on a deep level. Her dedication, repaid by betrayal, is the story of the American military/political system. I know, I know, lay off it, this is an urban fantasy, right? Yes, but what I just spoke of is paramount to who Amber is, her motivations, and her deep commitment to helping others.
Mark's character development is still spot-on, his world is continuously building throughout both books (and I am sure it will be in the next installments also) and is all the more outstanding for it. Mark doesn't fall into the 'pure style' trap that so many other writers seem to fall into. There are background characters in Amber's life, most especially Top (whose story was learned in SoH) whose history is integral to Amber's and requires full development as character, even if they sometimes lead away from what is going on at the moment. It all fits together. Mark doesn't disappoint.
The 'Athanate' are, in common vernacular, what most would recognize as 'vampires'. Mark has developed a complete political and governmental system for the Athanate, while also developing a most fascinating personal interaction system, based on the concept of 'kin.' Athanate and their chosen 'family' members, who, yes, provide blood and sex (what "Vampire" book doesn't?), also provide warmth, love, closeness and all those other things that define deep, true love.
Though some seem to be disturbed by it, so what if an Athanate requires more than one 'kin' to survive? Love is not something that should be limiting. Every one of their kin give to the Athanate in question, and to one another, what each member needs from the relationship. It is, in my estimation, beautiful beyond words. Some, I know, don't find the concept of what you might call an extended family, which includes physical closeness, to be appropriate. Get over it! I would give a lot, a LOT to have that kind of closeness. The kind of closeness that allows you to feel not only loved, but protected and protecting, where a touch, a thought, can heal the heart and soul. The 'kin' that Amber is gathering around her are riveting in their own right, and help to develop a rich and, I would say 'soulful' storyline. One of many extended story lines layered within Mark's writing. One place Mark doesn't go, which I admire him for, is sticking the Lead Female Character with the strongest 'leader/alpha/bossman' and calling it good. His story is deeper than that. Hooray. (Besides, can you imagine living through centuries with the same person? One more instance of "Honey, you left your dirty underwear on the floor again!" after the first fifty years or so? Without some backup, who wouldn't pull out the sword and start hacking??)
There are stories within stories, mystery, suspense, conspiracy, back-stabbing and secrets, enigmas hidden inside conundrums, flowing throughout both books. I fully expect these to be realized further within the series. If you haven't read Sleight of Hand I would highly recommend you do so. You could start with Hidden Trump, but you will get a much better grasp of who the characters are and what their motivations are if you start with SoH. Besides, this series is exceptional. I would hate for you to miss the first book, it is absolutely awesome! Amber is amazingly multilayered. A "retired" (in this case, a fancy word for 'you are our prisoner forever, and if you cross your eyes the wrong way we are going to throw you in an isolation cell and run experiments on you for the rest of your life but you get to run around and work for us for free') Army specialist who is not only becoming Athanate, but also has hidden within her secrets upon secrets - some of which you learn more of in this book, some of which you will be dieing to learn in the next books.
All in all, this is a series in which the sophomore entry more than met the promise of the freshman. Buy it, read it, review it for others and share it with your friends. If you are a lover of fantasy, mystery, suspense, horror, or even a good, though not over-the-top romance with a lot more love than sex, this is your book. Don't miss a true treat!
Mark's exceptional grasp of character development is the first thing that gripped my attention. His main character, Amber, is a fully three-dimensional character, with a strong back story. She felt, in SoH, like someone I could see myself knowing and liking. She wasn't an overblown character by any means, but she was tough, centered, and above all she feels 'real' in an unreal situation. I was very, very excited, and could hardly wait to read the next in Mark's series. Thank goodness I read it 'late' i.e., not long before the next book was due to be released. It would have been a killer to have to wait a whole year for the next! (OF course, now I have to wait for the next, siiiiiggggghhhhh)
The very first day Hidden Trump became available, I sat down and started to read - and didn't put it down until 5:47 the next morning . . .(*yawn*) I kept meaning to put it down, really I did - I did manage to feed the pups, but not to feed myself! Go to bed? Nah, just one more page. . . one more . . . one more. . .
"Hidden Trump" picks up the same day as the ending of SoH, and the excitement doesn't stop. There is plenty of action to Mark's books, both SoH and HT, and it keeps you riveted to the page. However, unlike other books of the genre the action is, even though it includes werewolves, Athanate and Adepts (oh, my!) amazingly believable. While she is 'becoming' (and that, in itself, is absolutely fascinating - one of the most creative bits of character development/mythos building I have run across in a very, very long time) and she is both strong and fast, she still takes her share of hits both emotional and physical.
There are a couple of what some would call 'oddball' things about Mark's work that left me more than a little impressed. You may laugh at what it is - military and political knowledge. I have quite a bit of it myself, and Mark's knowledge is almost scarily correct, for a 'Brit' - LOL. Secret military groups, political machinations, the fleecing of the American public by the rich, drugs and guns and bad guys (oh, my!) Oh, yea, Mark knows his stuff! Sound boring? Believe me, it is anything but. Amber's interactions with the military that turned their backs on her after ten years of totally dedicated service touched me on a deep level. Her dedication, repaid by betrayal, is the story of the American military/political system. I know, I know, lay off it, this is an urban fantasy, right? Yes, but what I just spoke of is paramount to who Amber is, her motivations, and her deep commitment to helping others.
Mark's character development is still spot-on, his world is continuously building throughout both books (and I am sure it will be in the next installments also) and is all the more outstanding for it. Mark doesn't fall into the 'pure style' trap that so many other writers seem to fall into. There are background characters in Amber's life, most especially Top (whose story was learned in SoH) whose history is integral to Amber's and requires full development as character, even if they sometimes lead away from what is going on at the moment. It all fits together. Mark doesn't disappoint.
The 'Athanate' are, in common vernacular, what most would recognize as 'vampires'. Mark has developed a complete political and governmental system for the Athanate, while also developing a most fascinating personal interaction system, based on the concept of 'kin.' Athanate and their chosen 'family' members, who, yes, provide blood and sex (what "Vampire" book doesn't?), also provide warmth, love, closeness and all those other things that define deep, true love.
Though some seem to be disturbed by it, so what if an Athanate requires more than one 'kin' to survive? Love is not something that should be limiting. Every one of their kin give to the Athanate in question, and to one another, what each member needs from the relationship. It is, in my estimation, beautiful beyond words. Some, I know, don't find the concept of what you might call an extended family, which includes physical closeness, to be appropriate. Get over it! I would give a lot, a LOT to have that kind of closeness. The kind of closeness that allows you to feel not only loved, but protected and protecting, where a touch, a thought, can heal the heart and soul. The 'kin' that Amber is gathering around her are riveting in their own right, and help to develop a rich and, I would say 'soulful' storyline. One of many extended story lines layered within Mark's writing. One place Mark doesn't go, which I admire him for, is sticking the Lead Female Character with the strongest 'leader/alpha/bossman' and calling it good. His story is deeper than that. Hooray. (Besides, can you imagine living through centuries with the same person? One more instance of "Honey, you left your dirty underwear on the floor again!" after the first fifty years or so? Without some backup, who wouldn't pull out the sword and start hacking??)
There are stories within stories, mystery, suspense, conspiracy, back-stabbing and secrets, enigmas hidden inside conundrums, flowing throughout both books. I fully expect these to be realized further within the series. If you haven't read Sleight of Hand I would highly recommend you do so. You could start with Hidden Trump, but you will get a much better grasp of who the characters are and what their motivations are if you start with SoH. Besides, this series is exceptional. I would hate for you to miss the first book, it is absolutely awesome! Amber is amazingly multilayered. A "retired" (in this case, a fancy word for 'you are our prisoner forever, and if you cross your eyes the wrong way we are going to throw you in an isolation cell and run experiments on you for the rest of your life but you get to run around and work for us for free') Army specialist who is not only becoming Athanate, but also has hidden within her secrets upon secrets - some of which you learn more of in this book, some of which you will be dieing to learn in the next books.
All in all, this is a series in which the sophomore entry more than met the promise of the freshman. Buy it, read it, review it for others and share it with your friends. If you are a lover of fantasy, mystery, suspense, horror, or even a good, though not over-the-top romance with a lot more love than sex, this is your book. Don't miss a true treat!
February 14, 2018
Okay, I’m still not feeling the Jen/Amber thing. It just feels odd to me—which could very well be because that is not my thing. Now when it comes to Alex—I’m all there and want more of him….
Once again the machinations between races—and factions in this book—are over done I guess? I’m not sure, but having to pay more attention makes me wanna go blah, blah.
She’s too dangerous for this too dangerous for that…. I guess she’s all sorts of dangerous? It’s exciting on one hand, but tiring on the other. When will she ever get a break? I mean like an hour…. If it is not one thing it is another.
I will say that I love the tech. The surveillance and warfare tech stuff. I should pay more attention to the current upgrades, because they sound really cool.
She’s a bit too much of a hard-case though. She doesn’t seem to acclimate or settle into her new responsibilities and just seems to be gathering in more. I want to see her settle in and get fixed into her position. I guess to utilize all of the strength she has gathered so far?
Non-stop action, mostly unique set-up, and potentially interesting characters make it a good read.
Once again the machinations between races—and factions in this book—are over done I guess? I’m not sure, but having to pay more attention makes me wanna go blah, blah.
She’s too dangerous for this too dangerous for that…. I guess she’s all sorts of dangerous? It’s exciting on one hand, but tiring on the other. When will she ever get a break? I mean like an hour…. If it is not one thing it is another.
I will say that I love the tech. The surveillance and warfare tech stuff. I should pay more attention to the current upgrades, because they sound really cool.
She’s a bit too much of a hard-case though. She doesn’t seem to acclimate or settle into her new responsibilities and just seems to be gathering in more. I want to see her settle in and get fixed into her position. I guess to utilize all of the strength she has gathered so far?
Non-stop action, mostly unique set-up, and potentially interesting characters make it a good read.
January 6, 2013
This series has probably got the best strong woman lead of any series I've read. Unlike many of the main female characters, Amber is tough (ex covert operations), able to back down with out being passive or pissy, thinks on her feet, has integrity and honor, and, her most attractive feature? She's a team player... she has no illusions that she has to do everything herself. The story line is a fresh look at a military woman attacked while on assignment and becomes a tool for her country when she displays vampiric abilities (the book contains it own terminologies for vampires) aded to good writing and solid character development. I really enjoy that this character doesn't have a silly personality, she's practical, and she is able to sustain relationships (not just romantic ones). The plot in the first book was great, but this one is even better- the author has done an excellent job of developing the second story. I look forward to the next books!!!
December 27, 2013
Absolutely adore this book/series. So many positives I do not even know where to start.. but I will try ;)
1. Plausible heroine - her army skills make her a believable hero even without her extra abilities.
2. Twists & turns - It is not easy to predict, I was not sure at all who I could trust & was on the edge of my seat most of the time.
3. The romance - No pre-destined mates/other bullshit soulmate crap, just attraction/chemistry/connection/relationship building/, like real life.
4. The fact that sexual orientation is not a big deal at all or even shied away from.
5. The ending left me satisfied but wanting more.
So yeah, in short I totally loved the book & i cannot wait to read the next in the series.
1. Plausible heroine - her army skills make her a believable hero even without her extra abilities.
2. Twists & turns - It is not easy to predict, I was not sure at all who I could trust & was on the edge of my seat most of the time.
3. The romance - No pre-destined mates/other bullshit soulmate crap, just attraction/chemistry/connection/relationship building/, like real life.
4. The fact that sexual orientation is not a big deal at all or even shied away from.
5. The ending left me satisfied but wanting more.
So yeah, in short I totally loved the book & i cannot wait to read the next in the series.
April 2, 2015
I read hidden trump right after sleight of hand. I can honestly say I have never felt such tension reading any book. To me Amber as a character felt a little unreal and I waited two whole days before I caved in to my desire to give Mark my "undoubtedly useful" constructive criticism. Seeing the other reviews here, though, I feel like what I expressed was misguided. If females like and can associate with Amber, then Amber is for all intents and purposes real. It's been another day since then and Mark informed he plans a very long series of books in the Athanate universe. The bite back series is only a starter dish of four books. And you know what? I can't wait to read them to the point of dreaming about the story. I feel as if every vampire book I will read now, will be compared to SoH and HT and is very likely to come short. Mark has created a complex world that pulls you in and keeps a hold on you even after you finish reading the book.
May 2, 2016
As usual, nothing in Amber Farrell’s life is straightforward. The sheer number of complications that wrap her life are mind-boggling: family, relationships, athenate, werewolves, adepts, crime lords, the FBI... The list keeps multiplying as each problem impinges on other aspects of Amber’s life, twisting already difficult situations into crises.
I love it! The way these problems develop are all so logical - no artifice or plot devices here, they unfold in realistic fashion, producing a highly complex, multi-stranded plot that to me, makes the ideal novel.
Henwick’s writing is a joy – his descriptions posses a wonderful organic flow that leaves me, as a writer, seething with envy; his over-arching thread for the series is skilfully woven into the events of the individual story, and his heroine is both super strong and yet by no means invincible. She’s working things out as she goes alone, with all the attendant confusion and doubt that brings. The action and pace is blistering even with the many long conversations, probably down to the fact that the dialogue is so utterly realistic, and the many characters all have their individual manner of speaking.
I listened to the audio book and at this point I would also praise the narrator, who has a fantastic range that makes each and every character’s speech instantly recognisable – I was never in any doubt as to who was speaking. This is a long book, and you need to enjoy a voice if you are going to listen for that many hours. I’d highly recommend this audio version if you don’t want to sit and read the book.
I love it! The way these problems develop are all so logical - no artifice or plot devices here, they unfold in realistic fashion, producing a highly complex, multi-stranded plot that to me, makes the ideal novel.
Henwick’s writing is a joy – his descriptions posses a wonderful organic flow that leaves me, as a writer, seething with envy; his over-arching thread for the series is skilfully woven into the events of the individual story, and his heroine is both super strong and yet by no means invincible. She’s working things out as she goes alone, with all the attendant confusion and doubt that brings. The action and pace is blistering even with the many long conversations, probably down to the fact that the dialogue is so utterly realistic, and the many characters all have their individual manner of speaking.
I listened to the audio book and at this point I would also praise the narrator, who has a fantastic range that makes each and every character’s speech instantly recognisable – I was never in any doubt as to who was speaking. This is a long book, and you need to enjoy a voice if you are going to listen for that many hours. I’d highly recommend this audio version if you don’t want to sit and read the book.
January 23, 2013
I knew I had found my perfect kick-ass heroine when I met Amber in book one. :-)
Book two has the same frantic pace of Sleight of Hand and you are left with the same need of a calming herbal tea at the end. Your heart will probably be in your throat most of the story too...
I loved the plot and its many threads. I love it posed the question of what is trust. How to live fully when you are not sure who to trust your life with. I didn't even care about those left hanging.
Amber is still juggling her many responsibilities, from the Army, to the family, Athanate, were. And they keep adding. There's a lot of politics, too. There are some unexplained points in the story (Amber is one of them), but they seem wanted, rather than holes in world-building.
My only "problem" is that my mind keeps telling me she's a he, above all in her relationship with her kin. But also in many action scenes. I can't pinpoint the reason why, tough. Except, maybe, that her acceptance of becoming bi is a little too easy. Is it the author or the character?
Book two has the same frantic pace of Sleight of Hand and you are left with the same need of a calming herbal tea at the end. Your heart will probably be in your throat most of the story too...
I loved the plot and its many threads. I love it posed the question of what is trust. How to live fully when you are not sure who to trust your life with. I didn't even care about those left hanging.
Amber is still juggling her many responsibilities, from the Army, to the family, Athanate, were. And they keep adding. There's a lot of politics, too. There are some unexplained points in the story (Amber is one of them), but they seem wanted, rather than holes in world-building.
My only "problem" is that my mind keeps telling me she's a he, above all in her relationship with her kin. But also in many action scenes. I can't pinpoint the reason why, tough. Except, maybe, that her acceptance of becoming bi is a little too easy. Is it the author or the character?
November 21, 2017
3.5
Another great read, I loved that we get introduced to the wolves in this book. Just kinda wished there was more character development for Alex, it still sort of feels like we don't know much about him.
Another great read, I loved that we get introduced to the wolves in this book. Just kinda wished there was more character development for Alex, it still sort of feels like we don't know much about him.
April 22, 2020
Oh my gosh, I loved this one even more than the first one. Now I'm going to have to go buy all the *rest* of the books in this series. My poor wallet! But I can't wait to read them all!!
February 19, 2022
This is an excellent fantasy with heavy emphasis on paranormal beings. I love Amber and her very unusual situations. I highly recommend it.
Read via Kindle Unlimited
Read via Kindle Unlimited
July 4, 2017
4 - 4.5 Stars
So much action! The backhand schemes leave Amber unsure of who to trust. Investigating, meeting the Were pack and Adepts, being hunted, military intrigue - a day in the life of Amber Farrell is a shot of adrenaline straight into the heart! Then, the cliffhanger has me queuing book 3 on my reader. I do wish there would have been one more chapter.
So much action! The backhand schemes leave Amber unsure of who to trust. Investigating, meeting the Were pack and Adepts, being hunted, military intrigue - a day in the life of Amber Farrell is a shot of adrenaline straight into the heart! Then, the cliffhanger has me queuing book 3 on my reader. I do wish there would have been one more chapter.
March 12, 2013
Let me say first off that this novel moves fast. I admit that the beginning for both this one and its predecessor were a bit daunting for me because they both dove right into the middle of rather intense scenes. The reader has to hang on for a bit before they can get their footing and figure out exactly what is going on. Give it a couple of chapters, though, and you’ll be hooked as the story unfolds and it all becomes clearer. Mark Henwick is impressive for his intricate plots and the methods he uses to reveal them. He also has a way of making you really care for Amber and root for her that she’ll come out of things okay. This is important because just about everything but the kitchen sink is thrown at this former soldier turned “sort of” vampire. She doesn’t always make the right decisions, but you can see why she does what she does and feel bad when things don’t go her way.
More about her past is revealed in Hidden Trump and the reader gets a few hints of where things will go in future novels. Amber also has to do a lot of soul-searching to figure out where her loyalties should go since the military is turning against her and she isn’t so human anymore. All the various groups that came up in the first book want Amber for something and most won’t take “no” for an answer. This makes it hard for her to trust anyone. In fact, there is a point where isn’t so sure she should even trust herself. I could really feel her uncertainty as she thought through her choices and agreed with her on the ones she ultimately made.
The romantic elements don’t make a lot of progress, but they do make some. Amber begins to realize life as a vampire is different and being monogamous with one man may not be possible. She tries to hang on to her old ways by taking things one step further with a werewolf she met in the last novel, but a growing attraction to certain women she interacts with prove elements about her sexuality are changing. She is getting urges to be with both genders and they are difficult to ignore. I’ll be honest and say I’m not a fan of the way this is heading. It reminds me of certain issues seen in the Rachel Morgan series. Having said that, Mark hasn’t laid it on too heavy and every other thing about his story telling is so amazing that I’m hoping I can keep ignoring it. Considering the way the vampire world is set up for the Bite Back series, there really is no way around it if Amber is to meet all her needs. I get that and think it is being done in the most careful way possible. To be fair, though, there should be some guy on guy action as the author seems to focus on the women too much (hint, hint, Mark).
All in all, I am very pleased with this latest installment. Hidden Trump grabbed my attention and kept me enthralled the whole time. It’s definitely one of those books that will cause you to ignore everything around you once you’re into it. If you enjoy urban fantasy and kick ass heroines, definitely check out this series. It’s well-written, intelligent, and action packed.
More about her past is revealed in Hidden Trump and the reader gets a few hints of where things will go in future novels. Amber also has to do a lot of soul-searching to figure out where her loyalties should go since the military is turning against her and she isn’t so human anymore. All the various groups that came up in the first book want Amber for something and most won’t take “no” for an answer. This makes it hard for her to trust anyone. In fact, there is a point where isn’t so sure she should even trust herself. I could really feel her uncertainty as she thought through her choices and agreed with her on the ones she ultimately made.
The romantic elements don’t make a lot of progress, but they do make some. Amber begins to realize life as a vampire is different and being monogamous with one man may not be possible. She tries to hang on to her old ways by taking things one step further with a werewolf she met in the last novel, but a growing attraction to certain women she interacts with prove elements about her sexuality are changing. She is getting urges to be with both genders and they are difficult to ignore. I’ll be honest and say I’m not a fan of the way this is heading. It reminds me of certain issues seen in the Rachel Morgan series. Having said that, Mark hasn’t laid it on too heavy and every other thing about his story telling is so amazing that I’m hoping I can keep ignoring it. Considering the way the vampire world is set up for the Bite Back series, there really is no way around it if Amber is to meet all her needs. I get that and think it is being done in the most careful way possible. To be fair, though, there should be some guy on guy action as the author seems to focus on the women too much (hint, hint, Mark).
All in all, I am very pleased with this latest installment. Hidden Trump grabbed my attention and kept me enthralled the whole time. It’s definitely one of those books that will cause you to ignore everything around you once you’re into it. If you enjoy urban fantasy and kick ass heroines, definitely check out this series. It’s well-written, intelligent, and action packed.
October 28, 2014
This book starts not 10 minutes after the last one finished off, and though I was a bit apprehensive of where things stood in the beginning the story quickly sucked me in and held me captive right up until it concluded in an explosive whirlwind of action and mind-befuddling intrigue.
Amber was really put through the wringer in this one and at times I couldn't help but wish the universe would give her a bit of a break, but she just sucked it up and got on with things as best she could with hardly a whine insight hearing. I think that's one of my favourite things about this character, her ability to keep going on sheer determination when she believes she's doing the right thing even though she knows it's going to come and bite her on the arse sooner or later.
I'm also happy to see my concerns for Amber's fledgling relationships from the last book were unwarranted.
I'm eagerly awaiting book 3 now and I think this series is going to have a firm place in my top 5 favourite Urban Fantasy reads for the foreseeable future. It's got everything I'm looking for - A multi-threaded plot, believable characters, interesting world building, and lots of factions each with their own agendas playing off of each other. I'm pretty sure that things will only get more exciting and dangerous from here on out and I don't want to miss out on any of it.
Amber was really put through the wringer in this one and at times I couldn't help but wish the universe would give her a bit of a break, but she just sucked it up and got on with things as best she could with hardly a whine in
I'm also happy to see my concerns for Amber's fledgling relationships from the last book were unwarranted.
I'm eagerly awaiting book 3 now and I think this series is going to have a firm place in my top 5 favourite Urban Fantasy reads for the foreseeable future. It's got everything I'm looking for - A multi-threaded plot, believable characters, interesting world building, and lots of factions each with their own agendas playing off of each other. I'm pretty sure that things will only get more exciting and dangerous from here on out and I don't want to miss out on any of it.
July 12, 2019
Un tome riche en action et en rebondissements. Comme le premier j'ai vraiment bien apprécié même si j'ai trouvé que le tout était un peu plus brouillon que le précédent.
Amber tente de trouver sa place dans la communauté surnaturelle après avoir passé tant de temps cachée.
Une assemblée athanate (vampire) se prépare en ville, pour confronter les différentes factions, et la pression des adversaire du clan Altau (celui qui protège Amber et qui organisent l'assemblée) se fait très forte.
Amber tourne toujours autour des autres communautés surnaturelles, et d'une façon de plus en plus intense.
D'un coté les loups voient d'un mauvais œil son association avec l'un des leurs, le fait de l'inclure dans un clan athanate, et de l'autre les Adeptes (les sorciers) commencent à comprendre qu'Amber est aussi une des leurs mais la mettent en garde contre l'esprit dragon de son amie et collaboratrice Tullah.
Même les militaires s'y mettent en commençant à menacer sa liberté car elle commence à devenir trop athanate pour eux, et les marqueurs de son sang changent.
Le tout donne un ensemble vraiment très intense. Peut être même un peu trop. Ça part vraiment dans toutes les directions, pas un coté n'est épargné. Amber ne sait plus ou donner de la tête.
Le point que j'apprécie est aussi le fait qu'au final c'est vraiment l'intrigue principale qui prend le dessus. On n'est pas la sur une série ou il y a une nouvelle intrigue/enquête dans chaque tome et un peu d'avancement du reste. On peut même dire que le métier de détective privé d'Amber est limite totalement mis de coté.
Il y a un coté qui peut faire un peu peur à tout les lecteurs des livres de Laurell K. Hamilton, quand Amber créé son clan. Mais je continue à faire confiance à l'auteur pour savoir éviter les pièges et ne pas nous faire le même effet.
Au final j'ai passé un bon moment, une lecture très dense ou je ne me suis pas ennuyée un seul instant, malgré son coté un peu plus fouillis que le tome précédent.
16/20
Amber tente de trouver sa place dans la communauté surnaturelle après avoir passé tant de temps cachée.
Une assemblée athanate (vampire) se prépare en ville, pour confronter les différentes factions, et la pression des adversaire du clan Altau (celui qui protège Amber et qui organisent l'assemblée) se fait très forte.
Amber tourne toujours autour des autres communautés surnaturelles, et d'une façon de plus en plus intense.
D'un coté les loups voient d'un mauvais œil son association avec l'un des leurs, le fait de l'inclure dans un clan athanate, et de l'autre les Adeptes (les sorciers) commencent à comprendre qu'Amber est aussi une des leurs mais la mettent en garde contre l'esprit dragon de son amie et collaboratrice Tullah.
Même les militaires s'y mettent en commençant à menacer sa liberté car elle commence à devenir trop athanate pour eux, et les marqueurs de son sang changent.
Le tout donne un ensemble vraiment très intense. Peut être même un peu trop. Ça part vraiment dans toutes les directions, pas un coté n'est épargné. Amber ne sait plus ou donner de la tête.
Le point que j'apprécie est aussi le fait qu'au final c'est vraiment l'intrigue principale qui prend le dessus. On n'est pas la sur une série ou il y a une nouvelle intrigue/enquête dans chaque tome et un peu d'avancement du reste. On peut même dire que le métier de détective privé d'Amber est limite totalement mis de coté.
Il y a un coté qui peut faire un peu peur à tout les lecteurs des livres de Laurell K. Hamilton, quand Amber créé son clan. Mais je continue à faire confiance à l'auteur pour savoir éviter les pièges et ne pas nous faire le même effet.
Au final j'ai passé un bon moment, une lecture très dense ou je ne me suis pas ennuyée un seul instant, malgré son coté un peu plus fouillis que le tome précédent.
16/20
July 16, 2014
In short, very nice development of themes and continuation of subplots with an amazingly well done ending.
This installment kept me on the edge if my seat again. A little over halfway through I felt like the number of subplots and characters was becoming untenable and I was worried this series was headed toward spiraling off its course under their weight. However, they all circled back in for a very tight finish save those I expect will be explored in the next book. It was masterfully done. A little hard as a reader, keeping up with all those names, but it ended Very well.
I'm not buying some of the romantic character interactions. Alex's level of investment in Amber through majorly inconvenient circumstances seems entirely unsupported to me. I honestly can't fathom anyone who wouldn't have bailed that drama train. A hot makeout and roll in the hay does not a strong commitment make, especially in the face of uber drama.
I also have a hard time with the manner of Amber's new bisexuality besides it being annoyingly cliche. She's eying Jen, Bian, and Diana at varying levels, it's really only chicks who are kissing each other's neck even though it's supposed to be an Athanate thing, and she's only got one male interest? There is no other masculine eye candy about over whom to feel conflicted? That's a huge shift for an up-till-now straight woman and in a vampire/werewolf/magic users with big brother thriller elements story, that part, stands out as unbelievable to me.
But the rest is totally killer!
This installment kept me on the edge if my seat again. A little over halfway through I felt like the number of subplots and characters was becoming untenable and I was worried this series was headed toward spiraling off its course under their weight. However, they all circled back in for a very tight finish save those I expect will be explored in the next book. It was masterfully done. A little hard as a reader, keeping up with all those names, but it ended Very well.
I'm not buying some of the romantic character interactions. Alex's level of investment in Amber through majorly inconvenient circumstances seems entirely unsupported to me. I honestly can't fathom anyone who wouldn't have bailed that drama train. A hot makeout and roll in the hay does not a strong commitment make, especially in the face of uber drama.
I also have a hard time with the manner of Amber's new bisexuality besides it being annoyingly cliche. She's eying Jen, Bian, and Diana at varying levels, it's really only chicks who are kissing each other's neck even though it's supposed to be an Athanate thing, and she's only got one male interest? There is no other masculine eye candy about over whom to feel conflicted? That's a huge shift for an up-till-now straight woman and in a vampire/werewolf/magic users with big brother thriller elements story, that part, stands out as unbelievable to me.
But the rest is totally killer!
January 7, 2013
Finished the first Bite Back book in three days. Finished this one in two, then went back and read the first one again, then re-read the second one. I love both!
Amber still kicks ass. I LOVE the military aspect of this book - I have no military knowledge and I hardly ever enjoy military novels (none come to mind, though I have to admit I did enjoy the G.I.Jane film!) but I really liked the inclusion here.
There's quite a lot of development on the romantic front, which I expected. The triangle I predicted is not really a triangle, because of the dynamics of the Athanate relationships... I can't really explain without giving away plot details! But it's definitely different from all the other romantic triangles in UF.
Favourite Character: Bian isn't a regular presence in this one, so it's Amber for the win!
Recommended for: Anyone who enjoyed the first book. DO NOT read this if you haven't read the first. It will make sense, but it just won't have the same impact!
Not recommended for: People who like straight-forward books (i.e one objective or goal). It can get a bit complicated at times, but that's how I like all my books, so it wasn't a problem for me.
Amber still kicks ass. I LOVE the military aspect of this book - I have no military knowledge and I hardly ever enjoy military novels (none come to mind, though I have to admit I did enjoy the G.I.Jane film!) but I really liked the inclusion here.
There's quite a lot of development on the romantic front, which I expected. The triangle I predicted is not really a triangle, because of the dynamics of the Athanate relationships... I can't really explain without giving away plot details! But it's definitely different from all the other romantic triangles in UF.
Favourite Character: Bian isn't a regular presence in this one, so it's Amber for the win!
Recommended for: Anyone who enjoyed the first book. DO NOT read this if you haven't read the first. It will make sense, but it just won't have the same impact!
Not recommended for: People who like straight-forward books (i.e one objective or goal). It can get a bit complicated at times, but that's how I like all my books, so it wasn't a problem for me.
September 10, 2013
I've now read the novella and both full length books in this series and the novella was the best of the three for me.
Unfortunately, this series seems to have gone in the direction that much current urban fantasy seems to, more gratuitous sex scenes and relationships based on sex, a lot of political maneuvering within the vampire (and now werewolf) communities and not as much focus on action and characterization.
Readable, but if this had been the first book I'd read, I would not have read the others.
Unfortunately, this series seems to have gone in the direction that much current urban fantasy seems to, more gratuitous sex scenes and relationships based on sex, a lot of political maneuvering within the vampire (and now werewolf) communities and not as much focus on action and characterization.
Readable, but if this had been the first book I'd read, I would not have read the others.
March 11, 2020
Things are working much better for Amber as she reluctantly accepts that she is becoming Athenate. A very busy book, well written. The characters are realistic, the plot is great, and the crisis is dealt with...and a sort of cliff hanger at the end. Thus one star less, and I am happy I have the next book to find out what happens next!
April 5, 2013
Why don't they have more stars to give novels this freaking amazing? Mark Henwick has cemented his place in my top ten author list- and he managed to do it with only two books. Until today, I never thought that would happen.
Read
March 18, 2014DNF at 15%: "...I wanted Jen and Alex as kin and partners...Well, I wasn't going to be able to do anything with Jen until..."
Aaaaand I am out of here.
I am not interested in FFM, and so I'll stop here.
Aaaaand I am out of here.
I am not interested in FFM, and so I'll stop here.
January 2, 2013
A great book. It works great as a direct sequel to the first book, and sets the stage for the future of the series. Lots of action and great writing.
March 10, 2013
Good very good indeed!
June 10, 2013
Action-packed, edge of your seat excitement, 2nd installment of the Amber Farrell Series. Looking forward with anticipation for book 3!
March 15, 2015
4stars. This story was an incrediable adventure.
cliffhanger
cliffhanger
November 18, 2018
Un second tome que j’ai trouvé un peu long par rapport à l’avancée réelle de l’histoire, le fait de revenir sur certaines choses ou événements que l’on a découverts dans le premier tome ou encore dans le préquel, je trouve que cela a alourdi celui-ci, beaucoup trop de rappels à mon goût. Certainement utile pour les nouveaux lecteurs qui débutent avec ce second tome, mais totalement inutile si l’on a lu ce qui précède. D’un côté, c’est cela aussi qui fait que l’on peut débuter par ce second tome, tout ces rappels rendent l’histoire à la portée des nouveaux lecteurs.
J’ai retrouvé une Amber Farrell fidèle à elle-même, bien que parfois un peu longue à la détente et en proie à pas mal de doutes. Je peux vous certifier qu’une semaine dans la peau d’Amber, ce n’est pas de tout repos, j’ai parfois du mal avec une seule journée de ma vraie vie, mais là je ne tiendrai franchement pas le coup une semaine à ce rythme. Parce que oui, ce second tome représente une semaine de la vie d’Amber, alors imaginez un peu ce que cela peut donner vu le nombre de pages ! Honnêtement, une de ces journée, vaut largement une de mes semaines ! Elle doit se faire une place parmi les Athanates, mais également parmi les loups.
En fait, je ne sais pas si vous connaissez Hope Mickaëlson. Hope est la fille de Klaus, un vampire originel et de Hayley, une louve-garou, dans la série The Originals. Hope a la particularité d’avoir en elle 3 pouvoirs, elle est à la fois vampire par son père, louve par sa mère, mais également sorcière par sa grand-mère. D’une certaine manière, Amber Farrell me fait un peu penser à Hope, sauf que pour Amber ce serait vampire/louve/adepte. Mais au final, elles ont un peu le même parcours, autant de doutes l’une que l’autre, chacune d’elles a du mal à trouver sa place.
Ce second opus est pas mal mouvementé, et malgré tout ces rappels du premier tome, je trouve qu’il est à la hauteur de ce que j’en attendais. Nous en apprenons encore plus sur les adeptes, sur les loups et les Athanates, nous sommes sur le qui-vive en même temps qu’Amber qui doit faire face au clan de Matlal, mais également aux investigations du FBI, un nouveau souci vient se greffer à la vie déjà mouvementée d’Amber, apparemment son ancien commandant a des problèmes de son côté et cela risque de resurgir sur Amber. Amber est assez impulsive, elle y va à l’instinct, ce qui la fait parfois prendre les mauvaises décisions, malgré tout on a envie de la soutenir, parce que franchement elle je ne suis pas certaine que je prendrais les bonnes décisions non plus si je me retrouvais dans certaines situations auxquelles elle doit faire face.
Face aux nouvelles révélations concernant les Basilikos, je suis plus que curieuse de voir comment l’auteur va amener la suite.
J’ai retrouvé une Amber Farrell fidèle à elle-même, bien que parfois un peu longue à la détente et en proie à pas mal de doutes. Je peux vous certifier qu’une semaine dans la peau d’Amber, ce n’est pas de tout repos, j’ai parfois du mal avec une seule journée de ma vraie vie, mais là je ne tiendrai franchement pas le coup une semaine à ce rythme. Parce que oui, ce second tome représente une semaine de la vie d’Amber, alors imaginez un peu ce que cela peut donner vu le nombre de pages ! Honnêtement, une de ces journée, vaut largement une de mes semaines ! Elle doit se faire une place parmi les Athanates, mais également parmi les loups.
En fait, je ne sais pas si vous connaissez Hope Mickaëlson. Hope est la fille de Klaus, un vampire originel et de Hayley, une louve-garou, dans la série The Originals. Hope a la particularité d’avoir en elle 3 pouvoirs, elle est à la fois vampire par son père, louve par sa mère, mais également sorcière par sa grand-mère. D’une certaine manière, Amber Farrell me fait un peu penser à Hope, sauf que pour Amber ce serait vampire/louve/adepte. Mais au final, elles ont un peu le même parcours, autant de doutes l’une que l’autre, chacune d’elles a du mal à trouver sa place.
Ce second opus est pas mal mouvementé, et malgré tout ces rappels du premier tome, je trouve qu’il est à la hauteur de ce que j’en attendais. Nous en apprenons encore plus sur les adeptes, sur les loups et les Athanates, nous sommes sur le qui-vive en même temps qu’Amber qui doit faire face au clan de Matlal, mais également aux investigations du FBI, un nouveau souci vient se greffer à la vie déjà mouvementée d’Amber, apparemment son ancien commandant a des problèmes de son côté et cela risque de resurgir sur Amber. Amber est assez impulsive, elle y va à l’instinct, ce qui la fait parfois prendre les mauvaises décisions, malgré tout on a envie de la soutenir, parce que franchement elle je ne suis pas certaine que je prendrais les bonnes décisions non plus si je me retrouvais dans certaines situations auxquelles elle doit faire face.
Face aux nouvelles révélations concernant les Basilikos, je suis plus que curieuse de voir comment l’auteur va amener la suite.
December 20, 2020
Holy Athenate, What A RIVETING Book!!
Absolutely fantastic writing, 6 stars if I could. Absolutely awful cover, should be minus 3 stars for that not one.
The good news? The writing. This such a GREAT SERIES and available from Kindle Unlimited PLUS it was accessible with my iPad. This writer and editor are totally first class. Incredible plotting skills, wonderful character development, riveting plot twists and heart pumping action. I have no idea if Amber’s American military equipment is real life but it’s so cutting edge and powerful I hope it is. I LOVE the military tactical planning she does, it’s superb and the struggle with leadership so relatable. Holy Toledo. Throw in the whole vampire thing, the Werewolf thing, the Adept thing with the dragon and this book is freaking addictive, it was SO hard for me to put it down when I had to do chores and go to sleep..oh yes, way past the bedtime reading.
A heartfelt thank you to the writer for Bian! I deeply appreciate seeing a Vietnamese main character like this because many people like me have adopted children from other countries, like Vietnam, and seeing an amazing woman like Bian written so successfully is important.
So why the point off? That’s for the cover designer. As a former art dealer and lover of all things artistic I expect someone who does a cover to have an accurate picture of the heroine they are putting in the cover. On page 8 and 17 is all the information this cover designer needed. Bronze kissed skin, auburn hair and green eyes because she is half Arapaho and half Irish so when I see this cover of a very white skinned woman with black hair I get really irritated and wonder if there isn’t a racist thing going on. Maybe? But then I see several perfectly straight black lines angled across her eyes before I read the book and wonder what the heck that’s supposed to be. At first I think camo.. nah, that can’t be because face paint doesn’t go on with a ruler for perfectly straight, black, stylized lines, right? Guess what? In a fight scene in the book she puts her fingers in her camo paint and slaps it on her face so what else can it be? Total eye roll.
Absolutely fantastic writing, 6 stars if I could. Absolutely awful cover, should be minus 3 stars for that not one.
The good news? The writing. This such a GREAT SERIES and available from Kindle Unlimited PLUS it was accessible with my iPad. This writer and editor are totally first class. Incredible plotting skills, wonderful character development, riveting plot twists and heart pumping action. I have no idea if Amber’s American military equipment is real life but it’s so cutting edge and powerful I hope it is. I LOVE the military tactical planning she does, it’s superb and the struggle with leadership so relatable. Holy Toledo. Throw in the whole vampire thing, the Werewolf thing, the Adept thing with the dragon and this book is freaking addictive, it was SO hard for me to put it down when I had to do chores and go to sleep..oh yes, way past the bedtime reading.
A heartfelt thank you to the writer for Bian! I deeply appreciate seeing a Vietnamese main character like this because many people like me have adopted children from other countries, like Vietnam, and seeing an amazing woman like Bian written so successfully is important.
So why the point off? That’s for the cover designer. As a former art dealer and lover of all things artistic I expect someone who does a cover to have an accurate picture of the heroine they are putting in the cover. On page 8 and 17 is all the information this cover designer needed. Bronze kissed skin, auburn hair and green eyes because she is half Arapaho and half Irish so when I see this cover of a very white skinned woman with black hair I get really irritated and wonder if there isn’t a racist thing going on. Maybe? But then I see several perfectly straight black lines angled across her eyes before I read the book and wonder what the heck that’s supposed to be. At first I think camo.. nah, that can’t be because face paint doesn’t go on with a ruler for perfectly straight, black, stylized lines, right? Guess what? In a fight scene in the book she puts her fingers in her camo paint and slaps it on her face so what else can it be? Total eye roll.
July 30, 2024
First off, I’m not going to revisit the synopsis or give spoilers. I will say that if I could give this book 10 stars I would.
Urban fantasy is my jam and this man is masterful at writing some of the most exciting, daredevil, kick ass urban fantasy I��ve ever read.
We get a deeper dive into her past, present and future in this 2nd book. We dig deep into her military background and the ppl she served with.
We go along with her as she figures out who and what she has become. Who she can trust and who betrays her. This book is non-stop action from the first page till the last, and not just physically. We dig deep into all the psychological warfare going on around Amber and with her too.
Every plot point, every new development feels fresh and well fleshed out. Mr. Henwick knows how to hold a readers interest. He writes some of the best and most interesting secondary characters I’ve ever read. Even bit characters are fleshed out and written with respect.
Sir, if I ever got the privilege to meet you I would thank you profusely for writing some of the best work I’ve ever read. I loved this 2nd book and now I’m on to #3. Truly, you are masterful. Thank you 1000x for all you do.
Urban fantasy is my jam and this man is masterful at writing some of the most exciting, daredevil, kick ass urban fantasy I��ve ever read.
We get a deeper dive into her past, present and future in this 2nd book. We dig deep into her military background and the ppl she served with.
We go along with her as she figures out who and what she has become. Who she can trust and who betrays her. This book is non-stop action from the first page till the last, and not just physically. We dig deep into all the psychological warfare going on around Amber and with her too.
Every plot point, every new development feels fresh and well fleshed out. Mr. Henwick knows how to hold a readers interest. He writes some of the best and most interesting secondary characters I’ve ever read. Even bit characters are fleshed out and written with respect.
Sir, if I ever got the privilege to meet you I would thank you profusely for writing some of the best work I’ve ever read. I loved this 2nd book and now I’m on to #3. Truly, you are masterful. Thank you 1000x for all you do.
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