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Diamond City Magic #2
Edge of Dreams
Book 2 of The Diamond City Magic Novels
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
And a pound of flesh.
Magical tracking expert Riley Hollis is on a mission to save five teenagers lost inside a mountain. But nothing is what it seems, and soon Riley finds herself bruised, bloodied, and embroiled in a battle to bring down a sadistic criminal dealing in human souls and the darkest of magics.
Her only hope may be to swallow her pride and ask for help from her not-quite-ex-boyfriend and his notorious brother—Tyet criminal boss, Gregg Touray. Even that may not be enough to protect her. Something has gone very wrong in the trace dimension and in Riley’s head.
If she doesn’t figure out how to handle the past, the present, the trace, and the bad guys, the road to hell is going to look like a great alternative.
The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
And a pound of flesh.
Magical tracking expert Riley Hollis is on a mission to save five teenagers lost inside a mountain. But nothing is what it seems, and soon Riley finds herself bruised, bloodied, and embroiled in a battle to bring down a sadistic criminal dealing in human souls and the darkest of magics.
Her only hope may be to swallow her pride and ask for help from her not-quite-ex-boyfriend and his notorious brother—Tyet criminal boss, Gregg Touray. Even that may not be enough to protect her. Something has gone very wrong in the trace dimension and in Riley’s head.
If she doesn’t figure out how to handle the past, the present, the trace, and the bad guys, the road to hell is going to look like a great alternative.
224 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2015
67 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Diana Pharaoh Francis
44 books760 followersI was raised on a cattle ranch in Northern California (outside a town called Lincoln which is now part of an enormous sprawl). I taught myself to ride a horse at the age of six, as no one had the time to teach me—they were all busy learning how to irrigate, how to cajole an angry bull into another field, how to pull a calf… Afraid of heights, and absolutely sure I was going to die, I managed to scramble up on the back of a very patient and lazy strawberry roan destrier, and plod off into the sunset.
Thereafter, I spent much of my early life on horseback, or so far buried into a book that the rest of the world ceased to exist (much to the annoyance of my family—it took several attempts to get my attention). We all had very specific jobs on the ranch and mine was horses and cattle—out rounding up at dawn. And since I rode bareback, my standing request was to wake me up 5 minutes before everyone else headed for the barn—time enough to dress and eat my Wheaties, and no sleep time wasted on saddling.
After high school, I attended college after college, racking up a BA and MA in creative writing and a Ph.D. in literature and theory. My very patient and supportive husband traipsed across the Midwest and back to Montana for me (though my husband insists that he’s been running and hiding and I just keep finding him), where I now teach at the University of Montana-Western. We also a son Q-ball, who in our humbly unbiased opinions, is the most wonderful son ever produced, and a daughter, Princess Caesar, who is the most wonderful daughter ever produced.
I have a fascination for the Victorians, weather, geology, horses, plants and mythology, I like spicy food, chocolate and cheesecake, and I have an odd sense of humor. (Or so I’ve been told. Often.) Incidentally, the Pharaoh is in fact my real name, and oddly enough, is of British origin.
Some of my current favorite sf/f writers are Ilona Andrews, Carol Berg, C.E. Murphy, Patty Briggs, Lynn Flewelling, Rachel Caine, David Coe, and Anne Bishop.
Thereafter, I spent much of my early life on horseback, or so far buried into a book that the rest of the world ceased to exist (much to the annoyance of my family—it took several attempts to get my attention). We all had very specific jobs on the ranch and mine was horses and cattle—out rounding up at dawn. And since I rode bareback, my standing request was to wake me up 5 minutes before everyone else headed for the barn—time enough to dress and eat my Wheaties, and no sleep time wasted on saddling.
After high school, I attended college after college, racking up a BA and MA in creative writing and a Ph.D. in literature and theory. My very patient and supportive husband traipsed across the Midwest and back to Montana for me (though my husband insists that he’s been running and hiding and I just keep finding him), where I now teach at the University of Montana-Western. We also a son Q-ball, who in our humbly unbiased opinions, is the most wonderful son ever produced, and a daughter, Princess Caesar, who is the most wonderful daughter ever produced.
I have a fascination for the Victorians, weather, geology, horses, plants and mythology, I like spicy food, chocolate and cheesecake, and I have an odd sense of humor. (Or so I’ve been told. Often.) Incidentally, the Pharaoh is in fact my real name, and oddly enough, is of British origin.
Some of my current favorite sf/f writers are Ilona Andrews, Carol Berg, C.E. Murphy, Patty Briggs, Lynn Flewelling, Rachel Caine, David Coe, and Anne Bishop.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 28, 2018
A surprise. I had DNFed the first book and was wary about this second one.
I did like it, but the heroine's stupidity was extreme (as in book one). I was able to ignore it here as it didn't involve her relationship. But it didn't make me love this book either.
Still, I plan to keep reading on.
I did like it, but the heroine's stupidity was extreme (as in book one). I was able to ignore it here as it didn't involve her relationship. But it didn't make me love this book either.
Still, I plan to keep reading on.
April 16, 2015
3/ 3.5 stars
I have to say, when this came onto my kindle last night (about 11pm) I was stoked.
I read this book in one sitting and I was a bit disappointed.
The series itself has me excited but this sequel left me a tad flat.
The heroine gets herself into all sorts of trouble throughout the book and the people who are supposed to help/protect her ( her bodyguards, her love interest who is a cop, head of a syndicate etc etc) are so inept that she ends up not only getting hurt but saving them and the day multiple times.
Things seem to happen and as she solves the problem, the inept bodyguards/ people who are more experienced come strolling in a few seconds later ready to fight but instead as she has saved the day (again) carry her weary bloody and bruised body home instead.
I didn't dislike it. I just think it was overkill as to how many times she was abducted underneath their noses and saved the day as well as how many times within two weeks she almost died after saving everyone's behind (it was a lot).
I will still read the next book in this series and hopefully it will be more well thought out and developed.
I have to say, when this came onto my kindle last night (about 11pm) I was stoked.
I read this book in one sitting and I was a bit disappointed.
The series itself has me excited but this sequel left me a tad flat.
The heroine gets herself into all sorts of trouble throughout the book and the people who are supposed to help/protect her ( her bodyguards, her love interest who is a cop, head of a syndicate etc etc) are so inept that she ends up not only getting hurt but saving them and the day multiple times.
Things seem to happen and as she solves the problem, the inept bodyguards/ people who are more experienced come strolling in a few seconds later ready to fight but instead as she has saved the day (again) carry her weary bloody and bruised body home instead.
I didn't dislike it. I just think it was overkill as to how many times she was abducted underneath their noses and saved the day as well as how many times within two weeks she almost died after saving everyone's behind (it was a lot).
I will still read the next book in this series and hopefully it will be more well thought out and developed.
July 11, 2018
3.75 stars rounded up
There were several things that frustrated the hell out of me in this book.
First, Riley's stubbornness to refuse help, acting like she was able to protect herself, which of course landed her in that trouble in the first place. She didn't think things through, she was careless with her life, even when she knew that after being 'outed' with her ability, it was practically open season for her.
Second, the lack of Price. I really liked that Neanderthal possessive man. The explosive chemistry between Price and Riley was what drew me into the series when I read the first book, Trace of Magic. I enjoyed their mating dance there. I missed Price a LOT in this book. There were too many scenes of Riley being alone rather with Price.
HAVING SAID THAT, I still enjoyed this book. I loved the introduction of Riley's brother, Leo. His ability with metal was AWESOME. I almost literally clapped my hands when I read how Leo handled Price and Touray. That was an entertaining scene. I also liked that Touray got more scene; the part where he confronted Riley and reassured her that dating Price made her 'family' (mob-style *grin*) was fun to read.
I also loved that the villain was very EVIL. I sort of missed that from Urban Fantasy series that I read lately. George Percival James Borden Caldwell the fourth or Percy was willing to torture people and he was the mastermind of creating Sparkle Dusts . So yes, he was big bad evil, and that made it thrilling.
There were new information about Riley's ability, as well as who was responsible in manipulating her brain and memories () ... so I'd love to see that being more explored in the next book.
On to book #3!
There were several things that frustrated the hell out of me in this book.
First, Riley's stubbornness to refuse help, acting like she was able to protect herself, which of course landed her in that trouble in the first place. She didn't think things through, she was careless with her life, even when she knew that after being 'outed' with her ability, it was practically open season for her.
Second, the lack of Price. I really liked that Neanderthal possessive man. The explosive chemistry between Price and Riley was what drew me into the series when I read the first book, Trace of Magic. I enjoyed their mating dance there. I missed Price a LOT in this book. There were too many scenes of Riley being alone rather with Price.
HAVING SAID THAT, I still enjoyed this book. I loved the introduction of Riley's brother, Leo. His ability with metal was AWESOME. I almost literally clapped my hands when I read how Leo handled Price and Touray. That was an entertaining scene. I also liked that Touray got more scene; the part where he confronted Riley and reassured her that dating Price made her 'family' (mob-style *grin*) was fun to read.
I also loved that the villain was very EVIL. I sort of missed that from Urban Fantasy series that I read lately. George Percival James Borden Caldwell the fourth or Percy was willing to torture people and he was the mastermind of creating Sparkle Dusts . So yes, he was big bad evil, and that made it thrilling.
There were new information about Riley's ability, as well as who was responsible in manipulating her brain and memories () ... so I'd love to see that being more explored in the next book.
On to book #3!
June 24, 2015
4 Stars
DESCRIPTION:
The road to hell is paved with good intentions…And a pound of flesh.
Magical tracking expert Riley Hollis is on a mission to save five teenagers lost inside a mountain. But nothing is what it seems, and soon Riley finds herself bruised, bloodied, and embroiled in a battle to bring down a sadistic criminal dealing in human souls and the darkest of magics.
Her only hope may be to swallow her pride and ask for help from her not-quite-ex-boyfriend and his notorious brother—Tyet criminal boss, Gregg Touray. Even that may not be enough to protect her. Something has gone very wrong in the trace dimension and in Riley’s head.
If she doesn’t figure out how to handle the past, the present, the trace, and the bad guys, the road to hell is going to look like a great alternative.
REVIEW:
I read the first book in the Diamond City Magic series earlier this year and fell in love with the unique world and brash characters. I adored the mixture of magic and mayhem, so when I saw book two was up for review, I snatched it up.
Refusing to be used as a magical pawn, Riley gave up the man she loved in order to keep him safe. Unfortunately, the secrets of her magical talents continued to spread. Not ready to face her new reality, she took a mundane case to locate a few missing teenagers...only to discover it was a carefully placed trap that led her to an underground lab, magical prisoners, and a deadly drug that can literally make people disappear. Riley must embrace her magic to defeat the madman hunting her or face losing the people she cares about most.
I’m a huge urban fantasy fan, and Edge of Dreams lives up to the hype. With plenty of action, drama and intricate world building, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Riley was a tough nut to crack, walking a thin line of keeping everyone safe and her magic secret. While I enjoyed being dragged along the story with her, she remained too much in her head, slowing the action and tension in a couple of spots. The action and fight scenes revealed Riley’s stubborn nature, she knew how to take a beating, but she begrudgingly called for help when those she cared about were placed in danger. I liked Riley’s prickly edge and soft heart, the combination of sweet and sour. The touch of romance only added to the story. The first book dealt a lot with them as a couple, this book not so much…and I missed it. Overall, an enjoyable read. The story ended on a slight cliff hanger, and I will can’t wait to read more!
Posted from my site: www.StaceyBrutger.com
DESCRIPTION:
The road to hell is paved with good intentions…And a pound of flesh.
Magical tracking expert Riley Hollis is on a mission to save five teenagers lost inside a mountain. But nothing is what it seems, and soon Riley finds herself bruised, bloodied, and embroiled in a battle to bring down a sadistic criminal dealing in human souls and the darkest of magics.
Her only hope may be to swallow her pride and ask for help from her not-quite-ex-boyfriend and his notorious brother—Tyet criminal boss, Gregg Touray. Even that may not be enough to protect her. Something has gone very wrong in the trace dimension and in Riley’s head.
If she doesn’t figure out how to handle the past, the present, the trace, and the bad guys, the road to hell is going to look like a great alternative.
REVIEW:
I read the first book in the Diamond City Magic series earlier this year and fell in love with the unique world and brash characters. I adored the mixture of magic and mayhem, so when I saw book two was up for review, I snatched it up.
Refusing to be used as a magical pawn, Riley gave up the man she loved in order to keep him safe. Unfortunately, the secrets of her magical talents continued to spread. Not ready to face her new reality, she took a mundane case to locate a few missing teenagers...only to discover it was a carefully placed trap that led her to an underground lab, magical prisoners, and a deadly drug that can literally make people disappear. Riley must embrace her magic to defeat the madman hunting her or face losing the people she cares about most.
I’m a huge urban fantasy fan, and Edge of Dreams lives up to the hype. With plenty of action, drama and intricate world building, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Riley was a tough nut to crack, walking a thin line of keeping everyone safe and her magic secret. While I enjoyed being dragged along the story with her, she remained too much in her head, slowing the action and tension in a couple of spots. The action and fight scenes revealed Riley’s stubborn nature, she knew how to take a beating, but she begrudgingly called for help when those she cared about were placed in danger. I liked Riley’s prickly edge and soft heart, the combination of sweet and sour. The touch of romance only added to the story. The first book dealt a lot with them as a couple, this book not so much…and I missed it. Overall, an enjoyable read. The story ended on a slight cliff hanger, and I will can’t wait to read more!
Posted from my site: www.StaceyBrutger.com
Read
May 9, 2015I think that the magical foundation for the world of this series is interesting. I did have a few problems with this episode though. I didn't really remember the heroine being the 'I can handle everything on my own and rush headlong into danger' type. I was bothered by the fact that this leads to her capture and torture multiple times in the book and I was also bothered by just how bad the bad guy was - though I guess that since the 'good' guys aren't white hat guys either (and at best gray with their 'gang' tie ins) the 'bad' guy had to be a whole other level of bad to occupy the villain spot.
There are some interesting things going on as leading lady Riley discovers more layers to her powers and gets clues that somethings in her past may not be the way that she thought. And there is a huge cliff hanger-y bombshell dropped at the end to try to hook the reader into buying the next book.
When all is said and done I am not too sure how I felt about Edge of Dreams and part of that might be that this wasn't quite what I expected the series to be - a series of cases for Riley - I guess I am still curious about where this goes next, but I don't know that I'd care to read more of the torture elements so hopefully Riley is better protected in the next book
ARC via NetGalley
There are some interesting things going on as leading lady Riley discovers more layers to her powers and gets clues that somethings in her past may not be the way that she thought. And there is a huge cliff hanger-y bombshell dropped at the end to try to hook the reader into buying the next book.
When all is said and done I am not too sure how I felt about Edge of Dreams and part of that might be that this wasn't quite what I expected the series to be - a series of cases for Riley - I guess I am still curious about where this goes next, but I don't know that I'd care to read more of the torture elements so hopefully Riley is better protected in the next book
ARC via NetGalley
June 24, 2015
It seems like with this one Riley learned a lot about herself. Some of it was good, some not so good, but the best was that Riley learned there are people she can depend on. I was glad that Riley started to let people in, she needs an anchor and I think that Price can be that for her.
The whole drama that Riley got pulled into was crazy. I was surprised that she managed to come out as intact as she did. It was nice to see the different connections from Riley come together to help her out.
With the bomb that was dropped at the end, the next book should be lots of fun!
The whole drama that Riley got pulled into was crazy. I was surprised that she managed to come out as intact as she did. It was nice to see the different connections from Riley come together to help her out.
With the bomb that was dropped at the end, the next book should be lots of fun!
November 13, 2017
Such an adrenaline rush
The second book of the series and I️t still managed to give such a rollercoaster of a ride! I️ loved I️t! Lots of actions and Lots of reveals. Can’t wait for book 3!
The second book of the series and I️t still managed to give such a rollercoaster of a ride! I️ loved I️t! Lots of actions and Lots of reveals. Can’t wait for book 3!
February 12, 2022
As gory as this was, I still enjoyed the story.
January 5, 2016
As powerful as Riley supposed to be, Riley gets hurt a lot, which seem to be the common theme so far in the series. Yes Riley had many interesting, unique abilities, but at the same time she seem to always relay on other people to save her.
As always Riley somehow gotten herself into a very difficult situations, but the fact that she was kidnapped while she was with a bunch of powerful people, I just couldn't rationalize the situation. In Edge of Dreams, Riley demonstrated just how easily she trusts people, it was odd because she used to hid who she was and questions everyone's motive. But not once did she questioned about her new "bodyguards", and it would seem that Riley doesn't question about lot of things too.
I had the same issue as the first book, the romance was simply not believable to me. In the first book Riley and Clay confessed they loved each other, then Riley decided to leave him. This book picked up about 6 weeks later, where Riley pretty much cut off all contacts with Clay, but then as soon as Riley asked for help, Clay dropped everything to come to rescued Riley out of trouble. Just like that, their relationship escalated quickly that they would confessed their love again, and decided to move in together. I was hoping Riley and Clay would actually spend some quality time together, but they seem to only spend time under extreme and dangerous situation.
Overall, I though this book felt a little flat for me, I was disappointed by the predictable plot. At this point I probably won't read the next book.
Happy Reading!! XO
February 1, 2017
The plot(s) thicken.
At the end of the first book Riley Hollis walked away from Price, she has now become infamous and can charge exorbitant (for her) sums for her services. Yet when a police officer approaches her to find five teenagers who have disappeared in the mines (after trying to undercut the Tyet) she doesn't hesitate to assist.
Although she and Riley are apart she has a team of bodyguards, led by the silver-eyed (literally) Dalton and together with her brother Leo they plan a rescue.
What amazed me about this book was that the story of the rescue, betrayal etc only actually took up half the novel. In most other novels that would have been the whole thing.
Whilst I enjoyed this as much, if not more, than the first book I have noticed (having actually finished all three books) that Riley gets hurt an awful lot. I know they have Heal Alls and healers like Maya but even so, she is constantly being beaten up, stabbed, shot, blown up etc. Also, and again this may be more relevant to the third book, Riley has had her talents her entire life and yet suddenly she is finding new and unusual ways to use it?
Anyway, a small niggle. We meet a villain that makes the Tyet seem like pussycats and encounter a level of inconceivable evil.
I also (so sue me, I like a romance) shipped very hard for Dalton and Leo, Riley's brother.
At the end of the first book Riley Hollis walked away from Price, she has now become infamous and can charge exorbitant (for her) sums for her services. Yet when a police officer approaches her to find five teenagers who have disappeared in the mines (after trying to undercut the Tyet) she doesn't hesitate to assist.
Although she and Riley are apart she has a team of bodyguards, led by the silver-eyed (literally) Dalton and together with her brother Leo they plan a rescue.
What amazed me about this book was that the story of the rescue, betrayal etc only actually took up half the novel. In most other novels that would have been the whole thing.
Whilst I enjoyed this as much, if not more, than the first book I have noticed (having actually finished all three books) that Riley gets hurt an awful lot. I know they have Heal Alls and healers like Maya but even so, she is constantly being beaten up, stabbed, shot, blown up etc. Also, and again this may be more relevant to the third book, Riley has had her talents her entire life and yet suddenly she is finding new and unusual ways to use it?
Anyway, a small niggle. We meet a villain that makes the Tyet seem like pussycats and encounter a level of inconceivable evil.
I also (so sue me, I like a romance) shipped very hard for Dalton and Leo, Riley's brother.
November 6, 2015
It is too bad that the author decided to torture the heroine so soon in this series. I really liked book one, and if she'd waited to go sadistic until later in the series, or even later in this book, I might have trudged through it. But the torture was early in book two and I simply can't get past it. I love this author's creativity, but she has a very dark streak. I can't handle it.
April 27, 2015
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. I really like this series. I love the different kinds of magic, I love Riley, and all the trouble she manages to get into. This series has just the right amount of humor, romance, and did I mention, lots of magic! I look forward to the next book in the series.
August 6, 2015
3.5 stars
Man, I hate cliffhangers, especially since there isn't a release date for a third book (that I can find anyway). The book is only 225 pages so it's a quick, fun read that never really has any dull moments. Though there is a bit at the end where I feel it could have benefited from slowing down a bit. But overall, an enjoyable read.
Man, I hate cliffhangers, especially since there isn't a release date for a third book (that I can find anyway). The book is only 225 pages so it's a quick, fun read that never really has any dull moments. Though there is a bit at the end where I feel it could have benefited from slowing down a bit. But overall, an enjoyable read.
May 25, 2016
3 - 3.5 stars. Good, crazy story, lots of action and some torture. Riley is a bit of a wild card, I don't get her motivation sometimes since she doesn't seem to think, which drove me nuts a time or four. But, it is a fun story, crazy magics, an evil bad guy and a heroine who has some issues she needs to work out.
March 18, 2016
The ending was like WHAT!!!!!
September 10, 2021
There are two types of stupid heroine types in romance novels. The horror movie, "I'm so dumb I make stupid decisions" like scream a lot instead of running cause THAT will help. And then there's the "I'm too independent I don't need any help even if it almost kills me". Like when the hero is a FBI/CIA/Military person (you know, the one who has training and investigate and take down the bad guy) and the heroine is a dance teacher with no training but she somehow convinces people to go help take down a serial killer and SURPRISE SURPRISE she gets captured.
And somehow Riley is both.
First off, there are multiple people in her life that want to help and protect her, have helped and protected her, but she's all like.... "I don't know if I can trust you cause x,y and z". Like Price has literally done everything you asked of him, bent over backwards, pretty much gave up his independence for you and....you can't TRUST him? Yeah, okay. Sure I understand you and his brother are on different sides but like Gregg could have done a lot to you in the first book and instead he helped you. She is all like, you're worth it, but I can't trust you. It gets annoying after the fifth round of it.
And then Dalton. Riley is all like Idk who hired you so I'm not gonna trust you, but in the next breath is like I know Price or Gregg hired you. Like make up your mind. And THEN she is all like I don't need you Dalton imma strong independent woman. Even though she had just come from getting stabbed because she ditched Dalton and his crew. And then Dalton tells her they intercepted like 6 different groups from assassination/ kidnapping attemps.
AND THEN she gets a.....
****spoiler*****
Client who she is instantly like "Imma trust you cause.....kids. Plus your a cop (even though half the cops are on the take, per the first book?)" And then the client betrays her! Shockednotshocked.
And the author makes her somewhat self aware (aware enough to know she's digging her head in the sand and she THINKS she isn't a horror heroine when she is), and that is what.... suppose to endear her to us? Because she supposed to be a "strong independent woman" but somehow seems weak and needing rescuing and kind of pathetic. Like she can't even take care of her own injury at the beginning. The men had to practically force her to do it and bring the equipment.
Like I get it. You need actions to move along the story but come on does it have to be heroine did something stupid and that's how the plot movies forward on repeat.
I made it to chapter five (which was ROUGH). Skimmed while she was captured and then gave up.
DNF
And somehow Riley is both.
First off, there are multiple people in her life that want to help and protect her, have helped and protected her, but she's all like.... "I don't know if I can trust you cause x,y and z". Like Price has literally done everything you asked of him, bent over backwards, pretty much gave up his independence for you and....you can't TRUST him? Yeah, okay. Sure I understand you and his brother are on different sides but like Gregg could have done a lot to you in the first book and instead he helped you. She is all like, you're worth it, but I can't trust you. It gets annoying after the fifth round of it.
And then Dalton. Riley is all like Idk who hired you so I'm not gonna trust you, but in the next breath is like I know Price or Gregg hired you. Like make up your mind. And THEN she is all like I don't need you Dalton imma strong independent woman. Even though she had just come from getting stabbed because she ditched Dalton and his crew. And then Dalton tells her they intercepted like 6 different groups from assassination/ kidnapping attemps.
AND THEN she gets a.....
****spoiler*****
Client who she is instantly like "Imma trust you cause.....kids. Plus your a cop (even though half the cops are on the take, per the first book?)" And then the client betrays her! Shockednotshocked.
And the author makes her somewhat self aware (aware enough to know she's digging her head in the sand and she THINKS she isn't a horror heroine when she is), and that is what.... suppose to endear her to us? Because she supposed to be a "strong independent woman" but somehow seems weak and needing rescuing and kind of pathetic. Like she can't even take care of her own injury at the beginning. The men had to practically force her to do it and bring the equipment.
Like I get it. You need actions to move along the story but come on does it have to be heroine did something stupid and that's how the plot movies forward on repeat.
I made it to chapter five (which was ROUGH). Skimmed while she was captured and then gave up.
DNF
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2023
if you thought Riley was stupid in the first book, well, she outdoes herself pretty quickly here, multiple times and in multiple ways, and every single time she realizes she’s been dumb she’s astonished. “I’d been criminally stupid,” she wails to herself on page 267, after she’s already been criminally stupid multiple times in multiple different ways. (Please note, the page 267 criminal stupidity is something that the reader will have characterized as criminally stupid by about page 12. Like I said, stupid.) Everyone else, including supposed criminal masterminds, is also ridiculously stupid.
The romance once again is shoehorned in and doesn’t make sense in context. (Riley goes from .) They have sex at a totally inappropriate time after Riley’s been through significant physical and mental trauma. I’ll also mention that Riley gets tortured a lot on-page, and a bunch of people suffer/die, including children, while .
I’m just going to mention this because honestly I think it’s worthy of mention: we meet a black woman early in the book - a cop - and learn that her brother is a crappy father who abandoned his son, and the cop herself is struggling to single-parent her troubled teenage nephew. This is the only black character we’ve met in the series thus far and I don’t love this background for her. (Ditto her southern accent and use of phrases like “Praise the Lord” and “Good Lord willing.” No one else we’ve met in the series thus far is religious or uses explicitly religious language.) A Hispanic character is identifiable as Hispanic because she sprinkles in random Spanish-language words and phrases that the author has clearly Googled (querida, chica, los muertos, buena suerte, etc.). The author also introduces the term “neuters” for people without magic, which I don’t love. Basically, someone involved in this series should have given some thought to some of this stuff, but did not.
The romance once again is shoehorned in and doesn’t make sense in context. (Riley goes from .) They have sex at a totally inappropriate time after Riley’s been through significant physical and mental trauma. I’ll also mention that Riley gets tortured a lot on-page, and a bunch of people suffer/die, including children, while .
I’m just going to mention this because honestly I think it’s worthy of mention: we meet a black woman early in the book - a cop - and learn that her brother is a crappy father who abandoned his son, and the cop herself is struggling to single-parent her troubled teenage nephew. This is the only black character we’ve met in the series thus far and I don’t love this background for her. (Ditto her southern accent and use of phrases like “Praise the Lord” and “Good Lord willing.” No one else we’ve met in the series thus far is religious or uses explicitly religious language.) A Hispanic character is identifiable as Hispanic because she sprinkles in random Spanish-language words and phrases that the author has clearly Googled (querida, chica, los muertos, buena suerte, etc.). The author also introduces the term “neuters” for people without magic, which I don’t love. Basically, someone involved in this series should have given some thought to some of this stuff, but did not.
January 22, 2020
It's a love and hate relationship. I love a lot about the story, the world, the writing, and the characters. And everyone needs a Price in their lives, even if he may seem overbearing.
And I liked it a lot that even the annoying cowardice of the main character was kind of explained through the story, I just hope we'll actually see some change next time.
It's just that sometimes the story goes places where I can't continue reading without getting a migraine. Too much angst, 'bad guys' that are a bit too disgusting and psychopathic to read without feeling sick, torture that triggers me, etc. I don't like feeling sick and getting triggered when I read, so I have to skim and skip over these parts. Even though I understand that the bad probably has to be there to make this a better story, I still wish it wasn't.
And I liked it a lot that even the annoying cowardice of the main character was kind of explained through the story, I just hope we'll actually see some change next time.
It's just that sometimes the story goes places where I can't continue reading without getting a migraine. Too much angst, 'bad guys' that are a bit too disgusting and psychopathic to read without feeling sick, torture that triggers me, etc. I don't like feeling sick and getting triggered when I read, so I have to skim and skip over these parts. Even though I understand that the bad probably has to be there to make this a better story, I still wish it wasn't.
June 10, 2018
I liked this sequel all right—the story was good, but the testosterone level got so high at times in terms of overprotective revenge desires that I nearly stopped reading a few times. When you end up with three über-Alphas in one room all focused on one person—it’s just a bit much. I’m not sure how I feel about Riley and Price’s relationship. I am generally not sure about this book at the moment, but I liked the magic.
June 10, 2022
Great story
Well, the heroine certainly isn't bullet proof. In fact, she's gets damaged a lot more than most main characters. Good thing she lives in a magic universe where people called tinkers can patch people back together when they've been injured. But physical damage is only the beginning of Riley's problems. She still needs to figure out what to do about her love for Clay and the land mines left in her own head.
Well, the heroine certainly isn't bullet proof. In fact, she's gets damaged a lot more than most main characters. Good thing she lives in a magic universe where people called tinkers can patch people back together when they've been injured. But physical damage is only the beginning of Riley's problems. She still needs to figure out what to do about her love for Clay and the land mines left in her own head.
July 21, 2019
Roller coaster ride!
Fantastic follow up, consistent characters. Riley makes huge steps in attempting to trust those around her. I hate when characters don’t evolve and learn but Riley and Price are great. Cliffhanger ending but thankfully book 3 is already out or I’d be climbing the walls.
Fantastic follow up, consistent characters. Riley makes huge steps in attempting to trust those around her. I hate when characters don’t evolve and learn but Riley and Price are great. Cliffhanger ending but thankfully book 3 is already out or I’d be climbing the walls.
August 2, 2021
Here’s where Francis starts messing with the bigger story arch - but we also start meeting Riley’s family and they are far more badass than I was expecting. Quick, fast-paced action and bigger developments that kept me intrigued, followed by an ending/next book preview that made me very glad the next book was easily acquired!
January 17, 2018
Couldn't put book 1 and 2 down. Even switched to audio when I had to cook or shower lol
Love the main characters and story is fast paced. A fabulous rollercoaster. Not happy that book 3 is narrated by a different person...feels like the characters have changed.
Love the main characters and story is fast paced. A fabulous rollercoaster. Not happy that book 3 is narrated by a different person...feels like the characters have changed.
March 6, 2018
Wow
Loved it. This book built upon the last one. This book answered so many questions I had but it made more. The mystery is deepening and it is captivating me. I loved the ending. I mean what the heck is happening now!
Loved it. This book built upon the last one. This book answered so many questions I had but it made more. The mystery is deepening and it is captivating me. I loved the ending. I mean what the heck is happening now!
March 8, 2017
Girl... you're so trusting. So many things to do with so little time and energy. It seems like everything is impossible but she manages to win/survive at least.
August 2, 2018
Fast paced read that leaves you guessing as to what will happen, then delivers with a Big Bang. The description of the bad guy is awesomely scary.
December 18, 2018
After Riley's "mishappenings" I feel sorry for her.
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December 26, 20216
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September 13, 2022Brilliant
I can't get enough of this series. Absolutely full of action, drama, plots and angst. The main characters are fabulous. Totally unique and enthralling.
I can't get enough of this series. Absolutely full of action, drama, plots and angst. The main characters are fabulous. Totally unique and enthralling.
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