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Summoned #2
Stifled
Dimitri would like nothing more than to live a low-key life in Naples, Italy. His girlfriend, Syd, has other plans.
After three months of researching, she is positive she has found a jinn on a killing spree in San Diego, California. Since Syd gave Dimitri the one thing he thought was out of reach, he feels obligated to use his ill-gained talents for her cause.
A few hours back in the US proves that Dimitri and Syd didn't quite make the clean escape they had thought. As they trail the elusive jinn, someone else trails them. What should have been a simple trip to confirm once and for all if the jinn are living among humans, instead reveals a community keeping dark secrets.
Unfortunately for Dim, the only way out is in.
After three months of researching, she is positive she has found a jinn on a killing spree in San Diego, California. Since Syd gave Dimitri the one thing he thought was out of reach, he feels obligated to use his ill-gained talents for her cause.
A few hours back in the US proves that Dimitri and Syd didn't quite make the clean escape they had thought. As they trail the elusive jinn, someone else trails them. What should have been a simple trip to confirm once and for all if the jinn are living among humans, instead reveals a community keeping dark secrets.
Unfortunately for Dim, the only way out is in.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2015
10 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
Rainy Kaye
20 books197 followersRainy Kaye is an aspiring overlord. In the mean time, she blogs at RainyoftheDark and writes paranormal novels from her lair somewhere in Phoenix, Arizona.
She is represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA. Someone told her she's a USA Today Bestselling author. She thought there would be cake.
She is represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA. Someone told her she's a USA Today Bestselling author. She thought there would be cake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
June 8, 2016
I really liked the first book Summined but this book I loved! Dimitri is finally free of his Jinn bond but his life is never going to be ordinary. For a start he's in love with Syd, the woman who has freed him and yet still he fears she might deep down be easier as his Master/Mistress. He is only twenty three and boy has he learnt a whole lot about the darker side of life and the blood figuratively still coats his hands.
Now Syd has a lead and thinks they can help save another Jinn but Dimitri has no magic just experience and whatever he can learn from the Internet! Oh did I forget to say that Dimitri isn't really a Jinn? Did I not mention that he's a human whose family bizarrely found themselves trapped by a curse? Oh yes this story is like no other and if you want a humdinger of a tale with a hero painfully emulating the energiser bunny you really need to get your hands on this book!
There's romance but it's played down a bit here which made it a better read. The couple still can't keep their hands off each other but we are starting to see cracks which funnily enough makes their relationship feel more realistic. Dimitri is without a doubt the star of the show and his thoughts are often hilarious but the author cleverly brings new characters in and although they are peripheral it still adds to the fun. Yes I said fun! It is fast paced and there are extremely tense situations but I never knew what to expect as the action galloped on dragging me with it and I can't wait for book three!
Now Syd has a lead and thinks they can help save another Jinn but Dimitri has no magic just experience and whatever he can learn from the Internet! Oh did I forget to say that Dimitri isn't really a Jinn? Did I not mention that he's a human whose family bizarrely found themselves trapped by a curse? Oh yes this story is like no other and if you want a humdinger of a tale with a hero painfully emulating the energiser bunny you really need to get your hands on this book!
There's romance but it's played down a bit here which made it a better read. The couple still can't keep their hands off each other but we are starting to see cracks which funnily enough makes their relationship feel more realistic. Dimitri is without a doubt the star of the show and his thoughts are often hilarious but the author cleverly brings new characters in and although they are peripheral it still adds to the fun. Yes I said fun! It is fast paced and there are extremely tense situations but I never knew what to expect as the action galloped on dragging me with it and I can't wait for book three!
July 21, 2016
I would like to thank both author & publisher for the copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm sorry I just can't connect with this book and I think it would be unfair of me to go into detail as I wouldn't like to try and influence anyone as I have strongly disliked both books finding myself having to DNF the second at 50%.
I can see why people would enjoy this kind of book but I can't seem to connect with any of the characters nor do I like them, not even a little.
I'm sorry I just can't connect with this book and I think it would be unfair of me to go into detail as I wouldn't like to try and influence anyone as I have strongly disliked both books finding myself having to DNF the second at 50%.
I can see why people would enjoy this kind of book but I can't seem to connect with any of the characters nor do I like them, not even a little.
Read
June 27, 2016Syd and Dmitri had gotten away to safety in Italy, but are obsessed with the idea that Dmitri is not the only jinn. Reports of a serial killer back home make them suspicious, wondering if the seemingly random murders are caused by another jinn, the way Dmitri had been forced to kill at the command of his (thankfully) now-dead master, Karl Walker.
The structure of this book is pretty much like the first, which I found interesting. The first act, or part one, is non-stop action with occasional sex, whereas the first book's part one was non-stop sex with occasional action, but otherwise it was Syd and Dmitri together again, with no one else entering their tight little world except as enemies to be escaped or pursued.
When they discover that yes, there are more jinn, they decide to investigate--and part two is a great deal like part two of the previous book, in which Dmitri is flung into non-stop action, at great physical cost (he gets almost as beat up as Crawford of Lymond, for fans of hurt/comfort), without understanding the why of any of the missions he is sent on. The difference is that he is not constrained against his will, though he is questioning the power of emotional connection in a way that adds another layer of interest to the story. This exploration of Syd's and Dmitri's relationship was one of the best parts of the book for me.
Bringing us to part three, which like the first book, is where he and Syd begin to make sense of what's going on, launching yet more grueling action, peppered by plenty of sex.
It's clear that this is developing into a series, with these two smart young people becoming crusaders on behalf of the jinn. . The narrative voice, like in the first book, is taut, vivid, with breezy humor. The violence quotient is not quite as intense as the first book , but it's right up there.
Readers who like a distinctive voice, tons of non-stop action, and plenty of sex should find themselves immersed in this series.
Copy provided by NetGalley.
June 11, 2015
Reviewed for http://theereaderjunkie.wordpress.com
Let Dimitri introduce himself : “That’s me, the most unintimidating criminal on the planet. At 23, I’ve given up on ever reaching six feet.” “I get cranky when people expect me to go on a murdering spree. I do have other hobbies. Or would like to, anyway.”
Just like in the previous books of the series, this is a paranormal novel told in a noir tone. Dimitri’s humor matches the monologues of a blasé private detective, but a lot wittier. That guy cracks me up. What he doesn’t have in magic powers, he makes up with experience and creativity. He might not be the toughest alpha male on the planet, but he manages to reach his goals, whatever unusual means he uses ! He’s just endearing and I feel for him, trying to find out who he is, trying to please his girlfriend and weighing whether to act for the best or finding out another way.
“I look both directions to make sure the coast is clear. Then I run. Straight across the street and down the side yard. I heave myself up and over the back brick wall.
I land, stumble forward, then fall face first into gravel.
Nope, still not Superman.”
He’s not Superman, he’s a normal guy expected to do completely abnormal things, that’s why I like him so much more than if he were an invincible hero. That and the fact that he questions himself but never gives up. He tries to do his best even if it’s not the best thing to do, even if he has doubts and is tempted to just look away.
Poor Dimitri, he was hoping to spend some quality time with his girlfriend and her family in Italy, but Syd intends to go back to the States in order to find another jinn. I say, “another jinn” because Dimitri, in spite of everything that happened in Summoned, still considers himself a jinn – old habits die hard. What they discover might bring their couple to an end, would he resist seeing his beloved Syd in the role of a Master, an allmighty ruler of jinns who barely considers them as tools, even if it’s just for pretend ?
When they go searching for this jinn, they have absolutely no idea of what they’re about to discover – and neither did I. Am I going to write a lengthy review without spoiling anything and tempting you to give a go to this addictive series ? Well, not much because I’d hate to reveal anything.
Just let me tell you this : when I say this series is addictive, it IS addictive. There’s romance (but it’s not a paranormal romance), there’s a intriguing plot, there’s action, there’s humor, there are very bad guys, there are good guys who are way above their heads into trouble and there is this hero, because that’s what he is. I happened upon book #1 purely by chance, it was a freebie and I’d never read a jinn story before. So I bought it, completely forgot about the jinn plot and read it months later and bam ! In my face. Now I’m hooked and I’d dearly, really dearly love to hook you too. Give Dimitri a chance ! Highly recommended ! And now, Rainy Kaye, please, get to your computer, your paper and your pen, whatever it is you use, I don’t care but write me the next instalment, I need it !
One more quote for the road :
“So, what is Fahim going to do, throw a rope ladder out a second story window ?”
“He’s going to unlock the front door,” Shadi replies without missing a step.
I falter. Entering atarget house through the front door without taking it off its hinges is a first. What a concept.”
Let Dimitri introduce himself : “That’s me, the most unintimidating criminal on the planet. At 23, I’ve given up on ever reaching six feet.” “I get cranky when people expect me to go on a murdering spree. I do have other hobbies. Or would like to, anyway.”
Just like in the previous books of the series, this is a paranormal novel told in a noir tone. Dimitri’s humor matches the monologues of a blasé private detective, but a lot wittier. That guy cracks me up. What he doesn’t have in magic powers, he makes up with experience and creativity. He might not be the toughest alpha male on the planet, but he manages to reach his goals, whatever unusual means he uses ! He’s just endearing and I feel for him, trying to find out who he is, trying to please his girlfriend and weighing whether to act for the best or finding out another way.
“I look both directions to make sure the coast is clear. Then I run. Straight across the street and down the side yard. I heave myself up and over the back brick wall.
I land, stumble forward, then fall face first into gravel.
Nope, still not Superman.”
He’s not Superman, he’s a normal guy expected to do completely abnormal things, that’s why I like him so much more than if he were an invincible hero. That and the fact that he questions himself but never gives up. He tries to do his best even if it’s not the best thing to do, even if he has doubts and is tempted to just look away.
Poor Dimitri, he was hoping to spend some quality time with his girlfriend and her family in Italy, but Syd intends to go back to the States in order to find another jinn. I say, “another jinn” because Dimitri, in spite of everything that happened in Summoned, still considers himself a jinn – old habits die hard. What they discover might bring their couple to an end, would he resist seeing his beloved Syd in the role of a Master, an allmighty ruler of jinns who barely considers them as tools, even if it’s just for pretend ?
When they go searching for this jinn, they have absolutely no idea of what they’re about to discover – and neither did I. Am I going to write a lengthy review without spoiling anything and tempting you to give a go to this addictive series ? Well, not much because I’d hate to reveal anything.
Just let me tell you this : when I say this series is addictive, it IS addictive. There’s romance (but it’s not a paranormal romance), there’s a intriguing plot, there’s action, there’s humor, there are very bad guys, there are good guys who are way above their heads into trouble and there is this hero, because that’s what he is. I happened upon book #1 purely by chance, it was a freebie and I’d never read a jinn story before. So I bought it, completely forgot about the jinn plot and read it months later and bam ! In my face. Now I’m hooked and I’d dearly, really dearly love to hook you too. Give Dimitri a chance ! Highly recommended ! And now, Rainy Kaye, please, get to your computer, your paper and your pen, whatever it is you use, I don’t care but write me the next instalment, I need it !
One more quote for the road :
“So, what is Fahim going to do, throw a rope ladder out a second story window ?”
“He’s going to unlock the front door,” Shadi replies without missing a step.
I falter. Entering atarget house through the front door without taking it off its hinges is a first. What a concept.”
March 30, 2015
Saddle up and brace yourself for another spine-tingling, action-packed, darkly wicked thrill ride like none other. The sequel to Summoned lives up and excels my expectations. I was blown away and loved it! Not only do we get to experience more of Dimitri and Syd but we get to watch their relationship evolve and each of the characters grow. They uncover a dark secret that changes everything. Tensions are high and more than just their lives are on the line. In this fast-paced sequel, you'll have a hard time putting it down as you dive deeper into Rainy Kaye's dark and wonder world of jinni. I can't wait for the next to see what happens next!
September 15, 2025
I received an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Just like the first book Summoned, this book is also a very good one! I just couldn't put it down for anything and the author didn't stop surprising me with the way she finds to turn situations around!
Now Dimitri is free of the psych bond we saw in "Summoned", but his life still won't be the same as it was before embarking in the dark world. He learned a lot during that time and the blood he shed is weighting in his hands. He has grown as a character and that gave the story a whole different intensity. Also, I found myself laughing so hard at some points because of his humour! He might have lost his powers, but the way he turns situations around is awesome! As if Dimitri's life was easy, he finds out that he might not be what he always thought he was: not a jinn but something else!
He's still in love with Syd and when she finds a jinn in California, Dimitri feels somehow obligated to please her even though they are quite good in Italy spending a good time. So, they don't waste time and some enough they are following the jinn without knowing exactly what to expect. What they didn't expect was someone following them too! But when he tries to find informations about who might be following them, he discover another thing that will blow your mind away!
Like in the first book, here the author also didn't give the romance much focus and that was a bonus again! But the author did a great job about the few romantic scenes because they sounded so realistic!
This series is getting so addictive that I wish I could read the third book right away! There's action, a thicken plot, humour, a bit of romance and then there's Dimitri, a hero!
Just like the first book Summoned, this book is also a very good one! I just couldn't put it down for anything and the author didn't stop surprising me with the way she finds to turn situations around!
Now Dimitri is free of the psych bond we saw in "Summoned", but his life still won't be the same as it was before embarking in the dark world. He learned a lot during that time and the blood he shed is weighting in his hands. He has grown as a character and that gave the story a whole different intensity. Also, I found myself laughing so hard at some points because of his humour! He might have lost his powers, but the way he turns situations around is awesome! As if Dimitri's life was easy, he finds out that he might not be what he always thought he was: not a jinn but something else!
He's still in love with Syd and when she finds a jinn in California, Dimitri feels somehow obligated to please her even though they are quite good in Italy spending a good time. So, they don't waste time and some enough they are following the jinn without knowing exactly what to expect. What they didn't expect was someone following them too! But when he tries to find informations about who might be following them, he discover another thing that will blow your mind away!
Like in the first book, here the author also didn't give the romance much focus and that was a bonus again! But the author did a great job about the few romantic scenes because they sounded so realistic!
This series is getting so addictive that I wish I could read the third book right away! There's action, a thicken plot, humour, a bit of romance and then there's Dimitri, a hero!
August 31, 2016
Dimitri and Syd return from Italy to follow some clues that Syd has found about a killing spree that may have been done at the hands of another genie/jinn. Dimitri is against going back but Syd is determined to find out more about the bond that has Jinn's bonded to their masters blood line. I have to say that this book was more action packed then Summoned and that's saying something because if you read the first one (and you really should before you read this book) then you know that there was a lot of action in that one as well.
With all of the twists in this book I have no idea what is in store for us in Shattered but I know that I cannot wait to read it.
***I have received this book from Bastei Entertainment through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
With all of the twists in this book I have no idea what is in store for us in Shattered but I know that I cannot wait to read it.
***I have received this book from Bastei Entertainment through netgalley in exchange for my honest review*** https://www.netgalley.com/
July 8, 2016
Stifled is a modern day fantasy action/adventure written in first person and is the second book in the Summoned series. Taking place some three months after where the first novel left off, we get to see the main character, Dimitri, falling back on old habits. Both he and Syd are having trouble finding their way and keep butting heads. As the danger mounts, they seem to be getting more and more out of sync. Hired goons and snipers lurk around every corner. As they try to discover who is hunting them, they realize they may have bitten off more than they can chew. When all is said and done, will their insane plan and their relationship fall apart?
I would first like to state that I received this free through NetGalley for an honest review. This book had an insane amount of action but seemed a bit too predictable at times and I found my attention wandering from the story at intervals. That being said, I love how finally the relationship between the two protagonists felt real in its complexity and turmoil. It didn't seem as forced as in the first book. While I preferred the plot in the preceding tale, this one was quite good in its own right. It was quite the rollercoaster ride of suspense and 'face-palming' incidents. I must say that I do love Dimitri's wry sense of humor - he can be quite droll at times, particularly his inner monologue, and I found myself chuckling out loud a few times. I am definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
I would first like to state that I received this free through NetGalley for an honest review. This book had an insane amount of action but seemed a bit too predictable at times and I found my attention wandering from the story at intervals. That being said, I love how finally the relationship between the two protagonists felt real in its complexity and turmoil. It didn't seem as forced as in the first book. While I preferred the plot in the preceding tale, this one was quite good in its own right. It was quite the rollercoaster ride of suspense and 'face-palming' incidents. I must say that I do love Dimitri's wry sense of humor - he can be quite droll at times, particularly his inner monologue, and I found myself chuckling out loud a few times. I am definitely looking forward to the next in the series.
March 18, 2016
A life in Italy with Syd by his side takes a detour. Dimitri was hoping to leave his life of servitude behind as a jinn when he was freed from his master's bond. Syd's obsession with tracking Jinns has led a trail to California and with Dimitri reluctantly by her side they return to the states to only find that there in an underground of masters and their Jinns running wild and that isn't even the start of their problems.Dimitri is being tracked and followed. Someone wants him and the deeper they look into the JiNet organization the harder it is to safely walk away. Exposing the truth to help other Jinn could seal a fate neither of them planned.
I could not put this second book in the series down. Rainy Kaye makes you fall in love with Dimitri and Syd though I must admit the safe side of me screamed a few times to just return to Italy and forget the past and what they know. For that reason I am not posting any spoilers on the book. You have to read it for yourself!
I could not put this second book in the series down. Rainy Kaye makes you fall in love with Dimitri and Syd though I must admit the safe side of me screamed a few times to just return to Italy and forget the past and what they know. For that reason I am not posting any spoilers on the book. You have to read it for yourself!
June 24, 2016
I received this free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The second round is just as exciting as the first with our hero now free and still up to his eyeballs in trouble. Dimitri and Syd are back with a steamy romance and another adventure that could get them killed. This is loads of fun and entertaining for paranormal readers and perfect if you want a change from the normal. The author has created memorable protagonists and I think this would best be enjoyed by starting with the first book.
The second round is just as exciting as the first with our hero now free and still up to his eyeballs in trouble. Dimitri and Syd are back with a steamy romance and another adventure that could get them killed. This is loads of fun and entertaining for paranormal readers and perfect if you want a change from the normal. The author has created memorable protagonists and I think this would best be enjoyed by starting with the first book.
June 12, 2015
This was an amazing book to read. As a follow up to Summoned, Rainey has excelled herself in telling this exciting and enjoyable story. At times the antics and dialogue of Syd and Dim ( aptly named ) are so hilarious i had to stop reading to recover from my laughter. A terrific tale that is serious as well as funny ends up with a good solution but an equal chance of a continuation. A MUST for your TBR shelf.
September 11, 2015
Enjoyable
I like this series so far because it is not your typical genie book. Realistically, I do not think it really involves jinn. They have no magical powers, only the ability to be controlled by a master. It might as well be about a slave trying to find freedom or not do something morally wrong. Although, the genie thing does not really matter in the book, the story is still good and exciting.
I like this series so far because it is not your typical genie book. Realistically, I do not think it really involves jinn. They have no magical powers, only the ability to be controlled by a master. It might as well be about a slave trying to find freedom or not do something morally wrong. Although, the genie thing does not really matter in the book, the story is still good and exciting.
December 22, 2015
What else can I say but WOW!!
I cannot express just how amazing this story is!! I mean non stop action at every turn not knowing what will happen next!! So much so that once I started reading, I could not put it down! It will suck you in to that place where you totally zone and every thing else is but a hazy background noise!
I cannot express just how amazing this story is!! I mean non stop action at every turn not knowing what will happen next!! So much so that once I started reading, I could not put it down! It will suck you in to that place where you totally zone and every thing else is but a hazy background noise!
December 26, 2018
Very interesting and unique story! I really enjoyed the first book, so I was definitely looking forward to reading this one. The writing has a humor to it that I enjoy; especially since the subject matter tends to be pretty serious. I'd recommend reading the first book before this one because this story is with the same characters. Dimitri and Syd discover that there are more Jinn (genies), so they set out to find them, but they find themselves in a lot of dangerous situations. There's a lot more going on then they originally thought, so they find themselves deeper and deeper into trouble. This is definitely more of an adult story because of the violence and there is some sexual scenarios. I liked the first book a little more than this one, but this one is still engrossing. I was a little disappointed by Syd in this book, but overall, I really like the connection between Dimitri and Her. Their romance is really sweet, and I love how much they are there for the other. Entertaining story the whole way through.
September 7, 2017
I enjoyed Stifled far more than book one of the series, Summoned. But just like book one Stifled is filled with side busting humor and whit. I constantly found myself laughing out loud and reading lines twice because they were so funny. This time around though I really disliked Syd. Not only did I not understand her obsession with the Jinn, but she was very insensitive to Dim’s feelings and what he had endured as a Jinn. Syd and Dimitri start off in Italy with her family and the author wastes no time getting into the action. Stifled had one of those endings that could be taken a number of ways. On one hand I was ok with the ending and would be ok to let my mind wander and imagine what would come next. On the other hand it is definitely left open for another sequel.
January 10, 2021
A great follow up to the series. Such a good suspense story. Just enough fantasy to balance out the realism to make the whole story believable. It kept moving from one challenge to another making for an exciting read. Book provided by NetGalley.
April 2, 2021
Great second book
I loved this book. It ended on a hopeful note, but left it open for the story to continue. I do hope there is a third book.
I loved this book. It ended on a hopeful note, but left it open for the story to continue. I do hope there is a third book.
June 21, 2016
I picked this up right after finishing the first book in the series, Summoned. I was hoping to be taken on another journey that I would enjoy as much as the first one, but the sequel left me underwhelmed overall.
I liked picking up with Dimitri so soon after the ending of the first book. It was nice to read that at some point he had a semi-normal life and that he was starting to try to settle into his newfound freedom. But then of course his life is yanked up from under him and he's thrown back into the jinn world that he just managed to escape. The action in this book was faster-paced and had more cohesiveness than the first one did which I definitely appreciated. I was engrossed reading as Dimitri and Syd discover the secret of JiNet and I really liked the idea of an organization like it and thought it was very realistic.
However, I have two main qualms in this book: Syd is terrible and I wish she would disappear, and the whole Kalila thing was so bizarre and hard to understand.
Firstly, Syd definitely wasn't a favorite character for me in the first one but she did start to grow on me by the end of the book. But in this one, she drove me absolutely crazy with how selfish and self-centered she is. All Syd cares about is herself and her ambitions yet puts a nice cover on it by saying she wants to help other jinn. When really it's just that Syd is obsessed with jinn and will stop at nothing to discover and learn more about them just as she has her entire life. And Dimitri, who is supposed to be the love of her life basically, is always a secondhand thought when he isn't useful for her. I don't understand how even with Dimitri's own doubts that he voices multiple times throughout the book, he could stay with her. Ugh.
Then, secondly, the Kalila thing was so poorly explained I'm still left with a giant question mark above my head. WHY? That's my main question. WHY is she being targeted as opposed to the other jinn under the same control??? What did she do? Why is she hated? Why does she cause so many problems apparently and can't be kept under control? She was such an awkward character and I'm left wondering why concern for her was supposed to carry half the book when there's no explanation given. If it had been explained better, I probably would've given the book another star but it was just so confusing and such a large part of the book that it should have been handled better.
Lastly, I still love Dimitri. He's a fun character with a uniquely humorous voice that is not used much in New Adult. He's still the same bumbling, sarcastic person that we met in the first book and I'm supremely happy that he was the same in the sequel.
Likes: Dimitri's sarcasm and personality. Faster paced and more action in this one. Plot was more cohesive.
Dislikes: Syd. Ugh. Kalila's story and history has no explanation as to why she's a target and suffering from what she is from the same hand that does nothing to the other person under his control. What???
Overall:
Recommend? Yes, even with all of my qualms mentioned.
Reading the Next One? Yes.
*I received this e-book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
I liked picking up with Dimitri so soon after the ending of the first book. It was nice to read that at some point he had a semi-normal life and that he was starting to try to settle into his newfound freedom. But then of course his life is yanked up from under him and he's thrown back into the jinn world that he just managed to escape. The action in this book was faster-paced and had more cohesiveness than the first one did which I definitely appreciated. I was engrossed reading as Dimitri and Syd discover the secret of JiNet and I really liked the idea of an organization like it and thought it was very realistic.
However, I have two main qualms in this book: Syd is terrible and I wish she would disappear, and the whole Kalila thing was so bizarre and hard to understand.
Firstly, Syd definitely wasn't a favorite character for me in the first one but she did start to grow on me by the end of the book. But in this one, she drove me absolutely crazy with how selfish and self-centered she is. All Syd cares about is herself and her ambitions yet puts a nice cover on it by saying she wants to help other jinn. When really it's just that Syd is obsessed with jinn and will stop at nothing to discover and learn more about them just as she has her entire life. And Dimitri, who is supposed to be the love of her life basically, is always a secondhand thought when he isn't useful for her. I don't understand how even with Dimitri's own doubts that he voices multiple times throughout the book, he could stay with her. Ugh.
Then, secondly, the Kalila thing was so poorly explained I'm still left with a giant question mark above my head. WHY? That's my main question. WHY is she being targeted as opposed to the other jinn under the same control??? What did she do? Why is she hated? Why does she cause so many problems apparently and can't be kept under control? She was such an awkward character and I'm left wondering why concern for her was supposed to carry half the book when there's no explanation given. If it had been explained better, I probably would've given the book another star but it was just so confusing and such a large part of the book that it should have been handled better.
Lastly, I still love Dimitri. He's a fun character with a uniquely humorous voice that is not used much in New Adult. He's still the same bumbling, sarcastic person that we met in the first book and I'm supremely happy that he was the same in the sequel.
Likes: Dimitri's sarcasm and personality. Faster paced and more action in this one. Plot was more cohesive.
Dislikes: Syd. Ugh. Kalila's story and history has no explanation as to why she's a target and suffering from what she is from the same hand that does nothing to the other person under his control. What???
Overall:
Recommend? Yes, even with all of my qualms mentioned.
Reading the Next One? Yes.
*I received this e-book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
June 9, 2016
2.5 Stars
The scariest thing isn't being stifled; it's finding the courage to speak up.
I didn't like this one as much as the first. I went in, fresh off finishing Summoned, ready to follow in the new adventure and it was just...underwhelming. And a bit convoluted at times as well.
Dimitri, now having been freed, is living with Syd, her grandmother, and her sister in Italy. He wants nothing more than to leave the past behind him and start his new life and basically just try to figure out what freedom means but Syd has other plans. Her obsession with the jinn is far from sated. When she finds a rash of killings in San Diego that she believes are being committed by a jinn, she drags Dimitri back into the world he so wanted to escape. Needless to say, they find the jinn and then some.
My main issue with this book was Syd herself. Having seen what being a jinn did to Dimitri and how much freewill was just not a thing, it was just rather inconsiderate of her to assume he;s be okay with everything she was doing - mainly, asking him to pretend to be a controlled jinn again. Everything he escaped from was now back to being front and center - burglary, kidnapping, murder - Syd saw no problem with involving Dim in this because it was for knowledge. I mean, doesn't he want to know more about his life and the other jinn? For someone who supposedly was in love, she acted rather childish and very selfish. Only caring about her goals and not bothering to see how much stress this was causing Dim. And can I mention how awkward the sex scenes were? Yikes.
Another problem was the pacing vs. plot. There was just so much plot thrown at us that it was extremely hard to focus on just one thing. Because of this, a lot got lost in translation. I didn't care about any outcomes because I wasn't given time to care. I wanted to see Dim grow in his freedom, deal with the struggles of being normal and he wasn't given that opportunity. The author basically told us and we were to accept it at face value before diving into the multiple mysteries that hounded this book.
When I said I wanted more of the history of the jinn, this was not what I had in mind.
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The scariest thing isn't being stifled; it's finding the courage to speak up.
I didn't like this one as much as the first. I went in, fresh off finishing Summoned, ready to follow in the new adventure and it was just...underwhelming. And a bit convoluted at times as well.
Dimitri, now having been freed, is living with Syd, her grandmother, and her sister in Italy. He wants nothing more than to leave the past behind him and start his new life and basically just try to figure out what freedom means but Syd has other plans. Her obsession with the jinn is far from sated. When she finds a rash of killings in San Diego that she believes are being committed by a jinn, she drags Dimitri back into the world he so wanted to escape. Needless to say, they find the jinn and then some.
My main issue with this book was Syd herself. Having seen what being a jinn did to Dimitri and how much freewill was just not a thing, it was just rather inconsiderate of her to assume he;s be okay with everything she was doing - mainly, asking him to pretend to be a controlled jinn again. Everything he escaped from was now back to being front and center - burglary, kidnapping, murder - Syd saw no problem with involving Dim in this because it was for knowledge. I mean, doesn't he want to know more about his life and the other jinn? For someone who supposedly was in love, she acted rather childish and very selfish. Only caring about her goals and not bothering to see how much stress this was causing Dim. And can I mention how awkward the sex scenes were? Yikes.
Another problem was the pacing vs. plot. There was just so much plot thrown at us that it was extremely hard to focus on just one thing. Because of this, a lot got lost in translation. I didn't care about any outcomes because I wasn't given time to care. I wanted to see Dim grow in his freedom, deal with the struggles of being normal and he wasn't given that opportunity. The author basically told us and we were to accept it at face value before diving into the multiple mysteries that hounded this book.
When I said I wanted more of the history of the jinn, this was not what I had in mind.
I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2017
Stifled follows on from book one when Dimitri was freed from his master’s bond. Syd takes him to Naples to stay with her grandmother. The peace he is enjoying doesn't last very long though.
Syd continues to do her research on Jinn and comes across an interesting discovery. Dimitri agrees to go back with her to California to investigate and help Syd with what she has in mind. Nothing is as simple as they had assumed. They come across this network of masters whose agenda is less than honourable. Dimitri knows only too well what it feels like to be in the other Jinns' shoes. What should be a straightforward endeavour turns into a bit of a nightmare.
Syd is intent on pursuing her research even when their lives could be possibly in danger. Dimitri is unable to refuse to do her biddings even if he is now a free man. It turns out that he is being pursued whilst trying to uncover the activities of this secret network.
There are plenty of actions and surprises in this part but somehow I found Syd's behaviour to be inconsiderate and immature. She is so focused on broadening her knowledge that she seems to overlook Dimitri's pain from his injuries after numerous encounters with the enemy. She could have shown a little more compassion in these instances. She does manage to redeem herself in the end though. Dimitri's wit and the way he gets himself out of tight corners held my interest.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Syd continues to do her research on Jinn and comes across an interesting discovery. Dimitri agrees to go back with her to California to investigate and help Syd with what she has in mind. Nothing is as simple as they had assumed. They come across this network of masters whose agenda is less than honourable. Dimitri knows only too well what it feels like to be in the other Jinns' shoes. What should be a straightforward endeavour turns into a bit of a nightmare.
Syd is intent on pursuing her research even when their lives could be possibly in danger. Dimitri is unable to refuse to do her biddings even if he is now a free man. It turns out that he is being pursued whilst trying to uncover the activities of this secret network.
There are plenty of actions and surprises in this part but somehow I found Syd's behaviour to be inconsiderate and immature. She is so focused on broadening her knowledge that she seems to overlook Dimitri's pain from his injuries after numerous encounters with the enemy. She could have shown a little more compassion in these instances. She does manage to redeem herself in the end though. Dimitri's wit and the way he gets himself out of tight corners held my interest.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 27, 2016
I would like to thank Bastei Entertainment and Netgalley for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is book two in the Summoned Series and just as exciting as the first book. I really enjoyed all the twists and turns that happened in this second book. It was interesting to find out that he was not alone and there are many out there like him. As always, there was a lot of action and poor Dim always seems to get the raw end of the deal.
With Dim’s master out of the way, he and Syd seem to make new enemies. Not to mention an old enemy that reappears. Living with Syd and her family, Dim seems to be enjoying just being normal, something he has never had. Syd seems to discover another jinn out there and wants to go to investigate it, They discover a whole world of jinn and master’s that is opened up to them.
The reason that I did not give this a 5 rating is that Syd really bothered me in this book. I liked her more in the first but in this one she just seemed more manipulative and it was always poor Dim that got the back lash for it. She wasn’t as snarky or as sure of herself in this book.
The book ended in a cliff hanger with a ton of unanswered questions. New characters that you want to know more about and basically you are left wondering what could possibly happen next? Will Dim get the “normal” life he wants? Will Syd be satisfied with that and stop her obsession with the other jinn out there?
This is book two in the Summoned Series and just as exciting as the first book. I really enjoyed all the twists and turns that happened in this second book. It was interesting to find out that he was not alone and there are many out there like him. As always, there was a lot of action and poor Dim always seems to get the raw end of the deal.
With Dim’s master out of the way, he and Syd seem to make new enemies. Not to mention an old enemy that reappears. Living with Syd and her family, Dim seems to be enjoying just being normal, something he has never had. Syd seems to discover another jinn out there and wants to go to investigate it, They discover a whole world of jinn and master’s that is opened up to them.
The reason that I did not give this a 5 rating is that Syd really bothered me in this book. I liked her more in the first but in this one she just seemed more manipulative and it was always poor Dim that got the back lash for it. She wasn’t as snarky or as sure of herself in this book.
The book ended in a cliff hanger with a ton of unanswered questions. New characters that you want to know more about and basically you are left wondering what could possibly happen next? Will Dim get the “normal” life he wants? Will Syd be satisfied with that and stop her obsession with the other jinn out there?
June 29, 2016
This is the second book on the Summoned series by Rainy Kaye. This book picks up where the last one left off with the main character Dimitri now free of his hold of his Genie like bond, is trying his best to live his life as normally as possible. He just seemed very conflicted in this book like he still has the desire to be controlled by people to some extent. I love his sarcastic nature, his character is so intriguing and always leave you wanting more. As for Syd, and their romance, I was getting a little bit annoyed with her character. She seemed to be a bit more into herself and not as concerned with Dimitri period I don't miss like to see him with a different love interest in the next book or so. Their romance and sex scenes were a little bit less in this book compared to book one. This book to me was a little more action-packed and have a little bit more of the mythology and lore behind being a genie and being summoned. I found it just as entertaining of a Rita's the first book and just as fast pace. Again this was a book I really didn't want to put down and I'm really looking forward to see how this tale plays out especially for Dimitri. Looking forward to book number 3. I was given this book to read by the publisher of Stifled through their partnership with Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
April 24, 2015
Better written than the first book of this series. The main characters are better developed (that is to say, the female lead isn't just a one dimensional bang buddy anymore - YAY!) and they aren't constantly having sex, although the author decided that graphic descriptions were necessary again this book.
It's a fast-paced story that perfectly follows up the previous book, exploring the main character's personal growth as free man and as a committed partner in a real relationship. Nice touch. The book wraps up nicely while still leaving room for another sequel.
It was a good read for the most part and kept my interest. It was the perfect quick, light read that I needed considering I was sick the day I read it. It wasn't a strain on my brain or emotions - just straight action with minor lulls for the characters to regroup.
WORD OF WARNING: Do **NOT** read the sample chapter from "Come, the Dark" by Rebecca Hamilton directly after finishing this book. The book leaves you on a nice "Happy Ending High" which the sample chapter will kick that joy right out of you. You go from rockin' action and triumph to ... (SPOILER ALERT!!) a horrifying tale of a trapped teenage girl who was raped by her dad and is haunted by spooky shadow people - WTH?? Not cool.
It's a fast-paced story that perfectly follows up the previous book, exploring the main character's personal growth as free man and as a committed partner in a real relationship. Nice touch. The book wraps up nicely while still leaving room for another sequel.
It was a good read for the most part and kept my interest. It was the perfect quick, light read that I needed considering I was sick the day I read it. It wasn't a strain on my brain or emotions - just straight action with minor lulls for the characters to regroup.
WORD OF WARNING: Do **NOT** read the sample chapter from "Come, the Dark" by Rebecca Hamilton directly after finishing this book. The book leaves you on a nice "Happy Ending High" which the sample chapter will kick that joy right out of you. You go from rockin' action and triumph to ... (SPOILER ALERT!!) a horrifying tale of a trapped teenage girl who was raped by her dad and is haunted by spooky shadow people - WTH?? Not cool.
June 29, 2016
In this book Syd and Dim head back to the US, from Naples Italy, to find a female genie, only they discover something a lot more sinister. An organization that controls jinn and sometimes tortures them to do their bidding. They set out to free the female jinn, but his old master bond holder's wife has a new plan for Dim, kidnap and force him to work for her until Karl's infant son is old enough to take over the bond. That is the plan at least until he tells her that Syd, who was Karl's niece has set him free, but shes determined to take over all the jinn.
I didn't really like this book as much as the first, in the first we watched Syd and Dim fall in love and her freeing him. This time around its like she's controlling him, and he even makes the statement "you should have just left the master bond", and that's what it felt like. No matter if Dim didn't want to do something, Syd was basically forcing him to abide by her wishes. I'm glad the jinn were able stand up for themselves in this story and show they weren't going to stand by and stay in the shadows. Hopefully in the next story we will be able to see the release of all the jinn and the next generation rediscovered and released as well.
Received ARC in exchange for honest review from NetGalley
I didn't really like this book as much as the first, in the first we watched Syd and Dim fall in love and her freeing him. This time around its like she's controlling him, and he even makes the statement "you should have just left the master bond", and that's what it felt like. No matter if Dim didn't want to do something, Syd was basically forcing him to abide by her wishes. I'm glad the jinn were able stand up for themselves in this story and show they weren't going to stand by and stay in the shadows. Hopefully in the next story we will be able to see the release of all the jinn and the next generation rediscovered and released as well.
Received ARC in exchange for honest review from NetGalley
July 5, 2016
I am now a big fan of this series. After reading, I would say that it is well written and the plot is much better than the first one.
LIKES:
1. The story is getting better, and I am addicted. (I cannot wait for the next book)
2. New crazy and bad-ass characters.. new jinns!
3. More complicated situations.
4. More actions.
5. More revelations.
6. Dim is becoming stronger mc (a lot better in the first novel)
7. The cover!
DISLIKES:
1. Syd is annoying and confusing.
2. Not enough information about the other jinns.
3. Little information about the history of jinns.
I am hoping to know more about the history of jinn, and I feel like the author is saving it for the next book. I love how the story turns out in the end. The relationship between Dim and Syd grow more into each other, and I am surprised that there was less romance in this book which did not ruin the story.
I highly recommend this series. It is a fast-paced story with interesting story and characters which make it hard to put down. Again, as I wrote in the first book review, it is not the best story out there, but it is addictive once you read the first one. What makes this a good book is it is the different fantasy story. If you love Aladdin, I am sure you will like this.
LIKES:
1. The story is getting better, and I am addicted. (I cannot wait for the next book)
2. New crazy and bad-ass characters.. new jinns!
3. More complicated situations.
4. More actions.
5. More revelations.
6. Dim is becoming stronger mc (a lot better in the first novel)
7. The cover!
DISLIKES:
1. Syd is annoying and confusing.
2. Not enough information about the other jinns.
3. Little information about the history of jinns.
I am hoping to know more about the history of jinn, and I feel like the author is saving it for the next book. I love how the story turns out in the end. The relationship between Dim and Syd grow more into each other, and I am surprised that there was less romance in this book which did not ruin the story.
I highly recommend this series. It is a fast-paced story with interesting story and characters which make it hard to put down. Again, as I wrote in the first book review, it is not the best story out there, but it is addictive once you read the first one. What makes this a good book is it is the different fantasy story. If you love Aladdin, I am sure you will like this.
July 22, 2015
3.5
After Syd frees Dimitri from the Genie bond, they hide out in Naples. Syd spends her time scanning news reports, hoping to find other jinn. Her research leads the couple back to America...and lots of jinn-relayed trouble.
I really enjoyed the first book. The concept was unique. Dim is a compelling protagonist--flawed and human. No super powers...only desperation and will power.
In the second book, we see the aftermath. Dim was raised to be a servant and doesn't know how to function independently. Syd was raised in a privileged environment where the right to "own" jinn is acceptable. Both work on their interpersonal issues while dodging murderous henchmen and infiltrating secret societies.
While I liked the story, it was not a light read. Dim and Syd are all too human as they work through their emotional baggage and the jinn-master network they uncover is disturbingly reminiscent of modern human trafficking.
After Syd frees Dimitri from the Genie bond, they hide out in Naples. Syd spends her time scanning news reports, hoping to find other jinn. Her research leads the couple back to America...and lots of jinn-relayed trouble.
I really enjoyed the first book. The concept was unique. Dim is a compelling protagonist--flawed and human. No super powers...only desperation and will power.
In the second book, we see the aftermath. Dim was raised to be a servant and doesn't know how to function independently. Syd was raised in a privileged environment where the right to "own" jinn is acceptable. Both work on their interpersonal issues while dodging murderous henchmen and infiltrating secret societies.
While I liked the story, it was not a light read. Dim and Syd are all too human as they work through their emotional baggage and the jinn-master network they uncover is disturbingly reminiscent of modern human trafficking.
June 21, 2016
Dimitri and Syd are at it again. This time they are safe in Italy but Syd wants to go back to the states to find other genies. Little did she know there were a lot more genies. But, they are under the same genie bond that Dimitri was under so they could be a dangerous lot. But someone is controlling the lot of genies and having them kill, maim, and whatever else their master wishes. Syd starts to believe that Dimitri would be better off with another genie. But then again, Dimitri keeps getting injured in the quest to find and release other genies. You begin to wonder how much more he can take. If it were me, I would have stayed down for awhile and healed but the bad guys keep coming after them. Where can they go and who is after Dimitri? the action keeps coming and the suspense about learning the truth is at an all time high. You will love this one as well as the first one. I'm looking to see if there is a third. Enjoy a book that is not like the rest.
June 27, 2016
Can't you ever get a break? Dimitri is happy to stay in Itlay with Syd but she wants go back to the States as she is convinced that there is another jinn out there and that he needs to be stopped.
Dim knows that this isn't a good idea but he goes with her as he owes her everything.
They are about to get pulled into a really bad situation and Dim is about to loss his shit he has had enough of being someone's pet, he needs to make a stand but he might have left it too late.
Can Dim save another Jinn from a life of death and evil can he get others peace and a chance at a life that they want to live?
Can Syd really see what is in front of her and that she needs to take a step back and to really see Dim and what life he had?
An old enemy is back a new one is on a path of destruction and just maybe this time Dim can acutally be free.
Not as good as trhe first one but still enjoyable and interesting. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
Dim knows that this isn't a good idea but he goes with her as he owes her everything.
They are about to get pulled into a really bad situation and Dim is about to loss his shit he has had enough of being someone's pet, he needs to make a stand but he might have left it too late.
Can Dim save another Jinn from a life of death and evil can he get others peace and a chance at a life that they want to live?
Can Syd really see what is in front of her and that she needs to take a step back and to really see Dim and what life he had?
An old enemy is back a new one is on a path of destruction and just maybe this time Dim can acutally be free.
Not as good as trhe first one but still enjoyable and interesting. I received a copy in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
July 1, 2016
I received this novel from Netgalley and Bastei Entertainment in exchange for an honest review. I was extremely lucky to be able to read this book, the second novel in the series, straight after book 1 Summoned. This series just gets better. The first novel totally impressed me and this just flowed on seamlessly. Please read book 1 first though to ensure you get the full enjoyment.
Dimitri may be free of his bond as a Jinn but being in love with Syd like he is, you simply wouldn't know it. What ever Syd wants Dimitri will deliver to her through love, not because it was commanded. The story is all action as neither Dimitri or Syd really know the trouble they are heading for. Their relationship is still very charged with some quite descriptive scenes. The humour just continues as well. How I love the author's writing that makes me proper laugh out. It is quite something. Loved this book just as much as the first one. So looking forward to number three.
Dimitri may be free of his bond as a Jinn but being in love with Syd like he is, you simply wouldn't know it. What ever Syd wants Dimitri will deliver to her through love, not because it was commanded. The story is all action as neither Dimitri or Syd really know the trouble they are heading for. Their relationship is still very charged with some quite descriptive scenes. The humour just continues as well. How I love the author's writing that makes me proper laugh out. It is quite something. Loved this book just as much as the first one. So looking forward to number three.
July 14, 2016
3.5 Stars
ARC generously provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dimitri is finally free and he is living his life with his love, Syd. However, even though Dimitri is now allowed to tell Syd no he just doesn't seem to be able to. Dimitri is now back in the states and knee deep in a life that he wants nothing to do with.
Syd is sure she has found a new jinn and needs Dimitri in order to find it. What she had no idea what she would discover is a whole world of Jinn's and their masters, a world of pure evil. Is there any way to save the other Jinns or even save themselves.
This one started out a little slow for me just like the first one did. It did pick up but I just found the story a little bit harder to buy. However I did finally get into the book and enjoyed how Dim's and Syd's relationship changed during the adventure.
ARC generously provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dimitri is finally free and he is living his life with his love, Syd. However, even though Dimitri is now allowed to tell Syd no he just doesn't seem to be able to. Dimitri is now back in the states and knee deep in a life that he wants nothing to do with.
Syd is sure she has found a new jinn and needs Dimitri in order to find it. What she had no idea what she would discover is a whole world of Jinn's and their masters, a world of pure evil. Is there any way to save the other Jinns or even save themselves.
This one started out a little slow for me just like the first one did. It did pick up but I just found the story a little bit harder to buy. However I did finally get into the book and enjoyed how Dim's and Syd's relationship changed during the adventure.
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