Sequel to Family and Reflection The Sleepless Book Four
Chaos reigns in The Sleepless City, and it’s really beginning to piss Detective Jonas Forge off. He’s got inner demons to battle and a life to build with his new soul mate, Blair Turner. Nothing is going right, and he already feels the universe is conspiring against him when a turn of events he never saw coming flips his world upside down.
Hallucinations grip the town and everyone in it, threatening to tear their precariously built family apart, and the only way forward is to bare all to each other. This means Declan and Blair need to learn to accept one another. Lucas Coate has to move forward without ties to his werewolf pack and live a monogamous life with Declan.
But while Forge and Declan confront horrors from their shared past, Simon learns a terrible truth about vampires—one he couldn’t have imagined in his worst nightmares.
I was really looking forward to completing this series, and while I liked parts of this book there were also parts that didn’t work at all.
I liked the bones of the story and the character development. I thought the character arcs were all done well and I was happy with where it ended.
To me the formatting let it down majorly. I was under the impression that Italics are used to differentiate when the character is having either a dream sequence or revisiting memories etc, but in this one the italics were here there and everywhere. Some paragraphs were italic and some were normal. This led to me being taken out of the book continually trying to work out if it was something that was a memory or important to the plot. It made reading this one a frustrating experience
Also I’m not sure if the authors plotted their storyline or if they just went where it lead and got a bit stuck, but there were certain aspects that were never completed. At one point Jasper said that he was instrumental in letting something loose and was asking for help to put it back in the cage. Now even though this was said in front of the vampire detective, not one person asked what he let out and what he meant. And it was never explained how he was instrumental in letting this thing out, instead it turned out this thing had been around for decades. It didn’t really make sense to me.
THIS is what I wanted to read for Forge and Blair, especially since I was left so...unsettled with how their relationship ended after their first book together. This really shows them getting into their relationship and becoming equals, partners, and totally on the same page with each other. I also liked that Ben and Simon and Declan and Lucas were so involved in this one too, and that friendships were really forming between Declan and Lucas and Forge and Blair all together. I really, really enjoyed reading this series. I don't know if this is the final book or if there will be more, but I think I can always read about these guys all together. I wouldn't mind more with Simon and Ben, is he always going to stay human, or not?
Elizabeth Noble delivers lot’s of surprises and reveals with the final intriguing novel for “The Sleepless City” series.
As Jonas Forge is seeing the happy paired off couples of Simon and Ben and Lucas and Declan, he’s very moody and not in a good way. Forge’s union with Blair is still very fragile. Forge has been stressed out with Blairs leaving to take care of family business. He promised to give Blair space and he fears that Blair won’t return to Boggslake. Even in the midst of the rash of accidental deaths Forge finds some peace and happiness when Blair asks for his help with the drive back to Boggslake.
With the increase of hallucinations and tragic deaths, Boggs Castle does not go untouched and the residents find themselves deep in the dark demons clutches. The Supernatural Council is also causing problems for Forge. And a strange request comes from Jasper Coates for Forges presence at the Coates compound. Blair seems to have an ability to sense when trouble is about to happen but he doesn’t know why or how. Declan keeps recalling the seventeen and eighteen hundreds and the troubling history of him and Jonas Forge.
The evil that has come to them all is taking it’s toll. Will what’s revealed destroy them as a family? Will they all work together to come up with a plan to end the evil or will it also end their lives?
Needless to say, “Shifting Chaos” is the perfect title for this final novel. The story is exciting, suspenseful, and eerie. Especially with this plot, there’s precise investigation, research and creative planning that calls for all six men’s expertise. The center of this novel really surrounds Forge with the fragile relationship between him and Blair. The unknowns about his history in relationship to Declan and Forges control of his dark side. What really stands out is the camaraderie and family that these six men have built.
I like that Elizabeth Noble also brings more of an insight to the history and folklore of Declan and Kitchi and their connection to the Algonquins.
As this is suppose to be the final novel, I don’t know if there will be spin offs or more to come. Will there ever be an understanding between the vampires, werewolves and humans? Noble also got a little sneaky and gave a very different perspective on Lucas’ Uncle, Jasper Coates. That was a definite surprise and could very well be a future story there!
All-in-all this was a page-turner and lot’s to absorb and I highly recommend “Shifting Chaos” along with “Shades of Sepia”, “Electric Candle”, and “Family and Reflection”.
This book is getting a re-write, a re-edit and a new cover. Look for added chapters and scenes.
Here's a little bit of a newly added scene:
Resting a hand on Jonas’s shoulder, Declan gave a squeeze. “Why don’t you…”
“No,” Jonas snapped. He met Declan’s gaze then looked away at once. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean…”
“I know. What can I do?”
Jonas shook his head. “Nothing. I can’t do anything either. He went home, no he went back to his dad’s home. He wanted to go alone, and I promised to give him the time he needs.”
Jonas never broke a promise, not in all the hundred-and-seventy odd years Declan had known him.
“Blair will be back home soon. This house is his home now. We’re his family and you’re his soulmate, he loves you, that’s so easy to see. Leaving one life for another sometimes needs closure. We both know that.”
A truely marvelous end to a great story line. All the hot men have mated and in the hunt for the serial killer they unite the communities together. A must read as a series. Well done.
I’m not going to recap the story because I feel like that’ll give away some things…. and I also think the blurb does a pretty good job of summing up what this one is about. What I will say is that I was pretty surprised with all the secrets between Declan, Forge and Simon. I figured since they’ve known each other for decades, they’d know everything about one another so it was a pleasant surprise to realize there were a few things that were still a secret between them.
As characters, I loved getting back to Forge/Blair and Declan/Lucas. Simon and Ben are still in this one but it’s not about ‘them’ as much as it is about the other duo. Considering Declan/Lucas are my favorite couple right now, I really, really enjoyed getting more of their POVs. I also liked the new twist to the story and seeing how everything from the previous books tied into this one.
This was definitely my favorite of the series! My only issue is that I was a little confused on why Blair was sort of immune to the hallucinations. It had something to do with his kidnapping and coins but I think because I couldn’t really remember his kidnapping that much I didn’t really understand how that made him different from the others.
Still, in the end, this was a phenomenal story! I’m so glad we got to see the boys again. It was great to see the banter and bickering between them but also for the characters to recognize that even though they’re mates, that doesn’t automatically mean they know everything about each other so it was interesting to see the dynamics between the group. I absolutely adored watching it play out. I hope this isn’t the end of the series because I really want more of them!
Anne Barwell and Elizabeth Noble. have written a four-book urban fantasy series titled The Sleepless City. The series takes place in Boggslake, Ohio (not NYC). Boggslake is a small town with big city paranormal problems. Vampire, werewolves, and demons oh my! I found it interesting that the authors wrote two books each yet there is wonderful continuity throughout the series.
The series is comprised of four books featuring three couples:
Shades of Sepia by Anne Barwell Simon and Ben 4 stars
Electric Candle by Elizabeth Noble Jonas and Blair 3 stars
Family and Reflection by Anne Barwell Lucas and Declan 3 stars
Shifting Chaos by Elizabeth Noble All three couples 4 stars
Simon, Jonas, and Lucas are roommates sharing a house, Bogg’s Castle. It is not a castle per the European model. It is more like a mansion with delusions of grandeur. They have been roommates for about ten years. Two vampires, a werewolf, and a ghost are a good fit as roommates.
The final book in the series is Shifting Chaos. Boggslake is invaded by demons. Townspeople are having hallucinations. The situation is dangerous, especially for Jonas who has hidden secrets that could hurt everyone. As the group works to solve the cause, they may have to reexamine what truly was the cause of the last few murder sprees in the town.
The Sleepless City is an enjoyable series. The things that go bump in the night are not quarantined in the dark. It is a fresh approach to world-building. The characters and world are being carried into the next series, The Vampire Guard, written by Elizabeth Noble. If you enjoy paranormal male romances with a healthy dose of action or thriller, you will enjoy The Sleepless City series.
The beginning of this book had me feeling kind of crazy. Just like what was happening with the characters. Something was happening to cause them all to have these weird hallucinations or memories. Some memories were even altered. You weren't quite sure what was going g on, but I immediately put it up to the demon messing with them and us.
I love the folklore and old Native traditions that run through this series. Even with how Declan came to be and his maker, it's all very loving, natural, and ritualistic in a spiritual kind of way.
This book was also for Blair and Forge. Their relationship was rocky at best. they didn't have a great start, and although they had their emotional connection through the bond, it didn't really mean anything until Forge acknowledged it "out loud". I am very happy for them and the fact that Declan really tried to make Blair feel at ease and included.
I'm really wondering what will happen with Uncle Jasper and Lucas's father, Jacob. I like that Jasper is willing to work on the rift between vampires and weres. I'm just wondering how the pack leader is going to take all of it and what will come of it, if anything.
We're not left with any cliffhangers, just a sense of closeness and family among the 6 men, so that may just be the end for them (aside from Code Name:Jack Rabbit of course) but I do wonder about the relationship between the species.
I give this book 3.5* and the entire series a 4.25* I really did enjoy reading about all these guys.
Shifting Chaos by author Elizabeth Noble is well and interesting read. I really felt like it was a book in progress already, but I eventually caught on. Had to “run a little” to do it but I did. I suggest not being me and starting with book four. Yeah no, you will get it but you’re going to feel a little like you’re in an already started story. Okay characters always a great place to start. Declan he was fourteen when he decided he didn’t want to be a pampered nobleman forced to marry a woman he didn’t love. So he did what any respectable young man would do…run away from home and join pirates. Only this doesn’t work out so hot for him. A pirate’s life is hard, and he comes out of it a changed man. He chooses to become a vampire. He found a camp in the New World who took him in and were nice to him. He learned honor and courage from them. His mate turns out to be Lucas Coate. He is a werewolf. He is diplomatic and knows how to talk to people, something Declan is not. They really have a deep love for each other. There is some politics in play in this book. I think real fans of this series will really enjoy this one. I really liked the glimpse I got of this series and look forward to many more.
I would recommend that you read the previous books in the series before starting Shifting Chaos as it almost feels the story comes full circle and then brings us back to the present with a bit more clarity.
There isn’t as much romance in this book. It’s more a look back in time to fill in some of the gaps and in doing so it uncovers some pretty heavy secrets that Blair and Forge in particular never wanted their friends to learn. These secrets are compounded by a paranormal force that is causing a lot of people in Flint to have hallucinations and lash out at their friends and lovers.
Shifting Chaos definitely pulls up a few surprises and for Forge there is the very real fear that once his secrets are out his lover and friends will turn their backs on him. I think this book just enhances the fact that this strange group of friends have formed strong bonds of friendship and love and they must once again all pull together to beat the darker side of the paranormal world.
This could quite easily be the end of the series or it could just as easily be another chapter in The Sleepless City saga – I guess we will have to wait and see.
From a fairly light read in the first book to characters one can get into in this most recent book, I'm not only impressed, but have become a fan. The cover doesn't do the story justice at all. There should be a group portrait of the family for this book: Lucas & Declan, Ben & Simon, Blair & Forge, Mr. Boggs, and Forge's dog, Moose. I hope there are more books in the series.
This final book in The Sleepless City series finally wraps up the overarching plotline that has been running through each book. It once again was more character based that plot based which seems to be this author’s writing style as the two books written by the other author were more heavy on plot while still giving us character development. Both styles work I just felt like the story suffered a bit in books two and four though I did get to know some of the characters better. It’s pretty clear that Noble felt an affinity for Forge, Declan Lucas and Blair as she tends to give Simon and Ben short shrift. Mr. Boggs wasn’t even mentioned in this book I don’t believe.
While this book wrapped up the suspense story I still feel unsettled. The reasoning was vague and I never got a total sense of closure. I guess I just need the cliche villain monologue or something. This seemed to end with a lot of theory and supposition that we never got actual evidence of. Regardless, the plot was wrapped up and the ending is sweet.
From reading the blurb at the end of this book it appears Noble is writing a new series that the blurb says takes these characters in a new direction but then only specifically mentions Declan, Lucas, Forge, and Blair. Meanwhile, Barwell also has another book but it’s set in New Zealand with Simon and Ben. It appears there was an author collabe divorce and they split up custody of the kids. I will definitely read Barwell’s book as I prefer her writing style and I like Simon and Ben. Depending on how she explains the split in that book I may read Noble’s book as well.
This was an intriguing mystery that kept my interest. More importantly, the men of Body's Castle invaded my heart. This story showed these friends and soul mates have grown closer as mates, friends and conspirators. They are still hot.
Our boys have all mated, but are not necessarily “settled”. Forge and Blaire are still working on their trust issues and this book focuses on their relationship.
There’s another “mystery” to solve, this time involving a creature that causes paranormals to attack one another without provocation.
The creature attacks Forge, forcing him to reveal some “truths” he had hoped to keep to himself.
There is quite a bit of back history relayed, mostly from Declan about Forge’s early days and some about Declan’s turning, too.
There is a little bit of fun with the couples in general, but the focus is Blaire and Forge.
**
I liked this installment, though maybe a little less than the previous books. It was good to see everyone again, and lovely to see the relationship deepening between Forge and Blaire.
The mystery stuff is exciting and creative; I loved the new “powers” we get to see in Declan and Forge.
I’m a big romance fan and the focus in this book was still on the romance, but was maybe a bit more weighted to the mystery.
The writing was excellent and the world-building was extensive and compelling.
I’m not sure if this was the last installment – it could be, but there is room left for more – but it was a nice way to end, if it is.
I’ve enjoyed this series very much and recommend it to fans of paranormal romance.
This is the fourth book in a 4 book series about 3 couples. The first 3 books are each about a separate couple and it's own full romance; however, they all live together in a "castle" in a town off Lake Erie, so their stories are vastly intertwined. You really do need to read them in order and read all 4 if you want to solve the ultimate mystery going on in the background of the stories.
All the MC's are great (although calling one character Jonas and Forge gets confusing), they are a little (or a lot) different, interesting, charming, characteristic, funny and/or just plain sexy!
A great series and I highly recommend reading all 4. THEN you can read The Vampire Guard, the next series where 3 of these couples go on to join an elite ops group fighting evil!! 2 books in that series so far.
I haven't read others in this series and I didn't feel lost. This also happens to be my first Elizabeth Noble novel.
I was impressed with the amount of details the story contained. It is captivating with some twists that keep your brain on edge.
There was an intensity simmering below the surface through the book. Blair and Forge are a force to be reckoned with. Plenty of vampires and wolves in a Fantasy world that I was completely caught up in!
Loved the writing and story but the italics almost ruined this book. It may just be my kindle version but about half the book was italicized for no reason. I don't think I'll be reading this one again - not worth the irritation.
So sorry to see this series end, I loved all the characters and even the secondary ones. A brilliant collaboration between two authors,Anne Barwell and Elizabeth Noble. I will be definitely be reading them now.
I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves Gay Fantasy,Vampires & Weres.
2016 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Shifting Chaos by Elizabeth Noble With this being the 4th book in the series, and having not read the previous books, this one was a challenge.