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The Fitheach Trilogy #1
The Amulet Thief
Fitheach blood doesn’t just run through the veins–it’s a binding contract that can never be broken.
Alex Kelley vanished twenty-one years ago–the night her mother was murdered. When she comes home to New York City, she wants just two things: a little peace, and answers about the unsolved murder and why she was abandoned in the middle of America at the age of eight.
Greer Sinclair, an enigmatic stranger who knows a little bit more than he should, just might give her both–and more if she’ll let him.
What is she?
What is he?
Who is this beguiling satyr who keeps coming between them?
She attracts the otherworldly like moths to a flame. And why does every stranger on the streets of Manhattan want a piece of her and that pendant hanging around her pretty little neck?
Maybe the answers are in a peculiar shop in the heart of Greenwich Village where ghosts, memories, and secrets are bursting from the walls and the books and the one person who knows her best.
The line between the mundane and supernatural worlds is starting to blur. Which side will she choose? Which would you?
Alex Kelley vanished twenty-one years ago–the night her mother was murdered. When she comes home to New York City, she wants just two things: a little peace, and answers about the unsolved murder and why she was abandoned in the middle of America at the age of eight.
Greer Sinclair, an enigmatic stranger who knows a little bit more than he should, just might give her both–and more if she’ll let him.
What is she?
What is he?
Who is this beguiling satyr who keeps coming between them?
She attracts the otherworldly like moths to a flame. And why does every stranger on the streets of Manhattan want a piece of her and that pendant hanging around her pretty little neck?
Maybe the answers are in a peculiar shop in the heart of Greenwich Village where ghosts, memories, and secrets are bursting from the walls and the books and the one person who knows her best.
The line between the mundane and supernatural worlds is starting to blur. Which side will she choose? Which would you?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2015
1616 people are currently reading
2075 people want to read
About the author
Luanne Bennett
28 books205 followersLuanne Bennett is an author of fantasy and the supernatural. Born in Chicago, she lives in Georgia these days where she writes full time and doesn’t miss a thing about the cubicles and conference rooms of her old life. When she isn’t writing or dreaming up new stories, she’s usually cooking or tending a herd of felines and basset hounds. Look for book three of the Katie Bishop series coming this spring!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
February 6, 2017
I found the description of the book intriguing. I find urban fantasy to be a very interesting genre, the mix of magic and modern world blended together. The book started good, with Alex Kelley arriving in New York, where years ago her mother was murdered and she abruptly together with her mother's best friend Ava left without telling anyone. What really happened all those years ago? Alex feel watching when she comes to the town, like everyone around her is watching her every move. Is she just being paranoid?
I think the first part of the book was the best when Alex was in the dark. Then, she meets Greer Sinclair and for me, the story just didn't work after that. Suddenly the story turned new adult, with Alex being attracted to Greer and jealous of other women. And, it didn't take a long time for them to sleep together. Now, for some readers is this fine, they want this and like reading stories with lots of passion and sex. I don't. I like when everything moves along at a slower pace between two characters. And, I just don't like the alpha male stereotype. Rich, sexy and rough. A man that sees a woman as a possession. Which of course happens when Constantine enters the story and suddenly there are two sexy men after Alex. Sorry, this is just not my thing. I wanted a mystery story with magic elements, but I just couldn't find my interest on the same level after around 31% of the book.
The Amulet Thief is just not for me, I like urban fantasy, but the story just never turned out to be as interesting as I hoped it to be. I just couldn't muster much interest in Alex hunt for the amulet that her mother left for her that then went missing. And, frankly this "let's keep Alex in the dark about her past" was just annoying. Sometimes it's just better to sit down and have it all out. Not being all mysterious and cryptic. On the plus side, the book was easy to read. I just wish the story had been better, and the characters less stereotypical.
I want to thank the TBConFB for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
I think the first part of the book was the best when Alex was in the dark. Then, she meets Greer Sinclair and for me, the story just didn't work after that. Suddenly the story turned new adult, with Alex being attracted to Greer and jealous of other women. And, it didn't take a long time for them to sleep together. Now, for some readers is this fine, they want this and like reading stories with lots of passion and sex. I don't. I like when everything moves along at a slower pace between two characters. And, I just don't like the alpha male stereotype. Rich, sexy and rough. A man that sees a woman as a possession. Which of course happens when Constantine enters the story and suddenly there are two sexy men after Alex. Sorry, this is just not my thing. I wanted a mystery story with magic elements, but I just couldn't find my interest on the same level after around 31% of the book.
The Amulet Thief is just not for me, I like urban fantasy, but the story just never turned out to be as interesting as I hoped it to be. I just couldn't muster much interest in Alex hunt for the amulet that her mother left for her that then went missing. And, frankly this "let's keep Alex in the dark about her past" was just annoying. Sometimes it's just better to sit down and have it all out. Not being all mysterious and cryptic. On the plus side, the book was easy to read. I just wish the story had been better, and the characters less stereotypical.
I want to thank the TBConFB for providing me with a free copy for an honest review!
June 3, 2017
This book was a hot mess. The female lead is lacking common sense, though she's supposedly some uber-powerful super sekrit witch oracle. This is the first in a series, and Alex (Alexander) Kelley (yes, that's the female lead) has no idea she's a witch and has powers or what happened when her mother was murdered.
No one wants to tell her those things either, even (especially) those who are "helping" her. There is far too much physical and sexual assault in this book for me.The "good guys" are expert at portentous, cryptic statements; they read her mind and act accordingly; there are scenes where she may or may not have accessed some weird powers but I can't tell because the writing is SO DAMN UNCLEAR. I understand not wanting too much exposition or "asyouknowBob" dialogue, but I had far too difficult of a time figuring out what the hell was going on and it was a lot of work to slog through to the end. I still don't know what's going on, and you know what?
I don't care what's going on. There's a cliffhanger at the end and I stepped away from it. What's-his-face, Garrett?, the male lead... he's a complete asshat alpha billionaire douchebag who gives Alex commands, moves her around at his whim (literally: he moves her into his club and won't let her leave, and then moves her into his home and won't let her leave), affects her life without her informed consent...
Most of the cast of characters are cryptic assholes who consider Alex merely a pawn who cannot possibly understand what is going on so they do not bother to explain anything to her (or the reader).
I'm so glad I didn't pay for this.
No one wants to tell her those things either, even (especially) those who are "helping" her. There is far too much physical and sexual assault in this book for me.The "good guys" are expert at portentous, cryptic statements; they read her mind and act accordingly; there are scenes where she may or may not have accessed some weird powers but I can't tell because the writing is SO DAMN UNCLEAR. I understand not wanting too much exposition or "asyouknowBob" dialogue, but I had far too difficult of a time figuring out what the hell was going on and it was a lot of work to slog through to the end. I still don't know what's going on, and you know what?
I don't care what's going on. There's a cliffhanger at the end and I stepped away from it. What's-his-face, Garrett?, the male lead... he's a complete asshat alpha billionaire douchebag who gives Alex commands, moves her around at his whim (literally: he moves her into his club and won't let her leave, and then moves her into his home and won't let her leave), affects her life without her informed consent...
Most of the cast of characters are cryptic assholes who consider Alex merely a pawn who cannot possibly understand what is going on so they do not bother to explain anything to her (or the reader).
I'm so glad I didn't pay for this.
June 21, 2017
The Amulet Thief at first bewitched me. The New York setting, a protagonist who seemed brave and intriguing with a powerful secret. However, the more I read, the more I grew frustrated with Alex as she continually put herself in stupid situations - for the sake of plot. The author squandered the promise of the initial chapters to create artificial and maddening scenes that only showed her protagonist in a terrible light. Alex's interactions with Greer turned into a Christian Grey/Anastasia Steele dynamic. He's rich, controlling and a stalker. She's a clumsy idiot who can't seem to make an intelligent decision yet somehow he's fascinated with her. YET, something did compel me to keep turning the pages despite my increasing contempt for the heroine. Unfortunately, it will not be enough to propel me towards reading the sequel.
August 22, 2017
REBUKE!!!!
Four chapters and still 0 idea on WTF the plot is
Four chapters and still 0 idea on WTF the plot is
July 16, 2017
I didn't really enjoy this book. I was confused most of the time and by the time I finished the book I didn't really know if the characters were witches, or vampires, or other supernatural creatures. It also jumped around a lot and lacked explaination.
December 19, 2016
In our bookclub (TBConFB) the people that read these kind of books are called - #weirdos.
I loved this book, the sad part was that I had to find out about this book and author from TBConFB. I couldn't read fast enough. The only problem that I had was with Alex, why did she not start exploring her powers when she found out that she is descendant from a powerful line of whitches? Why does she rely on other to help her out of difficult situations. I loved all the different characters and how the story evolved. I am looking forward to reading The Blood thief hopefully more will be revealed in the sequel and we can also find out who or what is Greer.
Thank you to TBC and Luanne Bennett for the copy.
I loved this book, the sad part was that I had to find out about this book and author from TBConFB. I couldn't read fast enough. The only problem that I had was with Alex, why did she not start exploring her powers when she found out that she is descendant from a powerful line of whitches? Why does she rely on other to help her out of difficult situations. I loved all the different characters and how the story evolved. I am looking forward to reading The Blood thief hopefully more will be revealed in the sequel and we can also find out who or what is Greer.
Thank you to TBC and Luanne Bennett for the copy.
December 28, 2016
I have always been a fan of the magical and mysterious so this book had me very intrigued. The author has a good sense of humour and interesting descriptive voice. The tale was quite well written and the suspense built keeps you wanting to know what happens. The atmosphere she creates reminded me a little of the television series Charmed, with witches and demons and all the excitement and otherwordly adventure that entailed. I have to admit to becoming a little lost at times with some of the supernatural stuff, but that could just be me and the distractions of the Christmas season. All in all, I thought it was quite an enjoyable read. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from tbc on fb.
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December 28, 2016
The Amulet Thief by Luanne Bennett
This kind of book was my reading bread and butter for many moons, but I had erred away from them in the last year, but the premise here was just too tantalising.
As a TBConFB reader ,I read this magical romp with great glee. All the best elements are present, feisty young heroine, in this case it is Irish heritage that demands she be a Red Head. Part of a clan of witches, unbeknownst to her, her heritage means both she and a family heirloom are now integral to the survival of all that is good and great about humanity.
We have handsome clansman Greer ( think Adonis rather than bearded bear), glamorous lady witches just to add a frisson of uncertainty to the immediate attraction both mysterious hero and heroine have for each other and a even more confusing satyr with a dangerous sexual allure who appears to be not an evil force, but just an irritating thorn in Greer’s shoe a distraction, he could do without but is not unmanageable.
The magic adversaries here , the almost faceless Wolves appears to more about the sneak attack than all out battle of the powers, and the amassed “Ravens” do not seem more than shadowy figures in this first outing, but then this first book in the series appears to be a gradual revelatory journey for Alex as she realises just how embroiled she has been in this murky and quite frankly frightening world since birth and how so many of the truths she held dear were as insubstantial as smoke from the incense on sale at the Magic shop where the story’s origin was really forged.
I enjoyed it as an introductory taster to this series. Now that Alex’s power seems to be manifesting, I am certain that the breadth and scope of the mythology can be given full reign in the next instalment
THE BLOOD THIEF
This kind of book was my reading bread and butter for many moons, but I had erred away from them in the last year, but the premise here was just too tantalising.
As a TBConFB reader ,I read this magical romp with great glee. All the best elements are present, feisty young heroine, in this case it is Irish heritage that demands she be a Red Head. Part of a clan of witches, unbeknownst to her, her heritage means both she and a family heirloom are now integral to the survival of all that is good and great about humanity.
We have handsome clansman Greer ( think Adonis rather than bearded bear), glamorous lady witches just to add a frisson of uncertainty to the immediate attraction both mysterious hero and heroine have for each other and a even more confusing satyr with a dangerous sexual allure who appears to be not an evil force, but just an irritating thorn in Greer’s shoe a distraction, he could do without but is not unmanageable.
The magic adversaries here , the almost faceless Wolves appears to more about the sneak attack than all out battle of the powers, and the amassed “Ravens” do not seem more than shadowy figures in this first outing, but then this first book in the series appears to be a gradual revelatory journey for Alex as she realises just how embroiled she has been in this murky and quite frankly frightening world since birth and how so many of the truths she held dear were as insubstantial as smoke from the incense on sale at the Magic shop where the story’s origin was really forged.
I enjoyed it as an introductory taster to this series. Now that Alex’s power seems to be manifesting, I am certain that the breadth and scope of the mythology can be given full reign in the next instalment
THE BLOOD THIEF
December 21, 2016
The Amulet Thief by luanne Bennett is a fantasy and romance read.
Fitheach blood doesn’t just run through the veins––it’s a binding contract that can never be broken
Alex Kelley vanished twenty-one years ago––the night her mother was murdered. When she comes home to New York City, she wants just two things: a little peace, and answers about the unsolved murder and why she was abandoned in the middle of America at the age of eight.
Greer Sinclair, an enigmatic stranger who knows a little bit more than he should, just might give her both––and more if she’ll let him.
What is she?
What is he?
Who is this beguiling satyr who keeps coming between them?
She attracts the otherworldly like moths to a flame. And why does every stranger on the streets of Manhattan want a piece of her and that pendant hanging around her pretty little neck?
Maybe the answers are in a peculiar shop in the heart of Greenwich Village where ghosts, memories, and secrets are bursting from the walls and the books and the one person who knows her best.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Alex was my favourite character. Loved how it was written in felt like I was there with them. Would love to see this as a mini series. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from tbc on fb.
Fitheach blood doesn’t just run through the veins––it’s a binding contract that can never be broken
Alex Kelley vanished twenty-one years ago––the night her mother was murdered. When she comes home to New York City, she wants just two things: a little peace, and answers about the unsolved murder and why she was abandoned in the middle of America at the age of eight.
Greer Sinclair, an enigmatic stranger who knows a little bit more than he should, just might give her both––and more if she’ll let him.
What is she?
What is he?
Who is this beguiling satyr who keeps coming between them?
She attracts the otherworldly like moths to a flame. And why does every stranger on the streets of Manhattan want a piece of her and that pendant hanging around her pretty little neck?
Maybe the answers are in a peculiar shop in the heart of Greenwich Village where ghosts, memories, and secrets are bursting from the walls and the books and the one person who knows her best.
This was a fantastic read with brilliant characters. Alex was my favourite character. Loved how it was written in felt like I was there with them. Would love to see this as a mini series. This is a must read and I would highly recommend this book. 5*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from tbc on fb.
January 8, 2017
**Rating 3.5**
THE AMULET THIEF by Luanne Bennett is an enjoyable paranormal tale of magic and mayhem. Alex Kelley has finally returned to New York after being whisked away as a child when her mother died, and she is determined to find out more about what happened all those years ago. But as soon as she sets foot back in the city, dark forces are determined to grab a hold of her and her precious necklace that once belonged to her mother. Is she going crazy? But as Alex learns about her past, it is even more unbelievable than that - for Alex comes from a long line of witches and must learn as much as she can about her own power before it is too late. With the help of Greer Sinclair, Alex begins to piece her past together, but who exactly is this guy? I did find this story a little slow to start, and while I liked the main character, Alex, she can be a little too naive at times. But with plenty of action and supernatural adventure throughout, THE AMULET THIEF by Luanne Bennett, is well worth a read.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from TBC on FB
THE AMULET THIEF by Luanne Bennett is an enjoyable paranormal tale of magic and mayhem. Alex Kelley has finally returned to New York after being whisked away as a child when her mother died, and she is determined to find out more about what happened all those years ago. But as soon as she sets foot back in the city, dark forces are determined to grab a hold of her and her precious necklace that once belonged to her mother. Is she going crazy? But as Alex learns about her past, it is even more unbelievable than that - for Alex comes from a long line of witches and must learn as much as she can about her own power before it is too late. With the help of Greer Sinclair, Alex begins to piece her past together, but who exactly is this guy? I did find this story a little slow to start, and while I liked the main character, Alex, she can be a little too naive at times. But with plenty of action and supernatural adventure throughout, THE AMULET THIEF by Luanne Bennett, is well worth a read.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from TBC on FB
January 18, 2017
This is a book I really enjoyed reading and hope I get to read the rest of the trilogy. It is part paranormal fantasy, part romance and also part mystery.
Alex Kelly's mother was murdered and she ws left to be brough up in foster care. 21 years later she return to New York to try and find out who and why she was murdered. No sooner does she get to New York than she begins to experience strange activity around her. They all seem to link to her mother's death and an amulet she carries around her neck. Then an enigmatic stranger enters her life, a man who appears to know a lot more about her past than she does, and a man who claims to want to protect her. Can she believe him, who is Greer?
I like the style of the writing and I thought the characters were well defined and believeable. The book was an easy read and well paced. I really got immersed into the story and was sorry to see it end and can't wait for the next installment. A must read for all paranormal fantasy readers.
Alex Kelly's mother was murdered and she ws left to be brough up in foster care. 21 years later she return to New York to try and find out who and why she was murdered. No sooner does she get to New York than she begins to experience strange activity around her. They all seem to link to her mother's death and an amulet she carries around her neck. Then an enigmatic stranger enters her life, a man who appears to know a lot more about her past than she does, and a man who claims to want to protect her. Can she believe him, who is Greer?
I like the style of the writing and I thought the characters were well defined and believeable. The book was an easy read and well paced. I really got immersed into the story and was sorry to see it end and can't wait for the next installment. A must read for all paranormal fantasy readers.
December 9, 2019
This was an interesting concept. I liked the background. Saying that, this was a book that I cannot actually recommend. There were a lot of triggers for anybody has been abused. The main relationship was forced and never grew naturally. Actually I never rooted for any characters at all. I just have no real reason to continue the series. I sadly cannot recommend this book. Maybe it wasn't for me but I have read books with abuse and been fine but this book just did not allow for that. Sorry but it is a no for me.
Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy this is an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy this is an honest review.
January 21, 2019
* I received a copy of this via NetGalley and the author Luanne Bennett in exchange for an honest review.*
Triggers: Rape, Attempted Assault
I rounded up to 3 stars here, though I feel like really 2.5 may be where I'm at on this. The first..well maybe 70ish % of the book was very confusing. I see that the author was going for slow reveals on the backstory, and explanations but I feel like upon the introduction to the supernatural world we should have been thrown multiple bones, explanation wise, that would have made the ride a whole lot smoother. After about 70%, I was finally starting to get the hang of the world... maybe?, I don't honestly know if I was getting the hang of it or deluding myself since the world was never really explained in detail but it did seem like it was a little smother around then. In all honesty I feel like the author was attempting to cleverly conceal the answers to most of the questions, either that or I am way off base and all my assumptions were figments of my imagination. We never got the answers so.... I'll just pretend I figured it all out lol.
My Journey of Discoveries in this book:
Alex Kelly, our FMC, arrives in New York... We don't know why she is here at this point or what made her come here. As a character right off the bat she seems super paranoid noticing every single person looking her way, also she is really kind of dry, personality wise. She seems to have no problem compartmentalizing weird things, which start to happen to her almost immediately after arriving. Basically she just ignores it, and doesn't dwell on it at all which just seems a little unrealistic honestly. We slowly realize that Alex is on the hunt for details about her past, and her mothers death... I am not sure 100% that it comes out and says this point blank..If it did I can't remember but I basically just went with it till I figured it out. I learned eventually that Alex has been raised in foster homes since she was about 8 yo, but the author never really goes into a lot of details about that. We really don't get hardly any backstories..about anything. After visiting an antique shop where her mother's best friend worked she is thrust into an incredibly dangerous world where she is constantly assaulted and almost or maybe even raped? I will say that it cuts out as she faints or blacks out every time something bad is going to happen and your left not knowing if it did or not... Upon awakening from her first encounter she meets Greer and is finally introduced to supernatural stuff, and at the same time goes through some weird personality things where she all of a sudden become this intensely hostile and mouthy person. With that attitude, things just get weird as everyone refuses to really give her any information to help prepare her as she is obviously hunted... and at the same time they are constantly berating her and putting her in dangerous situations with no knowledge of this new world... It was extremely frustrating for both her and the reader let me tell you. We don't know what Greer "is" but we know there are shifters... and she is constantly saying that he prowls like a tiger... so maybe? Who knows we never find out.
Oddly enough the book became interesting to me only after she starts working at a nearby book store...owned by a dude name Apollo, and while taking a tour a book called "Prophecies" falls off a shelf and hits her on the head. Coincidence? Irony? Significant? We don't really know as it never came back to it but at about that time was when I decided that the author must be doing all the vague stuff on purpose and hiding all the answers to the questions. This book is a scavenger hunt for clues as to what is going on... At least that is where I ended up.. lol.
I feel like for me personally knowing beforehand whether or not I should be looking for clues to answer the plot holes would have gone a long way to increase my enjoyment.. If maybe one of these days I know for sure, maybe I can tackle the rest of this series.
Triggers: Rape, Attempted Assault
I rounded up to 3 stars here, though I feel like really 2.5 may be where I'm at on this. The first..well maybe 70ish % of the book was very confusing. I see that the author was going for slow reveals on the backstory, and explanations but I feel like upon the introduction to the supernatural world we should have been thrown multiple bones, explanation wise, that would have made the ride a whole lot smoother. After about 70%, I was finally starting to get the hang of the world... maybe?, I don't honestly know if I was getting the hang of it or deluding myself since the world was never really explained in detail but it did seem like it was a little smother around then. In all honesty I feel like the author was attempting to cleverly conceal the answers to most of the questions, either that or I am way off base and all my assumptions were figments of my imagination. We never got the answers so.... I'll just pretend I figured it all out lol.
My Journey of Discoveries in this book:
Alex Kelly, our FMC, arrives in New York... We don't know why she is here at this point or what made her come here. As a character right off the bat she seems super paranoid noticing every single person looking her way, also she is really kind of dry, personality wise. She seems to have no problem compartmentalizing weird things, which start to happen to her almost immediately after arriving. Basically she just ignores it, and doesn't dwell on it at all which just seems a little unrealistic honestly. We slowly realize that Alex is on the hunt for details about her past, and her mothers death... I am not sure 100% that it comes out and says this point blank..If it did I can't remember but I basically just went with it till I figured it out. I learned eventually that Alex has been raised in foster homes since she was about 8 yo, but the author never really goes into a lot of details about that. We really don't get hardly any backstories..about anything. After visiting an antique shop where her mother's best friend worked she is thrust into an incredibly dangerous world where she is constantly assaulted and almost or maybe even raped? I will say that it cuts out as she faints or blacks out every time something bad is going to happen and your left not knowing if it did or not... Upon awakening from her first encounter she meets Greer and is finally introduced to supernatural stuff, and at the same time goes through some weird personality things where she all of a sudden become this intensely hostile and mouthy person. With that attitude, things just get weird as everyone refuses to really give her any information to help prepare her as she is obviously hunted... and at the same time they are constantly berating her and putting her in dangerous situations with no knowledge of this new world... It was extremely frustrating for both her and the reader let me tell you. We don't know what Greer "is" but we know there are shifters... and she is constantly saying that he prowls like a tiger... so maybe? Who knows we never find out.
Oddly enough the book became interesting to me only after she starts working at a nearby book store...owned by a dude name Apollo, and while taking a tour a book called "Prophecies" falls off a shelf and hits her on the head. Coincidence? Irony? Significant? We don't really know as it never came back to it but at about that time was when I decided that the author must be doing all the vague stuff on purpose and hiding all the answers to the questions. This book is a scavenger hunt for clues as to what is going on... At least that is where I ended up.. lol.
I feel like for me personally knowing beforehand whether or not I should be looking for clues to answer the plot holes would have gone a long way to increase my enjoyment.. If maybe one of these days I know for sure, maybe I can tackle the rest of this series.
February 10, 2019
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC in return for an honest review.
I thought from the blurb that this would be a fantasy book along the lines of the Shadowhunters books by Cassandra Clare. I was intrigued and excited to begin reading but quickly found it had more than a little of the Fifty Shades series about it and was quite confused at the plot denouement much of the time. The heroine, Alex, knowingly puts herself in danger or is used as bate by Greer, her self appointed protector, so often that it's a wonder she isn't dead very shortly after arriving in Manhattan. Constantine is an intriguing character and seems to have Alex's interests at heart though is apparently at loggerheads with Greer.
I would read more of the series to see what happens to Alex and how her witch powers develop as the Oracle but I would hope that the next book is less confusing.
I thought from the blurb that this would be a fantasy book along the lines of the Shadowhunters books by Cassandra Clare. I was intrigued and excited to begin reading but quickly found it had more than a little of the Fifty Shades series about it and was quite confused at the plot denouement much of the time. The heroine, Alex, knowingly puts herself in danger or is used as bate by Greer, her self appointed protector, so often that it's a wonder she isn't dead very shortly after arriving in Manhattan. Constantine is an intriguing character and seems to have Alex's interests at heart though is apparently at loggerheads with Greer.
I would read more of the series to see what happens to Alex and how her witch powers develop as the Oracle but I would hope that the next book is less confusing.
December 2, 2017
This promised to be an interesting read but I was sorely disappointed. After reading it I am still puzzled as to the story line. It seems to be a cross between Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters and Fifty Shades Of Gray with an attraction between characters bordering on hostility masking as passion. I thought I should read #2 but frankly I don’t have a lot of downtime to read for enjoyment and I’m afraid it will be a waste of my time.
dnf
July 15, 2018I've been trying to get through some of the impulse downloads on my kindle recently. This did not grip me in anyway. Another DNF within a couple of pages. Not for me.
October 4, 2018
Not my favorite...
March 19, 2024
3.5 to 4 Stars:)
October 22, 2023
Plot good but lots of spelling errors soooooooo yeah
September 8, 2020
No theft involved.
If you are expecting a straightforward descriptive narrative that lulls the mind, look elsewhere. Here is an intriguing, imaginative tale of witch craft with psychotic episodes creatively crafted bringing dreams into reality. The thoughts and emotions of the central character are vividly presented. The tale does not end but leaves the reader wanting the next book.
If you are expecting a straightforward descriptive narrative that lulls the mind, look elsewhere. Here is an intriguing, imaginative tale of witch craft with psychotic episodes creatively crafted bringing dreams into reality. The thoughts and emotions of the central character are vividly presented. The tale does not end but leaves the reader wanting the next book.
February 20, 2023
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I completely change my mind on a series, so want to change my scoring down a lot. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
I gave this writer the benefit of the doubt after really disliking the first book of the second series by her that I tried. First series, Katie Bishop, I liked 3*.
Spoilers below.
I'd hoped the second book I'd read and disliked had been a fluke, but it seems liking the first book I read by this author was. I own the rest (most) of her books. Thankfully I didn't pay much for them. I will not even bother reading the other Katie Bishop books, I don't want to be disappointed / irritated by them.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
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How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
I gave this writer the benefit of the doubt after really disliking the first book of the second series by her that I tried. First series, Katie Bishop, I liked 3*.
Spoilers below.
I'd hoped the second book I'd read and disliked had been a fluke, but it seems liking the first book I read by this author was. I own the rest (most) of her books. Thankfully I didn't pay much for them. I will not even bother reading the other Katie Bishop books, I don't want to be disappointed / irritated by them.
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: No
Would you recommend?: No
------------
How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author)
4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author).
3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series)
or
3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them!
-
2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.)
1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
May 22, 2020
No critiques!
Alex Kelly had me on the edge of my seat. From laughing to her sarcasm and wit, to wanting to cry when she found out how exactly her mom died. A fantastic read, and you will not regret it!
Alex Kelly had me on the edge of my seat. From laughing to her sarcasm and wit, to wanting to cry when she found out how exactly her mom died. A fantastic read, and you will not regret it!
July 11, 2017
Truthfully this book was a confusing mess for me. The two stars of for the potential plot I could see shining through the mess of random characters, single mention plot leads, and explanations the character is supposed to receive that never actually explain anything. To be fair, red hair and a fiery tempers prejudice me against most heroines, (I'm just not sure if authors are taking an easy path or showing they have no creativity.) But Alex's character is particularly confusing, for her words often contradict the actions she takes, and the constant aggressive attitude she displays in her head is laughable considering her lack of ability to back up any of her words (when she's not out of her mind, which only happens twice) and her jumps of logic or demand for answers pretty much don't exist. I had to follow closely to the words to not get confused about what was going on most of the time, and there were certain phrases used, such as "like a cat with a milkbone" and "slid off my tongue like mercury" that made me shiver and appreciate editors so much more. All the being said, and despite and the redundant actions and telling-not-showing the author does, I do find Greer a slightly interesting character. I feel the Moning vibe here, and appreciate what Ms. Bennet might have been trying to do, this story just isn't crafted well enough to do it.
January 15, 2017
The author excels at plot retardation (a fancy expression for suspense), and with keeping you guessing. Often, I wanted to rush on ahead of the pace the author was keeping. It’s probably why I don’t read a lot of suspense; I hate waiting for things to happen. But to this author’s credit, she really is a master at the technique, and so, eventually gets you to relax into the pace at which she wants to tell the tale. That in turn allows the story to take on a more atmospheric quality, and even to seem a bit more eerie, all good things for this genre.
The romance element of the tale is both unusual and intriguing. Mr. Mysterious isn’t just a love interest to help her through her trials and tribulations when she needs a pair of loving arms; he’s vital to driving the story forward and to unraveling many mysteries that surround our heroine. Without him she has no hope of truly discovering all that she is and all that she’s capable of. But to what degree can she really trust him or his motivations?
The novel reminded me of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series, for fans of that franchise.
Note: I received an ARC for review purposes in exchange for a fair and honest review.
The romance element of the tale is both unusual and intriguing. Mr. Mysterious isn’t just a love interest to help her through her trials and tribulations when she needs a pair of loving arms; he’s vital to driving the story forward and to unraveling many mysteries that surround our heroine. Without him she has no hope of truly discovering all that she is and all that she’s capable of. But to what degree can she really trust him or his motivations?
The novel reminded me of Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files series, for fans of that franchise.
Note: I received an ARC for review purposes in exchange for a fair and honest review.
January 15, 2017
Hmmmm, I'm finding this book quite hard to review. It has some great elements, and I will read the next in the series, but there were other parts I struggled with.
Alex is an interesting and likeable character, but frustratingly naive: the 'even though I know I'm being hunted, I'll go down this dark alley by myself' type. She gets herself into more scrapes than enough but Greer, typical alpha male, is there to save the day. It has a good mix of life and magic, along with some interesting supporting characters.
As urban fantasies go, this is a reasonable one and I will certainly continue with Alex on her journey to understand herself and her origins.
Thanks to TBC on FB and the author for the free ebook in return for honest review.
Alex is an interesting and likeable character, but frustratingly naive: the 'even though I know I'm being hunted, I'll go down this dark alley by myself' type. She gets herself into more scrapes than enough but Greer, typical alpha male, is there to save the day. It has a good mix of life and magic, along with some interesting supporting characters.
As urban fantasies go, this is a reasonable one and I will certainly continue with Alex on her journey to understand herself and her origins.
Thanks to TBC on FB and the author for the free ebook in return for honest review.
April 24, 2018
I really wanted to like this based on the description but was very let down. I did not enjoy the controlling and condescending billionaire alpha male lead. The lead female was always passing out or going missing for days or weeks after putting herself into stupid situations. She would even think about how stupid her behavior was and then do it and be out for weeks. It happened over and over until it was just boring. I won’t be reading the rest of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2017
For me, The Amulet Thief didn't live up to the hype.
Although the author has a easy-reading style which held my attention through the initial chapters, the overuse of similes became tiresome.
I found it difficult to relate to Alex and found her ongoing naivety frustrating.
I'm sure there are many who will love this book, but sadly I'm not one of them.
Although the author has a easy-reading style which held my attention through the initial chapters, the overuse of similes became tiresome.
I found it difficult to relate to Alex and found her ongoing naivety frustrating.
I'm sure there are many who will love this book, but sadly I'm not one of them.
January 16, 2017
An enjoyable fantasy/romance story that follows Alex as she find out who she really is and what that means. A good mix of characters that were well written, and the story kept me guessing as to where it would go next. I will definitely be looking out for the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book from TBConFB.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book from TBConFB.
April 21, 2018
I bought this book because I loved her Crossroads series. Very disappointed! The writing was disjointed, with no clear version of what was going on. Add in the main character who persists in making TSTL decisions that end up with her drugged and naked many times. Not a fan of sexual violence.
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