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Deadly Curiosities #2
Vendetta
Immortals never forgive, never forget.
Sorren has spent centuries shutting down the plans of powerful immortals, dark warlocks, fallen angels, and supernatural creatures. He’s a vampire working with paranormal allies to protect a world that doesn’t know the dangers that prowl the shadows. Now an enemy from his past is picking off everyone Sorren cares about, destroying his sanctuaries, and making it clear that Sorren will be the final target of a magic-fueled vendetta.
Cassidy Kincaide runs Trifles & Folly in modern-day Charleston, an antique and curio shop with a dangerous secret. Cassidy can read the history of objects by touching them and along with her Weaver witch friend Teag, Sorren, and their allies, they get rid of cursed objects and keep Charleston and the world safe from supernatural threats.
The clock is ticking. Old power stirs, the kind that hasn’t been seen in centuries, waking from slumber and hungry for vengeance.
This sort of evil can’t be destroyed—but it can be contained, and that’s what Sorren and his allies did long ago. Now, the evil has returned, even stronger and craftier than before. Cassidy, Teag, and Trifles and Folly are in the crosshairs against an unknown enemy with strong magic and significant resources and to win they’ll have to put their lives—and souls—on the line. Can they help Sorren fight a deathless foe from centuries past, or will they see everything they love go down in flames?
Vendetta is an action-packed thrill ride full of magic, restless ghosts, infernal creatures, haunted places, found family, cursed paintings, old Norse magic, demigods, vampire politics, fallen angels, loyal friends, secret history, and plenty of adventure!
Sorren has spent centuries shutting down the plans of powerful immortals, dark warlocks, fallen angels, and supernatural creatures. He’s a vampire working with paranormal allies to protect a world that doesn’t know the dangers that prowl the shadows. Now an enemy from his past is picking off everyone Sorren cares about, destroying his sanctuaries, and making it clear that Sorren will be the final target of a magic-fueled vendetta.
Cassidy Kincaide runs Trifles & Folly in modern-day Charleston, an antique and curio shop with a dangerous secret. Cassidy can read the history of objects by touching them and along with her Weaver witch friend Teag, Sorren, and their allies, they get rid of cursed objects and keep Charleston and the world safe from supernatural threats.
The clock is ticking. Old power stirs, the kind that hasn’t been seen in centuries, waking from slumber and hungry for vengeance.
This sort of evil can’t be destroyed—but it can be contained, and that’s what Sorren and his allies did long ago. Now, the evil has returned, even stronger and craftier than before. Cassidy, Teag, and Trifles and Folly are in the crosshairs against an unknown enemy with strong magic and significant resources and to win they’ll have to put their lives—and souls—on the line. Can they help Sorren fight a deathless foe from centuries past, or will they see everything they love go down in flames?
Vendetta is an action-packed thrill ride full of magic, restless ghosts, infernal creatures, haunted places, found family, cursed paintings, old Norse magic, demigods, vampire politics, fallen angels, loyal friends, secret history, and plenty of adventure!
327 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2015
53 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
About the author
Gail Z. Martin
178 books1,783 followersGail Z. Martin discovered her passion for science fiction, fantasy and ghost stories in elementary school. The first story she wroteat age fivewas about a vampire. Her favorite TV show as a preschooler was Dark Shadows. At age 14, she decided to become a writer.
She enjoys attending science fiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living history sites. She is married and has three children, a Maltese and a golden retriever.
Gail Z. Martin is also Morgan Brice, which is her pen name for urban fantasy MM paranormal romance.
In addition to the online sites listed below, you can find me on
Facebook.com/Groups/MartinShadowAlliance
Facebook.com/Groups/WorldsOfMorganBrice
Twitter: @GailZMartin and @MorganBriceAuthor
YouTube: YouTube.com/c/GailZMartinAuthor
IG: @MorganBriceAuthorGail & Larry newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dd5XLj
Morgan Brice newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dy_8oL
BookBub for Morgan: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/morga...
Bookbub for Gail: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gail-...
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Morgan-Brice/e...?
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Gail-Z-Martin/...
Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail) www.Pinterest.com/Gzmartin
She enjoys attending science fiction/fantasy conventions, Renaissance fairs and living history sites. She is married and has three children, a Maltese and a golden retriever.
Gail Z. Martin is also Morgan Brice, which is her pen name for urban fantasy MM paranormal romance.
In addition to the online sites listed below, you can find me on
Facebook.com/Groups/MartinShadowAlliance
Facebook.com/Groups/WorldsOfMorganBrice
Twitter: @GailZMartin and @MorganBriceAuthor
YouTube: YouTube.com/c/GailZMartinAuthor
IG: @MorganBriceAuthorGail & Larry newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dd5XLj
Morgan Brice newsletter: http://eepurl.com/dy_8oL
BookBub for Morgan: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/morga...
Bookbub for Gail: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/gail-...
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Morgan-Brice/e...?
Amazon profile: https://www.amazon.com/Gail-Z-Martin/...
Pinterest (for Morgan and Gail) www.Pinterest.com/Gzmartin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
April 22, 2016
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths .
Vendetta is the second book in Gail Z. Martin’s Deadly Curiosities series (though there are also several story stories and novellas as well). Set in Trifles & Folly, the antique shop of twenty-something Cassidy Kincaid, it chronicles our heroine’s urban fantasy adventures, as she uses her psychometry gift (knowing an objects history after touching it) to continue her family tradition of aiding the “Alliance.” This shadowy group led by a 600-year-old vampire named Sorren, whose goal is to safeguard the mortal world by acquiring and disposing of dangerous supernatural artifacts.
As the tale begins, Cassidy along with her friend and assistant Teag Logan find themselves investigating an abnormal amount of spirit activity in Charleston. Not that ghostly visits are rare; in fact, they are fairly common in this haunted, southern city: some appearing regularly; others coming and going. But things are different now; the spirits themselves in an uproar, terrified by something in the otherworld.
Normally, Sorren would lend help to Cassidy with a situation this large, but he has his own problems. Hundreds of years of undeath having caused him to acquire a lot of enemies; most of them forgotten (or almost forgotten) by Sorren. One of that shadowy multitude is now attacking Sorren’s other holdings, causing him to be absent when his help would have been very welcome in South Carolina.
With her immortal mentor absent, Cassidy calls in some outside experts; several Root Workers lending a hand getting to the bottom of the escalating weirdness enwrapping Charleston. Their investigation leading the group to an ominous conclusion, one which threatens the entire population of Charleston!
Because I have only experienced a handful of urban fantasy, I tend to compare every new novel I read to those which came before it, and because of its feel, I have to place Vendetta on the shelf next to Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden. Cassidy reminding me of Harry in many ways, especially how she is learning to deal with her powers and adapt on the run as supernatural crisis after supernatural crisis envelop her. Even the story itself is very Dresden-like, filled with non-stop action, focusing on Cassidy and her friends struggling to unravel mysteries, then avert imminent disaster. All of which really means this novel is a pulse-pounding adventure on par with (arguably) the best urban fantasy in the business.
One of the stellar qualities of this novel is Gail Z. Martin’s portrayal of Charleston. Here the city is a huge part of the narrative. Much more than a mere name for the setting but an integral component of the story. Its history rendered in exquisite detail. Each character living with its embrace, exhibiting the intricacies of its unique culture. Ms. Martin succeeding in capturing the essence of this place, showing it in all its southern glory. Vendetta truly fulfilling the promise of urban fantasy by making the “urban” environment just as much a part of the tale as the “fantasy.”
The characters are the only strength. Cassidy is a strong, skilled, and capable young woman; someone who is powerful but not overpowered, complex but not moody, approachable but mysterious, knowledgeable yet willing to take advice. Her friends are all unique, original, and more than willing to take turns lending aid to our heroine; they are never one dimensional in any way, but bursting at the seams with untapped potential and hidden history; all of it just waiting to be explored.
The only criticism I would level at Vendetta is the pacing; at certain points in the narrative, it is very slow. For instance, there are many chapters devoted to investigating the current supernatural crisis: clues are uncovered, leads are followed, and revelations are made, but it doesn’t result in anything other than a few fights and another mystery to resolve. Nothing wrong with that, but Cassidy and Company’s new riddle is too similar to the last one, resulting in a feeling that you’ve read all this before. All of which results in this story feeling too long, too drawn out for the payoff at the end.
Despite this one flaw, Vendetta succeeded in being an entertaining urban fantasy with an amazing setting, supernatural mysteries, compelling camaraderie, satisfying diversity, and raw emotions. Cassidy and Company braving the realistic haunting of the city, dealing with hurt, pain, and loss. Hints of romance do swirl around a bit, but it isn’t the true heart of the story. Rather, this is a tale about saving the world, or, at least, saving Charleston, South Carolina, which was a very fine read in my opinion; one all urban fantasy fans should give a try.
The publisher provided this book to me for free in return for an honest review. The review above was not paid for or influenced in any way by any person, entity or organization, but is my own personal opinions.
Vendetta is the second book in Gail Z. Martin’s Deadly Curiosities series (though there are also several story stories and novellas as well). Set in Trifles & Folly, the antique shop of twenty-something Cassidy Kincaid, it chronicles our heroine’s urban fantasy adventures, as she uses her psychometry gift (knowing an objects history after touching it) to continue her family tradition of aiding the “Alliance.” This shadowy group led by a 600-year-old vampire named Sorren, whose goal is to safeguard the mortal world by acquiring and disposing of dangerous supernatural artifacts.
As the tale begins, Cassidy along with her friend and assistant Teag Logan find themselves investigating an abnormal amount of spirit activity in Charleston. Not that ghostly visits are rare; in fact, they are fairly common in this haunted, southern city: some appearing regularly; others coming and going. But things are different now; the spirits themselves in an uproar, terrified by something in the otherworld.
Normally, Sorren would lend help to Cassidy with a situation this large, but he has his own problems. Hundreds of years of undeath having caused him to acquire a lot of enemies; most of them forgotten (or almost forgotten) by Sorren. One of that shadowy multitude is now attacking Sorren’s other holdings, causing him to be absent when his help would have been very welcome in South Carolina.
With her immortal mentor absent, Cassidy calls in some outside experts; several Root Workers lending a hand getting to the bottom of the escalating weirdness enwrapping Charleston. Their investigation leading the group to an ominous conclusion, one which threatens the entire population of Charleston!
Because I have only experienced a handful of urban fantasy, I tend to compare every new novel I read to those which came before it, and because of its feel, I have to place Vendetta on the shelf next to Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden. Cassidy reminding me of Harry in many ways, especially how she is learning to deal with her powers and adapt on the run as supernatural crisis after supernatural crisis envelop her. Even the story itself is very Dresden-like, filled with non-stop action, focusing on Cassidy and her friends struggling to unravel mysteries, then avert imminent disaster. All of which really means this novel is a pulse-pounding adventure on par with (arguably) the best urban fantasy in the business.
One of the stellar qualities of this novel is Gail Z. Martin’s portrayal of Charleston. Here the city is a huge part of the narrative. Much more than a mere name for the setting but an integral component of the story. Its history rendered in exquisite detail. Each character living with its embrace, exhibiting the intricacies of its unique culture. Ms. Martin succeeding in capturing the essence of this place, showing it in all its southern glory. Vendetta truly fulfilling the promise of urban fantasy by making the “urban” environment just as much a part of the tale as the “fantasy.”
The characters are the only strength. Cassidy is a strong, skilled, and capable young woman; someone who is powerful but not overpowered, complex but not moody, approachable but mysterious, knowledgeable yet willing to take advice. Her friends are all unique, original, and more than willing to take turns lending aid to our heroine; they are never one dimensional in any way, but bursting at the seams with untapped potential and hidden history; all of it just waiting to be explored.
The only criticism I would level at Vendetta is the pacing; at certain points in the narrative, it is very slow. For instance, there are many chapters devoted to investigating the current supernatural crisis: clues are uncovered, leads are followed, and revelations are made, but it doesn’t result in anything other than a few fights and another mystery to resolve. Nothing wrong with that, but Cassidy and Company’s new riddle is too similar to the last one, resulting in a feeling that you’ve read all this before. All of which results in this story feeling too long, too drawn out for the payoff at the end.
Despite this one flaw, Vendetta succeeded in being an entertaining urban fantasy with an amazing setting, supernatural mysteries, compelling camaraderie, satisfying diversity, and raw emotions. Cassidy and Company braving the realistic haunting of the city, dealing with hurt, pain, and loss. Hints of romance do swirl around a bit, but it isn’t the true heart of the story. Rather, this is a tale about saving the world, or, at least, saving Charleston, South Carolina, which was a very fine read in my opinion; one all urban fantasy fans should give a try.
The publisher provided this book to me for free in return for an honest review. The review above was not paid for or influenced in any way by any person, entity or organization, but is my own personal opinions.
December 29, 2015
WOW, where to start with this ... I read book 1 of this series and was bowled over since I was never expecting a book that good, the fact that this book took that 5 Star novel and stepped up the story and quality is amazing.
First thing i guess I should mention is that this is pretty much 100% urban fantasy, no romance, no sex scenes, nothing but exceptional writing and story. I was already a fan of Gail Z. Martin's epic fantasy novels and all this has done is add her to a VERY short list of exceptional writers that are auto-buys for me.
This novel is pretty much of an "end of the world" type plot and I can warn you right now that this is a bit more realistic than most paranormal urban fantasy novels in that people get hurt, people die, bad things happen on the way to a mind boggling conclusion.
When I say no romance, it does not mean cold emotionless story/characters. There are friends close as lovers and regret and tragedy to choke you up, so you have been warned. If you only want to read rainbows and unicorns this ain't the book but it is done so exceptionally well it is NOT depressing but overall uplifting.
Bottom line: Here at the end of 2015 I think I have read one of the Top 5 books of the year for this reviewer who reads 200+ books a year. I think that some of that might be attributed to the fact I always expect too little of her writing, I am going to blame horribly inadequate synopsis writing for it (I used the same excuse for book 1). If you have a friend who likes action, paranormal and exceptionally well written characters and hates erotica, this is the book. The fact is the depth of the characters and story should overcome all other emotions unless you are a jerk :)
First thing i guess I should mention is that this is pretty much 100% urban fantasy, no romance, no sex scenes, nothing but exceptional writing and story. I was already a fan of Gail Z. Martin's epic fantasy novels and all this has done is add her to a VERY short list of exceptional writers that are auto-buys for me.
This novel is pretty much of an "end of the world" type plot and I can warn you right now that this is a bit more realistic than most paranormal urban fantasy novels in that people get hurt, people die, bad things happen on the way to a mind boggling conclusion.
When I say no romance, it does not mean cold emotionless story/characters. There are friends close as lovers and regret and tragedy to choke you up, so you have been warned. If you only want to read rainbows and unicorns this ain't the book but it is done so exceptionally well it is NOT depressing but overall uplifting.
Bottom line: Here at the end of 2015 I think I have read one of the Top 5 books of the year for this reviewer who reads 200+ books a year. I think that some of that might be attributed to the fact I always expect too little of her writing, I am going to blame horribly inadequate synopsis writing for it (I used the same excuse for book 1). If you have a friend who likes action, paranormal and exceptionally well written characters and hates erotica, this is the book. The fact is the depth of the characters and story should overcome all other emotions unless you are a jerk :)
March 24, 2021
4 Stars
Review:
This was another great, solid urban fantasy story! I love that these are the kinds of characters whose complexity isn't in your face, but it's there under the surface, and you catch glimpses of it as Cassidy (the MC) catches glimpses of it. My only "problem" is that, so far, Cassidy is a great character---believable and likeable---but the least interesting. I would love to know more about Teag and Anthony and especially Sorren. But I really do appreciate the realism of how they're all portrayed. And this book had more emotion. I really felt for Sorren, being alive so long, losing everyone he cares about, being so lonely. On the flip side, I felt more so than ever the sweetness and strength of the love between Teag and Anthony. The plot this time was easier for me to follow, but no less well thought-out and full of magic, ghosts, and other supernatural beings. I enjoyed this even more than the first and look forward to getting to know these characters more!
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: eBook*
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Gail Z. Martin's Deadly Curiosities series. Anyone who likes urban fantasy without romance, magic, ghosts, likeable and realistic characters, and complex mysteries for the characters to solve.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
Review:
This was another great, solid urban fantasy story! I love that these are the kinds of characters whose complexity isn't in your face, but it's there under the surface, and you catch glimpses of it as Cassidy (the MC) catches glimpses of it. My only "problem" is that, so far, Cassidy is a great character---believable and likeable---but the least interesting. I would love to know more about Teag and Anthony and especially Sorren. But I really do appreciate the realism of how they're all portrayed. And this book had more emotion. I really felt for Sorren, being alive so long, losing everyone he cares about, being so lonely. On the flip side, I felt more so than ever the sweetness and strength of the love between Teag and Anthony. The plot this time was easier for me to follow, but no less well thought-out and full of magic, ghosts, and other supernatural beings. I enjoyed this even more than the first and look forward to getting to know these characters more!
*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: eBook*
Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in Gail Z. Martin's Deadly Curiosities series. Anyone who likes urban fantasy without romance, magic, ghosts, likeable and realistic characters, and complex mysteries for the characters to solve.
Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight
December 18, 2015
**I received this book for free from (Publisher) via (NetGalley) in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.**
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Vendetta is the second installment in Gail Z. Martin's Deadly Curiosities series. Set in Charleston, South Carolina, the Deadly Curiosities series follows the adventures of 20-something Cassidy Kincaide. Cassidy owns Trifles & Folly, an antique/curio store and high-end pawn shop in Charleston, South Carolina. Kincaide continues the family tradition that began in 1670, in acquiring and neutralizing dangerous supernatural items. It’s the perfect job for Cassidy, whose psychometry gift lets her touch an object and know its history.
*Full Review Posted 12/18/2015 via Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Expected publication: December 29th 2015 by Solaris
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Vendetta is the second installment in Gail Z. Martin's Deadly Curiosities series. Set in Charleston, South Carolina, the Deadly Curiosities series follows the adventures of 20-something Cassidy Kincaide. Cassidy owns Trifles & Folly, an antique/curio store and high-end pawn shop in Charleston, South Carolina. Kincaide continues the family tradition that began in 1670, in acquiring and neutralizing dangerous supernatural items. It’s the perfect job for Cassidy, whose psychometry gift lets her touch an object and know its history.
*Full Review Posted 12/18/2015 via Gizmos Reviews*
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
Expected publication: December 29th 2015 by Solaris
August 9, 2016
A solid urban fantasy romp.
3.5 stars.
Something is stirring up Charlestown's ghosts and it's up to Cassidy, Teag and Trifles and Folly team to stop it/them before events spiral into apocalyptic territory.
Vendetta refers to Sorren's past. Those who've read the first book in the series will know Sorren as the vampire and silent partner of Trifles & Folly's. I've loved him since the first book, so to see him feature front and center here was a real treat (I'd have been happy if he was on every page). He's had 600 years to collect enemies. Narrowing down exactly who's out to get him (and those associated with him) isn't going to be easy.
Love Cassidy's wits, and Teag is just adorable, even if they did go looking for trouble and then seemed surprised to find themselves in the midst of it.
Lots of ghostly action, fallen angels, leeches, and explosions.
*I received an ARC. Some elements may change between my reading the ARC and publication.
3.5 stars.
Something is stirring up Charlestown's ghosts and it's up to Cassidy, Teag and Trifles and Folly team to stop it/them before events spiral into apocalyptic territory.
Vendetta refers to Sorren's past. Those who've read the first book in the series will know Sorren as the vampire and silent partner of Trifles & Folly's. I've loved him since the first book, so to see him feature front and center here was a real treat (I'd have been happy if he was on every page). He's had 600 years to collect enemies. Narrowing down exactly who's out to get him (and those associated with him) isn't going to be easy.
Love Cassidy's wits, and Teag is just adorable, even if they did go looking for trouble and then seemed surprised to find themselves in the midst of it.
Lots of ghostly action, fallen angels, leeches, and explosions.
*I received an ARC. Some elements may change between my reading the ARC and publication.
Read
September 24, 2022This novel is another great, solid urban fantasy story in the Deadly Curiosities series by Gail Z. Martin. I enjoyed this novel more than the first one, and I’m glad I decided to give this series another try. The action scenes are wild and keep you on the edge of your seat. And I *love* the fact that the MC Cassidy isn’t jumping into bed with the vampire friend, Sorren…. I am SO TIRED of vampire sex, youknowhatimean? In fact, it’s rather refreshing that there isn’t any sex at all, so far in this series. I also love that I have no idea what’s going to happen next, with anyone in these novels.
Oh, a warning! There is a scene in this novel where the gang is checking out this haunted house, and there are tons and tons of roaches. Literally, “a waterfall of roaches”. So if you have a bug/roach phobia, you might want to skip that part of this novel? One of the characters gets knocked down and is almost overrun by them all…. (((Shudders))). It was a difficult scene for me to get through lol. In fact, my hubby was nearby and caught this scene while I was listening to the audiobook, and while I was cringing, the hubby’s head slowly turned towards me with his mouth hanging open. He started shuddering as well, and then when that scene was over he said, ‘I don’t like your audiobooks anymore….’ like he was very spooked 😂. It was hilarious!
Thérèse Plummer Is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel, and as usual she is amazing. I hope Plummer continues as a narrator for the rest of the series, because I really like her work.
All in all, this novel was fun, and even touching at times. Very well written. 4 stars.
Oh, a warning! There is a scene in this novel where the gang is checking out this haunted house, and there are tons and tons of roaches. Literally, “a waterfall of roaches”. So if you have a bug/roach phobia, you might want to skip that part of this novel? One of the characters gets knocked down and is almost overrun by them all…. (((Shudders))). It was a difficult scene for me to get through lol. In fact, my hubby was nearby and caught this scene while I was listening to the audiobook, and while I was cringing, the hubby’s head slowly turned towards me with his mouth hanging open. He started shuddering as well, and then when that scene was over he said, ‘I don’t like your audiobooks anymore….’ like he was very spooked 😂. It was hilarious!
Thérèse Plummer Is the narrator for the audiobook version of this novel, and as usual she is amazing. I hope Plummer continues as a narrator for the rest of the series, because I really like her work.
All in all, this novel was fun, and even touching at times. Very well written. 4 stars.
August 4, 2021
You know that you're hooked when a vampire comes close to breaking your heart - and it's not even a romance. *sigh*
This is only the second book in the Deadly Curiosities series, but as I’ve mentioned, I’ve been a fan of this world for a while now. I was also familiar with Cassidy, Teag and Sorren long before I finally picked up Deadly Curiosities. Trifles and Folly 1 and Trifles and Folly 2 got me hooked, so it was only a matter of time before I started from the beginning. Better late than never, right?
This is a series that gets more intense with every installment. Teag, Cassidy and Sorren do a lot more than just rid the world of dangerous artifacts. They fight the people who want to use those artifacts against humanity. In Vendetta the stakes are even higher because the attacks aren’t random, they’re personal and the target is Sorren and no one he cares about is safe.
Readers learn more about Sorren and his past in Vendetta, but there’s a lot that’s still a mystery, even to Cassidy. There’s obviously a lot in Sorren’s past that he’s not proud of, but there’s also a lot of loss and painful memories. Immortality has its perks, but there’s also a sense of loneliness that most wouldn’t think about. There are times that Sorren seems somewhat detached, but in this book he was anything but. Sorren isn’t the first vampire that nearly broke my heart, but I’m pretty sure he’s the first one who did it outside of a romance. *sigh*
The mystery, danger and action kept the pages turning in Vendetta. It was definitely a hard one to put down. I loved getting to know the characters even better and seeing others come to the realization that things aren’t always as they seem.
Teag and Cassidy are honing their powers and gaining allies as the series progresses. Not everyone comes out unscathed in Vendetta and sometimes the emotional scars are more painful than the physical ones. Next up is Tangled Web and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Vendetta. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is only the second book in the Deadly Curiosities series, but as I’ve mentioned, I’ve been a fan of this world for a while now. I was also familiar with Cassidy, Teag and Sorren long before I finally picked up Deadly Curiosities. Trifles and Folly 1 and Trifles and Folly 2 got me hooked, so it was only a matter of time before I started from the beginning. Better late than never, right?
This is a series that gets more intense with every installment. Teag, Cassidy and Sorren do a lot more than just rid the world of dangerous artifacts. They fight the people who want to use those artifacts against humanity. In Vendetta the stakes are even higher because the attacks aren’t random, they’re personal and the target is Sorren and no one he cares about is safe.
Readers learn more about Sorren and his past in Vendetta, but there’s a lot that’s still a mystery, even to Cassidy. There’s obviously a lot in Sorren’s past that he’s not proud of, but there’s also a lot of loss and painful memories. Immortality has its perks, but there’s also a sense of loneliness that most wouldn’t think about. There are times that Sorren seems somewhat detached, but in this book he was anything but. Sorren isn’t the first vampire that nearly broke my heart, but I’m pretty sure he’s the first one who did it outside of a romance. *sigh*
The mystery, danger and action kept the pages turning in Vendetta. It was definitely a hard one to put down. I loved getting to know the characters even better and seeing others come to the realization that things aren’t always as they seem.
Teag and Cassidy are honing their powers and gaining allies as the series progresses. Not everyone comes out unscathed in Vendetta and sometimes the emotional scars are more painful than the physical ones. Next up is Tangled Web and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of Vendetta. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 13, 2016
4.75*s
Vendetta was just as fun for me as the first book, Deadly Curiosities. My one little complaint is there was a lull in which it seemed to drag - though that was during a rough period overall for me, so it maybe more me than the book. I love the setting in this series, so close and familiar to me, and it only got stronger in this. Drawing on the haunts of Charleston our 'supernatural vigilantes' have to stop a huge and potentially devastating attack on the city fueled by a grudge.
The cast in this particular book increased our pool of big name characters as well. This was really fun for me. The diversity in beliefs, peoples, and magics of our little squad is awesome (the voodoo magic is the best IMO, I love that because I haven't seen that in other urban fantasies). I adored this and can't wait for the next one. This is one series I really desperately hate waiting on - and I can't put the books off!
Vendetta was just as fun for me as the first book, Deadly Curiosities. My one little complaint is there was a lull in which it seemed to drag - though that was during a rough period overall for me, so it maybe more me than the book. I love the setting in this series, so close and familiar to me, and it only got stronger in this. Drawing on the haunts of Charleston our 'supernatural vigilantes' have to stop a huge and potentially devastating attack on the city fueled by a grudge.
The cast in this particular book increased our pool of big name characters as well. This was really fun for me. The diversity in beliefs, peoples, and magics of our little squad is awesome (the voodoo magic is the best IMO, I love that because I haven't seen that in other urban fantasies). I adored this and can't wait for the next one. This is one series I really desperately hate waiting on - and I can't put the books off!
January 1, 2016
Deadly Curiosities Vendetta is a super story filled with great characters. This is book two in the series and Martin has added to the world building and the character development. The magic and the people in Charleston come more alive as the story progresses.
An old enemy of Sorren’s is back and is trying to destroy all that Sorren loves. That includes people and Charleston, South Carolina. There is danger, loss, and tensions as the all of the characters come together to defeat evil. I enjoyed following Caassidy Teag and the gang as they fight off all of the attacks.
Part of the fun for me is trying to decide what is really exists in Charleston and what Martin makes up to keep the story going. Charleston, South Carolina is a great setting for Deadly Curiosities Vendetta and Martin makes the most of the history and setting for this old southern city.
An old enemy of Sorren’s is back and is trying to destroy all that Sorren loves. That includes people and Charleston, South Carolina. There is danger, loss, and tensions as the all of the characters come together to defeat evil. I enjoyed following Caassidy Teag and the gang as they fight off all of the attacks.
Part of the fun for me is trying to decide what is really exists in Charleston and what Martin makes up to keep the story going. Charleston, South Carolina is a great setting for Deadly Curiosities Vendetta and Martin makes the most of the history and setting for this old southern city.
January 6, 2016
Vendetta is the second novel in the series of Deadly Curiosities novels by Gail Z. Martin (although there are also a number of standalone short stories and novellas in the series). The novels are set in a Charlotte, North Carolina, shop called Trifles & Folly, which seems like an ordinary antique store but is actually a front for a shadowy Alliance dedicated to keeping dangerous magical and supernatural items away from mortals. The novels read like well-written “cozy” mysteries at times, and at other times they explode into action and even horror. Gail Z. Martin knows how to tell a good story and how to build a rapport between her characters and the reader. Vendetta is even better than Deadly Curiosities, the first novel in the series. Highly recommended.
January 11, 2016
I really liked this book. It was the most exciting work yet in the Deadly Curiosities series. All of the characters we've met in modern day Charleston are there, even a few of the dead ones. Cassidy and Teag are getting more accustomed to using their powers, which is good. Even though we meet new friends and allies, there are also new enemies, who really challenge the characters we've come to know so well. In the end, they all work together as a team. Even Soren turns out to need some help. I have to say that Soren is my favorite character in the series, even though I dislike 'vampire fiction' in general. It was nice to see more of him, and learn more about him. I don't know what Gail Z. Martin has up her sleeve for these characters, but I am sure I will like it.
February 21, 2016
See my full review at http://blog.worldswithoutend.com/2016...
January 4, 2016
Vendetta returns us to the Deadly Curiosities world. To Charleston, to Cassidy, Teag, their shop Trifles and Folly and their vampire contact, Sorren. I liked the way the first book integrated this idea of things having resonance, being connected to the past. I wanted more. And now I've had it...
The past is very much a part of the present day story in this book. To start, Charleston is a key component of the story. I love the way that Martin weaves settings details into the plot. Each location is rendered in great detail, and together, with some history of Charleston, the setting becomes an incredibly intriguing component of Vendetta. Truly, Vendetta puts the urban back into urban fantasy, embracing the city fully.
There's plenty of action to keep the book moving forward. Something always seems to be happening, whether Cassidy's heading out to a new site of paranormal activity or checking in with a friend. And the actual violence is very well narrated. Each actor in the scene is moved about carefully. The bad guys are constantly in motion, never lining up to be taken down one by one, but instead moving in to attack even while our narrator, Cassidy's focus is on someone else.
I also love the cast of characters in this book. There's a ton, they're diverse, and they all have these really intriguing backstories. There's a series of short stories that Martin has written to accompany the novels, and I'll definitely be checking them out to see if some of these secondary characters feature.
Unfortunately, the repetitive components that struck me about the first book are present in Vendetta as well. I especially found the gearing up/list of weapons on-hand to be a bit repetitive after the first couple times. I would have been happy to assume everyone had their usual weapons on hand, and have it noted only when they left them behind or had something extra. Another repeated element was the description used for some of the bad guys - who were 'romance cover worthy'. I would have loved to have edited out most of those references because after the point was made once or twice, I was good on it.
I also questioned Cassidy's strategy for investigating the weirdness happening in Charleston. She had this habit of heading out to potentially dangerous sites (or even just to check in with her usual round of experts) with no clear plan outlined for what she was hoping to learn. There was a fair amount of recon work without follow-up or investigation (in my opinion). I also found Sorren's absences completely devoid of value. He went off to check-in with other sources or contacts, and I didn't think he ever came back with useful information. Instead, he was just conveniently/inconveniently absent for Cassidy's next dangerous move. While everything came together to give me a good sense of how confused everyone was about what was happening, I still wanted stronger action by these main players. I wanted to see them not traipsing around, hoping for clues, but instead actively and purposefully pursuing them.
I felt Cassidy was a little isolated, and would have liked more intimate, friendly relationships. While Teag and Anthony are obviously important characters in her life, she felt really distant from everyone else. Maybe because of the secrets that she's keeping? Even Sorren, though, who does know her secrets, felt like... a boss' boss, instead of her partner or a friend or mentor or whatever. He popped in and out, and had his own thing going. I felt like their relationship is more about respect and tradition than it is about genuine caring and friendship. I found it hard to be too emotionally involved in the story because of my perception of Cassidy's isolation.
Ultimately, I did enjoy Vendetta. The pacing is great. There's a really interesting plot happening here that fills in more details of the world. There's an awesome, expansive cast of characters, many of whom I want to get to know better. The setting is beautiful and integrated into the story in such significant ways. While I sometimes questioned choices made by the characters, had a hard time getting too emotionally involved even while I was entertained, and found some repetition of details really irritating, I still would recommend Vendetta to fans of the genre.
Bottom line:
If you liked Deadly Curiosities, pick up Vendetta to find out what happens next. I was left with a really clear sense of the importance of Cassidy and Teag's efforts on the 'protecting the world from supernatural threats' front, and I want to know what they'll get into next.
4 stars
For fans of urban fantasy, group efforts to save the world, ghost stories
Received in exchange for an honest review.
Review also available on To Each Their Own Reviews as of January 7th, 2016.
The past is very much a part of the present day story in this book. To start, Charleston is a key component of the story. I love the way that Martin weaves settings details into the plot. Each location is rendered in great detail, and together, with some history of Charleston, the setting becomes an incredibly intriguing component of Vendetta. Truly, Vendetta puts the urban back into urban fantasy, embracing the city fully.
There's plenty of action to keep the book moving forward. Something always seems to be happening, whether Cassidy's heading out to a new site of paranormal activity or checking in with a friend. And the actual violence is very well narrated. Each actor in the scene is moved about carefully. The bad guys are constantly in motion, never lining up to be taken down one by one, but instead moving in to attack even while our narrator, Cassidy's focus is on someone else.
I also love the cast of characters in this book. There's a ton, they're diverse, and they all have these really intriguing backstories. There's a series of short stories that Martin has written to accompany the novels, and I'll definitely be checking them out to see if some of these secondary characters feature.
Unfortunately, the repetitive components that struck me about the first book are present in Vendetta as well. I especially found the gearing up/list of weapons on-hand to be a bit repetitive after the first couple times. I would have been happy to assume everyone had their usual weapons on hand, and have it noted only when they left them behind or had something extra. Another repeated element was the description used for some of the bad guys - who were 'romance cover worthy'. I would have loved to have edited out most of those references because after the point was made once or twice, I was good on it.
I also questioned Cassidy's strategy for investigating the weirdness happening in Charleston. She had this habit of heading out to potentially dangerous sites (or even just to check in with her usual round of experts) with no clear plan outlined for what she was hoping to learn. There was a fair amount of recon work without follow-up or investigation (in my opinion). I also found Sorren's absences completely devoid of value. He went off to check-in with other sources or contacts, and I didn't think he ever came back with useful information. Instead, he was just conveniently/inconveniently absent for Cassidy's next dangerous move. While everything came together to give me a good sense of how confused everyone was about what was happening, I still wanted stronger action by these main players. I wanted to see them not traipsing around, hoping for clues, but instead actively and purposefully pursuing them.
I felt Cassidy was a little isolated, and would have liked more intimate, friendly relationships. While Teag and Anthony are obviously important characters in her life, she felt really distant from everyone else. Maybe because of the secrets that she's keeping? Even Sorren, though, who does know her secrets, felt like... a boss' boss, instead of her partner or a friend or mentor or whatever. He popped in and out, and had his own thing going. I felt like their relationship is more about respect and tradition than it is about genuine caring and friendship. I found it hard to be too emotionally involved in the story because of my perception of Cassidy's isolation.
Ultimately, I did enjoy Vendetta. The pacing is great. There's a really interesting plot happening here that fills in more details of the world. There's an awesome, expansive cast of characters, many of whom I want to get to know better. The setting is beautiful and integrated into the story in such significant ways. While I sometimes questioned choices made by the characters, had a hard time getting too emotionally involved even while I was entertained, and found some repetition of details really irritating, I still would recommend Vendetta to fans of the genre.
Bottom line:
If you liked Deadly Curiosities, pick up Vendetta to find out what happens next. I was left with a really clear sense of the importance of Cassidy and Teag's efforts on the 'protecting the world from supernatural threats' front, and I want to know what they'll get into next.
4 stars
For fans of urban fantasy, group efforts to save the world, ghost stories
Received in exchange for an honest review.
Review also available on To Each Their Own Reviews as of January 7th, 2016.
March 9, 2016
Cassidy runs Trifles and Folly, an antique shop, with Teag while secretly using her psychometric powers to ensure dangerous magical items are quietly squirrelled away where they can cause no trouble. It also means she’s in a good place to see when the ghosts of Charleston are getting riled up
And when it does it heralds a major new threat come to town – but this monsters and its terrifying, apocalyptic minions are not just a threat to the city, but a very personal threat to Sorren, her vampire protector and mentor as well
I find myself faced with the same issue I have with this author’s other books – because there’s a lot I like about this series. I really like the world setting. I love the whole concept of trying to control magical artefacts that may cause damage either inadvertently or purposefully by unscrupulous people.
I really like how ghosts are such a large part of the book as well – it’s rare to see ghosts to be such a major emphasis in an Urban Fantasy novel and I do like the novelty of it. I also like how the ghosts are worked into the setting – Charleston – and history. And here we have another unique element – it isn’t sanitised. For whatever reason, a not-insignificant amount of Urban Fantasy is set in the south of the US, with lots of immortal beings all straining real hard to pretend slavery wasn’t a thing. This book doesn’t do that – the haunted streets of Charleston is populated by many of the horrors and scars of the city’s history. I like that, I like that a lot.
I like the potential richness of this series with so many different magic systems, vampires, ghosts, demons and even hints of many more. I also really like how restrained the series is. Sometimes you have a book series that has taken the kitchen sink approach to the supernatural and they decide to include ALL THE THINGS. This book doesn’t – only what is relevant is present and most of that focuses on a few magic users, the ghosts that populate the city and the core characters. I appreciate the restraint.
And I like the characters. I like Cassidy who, as I said in the last book, is skilled and capable, powerful without being super powered, with good relationships and good friends. I like Teague – an openly gay characters who manages to dodge a lot of stereotypes and have a very original (albeit rather convoluted) magic. We do have a number of very powerful, respected and capable Black characters who make regular appearances – but they are called on for their woo-woo. Yes, everyone has woo-woo in this book, but there’s more to Teague and Cassidy and Sorren than their magical nature – while the Mambos and Root workers are, well, Mambos and Root Workers. I don’t know much more about Mrs. Tiller than the fact she’s a root worker. I don’t know much more about Lucinda than the fact she practices voodoo. Yes, she’s a professor – in voodoo. It kind of defines her character. I think in book three I really need to see more of Lucinda: her past, her history, her hobbies, her work, her relationships. I want to see her do something that doesn’t involve a Loa
Now the invocation of the Loa did seem to involve a decent amount of research. Perhaps not more than you can do on google, but more than just repeating the name “Baron Samedi” a few times and throwing rum and cigars about.
So what’s my main issue with this book? Same as the other two books I’ve read by this author – flabbiness!
Read More
And when it does it heralds a major new threat come to town – but this monsters and its terrifying, apocalyptic minions are not just a threat to the city, but a very personal threat to Sorren, her vampire protector and mentor as well
I find myself faced with the same issue I have with this author’s other books – because there’s a lot I like about this series. I really like the world setting. I love the whole concept of trying to control magical artefacts that may cause damage either inadvertently or purposefully by unscrupulous people.
I really like how ghosts are such a large part of the book as well – it’s rare to see ghosts to be such a major emphasis in an Urban Fantasy novel and I do like the novelty of it. I also like how the ghosts are worked into the setting – Charleston – and history. And here we have another unique element – it isn’t sanitised. For whatever reason, a not-insignificant amount of Urban Fantasy is set in the south of the US, with lots of immortal beings all straining real hard to pretend slavery wasn’t a thing. This book doesn’t do that – the haunted streets of Charleston is populated by many of the horrors and scars of the city’s history. I like that, I like that a lot.
I like the potential richness of this series with so many different magic systems, vampires, ghosts, demons and even hints of many more. I also really like how restrained the series is. Sometimes you have a book series that has taken the kitchen sink approach to the supernatural and they decide to include ALL THE THINGS. This book doesn’t – only what is relevant is present and most of that focuses on a few magic users, the ghosts that populate the city and the core characters. I appreciate the restraint.
And I like the characters. I like Cassidy who, as I said in the last book, is skilled and capable, powerful without being super powered, with good relationships and good friends. I like Teague – an openly gay characters who manages to dodge a lot of stereotypes and have a very original (albeit rather convoluted) magic. We do have a number of very powerful, respected and capable Black characters who make regular appearances – but they are called on for their woo-woo. Yes, everyone has woo-woo in this book, but there’s more to Teague and Cassidy and Sorren than their magical nature – while the Mambos and Root workers are, well, Mambos and Root Workers. I don’t know much more about Mrs. Tiller than the fact she’s a root worker. I don’t know much more about Lucinda than the fact she practices voodoo. Yes, she’s a professor – in voodoo. It kind of defines her character. I think in book three I really need to see more of Lucinda: her past, her history, her hobbies, her work, her relationships. I want to see her do something that doesn’t involve a Loa
Now the invocation of the Loa did seem to involve a decent amount of research. Perhaps not more than you can do on google, but more than just repeating the name “Baron Samedi” a few times and throwing rum and cigars about.
So what’s my main issue with this book? Same as the other two books I’ve read by this author – flabbiness!
Read More
January 21, 2016
Deadly Curiosities Book 2
Author: Gail Z Martin
Publisher: Solaris
Page Count: 327pp
Release date: 29th Dec 2015
Reviewer: Theresa Derwin
Trifles and Folly isn't your average antique store. Cassidy Kincaide, the current owner of Trifles and Folly has had the store in her family for over three hundred years, in haunted Charleston South Carolina. In the first book she discovers the store's real purpose, and her destiny. It's her job to keep magical curios and antiques safe from the public. Sometimes a jewellery box is just that, and sometimes it houses a blood-sucking demon. Either way, it's a dangerous job, but someone has to do it, and it appears that someone is Cassidy and her employee Teag. She also works with her silent partner Sorren, a six hundred year old vampire with a few powers of his own. Think a quaint, old fashioned version of Warehouse 13.
To help her with her job, Cassidy's talent is psychometry, the ability to read objects through touch.
When Cassidy touches the latest acquisition, the emotions are rife. Martin is expert at filling in the gaps and creating the mystery to progress the story through Cassidy's visions; sights, sounds, feelings, atmosphere. It's all here. And each artefact is a little glimpse into history, and a case for the Trifles team to solve. Cassidy is literally plunged into the past as the person who owned the object narrates their death and the circumstances surrounding it; moving and engaging stuff.
Emerging, shaking and upset from her vision, Cassidy tells Teag the bad news. There is a ghost attached to the jewellery box. But that's not the bad news. It's the wraith that eats ghosts, now in the most haunted city in North America that's the problem. And something even bigger is on its way.
Cassidy has an interesting cast of characters to assist her in her endeavours. Teag himself is a Weaver, who can weave magic into fabric or find out anything by weaving information on the web. Lucinda is a Voudon mambo (root worker) who can offer protection through herbs and channel Baron Samedi. Valerie is a medium who runs the local ghost tour, Chuck, a retired Supernatural Black Ops Agent, Bo, the ghost of her dead dog and Father Anne, a tattooed and powerful priest who frees spirits helping them into the next world. Amidst the urban fantasy Fayre, the adventure, intrigue and humour, there is darkness galore and even a Lovecraftian vein. We also get to know Sorren a little better, and that knowledge is poignant.
Martin doesn't shy away from the darker history of the South, being open and honest about slavery and the like. Her cast of characters is also wonderfully diverse including sexuality, race and colour. Martin is also adept at handling exposition and back story through conversation with other characters that feels natural.
There's a lot of battles and blood in this novel and a few losses along the way, which makes the final showdown with the 'big bad' all the more dramatic and fraught with tension. Cassidy, Sorren, Teag and the rest of the team fight well together, but their adversary is strong. Will they survive intact? That's not for me to tell. What I will say though, is its one helluva finale and this book had me gripped from start to finish.
Great characters, brilliant back story, emotional resonance, big bad monsters and a multitude of magic. This blockbuster of a book has it all. Highly recommended.
Author: Gail Z Martin
Publisher: Solaris
Page Count: 327pp
Release date: 29th Dec 2015
Reviewer: Theresa Derwin
Trifles and Folly isn't your average antique store. Cassidy Kincaide, the current owner of Trifles and Folly has had the store in her family for over three hundred years, in haunted Charleston South Carolina. In the first book she discovers the store's real purpose, and her destiny. It's her job to keep magical curios and antiques safe from the public. Sometimes a jewellery box is just that, and sometimes it houses a blood-sucking demon. Either way, it's a dangerous job, but someone has to do it, and it appears that someone is Cassidy and her employee Teag. She also works with her silent partner Sorren, a six hundred year old vampire with a few powers of his own. Think a quaint, old fashioned version of Warehouse 13.
To help her with her job, Cassidy's talent is psychometry, the ability to read objects through touch.
When Cassidy touches the latest acquisition, the emotions are rife. Martin is expert at filling in the gaps and creating the mystery to progress the story through Cassidy's visions; sights, sounds, feelings, atmosphere. It's all here. And each artefact is a little glimpse into history, and a case for the Trifles team to solve. Cassidy is literally plunged into the past as the person who owned the object narrates their death and the circumstances surrounding it; moving and engaging stuff.
Emerging, shaking and upset from her vision, Cassidy tells Teag the bad news. There is a ghost attached to the jewellery box. But that's not the bad news. It's the wraith that eats ghosts, now in the most haunted city in North America that's the problem. And something even bigger is on its way.
Cassidy has an interesting cast of characters to assist her in her endeavours. Teag himself is a Weaver, who can weave magic into fabric or find out anything by weaving information on the web. Lucinda is a Voudon mambo (root worker) who can offer protection through herbs and channel Baron Samedi. Valerie is a medium who runs the local ghost tour, Chuck, a retired Supernatural Black Ops Agent, Bo, the ghost of her dead dog and Father Anne, a tattooed and powerful priest who frees spirits helping them into the next world. Amidst the urban fantasy Fayre, the adventure, intrigue and humour, there is darkness galore and even a Lovecraftian vein. We also get to know Sorren a little better, and that knowledge is poignant.
Martin doesn't shy away from the darker history of the South, being open and honest about slavery and the like. Her cast of characters is also wonderfully diverse including sexuality, race and colour. Martin is also adept at handling exposition and back story through conversation with other characters that feels natural.
There's a lot of battles and blood in this novel and a few losses along the way, which makes the final showdown with the 'big bad' all the more dramatic and fraught with tension. Cassidy, Sorren, Teag and the rest of the team fight well together, but their adversary is strong. Will they survive intact? That's not for me to tell. What I will say though, is its one helluva finale and this book had me gripped from start to finish.
Great characters, brilliant back story, emotional resonance, big bad monsters and a multitude of magic. This blockbuster of a book has it all. Highly recommended.
January 12, 2016
I think I had high hopes for this title, since I really liked Deadly Curiosities, had a lot of frightening moments with things that trigger that feeling of chills (gave me a few nightmares about a mirror). I think what I loved most is that feeling of entering a haunted place and being enrapt in the spooky feeling of something watching you (this wasn’t achieved in this installment). This one was full of action and a bit of repetitiveness and over explaining.
Vendetta is more about fighting really nasty supernatural beings which our main character is well prepared for. There where situations when things where obvious, but the characters where oblivious to it.
The concept of the plot is good, but the developments are really slow paced and I didn’t find any twist in the story line.
I absolutely would have liked to find this book amazing like its predecessor and recommend it, but from my point of view it was just ok.
Note: I received a digital copy free from Netgalley for review purposes.
Vendetta is more about fighting really nasty supernatural beings which our main character is well prepared for. There where situations when things where obvious, but the characters where oblivious to it.
The concept of the plot is good, but the developments are really slow paced and I didn’t find any twist in the story line.
I absolutely would have liked to find this book amazing like its predecessor and recommend it, but from my point of view it was just ok.
Note: I received a digital copy free from Netgalley for review purposes.
January 6, 2016
I waited what seemed like forever for this book to be released. I wasn't disappointed. The story was full of action and history and loyalty and, of course, magic! Cassidy , Teag and Sorren are surrounded by a cast of supporting characters I can't wait to see again and again. I want to take a walk in Charleston, stop at the Honeysuckle Cafe, perhaps have a chat with Lucinda, visit the Archive and the Lowcountry Museum. Buy a basket from Mrs. Teller and Niella. Touch the Angel Oak. Maybe if I'm feeling brave, take a tour with Valerie. And definitely sit an a porch, drinking sweet tea and giving Baxter a pat. If a book can make me want all that, how can it be anything but great?!?
August 11, 2024
VENDETTA by Gail Z. Martin, book 2 of the DEADLY CURIOSITIES series
Plot twists and red herrings abound in this fast-paced novel where Cassidy and her allies fight the deadly magic of revenge, demonic creature, and ghosts. Whoo! VENDETTA is intense, and the supernatural battles keep me on the edge of my seat! The drama, the angst, the action . . . brilliantly written!
Plot twists and red herrings abound in this fast-paced novel where Cassidy and her allies fight the deadly magic of revenge, demonic creature, and ghosts. Whoo! VENDETTA is intense, and the supernatural battles keep me on the edge of my seat! The drama, the angst, the action . . . brilliantly written!
March 11, 2017
I love this series and I definitely want to see more full length novels, but this seemed a little heavy on fight scenes for my taste.
January 2, 2016
I absolutely loved this book! I already want to reread it, even though I just finished it.
January 4, 2016
Love this series!
January 1, 2017
“Vendetta” by Gail Z. Martin is an action-filled and imaginative story that features many remarkable creatures who function in a world that the local humans are often oblivious to. The blend of pragmatic and arcane in Charleston, South Carolina provides an eerie backdrop to the struggle that threatens the lives and livelihoods of far more than just the inhabitants of this distinctive town. There are fascinating elements such as the protective ghost dog housed in Cassidy’s bracelet, the woven spells that her friend and assistant Teag is capable of weaving, and the ghosts woven into the history of the city that can be friend or foe.
I enjoyed the way the story got right into the action and introduced multiple mystical elements but somehow it seemed to drag on much too long for me. I love exciting action scenes but it seemed that there were frequent intense fights with beings who got knocked down and then were back again with very little respite, until it was almost an endless loop that was repeating. There were odd elements for me, such as the lack of concern when a protective ward goes down and the lack of verification of the role or importance of various folks who could be friend or foe, something I think would be pretty important to determine before any major battle. Despite this, I was impressed by the creativity and adventure in this story and I think those who like exciting tales with a paranormal twist will enjoy it.
This urban fantasy story is part of the ‘Deadly Curiosities’ series and centers around Cassidy Kincaide, who works in her family store that not only buys and sells antiques and curios but also serves as a clearinghouse for dealing with dangerous magical items. Her talent of psychometry allows her to detect the history of items by touching them, but the dangers that seem to be escalating may have other causes. Consulting with her allies reveals that their vampire patron, Sorren, may have enemies that neither he nor Cassidy’s allies may be able to overcome.
© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.
I enjoyed the way the story got right into the action and introduced multiple mystical elements but somehow it seemed to drag on much too long for me. I love exciting action scenes but it seemed that there were frequent intense fights with beings who got knocked down and then were back again with very little respite, until it was almost an endless loop that was repeating. There were odd elements for me, such as the lack of concern when a protective ward goes down and the lack of verification of the role or importance of various folks who could be friend or foe, something I think would be pretty important to determine before any major battle. Despite this, I was impressed by the creativity and adventure in this story and I think those who like exciting tales with a paranormal twist will enjoy it.
This urban fantasy story is part of the ‘Deadly Curiosities’ series and centers around Cassidy Kincaide, who works in her family store that not only buys and sells antiques and curios but also serves as a clearinghouse for dealing with dangerous magical items. Her talent of psychometry allows her to detect the history of items by touching them, but the dangers that seem to be escalating may have other causes. Consulting with her allies reveals that their vampire patron, Sorren, may have enemies that neither he nor Cassidy’s allies may be able to overcome.
© Night Owl Reviews
I received a copy of this title in return for an honest review.
June 26, 2021
I have major mixed feelings about this book.
I liked the plot & the characters. I was invested in the outcome, held in suspense multiple times, and enjoyed many aspects of the story. I even got choked up a couple times. (There's a bit about Soren's life and back story in this that I was so completely wrapped up in. I've said it before & will say it again - I would devour a full series just on Soren.)
BUT there was a LOT of unnecessary repetition. It was almost as if it needed more content editing, or as if the author had a short-term memory issue, (which is sort of fitting, since there are characters with Alzheimer's in the book). Multiple times, Cassidy described people, places or situations more than once as if she hadn't before. Characters failed to make obvious connections or connected dots that they had already connected, as if they hadn't before. Right before I listened to this, I'd listened to most of the Trifles & Folly I collection and with that, I totally accepted the repetition because they were all separate stories. But this was kind of overboard, since it was all in the same story.
Negatives being said, I don't regret listening to this book at all, and have resigned myself to the fact that I will totally continue on with the series, because there's too much good not to. I just might roll my eyes a few times when I have to hear the color of Soren's eyes being the color of the sea before (or after) a storm, or about how Cassidy's Scotch-Irish heritage is obvious because of her hair & skin color, about Teague's martial arts training, or about how the woman who runs the historical society looks like a St. John's model. Because I'm a sucker for the world they're in.
The narration was pretty decent. There were a few incorrect pronunciations on slightly uncommon words, but the emotion was right on and the character voices were good enough for my taste. Narrations are kind of subjective to each person's taste and other than the mispronunciations here & there, I have no complaints at all.
I liked the plot & the characters. I was invested in the outcome, held in suspense multiple times, and enjoyed many aspects of the story. I even got choked up a couple times. (There's a bit about Soren's life and back story in this that I was so completely wrapped up in. I've said it before & will say it again - I would devour a full series just on Soren.)
BUT there was a LOT of unnecessary repetition. It was almost as if it needed more content editing, or as if the author had a short-term memory issue, (which is sort of fitting, since there are characters with Alzheimer's in the book). Multiple times, Cassidy described people, places or situations more than once as if she hadn't before. Characters failed to make obvious connections or connected dots that they had already connected, as if they hadn't before. Right before I listened to this, I'd listened to most of the Trifles & Folly I collection and with that, I totally accepted the repetition because they were all separate stories. But this was kind of overboard, since it was all in the same story.
Negatives being said, I don't regret listening to this book at all, and have resigned myself to the fact that I will totally continue on with the series, because there's too much good not to. I just might roll my eyes a few times when I have to hear the color of Soren's eyes being the color of the sea before (or after) a storm, or about how Cassidy's Scotch-Irish heritage is obvious because of her hair & skin color, about Teague's martial arts training, or about how the woman who runs the historical society looks like a St. John's model. Because I'm a sucker for the world they're in.
The narration was pretty decent. There were a few incorrect pronunciations on slightly uncommon words, but the emotion was right on and the character voices were good enough for my taste. Narrations are kind of subjective to each person's taste and other than the mispronunciations here & there, I have no complaints at all.
March 3, 2019
Wow. Another edge-of-seat story that had me turning pages. I love the characters in the Deadly Curiosities series, and the way they feel like an extended family. I enjoyed the bit more of an insight into Sorren’s past with this one, although the glimpse of his past relationship was very bitter sweet. I also love Teag and Anthony’s relationship, and Anthony’s reaction as he discovers more about what his boyfriend’s role in his work with Cassidy and Sorren against paranormal nasties. I also loved the others they called upon to help with this fight, and how even Maggie played her part. I loved how Cassidy and Teag are growing in their abilities, and the introduction of a hunter in this story. The series feels as though it’s finding its place in the other stories in this universe and I’m looking forward to a proper crossover.
The showdowns with the ‘bad guys’ were very intense. I liked how there were consequence for Cassidy and her friends, and that they didn’t come away unscathed. I thought there was a very real sense of escalating threat with each encounter.
As with the first book, Charleston is a character in its own right. I loved the descriptions of the places. They were very easy to visualize and I felt as thought I was there with the characters.
I’d recommend Vendetta to readers who enjoy urban fantasy/paranormal stories with fabulous settings, well rounded out characters who are part of a bigger universe, and a story which keeps you turning pages.
The showdowns with the ‘bad guys’ were very intense. I liked how there were consequence for Cassidy and her friends, and that they didn’t come away unscathed. I thought there was a very real sense of escalating threat with each encounter.
As with the first book, Charleston is a character in its own right. I loved the descriptions of the places. They were very easy to visualize and I felt as thought I was there with the characters.
I’d recommend Vendetta to readers who enjoy urban fantasy/paranormal stories with fabulous settings, well rounded out characters who are part of a bigger universe, and a story which keeps you turning pages.
January 28, 2022
Oh Whoahhhhh that was quite a ride! I love this universe so i was determined to read what i had missed even if honestly this work as a great stand alone but you get so addicted to each character that you want to read more about them
anyway it was high time i read book 2 and i enjoyed every second of it even if tissues were needed at some point, this is wonderfully written to keep you on edge and you don't want to miss any element or information so i was glued to my book not wanting to let go for anything.
Cassidy and Teag are confronted to surpernatural bad creatures that's not something new to them ( even if they are still beginners) but this time the threat is above their leage and they need lot of help between people disappearing, unrest ghosts ( not one or two the whole of them), attack of demon, bombs.... they don't know where to give priority and it seems very personnal when other places owned by Sorren get destroyed or attacked everywhere in the world.
I loved how Cassidy did not give up and how she could understand Sorren, Teag was fabulous and i loved to see how Anthony was willing to do his best because of his love for him....really it was simply perfect mix of emotions, suspense, high tension and actions.... i just wan more
a series not to be missed if you love urban fantasy, wampire and magic with a good dosis of history and don't mind some m/m romance but it's secondary to the main story and not the focus and not graphic at all
anyway it was high time i read book 2 and i enjoyed every second of it even if tissues were needed at some point, this is wonderfully written to keep you on edge and you don't want to miss any element or information so i was glued to my book not wanting to let go for anything.
Cassidy and Teag are confronted to surpernatural bad creatures that's not something new to them ( even if they are still beginners) but this time the threat is above their leage and they need lot of help between people disappearing, unrest ghosts ( not one or two the whole of them), attack of demon, bombs.... they don't know where to give priority and it seems very personnal when other places owned by Sorren get destroyed or attacked everywhere in the world.
I loved how Cassidy did not give up and how she could understand Sorren, Teag was fabulous and i loved to see how Anthony was willing to do his best because of his love for him....really it was simply perfect mix of emotions, suspense, high tension and actions.... i just wan more
a series not to be missed if you love urban fantasy, wampire and magic with a good dosis of history and don't mind some m/m romance but it's secondary to the main story and not the focus and not graphic at all
January 17, 2023
Ah this one was much better than the first book of the series. I don't think the lack of character backstory actually improved, but my expectations were nice and low this time so I think that helped a lot lol. I still adore both Sorren and Teag and this book's whole premise is putting Sorren through some sh*t so you know I'm here for it :) The fight scenes were excellent as always, and this time felt much more cohesive. The book as a whole felt cohesive, which was a nice change of pace from book one. There were still a few things that bug me. There's some things that are either strange repetition, like the writer forgot they were already brought up, or plot points so painfully obvious but the characters just... were completely oblivious somehow. It kind of felt like maybe this book was written very very fast, without time for review and revision. Something like that.
But all of that's me and my nit-picky nature. I still very much enjoyed this read and will continue with the series (still hoping deeply for a hint or two about the Badlands series to pop up lol)
For the audiobook, same narrator as the first book, still doing a great job. Very into it.
But all of that's me and my nit-picky nature. I still very much enjoyed this read and will continue with the series (still hoping deeply for a hint or two about the Badlands series to pop up lol)
For the audiobook, same narrator as the first book, still doing a great job. Very into it.
November 18, 2023
Sorren is a vampire who has spent hundreds of years keeping the world safe from powerful immortals, dark witches, and any other supernatural beings who would destroy anything in their path. Cassidy Kincaide can read the history of an object with just a touch; she runs an antique and curio shop in downtown Charleston. With her friend Teag, a Weaver witch, they make sure any object cursed or touched by dark magic that is brought into the shop is disposed of, so it does not fall into the wrong hands. When an evil being that Sorren and some of his allies had contained many years ago begins to stir, it quickly becomes obvious that the being must be destroyed before he can eliminate Sorren and destroy the entire city.
Wow, just wow! This is a fantastic read that I highly recommend to other readers of exciting, action-packed urban fantasy. Magic, suspense, evil supernatural entities, and plenty of unexpected twists in the plot made it impossible to put this book down. The author’s characters are all well written and unique, the dialogue is fast paced and engaging.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Wow, just wow! This is a fantastic read that I highly recommend to other readers of exciting, action-packed urban fantasy. Magic, suspense, evil supernatural entities, and plenty of unexpected twists in the plot made it impossible to put this book down. The author’s characters are all well written and unique, the dialogue is fast paced and engaging.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 19, 2021
Deeply detailed and exciting paranormal tale
This second book in the Deadly Curiosities series, and part of a universe of interconnected series in the Gail Z Martin/Morgan Brice universe, gives us a lot of background information on Cassie and Teag’s sponsor/boss/friend, the 700 year old vampire Sorren.
The story is compelling (no pun intended) and pulls at your emotions. The action/fight sequences thrilling and stressful. The tales expand the universe of paranormal information.
Martin’s talent lies in her realistic rendering of the settings. In this case, Charleston is so lovingly and beautifully described that you can really believe everything being related is accurate and that if you travel there you can easily experience all the supernatural happenings for yourself. I really want it to be real so I can visit Trifles and Follies, visit the market and get some baskets hopefully Imbued with a little something extra, and experience the many ghosts for myself.
I love this universe and look forward to catching up with the pieces I haven’t experienced yet.
This second book in the Deadly Curiosities series, and part of a universe of interconnected series in the Gail Z Martin/Morgan Brice universe, gives us a lot of background information on Cassie and Teag’s sponsor/boss/friend, the 700 year old vampire Sorren.
The story is compelling (no pun intended) and pulls at your emotions. The action/fight sequences thrilling and stressful. The tales expand the universe of paranormal information.
Martin’s talent lies in her realistic rendering of the settings. In this case, Charleston is so lovingly and beautifully described that you can really believe everything being related is accurate and that if you travel there you can easily experience all the supernatural happenings for yourself. I really want it to be real so I can visit Trifles and Follies, visit the market and get some baskets hopefully Imbued with a little something extra, and experience the many ghosts for myself.
I love this universe and look forward to catching up with the pieces I haven’t experienced yet.
November 16, 2023
A powerful supernatural was looking for revenge, had the forces of evil at his disposal and seemed impossible to confront him. Sorren had everything to lose and was shaken beyond what he could imagine. Cassidy and her friends were involved in an unparalleled fight where their skills and everyone's lives were at stake. The confrontation was epic! The detailed, exciting, and intense descriptions and narrations kept me in suspense following the action sequence that turned out to be spectacular. Way to keep me reading! Nothing like being immersed in a good story to feel out of this world. I love how the imagination of these authors moves and drags me into the world of fantasy, although sometimes my hair stands up! Scary! Sorren is often mentioned in the authors' stories, and I was always curious about this vampire, full of resources and aware to everything that happens to our heroes. I think the story also shows an emotional side of Sorren and in a way that moved me. I liked those scenes. I voluntarily reviewed this copy I received of Hidden Gems and enjoyed it to the end.
December 31, 2017
This is the second novel-length book featuring of the characters from the short stories I was reading from the "Deadly Curiosities Adventures"
The Deadly Curiosities stories are an enjoyable read. Not too heavy, not too light – just right.
The main characters are well fleshed out and have a lot of personality with depth and very little angst.
The Author has lots of spirited chatter and action to keep me thoroughly entertained.
I liked that not everything works out perfect all the time. The team works very hard to fight the bad guys but, by the nature of their job, not all outcomes can be happy for everyone.
Books/Short Stories/Novellas/Collections Oh My!
Short Stories: “Deadly Curiosities Adventures” You can see the names on her website.
Collections: “Trifles and Folly: A Deadly Curiosities Collection 1” & “2” (these two collections contain Deadly Curiosity Adventures # 4 to 20.)
Novels: Deadly Curiosities and Vendetta
The Deadly Curiosities stories are an enjoyable read. Not too heavy, not too light – just right.
The main characters are well fleshed out and have a lot of personality with depth and very little angst.
The Author has lots of spirited chatter and action to keep me thoroughly entertained.
I liked that not everything works out perfect all the time. The team works very hard to fight the bad guys but, by the nature of their job, not all outcomes can be happy for everyone.
Books/Short Stories/Novellas/Collections Oh My!
Short Stories: “Deadly Curiosities Adventures” You can see the names on her website.
Collections: “Trifles and Folly: A Deadly Curiosities Collection 1” & “2” (these two collections contain Deadly Curiosity Adventures # 4 to 20.)
Novels: Deadly Curiosities and Vendetta
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