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Talented #2

Barrow Fiend

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When Emma is approached by DCI Greyson to assist with a case, her first instinct is to say no. Still shaken by the attack on her life six months earlier, and balancing her friendships with a budding relationship, she'd prefer to stay clear of the danger.
However, circumstances force her hand and she throws herself into the investigation. She soon realises that her target isn't a mysterious creature, but a dangerous man without the slightest care for human life...
Can Emma survive the biggest risk she's ever faced, or will she have to sacrifice too much?

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2016

27 people are currently reading
56 people want to read

About the author

Amy Hopkins

40 books91 followers
Amy Hopkins lives in Australia with her husband, two kids, one dog and four chickens. She’s most often seen (or, more to the point, not seen) hiding in the hammock on her back deck, listening to the local wildlife as she reads a very large book.

Her heroes are Lessa of Benden Weyr, Lady Kettricken and Elspeth of Obernewton.

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5 stars
82 (40%)
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69 (33%)
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50 (24%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Jess the Romanceaholic.
1,033 reviews491 followers
June 4, 2016
Though not my usual fare (as you can probably tell by my name, I'm more of a romance gal myself), I have found myself truly enjoying this series. I love the mix of magic and modern technology and the eclectic cast of characters.

Of course, I'd be lying if I didn't say that the lack of romance bothered me, especially since there are the beginnings of a love triangle (and I'm having trouble choosing sides, which is a rare thing for me).

Overall, however, it's the unique world Ms. Hopkins has created, along with the first person point of view that has kept me glued to the pages.

I simply can't wait for the next book!
4/5
Profile Image for Chelsea.
1,936 reviews56 followers
December 7, 2023
2023 reading challenge category: A book that was self-published

It has been quite a while since I read A Drop of Dream (which had a different title when I read it) but it was easy to step back into this world. There are some things that stood out as "wait, what?" from a self-publishing perspective--like a character leaves in one scene and then is mysteriously back and interacting like they never left in another. I'm also not sure that I love the dynamic with Harrod. He wants a relationship with Emma, she's not really interested--which is perfectly fine! But it does feel like she's keeping him "on the hook" so that he's available in case she decides she DOES want a relationship with him later. (The friend zone, as a reminder is not a thing. If Emma just wanted to be friends with Harrod, that would be completely legitimate! But then the waffling at the end of the book while still letting him do all these things for her that it feels like he's doing just because he is interested in her feels kind of icky.) But I love Lenny and Gibble and all of the supportive community Emma has around her. The end of this was lovely and the book as a whole has a cozy paranormal mystery vibe.

However, also worth considering with Hopkins' worldbuilding is this Tor article (https://www.tor.com/2023/08/08/the-pr...) which digs into the question of witches (or, in Hopkins' case, half-Talented people) being an embattled minority and stand-in for racial tensions in books that are overwhelmingly white. This doesn't mean this is a BAD series! I will read the next one. But with the way Hopkins has very specifically structured her world as one where Emma and people like her don't really have rights while acting like they are the only ones facing these issues, makes this something to think on while reading.
Profile Image for Sydney.
1,339 reviews67 followers
October 23, 2019
5 Herd In Spirit Stars

A Dash Of Fiend is the second book in the Talented series by Any Hopkins.

It’s been a minute since I read the first one, which led to some confusion at first when returning to his series. I really enjoy Amy’s work so far.

The underlying hope in the story, of good coming to pass stirs me to truly enjoy the words before me. Reading about expanding minds, and bridging divides. Emma is a truly inspiring character, and if at all possible I would have her as a friend. She’s brutally loyal and protective. She’s kind-hearted, steadfast, and a little obstinate in some cases. But she’s strong and brave, as well.

All of Emma’s compatriots blend together to make this beautifully diverse and weird family. From Harrod and Martin, to Lenny and Barg, even Gribble, Bee, and Melanie. This rag tag group of mix-matching parts, is one greater loving whole.

Off on another crime-fighting, justice-prevailing, world-changing adventure. Dive into this story, let it consume your mind and lead you on its unique journey.
Profile Image for Lyssa Sue Shaffer.
240 reviews
March 26, 2017
Oh me oh my...

I love this world. Life in London with the odd side trip to Faerie can be so intriguing. And the job of hunting down Faerie traffickers on top!!

Emma (Emmeline) has a hidden destiny and while she frets over the issues facing her as a half blood with lesser 'talent' (aka magics) she knows that doing the right thing is a necessity. She loves her life creating magicked teas to help others but she is driven to help the right things happen.

Inspiring, important lessons for all readers about how to be part of hope and change. With wicked humor and incredible imagination this series is a delight. It does not preach, it just leads by example with a diverse cast of fully realized heroes and villians.

Thankfully there is more to come!
Profile Image for Lisa.
83 reviews3 followers
September 8, 2019
Excellent mystery!

I don't usually give 5 stars unless the book is exceptional, and this book truly is exceptional. This is a paranormal mystery where Emma, the main character, is trying to stop a smuggling ring of despicable characters from taking creatures from the far world and selling them on the black market. This book is full of adventure, action, mystery, and magic. The characters are so well written that I see them as old friends and you get so engrossed in the book that you truly care about the outcome. The characters relationships with each other are continuously evolving with each book and each chapter. Wonderfully well written! Eagerly looking forward to the next book!
Profile Image for Leslie.
Author 7 books35 followers
July 19, 2017
I am breathless!!! Finishing this book was a lovely way to start my day!! The sheer emotion of it all never fails to strike me to the quick. I relate to Emma such that I become her, in all her frustrations, sorrow, and elation. It's a truly gorgeous tale that kept me guessing, even when I thought I knew—but I was so enamored with the story that I just had to keep reading, to see if everyone would turn out okay! Lovely, lovely, from start to finish! Amy Hopkins is a magnificent author!
Profile Image for Barbara Marie Warner.
1,609 reviews2 followers
February 17, 2022
A Dash of Fiend (Talented Book 2) Kindle Edition


This book grabbed my attention from beginning to end. I enjoyed the imaginative plot lines, the characters and the some of settings of London, she writs like you are right there with the characters.
Loved the plot, starting to see who she should hook on, love rhe characters that are falling for the her.
Definitely recommend this book, now onto book 3!!
106 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2017
Even better than the first book

Amy Hopkins series just keeps getting better. You should read the first book in the series to fully understand the characters and background. This time around Emma must pretty much rescue Other world creatures on her own at great risk to herself and strangely changed dog Lenny. Plenty of action and mystery here
Profile Image for Christi.
324 reviews3 followers
January 6, 2018
Love This Series!

I enjoyed reading this book. Such interesting characters! I love Lenny, Barg & Gibble! The Other creatures were really creative. I am diving into the next in this series immediately!
Profile Image for A.L. Tippett.
Author 7 books221 followers
July 28, 2021
An exciting second instalment!
I really enjoyed the second instalment of Emma’s story! The quality of the writing has improved since the first book and the plot twist at the end was cleverly executed.
40 reviews
October 9, 2017
Great read

I like the different take on magic and magical creatures. Much different than the normal take on magic. Can't wait for the next one. 👍
Profile Image for Wanda binz.
817 reviews6 followers
December 15, 2017
Love this second book

Love this second book in your series can’t wait to read more of them. Great story and characters and writing. ENJOY
Profile Image for Emily.
185 reviews7 followers
May 25, 2016
I enjoyed coming back to the world where Talents, half Talents, mortal, and Other mingled! Barrow Fiend is the sequel to Dream Stalker, which I read back in March, and takes place a little time later. For those starting on this book, you could manage OK, but I still suggest checking Dream Stalker out first, as you will get to know who is who, the relationships between them, and backstory.

One of the first things that I really appreciated about this book (and the previous one) was that "normal" life for Emma didn't stop just because the action started to heat up. In real life, we have to pay bills, grocery shop, etc., even in the middle of a crisis. I love when this is portrayed as it always adds reality and authenticity to the story. And Amy Hopkins does well with this--Emma goes to Talent lessons to help her control/harness her blocking talent. She visits her friend Melanie (from the first book). She has some lingering PTSD trauma from the events in the previous book. She makes tea, serves tea, enchants tea. She takes on a smuggling ring that is selling and trading Other beings. And this isn't treated casually--the dangers are all addressed, and Emma (and everyone else around her) is all to aware of it.

The characters are all consistent from the first book. We also get a closer look at some of them, and I loved learning more about the politics of the Inner City (particularly Abnett's political statements disguised with popularity), and would love to see even more! It feels like possibly Abnett is gearing Emma up to be much more active in there??? I guess I'll wait and see. We also get to learn why the Guardians have taken an interest in her.

As for character development, I feel like Amy Hopkins worked on each one of them (including Lenny-dog!). Greyson took a more forefront position in this book, while Harrod seemed to step back a bit.* As for Emma, she had a lot more rage in this book! While I would probably feel the same, I think that she ends up being a little more hot-blooded than me--I cringed at the confrontation with the first buyer from the first raid because I personally would stop at threatening to open the portal ring right there. However, Emma is Emma and I am me. I was relieved that whenever she snapped at her friends, she would own up to it and go to repair the relationship after.

The issues I had with this book run in a similar vein to the last one, just much diminished. There were some passages that still had passive voice, particularly descriptive scenes. The biggest one that got me though, was the last couple of paragraphs of chapter 18, right after all the action has passed. It kind of felt like the tension, action and tone all went limp quite suddenly. I understand that Emma's adrenaline has worn off here and she is exhausted, but somehow it wasn't conveyed to me and it just felt off.

Just a few last curiosities of mine-- will Martin's Fae dating spree lead to something big in the next book?? When during the second raid, all the officers passed out due to a ward and Emma went to check on one, why didn't she take him with her? Was it a time constriction or a movement one since she'd have to hold on to him until the ward was disabled? I just feel the officer may have been able to help her. Also, Beefcake is a name for real??? Not a nickname? OMG that gave me a pause, hahaha!


*So if book 1 featured Harrod more, and book 2 featured Greyson more, will book 3 be a show down?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nicole.
70 reviews1 follower
November 13, 2016
"Harrod, do you understand what you are saying? You're telling Martin that because you're Talented, because you were born with power and he wasn't, that makes you more competent than he is. You're telling him that because he had the bad luck to be born Talentless, you think he's unable to fend for himself. You do it to me too and...well, to be honest, it's a little insulting."
Barrow Fiend: Talented, Book 2 By Amy Hopkins

In this second installment Emma is not only fighting against the things that go bump in the night, but also delving deeper into the class system that has been oppressing her kind for ages. Being a half blood leaves her being treated as a second class citizen in respect to the Talented community, even though so many of them benefit from skills. The undercurrent of the social conflicts in this fantasy setting is captivating as it keeps reminding me of all the things that are happening and have happened in our own word. I find myself faithfully rooting for Emma to discover an amazing and heart breaking secret of her own existence that will enable her to save her whole world and the being from the Other as well. I of course have questions that I realize may never be answered because Amy Hopkins is as amazing as she is infuriating when it comes to giving up information (just kidding hehe). I am rooting for Emma to take the Talented world by storm and succeed in ways that I can't even fathom. In ways that will surprise her and show her just how capable she is, even though she doesn't give herself enough credit. Maybe that is why I find her such an easy character to care about. I look forward to discovering what else will happen in this enchanting and thrilling world.
Profile Image for Willow Woodford.
Author 0 books9 followers
February 9, 2017
Barrow Fiend is a fast paced magical thriller that will keep you turning pages until it's done and then make you wish for more.

Barrow Fiend by Amy Hopkins is book two in her Talented series. In the series she chronicles the life and adventures of Emma, a half-blood Talent, trying to balance her life and her talent skill in a complicated world. Emma just wants to run her tea shop and spend her free time with her friends, but life is rarely that simple, especially for her. She finds herself in the middle of a dangerous investigation and must rely on her inner strength and talent to survive.

I loved this book. I love Emma! She is a sweet and relate-able character. I can see myself getting involved in the ways she does, minus the magic of course. Amy Hopkins writes this so well, in the first person, that I often feel as if Emma is sitting by me telling me the story herself. It makes me want to close my eyes and jump into her world, joining her in her adventures. Alas, all I can do is wait for the next book!

If you haven't read book one, Dream Stalker, then I highly recommend you pick up a copy of that also. Though they will stand alone once you meet Emma you will want to know more about her and it just makes sense to read it in order. They are both excellent reads that pull you in and keep you wanting more. I can hardly wait to read book three in the series, Truth Taker due to be out in June 2016.

Barrow Fiend is available on Kindle and Kindle Unlimited. Pick up your copy now!
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,640 reviews25 followers
April 28, 2016
Emma continues to get more involved in the world of magic. She is drawn to a case that troubles her and makes her take enormous risks in the hope of saving others. Her friendships with the two men in her life are still causing some stress too. She keeps getting information that leads her to believe she will have a huge impact in the future but has no idea what to expect.

I really have enjoyed reading the Talented series and look forward to the next book in the series. Emma is an interesting character. She truly loves her friends and cares deeply about people. She is learning more about her father and his role in fighting against those who abuse their abilities and harm others. Emma is stepping up to take on more of a role in the community even though she has a lot of fear about the activities she is investigating. I would love to know more about her past romantic liaisons. There is never a mention of a past boyfriend and she seems very reluctant to get involved with men except as friends.

I received a copy in return for a honest review.
Profile Image for misplacedselchie.
91 reviews9 followers
July 16, 2016
received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Barrow Fiend is the second book in Amy Hopkins' Talented series. It picks up 6 months after the events of the first book. Emma's tea business has picked up, she is training more in her power (although it is difficult with her being a half blood and all) , and trying to stay out of big cases. But when Abnett puts her on the case with Greyson trying to locate a rampaging magical creature, she finds this might be a bit more than she thought....and the creature isn't the most dangerous thing out there.

While fast paced, it didn't come across as rushed as the first one. It was hard to put down. The relationships are slowly becoming more complicated and Martin has turned into a fae playa. Like seriously. It's hilarious and awesome. If you enjoyed Dream Stalker, you need to jump back into magical London and continue the series!
Profile Image for D.R. Perry.
Author 75 books120 followers
May 7, 2016
Fiendishly Good Read

I was so happy to come back to Emmaline's London. After reading Dream Stalker, it felt familiar and cozy. But, without giving any spoilers, a new antagonist shatters the calm and turns everything on its ear. Ms. Hopkins does an excellent job again of holding and dialing up the suspense. Events escalate steadily. New developments and consequences from the events of the previous book come into play with twists I couldn't predict. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
Profile Image for Kryste Herring.
33 reviews6 followers
April 26, 2016
Absolutely no spoilers here!
This book can be read as a stand alone, but in order to fully appreciate Emma's story you will definitely want to read Dream Stalker. The detail of the characters and settings bring them to life as though they are appearing before you. There are just enough "Ah-Ha!" and "Oh-No!" moments to leave a reader sated for the moment yet craving the next in the series.
94 reviews2 followers
September 14, 2016
Really good series

I got the first book for free, and bought this book as soon as I finished the first one. Now, I've bought book #3 and can't wait to read it. They are fast-paced and very interesting. The characters are well fleshed out.
Profile Image for Mindy.
643 reviews9 followers
January 10, 2017
Admirable followup.

This is the second book in the series and it just keeps getting better. The interweaving of normal and magical is seamless.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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