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Crimson City #3
Through a Crimson Veil
Los Angeles. Once, it was the City of Angels. Now, it's Crimson City, whose inhabitants know nothing of Heaven. The tentative peace between the species --- werewolf, vampire, human --- teeters on the brink of collapse. Sides are being chosen. Yet the peril is greater than any imagine. There is a power here that longs for release, an ancient darkness held captive too long. Below, beneath, beyond, it seethes. And there are those who would see it freed.
Mika herself seeks freedom. She's come to Crimson City looking for the key. But that key's keeper is a killer, an outsider, a mercenary with a poisoned past. To her kind, he has meant only death. No matter that Conor McCabe's pale green eyes hold a hint of lust, the glint of a bond never to be broken; the path ahead lies in shadow. In a city like this, death can come by fire or fang, by claw or kiss. And the moment of truth must come ... THROUGH A CRIMSON VEIL
Mika herself seeks freedom. She's come to Crimson City looking for the key. But that key's keeper is a killer, an outsider, a mercenary with a poisoned past. To her kind, he has meant only death. No matter that Conor McCabe's pale green eyes hold a hint of lust, the glint of a bond never to be broken; the path ahead lies in shadow. In a city like this, death can come by fire or fang, by claw or kiss. And the moment of truth must come ... THROUGH A CRIMSON VEIL
369 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 27, 2005
8 people are currently reading
510 people want to read
About the author
Patti O'Shea
36 books116 followersNationally bestselling author Patti O'Shea has won numerous awards for her writing and been nominated for many more. Her books have appeared on the Barnes & Noble, Waldenbooks, and Borders bestseller lists and have earned starred reviews in prestigious publications such as Booklist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 28, 2009
I couldn't remember why I had Patti O'Shea's other books (In the Midnight Hour, In Twilight's Shadow) rated at three stars when I didn't remember anything bad about them, but I guess the fact that I just couldn't remember them at all beyond a vague recollection of the plot, is reason enough that they only rated three. This book was a little better, if only because I'm sure I'll remember at least the first half.
Mika Noguchi is a half-human demoness from Orcus, an alternate universe that is protected from Earth by a veil. As a half-human, Mika is rare in that she can cross the veil at whim. Other demons must be summoned in order to cross - unless Conor McCabe reads an incantation he was given, which will not only free all demons, but will also hold all the demons in his thrall. The demon Council has asked Mika to find the incantation and steal it from McCabe. Which is all fine and dandy, until she realizes that Conor is her "vishtau" mate, something like a human soul mate.
The first half is charming and sexy, and watching Mika pursue Conor is hilarious. Then the second half comes, and when Mika's deception is revealed, it pretty much all goes downhill after there. Not that it ever gets really bad, there was just so much going on that the emotional storyline kind of got lost in the action, and the resolution of the conflict within Conor is a little too pat. So, better than three stars, but not by much. B-
Mika Noguchi is a half-human demoness from Orcus, an alternate universe that is protected from Earth by a veil. As a half-human, Mika is rare in that she can cross the veil at whim. Other demons must be summoned in order to cross - unless Conor McCabe reads an incantation he was given, which will not only free all demons, but will also hold all the demons in his thrall. The demon Council has asked Mika to find the incantation and steal it from McCabe. Which is all fine and dandy, until she realizes that Conor is her "vishtau" mate, something like a human soul mate.
The first half is charming and sexy, and watching Mika pursue Conor is hilarious. Then the second half comes, and when Mika's deception is revealed, it pretty much all goes downhill after there. Not that it ever gets really bad, there was just so much going on that the emotional storyline kind of got lost in the action, and the resolution of the conflict within Conor is a little too pat. So, better than three stars, but not by much. B-
May 23, 2020
This book has been lying around my house for ages and even though it's the third book I'm gonna read it anyway. I'll edit later when I'm finished.
September 7, 2013
This was a light hearted addition to the Crimson City series. Most likely because all the political drama and tension from the past 2 books were brushed off as minor issues to the demons. Perspective really is everything!
Mika is unlike any heroine I've ever read. She's not powerful and acknowledges she's weak. But she's smart, mischievous, wily, open and teasing. A perfect foil to Conor's gruff, straight to the point,
antisocial existence.
Like if a female Bugs Bunny met Teal'c (pre Jack O Neil).
Conor frustrated me at times, I had to keep reminding myself that years of hating one half of your existence wouldn't go away in a week. My heart hurt for Mika when she had to walk eggshells around him.
The story had plot holes (for being all mightily powerful and evil the dark ones went down pretty fast) , and yes about 40% of it was sex. But it was still a fun read. A refreshing break from all the dogs vampires and human drama.
Mika is unlike any heroine I've ever read. She's not powerful and acknowledges she's weak. But she's smart, mischievous, wily, open and teasing. A perfect foil to Conor's gruff, straight to the point,
antisocial existence.
Like if a female Bugs Bunny met Teal'c (pre Jack O Neil).
Conor frustrated me at times, I had to keep reminding myself that years of hating one half of your existence wouldn't go away in a week. My heart hurt for Mika when she had to walk eggshells around him.
The story had plot holes (for being all mightily powerful and evil the dark ones went down pretty fast) , and yes about 40% of it was sex. But it was still a fun read. A refreshing break from all the dogs vampires and human drama.
December 28, 2013
“Crimson City” by Liz Maverick (Crimson City book 1) is about vampires. “A Taste of Crimson” by Marjorie M. Liu (Crimson City book 2) is about the werewolves. “Through A Crimson Veil” (Crimson City book 3) brings in the demons. Some are nice. Some are as evil as the worst that your fertile imagination can conjure.
I am impressed by Patti O’Shea’s writing and she’s now on my author list. She’s drawn Mika as a cheerful, half-demon half-human woman with a mission. Conor is half-demon half-human also, but not nearly as happy with life or with himself. Mika and Conor are the lucky winners of an interesting, fast moving paranormal romance thriller. It’s sexy, funny, witty, well-written and a great addition to the Crimson City Series.
I am impressed by Patti O’Shea’s writing and she’s now on my author list. She’s drawn Mika as a cheerful, half-demon half-human woman with a mission. Conor is half-demon half-human also, but not nearly as happy with life or with himself. Mika and Conor are the lucky winners of an interesting, fast moving paranormal romance thriller. It’s sexy, funny, witty, well-written and a great addition to the Crimson City Series.
August 17, 2009
Best of the Crimson City series, by far. The author skillfully balances a thrilling, fast-paced storyline with fleshed-out, fascinating characters. Mika is a mischievous delight and Conor... well, Conor is a heartbreaker. The complex world of demons and vampires is dark, moody and riveting. What a great read!
November 15, 2019
I loved this book, and have read it several times over the years since I first found it in 2010. I love the way Mika tries to seduce him constantly, and how he fights it with all of his strength, but his body just gives him away to her. He fights it so hard but ugh I’m so glad they succumb to it in the end. Will always be a fave for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2018
This one was actually better than the first two in the series. Not quite as dark and the characters were more likable.
March 6, 2024
This series was written by different authors. Each inconnecting but still individual. Interesting futuristic and supernatural vibes. Also spice
January 9, 2025
The heroine takes the mission to find a spell that holds her people prisoner only because the man who has said spell is her mate. She knows instantly from the photo and though she knows that she's betraying him in doing so, she's bargained to save his life so she's willing to risk it. Both characters are half demon but only the female accepts it. She's learns to love both sides of her though she longs to become a full demon.
The male is the completely opposite. He loathes the demon part of him as he knows his demon father raped his human mother on conceive him. They are also polar opposites in personality. The hero is stern, series and reclusive.
The heroine is funny loving, outgoing and knows she can charm the pants off her somber mate. He provides her with quite the challenge however. She aggravated him to no end and you have to laugh at the utter frustration the hero feelings through the majority of the book because of his extremely hot but annoying client.
From the jump though its clear that though he acts like he can't stand her, he's absolutely entranced by her. She's defiantly the aggressor in the relationship but she's only the dominate until she finally gets under his skin and then allows him to take control.
I loved both these characters and though they are nothing alike, I felt they were made for each other. Throughout the book I felt like I was watch a buddy film. It was very entertaining to read about the heroine pushing all the heroes buttons and pushing him over the edge with her little quirks. I liked this book a lot.
The male is the completely opposite. He loathes the demon part of him as he knows his demon father raped his human mother on conceive him. They are also polar opposites in personality. The hero is stern, series and reclusive.
The heroine is funny loving, outgoing and knows she can charm the pants off her somber mate. He provides her with quite the challenge however. She aggravated him to no end and you have to laugh at the utter frustration the hero feelings through the majority of the book because of his extremely hot but annoying client.
From the jump though its clear that though he acts like he can't stand her, he's absolutely entranced by her. She's defiantly the aggressor in the relationship but she's only the dominate until she finally gets under his skin and then allows him to take control.
I loved both these characters and though they are nothing alike, I felt they were made for each other. Throughout the book I felt like I was watch a buddy film. It was very entertaining to read about the heroine pushing all the heroes buttons and pushing him over the edge with her little quirks. I liked this book a lot.
March 16, 2014
In the end, I felt O'Shea's contribution to the series was about as helpful as Maverick's. The character development was better, but stilted. The personal interaction between Mika and Conor wasn't exciting to me and there were very few characters other than the two main ones to care about. Ultimately, I finished the book because I wanted to see what the addition of demons to Crimson City was going to do, but I could have done without this story altogether, especially after A Taste of Crimson.
My biggest issue with the book, however was Mika's
My biggest issue with the book, however was Mika's
July 26, 2008
Pretty good for what it was.
Could have been a little better though, I think. Comparing this one to the first two, it fell a little flat somehow. The author didn’t combine enough background info - it almost feels like something’s missing. You don’t really get the why of it all.
There’s no misunderstanding as to why Conor is the way he is. It’s crystal clear. I liked his character; strong, it takes quite a bit to succumb to his desires. I truly hope to see more of him.
Mika… sure, demons are made out to be just as sensual creatures as vamps are, and they are very open about it, but on her, it almost seemed immature somehow. That’s how it came across and I’m still not sure why.
The fight scenes are pretty good, the descriptions make you feel like you’re there - you see a clear picture of everything in your head while reading.
I say, read it - I think you’ll like it.
Could have been a little better though, I think. Comparing this one to the first two, it fell a little flat somehow. The author didn’t combine enough background info - it almost feels like something’s missing. You don’t really get the why of it all.
There’s no misunderstanding as to why Conor is the way he is. It’s crystal clear. I liked his character; strong, it takes quite a bit to succumb to his desires. I truly hope to see more of him.
Mika… sure, demons are made out to be just as sensual creatures as vamps are, and they are very open about it, but on her, it almost seemed immature somehow. That’s how it came across and I’m still not sure why.
The fight scenes are pretty good, the descriptions make you feel like you’re there - you see a clear picture of everything in your head while reading.
I say, read it - I think you’ll like it.
April 1, 2013
These books are slowly growing on me and I think so far this is the best of the bunch. Since there are different characters in each book, I have no idea why they keep using the same narrator. She's doing a good job, but there's only so many ways you can portray a female from Los Angeles (aka Crimson City). I wish they'd mix it up. The storyline itself was good, a little strange where you didn't know the heroine would end up or even the reasons why she ended up with who she did. The ending felt a little incomplete. That said, I'm still planning on listening to the next book in the series.
June 4, 2013
This is book 3 in the multi-authored Crimson City series and the first book in the series that is written by Patti O'Shea. I gotta say that I wish there were more in the series written by her because I really liked her characters and this addition to the series. Dark Urban Fantasy with hot sex thrown in means a good, adventure-filled time for everyone. Not that this was a fun story, after all it IS a DUF. I'll be looking for more books by this author and I'll continue to seek out the other books in this series.
January 17, 2016
In the first half of this book, the attraction and sex between the two main characters is a total distraction and just gets in the way of the story, and not in a good way. I don't mind a little *heeeeyyyy wink wink* kinda thing but, come on. The second half of the book is much better, and actually has some direction and plot. Two stars, and that's being generous, for the first half and three for the last half.
January 5, 2016
I enjoyed the concept. Though I felt the main character was almost to direct. I would have liked to see more development. The plot centered on the idea of finding the one true mate. and then getting them to trust you. To me it read like a harlequin romance with demons. so I didn't find that to be enjoyable. I would have liked to see more action and story then what was presented. Overall if you enjoy sappy romance ridden novels with fiction elements, then turn in for this book.
March 9, 2012
Things get weird in this third installment of the Crimson City series when a half-demon character is introduced into the mix. Adding to the series mythology author Patti O'Shea gives us a glimpse into what lies beyond the veil of our world: a scary demon dimension. Our star-crossed lovers are fighting over the very fabric of reality and it felt a little more sci-fi than paranormal.
October 7, 2013
A little slow at first, but it picked up and I really enjoyed it. But just a heads-up, this one is heavy on the sex. It works with the story and with the heroine's magic, but just so you know, there's a boatload of hot and spicy in there. Which is a good thing for some of my Goodreads friends, and not so much for others.
January 1, 2015
I picked this up unaware that it was a romance. Romance's really aren't my thing, and I can't say that I really enjoyed this one more than others, but the characters were very distinct with distinct personalities, and the writing was great. just not my type of book.
April 17, 2010
Sexy.
Loved that the female half-demon, the protagonist, has a penchant for organization.
Too many reminders that the guy wouldn't love her because she had met him under false pretenses. Why do writers do that?
Loved that the female half-demon, the protagonist, has a penchant for organization.
Too many reminders that the guy wouldn't love her because she had met him under false pretenses. Why do writers do that?
October 27, 2011
I liked the turnaround of a sexy strong female lead who wasn't afraid to seduce her guy. |The guy was a little thick which made me give this less than 4 stars. | Everything was a little too pat as well but it was a good bubblegum read in the series.
June 14, 2012
Ok, it's flat out paranormal romance, and not really IR because while the heroine looks Asian she's really just a demon. Still, I really enjoyed this book. The H/H were great together once she got him to give in to her.
July 28, 2016
Excellent book. Follows typical romance plot for the most part, but with a few twists. Mika is a kick-ass heroine who comes into her and her mate's (Conor McCabe's powers) powers and together they defeat a couple of bad demons. Worth re-reading later.
March 1, 2010
Not my cuppa tea...
March 24, 2010
I loved it such and exciting book.
June 28, 2010
Humm! I am enjoying the subtle humor in the midst of chaos!
July 17, 2011
Was different ...interesting ...
August 4, 2011
I like the series but have a hard time following the situation since they only seem to stem around the city and not the characters... I will see what happens in the next book.
January 13, 2012
This was the book that lived in my car for emergency reading when stuck in traffic. As such, it was a nice light fluffy story that you could pick up after a couple of weeks.
February 21, 2012
3.5 stars - Liked the book, like the lead charactors.
August 19, 2012
Read this book in a couple of days, part of a series and will read it again in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews