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Codex Blair #6
High Stakes
It’s just not life if no one’s trying to kill you.
I never meant to end up in the middle of a vampire rebellion. But when vampire’s are running amuck in London and the Baron is refusing to do anything about it, I can’t exactly ignore the problem.
It was bad enough when the Baron wouldn’t help, but now he’s blackmailing me into doing all the dirty work for him. If I don’t do as he says, he’ll tell the Order I’ve been working hand in hand with the vampires.
It’s do or die.
If I can’t get this rebellion under control, the city won’t survive the aftermath.
Scroll up and one click High Stakes today to find out if Blair can get these vampires under her thumb!
The Codex Blair Series*
Book 1 - Grave Mistake
Book 2 - Blood Hunt
Book 3 - Dark Descent
Book 4 - Wild Game
Book 5 - Grim Fate
Book 6 - High Stakes
*The Codex Blair series is ongoing and this is not a complete list.
I never meant to end up in the middle of a vampire rebellion. But when vampire’s are running amuck in London and the Baron is refusing to do anything about it, I can’t exactly ignore the problem.
It was bad enough when the Baron wouldn’t help, but now he’s blackmailing me into doing all the dirty work for him. If I don’t do as he says, he’ll tell the Order I’ve been working hand in hand with the vampires.
It’s do or die.
If I can’t get this rebellion under control, the city won’t survive the aftermath.
Scroll up and one click High Stakes today to find out if Blair can get these vampires under her thumb!
The Codex Blair Series*
Book 1 - Grave Mistake
Book 2 - Blood Hunt
Book 3 - Dark Descent
Book 4 - Wild Game
Book 5 - Grim Fate
Book 6 - High Stakes
*The Codex Blair series is ongoing and this is not a complete list.
282 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2017
153 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
July 24, 2017
High Stakes (Codex Blair) (Volume 6) by Izzy Shows is another action packed adventure/fantasy that just keeps on getting better with each book. If you like magic, adventure, elves, demons, wizards, vamps, weres, and creatures of the unknown, then these books are for you! They are high octane, fast action, full of suspense, fights, love, tension, quick wit, and never a dull moment. An imp named Fred that lives with Blair, the gal of the story. He is old, wise and very powerful. He is sweet but...I would not cross him. There are vamps on the loose, deciding they don't want to follow their master. Blair has to make an unholy alliance with the master vamp to get the vamps under control. Her teacher, a wizard, will not be happy. Her familiar, a giant wolf, is at her side to help. Super exciting! There is more too, come join the fun! I requested this copy and in the review is voluntary.
August 1, 2017
I liked this book a lot. I like that we see Blair trying to trust others. She has more confidence in herself and you see that she is growing. Blair was more cutthroat which I loved and I like the bloodshed. She really became more deadly and kinder. I can't wait to see what happens next.
July 29, 2017
"High Stakes" is another good installment in the Code x Blair series and although I enjoyed this read I am not sure that I like where the series is heading especially in the romance department.
Blair is now under the tutelage of Diego the wizard. He is trying to get her to embrace the importance of book knowledge and she is quite frankly a string like a petulant child. She argues and whines only to finally recognize that Diego does actually know what he is doing. As a matter of fact her magical abilities improve. Additionally, we gain greater insight into the personality of Blair's familiar, Weylyn. He is strong, capable, loyal and loveable.
I'm this edition we also gain insight into Blair's feelings for Emily. The question is whether or not she feels the same? Honestly, I don't feel any sparks between these two characters and I am definitely on Camp Malphas team. We also learn what life was like for Blair while growing up in the foster care system and it really helps to understand some of her insecurities.
Blair is being blackmailed by the vampire Baron, Dudley and is doing all she can to stop a civil war. This war would have disastrous effects on innocent humans and she cannot tolerate that. It certainly won't be easy but she will have to learn to rely on logic versus her brawn although she will need a certain amount of that as well. Here's the thing, this is now book six in the series and I was hoping to have the villains diminished down to one major and Blair and her friends working together to take him down. However, while the bigger plot is hinted at, we seem to watch Blair go from one minor subplot to the other and some of the more likeable characters are relegated to the background or not actively involved in the story at all. At this point, I really would like "more." Hopefully , book seven will be a little more along the lines I'm looking for.
Blair is now under the tutelage of Diego the wizard. He is trying to get her to embrace the importance of book knowledge and she is quite frankly a string like a petulant child. She argues and whines only to finally recognize that Diego does actually know what he is doing. As a matter of fact her magical abilities improve. Additionally, we gain greater insight into the personality of Blair's familiar, Weylyn. He is strong, capable, loyal and loveable.
I'm this edition we also gain insight into Blair's feelings for Emily. The question is whether or not she feels the same? Honestly, I don't feel any sparks between these two characters and I am definitely on Camp Malphas team. We also learn what life was like for Blair while growing up in the foster care system and it really helps to understand some of her insecurities.
Blair is being blackmailed by the vampire Baron, Dudley and is doing all she can to stop a civil war. This war would have disastrous effects on innocent humans and she cannot tolerate that. It certainly won't be easy but she will have to learn to rely on logic versus her brawn although she will need a certain amount of that as well. Here's the thing, this is now book six in the series and I was hoping to have the villains diminished down to one major and Blair and her friends working together to take him down. However, while the bigger plot is hinted at, we seem to watch Blair go from one minor subplot to the other and some of the more likeable characters are relegated to the background or not actively involved in the story at all. At this point, I really would like "more." Hopefully , book seven will be a little more along the lines I'm looking for.
March 9, 2018
Worthy
It's slow to start, but when it starts picking up, hang on to the tiger's wars tightly. It is a wild ride.
It's slow to start, but when it starts picking up, hang on to the tiger's wars tightly. It is a wild ride.
June 7, 2018
While the story was still as fresh and exciting as ever, it felt a little too back and forth for me. A lot of internal dialogue that didn't seem to be coherent and was distracting.
July 29, 2017
“High Stakes” is the 6th book in the Codex Blair series, by Izzy Shows. It followed very quickly on the 5th book, “Grim Fate”, so if you like fast-paced action, and an author who provides the next book quickly, this is the series for you.
“High Stakes” picked up where “Grim Fate” left off, with Blair getting a notice from the Order that she was being summoned before them, to answer for her ‘crime’ of practicing magic without their knowledge. It was something she’d feared ever since learning of their existence, and her fears weren’t unfounded! New characters are introduced, some of whom play a significant role in her destiny. Some relationships are lost, and others found, as she forges her way forward, one day at a time, trying to stay alive and ensure she HAS a future!
The action in this book is almost non-stop, and carries you right along with the flow! It’s exhilarating to watch Blaire grow, both in ability and maturity! She makes mistakes, but is now learning from them, which is a big step for her.
Personally speaking, I think one of the things I liked the best about this book was that it wasn’t a cliffhanger! You can recognize it’s going to go forward, but it doesn’t leave you hanging, just satisfied.
This book was provided to me by the author, in exchange for an honest review. I would have bought the book, regardless, as I love the series, but am grateful to have been able to satisfy my ‘need’ for the next book even sooner!
“High Stakes” picked up where “Grim Fate” left off, with Blair getting a notice from the Order that she was being summoned before them, to answer for her ‘crime’ of practicing magic without their knowledge. It was something she’d feared ever since learning of their existence, and her fears weren’t unfounded! New characters are introduced, some of whom play a significant role in her destiny. Some relationships are lost, and others found, as she forges her way forward, one day at a time, trying to stay alive and ensure she HAS a future!
The action in this book is almost non-stop, and carries you right along with the flow! It’s exhilarating to watch Blaire grow, both in ability and maturity! She makes mistakes, but is now learning from them, which is a big step for her.
Personally speaking, I think one of the things I liked the best about this book was that it wasn’t a cliffhanger! You can recognize it’s going to go forward, but it doesn’t leave you hanging, just satisfied.
This book was provided to me by the author, in exchange for an honest review. I would have bought the book, regardless, as I love the series, but am grateful to have been able to satisfy my ‘need’ for the next book even sooner!
July 24, 2017
This series keeps on getting better. I have loved every book so far and this is no exception. Diego is now training Blair to be a wizard and she is trying his patience, which was only to be expected. Weylyn is superb, just what Blair needed to help her through the training and her job of looking after London. He is her other half and I love him (almost as much as I love Mal, who was absent this time and much missed).
Blair has to deal with Dudley once more because the vampires are playing up again. She has to do things she does not want to but must to control the situation. Her power is growing, in part because of the trials and her brand new mystical staff, and she is becoming more impressive and quite scary in action. I loved the ending of the book and look forward to the next one.
Each book can be read as a standalone and do not end on a cliffhanger but if you haven't read the whole series yet, you're missing out.
I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation but voluntarily decided to review it and the opinions are my own.
Blair has to deal with Dudley once more because the vampires are playing up again. She has to do things she does not want to but must to control the situation. Her power is growing, in part because of the trials and her brand new mystical staff, and she is becoming more impressive and quite scary in action. I loved the ending of the book and look forward to the next one.
Each book can be read as a standalone and do not end on a cliffhanger but if you haven't read the whole series yet, you're missing out.
I received a copy of this book from the author with no obligation but voluntarily decided to review it and the opinions are my own.
August 19, 2017
To start I just want to mention that Weylan is my absolute favorite character in this series.
Blair has come a long way in her magic training and Diego is a good mentor, however I believe Blair doesn't make the best choices sometimes. I think there could have been a way around Dudley blackmailing her and the whole collar with leash to make an example, not up my alley. The battle scenes were cool though and she totally kicked ass.
The situation with Blair and Emily I feel is more like a sisterhood. I don't get the vibe that there is really any kind of attraction there. It's plain to see she still yearns for Mal. The fact that Emily is one of the seven, is the key to why she always gives Blair that good feeling. Emily carries with her the light and love of God so it's no wonder just being around her makes Blair feel good.
I would like to see more emphasis put on finding Mal and what his deal is and exploring the world of Jeff and his supernatural club.
I received this book for free from author in exchange for an honest review.
Blair has come a long way in her magic training and Diego is a good mentor, however I believe Blair doesn't make the best choices sometimes. I think there could have been a way around Dudley blackmailing her and the whole collar with leash to make an example, not up my alley. The battle scenes were cool though and she totally kicked ass.
The situation with Blair and Emily I feel is more like a sisterhood. I don't get the vibe that there is really any kind of attraction there. It's plain to see she still yearns for Mal. The fact that Emily is one of the seven, is the key to why she always gives Blair that good feeling. Emily carries with her the light and love of God so it's no wonder just being around her makes Blair feel good.
I would like to see more emphasis put on finding Mal and what his deal is and exploring the world of Jeff and his supernatural club.
I received this book for free from author in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2017
This, the sixth book in the Codex Blair series, really shows Blair taking a few steps forward in terms of trusting and relying on others. It was getting a bit frustrating reading about how she felt her (short-lived) mentor foolishly didn't ask for assistance yet Blair kept jumping into things... not asking for assistance!
Never fear, she still has work to do in that regard.
The book follows just a brief time after the conclusion of the fifth book, and Blair begins her training with Diego. They might both survive long enough for her to become a wizard.
New characters are introduced and some previous ones return. I enjoy how Izzy Shows gives each character a distinct voice and set of actions; they can easily be told apart.
I enjoyed this book. While it could be read alone, I think it might frustrate some readers to not have the previous books in their heads already.
I received a free copy of this book.
Never fear, she still has work to do in that regard.
The book follows just a brief time after the conclusion of the fifth book, and Blair begins her training with Diego. They might both survive long enough for her to become a wizard.
New characters are introduced and some previous ones return. I enjoy how Izzy Shows gives each character a distinct voice and set of actions; they can easily be told apart.
I enjoyed this book. While it could be read alone, I think it might frustrate some readers to not have the previous books in their heads already.
I received a free copy of this book.
August 24, 2017
The Codex Blair series has become a sure-fire fun must-get-asap series for me and Izzy Shows has become a favorite author based on how so very good it is. With High Stakes the bar has been raised once again - and once again exceeded. Our heroine Blair is as kick-a** as ever, now getting wizard training from Diego, still developing her relationship with Weylyn (side comment: yummy) and taking care to make sure London stays jolly (which here means taking care that it's vamps don't get out of line too much: bad Baron!). All together an exciting adventurous fun-filled romp with wonderful returning and new characters (though Mal is MIA from this book), an Izzy Shows-typical class A plot with her standard excellent writing. Start at book 1 (not 'cause you need to buy 'cause it's too good to miss) and read through all the prior ones just to add background that will enhance your reading pleasure by the time you get here but, whether or not you do that, this book is highly recommended.
October 29, 2018
This book was a little different in that we really only had one baddie this time, although it is a group of baddies, led by an old vampire named Karl who wants to see Dudley removed as Baron. Blair kicked some serious butt in this fight. She didn't really have a choice.
Let's talk about Blair outside of the fighting. Sometimes she does act like a child, but at least now she has Diego to help her improve herself. Fred and Weylyn sill show her unconstitutional love and I think those 2 are the best things that's happened for her.. No Finn, Shawn or Mal this time around, but Emily pops up every now and again. I am just not getting any chemistry between those two. I don't think it's going to work out for them. One she is still too hurt from what Mal did to her, two, she acknowledged her feelings for the two didn't occupy the same space and three, her thoughts turn to Mal more often than Emily. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Let's talk about Blair outside of the fighting. Sometimes she does act like a child, but at least now she has Diego to help her improve herself. Fred and Weylyn sill show her unconstitutional love and I think those 2 are the best things that's happened for her.. No Finn, Shawn or Mal this time around, but Emily pops up every now and again. I am just not getting any chemistry between those two. I don't think it's going to work out for them. One she is still too hurt from what Mal did to her, two, she acknowledged her feelings for the two didn't occupy the same space and three, her thoughts turn to Mal more often than Emily. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
August 31, 2017
OMG she did it again!
I just can't even... I mean wow! Seriously, just....wow! Blair is in the thick yet again, vampires galore. Who to trust, will she trust? So much to learn. What will happen from here? She is slowly coming into her rights as a wizard. I loved every second of this book. Her mentor is the perfect amount of kick butt mixed with professor, who has a side of angst all his own. I'm excited to learn more about him. Weylyn is awesome! He keeps her grounded, showers her in love, and is never afraid to tell her like it is from his point of view. Let's face it, Blaire needs this, more often the not lol. The one thing missing for me was Mal!! Where did that rascal pop off to? Miss Shows I truly hope he makes another appearance, as I feel he has some 'splainin to do haha!
I just can't even... I mean wow! Seriously, just....wow! Blair is in the thick yet again, vampires galore. Who to trust, will she trust? So much to learn. What will happen from here? She is slowly coming into her rights as a wizard. I loved every second of this book. Her mentor is the perfect amount of kick butt mixed with professor, who has a side of angst all his own. I'm excited to learn more about him. Weylyn is awesome! He keeps her grounded, showers her in love, and is never afraid to tell her like it is from his point of view. Let's face it, Blaire needs this, more often the not lol. The one thing missing for me was Mal!! Where did that rascal pop off to? Miss Shows I truly hope he makes another appearance, as I feel he has some 'splainin to do haha!
July 24, 2017
I just cannot get enough of this series. This book picks up with Blair beginning her training to officially become a wizard. It wouldn’t be Blair if everything went smoothly though. I loved how she teamed up with the vampires to try to prevent a civil war. Some of the sacrifices she made were hard to stomach. That big battle at the end though. So much epic. I could not believe what happened after the outcome, and I look forward to seeing how that changes things moving forward. And can I just say how much I love Weylyn. He’s such a great addition to her little family of misfits.
***Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book. My opinion is my own.***
***Thanks to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book. My opinion is my own.***
July 25, 2017
Omg what a story, a great addition to this series. It was all I had anticipated and so much more. Full of action, magic and lessons learned as she grows into her role of city protector. So looking forward to reading the next in this series when it comes available. One I will be adding to my special collection of stories I will read over and over again.
July 25, 2017
Blair continues her wizard training when see finds out that the vampire's are planning to over through Dudley. Can Blair get thru her training and stop the vampire's that plain to take over not only Dude's rane but also cause millions of casualties in London?
April 18, 2019
High Stakes Review
The beginning of the book was a bit repetitive of earlier books in the series but the ending was really good so I would say it's worth the read. I'm just hope to see a little more progress to the overall storyline in the next book.
The beginning of the book was a bit repetitive of earlier books in the series but the ending was really good so I would say it's worth the read. I'm just hope to see a little more progress to the overall storyline in the next book.
July 29, 2017
High Stakes (Codex Blair Book 6)
I am stunned once again, and anxious to see what happens next with Blair. I can't wait for the next book. Also excited for Mal's book.
I am stunned once again, and anxious to see what happens next with Blair. I can't wait for the next book. Also excited for Mal's book.
July 29, 2017
Fun story
I enjoyed reading this story and learning more about what Blair can do. I do wish we had seen more of Emily though. I love it when she kicks butt!
I enjoyed reading this story and learning more about what Blair can do. I do wish we had seen more of Emily though. I love it when she kicks butt!
August 1, 2017
A highly enjoyable read
November 13, 2017
Good
I am thoroughly engaged with this series. Blair continues to develop a depth and strength that I want to follow.
I am thoroughly engaged with this series. Blair continues to develop a depth and strength that I want to follow.
March 1, 2018
Love this series, love the characters and story... waiting for the next!
June 4, 2018
WOWW!!
This was High Stakes literally!
Thank You Ms Shows
Ken
This was High Stakes literally!
Thank You Ms Shows
Ken
January 26, 2019
I love this series and can wait for the latest book to be ready to read. It has action, mystery with of taste of romance. I am so hoping that the main character ends up with Mal
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews