What do you think?
Rate this book
A Pyradisté Adventure #2
For Want of a Fiend
Princess Katya Nar Umbriel’s uncle Roland rose from the grave, kidnapped her cousin, and stripped her of her greatest weapon—her Fiendish power. Without her Fiend, Katya doubts her ability to weather the storm her uncle is brewing. When she lacks what even the children in her family possess, can she even call herself an Umbriel?
In only a short time, Starbride has become the princess consort, a pyradisté, and a member of a secret order in charge of protecting the crown. Even steeped in responsibility, she’s still an outsider. While wading through court intrigue and resisting schemes to break her bond with Katya, Starbride must prepare for a covert war. Roland is waiting, watching, ready for any chink in their armor, and he doesn't care who knows their secrets.
In only a short time, Starbride has become the princess consort, a pyradisté, and a member of a secret order in charge of protecting the crown. Even steeped in responsibility, she’s still an outsider. While wading through court intrigue and resisting schemes to break her bond with Katya, Starbride must prepare for a covert war. Roland is waiting, watching, ready for any chink in their armor, and he doesn't care who knows their secrets.
ebook
First published May 13, 2013
12 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ann Wright
24 books195 followersBarbara Ann Wright writes fantasy and science fiction novels and short stories when not adding to her enormous book collection or ranting on her blog. Her short fiction has appeared twice in Crossed Genres Magazine and once made Tangent Online's recommended reading list. Her first novel, The Pyramid Waltz, was one of Tor.com's Reviewer's Choice books of 2012 and was a 2012 Foreword Review Book of the Year Award Finalist as well as a Golden Crown Award finalist. It won the 2013 Rainbow Award for Best Lesbian Fantasy and made BookRiot's 100 Must-Read Sci-Fi Fantasy Novels By Female Authors. She's won five Rainbow Awards total, and Coils was a finalist in the 2017 Lambda Awards.
Her writing career can be boiled down to two points: when her mother bought her a typewriter in the sixth grade and when she took second place in the Isaac Asimov Award for Undergraduate Excellence in Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing in 2004. One gave her the means to write and the other gave her the confidence to keep going. Believing in oneself, in her opinion, is the most important thing a person can do.
Visit her Bold Strokes page for more information.
Her writing career can be boiled down to two points: when her mother bought her a typewriter in the sixth grade and when she took second place in the Isaac Asimov Award for Undergraduate Excellence in Science Fiction and Fantasy Writing in 2004. One gave her the means to write and the other gave her the confidence to keep going. Believing in oneself, in her opinion, is the most important thing a person can do.
Visit her Bold Strokes page for more information.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 2, 2020
Rolicking good fun, with magical battles, sword fights, palace intrigue and romance. Loved it. <3
July 16, 2013
So it's clear in this book was post initial book jitters and there is a green light from the publisher for a series of books. Pyramid Waltz left small things undone, but wrapped up enough for a stand alone book. In For Want of a Fiend, the "big bad"'s plans come to fruition and their world is torn apart. Our heroines and their fledgling love are put to the test.
In my review of Pyramid Waltz I mentioned how it was equal parts fantasy and romance leaving fans of both genres satisfied. This balance has been maintained, although the epicness of both have been ratcheted up a tick. Warning: this book will leave you craving more, but I hear it's on the way!
In my review of Pyramid Waltz I mentioned how it was equal parts fantasy and romance leaving fans of both genres satisfied. This balance has been maintained, although the epicness of both have been ratcheted up a tick. Warning: this book will leave you craving more, but I hear it's on the way!
April 19, 2014
Yes yes yes yes! After The Pyramid Waltz, I wanted more and this is definitely more of the same story! I tore through this book (by my standard) and enjoyed it sooo much. So excellently written. The characters grow on me more and more! The plot and intrigue are amazing and the relationships are wonderfully done!
I picked up the third book already on Amazon and I'm already enjoying how it continues.
Barbara Ann Wright is a hidden gem in the world of fantasy authors! I will scream her name from the mountain tops and hope some more people catch wind of this brilliant woman's fine work!
I picked up the third book already on Amazon and I'm already enjoying how it continues.
Barbara Ann Wright is a hidden gem in the world of fantasy authors! I will scream her name from the mountain tops and hope some more people catch wind of this brilliant woman's fine work!
May 9, 2022
The writing was well done but I could not shake the feeling that it was a little too long for a book whose purpose was mostly to prep the reader for the next story.
Very little happens here that helps to move the main storyline forward with many of the plot points leading the main characters to a dead-end or back to the beginning of the problem. I am all for using this tactic to create tension but I have to feel like the characters are failing forward which was not the case. Many times answers would reveal themselves once the antagonists were ready to reveal them or by random occurrence, very little of the development had to do with the main characters' ability or skill.
Probably one of the most excruciating parts about the book was how the "big bad" was referred to as being a tactical genius with an inherent ability for subterfuge and then watching the mains create sloppy plans on random intel in an effort to get ahead. In the first book, these mains participated in a successful secret society that had run for years and now they can't remember to spend five minutes coordinating a contingency plan?
As mentioned, the writing was well done and I appreciated the way the development of the relationship between Star and Katya. It certainly feels like we are trying to make sure that the couple ends up in a healthy place by the end of the series.
Overall, a disappointment compared to the first book which somehow found a way to write courtly intrigue in a way that seemed less boring. The narrative was just too slow and drawn out for me in this one and the fact that the mains seemed to throw themselves at a problem and see no results was tough to read.
Very little happens here that helps to move the main storyline forward with many of the plot points leading the main characters to a dead-end or back to the beginning of the problem. I am all for using this tactic to create tension but I have to feel like the characters are failing forward which was not the case. Many times answers would reveal themselves once the antagonists were ready to reveal them or by random occurrence, very little of the development had to do with the main characters' ability or skill.
Probably one of the most excruciating parts about the book was how the "big bad" was referred to as being a tactical genius with an inherent ability for subterfuge and then watching the mains create sloppy plans on random intel in an effort to get ahead. In the first book, these mains participated in a successful secret society that had run for years and now they can't remember to spend five minutes coordinating a contingency plan?
As mentioned, the writing was well done and I appreciated the way the development of the relationship between Star and Katya. It certainly feels like we are trying to make sure that the couple ends up in a healthy place by the end of the series.
Overall, a disappointment compared to the first book which somehow found a way to write courtly intrigue in a way that seemed less boring. The narrative was just too slow and drawn out for me in this one and the fact that the mains seemed to throw themselves at a problem and see no results was tough to read.
May 17, 2013
The Pyramid Waltz, Wright's debut novel and the first in the series (The Pyramid Saga? Fiends and Farradays? I dunno, man), was a clever blend of fantasy and romance, treating its lesbian protagonist respectfully and uncontroversially, which sadly seems to be a rarity in the fantasy genre.
For Want of a Fiend picks up where the first book left off. Princess Katya and Starbridge are totes in luuuurve, which would be great if not for Katya's fiendish (har) uncle Roland still on the loose. Furthermore, Katya has lost her inner Fiend which -- pro -- means she can't lose control of herself, but -- con -- also means she lacks the essence of pure power that links her to the rest of her family. Understandably mixed feelings there.
Interestingly, For Want of a Fiend is focused less on the romance between its two leads than the previous book. This isn't a bad thing. That's not to disparage the romance genre; I'm as big a fan of a nice love story as anyone. But the relationship between Katya and Starbride is no longer the driving force of the story. Instead, Wright devotes most of the novel to Roland's machinations -- specifically, turning Katya's friends and allies against her. It's a brilliant move, since while we're never quite sure who we can trust, Katya and Starbride are exceptions to that, and thus give us a foundation to stand on even while the rest of the story devolves into chaos.
Unless you're a huge fan of will-they won't-they plots, For Want of a Fiend improves upon its predecessor in nearly every way. The pace is quicker, the plot is more substantial, the characters (especially fan favorites like Hugo and Pennynail) are more fleshed-out, and everything just feels more epic. The Pyramid Waltz was more-or-less standalone, but For Want of a Fiend is definitely written with a sequel in mind, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who can't wait to find out what happens next.
For Want of a Fiend picks up where the first book left off. Princess Katya and Starbridge are totes in luuuurve, which would be great if not for Katya's fiendish (har) uncle Roland still on the loose. Furthermore, Katya has lost her inner Fiend which -- pro -- means she can't lose control of herself, but -- con -- also means she lacks the essence of pure power that links her to the rest of her family. Understandably mixed feelings there.
Interestingly, For Want of a Fiend is focused less on the romance between its two leads than the previous book. This isn't a bad thing. That's not to disparage the romance genre; I'm as big a fan of a nice love story as anyone. But the relationship between Katya and Starbride is no longer the driving force of the story. Instead, Wright devotes most of the novel to Roland's machinations -- specifically, turning Katya's friends and allies against her. It's a brilliant move, since while we're never quite sure who we can trust, Katya and Starbride are exceptions to that, and thus give us a foundation to stand on even while the rest of the story devolves into chaos.
Unless you're a huge fan of will-they won't-they plots, For Want of a Fiend improves upon its predecessor in nearly every way. The pace is quicker, the plot is more substantial, the characters (especially fan favorites like Hugo and Pennynail) are more fleshed-out, and everything just feels more epic. The Pyramid Waltz was more-or-less standalone, but For Want of a Fiend is definitely written with a sequel in mind, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who can't wait to find out what happens next.
April 19, 2013
ARGH. The author did it to me again. I loved this book so much, I can't even begin to describe how amazing it was without giving away too much.
My favorite characters returned, and they're even MORE amazing in this book than they are in the first, if possible. If you want to read this book and didn't read The Pyramid Waltz, stop and go back. Do NOT read this one without it, because you don't want to miss out on the awesome, and you'll be confused.
There are so many fun moments in this book tossed amidst the chaos and fighting. And they usually come in two short words. Examples? Stud Hugo. Naked parade. Those two phrases cracked me up so badly for quite some time.
Hugo is sweet in the first book, and he's really starting to come into his own in this book. He might still be very young, but it's clear he knows what he must do as a young lord.
Pennynail. PENNYNAIL! Between him and Hugo I kept swooning. I just loved them! And readers FINALLY get to see who Pennynail really is. If that's not incentive enough to read this book, I don't know what is!
Two new characters who are pretty badass and climbing the ranks of my favorites are Castelle and Ursula. Castelle is a former lover of Katya's, but she's loyal to the crown. For some reason when I picture her, I see a pirate, even though she's not. She's a Baroness! And Ursula is the Captain of the Watch for the city, and though she's skeptical, she is smart and sticks with what she knows is right.
I cannot wait for the next book. There HAS to be because it leaves off on a terrible cliffhanger and I just want to throttle the author for that. But I know it'll be well worth any way I must endure because Barbara Ann Wright's books just keep getting better and better!
My favorite characters returned, and they're even MORE amazing in this book than they are in the first, if possible. If you want to read this book and didn't read The Pyramid Waltz, stop and go back. Do NOT read this one without it, because you don't want to miss out on the awesome, and you'll be confused.
There are so many fun moments in this book tossed amidst the chaos and fighting. And they usually come in two short words. Examples? Stud Hugo. Naked parade. Those two phrases cracked me up so badly for quite some time.
Hugo is sweet in the first book, and he's really starting to come into his own in this book. He might still be very young, but it's clear he knows what he must do as a young lord.
Pennynail. PENNYNAIL! Between him and Hugo I kept swooning. I just loved them! And readers FINALLY get to see who Pennynail really is. If that's not incentive enough to read this book, I don't know what is!
Two new characters who are pretty badass and climbing the ranks of my favorites are Castelle and Ursula. Castelle is a former lover of Katya's, but she's loyal to the crown. For some reason when I picture her, I see a pirate, even though she's not. She's a Baroness! And Ursula is the Captain of the Watch for the city, and though she's skeptical, she is smart and sticks with what she knows is right.
I cannot wait for the next book. There HAS to be because it leaves off on a terrible cliffhanger and I just want to throttle the author for that. But I know it'll be well worth any way I must endure because Barbara Ann Wright's books just keep getting better and better!
October 10, 2013
The second book in this particular series was anything but sophomoric. Filled with unexpected alliances, revelations about some of the more mysterious characters, and the death of at least one character so central to the overall plot it would make George R.R. Martin's head spin, my anticipation for this follow-up to The Pyramid Waltz was thoroughly sated.
The author has a knack for painting a very detailed picture without asking the reader to remember a million tiny facts. This book, like its predecessor, was very easy to follow and hard to put down.
Looking forward to book 3! Write faster, Wright!
The author has a knack for painting a very detailed picture without asking the reader to remember a million tiny facts. This book, like its predecessor, was very easy to follow and hard to put down.
Looking forward to book 3! Write faster, Wright!
June 5, 2013
I'm fascinated by the world of Katya and Star, and was entertained as well as saddened by this chapter of their tale (so many deaths of major characters!). I'm glad we learn more about Pennynail, although there is much more that we don't know about him. I look forward to the next book in the series.
January 22, 2015
Roland succeeded in abducting some of Katya's team and stripping Katya of her powers. Together with Starbride and the Order of Vestra, they set out to stop him from destroying the kingdom, but there are mysteries afoot that lead to something much greater...if they can figure it out in time. Wright's writing and pace is perfect, and the ins and outs of Katya and Starbride's romance are realistic and beautiful. I fell even more in love with the side-characters as we learn more about each of them.
November 5, 2014
For Want of a Fiend takes up where the first book left off, and Wright never stops cranking up the stakes. She gives another fast paced, action packed (and wit laced) story, and leaves you needing more at the end.
October 11, 2013
A great second book in the series! The drama & action had me biting my nails (unfortunately literally). I can't wait for the 3rd book!
Read
March 28, 2025Still fun
March 28, 2015
Ha pasado un mes desde los acontecimientos del libro anterior y nos encontramos a Katya, Starbride y al resto de la Orden asimilando todo lo que ha ocurrido y actuando rápidamente para detener un nuevo ataque de Roland. Es una excelente continuación de The Pyramid Waltz, con más acción, momentos desgarradores, aunque sin dejar sus momentos de comedia y romance, nuevas aventuras y simpáticos e interesantes personajes. ¡Y finalmente se desvela la identidad del misterioso Pennynail!
Y a diferencia del anterior, que podría ser un libro independiente, éste termina con un cliffhanger, imposible no quedar con ganas de leer el siguiente de la serie.
Citas:
“What if it’s something darker and more sinister?” Starbride’s eyes fixed on the table as she became lost in her own manufactured adventure. “What if we’re rogue scientists or pyradistés, something like that, and we’re looking for poor unfortunates to experiment on?” She glanced up to find everyone staring at her. “What?”
“I think you read too much,” Brutal said.
“I love you, Crown Princess Consort Meringue.”
“And I you, Crown Princess Steppingstone.”
“Did she really name her list ‘Nobles That Merit Significant Suspicion’?”
“Oh, that’s not bold enough for Countess Nadia.” Starbride cleared her throat and read, “‘My dear, your vipers. Regards, Nadia.’”
“It really is something the way someone on top of the world can be brought low just by the company they keep.”
Y a diferencia del anterior, que podría ser un libro independiente, éste termina con un cliffhanger, imposible no quedar con ganas de leer el siguiente de la serie.
Citas:
“What if it’s something darker and more sinister?” Starbride’s eyes fixed on the table as she became lost in her own manufactured adventure. “What if we’re rogue scientists or pyradistés, something like that, and we’re looking for poor unfortunates to experiment on?” She glanced up to find everyone staring at her. “What?”
“I think you read too much,” Brutal said.
“I love you, Crown Princess Consort Meringue.”
“And I you, Crown Princess Steppingstone.”
“Did she really name her list ‘Nobles That Merit Significant Suspicion’?”
“Oh, that’s not bold enough for Countess Nadia.” Starbride cleared her throat and read, “‘My dear, your vipers. Regards, Nadia.’”
“It really is something the way someone on top of the world can be brought low just by the company they keep.”
February 20, 2017
4.5 stars
Damn, I thought the first book was full of action and ended on a cliffhanger. This second book in the series takes action and cliffhangers to a whole new level.
In this story, we see Katya promoted in rank but demoted in her own personal ventures where she struggles to live in this new role. In contrast, Starbride is stepping up and becoming quite an adventure hero. We are introduced to a new cast of characters while staying with many we met in the first book. Everyone here is just as vivid, likeable or deplorable. This writer certainly isn't short on strong female characters and I really enjoyed meeting Castelle (Katya's former love), Ursula (a police captain), and Brightstriving (Starbride's mother).
After the first few pages, this book is a non-stop roller coaster ride. Unlike the Pyramid Waltz which had a romance, plenty of witty banter for our amusement, and SOME down time between adventures this one never stops the intensity after the first domino falls. I love that so many characters are involved and that they are all SO intelligent. It makes the story one big living game of chess; just when you think one player is in check, another move comes along that changes the situation completely...over and over again.
Kudos to the author for creating such an intense ride where nothing is predictable. Definitely recommend and now I have to get started on the third book in the series.
Damn, I thought the first book was full of action and ended on a cliffhanger. This second book in the series takes action and cliffhangers to a whole new level.
In this story, we see Katya promoted in rank but demoted in her own personal ventures where she struggles to live in this new role. In contrast, Starbride is stepping up and becoming quite an adventure hero. We are introduced to a new cast of characters while staying with many we met in the first book. Everyone here is just as vivid, likeable or deplorable. This writer certainly isn't short on strong female characters and I really enjoyed meeting Castelle (Katya's former love), Ursula (a police captain), and Brightstriving (Starbride's mother).
After the first few pages, this book is a non-stop roller coaster ride. Unlike the Pyramid Waltz which had a romance, plenty of witty banter for our amusement, and SOME down time between adventures this one never stops the intensity after the first domino falls. I love that so many characters are involved and that they are all SO intelligent. It makes the story one big living game of chess; just when you think one player is in check, another move comes along that changes the situation completely...over and over again.
Kudos to the author for creating such an intense ride where nothing is predictable. Definitely recommend and now I have to get started on the third book in the series.
February 27, 2017
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but although many reviewers thought this was an even better book, I found myself struggling to get to the end of this story.
My problem was not with the characters but with the plot, which turned into a series of disasters, everything that could go wrong went wrong. It just became so predictable that if the hero/heroine was about to win they would drop their weapon, fall over something or somebody would suddenly appear from nowhere to knock them over. I think it just became too depressing waiting for the next calamity to happen.
However, I will try reading the next book because I am still interested in finding out what happens to Katya and Star, I just hope this isn’t such a disheartening read.
My problem was not with the characters but with the plot, which turned into a series of disasters, everything that could go wrong went wrong. It just became so predictable that if the hero/heroine was about to win they would drop their weapon, fall over something or somebody would suddenly appear from nowhere to knock them over. I think it just became too depressing waiting for the next calamity to happen.
However, I will try reading the next book because I am still interested in finding out what happens to Katya and Star, I just hope this isn’t such a disheartening read.
November 3, 2020
This was a rip roaring ride. It does end on a cliff hanger, but thankfully the rest of the series is published. Don't do what I did and wait to order it (my copies of A Kingdom Lost and The Fiend Queen are not arriving for a couple of weeks!), so I have to sit on my hands for a while when I want to jump straight in and devour them - like a fiend.
This part of the series expands on the relationship between Katya and Starbride. It also strengthens our knowledge of the supporting characters in The Order and the rest of the Royal Family. It does well to flesh out the world and make everything 3D. There are small triumphs and some heartbreak. At one point I was bawling my eyes out. We learn secrets and continue to play the game.
For Want of a Fiend is an excellent escapist read. It's a page turner and grabs you. This series is fast becoming one of my favourite fantasy lesfic reads and I'm glad I decided to buy in print rather than ebook because I am proud to have it on my shelves. Highly recommend.
This part of the series expands on the relationship between Katya and Starbride. It also strengthens our knowledge of the supporting characters in The Order and the rest of the Royal Family. It does well to flesh out the world and make everything 3D. There are small triumphs and some heartbreak. At one point I was bawling my eyes out. We learn secrets and continue to play the game.
For Want of a Fiend is an excellent escapist read. It's a page turner and grabs you. This series is fast becoming one of my favourite fantasy lesfic reads and I'm glad I decided to buy in print rather than ebook because I am proud to have it on my shelves. Highly recommend.
January 6, 2022
Stunning action scenes, charming characters, a lovely romance and treacherous politics, this book was an absolute delight! Katya and Starbride had to deal with so many bad situations that, no matter what they did, seemed to only get worse, that I was exhausted just reading about it. But they still had a few tender moments, which I treasured. I also enjoyed all the new characters that made an appearance in this book, particularly Castelle, who, although I was prepared to dislike, managed to completely charm me. The ending was quite cruel and I have to say I'm very grateful that the next book has already been published.
November 26, 2017
Still fluff, but it turns out fluff is great to read when you're really tired and on an airplane
February 1, 2016
Book 2 in Katya and Starbride Series
I've pondered about what keeps me hesitating about this series. I think it's a number of things, the main one being that it feels like the plot is just dragging on, with no end in sight.
There are times when I feel the events in the story happen rather quickly; and then there are times when I feel that events happen "conveniently" to move the story along; but mostly, it's how the plot meanders around and never really gets solved. Another road block is thrown here, or there and it's gotten me frustrated with the progress. As I'm thinking about the fight scenes. there were times I felt like I was watching a Xbox game come to life.
In this book, I had hoped the cliffhanger (never an effect that I really enjoy...a series should stand on it's own well enough that cliffhangers don't need to be used to entice readers back in;) would get solved and questions answered, but alas...they never really did get solved. At least not to my liking. And when they did, there were twists and turns to further add to the complex plot. All the best, fast-reading action took place at the end, where I almost feel compelled to read the next book in the series. But fool me once, shame on you: fool me twice: shame on me. I'm not going to fall into another trap where the story gets good at the end only to end with another blasted cliffhanger!
Another issue I had in this story is that characters that I really liked were tossed aside. Why make a reader really like a character, only to abandon the character in the next book (and I've read the author does this again, with another character I like, in the next book!) It makes no sense to me whatsoever to build a character and then push it aside mercilessly. If anything, it makes me gag at the protagonists that we are suppose to like and support. It's gut-wrenching to me.
I had so much promise for this series. It's hard to find a decent fantasy story with lesbian characters; even harder when the story falls way short of where I thought it could go.
I know I am in a minority. I started reading this book because of high praise from elsewhere, but I'm not going to praise a book simply because it has a lesbian love story and lesbian leaders. I read way too many books to swallow that support whole.
(I might add that this series might have been better released as a weekly serial. Written that way, I might of had a better view point of it.)
As it is: very disappointing. Could have been condensed; edit it out some of the plot twists; tighten the story; then it could have been a winner.
Two stars.
I've pondered about what keeps me hesitating about this series. I think it's a number of things, the main one being that it feels like the plot is just dragging on, with no end in sight.
There are times when I feel the events in the story happen rather quickly; and then there are times when I feel that events happen "conveniently" to move the story along; but mostly, it's how the plot meanders around and never really gets solved. Another road block is thrown here, or there and it's gotten me frustrated with the progress. As I'm thinking about the fight scenes. there were times I felt like I was watching a Xbox game come to life.
In this book, I had hoped the cliffhanger (never an effect that I really enjoy...a series should stand on it's own well enough that cliffhangers don't need to be used to entice readers back in;) would get solved and questions answered, but alas...they never really did get solved. At least not to my liking. And when they did, there were twists and turns to further add to the complex plot. All the best, fast-reading action took place at the end, where I almost feel compelled to read the next book in the series. But fool me once, shame on you: fool me twice: shame on me. I'm not going to fall into another trap where the story gets good at the end only to end with another blasted cliffhanger!
Another issue I had in this story is that characters that I really liked were tossed aside. Why make a reader really like a character, only to abandon the character in the next book (and I've read the author does this again, with another character I like, in the next book!) It makes no sense to me whatsoever to build a character and then push it aside mercilessly. If anything, it makes me gag at the protagonists that we are suppose to like and support. It's gut-wrenching to me.
I had so much promise for this series. It's hard to find a decent fantasy story with lesbian characters; even harder when the story falls way short of where I thought it could go.
I know I am in a minority. I started reading this book because of high praise from elsewhere, but I'm not going to praise a book simply because it has a lesbian love story and lesbian leaders. I read way too many books to swallow that support whole.
(I might add that this series might have been better released as a weekly serial. Written that way, I might of had a better view point of it.)
As it is: very disappointing. Could have been condensed; edit it out some of the plot twists; tighten the story; then it could have been a winner.
Two stars.
April 26, 2016
I love fantasy but reading a lot in one genre usually means that you're rarely really surprised by anything happening in them. Not that I can predict every detail but usually I roughly now which tropes I can expect. I did not see coming what happened in For Want of a Fiend. Bits that I expected to be mainly 'decoration' without much influence to the plot suddenly...well became very relevant. And I was really surprised.
However, everything happened a bit much. There is a fine line between 'fast-paced and full of action' and 'constantly stuff is happening without the readers (or the characters) having time to breathe' and the book is mostly on the full of action-side of things but I occasionally wished for a bit more time to breathe since the characters just kept stumbling from one dangerous situation in the next.
However, everything happened a bit much. There is a fine line between 'fast-paced and full of action' and 'constantly stuff is happening without the readers (or the characters) having time to breathe' and the book is mostly on the full of action-side of things but I occasionally wished for a bit more time to breathe since the characters just kept stumbling from one dangerous situation in the next.
December 13, 2015
A little heavy on the angst, but that's understandable given the events that happened at the end of the last book. Actually, I was pleased that Wright didn't go the easy way of generating angst by making Katya angry at Star for removing her Fiend. A lot of authors would have gone that route, making Katya blame her and using that to generate tension, but their relationship is as solid as it was the last book, and I appreciated that.
Also? Zombies. Love me some zombies. Can't wait to see where that plot leads us.
Also? Zombies. Love me some zombies. Can't wait to see where that plot leads us.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2016
unfortunately, as this series continues, the novelty of a no-big-deal young adult lesbian couple wears off and the VERY INTENSE ROMANTIC MONOGAMY starts to be grating. bummer. (my irritation was lessened a tiny bit by the ex and the girlfriend being totally friendly with each other, and ending up working together on big deal shit. but still.)
i'm also already tired of the writing style, but the plot is interesting enough for me to wanna know what happens, so onward i go.
i'm also already tired of the writing style, but the plot is interesting enough for me to wanna know what happens, so onward i go.
September 22, 2013
Ok, I liked this one even more than the first. The plot was more serious - still plenty of humor, though.
I rated it lower because there were a load of typos. Also, if you're the type of person who hates a massive cliffhanger, you may want to wait until the 3rd in the series is out before reading this one.
I rated it lower because there were a load of typos. Also, if you're the type of person who hates a massive cliffhanger, you may want to wait until the 3rd in the series is out before reading this one.
January 12, 2016
Probably closer to 3.5 stars. Definitely not as good as the first one.
October 2, 2015
3.75 stars
Same smooth writing with a solid plot, though I must admit this book left me little impression. Even young love gets a wee bit cheesy after a while.
Same smooth writing with a solid plot, though I must admit this book left me little impression. Even young love gets a wee bit cheesy after a while.
December 7, 2015
I'm still enjoying this series. The romance aspect is pretty much over/settled, and now the political intrigue in the kingdom takes center stage.
February 1, 2016
Still a total mess sometimes, but an interesting enough story that I kept going. Magic and betrayal!
October 5, 2016
Great lavender read with memorable characters
I've enjoyed the series. I can't wait to read the next installment. I wish there were more works like this one.
I've enjoyed the series. I can't wait to read the next installment. I wish there were more works like this one.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews