Quinn MacKenna is a black-magic arms dealer from Boston, but her world drastically changed after accidentally robbing Nate Temple a few weeks ago. Primarily, that her absolution might have come with some strings attached… Like a trip to the Big Apple to steal a mysterious and deadly artifact for Grimm Tech – strictly off the books. But it doesn't take her long to learn that she isn't the only one after the magical whatsit, and that the monsters in New York play for keeps. Key word being play . Because they've all heard about the little ginger from Boston, and want to see if she tastes as sweet as she looks... And that's before she learns that Heaven and Hell have stepped into the game... Maybe it’s time Quinn finds some allies from St. Louis. Or the Brooklyn Bridge may just become a memory… Along with Quinn. The newest antihero in the Worldwide Bestselling Temple Verse by Shayne Silvers. Join Cameron O’Connell and Shayne at the literary bar to sip a dirty cocktail of feisty Irish brogue – with an unhealthy splash of carnage – TODAY! If you like KF Breene, Shannon Mayer, CN Crawford, Ilona Andrews, or Patricia Briggs, you will LOVE the SECOND installment of the Phantom Queen Diaries.
Let's cut to the chase. You read stuff. I write stuff. So, If you want to nab a few of my free Amazon Best Selling Urban Fantasy books to test the waters, go here: http://www.shaynesilvers.com
Now, let's talk about this specimen of a man named Shayne...
Shayne Silvers writes the "Nate Temple Series" which features a foul-mouthed, flawed, young wizard with a chip on his shoulder attempting to protect St. Louis from the various nasties we all know and fear from our childhood bedtime stories.
Nate's been known to suckerpunch an Angel, cow-tip the Minotaur, and steal Death's horse in order to prove his point. His utter disregard for consequences and self-preservation will have you laughing and cringing on the edge of your seat.
But he has a lot to learn. Namely, how not to be so big of an A-Hole.
Shayne holds two high-ranking black belts, and enjoys conversing about anything Marvel, Magical, or Mythological. You might find him writing in a coffee shop near you, cackling madly into his computer screen while pounding shots of espresso.
Enjoyed this even more than the first book. A fast paced plot full of Myths and Folklore and awesome characters. A few from Nate Temple series made an appearance too and that made it even more fun to read. There's a mystery about Quinn's abilities and I can't wait to find what or who she really is.
It's a real shame my high school guidance counselors never let me know black magic arms dealing was a possibility. Now I'm rethinking some life choices...
I have never encountered anything like this to my knowledge. I liked the second novel in the series probably just a little more than the first. It's really difficult to put a definite label on what type of novel this even is realistically as it draws from so many different sources from myths and legends of the ancient Greeks, to characters ranging from literary classics,comic books, fairy tales,even the Bible. The cast of characters used in creating this novel is as long as your arm. So I could absolutely see the benefit of reading the previous novel's leading to this one. I really cannot say I am a big fan of Greek Mythology, but the vampires, nephilm, werewolves, grigori,ifrits, demons,and even an ex- Shepard priest,and other assorted strange characters were enough to keep me interested and entertained. Some of the names used for characters was quite resourceful and inventive to say the least. I am sure Ernest Hemingway would be quite pleased to know that he had been promoted to being Death one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse in the book of revelation, and Alucard former master vampire of New Orleans and speaks with a Cajun accent and whose name reversed spells Dracula,which was used in a horror film entitled Son of Dracula starring Lon Channey Jr. Also there is the fact that he is a Daywalker borrowed from comic book and movie character portrayed by Wesley Smiles called Blade. The second novel as two major ongoing catastrophes to contend with by our heroine Quinn Mc Kenna those being the acquisition of the seed which just happens to be the Tree of Knowledge from the Gardenp of Eden and it even talks. Ahhh! How cute! ,and the other problem being to rescue Tanya's sister Terry from the clutches of Magnus the Master Vampire of New York City. Of course everything is resolved by the end of the novel ensuring the safety of the world by convincing Johnny Appleseed to retract his offer of his giving the seed to Darrel, the Nephilim this preventing the Apocalypse. Hooray ! Hooray!on to the third novel in the continuing series for further adventures. I recommend reading this novel as it will definitely keep you entertain ed which is the main object behind this type of fiction. Right ?
Immediately after completing Whiskey Ginger, I knew I needed to continue along with Quinn on her journey. The 2nd installment of The Phantom Queen Diaries does not disappoint. Cameron and Shayne have worked their magic yet again. This book slowly starts introducing more characters from the Temple and Feathers and Fire series to help keep Quinn relevant in terms of how the 3 different aspects of the Templeverse all tie together while still letting Quinn drive rather than these known characters showing up and driving Quinn's actions just to further the agenda of Nate or Callie.
One of my favorite aspects of the Templeverse is that characters from the other books can show up in a different series and those events aren't just regurgitated across the whole spectrum. Obviously if there is something from an even that needs to be mentioned for the story to make sense Cameron and Shayne will do that, but we get original content rather than 1 event retold through the eyes of 3 different characters.
Quinn is not to be outdone by anyone, and this universe has introduced us to some truly legendary characters, and Cosmopolitan takes the journey to NYC where we meet some new legends as well as get to learn a little more about what exactly it is that makes Quinn a freak.
While the first book in the series was good, this one is even better. It seems like the writing has become more comfortable allowing it to flow smoother and faster, as well as improving the reader's vision of the characters and how certain scenes play out.
You just can’t ever get enough of these books! The first page starts out leaving the reader tense and fearful over the vivid description of a vicious troll apparently about to attack – and we quickly find out that the awesome description, raising goosebumps all over our bodies, is merely telling us of a poker game in progress! By then, I’m on the edge of my seat with anxiety and sinking to a puddle on the floor! Gotta love it, you will never be bored!
Continuing on, Quinn MacKenna, a black-magic arms dealer from Boston, is having a tough time of things since her accidental “dealings” with Nate. Now Othello wants her to retrieve a magical artifact being brokered in New York, and even called a friend to get her Chancery hearing date delayed so it wouldn’t interfere. And Quinn will soon find that whatever she is after, she is not the only one after it -- and the competition plays really, really rough.
The huge cast of characters we meet is amazing and unforgettable. Many of them already feel like old friends. The story line is perfect and the action non-stop. With the books quickly releasing, don’t let yourself get behind on this series! (I suspect if you try to read too many of these books at once to catch up, something like a magical overdose may occur with unpredictable results, or at least uncontrollable laughter!)
This is a tough review to write. This book is so very full of new characters, old friends, adventure in New York trying to acquire a mysterious seed that is being auctioned there, and her usual hijinx that gets her into all kinds of trouble. And it all ties into Nate since he's the one who actually wanted the seed acquired and has Othello ask Quinn to get it. She even ends up with problems with the master vamp, Magnus, and needs Alucard to come help her.
The story gets a little confusing as it tends to be a little bit busy and involved, but that doesn't stop me from loving it. Cameron is absorbing Shayne's quirky sense of humor and fun which shows quite a bit making it a little difficult to tell who we're reading; Cameron or Shayne. But either way, who cares? The story was fun, even though it took so many turns I got dizzy at times. All in all it was so busy there was no putting it down until I was done. I will say the ending was a bit anticlimactic, which kind of surprised me.
So, on to the next! Can't wait to see what Quinn gets herself into this time! Good work guys!
While I received this as an ARC book, not only am I reviewing this with my own opinions and of my own volition, I also bought it so I have the released copy in my library!
Already back into the breach, Silvers and O'Connell continue their tireless war on the world's coffee and hard liquor supplies with this second entry into the Phantom Queens, wherein protagonist Quinn MacKenna is still reeling from book one but already being dragged along into the next mess on the horizon.
The pacing is still strapped to a rocket, albeit this one has a few engine sputters here and there that allow for moments of development and introspection on Quinn's part as she clings to said rocket from one event to the next with more passengers being piled on at every pit stop. More than a few returning faces from the greater established Templeverse all drop in for this one as the climax sets into motion, and their arrivals are peppered with what read as subtle nods for new readers and bright, flashing neon Vegas style road-signs for those already acquainted with said characters from their original books.
That said however, none of them steal the show away from Quinn at all, and rather just hammering her into an already expansive roster, the differing tones and style by O'Connell help instead shape them all around Quinn and her own story narrative rather well.
As usual, I look forward to seeing what the next installment brings.
Quinn Mackenna is back. This time she is asked by Othello of Grimm Tech to travel to New York to retrieve another magical object with the potential to bring about the destruction of civilization as we know it.
While she’s there, Quinn has been asked to check on the missing sister of a girl from the dojo where she does her martial arts training.
The search for the missing girl proves to be almost more dangerous than the quest to retrieve the magical object. In the process of accomplishing her twin objectives, Quinn encounters a couple of the Muses, a large pack of vampires, entire hosts of Angels and Demons, and Johnny Appleseed. Many old friends (or maybe not) from the other series in the Templeverse show up to help (or hinder) her with her projects – especially Alucard the Daywalker vampire and Roland the former Shepherd who is now also a vampire, who help to manage the New York vampires.
Quinn manages to handle everything with her usual pithy comments and her magic deadening field. And in the process, she manages to acquire not one but two new boyfriends and a houseplant.
I chose 5 stars because that is all there is, this is easily an 9 star book in 10 star series. The humor, love & dedication to family/friends in this & all Templeverse books just floors me every time. I love that the female characters are all strong, independent and yet supportive of each other (without being super sappy). Each book I read I'm convinced that a different character is my favorite (Quinn for her resilience & snark, Callie for loyalty & caring, Othello for her intelligence & all around awesomeness, Gunner because of his protectiveness, Ashley because she turns an alpha wolf into a lap dog {hehehe}). Cosmopolitan gives another view of things, a different perspective on occurrences & people from previous books. Being able to see different sides of people (characters) I love is such a joy & surprise . It is truly an amazing book. Please I implore you start the series, read the books so I can conversate with more people about them & hopefully together we can get Netflix to make the whole Templeverse streaming reality! Worse case scenario you end up expanding your mind & potentially making friends and enjoying a great book.
If you like Angels and Demons and, wait, who’s is that guy??? In the 2nd installment of the Phantom Queen series, We find Quinn trying to help Othello out and even the scales from her last theft by agreeing to obtain an artifact GrimmTech wants. But this is no ordinary merchandise, right? I mean it can’t be—why else would Heaven and Hell both be scrambling to get possession of it? Quinn’s quest leads her to places she couldn’t dream up and introduces her to more Templeverse favorites at those famous Fight Nights Dorian Gray is so fond of. If she can make it out of there, she still has to convince the artifact’s broker to deal with her The catch? It MUST be given voluntarily by its legendary keeper, none other than—well you gotta read the book to get that juicy tidbit! Anywho, Quinn has to convince the keeper that she is the best option—only one problem, it’s already been promised, and as she finds out the hard way, Angels and Demons play for keepsies! Grab your copy and dive in to the chaos!!!
Cosmopolitan: Phantom Queen (Book 2) - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Feisty redhead Quinn McKenna's sent on a mission that will use all her martial arts skills in this exciting all-action thriller by Shayne Silvers and Cameron O'Connell.
Quinn's joint quest is not only to prevent a magical 'weapon of mass destruction' falling into the wrong hands, but also to rescue the sister of one of her friends at the dojo where Quinn trains. Luckily our heroine has her own super-power - a force-field that defends her against opponents' magic! She also has important friends; Alucard and Roland plus their clan of NY vampires, Serge, Callie and Penrose from Book 1 and the St Louis Gang, to help her fight Johnny Appleseed, Muses, Angels, Demons and evil vamps, [among others] to obtain the 'Ultimate Seed' that must be freely given - not stolen - to engage its power for good.
Set in the Temple Infiniverse, Cosmopolitan is part 2 of the Phantom Queen Series and its exciting ending will definitely leave the reader eager for more!
Did not really see how the first book in the series could be improved on... but silly me! I forgot who the author was! As the backstory continues to fill in.... I get more and more impatient to understand who and what Quinn really is ? Not impatient enough to risk being decked ( her usual reaction to being asked that question... ) but more than curious. Meanwhile her world continues to heat up in a way very similar to Nate Temple's, but despite some of the same characters appearing, each is uniquely different and the two main characters are so different! I will be binge reading this series even as I continue on some new stand alone I had to have! This series is wonderful, as are all his books I have read so far.... Intelligent fantasy with feeling and verifiable backstory.... Will wonders never cease? Once more, bravo, Shayne Silvers
Vampires, Werewolves, Angels, Demons, and one Kick ass Boston Redhead, Oh my...
Quinn takes a trip to New York to broker a deal for a seed. How tough could it be? Right? After all she is a black magic arms dealer. The second book in the Phantom Queen Diaries picks right up with Quinn going to New York as a representative for Othello to purchase, steal, or otherwise obtain a seed. On a side note she is looking for the sister of one of her dojo friends who has gone missing. Easy enough, no big deal, not even real dangerous...she thinks. This one has everything fans of the Temple tales could want, action, adventure, and some serious snarky humor all rolled into an interesting book that is hard to put down. It also brings many known characters from Nate And Callie’s stories into Quinn’s world. All in all an enjoyable read.
Loving Quinn MacKenna and all the crazy characters (vampires, demons, shifters, skin walkers, werewolves, Angels, gods and regulars) that make up this story. Quinn is asked to do a favor for her friend Othello. A simple job to obtain a very special seed. Only problem both heaven and hell want it and Quinn is stuck in the middle!! The story moves well with lots of action and lots of new characters. Of course nothing goes as planned and Quinn must defend herself against all sorts of nasties! Some old enemies of Nate Temple show up as well as many of his friends to help save the day. Quinn is still searching for her own identity and what makes her tick! Lots of laughter, snide remarks and funny inappropriate situations make this another great addition to the Phantom Queen series! Now on to book #3. Kathy Barber Doyle- 7/4/2018
One thing I can say about the whole Templeverse is how complex and fun it is. Readers almost need a map to keep up with where everything falls. This latest addition just highlights how much fun these series really are. In this book, we learn more about Quinn and her abilities, but not everything, just enough to tantalize us for future installments. She goes on a quest to retrieve a magical item, but as is the norm, nothing goes right. We see more characters from the other two series, and I just love the crossovers. Now, we are thankfully on a short wait for the next book which I can’t wait for. You will love this book, and I recommend reading them in order if you haven’t started the three series. It’s a wild ride!! Highly recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy of the e-book which I reviewed voluntarily.
Quinn is back, and this time she is on a mission in New York City. Othello has asked her to acquire a specific item from a reluctant seller. She is also searching for a friend's sister, who went to NYC for fame and fortune, and has not been heard from. This trip will bring Quinn into contact with living myths and legends, and also the seedier mythological underworld of New York. Along the way, she will meet some of her new friends, and also make the acquaintance of several of Nate temple's good friends. The big question is, how big of a mark will New York make on Quinn, or is it the other way around?
Quinn's world is expanding in unexpected ways. Quinn is multi-tasking to the extreme to help those she cares for. From helping her karate student to find her missing sister, that leads to muses, to helping Othello - which leads to fights for her life, and those of everyone around her. Adds a new cast of characters for Quinn, but several beloved characters from Nate Temple and Callie Penrose's circles. Then of course, the ultimate showdown for Quinn - surviving Angels and Demons battling for the ultimate seed. Is Quinn in over her head, or just growing into her true potential? And what could possibly be so important about a seed?? Must read to find out
Fast paced and always one step away from making you laugh a bit too loud in public from witty zingers and one liners. Oh yeah, and plenty of action and mishaps along the way!!
Besides learning more about what has to be The perfect love child if Nate and Callie ever had a daughter with an Irish accent, has to be that you actually and FINALLY get an interaction with the great and powerful Othello that lasts longer than a paragraph. Amazing storyline blending perfectly between three different main characters. I love how all of the support characters always look at each other and are like "oh! You have a version of Nate too? Let's be friends!"
I wasn't sure how I felt about Quinn in the first book, but she's definitely grown on me. I want to ask...what is she?! But I also don't want to get cold cocked... Lol. Ok, there's a ton of crossovers in the book, so please, go read Nate & Callie before you read this series. These books do stand alone, but you'll be missing so much crossover goodness if you do skip the other series. Plus Nate & Callie are totally worth the read! Great job guys on this new installment, can't wait to read the next book.
In this exciting episode of Quinn Mac Kenna's adventures we learn that Quinn, not surprisingly, has hidden abilities even she isn't aware of and has no idea how to use. Also, there are a bunch of more than cameos from members of team St. Louis and team Kansas City to help liven things up. Quinn also finds more apples in the Big Apple than she bargained for and the denizens from above and below take an interest. There is plenty of action and quite a few cocktails, but then again, it is Quinn.
Quinn is in New York to retrieve an artifact. Easy, peasy, right? Not so much. A whole cavalcade of people desire it. And it must be freely given, not stolen. As her powers flex their muscles, an incredible surge does something to the artifact. Stunning revelation on "know thy enemy". Quinn fights her way through this excellent 2nd book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book from the author.
O’Connell and Silvers have brought a new dimension to the much loved Templeverse! Quinn’s fiery attitude and Irish temper bring lots of laughs and adventures. All the freaks better be on the lookout, because she is definitely a force to be reckoned with. We’re getting to know old characters better and being introduced to new interesting characters and friends. Looking forward to the next one already!
Shayne and Cameron grab you with the first paragraph (which I felt compelled to read aloud to many people) and just. don't. let. go. This piece brings together even more of the Templeverse family and a bunch of characters and creatures you would never consider finding in the same book. We learn more about Quinn's... Gift. And somehow feel like we know less. It's an enlightening roller coaster. And we're only half way through this part of the series.
Outstanding fun! What can happen when a Boston woman has to hit the Big Apple to retrieve a magical artifact? Well, if you answered American folklore legends, ancient baddies, supernatural PPV fights, recognizable allies performing run-ins like a wrestling promotion, and a battle royal with apocalyptic underpinnings, you'd be somewhat close to the mark. Quinn knows how to get into trouble with the best of them. Pure bliss.
You've not seen nothing like the mighty Quinn! New York New York! Here she comes another Quinn adventure you can't miss! Off to New York to retrieve an artifact. Sounds simple right! Only the Mastery of Silvers and O'Connell could weave such a tale! The crossover is fantastic! Do yourself a favor and pre-order the next two books and if you find you can't put them down, then check out the Nate Temple series and the Feathers and Fire series. You won't be sorry!
I wonder if Amazon would make a 6 star button? A 6th silvery wrinkly one? Round two of this monstrously madcap meander through another corner of the templeverse. Quinn is her own ' man ', for sure. You Don t have to read any Nate (1-9) to love her, you don't have to be a Callie Penrose devotee (1-4) either. Why aren't you? As I known you are loving you4 cocktail of Cosmopolitan after your whiskey. Go try some absinthe fuelled fun.
Quinn is asked to pick up a seed for Temple but has to travel to New York to do so. Who knew she might trigger the end of times just being herself? She was getting tired of people asking what she was since she thought she was human! Vampires, wetewoves, angels, Johnny Appleseed, Dorian Grey, Rumplestiltskin....what now? Being a black magic dealer is never dull.
There is no such thing as a mediocre Nate Temple/Temple Verse book. The storylines are all well-written, intriguing, humorous, engaging and filled with developed, likable characters. So much entertainment between these book covers. I loved them. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
Quinn's books and character building are better with each book! I love seeing the familiar faces from Nate and Callie's books also. As usual, there are lots of 'Easter Eggs' throughout the book and good, solid paranormal mysteries that need solving. Keep up the great work gentlemen!!
I can't put down his books. I simply must know what happens next. I love the characters in this series as much as the others, and am really glad the first several books are coming out so closely together. I think my favorite thing (of this and all his other books) is his amazing ability to weave together so much completely disparate mythology and have it all make SENSE.