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Rune Alexander #3
Strange Trouble
A baby necromancer calls her mother from the grave, starting a zombie infestation Rune and the crew are not prepared to handle.
But as always, they jump headlong into battle--a battle that will lead into some of the darkest moments of Rune's life. Moments that will shatter her tenuous grip on sanity and make her long for the man whose abuse allowed her to function.
And when she falls, the berserker is there to catch her. To bring her back. To give her what she needs.
The zombies are just the beginning. Worse even than the zombies is what comes after--a nightmare witch named Damascus, a horrific decision, and death.
Always, death.
As she is given another jagged piece to the puzzle of her past, Rune knows that despite its best attempts, life doesn't have the ability to destroy her--though she offers it all the help it might need.
With Strad Matheson and the crew behind her, Rune will stride through hell, horror, and the endless, black despair of her own mind to show the monsters why Shiv Crew is the scariest group of warriors they will ever face...
But as always, they jump headlong into battle--a battle that will lead into some of the darkest moments of Rune's life. Moments that will shatter her tenuous grip on sanity and make her long for the man whose abuse allowed her to function.
And when she falls, the berserker is there to catch her. To bring her back. To give her what she needs.
The zombies are just the beginning. Worse even than the zombies is what comes after--a nightmare witch named Damascus, a horrific decision, and death.
Always, death.
As she is given another jagged piece to the puzzle of her past, Rune knows that despite its best attempts, life doesn't have the ability to destroy her--though she offers it all the help it might need.
With Strad Matheson and the crew behind her, Rune will stride through hell, horror, and the endless, black despair of her own mind to show the monsters why Shiv Crew is the scariest group of warriors they will ever face...
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2014
394 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Laken Cane
44 books467 followersLaken was first published in 2008. After a few exciting years with her publishers, she struck out on her own to write the now complete Rune Alexander series, and never looked back.
She shares her Ohio home with three spoiled dogs, two fish, and a tenacious African Violet. She drinks too much coffee and continues burning up the keys of her trusty laptop, getting the stories out of her head and into her readers' hands.
You can connect with Laken through her website at www.lakencane.com or her Facebook author page at www.facebook.com/authorlakencane
She shares her Ohio home with three spoiled dogs, two fish, and a tenacious African Violet. She drinks too much coffee and continues burning up the keys of her trusty laptop, getting the stories out of her head and into her readers' hands.
You can connect with Laken through her website at www.lakencane.com or her Facebook author page at www.facebook.com/authorlakencane
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
September 17, 2019
So the fun continues!
I love Fie!
By now I've realized that this series has some pretty creepy stuff (and it keeps getting creepier and creepier). I can also say this because I've almost finished the entire series and yes, indeed, later on we get more vivid images about, well, I can't find a synonym for creepy, so yes. More creepy, scary, vivid stuff. And for whatever reason, I like it.
Anyway, yes, it's worth reading on. Go, go, you!
I love Fie!
By now I've realized that this series has some pretty creepy stuff (and it keeps getting creepier and creepier). I can also say this because I've almost finished the entire series and yes, indeed, later on we get more vivid images about, well, I can't find a synonym for creepy, so yes. More creepy, scary, vivid stuff. And for whatever reason, I like it.
Anyway, yes, it's worth reading on. Go, go, you!
October 22, 2014
Let’s just say this is not one of my favourite book. This was giving me whiplash on Rune’s sanity, here now, gone next, then back again. Not saying she is crazy, but her fight with what she is never ending.
As for the story, I’ll break it down to two parts. The start was awesome, it went straight to action with the Shiv Crew fighting zombies and then there’s this all scary and powerful, super evil witch on top of it all… All of this leads back to Llodra, the vampire.
Now the second half : there’s the zombies apocalypse still, Llorda, the crazy vampire, and now the COS are back and they want to rule the world and they want Lexi back and the twins, Levi and Demim, and they will stop at nothing to get them. All in all, I say it was crazy and chaotic. The only part that I wasn’t buying here was Llodra’s case. It felt like it was going around in circle on what could have been an easy fix. And what a surprise, it really was! Gah! It seems like all this big bad villains that Rune fought gets away without so much of a fuss. ;(
Add to that Rune’s mental struggle. This is the part that hurts me the most cause she is main lead character. She was driving me crazy! Her issue with her monster has got to wrap up sometime soon otherwise, I too will go insane! First, she’d say she is her monster, next she needs to become her monster, then she’s hiding her monster, then she needs her monster, and lastly she said to her monster; “I thought I’d accepted you.” Insane!!!!
And… what’s with Owen hitting on Rune when all of them knows she’s banging Beserker? They are a team! I guess there is no bro code? I don’t get that. And who is Owen? No background, no nothing. Does not help that Rune seems to not at all discourage Owen’s advances in the least. I dig that she was leaving the men to figure it out themselves… But what was that in the end? I feel bad for Berserker! I was kinda digging his caveman attitude.
Aww, I thought that was cute!
I will also miss Z…. too bad we never really get to know more about Z, Race and Jack. I’m only getting to know a little bit about Race because of his interest with Lex…
Moving onwards and hoping….
As for the story, I’ll break it down to two parts. The start was awesome, it went straight to action with the Shiv Crew fighting zombies and then there’s this all scary and powerful, super evil witch on top of it all… All of this leads back to Llodra, the vampire.
Now the second half : there’s the zombies apocalypse still, Llorda, the crazy vampire, and now the COS are back and they want to rule the world and they want Lexi back and the twins, Levi and Demim, and they will stop at nothing to get them. All in all, I say it was crazy and chaotic. The only part that I wasn’t buying here was Llodra’s case. It felt like it was going around in circle on what could have been an easy fix. And what a surprise, it really was! Gah! It seems like all this big bad villains that Rune fought gets away without so much of a fuss. ;(
Add to that Rune’s mental struggle. This is the part that hurts me the most cause she is main lead character. She was driving me crazy! Her issue with her monster has got to wrap up sometime soon otherwise, I too will go insane! First, she’d say she is her monster, next she needs to become her monster, then she’s hiding her monster, then she needs her monster, and lastly she said to her monster; “I thought I’d accepted you.” Insane!!!!
And… what’s with Owen hitting on Rune when all of them knows she’s banging Beserker? They are a team! I guess there is no bro code? I don’t get that. And who is Owen? No background, no nothing. Does not help that Rune seems to not at all discourage Owen’s advances in the least. I dig that she was leaving the men to figure it out themselves… But what was that in the end? I feel bad for Berserker! I was kinda digging his caveman attitude.
"I hate leaving you like that."
I’m a monster, Strad,” she replied. “They can’t keep me down.”
“I don’t want my woman hurt. No matter how tough she is.”
Aww, I thought that was cute!
I will also miss Z…. too bad we never really get to know more about Z, Race and Jack. I’m only getting to know a little bit about Race because of his interest with Lex…
Moving onwards and hoping….
March 18, 2014
Ok.. I'm ready to write this review.
GOD DAMMIT MS. LAKEN! I've broken up with you and got back together with you so many times because of this book. How dare you do all the things you did in the book?
Strange Trouble is another great book in the Rune series. These books just keep better and better. Also, these books also get darker and darker. The last two books there were moments were I could chuckle and laugh, not that much with this book. At one point, I had to turn off my kindle because I knew if I read one more line I would be a crying mess and everyone on the train would look at me like an idiot.
By no means are these books are perfect. I think it's time for Rune to put on her big girl panties, say "Fuck it! I'm a bad ass monster that likes to drink blood, get whipped, and fuck hot men." Also, I think it's time for the Shiv Crew to stop picking her up like a doll. Rune's a bad ass monster! Bad ass monster don't get cradled, bad ass monsters beat the men who dare cradle her. Sorry... rant over... I don't know why this bothers me so much.
Again, if you love Urban Fantasy this is a must read series for you. But remember, there's nothing fluffy or nice about this book. This book is dark, dirty, and heart wrenching.
side note: Seriously Strand doesn't have blond hair?
GOD DAMMIT MS. LAKEN! I've broken up with you and got back together with you so many times because of this book. How dare you do all the things you did in the book?
Strange Trouble is another great book in the Rune series. These books just keep better and better. Also, these books also get darker and darker. The last two books there were moments were I could chuckle and laugh, not that much with this book. At one point, I had to turn off my kindle because I knew if I read one more line I would be a crying mess and everyone on the train would look at me like an idiot.
By no means are these books are perfect. I think it's time for Rune to put on her big girl panties, say "Fuck it! I'm a bad ass monster that likes to drink blood, get whipped, and fuck hot men." Also, I think it's time for the Shiv Crew to stop picking her up like a doll. Rune's a bad ass monster! Bad ass monster don't get cradled, bad ass monsters beat the men who dare cradle her. Sorry... rant over... I don't know why this bothers me so much.
Again, if you love Urban Fantasy this is a must read series for you. But remember, there's nothing fluffy or nice about this book. This book is dark, dirty, and heart wrenching.
side note: Seriously Strand doesn't have blond hair?
February 10, 2014
Son. Of. A. Bitch!
Laken Cane could write the ingredients for Spam and I'd pay to read it!
From literally page one, book 3 in the saga of Rune Alexander and her remarkable Crew
, was one of the most brutal roller coaster rides of turmoil and emotion I've ever been on!
I just want to help Rune main-line whiskey and fast!
This series gets better...and harder to heal from...with every chapter. I don't know where we're headed and that kills me! My heart was torn apart so many times in this book that I don't know how I'll stand waiting for book 4.
Absolutely amazing!
Laken Cane could write the ingredients for Spam and I'd pay to read it!
From literally page one, book 3 in the saga of Rune Alexander and her remarkable Crew
, was one of the most brutal roller coaster rides of turmoil and emotion I've ever been on!
I just want to help Rune main-line whiskey and fast!
This series gets better...and harder to heal from...with every chapter. I don't know where we're headed and that kills me! My heart was torn apart so many times in this book that I don't know how I'll stand waiting for book 4.
Absolutely amazing!
February 9, 2014
The action started on the first page and didn't stop. The scenes flowed effortless from one disaster to the next. And there were lots. We got a little bit of everything in this book: Zombies,werewolves,ghoul,necromancers,vampires and witches. After all that they still had to battle the human slayers. Phew, I was exhausted for the crew.
I'm team Strad, I'm rooting for him and Rune. But he has competition for Rune's affections now from Owen. But I like seeing he has to fight for her ;) And Ellis..oh sweet Ellis..he is the light in all the dark. He grounds Rune. I love every scene he is in.
Rune is finally starting to accept who and what she is. She had great inner dialogue in this book, coming to terms with herself. She took some serious hits. The Crew took some hits. But they kept battling because that's what they do, they're Shiv Crew.
Come on book 4..I can't wait to see what Laken puts them through next :)
I'm team Strad, I'm rooting for him and Rune. But he has competition for Rune's affections now from Owen. But I like seeing he has to fight for her ;) And Ellis..oh sweet Ellis..he is the light in all the dark. He grounds Rune. I love every scene he is in.
Rune is finally starting to accept who and what she is. She had great inner dialogue in this book, coming to terms with herself. She took some serious hits. The Crew took some hits. But they kept battling because that's what they do, they're Shiv Crew.
Come on book 4..I can't wait to see what Laken puts them through next :)
June 1, 2023
I don't know where to begin with this one......... It's non stop action from start to finish...seriously......and Rune......she takes more physical and emotional.punishment than one person can stand and by the end of the book I would doubt over much if she is still sane. There's destructive witches, serial killer vampires, a baby necromancer and more zombies that George Romero ever dreamt of. Then there's the Church of Slayers, with all the unrest they take their chance to strike and start rallying the humans against the monsters, including Rune and Shiv Crew, three of the crew are ex church members and the Church has decided they want them back.....................
February 9, 2014
This is the 3rd book in the Rune Alexander series by Laken Cane and she just keeps getting better and better with each book. Ms. Cane took me on quite a rollercoaster ride! I cheered for Shiv Crew and I cried for Shiv Crew. There was heartache, zombies, vampires, a witch, a necromancer, and one HOT Berserker! That is just the tip of the iceberg! It is one wild ride and you will need to hang on for the ride! These books are not for the faint of heart. Rune is seriously one messed up tortured heroine and that only makes me love her so much more. She if fiercely loyal to the people she loves and will do anything for Shiv Crew. These books are not about a princess and her happily ever after although I do hope Rune gets hers one day. Rune is not the only one in these books you will find yourself cheering for, the entire Shiv Crew are special and did I mention HOT!!!!! Don’t even get me started on my love for The Berserker! Give these books a chance! I promise you will not regret it!
October 18, 2016
Well, apparently this is just one of those series that isn’t for me. Books 1 and 2 were ok - decent enough that I moved onto book 3, but with this one I have decided to quit on this series all together. The heroine and her pet names of "baby" etc simply annoyed me. I enjoyed this book even less then the 1st 2 in the series. I do appreciate it being offered a kindleunlimited and will read more of this writers work, just not this particular series.
February 27, 2014
Shame on you Laken what are you doing to this poor women, I don't know how much more abuse she can take, she clearly needs a holiday. After a brush with a Zombie Apocalypse i am not surprised her hair started falling out - ha ha!! Anyway another great fast paced action packed book with great sexual tension, I enjoyed the book and look forward to the next one.
February 8, 2014
Wow, that was really raw and emotional. How much more can Rune take before she breaks completely. This was Rune's 'Empire Strikes Back'. I just hope she is not so broken as to sucumb to the temptation that Cruishack waves at her
February 22, 2014
I am soo in love with this series even more now!! It just keeps getting better. The first two were wonderful and this one did not disappoint. Wish there was like 10 more i could just continue reading
September 18, 2014
There is something so seductive and alluring to be found with the Rune Alexander series. Perhaps it's the characters or the gory, dark version of Ohio, or the fact that Laken Cane doesn't gloss over bits of her storytelling. Bad things happen to the good guys in her books, the good guy doesn't always win and that's a nice change of pace from the hordes of other books in the urban fantasy genre where the good guys kick ass and win every time. Rune and her Crew have experienced their fair share of losses over these past two books and I love the fact that they grieve, yet they do so while fighting. The bad shit never goes away; it gets bigger, badder, and meaner and this book showcases that perfectly.
In this installment, not only does Shiv Crew have a fight on their hands with zombies seemingly coming from just about everywhere, but there's a witch - a very powerful one - at the center of it all. There are regular zombies and there are zombies affected with magic. Magic so huge, it's crossed over to afflicting Others as well. Prior to this occasion, Others had an immunity to the zombie virus and Rune and Crew have to figure out who and what is creating this mini zombie apocalypse.
Rune gets her ass kicked - hard - in this installment. Not only is she battling the zombies and the everyday creatures she and Shiv Crew face, but she's also battling with herself. She is slowly but surely coming in to new powers, but with no knowledge of the realm of her powers and zero guidance of what her powers encompass, she's essentially flying blind. She's trying to save the world and her Crew at the same time. Her decisions are made rashly; without any education of what happens when she saves people in her special way, she's unknowingly connecting herself to those she saves. Some decisions work out well, others not so much. There's loss involved and Rune, who already beats herself up enough, places all blame squarely on her own shoulders. She's got quite a burden to bear at this point and it's oftentimes quite depressing to read about Rune and her struggles.
Despite being in the dark about what and who she is, a tiny bit of light is shown to her about her origins. Not enough to grasp what she is becoming, but enough to know to be a little bit afraid. As far as my other favorites in this series, Gunnar didn't disappoint and surprised me on several occasions. Berserker was also quite surprising. I like the direction he and Rune are taking but I honestly fear for both of them. Perhaps one screwed up person getting together with another screwed up person is enough to cancel out the screwiness, but I doubt it.
Strange Trouble was by far the bloodiest, darkest, and the most emotional of the series thus far. I would like to at least hope some brightness is coming Shiv Crew's way but true to the tone of this series, I doubt it will be any time soon. As with the previous books in this series, I also recommend this one for those who prefer urban fantasy to be dark, dirty, and as non-fluffy as it gets.
In this installment, not only does Shiv Crew have a fight on their hands with zombies seemingly coming from just about everywhere, but there's a witch - a very powerful one - at the center of it all. There are regular zombies and there are zombies affected with magic. Magic so huge, it's crossed over to afflicting Others as well. Prior to this occasion, Others had an immunity to the zombie virus and Rune and Crew have to figure out who and what is creating this mini zombie apocalypse.
Rune gets her ass kicked - hard - in this installment. Not only is she battling the zombies and the everyday creatures she and Shiv Crew face, but she's also battling with herself. She is slowly but surely coming in to new powers, but with no knowledge of the realm of her powers and zero guidance of what her powers encompass, she's essentially flying blind. She's trying to save the world and her Crew at the same time. Her decisions are made rashly; without any education of what happens when she saves people in her special way, she's unknowingly connecting herself to those she saves. Some decisions work out well, others not so much. There's loss involved and Rune, who already beats herself up enough, places all blame squarely on her own shoulders. She's got quite a burden to bear at this point and it's oftentimes quite depressing to read about Rune and her struggles.
Despite being in the dark about what and who she is, a tiny bit of light is shown to her about her origins. Not enough to grasp what she is becoming, but enough to know to be a little bit afraid. As far as my other favorites in this series, Gunnar didn't disappoint and surprised me on several occasions. Berserker was also quite surprising. I like the direction he and Rune are taking but I honestly fear for both of them. Perhaps one screwed up person getting together with another screwed up person is enough to cancel out the screwiness, but I doubt it.
Strange Trouble was by far the bloodiest, darkest, and the most emotional of the series thus far. I would like to at least hope some brightness is coming Shiv Crew's way but true to the tone of this series, I doubt it will be any time soon. As with the previous books in this series, I also recommend this one for those who prefer urban fantasy to be dark, dirty, and as non-fluffy as it gets.
June 18, 2014
This is the third book in the Rune Alexander series, and oh my God! If you don't think things can get any worse for Shiv Crew, you are sorely mistaken. I loved this book for all the things it is not to the other two books. This one is not happy. This one is not light. This one is nearly devoid of joy. It is a dark, gripping, earth shattering tale about a group of law enforcement that never, ever gets to take a break. Rune Alexander and her crew of misfits own me lock stock and barrel. They are some of the toughest characters I have ever read. All through this book, I found myself praying that Shiv Crew would catch a break. Not gonna lie, in this book, no one is safe. If you think the author won't take this crew to their breaking point, you are sadly mistaken.
In this book, the action hits you from page one. Now we get a lot of zombies. From a baby necromancer, no less. Something is different with the new zombies, they are far stronger and faster than "normal" ones. Bring on the uber bad witch to spoil Rune's day. Hey, throw in her Dad too! Who would have thought? As the crew suffers their worst nightmare, and more, they battle the darkness and COS and the humans. When Rain loses everything but her life, can she battle back and be the leader this team needs? How will they find their missing teammates? What fate will finally destroy Rune beyond her ability to recover? Could they finally have found a way to kill her? With her spirits so low, will she walk into the darkness and give up like she wants to? Or will she find the strength to do what is necessary even if it breaks her heart into a million pieces? Can Shiv Crew move on from this huge blow to their numbers? And true to the addiction that is this series, not all of your questions gets answered in this book. I am glad the fourth book is out because otherwise I would be losing my mind wondering how things turned out. Grab this book and hang on tight. oh, and grab a box of Kleenex because you are going to need it.
In this book, the action hits you from page one. Now we get a lot of zombies. From a baby necromancer, no less. Something is different with the new zombies, they are far stronger and faster than "normal" ones. Bring on the uber bad witch to spoil Rune's day. Hey, throw in her Dad too! Who would have thought? As the crew suffers their worst nightmare, and more, they battle the darkness and COS and the humans. When Rain loses everything but her life, can she battle back and be the leader this team needs? How will they find their missing teammates? What fate will finally destroy Rune beyond her ability to recover? Could they finally have found a way to kill her? With her spirits so low, will she walk into the darkness and give up like she wants to? Or will she find the strength to do what is necessary even if it breaks her heart into a million pieces? Can Shiv Crew move on from this huge blow to their numbers? And true to the addiction that is this series, not all of your questions gets answered in this book. I am glad the fourth book is out because otherwise I would be losing my mind wondering how things turned out. Grab this book and hang on tight. oh, and grab a box of Kleenex because you are going to need it.
May 26, 2014
Whoa. What can I say about Strange Trouble that I haven’t said about other two books in this series? First off, let me say the perfect soundtrack for this book is Evanescence’s Fallen album. It’s absolutely perfect for this book, maybe even the whole series. Be ready for heartbreak and devastation. I don’t think I've ever wanted to cry so badly while reading a book and that happened only a few pages in! I almost couldn't keep reading, I was so broken over this one. But, at the same time, I couldn't put it down! It took me less than a day to finish. Rune and the Shiv Crew have bitten off more than they can chew in this adventure. While in the other books, a lot of the main struggles are from the vampires and the Church of Slayers (COS). In this one, the main struggle comes from zombies and witches and a little girl. The COS lends their hand at a fair share of trouble too, but that’s mostly in the second part of the book. There’s more romance in this book, maybe even hints at a love triangle, but it’s mostly just action, action, action. The book moves fast, there’s almost no breathing time in between troubles. But it’s written in a way that feels natural. I really spent most of my time reading asking “what ELSE could possibly go wrong” (the answer to that question is a bunch more can and will go wrong). I felt for Rune, her struggles, her heartbreak, her fears. Her insecurities almost kick her ass a couple of times, but she’s Rune and she won’t let that happen. Her abusive ex still haunts her and it doesn't help that someone close to her ex makes an appearance and brings her monsters back to surface. Rune definitely proves that she is still a bad ass but she’s still a girl with feelings that need to be dealt with. I really can’t wait to read the fourth book in this series.
February 12, 2017
I'm going to have to go back and read this series from the start. Definitely has me hooked!
July 20, 2014
Zombies aren't my things...
Compare to the first two books, this book was alright, not my favorite of the series. Not only because I am not a Zombies fan, but I thought this book as a whole were too crazy and messy.
The plot was all over the place, none-stop of actions that not even the heroine can take a breather(poor Rune, I felt really bad for her in this book). And speak of the heroine, in this book we learn Rune is truly an immortal (the body damage that she was able to regenerated from...in my opinion, overrated).
I am getting tired of the same scenario: friends of Rune keep getting snatched, and the bad guys then use friends as hostage to make Rune obey. At some point, hopefully soon, Rune need to realize that she cannot save everyone. And she should not always scarifies herself to save others.
The people in River county are so fickle, I kind of wish Rune and her crew would just let them be (stop helping them!!).
Jeremy's half-brother, was such creep. Rune ought to let her crew know, better yet, do something about it now.
Compare to the first two books, this book was alright, not my favorite of the series. Not only because I am not a Zombies fan, but I thought this book as a whole were too crazy and messy.
The plot was all over the place, none-stop of actions that not even the heroine can take a breather(poor Rune, I felt really bad for her in this book). And speak of the heroine, in this book we learn Rune is truly an immortal (the body damage that she was able to regenerated from...in my opinion, overrated).
I am getting tired of the same scenario: friends of Rune keep getting snatched, and the bad guys then use friends as hostage to make Rune obey. At some point, hopefully soon, Rune need to realize that she cannot save everyone. And she should not always scarifies herself to save others.
The people in River county are so fickle, I kind of wish Rune and her crew would just let them be (stop helping them!!).
Jeremy's half-brother, was such creep. Rune ought to let her crew know, better yet, do something about it now.
June 27, 2015
I do love it when a series can still surprise you. Rune is coming into her own, while still making stupid mistakes. I'm becoming really attached to these characters, which speaks volumes of the author. Rune's relationship with each one is special, and I'm beginning to be able to predict what she'll say to each one; but no one knows what her crazy ass is gonna do... Girl's got issues! Her relationship with "the berserker" is boiling, and some of the transactions are enough to leave your mouth agape. This whole COS (Church of Slayers) thing is getting crazy. The parallels between what's going here and our real life battles with racism, elitism, homophobia, and the denial of civil rights/ continuous fight for overall equality seems purposefull and is eye-opening when placed in this fantastical setting. Funny, tear- jerking, mysterious, and steamy; this one was definitely my favorite so far!
April 3, 2023
A little mixed on this one. It was hard to put down but the action was so non-stop it was exhausting. The people in the town pissed me off beyond belief, the Owen versus Strad thing isn't needed at all, there's a sad loss of a crew member. Rune unfortunately keeps calling people babe, even on the very first page while fighting zombies, le sigh. It was the darkest installment so far, but it needed a little more downtime for me to absorb it all. Still, the books are addicting and I'm starting the next one right away. Hopefully I enjoy the fourth as much as I did the second. I'm glad the villains in this book were mainly tied up, was kind of tired of seeing some of them around.
August 1, 2016
That's is I'm giving up.
If one or multiple characters die in the book and it doesn't make me feel anything, that's it.
I really like the mystery around Rune, about who or what she is. But it's all too vague and has to little heart. And I HATE zombies.....
The world is depressing and her love life is depressing. The action scenes are too frequent so that they start getting annoying and boring.
So that's it, I will forget the story in 3,2,1....
If one or multiple characters die in the book and it doesn't make me feel anything, that's it.
I really like the mystery around Rune, about who or what she is. But it's all too vague and has to little heart. And I HATE zombies.....
The world is depressing and her love life is depressing. The action scenes are too frequent so that they start getting annoying and boring.
So that's it, I will forget the story in 3,2,1....
August 11, 2014
adding zombies to the insanity plus an evil witch added to the usual cast of baddies. this world is grim beyond belief.
August 20, 2014
Wow
Wow
what a great story.I have spent the entire day reading this st of books. I can't wait for the next in this series.
Wow
what a great story.I have spent the entire day reading this st of books. I can't wait for the next in this series.
December 17, 2014
MY HEART IS BROKEN. THE END.
August 1, 2014
Loved it!
December 22, 2021
read if you like messes UP heroines
3.5 but rounded down because of how things dragged in places. I didn’t agree with all her decisions and the sudden actions the bad guys are now allowed to do didn’t sit right with me.
I underestimated how dark this series can be. And honestly it wouldn’t be healthy for me to read all eleven books, but I don’t quit. So I’ll take breaks or watch a Hallmark Christmas movie or something to balance out the crazy that goes inside my head sometimes when I come across darkness like this.
The heroine is messed up. But she tries. And in this book, she made mistakes again. She learns and life moves on but she made a lot of those in the last book and it better not take her five books to learn from her mistakes or I’ll be very unhappy. No one likes torturing themselves with books who force you through bad things.
Rune is… inspiring. She sucks but she tries and she’s good and she tries and she’s pretty admirable when she’s being a bad Addy. But when she isn’t? It’s rough. Almost unbearable with how desolate she can be. How helpless. How… empty. It sucks. And when she gets into crazy scenarios where she’s forced to back up, I get so angry. And it only encourages my own crazy and it’s not healthy. If I have to read another book full of bad guys telling her to stop or they’ll hurt her friends, AND THEY HURT HER FRIENDS WHILE THREATENING, I’ll lose my mind. What’s the point of backing off if they’re doing exactly what they said they would if you don’t listen? They’re doing it anyway! Drives me up the damn wall, it does.
Be smarter. I’m tired of all the lessons she has to learn. Real mentally exhausting.
Still addicted to the world of supes Cane has created, and how hateful and disgusting humans can be towards them. Similar to another series I love, which is probably why I stick around.
But come on. I need a little bombs or something to make me feel better.
3.5 but rounded down because of how things dragged in places. I didn’t agree with all her decisions and the sudden actions the bad guys are now allowed to do didn’t sit right with me.
I underestimated how dark this series can be. And honestly it wouldn’t be healthy for me to read all eleven books, but I don’t quit. So I’ll take breaks or watch a Hallmark Christmas movie or something to balance out the crazy that goes inside my head sometimes when I come across darkness like this.
The heroine is messed up. But she tries. And in this book, she made mistakes again. She learns and life moves on but she made a lot of those in the last book and it better not take her five books to learn from her mistakes or I’ll be very unhappy. No one likes torturing themselves with books who force you through bad things.
Rune is… inspiring. She sucks but she tries and she’s good and she tries and she’s pretty admirable when she’s being a bad Addy. But when she isn’t? It’s rough. Almost unbearable with how desolate she can be. How helpless. How… empty. It sucks. And when she gets into crazy scenarios where she’s forced to back up, I get so angry. And it only encourages my own crazy and it’s not healthy. If I have to read another book full of bad guys telling her to stop or they’ll hurt her friends, AND THEY HURT HER FRIENDS WHILE THREATENING, I’ll lose my mind. What’s the point of backing off if they’re doing exactly what they said they would if you don’t listen? They’re doing it anyway! Drives me up the damn wall, it does.
Be smarter. I’m tired of all the lessons she has to learn. Real mentally exhausting.
Still addicted to the world of supes Cane has created, and how hateful and disgusting humans can be towards them. Similar to another series I love, which is probably why I stick around.
But come on. I need a little bombs or something to make me feel better.
February 17, 2019
SPOILERS
SPOILERS!
Kind of a lot going on in this third installment. It's still dark! The book centers around the crew fighting off zombies, both the typical ones and new ones that infect the Others and seem to be 'more'. They're originally from Damascus, a witch from some other plans or world. The witch tracked llorda the mad vampire to their world wanting him back and used the new zombies just to wreak havoc. The fight between the witch and rune was interesting; we finally see something rune will have trouble going up against. She is fought back to where she came from but now rune is pitted against the church of players as well as the mad vampire. By the end of the book rune has come to terms w her monster but has lost 3 of her crew. Hopefully she can get the twins back!
I really wish the author put more sex and intrigue into the books. At first it seems like she was teasing us but now I'm seeing that we are really only going to get snippets, or rather condensed summaries of sex scenes. For me this takes away from the book simply because of the amount of sexual focus w regards to tune and her issues. Rune is still mentally ill but the book doesn't exactly center on it like in the first book. There's still a lot of cussing but thankfully there aren't so many "fuck me" lines like the last book to annoy ya. It's definitely still dark and there's no real happiness to be had so expect to be taken to a dark place yourself! Rated R (but has no sexual situations that are warned about in the beginning of the books).
SPOILERS!
Kind of a lot going on in this third installment. It's still dark! The book centers around the crew fighting off zombies, both the typical ones and new ones that infect the Others and seem to be 'more'. They're originally from Damascus, a witch from some other plans or world. The witch tracked llorda the mad vampire to their world wanting him back and used the new zombies just to wreak havoc. The fight between the witch and rune was interesting; we finally see something rune will have trouble going up against. She is fought back to where she came from but now rune is pitted against the church of players as well as the mad vampire. By the end of the book rune has come to terms w her monster but has lost 3 of her crew. Hopefully she can get the twins back!
I really wish the author put more sex and intrigue into the books. At first it seems like she was teasing us but now I'm seeing that we are really only going to get snippets, or rather condensed summaries of sex scenes. For me this takes away from the book simply because of the amount of sexual focus w regards to tune and her issues. Rune is still mentally ill but the book doesn't exactly center on it like in the first book. There's still a lot of cussing but thankfully there aren't so many "fuck me" lines like the last book to annoy ya. It's definitely still dark and there's no real happiness to be had so expect to be taken to a dark place yourself! Rated R (but has no sexual situations that are warned about in the beginning of the books).
August 27, 2021
This one felt all over the place. Felt super repetitive with the same exact fights over and over with the zombies. And Rune's "almost dead" moments are getting boring and losing their wow factor. She almost died like what... 5 times in this book alone? I'm sorry but at some point the reader just stops caring because it's just old news now. Her team's devastated reaction each time she gets hurt seems unrealistic because almost dying is just one of her personality traits at this point. And still she loves taking 50 enemies on alone. Also, 3 books in and the rest of Rune's team still feels one dimensional. I don't really know much about Raze, Jack, Z except that they're big, hot, and "badass". It's a shame that the storylines for each book are interesting but the author just comes off as so inexperienced in writing itself with an immature voice. Feels like something you might see on Wattpad and not an actual published book. Will try to finish the series by skimming and maybe check out one of the author's newer series to see if a few years of writing experience caused any improvements.
December 18, 2021
Action packed darkness
As a fan of the first two books, the darkness in Rune shouldn't have surprised me but it did in this one. While we are led to believe she is beginning to cope with her monster, mental health and past trauma, it is very clear by the end that things are not going so well for poor Rune.
As always, action packed- I actually thought we were nearing the end about 40% of the way through until I checked the reading log- so much happens in this book on both a small and large scale!
If you are into action, an indestructible heroine and unwinnable odds, you'll be behind Rune all the way.
Trigger warning: abuse, violence, mental health
As a fan of the first two books, the darkness in Rune shouldn't have surprised me but it did in this one. While we are led to believe she is beginning to cope with her monster, mental health and past trauma, it is very clear by the end that things are not going so well for poor Rune.
As always, action packed- I actually thought we were nearing the end about 40% of the way through until I checked the reading log- so much happens in this book on both a small and large scale!
If you are into action, an indestructible heroine and unwinnable odds, you'll be behind Rune all the way.
Trigger warning: abuse, violence, mental health
April 25, 2022
Emotional Rollercoaster? Oh, yeah!
This isn't a sweet happily ever after, not by a long shot! The crew are near death most days, their beloved leader is a head case, who barely functions on good days, and the bad guys just can't seem to get that pushing Alexander's button is a bad idea. Too bad for the real monsters, because Alexander's monster and crew are ready to party! RSVP. Shivs recommended!
This isn't a sweet happily ever after, not by a long shot! The crew are near death most days, their beloved leader is a head case, who barely functions on good days, and the bad guys just can't seem to get that pushing Alexander's button is a bad idea. Too bad for the real monsters, because Alexander's monster and crew are ready to party! RSVP. Shivs recommended!
December 13, 2017
Holy zombie apocalypse!
Ms. Laken continues to broaden the Shiv Crew world in the most beautifully disgusting ways. Emotional issues present for some of our Shiv Crew members while they deal with work issues and frightful, rotting things. Sounds strange...hence the Strange Trouble title. Not gonna lie, I cried. You've gotta read the book to understand why.
Ms. Laken continues to broaden the Shiv Crew world in the most beautifully disgusting ways. Emotional issues present for some of our Shiv Crew members while they deal with work issues and frightful, rotting things. Sounds strange...hence the Strange Trouble title. Not gonna lie, I cried. You've gotta read the book to understand why.
February 27, 2018
What a powerhouse of a book! A solid 4.5. Great UF series with a conflicted, dark MC. Sure it has its little quirks and weaknesses but each book gets better as you go along and with this one, I can safely say we are getting into JL Murray or Jane Yellowrock territory. The year is only young but this series has made a great start to my year and one that I definitely recommend.
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