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Chronicles of Arcana #3
City of Everdark
Fate can't hold all the cards, not if she doesn't have any fingers.
Mission objective, to kick the dragon leige’s ass and take back what she’s stolen. Or maybe take back what she’s stolen, and then kick her ass? Either way, they’ll be some ass kicking.
Getting answers means recon and lies, coercion and revelations. It means jumping through several hoops, like infiltrating a maximum-security government quarantine facility to break out the inmates.
Wila will do whatever it takes to get her Kindred and her draconi prince back, even if it means venturing into a place of nightmares, a place of everdark and monsters with not a pot of tea in sight.
The darkness awaits, and Wila better hope it doesn’t swallow her whole.
A kick-ass Urban Fantasy with a slow burn Whychoose Romance.
Mission objective, to kick the dragon leige’s ass and take back what she’s stolen. Or maybe take back what she’s stolen, and then kick her ass? Either way, they’ll be some ass kicking.
Getting answers means recon and lies, coercion and revelations. It means jumping through several hoops, like infiltrating a maximum-security government quarantine facility to break out the inmates.
Wila will do whatever it takes to get her Kindred and her draconi prince back, even if it means venturing into a place of nightmares, a place of everdark and monsters with not a pot of tea in sight.
The darkness awaits, and Wila better hope it doesn’t swallow her whole.
A kick-ass Urban Fantasy with a slow burn Whychoose Romance.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2018
239 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Cassidy
134 books2,746 followersDebbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head. She writes Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 14, 2019
So she's the dragons "scalemate"? How ridiculously cute! 😅
This one felt like a filler book, and it had a lot of frustrating themes. I hate when characters are separated and have to find each other, and that's what took place the whole book. Not only are two separated from the MC, then the MC gets separated from the rest of her people (yes, really), and one stays separated to be resolved next book. AND the book ends with another one missing all of a sudden. Sighs. SO FRUSTRATING.
The MC discovers a LOT about herself, and we finally know who is behind the door - it's kind of awesome. Newcomer escapee Quinn is nifty as fruit punch and I hope he sticks around; Noir is around more than the others since so many are missing; Gil - we get a secret but he's not confronted yet; we find out the MC's mother, dayum; Elora is mainly absent except horrible glimpses of torture stuff (yuck); we found out much more on the Hound.
It starts well but slowly fizzles out on pacing because it felt like so much is annoyingly paused. Then since she's bonded with the characters fully all at once, I kind of feel less there too. Not as much humor either.
Not my favorite of the series, hoping the fourth is better.
This one felt like a filler book, and it had a lot of frustrating themes. I hate when characters are separated and have to find each other, and that's what took place the whole book. Not only are two separated from the MC, then the MC gets separated from the rest of her people (yes, really), and one stays separated to be resolved next book. AND the book ends with another one missing all of a sudden. Sighs. SO FRUSTRATING.
The MC discovers a LOT about herself, and we finally know who is behind the door - it's kind of awesome. Newcomer escapee Quinn is nifty as fruit punch and I hope he sticks around; Noir is around more than the others since so many are missing; Gil - we get a secret but he's not confronted yet; we find out the MC's mother, dayum; Elora is mainly absent except horrible glimpses of torture stuff (yuck); we found out much more on the Hound.
It starts well but slowly fizzles out on pacing because it felt like so much is annoyingly paused. Then since she's bonded with the characters fully all at once, I kind of feel less there too. Not as much humor either.
Not my favorite of the series, hoping the fourth is better.
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September 26, 2018
ARC received in exchange for an honest review - thank you!
I'm pleased to announce that after a slight second-book slump, this series is back on track!
We got everything the last book was missing - humour, sexual tension, drama, the works. Also. WE FINALLY GET TO SEE WHAT'S BEHIND THE LOCKED DOOR IN THE BASEMENT!!! And the wait is totally worth it.
I've had to knock off a star because there was a weird time jump towards the end which didn't really work, and seemed to skip over one or two important occurrences. But mostly I'm just ecstatic because it feels like we have our funny little gang back, popping out the one-liners.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
I'm pleased to announce that after a slight second-book slump, this series is back on track!
We got everything the last book was missing - humour, sexual tension, drama, the works. Also. WE FINALLY GET TO SEE WHAT'S BEHIND THE LOCKED DOOR IN THE BASEMENT!!! And the wait is totally worth it.
I've had to knock off a star because there was a weird time jump towards the end which didn't really work, and seemed to skip over one or two important occurrences. But mostly I'm just ecstatic because it feels like we have our funny little gang back, popping out the one-liners.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
August 16, 2020
Read 89% then had to stop because ... what the hell ????
We finally get explanations to a lot of mysteries but they are so farfetched that they made no sense whatsoever to me... And guess what??? One more guy which she has a deep emotional and sexual relationship with !!!! Colour me surprised 🙄. She keeps on meeting new guys that seem to want to help her all the time...
And on top of that I don’t understand how she can sleep with all these men when 2 of her lovers are being tortured and that she’s been in their head ms and she knows how awful it is ...
Loved first two books but stopping here because this one felt like I was taking LSD...
We finally get explanations to a lot of mysteries but they are so farfetched that they made no sense whatsoever to me... And guess what??? One more guy which she has a deep emotional and sexual relationship with !!!! Colour me surprised 🙄. She keeps on meeting new guys that seem to want to help her all the time...
And on top of that I don’t understand how she can sleep with all these men when 2 of her lovers are being tortured and that she’s been in their head ms and she knows how awful it is ...
Loved first two books but stopping here because this one felt like I was taking LSD...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2020
UF RH Goodness!
I am so attached to these characters and knowing there is only one book left makes me want to read it very slowly... but at the same time, I need to know what happens now, so that means reading fast. I am so confused with how to proceed!
Is there a support group for this problem?
Okay, sorry I can't leave a better review for you guys... I seriously gotta go read this last book, slowly at a very fast pace. Then maybe I can form coherent this to write a whole series review.
I am so attached to these characters and knowing there is only one book left makes me want to read it very slowly... but at the same time, I need to know what happens now, so that means reading fast. I am so confused with how to proceed!
Is there a support group for this problem?
Okay, sorry I can't leave a better review for you guys... I seriously gotta go read this last book, slowly at a very fast pace. Then maybe I can form coherent this to write a whole series review.
March 28, 2019
Book 1: ★★★★; Book 2: ★★★★. I was a bit disappointed by this book, as the series seems to be going in a direction I’m not thrilled/comfortable with. The series already had elements I don’t like (e.g., a harem member uncomfortable with sharing, forbidden love), but then the MC started collecting more men whom I can only assume will eventually join her harem. The thing is, we knew from book 1 that she would presumably need more than 5 mates because she needs more than Elora has. I just don’t like that she hasn’t been developing her relationships with ALL of them all along. Only 4 of the men have REALLY been around for 3 books. In those 3 books, 1 of the newish men never spoke, and 1 of the newish men was not physically present (and he is very different when he is, see below); I’m mostly glad they were finally put into play, though. Then there’s 1 new man who was just introduced in this book and doesn’t get a lot of screen time in it; also, he seems fairly similar to one of the existing harem members (Valance), so that seems a bit of a waste. I just don’t think there’s any way that all of the men will be developed equally by the end of the series (1 more book). Not to mention, the MC has a spiritual connection with only 3 of these men, and I think her connection with those 3 is going to end up much stronger than her connection to the others (for obvious reasons). So, I think this harem is going to end up looking unequal in a lot of ways.
Overall, though, my biggest complaint aside from the handling of the harem as a whole involves Sebastian, and there’s no way to discuss this without spoilers: . I suppose I can stick it out for one more book, but there was so much that I didn’t like here that this went from one of my favorite ongoing series to something that really makes me uncomfortable.
Things that confused me:
• I was having a bit of trouble at one point because I couldn’t remember what chimeras were, and I felt like I was supposed to know who Liam was when he was briefly mentioned.
• I was surprised when Valance said that scalemates don’t physically mate, as Elora has mentioned having a mate. Was he a scalemate or a romantic mate? I don’t think I realized there was a distinction before now.
(Minor-ish) Things that I disliked:
• I hated that the MC was keeping track of the days by repeatedly cutting herself. That just seemed so unnecessary, even though she said it was the only way. Make notches in a stick you can carry with you or carve marks into a cave wall, ffs.
• At one point, Valance says, "Wila, once we do this, I won’t be able to go back to being just your scalemate." However, was he ever just her scalemate except for in those 20 days that the readers didn’t really see? They have always seemed to have a romantic rather than a platonic relationship, so this sentence really fell flat and didn’t make much sense to me.
• The MC is undoubtedly becoming a special snowflake.
UPDATE
Maybe I couldn't stick it out for one more book; I've had the last book downloaded on my Kindle for several months, but I don't seem to have any intention of reading it anytime soon.
Overall, though, my biggest complaint aside from the handling of the harem as a whole involves Sebastian, and there’s no way to discuss this without spoilers: . I suppose I can stick it out for one more book, but there was so much that I didn’t like here that this went from one of my favorite ongoing series to something that really makes me uncomfortable.
Things that confused me:
• I was having a bit of trouble at one point because I couldn’t remember what chimeras were, and I felt like I was supposed to know who Liam was when he was briefly mentioned.
• I was surprised when Valance said that scalemates don’t physically mate, as Elora has mentioned having a mate. Was he a scalemate or a romantic mate? I don’t think I realized there was a distinction before now.
(Minor-ish) Things that I disliked:
• I hated that the MC was keeping track of the days by repeatedly cutting herself. That just seemed so unnecessary, even though she said it was the only way. Make notches in a stick you can carry with you or carve marks into a cave wall, ffs.
• At one point, Valance says, "Wila, once we do this, I won’t be able to go back to being just your scalemate." However, was he ever just her scalemate except for in those 20 days that the readers didn’t really see? They have always seemed to have a romantic rather than a platonic relationship, so this sentence really fell flat and didn’t make much sense to me.
• The MC is undoubtedly becoming a special snowflake.
UPDATE
Maybe I couldn't stick it out for one more book; I've had the last book downloaded on my Kindle for several months, but I don't seem to have any intention of reading it anytime soon.
October 5, 2018
Book 1 ★★★★
Book 2 ★★★★
"No me without you, No you without me"
I crammed this down in one sitting. Action packed from the first to the last. I don't think Willa had any down time here.
I honestly am struggling to find anything to say that I haven't already said in the previous reviews. Debbie knows how to write Urban Fantasy and this is more UF than RH I think. Which- I've come to realise is why I've not pulled out the big 5 stars. And it's more to do with my preference of a Harem than anything else.
The aren't all together much. Every time poor Willa seems to get a handle on one of these guys...another one slips through her fingers.
I just want one big happy Harem family...okay
"all this time I'd been craving something, and I'd finally found it with these men, and all of them- literally all of them- were inaccessible without a fight"
but we are getting there. Big Big developments in this one!
I have found my new favourite psychopath since Uncle Quinton...
"When the time comes will you love me enough to step into the darkness with me?"
Well Seb I've only just met you....but Hell yes I will jump straight into that darkness
I am so freaking PISSED you only have one more book to shine, and yet...
Willa is still picking up strays even in book 3, not that I have a problem with new characters but when it comes to RH every new male character introduced immediately becomes a big question mark on a potential love interest. Which really throws me, and it comes back to the needing the harem together and not split up.
So my nit-picking is really just personal preference because this series is epic
even more so than Chronicles of Midnight. So if you liked it...you are gonna LOVE this
only one more to go...
Book 2 ★★★★
"No me without you, No you without me"
I crammed this down in one sitting. Action packed from the first to the last. I don't think Willa had any down time here.
I honestly am struggling to find anything to say that I haven't already said in the previous reviews. Debbie knows how to write Urban Fantasy and this is more UF than RH I think. Which- I've come to realise is why I've not pulled out the big 5 stars. And it's more to do with my preference of a Harem than anything else.
The aren't all together much. Every time poor Willa seems to get a handle on one of these guys...another one slips through her fingers.
I just want one big happy Harem family...okay
"all this time I'd been craving something, and I'd finally found it with these men, and all of them- literally all of them- were inaccessible without a fight"
but we are getting there. Big Big developments in this one!
I have found my new favourite psychopath since Uncle Quinton...
"When the time comes will you love me enough to step into the darkness with me?"
Well Seb I've only just met you....but Hell yes I will jump straight into that darkness
I am so freaking PISSED you only have one more book to shine, and yet...
Willa is still picking up strays even in book 3, not that I have a problem with new characters but when it comes to RH every new male character introduced immediately becomes a big question mark on a potential love interest. Which really throws me, and it comes back to the needing the harem together and not split up.
So my nit-picking is really just personal preference because this series is epic
even more so than Chronicles of Midnight. So if you liked it...you are gonna LOVE this
only one more to go...
January 7, 2019
Ok so while I like Seb I'm still totally weirded out by that whole relationship because essentially they are twins.
March 16, 2020
This one is my best in the series, absolutely loved it and loved the new characters.
October 16, 2018
City of Everdark picks up where City of the Lost leaves off. Wila is hell bent on getting her two guys back from the Dragon Queen. She can feel their pain through her connection to them with their bond. They are being tortured, which amps up her need to rescue them. In her quest to find them, it also draws her closer to Noir and Tay. I am so happy to report that things take a step forward with one of these guys, or was it maybe both?
Wila is such a great character to follow, she has so many emotions, not to mention her sense of humor. I love the banter that she has with her roommates and her guys. Always so fun to read what pops up out of their mouths! And lets not get me started on Noir and Tay. They really step up to the plate and show us even more how awesome they are. Not to mention perfect for Wila. Tay makes a choice, will he stay with his new girlfriend or will he choose Wila? Noir has a choice to make as well. Does he tell Wila how he feels, or continue to play a friend card? Can both of these men fight for Wila knowing that she has two bonded to her already?
We have more action, relationship building, maybe a rescue or two, and some answers. All these questions that had been building, yeah we finally get some answers. And my favorite answer of all, "Who is the Voice"!!!! I was not disappointed. Guys this third installment just goes to show how great of a writer Debbie Cassidy is, each book just gets better and better!
Wila is such a great character to follow, she has so many emotions, not to mention her sense of humor. I love the banter that she has with her roommates and her guys. Always so fun to read what pops up out of their mouths! And lets not get me started on Noir and Tay. They really step up to the plate and show us even more how awesome they are. Not to mention perfect for Wila. Tay makes a choice, will he stay with his new girlfriend or will he choose Wila? Noir has a choice to make as well. Does he tell Wila how he feels, or continue to play a friend card? Can both of these men fight for Wila knowing that she has two bonded to her already?
We have more action, relationship building, maybe a rescue or two, and some answers. All these questions that had been building, yeah we finally get some answers. And my favorite answer of all, "Who is the Voice"!!!! I was not disappointed. Guys this third installment just goes to show how great of a writer Debbie Cassidy is, each book just gets better and better!
November 3, 2018
This review is just going to be me gushing about Seb... Sorry!
I totally love him! He's completely twisted, doesn't know how he feels about anything and is a bit of a psychopath, but I find him fascinating!
I already loved this series but he is like the gigantic gorgeous cherry on the already delicious cake!
The over arching plot continues at a good pace and there continues to be progression in the romance front. I really like Noir now, as well, and I think of all the men his character development has been the best.
Hi and read this series now!!!
I totally love him! He's completely twisted, doesn't know how he feels about anything and is a bit of a psychopath, but I find him fascinating!
I already loved this series but he is like the gigantic gorgeous cherry on the already delicious cake!
The over arching plot continues at a good pace and there continues to be progression in the romance front. I really like Noir now, as well, and I think of all the men his character development has been the best.
Hi and read this series now!!!
September 30, 2025
3,5 stars. Better than the previous books in the series. It was more action packed but I didn't like that the mates were missing for the most part of the book. I wanted more interaction between Bastion and her mates.
January 2, 2019
um.....Okay. the thing in the basement. I'm weirded out by him and his relationship to Wila. I guess I will keep reading and hold any comments until the next book.
November 7, 2018
I just really love this series! There is something about Willa that is both hilarious and almost inspiring. She takes the hits that get thrown at her with constant abandon and just puts her big girl undies on and just rolls the freak on! I love it!
Willa, desperate to get to her kindred and her dragon has left no stone unturned and taken all the alliances she can get to find them. She dreams of them being constantly tortured. Not only can she not sleep but she is becoming more and more obsessed with her resident in the basement. She finds out that the queens exiled son is in Everdark and makes the journey and a ginormous conspiracy is revealed, along with Willa's heritage and who her resident in the basement is. So heartbreaking!
Its not over yet! We still have the queen in our way. Also, the newbie Quin..wonder what his role in this is to be?! Great fast read with super fast paced plot and Bad A, sassy and sarcastic female heroine! Bring on the next!
Willa, desperate to get to her kindred and her dragon has left no stone unturned and taken all the alliances she can get to find them. She dreams of them being constantly tortured. Not only can she not sleep but she is becoming more and more obsessed with her resident in the basement. She finds out that the queens exiled son is in Everdark and makes the journey and a ginormous conspiracy is revealed, along with Willa's heritage and who her resident in the basement is. So heartbreaking!
Its not over yet! We still have the queen in our way. Also, the newbie Quin..wonder what his role in this is to be?! Great fast read with super fast paced plot and Bad A, sassy and sarcastic female heroine! Bring on the next!
June 2, 2021
Wila his trying to find her kindred and her dragon prince, both taken away by the dragon liege. Half of her men are missing, and it's up to her, Noir and Tay (if he can accept the way she feels about him and the others) to save them. It's not an easy feat, especially when Wila's mother makes an appearance and Wila has a decision to make that will influence the whole of Arcana.
I liked it. Wila is definitely more dominant and stronger than her men, and for this it's a little tiring that they always try to keep her safe. I'm curious to see how it ends.
I liked it. Wila is definitely more dominant and stronger than her men, and for this it's a little tiring that they always try to keep her safe. I'm curious to see how it ends.
September 22, 2018
The best installment in the series so far...and honestly? probably the best in all reads i've had from the author. this is the debbie cassidy i am looking for, the very prime example to how and why i have fallen in love for her writing in the first place. all the things frustrated me and angered me on the previous read had turned in a complete opposite way. but also in a way that makes so much more sense. this is probably the pinnacle of the series.
Ok, so first things first. The plot. Jesusfuckingchrist, pardon my french, but the plot was absolutely crazy amazing. I think it was part my slump and part the lack of development during city of lost but i just didn't see the bigger picture, which was beautifully painted by this book. And the picture was much clearer in all ways one reader could have ever imagine. Of course, I don't want to spoil the fun this early on, esp since the release is still a month later but i just want to say how everything is pretty much dead on when it came to the climax and falling action of the whole plot. Basically, the fourth and the last one is just the awaiting resolution and hopefully the most deserved happily-ever-after for these awesome characters.
Speaking of characters...Wila was just perfect. I had been saying this ever since like i started doing reviews and I'd say it again: I wasn't much for the actions-first type or the willfully strong ones. But those two characteristics were the most beautiful parts of the heroine actually. And this read had done just that - present the very best of Wila. Let's just say she's going to deserve all the love and support her mates could give her. And a fucking luxurious vacation. STAT.
I was totally hating on Azren and Valance in the city of the lost (book 2) but I think their time away from Wila actually worked imo. Not necessarily in an absence makes the heart grow fonder kind of shit but more like they had been destructive and unproductive together. Didn't also mean the two were not right for Wila. No. Just that the distance did them a good damned breather for themselves. So, during their time away from one another, they became determined to be smart on their feet, to be able to discover the bigger picture and use it for the betterment of everyone. Of all races and creatures. At least, all these things were from my take on their relationships/connections. And yes, it kind of did push them to quit running from their gut instincts and embrace what they feel for another.
Another complaint I had (trust me, I had a lot) from book 2 (again), was how I felt like Noir and Tay were almost strangers to me as a reader. Yes, I saw their chemistry with Wila but I, as a reader, had nothing on them to connect with. I mean, I just knew they were pretty good for the heroine but meh. However, I finally got the content I was asking for in this read. Bravo, just bravo. As I've said from above, everything finally made sense to me.
And the basement dude. Ha! I was so excited and so needy to know of this uber mysterious guy...and just holy wowza. I got everything i asked for and so, so much more. Even though the author cleared his connection with the heroine and the plot just now-in this book-I feel like I favored him more than any of the heroes. He was just that powerful. Unfortunately, he was def in a precarious time to pop out. So much suffering he went through, so much unjust deeds done to him. It's not a competition among these five heroes whether who sacrificed more for Wila, whether who loved Wila the most and the best. But, if it was, this dude def had them all beat. Just saying as a matter of fact.
This had been rather quick. I had a lot of things to say in this review but in all honesty, the read was a whirlwind to me. I finished it much, much quicker than the usual. As in I stopped breathing once I started and only caught my breath once done. Well, not literally, but you catch my drift. This read was too good to me. Hallelujah! One big fuck you to my slump. ugh. On that note, let me bask in my not-so-glorious book hangover. I just realized this one's not out till next month.
PS Not trying to be that arc reader. But I do want to hype this up. This one deserves it!
Ok, so first things first. The plot. Jesusfuckingchrist, pardon my french, but the plot was absolutely crazy amazing. I think it was part my slump and part the lack of development during city of lost but i just didn't see the bigger picture, which was beautifully painted by this book. And the picture was much clearer in all ways one reader could have ever imagine. Of course, I don't want to spoil the fun this early on, esp since the release is still a month later but i just want to say how everything is pretty much dead on when it came to the climax and falling action of the whole plot. Basically, the fourth and the last one is just the awaiting resolution and hopefully the most deserved happily-ever-after for these awesome characters.
Speaking of characters...Wila was just perfect. I had been saying this ever since like i started doing reviews and I'd say it again: I wasn't much for the actions-first type or the willfully strong ones. But those two characteristics were the most beautiful parts of the heroine actually. And this read had done just that - present the very best of Wila. Let's just say she's going to deserve all the love and support her mates could give her. And a fucking luxurious vacation. STAT.
I was totally hating on Azren and Valance in the city of the lost (book 2) but I think their time away from Wila actually worked imo. Not necessarily in an absence makes the heart grow fonder kind of shit but more like they had been destructive and unproductive together. Didn't also mean the two were not right for Wila. No. Just that the distance did them a good damned breather for themselves. So, during their time away from one another, they became determined to be smart on their feet, to be able to discover the bigger picture and use it for the betterment of everyone. Of all races and creatures. At least, all these things were from my take on their relationships/connections. And yes, it kind of did push them to quit running from their gut instincts and embrace what they feel for another.
Another complaint I had (trust me, I had a lot) from book 2 (again), was how I felt like Noir and Tay were almost strangers to me as a reader. Yes, I saw their chemistry with Wila but I, as a reader, had nothing on them to connect with. I mean, I just knew they were pretty good for the heroine but meh. However, I finally got the content I was asking for in this read. Bravo, just bravo. As I've said from above, everything finally made sense to me.
And the basement dude. Ha! I was so excited and so needy to know of this uber mysterious guy...and just holy wowza. I got everything i asked for and so, so much more. Even though the author cleared his connection with the heroine and the plot just now-in this book-I feel like I favored him more than any of the heroes. He was just that powerful. Unfortunately, he was def in a precarious time to pop out. So much suffering he went through, so much unjust deeds done to him. It's not a competition among these five heroes whether who sacrificed more for Wila, whether who loved Wila the most and the best. But, if it was, this dude def had them all beat. Just saying as a matter of fact.
This had been rather quick. I had a lot of things to say in this review but in all honesty, the read was a whirlwind to me. I finished it much, much quicker than the usual. As in I stopped breathing once I started and only caught my breath once done. Well, not literally, but you catch my drift. This read was too good to me. Hallelujah! One big fuck you to my slump. ugh. On that note, let me bask in my not-so-glorious book hangover. I just realized this one's not out till next month.
PS Not trying to be that arc reader. But I do want to hype this up. This one deserves it!
February 11, 2019
Dramatic, intense, and easy to read. The third book in the Chronicles of Arcana series picks up right where the previous book ended, and brings more surprises and revelations for long unanswered questions.. the most important of them being the identity of the Voice. Action packed and full of tension, the book increases also the heat level of the series with each new man entering the whole picture and adding to the fearless group.. the more the merrier, right?
I loved the characters' interactions, although sometimes I feel not all of the men get the same amount of space to show themselves and let us know them better, which is a pity, because there is much to be interested in. I am already looking forward to see what the next book brings.
I loved the characters' interactions, although sometimes I feel not all of the men get the same amount of space to show themselves and let us know them better, which is a pity, because there is much to be interested in. I am already looking forward to see what the next book brings.
December 1, 2018
Really enjoying this urban fantasy/paranormal series a lot. This is the third book and you must read them in order. I love the heroine and she has amassed quite a menagerie of characters - both love interests and sidekicks - who are all intriguing. I would have liked to have seen some of these characters fleshed out more, and more relationship development on page but I really love this author’s style/voice.
December 1, 2023
2.25 ⭐
Book #3 of 4 (complete)
🆗 Dystopian society, Arcana city, divided in 4 areas: North, East, South & West
🆗 Different beings & groups: dragons, demons, nephs (descendants of black wings and humans), the Sanguinata (+- vampires), the Lupin (+-werewolves),...
🆗 Unknown heritage/powers
🆗 RH romance: slow going
🆗 Several potential love interests
🔥 Smut: a little
🆗⬇️ Powerful, bad*ss, alpha males
🆗 Strong FMC
🆗⬇️ Forbidden relationship
⬇️ Separated/Taken lovers
⬇️ Special one
‼️Mentions: killings, monsters, kidnappings/abductions, torture, sexual abuse, dictatorship, power over others, control over others
***
The dragon liege casts herself as saviour of dragons and Shedim but the truth is quite different.
After all if not for her the Shedim would have been completely annihilated. Right?
But Willa knows the Queen is hiding unbelievable secrets.
More importantly, she took her men.
And Willa can sense them hurting.
The Queen is punishing them, severely.
It's breaking her heart.
Willa is nothing if not tenacious.
She has to get them back.
Rescue them from wherever the dragon liege has them.
The group is grasping for any lead.
Finding the Shedim rebels is the main one.
Another is checking what the new dragon ambassador knows.
Willa is willing to do anything to get her men back: deals, infiltrating a maximum-security facility, risking her life, crossing over into a place of monsters... Whatever it takes.
***
Notes:
🔸World building: over complicated
- many characters
Some are quite irrelevant but maybe they exist in order to give the idea of complexity?? It just appears over dramatic at times
- too many different types of beings
- several minor plot lines
Just complicates everything. It gives the appearance of complexity but it is just disappointing because the problems are resolved quite easily and instinctively.
And some of these minor plots are used for dramatic purposes and part of the story for a moment but then they are simply abandoned, ex.: the sanguinata, the Genisi, the girl.
🔸Beings
- Arcana(?): the only humans are the ones with access to Arcana(?) magic. All regular humans were exiled or died.
- Nephs: very diverse
They range in types and strength of powers.
They could be classified as one of several beings or simply as having some short of power.
Ex: empaths, strength, kelpie, the Lupin (+- werewolves), the Sanguinata (+- vampire, that here in this world have been very weakened from lack of humans), troll-descendant, ...
- Dragons: they can shift forms, have appetites for sex, some like to eat humans, some can eat one's soul by looking into their eyes
- Shedim: demons, guards of the dragons, in servitude.
They have very sharp teeth, claws, they are able to shift between their demonic form and a more human camouflage. It is mentioned they are known for their huge sexual appetites. They are given a single soulmate.
🔸Romance
A lot of potential love interests.
Not the most romantic.
During everyday life, Willa basically only seeks the guys for selfish reasons: she wants something from them or she is sexually attracted.
There is the whole "they belong to her" so she needs them, but it seems it is only applicable if they are not there.
If they are sometimes it is as if they are invisible because she can only think about the ones that aren't around and can be taken from her.
There is the whole feeling of "if she cannot get from one she gets from another".
And torture, sexual assault and abuse are serious, complicated things. Not just something to brush aside.
***
As always my complete respect for the author and their work.
No hate nor hurt intended with this review.
Book #3 of 4 (complete)
🆗 Dystopian society, Arcana city, divided in 4 areas: North, East, South & West
🆗 Different beings & groups: dragons, demons, nephs (descendants of black wings and humans), the Sanguinata (+- vampires), the Lupin (+-werewolves),...
🆗 Unknown heritage/powers
🆗 RH romance: slow going
🆗 Several potential love interests
🔥 Smut: a little
🆗⬇️ Powerful, bad*ss, alpha males
🆗 Strong FMC
🆗⬇️ Forbidden relationship
⬇️ Separated/Taken lovers
⬇️ Special one
‼️Mentions: killings, monsters, kidnappings/abductions, torture, sexual abuse, dictatorship, power over others, control over others
***
The dragon liege casts herself as saviour of dragons and Shedim but the truth is quite different.
After all if not for her the Shedim would have been completely annihilated. Right?
But Willa knows the Queen is hiding unbelievable secrets.
More importantly, she took her men.
And Willa can sense them hurting.
The Queen is punishing them, severely.
It's breaking her heart.
Willa is nothing if not tenacious.
She has to get them back.
Rescue them from wherever the dragon liege has them.
The group is grasping for any lead.
Finding the Shedim rebels is the main one.
Another is checking what the new dragon ambassador knows.
Willa is willing to do anything to get her men back: deals, infiltrating a maximum-security facility, risking her life, crossing over into a place of monsters... Whatever it takes.
***
Notes:
🔸World building: over complicated
- many characters
Some are quite irrelevant but maybe they exist in order to give the idea of complexity?? It just appears over dramatic at times
- too many different types of beings
- several minor plot lines
Just complicates everything. It gives the appearance of complexity but it is just disappointing because the problems are resolved quite easily and instinctively.
And some of these minor plots are used for dramatic purposes and part of the story for a moment but then they are simply abandoned, ex.: the sanguinata, the Genisi, the girl.
🔸Beings
- Arcana(?): the only humans are the ones with access to Arcana(?) magic. All regular humans were exiled or died.
- Nephs: very diverse
They range in types and strength of powers.
They could be classified as one of several beings or simply as having some short of power.
Ex: empaths, strength, kelpie, the Lupin (+- werewolves), the Sanguinata (+- vampire, that here in this world have been very weakened from lack of humans), troll-descendant, ...
- Dragons: they can shift forms, have appetites for sex, some like to eat humans, some can eat one's soul by looking into their eyes
- Shedim: demons, guards of the dragons, in servitude.
They have very sharp teeth, claws, they are able to shift between their demonic form and a more human camouflage. It is mentioned they are known for their huge sexual appetites. They are given a single soulmate.
🔸Romance
A lot of potential love interests.
Not the most romantic.
During everyday life, Willa basically only seeks the guys for selfish reasons: she wants something from them or she is sexually attracted.
There is the whole "they belong to her" so she needs them, but it seems it is only applicable if they are not there.
If they are sometimes it is as if they are invisible because she can only think about the ones that aren't around and can be taken from her.
There is the whole feeling of "if she cannot get from one she gets from another".
And torture, sexual assault and abuse are serious, complicated things. Not just something to brush aside.
***
As always my complete respect for the author and their work.
No hate nor hurt intended with this review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2018
I gave it 3.5
After finishing book two, all I wanted was answers about Wila and the guy in the basement and by the end of CITY OF EVERDARK we get them.
It can get a tad bit frustrating when things drag on, but CITY OF EVERDARK ends our suffering on a few fronts. Let's start with the guy behind the door in the basement. WOW what a doozy. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I have to say I'm not totally sure how I feel about the sexual tension between the two, it's a little weird considering who he is to Wila. I will explain more with my review of book four when it comes out. A lot is revealed about Wila's mysterious past. It was kinda weird to get so much info in just a few chapters after so much mystery, but a lot makes sense now and I'm happy to be out of the dark.
I'm still highly frustrated—and I'm sure Wila is too *wink—with the fact that the harem doesn't seem to be settled and complete. There is so much sexual tension and not enough release going on. Who is part of the harem? Will there be another one added in the next chapter? COME ON, I need some answers! This series is much more UF than RH, but I still want some romance!
How can I not want to read the final book after the revelations in CITY OF EVERDARK? Hopefully book four ends this series with a bang.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
After finishing book two, all I wanted was answers about Wila and the guy in the basement and by the end of CITY OF EVERDARK we get them.
It can get a tad bit frustrating when things drag on, but CITY OF EVERDARK ends our suffering on a few fronts. Let's start with the guy behind the door in the basement. WOW what a doozy. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I have to say I'm not totally sure how I feel about the sexual tension between the two, it's a little weird considering who he is to Wila. I will explain more with my review of book four when it comes out. A lot is revealed about Wila's mysterious past. It was kinda weird to get so much info in just a few chapters after so much mystery, but a lot makes sense now and I'm happy to be out of the dark.
I'm still highly frustrated—and I'm sure Wila is too *wink—with the fact that the harem doesn't seem to be settled and complete. There is so much sexual tension and not enough release going on. Who is part of the harem? Will there be another one added in the next chapter? COME ON, I need some answers! This series is much more UF than RH, but I still want some romance!
How can I not want to read the final book after the revelations in CITY OF EVERDARK? Hopefully book four ends this series with a bang.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2018
This. Freaking. Series. You guys, be ready to have your wig literally snatched and your socks don’t stand a chance in hell of staying on.
When Debbie sat down to write this book she really went all out. She probably had a list of ways to leave us emotionally scarred and with the worst book hangover ever.
Wila is feeling an ever growing torment to be close to the “basement voice”, and it has her close friends seriously worried. She has the ever growing and worrying problem of Elora and her army of Shedim coming to attack her. 2 of her men are still missing. Urg! Wila has a literal Christmas list of things to deal with.
She takes one hit after another and always comes out on top as the badass we know and love.
One thing I LOVE about these books is while we have the crazy scary, life or death moments that make up a normal day for Wila Bastion we always get the fun moments that add to the romance or add a sparkle to the story! We get to see Wila and Adam spend more time together in this book which made me squeal like a little girl.
Guys... the revelations that come to light in this book will leave you REELING. I cried so many happy and sad tears.
All in all, read this series. If you have doubts- DONT. This has literally been some of the best reading I have EVER done. ^_^
When Debbie sat down to write this book she really went all out. She probably had a list of ways to leave us emotionally scarred and with the worst book hangover ever.
Wila is feeling an ever growing torment to be close to the “basement voice”, and it has her close friends seriously worried. She has the ever growing and worrying problem of Elora and her army of Shedim coming to attack her. 2 of her men are still missing. Urg! Wila has a literal Christmas list of things to deal with.
She takes one hit after another and always comes out on top as the badass we know and love.
One thing I LOVE about these books is while we have the crazy scary, life or death moments that make up a normal day for Wila Bastion we always get the fun moments that add to the romance or add a sparkle to the story! We get to see Wila and Adam spend more time together in this book which made me squeal like a little girl.
Guys... the revelations that come to light in this book will leave you REELING. I cried so many happy and sad tears.
All in all, read this series. If you have doubts- DONT. This has literally been some of the best reading I have EVER done. ^_^
November 11, 2018
*review for first three books in series (no spoilers though)*
I just binge-read the three released books in this series, with one more to come on Nov. 27th.
Cassidy presents a kickass, brave heroine, with a slowburn reverse harem romance, an intriguing world, and a mystery of a plot to unravel. I love all of the characters, and I think that Cassidy always does a good job of making you feel connected to them and pulled into their stories. That said, I want to know more about what makes them all tick. Besides the characters, the plot of this series (especially in the third book) is very intriguing and exciting. It's action packed and the romance grows throughout the series.
I've also read Cassidy's Chronicles of Midnight series, and I have to say that I am enjoying this series way more. The characters and plot here are very well done, especially the plot. It's much tighter and well-spun here, with minimal mistakes, whereas that series had some larger plot holes and confusing things happening. This series is also funnier, and I think that Wila is more relatable than Serenity was. I think that the CoA series could use a little bit more world building, but I am overall loving it!
5 stars.
I just binge-read the three released books in this series, with one more to come on Nov. 27th.
Cassidy presents a kickass, brave heroine, with a slowburn reverse harem romance, an intriguing world, and a mystery of a plot to unravel. I love all of the characters, and I think that Cassidy always does a good job of making you feel connected to them and pulled into their stories. That said, I want to know more about what makes them all tick. Besides the characters, the plot of this series (especially in the third book) is very intriguing and exciting. It's action packed and the romance grows throughout the series.
I've also read Cassidy's Chronicles of Midnight series, and I have to say that I am enjoying this series way more. The characters and plot here are very well done, especially the plot. It's much tighter and well-spun here, with minimal mistakes, whereas that series had some larger plot holes and confusing things happening. This series is also funnier, and I think that Wila is more relatable than Serenity was. I think that the CoA series could use a little bit more world building, but I am overall loving it!
5 stars.
October 2, 2020
So over Tay this Tay that ugh
Sadly the over focus on Tay all the drama around him has really turned me off. He wasn’t that compelling a character to begin with because out of all the males he’s the one who just isn’t that interesting. Even her interest in him isn’t interesting! I don’t know it’s a huge turn off all the whinging about him after two whole books and then half a third. Yick
If it weren’t for the Tay drama and the “chin tucks” I’d have rated the book much higher. I say this because when a lot of internal monologuing is spent on one repeated drama it just gets old. She doesn’t even expend that level of energy in her head on Azren or Valance. They aren’t with her and she thinks about them, dreams about them but those thoughts aren’t all back and forth drama (go away/don’t go).
Repeated phrases are sort of a problem for me. It’s usually not that glaring but since she uses the chin tucking action so much and in more than this series it makes it all the more grating. Maybe it won’t bother other people I don’t know
I have feeling the Tay drama is going to still be there in the next book too but I’ve invested in the story so far might as well read the last book and skip/skim over it.
Sadly the over focus on Tay all the drama around him has really turned me off. He wasn’t that compelling a character to begin with because out of all the males he’s the one who just isn’t that interesting. Even her interest in him isn’t interesting! I don’t know it’s a huge turn off all the whinging about him after two whole books and then half a third. Yick
If it weren’t for the Tay drama and the “chin tucks” I’d have rated the book much higher. I say this because when a lot of internal monologuing is spent on one repeated drama it just gets old. She doesn’t even expend that level of energy in her head on Azren or Valance. They aren’t with her and she thinks about them, dreams about them but those thoughts aren’t all back and forth drama (go away/don’t go).
Repeated phrases are sort of a problem for me. It’s usually not that glaring but since she uses the chin tucking action so much and in more than this series it makes it all the more grating. Maybe it won’t bother other people I don’t know
I have feeling the Tay drama is going to still be there in the next book too but I’ve invested in the story so far might as well read the last book and skip/skim over it.
December 4, 2023
I’m so confused
Most of the time when reading books by this author, there is a lot of filler. And she draws out major revelations for several books as a result. This is also why her books are slow burn. However, everything makes the FMC have to “clench” her thighs. Literally everything. Breathing, dreaming, everything. And despite these annoying issues, she killed off a character with absolutely no story. Just everything being my hunky dory at the end of one chapter and at the start of the next chapter Will is basically mourning his death. What the heck? Granted, he was a short lived character but it was excruciatingly annoying because of the amount of the aforementioned mentioned filler. And he was a helpful character. Then, there is the big reveal. Which was kind of a good one but one major question was left not only unanswered it was unasked. I’m assuming that is because stalemates are not normally intimate but Elora does not seem like she would have played by that rule. So there are some very weird things happening here. Intrigue enough that I’m invested but the other stuff detracts from the story.
Most of the time when reading books by this author, there is a lot of filler. And she draws out major revelations for several books as a result. This is also why her books are slow burn. However, everything makes the FMC have to “clench” her thighs. Literally everything. Breathing, dreaming, everything. And despite these annoying issues, she killed off a character with absolutely no story. Just everything being my hunky dory at the end of one chapter and at the start of the next chapter Will is basically mourning his death. What the heck? Granted, he was a short lived character but it was excruciatingly annoying because of the amount of the aforementioned mentioned filler. And he was a helpful character. Then, there is the big reveal. Which was kind of a good one but one major question was left not only unanswered it was unasked. I’m assuming that is because stalemates are not normally intimate but Elora does not seem like she would have played by that rule. So there are some very weird things happening here. Intrigue enough that I’m invested but the other stuff detracts from the story.
dnf
December 6, 2020Dnf at 50%.
A heroine that is supposed to be good shouldn't have left people to be experimented on just in case they can use them to save their own asses. Seriously wtf. If she said that she wouldn't do it because it was dangerous ok. But this?? They were people being tortured.
"They were using Others to power the Treaty. Using Others in experiments to create chimeras. It was wrong, so wrong, but if the man was right ... if we were vulnerable to Elora without the Others to keep the Treaty charged, to make it a threat to her, then setting the Others free would be essentially shooting ourselves in the foot. Until we figured out another way to keep Elora in check, the Others were our only hope. It also meant that the secret to getting into the Everdark was lost to me. Guilt and annoyance warred in my gut, but I tamped them down. We’d free the Others once we knew how Elora planned to attack the city and we took away her advantage. Until then, they were our only defense against her—an explosive, lethal defense."
A heroine that is supposed to be good shouldn't have left people to be experimented on just in case they can use them to save their own asses. Seriously wtf. If she said that she wouldn't do it because it was dangerous ok. But this?? They were people being tortured.
"They were using Others to power the Treaty. Using Others in experiments to create chimeras. It was wrong, so wrong, but if the man was right ... if we were vulnerable to Elora without the Others to keep the Treaty charged, to make it a threat to her, then setting the Others free would be essentially shooting ourselves in the foot. Until we figured out another way to keep Elora in check, the Others were our only hope. It also meant that the secret to getting into the Everdark was lost to me. Guilt and annoyance warred in my gut, but I tamped them down. We’d free the Others once we knew how Elora planned to attack the city and we took away her advantage. Until then, they were our only defense against her—an explosive, lethal defense."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 28, 2021
Definitely packed a punch
This one has so much info dumped on you. So many different things though there’s enough breadcrumbs to follow to have an inkling of what exactly Wila is. I had my suspicions and it kept getting more and more likely, but I wasn’t sure the reasoning behind everything.
We find out sooooooo much in this book though and there are tons of feels.
One thing that could be done better is explaining what specifically is happening a bit more directly. Some of the writing during intimate scenes and fast paced action scene is kind of beat around the bush type of writing and I don’t always know how we got from point A to point C, where was point B? Like a mild example that didn’t happen would be she’d be in the car and then next she’s walking into her house or building she needs to go to. There was no mention of turning off the car, or getting out the of the car. So sometimes I’d still be picturing her in the car and not realize the scene had changed.
Otherwise the book is decent and I’m excited to see the showdown.
This one has so much info dumped on you. So many different things though there’s enough breadcrumbs to follow to have an inkling of what exactly Wila is. I had my suspicions and it kept getting more and more likely, but I wasn’t sure the reasoning behind everything.
We find out sooooooo much in this book though and there are tons of feels.
One thing that could be done better is explaining what specifically is happening a bit more directly. Some of the writing during intimate scenes and fast paced action scene is kind of beat around the bush type of writing and I don’t always know how we got from point A to point C, where was point B? Like a mild example that didn’t happen would be she’d be in the car and then next she’s walking into her house or building she needs to go to. There was no mention of turning off the car, or getting out the of the car. So sometimes I’d still be picturing her in the car and not realize the scene had changed.
Otherwise the book is decent and I’m excited to see the showdown.
June 27, 2024
I’m so sad because I really really love this series and the potential it had. I barely rate books 4 stars and I gave 4 to the first two books. Now I have absolutely no idea how the publishing industry works, no idea what’s required etc. But I really wish this series had been longer. I wish there were more investigations and interactions with the characters; that we were able to really get a sense of how they all interact together, instead of focusing more heavily on one relationship developing and the rest feeling rushed. I wish we had at least one more book in the series, possibly even two. If she’s freelance, we could have seen her take people along and get into scrapes and rescue each other and actually witness bonds forming, not just being told they had formed. I wouldn’t say there was insta-love taking place, but it almost left me with that feeling- a little incomplete and feeling like something was missing.
I still love them, I just wish some things were different and it was able to live up to its full potential.
I still love them, I just wish some things were different and it was able to live up to its full potential.
October 16, 2020
Ok so I was really enjoying this series and have only recently discovered this author, but the ending in this book has completely thrown me, and here's why: ok so we find out the guy behind the door in the basement is Sebastion and he is Wila's Ether Kindred who was separated from her several years prior, buuuutttt they were born together, in the same egg as it turns out, so they're twins right? Siblings right? They both refer to the same women as mother!! So why the hell are they snogging?? This was frikkin weird, I don't get it! And nothing was really explained in depth, are they siblings?? I'll read the next book to find out and finish off the series but yeah the ending of this book just made me 😬😬😬😬🤢🤢
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2018
This is a series I enjoy enough to pre-order because I have confidence in the author's ability to weave her plot. I wasn't disappointed in this third installment of the series. I enjoy the complexity and conflict between Wila and Tay, the tension in the relationship with Azren, and the teasing glimpses we get about the possibilities with Noir and Valance. There didn't seem to be as much plot progression, possibly because the story seemed to run in place as they discussed options. Some great reveals at the end, and great set up for book 4.
February 11, 2019
Holy crap! There was a lot of information thrown in this one, and I am so angry at some characters. In “City of Everdark,” certain actions really make you hate mothers in this series. When I say hate, I mean that the rage you feel towards them is an all consuming type that will (hopefully) go away when a happy ending happens in the final book. *fingers crossed*
Side note: To be a shitty mother, either enslave an entire race or harm your child; seriously, both are wonderful options for mother of the year!
Side note: To be a shitty mother, either enslave an entire race or harm your child; seriously, both are wonderful options for mother of the year!
November 16, 2019
Just when I thought this series couldn’t possibly get any better, book three far surpasses my thoughts!
Wila is learning more about who she is and how the loves of her life are important! She gets to confront someone from her past and unlocks something that’s been hidden her entire life, finally completing herself.
She has a huge fight on her hands against the dragon queen but if she wins she will free her Shedim and liberate many people from the lies that have been handed to them and a lifetime of slavery.
Can’t wait to see how it all ends!!!
Wila is learning more about who she is and how the loves of her life are important! She gets to confront someone from her past and unlocks something that’s been hidden her entire life, finally completing herself.
She has a huge fight on her hands against the dragon queen but if she wins she will free her Shedim and liberate many people from the lies that have been handed to them and a lifetime of slavery.
Can’t wait to see how it all ends!!!
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