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The Messenger Chronicles #3
The Nightshade's Touch
Be careful which star you wish upon...
The unseelie—banished by Oberon long ago—are stirring awake, and there's one name on their poisoned lips: Nightshade.
Kesh is beginning to settle into her role as Halow's messenger, saving people from the fae with the help of Kellee, Talen, Arran and Sota, but if she has any hope of making her wrongs right, she must trust those around her. Without them, there is no Messenger. Friends, lovers, more. But one has a secret. A secret so dark it threatens to change everything Kesh believes in. A secret that could change the fate of Faerie, Halow, and all of humanity.
When the fae abandoned the stars long-ago, they left behind more than fairytales.
They left behind their monsters.
***
The fae-in-space "mind-blowing" bestselling series continues in The Nightshade's Touch, Messenger Chronicles #3
Authors note: This series is a true reverse harem. The harem develops during the series.
Reader note: The Messenger Series is professionally edited and proofread for your reading enjoyment.
The unseelie—banished by Oberon long ago—are stirring awake, and there's one name on their poisoned lips: Nightshade.
Kesh is beginning to settle into her role as Halow's messenger, saving people from the fae with the help of Kellee, Talen, Arran and Sota, but if she has any hope of making her wrongs right, she must trust those around her. Without them, there is no Messenger. Friends, lovers, more. But one has a secret. A secret so dark it threatens to change everything Kesh believes in. A secret that could change the fate of Faerie, Halow, and all of humanity.
When the fae abandoned the stars long-ago, they left behind more than fairytales.
They left behind their monsters.
***
The fae-in-space "mind-blowing" bestselling series continues in The Nightshade's Touch, Messenger Chronicles #3
Authors note: This series is a true reverse harem. The harem develops during the series.
Reader note: The Messenger Series is professionally edited and proofread for your reading enjoyment.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2018
200 people are currently reading
687 people want to read
About the author
Pippa DaCosta
79 books1,558 followersTwo-time DragonCon Finalist & Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semi-finalist--- "Wait a second. Let's cut to the chase. I write kick-ass urban fantasy & sci-fi novels with conflicted characters, breathless action, and no-holds-barred dialogue. My books may not leave you feeling all fluffy and warm inside, but they will excite you. There will be plot-twists, angst, probably a few dead bodies, and very likely your favorite character will turn out to be the bad guy. Don't say I didn't warn you..."
www.pippadacosta.com
(I review on Goodreads as a reader, not a writer. Reviews here are my personal opinion, not a professional one).
www.pippadacosta.com
(I review on Goodreads as a reader, not a writer. Reviews here are my personal opinion, not a professional one).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
August 29, 2018
I swear Pippa looked into my mind and saw all the directions I wanted this series to go, all the hopes and dreams I had for the characters and world, and made them all come to fruition in the third installment of the Messenger Chronicles.
Two points specifically made me happy in this book – the expansion and clarification of the Messenger Universe and the romantic developments between Kesh and her team.
The first two books of the Messenger Chronicles have enormous potential. Fae – in space - think of the possibilities! Pippa created a world with endless possibilities for fantasy, scifi, and romance elements to mix together. And so far she’s absolutely taken advantage of that potential and created a universe with a million moving, interlinked parts, all of which are revealed to Kesh and to the readers as the books progress.
After finishing Game of Lies, I was left a little confused and disappointed with the lack of clarity in how the interlinked parts are explained. The world of Faerie and Halow, especially its politics and magic system, are complicated enough to warrant several big explanations from the author to make readers understand the larger context of the plot; these explanations were incomplete or missing up to the third book. Oberon & the fae court, magic and its sources, the different fantasy races inhabiting these star systems, all of these were nebulous concepts that I had trouble wrapping my mind around.
The Nightshade’s Touch is no less fast-paced and twisty than the last two books, but it takes a breather between action sequences to explain big aspects of the world. Specifically the history of the fae (seelie & unseelie) and the races they created, as well as the personal history of many main characters. I was so happy to finally get some insight into Talen & Kellee’s past and identities. What a relief to finally feel like I understand what’s going on behind the plot.
Both me and my reading buddies complained earlier in the series about the lack of development in romance surrounding Kesh. By the end of book 2, Kesh has three gorgeous men in her team, all showing at least some romantic interest. I was continually frustrated with the romance. I love a good slowburn, when feelings develop slowly and love interests are reluctant to accept those feelings. But Kesh and her men take slowburn to a new level, to the point where I genuinely thought they all hated each other at various points in the plot. Each character lies, betrays, and schemes against the others at seemingly every opportunity, which doesn’t exactly create an environment conducive to romantic relationships. I was beginning to wonder if Kesh and her harem would ever fall in love.
If you had the same concerns, let me reassure you, this book makes huge leaps and bounds in terms of relationship development. Kesh finally starts to recover from her destructive loyalties to Oberon and the fae, which earns her respect and trust from her harem. They reward her with honesty and affection. This is the first book in the series that contains an equal mix of action and romance.
Overall, I started Nightshade’s Touch with hope and apprehension for where Pippa would take this series; I ended the book relieved, satisfied, and totally excited for book 4. This book is the best in the series so far, by far.
Two points specifically made me happy in this book – the expansion and clarification of the Messenger Universe and the romantic developments between Kesh and her team.
The first two books of the Messenger Chronicles have enormous potential. Fae – in space - think of the possibilities! Pippa created a world with endless possibilities for fantasy, scifi, and romance elements to mix together. And so far she’s absolutely taken advantage of that potential and created a universe with a million moving, interlinked parts, all of which are revealed to Kesh and to the readers as the books progress.
After finishing Game of Lies, I was left a little confused and disappointed with the lack of clarity in how the interlinked parts are explained. The world of Faerie and Halow, especially its politics and magic system, are complicated enough to warrant several big explanations from the author to make readers understand the larger context of the plot; these explanations were incomplete or missing up to the third book. Oberon & the fae court, magic and its sources, the different fantasy races inhabiting these star systems, all of these were nebulous concepts that I had trouble wrapping my mind around.
The Nightshade’s Touch is no less fast-paced and twisty than the last two books, but it takes a breather between action sequences to explain big aspects of the world. Specifically the history of the fae (seelie & unseelie) and the races they created, as well as the personal history of many main characters. I was so happy to finally get some insight into Talen & Kellee’s past and identities. What a relief to finally feel like I understand what’s going on behind the plot.
Both me and my reading buddies complained earlier in the series about the lack of development in romance surrounding Kesh. By the end of book 2, Kesh has three gorgeous men in her team, all showing at least some romantic interest. I was continually frustrated with the romance. I love a good slowburn, when feelings develop slowly and love interests are reluctant to accept those feelings. But Kesh and her men take slowburn to a new level, to the point where I genuinely thought they all hated each other at various points in the plot. Each character lies, betrays, and schemes against the others at seemingly every opportunity, which doesn’t exactly create an environment conducive to romantic relationships. I was beginning to wonder if Kesh and her harem would ever fall in love.
If you had the same concerns, let me reassure you, this book makes huge leaps and bounds in terms of relationship development. Kesh finally starts to recover from her destructive loyalties to Oberon and the fae, which earns her respect and trust from her harem. They reward her with honesty and affection. This is the first book in the series that contains an equal mix of action and romance.
Overall, I started Nightshade’s Touch with hope and apprehension for where Pippa would take this series; I ended the book relieved, satisfied, and totally excited for book 4. This book is the best in the series so far, by far.
July 16, 2024
✅ Action
✅ Plot and pace
✅ Expanding world-building
✅ Characters (and a new interesting male)
✅ Sexual tension and angst
✅ Reverse-harem
✅🆗 Some smut
The Messenger "myth" is starting to take shape and everything is slowly falling into place. I can see better what the goal of The Messenger will be and how the characters will fit into it. The fae court’s politics and their magic source, Oberon's plan, and the big endgame are also getting clearer. Some details were missing from the first two books, but now we have a clearer picture of what to expect for the rest of this series and I must say that I'm even more excited to read the last two books.
The world-building is also expanding, I liked that Kesh and her team traveled to new planets and we got to learn more about the Unseelie (who are not as extinct as previously thought) and about Kellee’s birth planet and his past. This world is one of endless possibilities and we are starting to see them. I also liked the fact that their fae ship is actually a sentient living thing and is even becoming a member of the team.
Like the first two books, The Nightshade's Touch is fast-paced and full of twists and action, but at the same time, it feels like a little break in this big adventure. In the first two books, Kesh had to defeat Eledan and win the trust of her team despite her shady past and all her lies, and in the next two books, they will need to defeat Oberon and restore peace and balance in Faerie and the even in the rest of the universe. In this book though, even though they are traveling, fighting, and escaping death, Kesh, Talen, Kellee, and Arran (previously known as Aeon) get the chance to know each other a little better. We also got the chance to learn more about Kellee and Talen's past. The relationships are getting stronger, the characters are starting to open up and I think this book will lay a very good foundation for the second part of this series.
I really love the characters in this series. They are all very different, and their dynamic is toxic at times, but addicting at the same time. They love each other but are still full of doubt, anger, and resentment when their emotions run high. They are starting to act more like a tight unit, and I can’t wait for the RH aspect of this series to become more important. Don’t get me wrong, I love the slow burn and the sexual tension, but I’m ready for some hot smut between Kesh and her men.
I said that the relationships between Kesh and her males were getting better, but it is still a mix of love, hate, and distrust and it was soooo good to read. I got my healthy dose of sexual tension and angst. Poor Kesh seems to be stuck in her love-hate-angst-lust relationship with Kellee, and even though I love Kellee, his whole suspicious act did annoy me for a while… Just give the girl a chance to prove herself! Kesh also does not want to hurt Arran but is still grieving the loss of Aeon, and Talen is keeping her at arm's length, but at the same time, he clearly wants her... And she desperately wants him too… Oh! And let's not forget Sirius, I feel that he is more than just a brooding guardian who hates Kesh... I hope to see more of him in the next book, and I admit that the simple fact that he’s an Autumn faerie makes me love him because I have a weakness for red-haired strong, and brooding faes apparently (I’m thinking about you here Lucien Vanserra).
Still, overall there is huge relationship development in this book, and the reverse-harem aspect is finally taking shape and getting somewhere where there is more heat and smut.
Oh, Talen, “lord of secrets and silences”, sweet, kind, fiercely protective, but also shady as f*ck. Can you be any more perfect? At least we got some smut involving him… But not nearly enough to satisfy me! On to the next book for more awesomeness and more sexiness.
1. Shoot the Messenger ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
2. Game of Lies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Plot and pace
✅ Expanding world-building
✅ Characters (and a new interesting male)
✅ Sexual tension and angst
✅ Reverse-harem
✅🆗 Some smut
”I know you. You are saru, birthed by Faerie and risen from the earth. You are the Wraithmaker, mark by a king and pulled by his strings. You are the Messenger, sent to hold back the dark. A message to all.”
The Messenger "myth" is starting to take shape and everything is slowly falling into place. I can see better what the goal of The Messenger will be and how the characters will fit into it. The fae court’s politics and their magic source, Oberon's plan, and the big endgame are also getting clearer. Some details were missing from the first two books, but now we have a clearer picture of what to expect for the rest of this series and I must say that I'm even more excited to read the last two books.
The world-building is also expanding, I liked that Kesh and her team traveled to new planets and we got to learn more about the Unseelie (who are not as extinct as previously thought) and about Kellee’s birth planet and his past. This world is one of endless possibilities and we are starting to see them. I also liked the fact that their fae ship is actually a sentient living thing and is even becoming a member of the team.
Like the first two books, The Nightshade's Touch is fast-paced and full of twists and action, but at the same time, it feels like a little break in this big adventure. In the first two books, Kesh had to defeat Eledan and win the trust of her team despite her shady past and all her lies, and in the next two books, they will need to defeat Oberon and restore peace and balance in Faerie and the even in the rest of the universe. In this book though, even though they are traveling, fighting, and escaping death, Kesh, Talen, Kellee, and Arran (previously known as Aeon) get the chance to know each other a little better. We also got the chance to learn more about Kellee and Talen's past. The relationships are getting stronger, the characters are starting to open up and I think this book will lay a very good foundation for the second part of this series.
I smiled. “A messenger, the last vakaru, a champion, a wardrone, and a fae pilot. There’s never been a crew like it.
I really love the characters in this series. They are all very different, and their dynamic is toxic at times, but addicting at the same time. They love each other but are still full of doubt, anger, and resentment when their emotions run high. They are starting to act more like a tight unit, and I can’t wait for the RH aspect of this series to become more important. Don’t get me wrong, I love the slow burn and the sexual tension, but I’m ready for some hot smut between Kesh and her men.
I would lie to keep them safe. I’d stack lie upon lie and cheat again and again if it meant Oberon left them alone.
I said that the relationships between Kesh and her males were getting better, but it is still a mix of love, hate, and distrust and it was soooo good to read. I got my healthy dose of sexual tension and angst. Poor Kesh seems to be stuck in her love-hate-angst-lust relationship with Kellee, and even though I love Kellee, his whole suspicious act did annoy me for a while… Just give the girl a chance to prove herself! Kesh also does not want to hurt Arran but is still grieving the loss of Aeon, and Talen is keeping her at arm's length, but at the same time, he clearly wants her... And she desperately wants him too… Oh! And let's not forget Sirius, I feel that he is more than just a brooding guardian who hates Kesh... I hope to see more of him in the next book, and I admit that the simple fact that he’s an Autumn faerie makes me love him because I have a weakness for red-haired strong, and brooding faes apparently (I’m thinking about you here Lucien Vanserra).
Still, overall there is huge relationship development in this book, and the reverse-harem aspect is finally taking shape and getting somewhere where there is more heat and smut.
”I see you battling every day.” His thumb brushed my bottom lip. His next words settled where his thumb had tracked. “I see you fighting a war inside, one of loyalty and of a love you have no control over, and I admire how you dare to change your design. Kesh, Wraithmaker, Messenger, Mylana. You have a light in you, one you rarely let shine. Most don’t, won’t, or can’t see it, but as the darkest creature in all of Faerie, I do. Whatever name you choose, you are my star.”
Oh, Talen, “lord of secrets and silences”, sweet, kind, fiercely protective, but also shady as f*ck. Can you be any more perfect? At least we got some smut involving him… But not nearly enough to satisfy me! On to the next book for more awesomeness and more sexiness.
1. Shoot the Messenger ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
2. Game of Lies ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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October 25, 2018Do you think you know Talen, Kellee and Arran? Kesh does, but she's about to discover she wasn't the only one hoarding secrets.
The unseelie are stirring. A forgotten war is remembered. And the Messenger has a choice:
Would you free the darkness to save the light?
The unseelie are stirring. A forgotten war is remembered. And the Messenger has a choice:
Would you free the darkness to save the light?
November 26, 2018
I finished The Nightshade's Touch a couple of days ago and I still feel like a wreck. It was brilliant and I loved almost every second of it. I wanted to say every second but the ending made me bawl like a baby. Or rather like a toddler that didn't get the toy she wanted. Because I didn't get the ending I wanted. Things were finally starting to make sense and Kesh was finally making some progress on the emotional front and then this happened! To be honest the only reason I'm semi-coherent at the moment and not a curled up ball of misery is the excerpt from the next book at the end. It gave me hope that maybe, just maybe, the progress she made will survive the latest curveball.
What I really love about this series it how dysfunctional the characters are and that Pippa is taking the time to build their relationship up. It's a long and twisted road filled with pitfalls and thorns and sometimes it gets frustrating because I want them to all get together and be happy (please Pippa let this have a happy ending, please, I beg you!) and seeing the struggle to change, to grow, to trust is driving me nuts. But all of it makes it all the more real, all more meaningful to me.
There's a lot to this story that can't be said without spoiling it for you. But I can assure you that Pippa is at the top of her game and you just have to give the series a chance and approach it with an open mind.
eARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my opinion.
September 1, 2018
The Nightshade's Touch picks up Kesh's story not long after the ending of Game of Lies, Kesh is still trying to settle into her role as messenger and the hope of humanity that is resting on her shoulders. She's still torn between her loyalty to Oberon and her growing feelings for Kellee, Talen and Arran (formerly known as Aeon). Kesh knows what they want from her and she wants to live up to their expectations but she spent her entire life following orders from Oberon and she's still struggling with the way Eledan messed with her head. I'm not really going to tell you any more about the plot of this story so you're just going to have to read the book yourself if you want to find out.
What I will say is that this book is just as good, if not even better, than the previous two. It has all the action that you'd expect but it also takes a bit more time to explain the world Kesh is living in, we learn more about Oberon and the seelie court as well as the unseelie creatures he has worked so hard to destroy. Most excitingly we finally start to dive into some of the many, many secrets that Kellee and Talen have been holding back all this time. We're finally starting to see some emotional pay off in terms of Kesh's developing harem too, this series has been really slow build on the romance side but with the amount of secrets and lies between all our main characters that is totally understandable and has made the slowly developing feelings so much more realistic. Now that Kesh is starting to be honest, not only with herself but also with her men, they are starting to build the trust that has been lacking between them previously and she is definitely rewarded for their efforts.
This wouldn't be a Pippa DaCosta book without some shock revelations and a huge twist at the end but I loved absolutely every minute of it and this left me desperate to get my hands on Prince of Dreams! This series really is getting better and better and I'm very excited to see how things will turn out after that shocking ending.
__________________
I have an arc, I have an arc!! I'm so bloody excited to read this book!!!
What I will say is that this book is just as good, if not even better, than the previous two. It has all the action that you'd expect but it also takes a bit more time to explain the world Kesh is living in, we learn more about Oberon and the seelie court as well as the unseelie creatures he has worked so hard to destroy. Most excitingly we finally start to dive into some of the many, many secrets that Kellee and Talen have been holding back all this time. We're finally starting to see some emotional pay off in terms of Kesh's developing harem too, this series has been really slow build on the romance side but with the amount of secrets and lies between all our main characters that is totally understandable and has made the slowly developing feelings so much more realistic. Now that Kesh is starting to be honest, not only with herself but also with her men, they are starting to build the trust that has been lacking between them previously and she is definitely rewarded for their efforts.
This wouldn't be a Pippa DaCosta book without some shock revelations and a huge twist at the end but I loved absolutely every minute of it and this left me desperate to get my hands on Prince of Dreams! This series really is getting better and better and I'm very excited to see how things will turn out after that shocking ending.
__________________
I have an arc, I have an arc!! I'm so bloody excited to read this book!!!
October 1, 2018
This is quickly becoming a series that I loathe.
I NEED CONCRETE SHIT. Not this dally-dally around with emotions and one minute she hates someone and the next she loves them. Kesh is absolutely idiotic.
I am done. Done done done.
Done with her ever changing emotions.
Done with her constant moping and just-a-saru act.
Done with her willingness to switch sides like a damn flipped coin.
Done with her. Nope.
Reading this was the opposite of book one. Read through the most of it in a matter of a day, and then the last 100 pages were rough.
I'm just mad. Because this series is getting sloppy.
We are finally introduced to the big and bad Oberon, who is poorly introduced for such a giant role he's played so far.
I loved that Hulia kept bringing up the three men being Kesh's harem.
Harem my ass.
She hates them. She loves them. She can't trust them. She's shady AF.
Not even excited for book 4.
I NEED CONCRETE SHIT. Not this dally-dally around with emotions and one minute she hates someone and the next she loves them. Kesh is absolutely idiotic.
I am done. Done done done.
Done with her ever changing emotions.
Done with her constant moping and just-a-saru act.
Done with her willingness to switch sides like a damn flipped coin.
Done with her. Nope.
Reading this was the opposite of book one. Read through the most of it in a matter of a day, and then the last 100 pages were rough.
I'm just mad. Because this series is getting sloppy.
We are finally introduced to the big and bad Oberon, who is poorly introduced for such a giant role he's played so far.
I loved that Hulia kept bringing up the three men being Kesh's harem.
Harem my ass.
She hates them. She loves them. She can't trust them. She's shady AF.
Not even excited for book 4.
August 21, 2018
First Sentence:
"As a gladiator, there'd been no need for dance in my life, unless I counted the killing dance I'd performed for years in the arena."
Genre:
Sci-Fi/Dystopian (RH)
Editing:
Pippa advises all editing errors will be corrected by release date. (Remember my version is an eARC)
Cover Art:
I'm in lust with this series gorgeous cover art. Hat's off to the artist.
Romance:
Substantial progress was made.
World:
Hapsters, Halow System.
Valand, Valand Galaxy.
Faerie Land.
My thoughts:
In my review for Game of Lies I quoted Humanist Manifesto II (1973) & commented Pippa's Kesh & Talen practiced Secular humanists tendencies in that they held that ethics is consequential, to be judged by results. As I admired the cover art in book 3 I wondered how Pippa would manage to move the relationship story arc forward while maintaining character integrity. I worried she'd commit an author sin... if Kesh & Talen miraculously communicated as if they had years of intensive relationship therapy, worked cohesively, & dispensed with the secrets as easily as a gum machine I'd have accused Pippa of a case of the body snatchers & readied my mask for the purge. (Read: figuratively not a death threat). Luckily Pippa managed beautifully. *neatly folds mask back in underwear drawer*
After reading Game of Lies hopefully we can unanimously agree Pippa has woven moral ambiguity & Arcanum throughout the series & war is central to the plot. Well, nothing has changed. OK, I'm mirroring the fae's version of the truth with that blanket statement. Although clandestine behaviors continue, some truths were revealed. As with all things, not all truths are pretty things or for public consumption. With the abundance of perfidious characters, Pippa seems to have had a manic writing session revealing many ugly truths throughout this book. I see no end to the moral ambiguity & to be fair I enjoy a good antihero. As for war well Pippa manages to accomplish a momentous the red viper vs the mountain-ish worthy battle scene. EPIC! We meet King Oberon & after stepping foot in fae soil, I can confidently say I believe change is amongst them.
Will I continue the series?
After that cruel ending, I don't see how I'll manage to wait for the release of Prince of Dreams. *faints* Kesh killed the queen & made Prince Oberon King. I look forward to the end of his reign. *puts fairy ear prosthetics on* So you see in The Nightshade's Touch I can truthfully say both nothing & everything has changed.
Recommendation:
I'd recommend this book to fans of slow burn non-traditional romance, antiheroes, subterfuge, magic, space, the fae, Artificial Intelligence, war, assassins, double agents, & dystopian worlds.
Rating:
5 stars
Disclaimer:
eARC kindly provided to me in exchange for a review.
This book counts towards Reverse Haram Revolution's Bingo book challenge: "Dark & Brody Hero".
"As a gladiator, there'd been no need for dance in my life, unless I counted the killing dance I'd performed for years in the arena."
Genre:
Sci-Fi/Dystopian (RH)
Editing:
Pippa advises all editing errors will be corrected by release date. (Remember my version is an eARC)
Cover Art:
I'm in lust with this series gorgeous cover art. Hat's off to the artist.
Romance:
Substantial progress was made.
World:
Hapsters, Halow System.
Valand, Valand Galaxy.
Faerie Land.
My thoughts:
In my review for Game of Lies I quoted Humanist Manifesto II (1973) & commented Pippa's Kesh & Talen practiced Secular humanists tendencies in that they held that ethics is consequential, to be judged by results. As I admired the cover art in book 3 I wondered how Pippa would manage to move the relationship story arc forward while maintaining character integrity. I worried she'd commit an author sin... if Kesh & Talen miraculously communicated as if they had years of intensive relationship therapy, worked cohesively, & dispensed with the secrets as easily as a gum machine I'd have accused Pippa of a case of the body snatchers & readied my mask for the purge. (Read: figuratively not a death threat). Luckily Pippa managed beautifully. *neatly folds mask back in underwear drawer*
After reading Game of Lies hopefully we can unanimously agree Pippa has woven moral ambiguity & Arcanum throughout the series & war is central to the plot. Well, nothing has changed. OK, I'm mirroring the fae's version of the truth with that blanket statement. Although clandestine behaviors continue, some truths were revealed. As with all things, not all truths are pretty things or for public consumption. With the abundance of perfidious characters, Pippa seems to have had a manic writing session revealing many ugly truths throughout this book. I see no end to the moral ambiguity & to be fair I enjoy a good antihero. As for war well Pippa manages to accomplish a momentous the red viper vs the mountain-ish worthy battle scene. EPIC! We meet King Oberon & after stepping foot in fae soil, I can confidently say I believe change is amongst them.
Will I continue the series?
After that cruel ending, I don't see how I'll manage to wait for the release of Prince of Dreams. *faints* Kesh killed the queen & made Prince Oberon King. I look forward to the end of his reign. *puts fairy ear prosthetics on* So you see in The Nightshade's Touch I can truthfully say both nothing & everything has changed.
Recommendation:
I'd recommend this book to fans of slow burn non-traditional romance, antiheroes, subterfuge, magic, space, the fae, Artificial Intelligence, war, assassins, double agents, & dystopian worlds.
Rating:
5 stars
Disclaimer:
eARC kindly provided to me in exchange for a review.
This book counts towards Reverse Haram Revolution's Bingo book challenge: "Dark & Brody Hero".
September 14, 2018
Oh, thank god they dialled down the drama!
We start getting some answers in this book, we also start seeing the "harem" we've been expecting, and so far... it is underwhelming.
Kesh is maybe in lust with Kellee, but I don't see that relationship going nowhere. And Arran? Well, no matter how much the author tells me that they have history, and that she loved/loves him, I just don't feel it.
The only love interest that I like so far is Talen, and that my friends, does not a reverse harem make.
The plot was ok, but very predictable. I'm thinking the twist from the first book was the major revelation of this series, and I'm not really going to be surprised going forward. (Please please PLEASE prove me wrong, dear author)
Still, I'm kinda curious as to how and why is Eledan back... And if he's going to be a love interest. I hope not, because I don't think there's any explanation that would make me forgive him after what he did in book one. (Again, happy to be proved wrong)
We start getting some answers in this book, we also start seeing the "harem" we've been expecting, and so far... it is underwhelming.
Kesh is maybe in lust with Kellee, but I don't see that relationship going nowhere. And Arran? Well, no matter how much the author tells me that they have history, and that she loved/loves him, I just don't feel it.
The only love interest that I like so far is Talen, and that my friends, does not a reverse harem make.
The plot was ok, but very predictable. I'm thinking the twist from the first book was the major revelation of this series, and I'm not really going to be surprised going forward. (Please please PLEASE prove me wrong, dear author)
Still, I'm kinda curious as to how and why is Eledan back... And if he's going to be a love interest. I hope not, because I don't think there's any explanation that would make me forgive him after what he did in book one. (Again, happy to be proved wrong)
May 13, 2020
It may look like a mess but the messenger gang is just getting started; change really is coming
I have read it first, weeks ago when the complimentary copies were given out and for all its angst and rollercoaster of emotions, I survived. Albeit, barely making through it. So this fool thought a reread will mellow it all out. Unfortunately for said fool, aka me, nope...the read was just as powerful and angsty and amazing as when I read it first. Maybe, even more. For all the awesomeness of the two previous reads, establishing background stories and world-building, the real honest-to-God journey starts here. The come-to-Jesus moment wherein the Messenger squad begins to connect completely with each other.
I usually do my rereads before or on release days so that I will be able to get a better understanding to the story and therefore deliver a better review. Still, no words, no review would ever suffice to give justice to this masterpiece. But I will def try my best.
Again, I needed not to say this, but I just wanted to make this point across...this written piece is almost too much for my human mind to wrap around. And I mean that in the very best of way. It's like I have expected it to blow me away, but at the same time did not expect how much it will blow me away jfc.
Aside from aforementioned impeccable and flawless world-building, the character development amongst most characters was just an inch short of perfection...lmao, who am I kidding? Character development was perfect.
Kesh Lakota. Ugh, so many things I wanted to tell you all about her so please bear with me as I go through my points here. The very first thing is this whole misconception about her and her massive pile of lies. The thing is, after this read, beneath all those supposed lies, Kesh is nothing but a simple saru girl. At the end of the day, she's actually the one with the least amount of lies - or rather she had the least amount of truths being covered. And I mean technically, how can she lie when what she considered 'her' truths were mostly based on lies? And I believe that acknowledging her own vulnerabilities, that is admitting to still being tempted either by Eledan or Oberon, was the first step to the uphill battle that is change. Even Kellee and Talen respected her more after that.
Speaking of change...it can be beautiful and amazing. But mostly in relation to the results of change. Because usually the first step to it can be the ugliest. The most difficult. For example, since a saru is made exactly to serve the Fae, to be loyal to them and to them only, to love them above all...it should be nearly impossible to change Saru as beings. Kesh is obviously battling every single day to overcome that innate part of her. Thus, always resisting temptations here and there. But I think that's the very evidence that she IS indeed fighting it. Temptation is only that - a temptation. Not a sure thing that the person being tempted is succumbing to it. And Kesh is doing her best to not succumb to it. That is what truly matters.
Which brings me to this second point; I def still think she's the strongest character here, if not, one of all the strongest characters I've ever met. The way she handled herself throughout the read was nothing but amazing. She may have wavered at that point with Talen, but pulled through stunningly after. I think that was a moment of biting off more than she can chew...but who hasn't?
Kellee...I think Kesh's assessment of him that anyone who has met him has wanted to punch him is definitely true. Lmao. Throughout the story, I wanted to punch him, sock him, shake him or curse him. But, I assure you all that all of those prickliness would make sense once you learn of his history. And his history? Let's just say I was a trainwreck both times I read of it. I realized he was just psychologically projecting to Kesh...I mean, I didn't like it, but when it comes to it, I do understand why. Kesh was willing to go under all those prickly layers and rewarded the guy a second shot at life.
Talen...ugh, this fae def is a close fave right next to Kesh. And that's saying a lot since I def love that woman. Though he probably concealed the truth the most, I understand why he had to. I just want to hug him, or not. Kesh can do the hugging instead of course. I'm not crazy to get her after my butt. But you get the picture.
Is it too much if I start begging for the next read? Also...please more povs from Kellee and Talen?
I have read it first, weeks ago when the complimentary copies were given out and for all its angst and rollercoaster of emotions, I survived. Albeit, barely making through it. So this fool thought a reread will mellow it all out. Unfortunately for said fool, aka me, nope...the read was just as powerful and angsty and amazing as when I read it first. Maybe, even more. For all the awesomeness of the two previous reads, establishing background stories and world-building, the real honest-to-God journey starts here. The come-to-Jesus moment wherein the Messenger squad begins to connect completely with each other.
I usually do my rereads before or on release days so that I will be able to get a better understanding to the story and therefore deliver a better review. Still, no words, no review would ever suffice to give justice to this masterpiece. But I will def try my best.
Again, I needed not to say this, but I just wanted to make this point across...this written piece is almost too much for my human mind to wrap around. And I mean that in the very best of way. It's like I have expected it to blow me away, but at the same time did not expect how much it will blow me away jfc.
Aside from aforementioned impeccable and flawless world-building, the character development amongst most characters was just an inch short of perfection...lmao, who am I kidding? Character development was perfect.
Kesh Lakota. Ugh, so many things I wanted to tell you all about her so please bear with me as I go through my points here. The very first thing is this whole misconception about her and her massive pile of lies. The thing is, after this read, beneath all those supposed lies, Kesh is nothing but a simple saru girl. At the end of the day, she's actually the one with the least amount of lies - or rather she had the least amount of truths being covered. And I mean technically, how can she lie when what she considered 'her' truths were mostly based on lies? And I believe that acknowledging her own vulnerabilities, that is admitting to still being tempted either by Eledan or Oberon, was the first step to the uphill battle that is change. Even Kellee and Talen respected her more after that.
Speaking of change...it can be beautiful and amazing. But mostly in relation to the results of change. Because usually the first step to it can be the ugliest. The most difficult. For example, since a saru is made exactly to serve the Fae, to be loyal to them and to them only, to love them above all...it should be nearly impossible to change Saru as beings. Kesh is obviously battling every single day to overcome that innate part of her. Thus, always resisting temptations here and there. But I think that's the very evidence that she IS indeed fighting it. Temptation is only that - a temptation. Not a sure thing that the person being tempted is succumbing to it. And Kesh is doing her best to not succumb to it. That is what truly matters.
Which brings me to this second point; I def still think she's the strongest character here, if not, one of all the strongest characters I've ever met. The way she handled herself throughout the read was nothing but amazing. She may have wavered at that point with Talen, but pulled through stunningly after. I think that was a moment of biting off more than she can chew...but who hasn't?
Kellee...I think Kesh's assessment of him that anyone who has met him has wanted to punch him is definitely true. Lmao. Throughout the story, I wanted to punch him, sock him, shake him or curse him. But, I assure you all that all of those prickliness would make sense once you learn of his history. And his history? Let's just say I was a trainwreck both times I read of it. I realized he was just psychologically projecting to Kesh...I mean, I didn't like it, but when it comes to it, I do understand why. Kesh was willing to go under all those prickly layers and rewarded the guy a second shot at life.
Talen...ugh, this fae def is a close fave right next to Kesh. And that's saying a lot since I def love that woman. Though he probably concealed the truth the most, I understand why he had to. I just want to hug him, or not. Kesh can do the hugging instead of course. I'm not crazy to get her after my butt. But you get the picture.
Is it too much if I start begging for the next read? Also...please more povs from Kellee and Talen?
March 26, 2021
Not as good as the last one.
Yup, as expected, this series started to go downhill a little bit. It's still fun to read, just not as good as the previous books.
The plot is still really interesting, I'm not planning on quitting too soon, but eh. It happens, I guess.
On to the next book!
Yup, as expected, this series started to go downhill a little bit. It's still fun to read, just not as good as the previous books.
The plot is still really interesting, I'm not planning on quitting too soon, but eh. It happens, I guess.
On to the next book!
October 4, 2018
Oh this one was better- secrets revealed, resolutions found, perhaps even true bonds finally formed.
October 24, 2019
It was such an intense emotion, amazement, excitement.
My mind just got blown!
My mind just got blown!
August 20, 2018
Kesh is torn trying to make it work between three men and being the savior the people need. She finds herself in a no-win situation; she can’t get answers needed from Kellee, she still loves Aeon/Arron, she’s bound to a fae she doesn’t understand and is number one most wanted by the fae King.
The past two books, Kesh struggles with who she is. It isn’t until this book where she begins to shed the aliases she wears like a second skin. Wraithmaker. Kesh Lasota. Liar. Killer. Far lover. She’s re-learning her Saru nature and trying to nurture friendships and maybe even lovers, but fearful that she hasn’t evolved beyond her intended design. But her design may indeed save them all in the end.
We learn more about the silver fae and Marshal Kellee. Things that are terrifyingly awesome and endear them to Kesh. The Dreamweaver is still an issue for Kesh as well - I think he’ll always be until he’s completely gone. And Arron. So sweet. So Aeon. So untouchable lest she hurt him again.
The author keeps you constantly guessing where the story will lead, but it is impossible to try and outsmart her. There’s secrets and lies and where we end up is elusive, like sand slipping through your fingers. This book is dark, make no mistake, it will tear you up and only partly put you back together. There are unseelie monsters, and monsters hiding as friends. But in the darkness lies a pinprick of hope, like the stars in the darkest reaches of the galaxy. #teammessenger
The past two books, Kesh struggles with who she is. It isn’t until this book where she begins to shed the aliases she wears like a second skin. Wraithmaker. Kesh Lasota. Liar. Killer. Far lover. She’s re-learning her Saru nature and trying to nurture friendships and maybe even lovers, but fearful that she hasn’t evolved beyond her intended design. But her design may indeed save them all in the end.
We learn more about the silver fae and Marshal Kellee. Things that are terrifyingly awesome and endear them to Kesh. The Dreamweaver is still an issue for Kesh as well - I think he’ll always be until he’s completely gone. And Arron. So sweet. So Aeon. So untouchable lest she hurt him again.
The author keeps you constantly guessing where the story will lead, but it is impossible to try and outsmart her. There’s secrets and lies and where we end up is elusive, like sand slipping through your fingers. This book is dark, make no mistake, it will tear you up and only partly put you back together. There are unseelie monsters, and monsters hiding as friends. But in the darkness lies a pinprick of hope, like the stars in the darkest reaches of the galaxy. #teammessenger
September 5, 2018
Ok. So today I finished book three. And if I won a million right now, I would bribe Pippa to send me her final book. Because, damn…
The story it just keeps growing, and in an amazing way! People I’ve wanted to meet are here for me to explore, and my nerves for the main character, help me.. Damn, don’t want to say too much.
Just know that I did bit my nails down – so much for trying to grow some – and I did kind of hide from everyone in my house so I could read it. Aaaand I did kind of spend my day-off stuck in my sofa with the book. So yes, I kind of read it two days
Ladies and gentlemen, please let me introduce book three <3 Where the story is far from over, where lies give you the chills and make you hot at the same time.
Enjoy!
Stars: 5+
J.B
The story it just keeps growing, and in an amazing way! People I’ve wanted to meet are here for me to explore, and my nerves for the main character, help me.. Damn, don’t want to say too much.
Just know that I did bit my nails down – so much for trying to grow some – and I did kind of hide from everyone in my house so I could read it. Aaaand I did kind of spend my day-off stuck in my sofa with the book. So yes, I kind of read it two days
Ladies and gentlemen, please let me introduce book three <3 Where the story is far from over, where lies give you the chills and make you hot at the same time.
Enjoy!
Stars: 5+
J.B
October 18, 2018
☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
No spoilers and colorful language abound!
Ugh, KESH. TALEN. YASS PLEASE. SO GOOD. Here for all of this! This is my first DaCosta series and I'm hooked. The writing is lovely, odd and enthralling. Excited for the next installment, and checking out this authors other works.
No spoilers and colorful language abound!
Ugh, KESH. TALEN. YASS PLEASE. SO GOOD. Here for all of this! This is my first DaCosta series and I'm hooked. The writing is lovely, odd and enthralling. Excited for the next installment, and checking out this authors other works.
August 14, 2018
Pippa is so talented at weaving weaving such an intricate story. This book is intense. It is an emotional roller coaster like no other. I could not put it down. So strap in, you are in for one hell of a ride. She made laugh, cry, yell and gasp. We see so much happening in this book. We see the outcome of Aeions/Arrans decision to eat the fruit. We see so much more of Kelle and Talen. Secrets and hurts are revealed and it tears at your heart. We see Kesh becoming something...more. We watch her struggle to make what she hopes are good decisions while she constantly doubts herself. This rag tag team on misfits are trying to come together to make change, to bring down the oppression the Fae have brought to every planet the touch. We meet more characters such as Sirius, who clearly plays a bigger part. I look forward to seeing how his relationship develops with Kesh. Oberon is front and centre with his machinations. The Dreamweaver is still in play. This little Saru who thinks she is nothing is going to change things. Shes already started. Nightshades Touch cannot be read without the other two in the series first. If you haven't read them already, you really should, you wont be disappointed. This is my voluntary review for an e-arc i was given
September 4, 2018
4.5.
While there are still some fraustrating moments in this, there are some VERY welcome romantic developments between Kesh, Talen and Kellee.
This feels like such an original series and there is the perfect balance (for me anyway) of plot, action and romance. The whole fae-in-space things is brilliant, as well.
It ends on a pretty big cliff hanger, but thank good was for the excerpt for the next book, or I'd be a lot more annoyed!
While there are still some fraustrating moments in this, there are some VERY welcome romantic developments between Kesh, Talen and Kellee.
This feels like such an original series and there is the perfect balance (for me anyway) of plot, action and romance. The whole fae-in-space things is brilliant, as well.
It ends on a pretty big cliff hanger, but thank good was for the excerpt for the next book, or I'd be a lot more annoyed!
June 8, 2023
This review MAY contain spoilers. Read at your own risk.
I am so impressed with this series! This book was fracking incredible! The plot, the characters, the romance, it was all brilliant. Each book in this series continues to get better and better.
The scope of the plot in this series is mind-boggling in the best of ways. There are such mesmerizing ideas that are executed with such finesse. The plot twists are woven into the story with such delicate ease akin to a lover's touch, and then when they are revealed it is like a nuclear bomb has gone off. They are shocking and gratifying. I was completely engrossed in this story, and the plot grows stronger with each book in the series.
This series has very picturesque world-building. It is easy to envision this world and step into it like you are a part of the story. The fantasy and science fiction elements are brilliantly displayed throughout the books giving the series a very distinct feeling overall.
I know that I said this is my review of the previous book, Game of Lies, but I love how these characters feel so real. They aren't a bundle of good feelings and rainbows like a lot of characters can be. These characters are complex with complicated pasts and feelings. Their moral compass is in a gray area. I love that these characters are true to themselves no matter the harshness of the reality. The main characters have a wonderful chemistry and I love their interactions.
The romance in this book was awesome! There was so much tension, both sexual and romantic. The secrets that Kellee and Talen have been keeping from Kesh put a kink in their relationships through most of the story. There is an emotional journey in terms of the romance from the beginning of the book to the end and it is a beautiful thing. Things finally fall into place between Kesh and Talen and also Kesh and Kellee. I am honestly so excited to read the next book. I need these feels!
Overall, I am so enamored with this series. I am so ready to see Kesh tackle her demons. There has been so much set up for it and I know that it will be spectacular!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
I am so impressed with this series! This book was fracking incredible! The plot, the characters, the romance, it was all brilliant. Each book in this series continues to get better and better.
The scope of the plot in this series is mind-boggling in the best of ways. There are such mesmerizing ideas that are executed with such finesse. The plot twists are woven into the story with such delicate ease akin to a lover's touch, and then when they are revealed it is like a nuclear bomb has gone off. They are shocking and gratifying. I was completely engrossed in this story, and the plot grows stronger with each book in the series.
This series has very picturesque world-building. It is easy to envision this world and step into it like you are a part of the story. The fantasy and science fiction elements are brilliantly displayed throughout the books giving the series a very distinct feeling overall.
I know that I said this is my review of the previous book, Game of Lies, but I love how these characters feel so real. They aren't a bundle of good feelings and rainbows like a lot of characters can be. These characters are complex with complicated pasts and feelings. Their moral compass is in a gray area. I love that these characters are true to themselves no matter the harshness of the reality. The main characters have a wonderful chemistry and I love their interactions.
The romance in this book was awesome! There was so much tension, both sexual and romantic. The secrets that Kellee and Talen have been keeping from Kesh put a kink in their relationships through most of the story. There is an emotional journey in terms of the romance from the beginning of the book to the end and it is a beautiful thing. Things finally fall into place between Kesh and Talen and also Kesh and Kellee. I am honestly so excited to read the next book. I need these feels!
Overall, I am so enamored with this series. I am so ready to see Kesh tackle her demons. There has been so much set up for it and I know that it will be spectacular!
More reviews on my blog: Novel Nerd Faction
August 29, 2018
When you finish a book by this author, you generally don’t feel all warm and fuzzy. You feel flayed open, shocked, stunned, and all sorts of emotions you don’t expect, and that’s exactly how I felt at the end of this book. And, that’s a good thing, you ask? Yes, it is. This author is an expert at manipulating the reader’s emotions and writing such a fabulous story, you can’t help but be completely invested in the characters’ lives which are nowhere near a life of picket fences and warm apple pie. On to this particular book. This book was a great addition to the series with Kesh rapidly approaching a point of no return. There is movement on the romance front, but if you are looking for a book full of romance, this book isn’t for you. I was stunned at the mini revelations in this book, and I can’t wait to see how Kesh is going to get out of this new wrinkle in her life. I’m sure she will because she always does, even if it’s with more scars, emotional and physical. This book is for you if you love great writing, spectacular characters, and so much emotion you can barely live with the book at the end. Don’t start this series with this book; start at the beginning. Love, love this series, and this book, and I can’t recommend them enough! Thanks to the author for the e-copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
August 24, 2018
The third book in the messenger chronicles and they just keep getting better,I absolutely loved this book, it’s took me awhile to write this review, as I don’t know if I can do it justice. It’s hard to write without adding Spoilers. We learn a lot more about Kesh and her trio of lovely men, she’s also added another. All the secrets are revealed in this episode. You will find out a lot more about Kellie and Talen. You will laugh and cry along the way. Very fast paced. Pippa DaCosta has a way of truely getting you into her characters, one of which I could kick from here to timbucktoo, you’ll know who that is when you’re read the book. And SOTA, got to love that drone, biggest sense of humour, “Pass the popcorn” still makes me laugh thinking about it. Pippa you have done it again with another BRILLIANT masterpiece.
I received this as an arc for an honest review.
I have pre ordered the book, it’s that great.
I received this as an arc for an honest review.
I have pre ordered the book, it’s that great.
August 16, 2018
This book is intense! In so many ways! We really start to know the men in this story, although I’m not liking how Arran has turned out (I understand where he’s coming from, and why he does what he does but I still want to drop kick him... guess that what makes PIppa Dacosta such a god author, she creates character and stories that twist you up). The back story to Kellee (love how he got his name!) and Talen is just so emotional. This book was a lot more emotionally intense than the previous two... if you can believe that!
I love how the characters have developed so much more in this book. I need to reread them all again just with that “inside knowledge” because I bet I’ll get even more from the stories.
I cannot wait for the next book! (Really... I CAN NOT WAIT!)
I love how the characters have developed so much more in this book. I need to reread them all again just with that “inside knowledge” because I bet I’ll get even more from the stories.
I cannot wait for the next book! (Really... I CAN NOT WAIT!)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2018
What a thrilling read! I was beyond ecstatic over getting the chance to read an advance copy of The Nightshades's Touch. I got into reading Pippa DaCosta's Shoot The Messenger because I wanted to explore the reverse harem genre. Little did I know that what started out as a mere curiosity would turn into one of the most exciting reading experiences I'd have!
Many early reviewers have mentioned that this book is the best by far in the series, and I have to agree! Pippa is slowly giving her readers what they've been asking for and truly in a way that makes you want even more! I think I've already praised the world building, premise and character development of this series from the previous books so let me just say that this is no short of the amazeballs-ness (not a word but you get my point) writing style of Pippa. In fact it takes on an even deeper view of what lies beyond the world of this sci-fi faerie-esque story of our little saru/messenger protagonist, Kesh Lasota.
Kesh is the kind of character where a love/hate relationship between reader and fictional character goes way beyond the norm. Her back story makes you want to hug and comfort her thinking maybe you could help take away all the pain she went through, but you gotta hate her for her frustrating stubbornness and unwillingness to trust. But flashback to her past and you kind of get where she's coming from but still... soooo frustrating!
Anyway, I have to admit that getting into this series, I was a little frustrated that there was little 'action' (if you know what I mean! *wink, wink* if you don't, lemme give it to you straight, I'm talking about sex. LOL) from the previous books. Book two's scene doesn't count considering that's not the guy I want our heroine doing it with. But I gotta say, when it finally happened... IT. WAS. WORTH. THE. WAIT! I won't get into details as to avoid spoiling any of you but you're going to have to trust me on this.
While normally I get pissed off over cliffhangers and having to wait for the next instalment, the ending of this book just got me way more excited to read the next book. And I don't want to rush the beauty that is Pippa's work, I'll say I'm willing to wait for book 4.
Many early reviewers have mentioned that this book is the best by far in the series, and I have to agree! Pippa is slowly giving her readers what they've been asking for and truly in a way that makes you want even more! I think I've already praised the world building, premise and character development of this series from the previous books so let me just say that this is no short of the amazeballs-ness (not a word but you get my point) writing style of Pippa. In fact it takes on an even deeper view of what lies beyond the world of this sci-fi faerie-esque story of our little saru/messenger protagonist, Kesh Lasota.
Kesh is the kind of character where a love/hate relationship between reader and fictional character goes way beyond the norm. Her back story makes you want to hug and comfort her thinking maybe you could help take away all the pain she went through, but you gotta hate her for her frustrating stubbornness and unwillingness to trust. But flashback to her past and you kind of get where she's coming from but still... soooo frustrating!
Anyway, I have to admit that getting into this series, I was a little frustrated that there was little 'action' (if you know what I mean! *wink, wink* if you don't, lemme give it to you straight, I'm talking about sex. LOL) from the previous books. Book two's scene doesn't count considering that's not the guy I want our heroine doing it with. But I gotta say, when it finally happened... IT. WAS. WORTH. THE. WAIT! I won't get into details as to avoid spoiling any of you but you're going to have to trust me on this.
While normally I get pissed off over cliffhangers and having to wait for the next instalment, the ending of this book just got me way more excited to read the next book. And I don't want to rush the beauty that is Pippa's work, I'll say I'm willing to wait for book 4.
September 22, 2018
The Nightshade’s Touch - It's somewhere between a 3 and 4 star. I almost put 4 but my gut says to leave it at 3 because she's such a good author and character developer that I'm grading harshly.
-------SPOILER WARNING-----------
This is the first time I’ve read a book by Pippa DaCosta and didn’t love it. There are many things in this book that just didn’t sit well with me. That being said the construction of the book is still incredible. She knows how to write (even if I don’t like what she’s writing, it’s still written well). There is a good story in here and we learn A LOT about some of our characters and things about the Fae and Faerie. We’re introduced to Sirius, a Guardian of Oberon, who has been sent to retrieve the Wraithmaker. We get to see some unseelie in action and get the truth about Talen.
I like the the Fae stuff, the unseelie, Sirius, Eledan and learning more about Oberon and his need to destroy all things dark fae. I think that backbone of the story is great and well told but how our characters interact with it could have been better. I guess maybe it’s because I realized….I don’t like Mylana. At all.
Now, with that said, I have some thoughts about the book and you have to understand that these thoughts are from the start of the book until the last battle on Hapters at the end of the book….why? Because the last 5-10% of this book is by far the best part of the book and it helps make up for the parts I find lacking.
Thoughts - (in no particular order)
-Why does she even have the whip if she’s never actually going to use it?
-She’s suppose to be this badass battle arena hardened fighter but can’t seem to actually win any fights in the real world (why should we fear her?)
-She’s too emotionally attached to each man in her group. How can she tell them all she loves them and needs them more than anything? This isn’t how a strong independent person does things...it is a sign of a week, insecure person who deep down knows they’re pathetic and can’t do anything on their own. It would have been far better if she was just a promiscuous woman who liked to play around with her men to keep them on a leash and keep them in tow and in their place. Then I could actually respect her being the leader but not how she is now. She’s the one who seems to be on the leash and disrespects each man she says she loves so much.
-I liked Kesh...from the first part of book 1 (the character who was really a lie). I don’t really like who she’s been since then.
-Kellee is by far my favorite character.
-Con for Kellee is the whole Dracula thing. It just seems like a silly tie-in to make and I don’t see how it helps the story or the character. I personally didn’t really see the Vakaru as Vampires.
-Arran - I get that he’s basically suppose to be the counter balance for Kellee but he’s a little too much of the obedient dog. I’d like to see more of him, have his character developed more beyond just being the “puppy dog in love” guy who always agrees with Kesh.
-Game of Lies - What the heck is with Kesh referring to the arena battle in the last book as the title of the book???? It’s so cringy. I hate it and each time it’s said, it really tosses me out of any immersion. It’s not like in that book anyone actually called it “Game of Lies”, so why is Kesh doing that? If the words need to be used than it needs to be just game of lies...not...Game of Lies…..not using the title. Uhhgg...did I mention it’s so damn cringy?
-Sota - NOT ENOUGH SOTA IN THE BOOK!!!! Hell, not enough Sota in the entire series.
-Shinj - Finding out the Fae ship had a name and was truly sentient was pretty cool.
-The whole Talen/Nightshade thing...I’m torn. I think I like the idea a lot. I think if it was developed more, it could have been more epic.
-The Polestar - and Kesh being a piece of it - I like the buried artifacts across the galaxy part of it and the unseelie being a part of that. It’s very cool lore. Kesh really being a piece of it….still wrapping my head around that and since that aspect won't really be covered until the next book, I need to reserve final judgement
-The concept of the group being the Messenger and not just Kesh - Don’t like it!
From the Last Battle on Hapters until the end of the book -
-Arran - WOW dude...Aeon would never have done that. I am hoping he survives though because as I said earlier, I’d like to see more and now there is real potential for character growth and depth.
-Sirius - I hope he survives too because I like him. I actually hope that somehow he becomes a member of the group, even if begrudgingly.
-She started to use her whip but it still wasn’t enough for me. One of the things I loved most about the cover to Shoot the Messenger was the whip. I am a huge fan of that badass looking whip...USE IT MORE!!!
-That battle scene was shaping up to be something truly awesome...I wish it wasn’t cut so short with Kesh’s abduction. I need to know what happened!!!!!!
-The Wraithmaker making a comeback at the very end gives me some hope for Kesh and her ability to rise and be the badass character I thought she would be this whole time.
-More Oberon!
-Where’s Eledan?!?!?! Guess we’ll find out in Prince of Dreams.
The last bit of this book really has me wanting to read the next one. If the book had ended 2 chapters earlier...I may have moved on to something else. Hooray for a strong finish to leave a good impression at the end.
TLDR: the book is worth the read but it wasn’t as good for me as the first two but the last bit is a bit of redemption leading me to the next book!
-------SPOILER WARNING-----------
This is the first time I’ve read a book by Pippa DaCosta and didn’t love it. There are many things in this book that just didn’t sit well with me. That being said the construction of the book is still incredible. She knows how to write (even if I don’t like what she’s writing, it’s still written well). There is a good story in here and we learn A LOT about some of our characters and things about the Fae and Faerie. We’re introduced to Sirius, a Guardian of Oberon, who has been sent to retrieve the Wraithmaker. We get to see some unseelie in action and get the truth about Talen.
I like the the Fae stuff, the unseelie, Sirius, Eledan and learning more about Oberon and his need to destroy all things dark fae. I think that backbone of the story is great and well told but how our characters interact with it could have been better. I guess maybe it’s because I realized….I don’t like Mylana. At all.
Now, with that said, I have some thoughts about the book and you have to understand that these thoughts are from the start of the book until the last battle on Hapters at the end of the book….why? Because the last 5-10% of this book is by far the best part of the book and it helps make up for the parts I find lacking.
Thoughts - (in no particular order)
-Why does she even have the whip if she’s never actually going to use it?
-She’s suppose to be this badass battle arena hardened fighter but can’t seem to actually win any fights in the real world (why should we fear her?)
-She’s too emotionally attached to each man in her group. How can she tell them all she loves them and needs them more than anything? This isn’t how a strong independent person does things...it is a sign of a week, insecure person who deep down knows they’re pathetic and can’t do anything on their own. It would have been far better if she was just a promiscuous woman who liked to play around with her men to keep them on a leash and keep them in tow and in their place. Then I could actually respect her being the leader but not how she is now. She’s the one who seems to be on the leash and disrespects each man she says she loves so much.
-I liked Kesh...from the first part of book 1 (the character who was really a lie). I don’t really like who she’s been since then.
-Kellee is by far my favorite character.
-Con for Kellee is the whole Dracula thing. It just seems like a silly tie-in to make and I don’t see how it helps the story or the character. I personally didn’t really see the Vakaru as Vampires.
-Arran - I get that he’s basically suppose to be the counter balance for Kellee but he’s a little too much of the obedient dog. I’d like to see more of him, have his character developed more beyond just being the “puppy dog in love” guy who always agrees with Kesh.
-Game of Lies - What the heck is with Kesh referring to the arena battle in the last book as the title of the book???? It’s so cringy. I hate it and each time it’s said, it really tosses me out of any immersion. It’s not like in that book anyone actually called it “Game of Lies”, so why is Kesh doing that? If the words need to be used than it needs to be just game of lies...not...Game of Lies…..not using the title. Uhhgg...did I mention it’s so damn cringy?
-Sota - NOT ENOUGH SOTA IN THE BOOK!!!! Hell, not enough Sota in the entire series.
-Shinj - Finding out the Fae ship had a name and was truly sentient was pretty cool.
-The whole Talen/Nightshade thing...I’m torn. I think I like the idea a lot. I think if it was developed more, it could have been more epic.
-The Polestar - and Kesh being a piece of it - I like the buried artifacts across the galaxy part of it and the unseelie being a part of that. It’s very cool lore. Kesh really being a piece of it….still wrapping my head around that and since that aspect won't really be covered until the next book, I need to reserve final judgement
-The concept of the group being the Messenger and not just Kesh - Don’t like it!
From the Last Battle on Hapters until the end of the book -
-Arran - WOW dude...Aeon would never have done that. I am hoping he survives though because as I said earlier, I’d like to see more and now there is real potential for character growth and depth.
-Sirius - I hope he survives too because I like him. I actually hope that somehow he becomes a member of the group, even if begrudgingly.
-She started to use her whip but it still wasn’t enough for me. One of the things I loved most about the cover to Shoot the Messenger was the whip. I am a huge fan of that badass looking whip...USE IT MORE!!!
-That battle scene was shaping up to be something truly awesome...I wish it wasn’t cut so short with Kesh’s abduction. I need to know what happened!!!!!!
-The Wraithmaker making a comeback at the very end gives me some hope for Kesh and her ability to rise and be the badass character I thought she would be this whole time.
-More Oberon!
-Where’s Eledan?!?!?! Guess we’ll find out in Prince of Dreams.
The last bit of this book really has me wanting to read the next one. If the book had ended 2 chapters earlier...I may have moved on to something else. Hooray for a strong finish to leave a good impression at the end.
TLDR: the book is worth the read but it wasn’t as good for me as the first two but the last bit is a bit of redemption leading me to the next book!
September 1, 2018
Pippa DaCosta is one of those authors who I pretty much automatically click “download” on whenever I see she has a new book out, as I always know I will get an enjoyable read out of it. Her Messenger Chronicles series, of which The Nightshade's Touch Is book 3, is the perfect example of why. Leah is a superb, perfectly crafted, character and the imagination behind this truly "mind-blowing" paranormal fae-in-space novel, with its unseelie baddies, is just amazing. Added to another wonderfully plotted and written story and the result is a real winner. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, and it is easy to highly recommend.
December 31, 2018
Actual Rating: 4 Stars
Check out this review, and many more, on my blog: https://riaoum.wordpress.com !
“I see you fighting a war inside, one of loyalty and of a love you have no control over, and I admire how you dare to change your design. Kesh, Wraithmaker, Messenger, Mylana. You have a light in you, one you rarely let shine. Most don’t, won’t, or can’t see it, but as the darkest creature in all of Faerie, I do. Whatever name you choose, you are my star.”
The Nightshade's Touch by Pippa DaCosta is the third book in The Messenger Chronicles and I am pleased to say that things have finally started to pan out. The plot, the characters, the world, they are all falling together nicely, resulting in one action-packed, enjoyable story.
The Nightshade's Touch follows Kesh and her gang as Kesh continues to try to atone for her past and fit into her new role as the Messenger. Things do not come easy for her. Her friends, and her lovers, have a hard time putting their full trust in her, shaking Kesh's resolve to change who she was into someone better, someone good. Their journey in saving the Halow system and the small planet of Hapters is severely tampered by the arrival of unseelie, a myth of a monster that has returned to wreak havoc on the humans of Halow. Banding together may be hard for Kesh, Kellee, and Talen, but it is what they must do if they hope to beat back the seelie and the unseelie alike and save what is left of their system.
The first two books in the series, Shoot the Messenger and Game of Lies weren't my favorite, but I pushed through them and I'm glad I did because they got me to The Nightshade's Touch. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment way more than its predecessors.
Drama. Drama. Drama. The first chunk of the book was just filled with it. The major part of the drama originated from the lack of trust in Kesh, mainly from Kellee, but also from Talen here and there. I wanted to strangle Kellee for the majority of the book, mainly because it was like he had the biggest stick up his ass and couldn't shift away from his opinions in the slightest. Like, I get that he has trust issues when it comes to Kesh, she doesn't have the best track record after all. However, there comes a time when you've gotta make up your mind if you trust a person or not. Kellee doesn't seem to understand this and it takes almost the entire book for him to finally get that Kesh isn't the evil in the story.
Also, Kesh is finally starting to grow on me. Even though she still frustrates me at times, with her constant self-doubt and what not, I get how hard it is to continue to believe in yourself when no one else seems to.
As always, this harem is just totally nuts and I can never tell who I am rooting for. Kellee is the super intense and dangerous lover, the bad boy that we all secretly yearn for. Talen is the silent type that we know is trustworthy and loyal despite all his secrets. Arran... I have mixed feelings for now after reading the ending. And with the introduction of Sirius, who knows how that relationship will turn out. The slow burn is killing me, but at least we were able to get a taste of indulgence in this one.
And that ending. UGH. I swear that was the most unexpected ending so far and I'm glad DaCosta isn't sticking to the usual script anymore. When I was first reading this book, I wasn't sure if I was going to continue on with the series, but after reading the ending, I jumped right into the next one without question.
Overall, the overarching feeling I have for this book is frustration, but it's mostly a good kind of frustration, the kind of frustration that you need to really drive the angst of the story through the roof. If you struggled getting through the first two books like I did, don't give up on the series quite yet. The Nightshade's Touch really brought this series back to life and I'm happy I didn't put it down.
Check out this review, and many more, on my blog: https://riaoum.wordpress.com !
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September 1, 2018
ARC received in exchange for an honest review - thank you!
Frankly, Pippa DaCosta is a GENIUS.
It took me a brief while to get back into the swing of the story, but considering how complex the plot is, it's a testament to her skill that I managed to pick it up again so quickly. Kesh, Kellee, and Aeon - now Arran, having willingly abandoned his memories - are stuck on the world of Hapters, waiting for Talen to come along and get them out whenever he feels up for it. Meanwhile, Oberon's guard Sirius is stalking Kesh ever closer in a bid to return her to the Faerie king. Everywhere Kesh looks, she sees secrets: about herself, her past, the others' pasts, and more.
Pippa's pure technical writing ability is very on display in this novel. It takes a lot of skill to tackle a topic like Faerie in a way that does justice to it; only Holly Black and Karen Marie Moning have, IMO, managed it before. Here we get to see more of the stunningly original world that melds technology with faerie magic. So world-building: tick.
Characters: tick too. Everyone is brilliantly drawn, neither good nor bad. Or bad even when they're good, like Kellee, and good even when they're bad, like Sirius. What I'm basically trying to say is that Pippa knows her characters very well and makes them act in believable ways. The slow burn also finally comes to a head with a guy or two.
Honestly, my biggest complaint is that we didn't get to see Eledan. But considering the title and excerpt from the next book, my hopes are high...
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
Frankly, Pippa DaCosta is a GENIUS.
It took me a brief while to get back into the swing of the story, but considering how complex the plot is, it's a testament to her skill that I managed to pick it up again so quickly. Kesh, Kellee, and Aeon - now Arran, having willingly abandoned his memories - are stuck on the world of Hapters, waiting for Talen to come along and get them out whenever he feels up for it. Meanwhile, Oberon's guard Sirius is stalking Kesh ever closer in a bid to return her to the Faerie king. Everywhere Kesh looks, she sees secrets: about herself, her past, the others' pasts, and more.
Pippa's pure technical writing ability is very on display in this novel. It takes a lot of skill to tackle a topic like Faerie in a way that does justice to it; only Holly Black and Karen Marie Moning have, IMO, managed it before. Here we get to see more of the stunningly original world that melds technology with faerie magic. So world-building: tick.
Characters: tick too. Everyone is brilliantly drawn, neither good nor bad. Or bad even when they're good, like Kellee, and good even when they're bad, like Sirius. What I'm basically trying to say is that Pippa knows her characters very well and makes them act in believable ways. The slow burn also finally comes to a head with a guy or two.
Honestly, my biggest complaint is that we didn't get to see Eledan. But considering the title and excerpt from the next book, my hopes are high...
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
May 15, 2019
This is not a five star book but a ten star book! The story made me think a lot and therefore I took some breaks. Now how to tell you this is an awesome book without giving anything away and spoiling the story! You will get a lot of information about the characters but some of it was expected and others were surprises!
Kesh, Talen, Kellee and Arran are working together to bring about change. The story is full of action, romance and even humor! Plot twists , a lot and some were surprises! Oberon wants the wraithmaker back. He sends out a guardian to bring Kesh back. Is there unusual surprises, oh yeah. So expect to be surprised and I expect you will be looking for the next book, Prince of Dreams, I am!
Kesh, Talen, Kellee and Arran are working together to bring about change. The story is full of action, romance and even humor! Plot twists , a lot and some were surprises! Oberon wants the wraithmaker back. He sends out a guardian to bring Kesh back. Is there unusual surprises, oh yeah. So expect to be surprised and I expect you will be looking for the next book, Prince of Dreams, I am!
November 25, 2018
why isn't the next book out yet?! i need to know more about my baby talon and kellee.
I NEED TO KNOW MORE.
seriously, why do you hurt me pippa?! AND FREAKING TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME BECAUSE OF THAT DAMN IDIOT GLADIATOR?!
you my friend, are evil.
June 5, 2019
This was by far the most epic story out of this series so far! Pippa is the kind of author where we want to wrap her characters up and put them on a shelf until she learns to play nicely, the things she puts them through, she delights in tormenting them! In all seriousness though this is a fantastic story full of pitfalls, betrayals, realizations, and enough twists and turns to turn you inside out. The world building is so epic and expansive that reading these books is like watching a technicolor movie from a page, and each one builds off the one before and just gets that much larger and in depth. Utterly fantastic series and thank you so much for the opportunity to review this jewel!
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