As the first Justice of the Arcana Council in two hundred years, Tarot-reading Sara Wilde is tasked with taking out the most dangerous magic-wielding criminals on the planet. Her first assignment? A killer known only as the Red King, who's systematically picking off the world's most gifted magicians in the rollicking streets and storied canals of Venice, Italy, on the eve of Carnevale.
Amidst the festival's music, masks, and brightly colored costumes, Sara must unravel the truth about a brutal murderer from Venice's own murky past, navigate the twisting political currents of magicians who seek to rival her own Council, and keep one costume change ahead of a conjurer whose lethal spells could end Justice--permanently. Good thing the diabolically sexy and deeply powerful Magician of the Arcana Council has Sara's back...if only he didn't hold so much of her heart as well.
The canals of Venice will run with blood when you deal in The Red King.
Jenn Stark is a Golden Heart award-winning author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. She lives and writes in Ohio. . . and she definitely loves to write. :) In addition to her urban fantasy Immortal Vegas and Wilde Justice series and her paranormal romance Demon Enforcers series, she is also author Jennifer McGowan, whose Maids of Honor series of Young Adult Elizabethan spy romances are published by Simon & Schuster, and author Jennifer Chance, whose Rule Breakers series of New Adult contemporary romances are published by Random House/LoveSwept and whose modern royals series, Gowns & Crowns, is now available.
This author also goes by Jennifer McGowan. See that Goodreads author page here.
So excited for the launch of The Red King on Oct. 10!
This book is a little different than Sara Wilde books of the past, with a full-out mystery for Sara to solve, but I was thrilled to have her explore the gorgeous world of Venice at Carnevale, and to figure out the ups and downs of her new role as Justice! I will be doing some fun launch giveaways so stay tuned for more information as we get closer to the launch date.
*Source* Author *Genre* Urban Fantasy *Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
The Red King is the first installment in author Jenn Stark's Wilde Justice series. If you are new to this world, let me set you on the right path. Wilde Justice is actually a spin-off from the authors Immortal Vegas series. In fact, this book picks up shortly after the ending of Wilde Fire. You don't necessarily have to have read the previous series, but it never hurts. Plus, if you have read the previous series, you will immediately identify all of the major players in this new series.
For the new series, I give this book a 10 star rating! An awesome book and a new venue for Sara. We have an very interesting story with plot twists! I saw one coming but missed another! Sara and Nikki Dawes are still together but now Sara is a Justice on the Council! Her first real case is a real dwoosy! She is asked by someone for help which necessitates her going to Venice. Such an interesting place to be during an upcoming magic celebration! Some old things have cropped up involving drugs and a past / ancient butcher. People are dying but some will be saved. The romance is still there but a bit subdued! Meet Mrs. French and what I would call the lost boys. All lot has changed since the influx of magic of which many lives were changed. Some were not changed as they would like and so the story begins! There are surprises for Sara and new ways for her to travel. I love the book and the beginning of a new series and look forward to the next book to be released!
Absolutely positively loved LOVED this book! I was completely Captivated and now really want to go to Venice and experience it and Carnevale. I loved the ongoing look into Sara and the magician and Nikki is as enjoyable as ever. Truly a very well written book. Can’t wait for the next installment!
** I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This doesn't affect the content of my review. **
It was so much fun to see Sara and Nikki out on an adventure. I have missed them together like this since the original series ended and we just get brief inclusions in the new series.
I really liked seeing Venice thru Sara's eyes. This is a great story with lots of action and adventure. She is on a mission to protect the magical community from a major threat. There are many twists and the ending surprised me. It really brought me back to what made the original series so special and a must read for me.
In her newly elevated to position of Justice of the Arcana council, Sara (and Nikki) are sent to Venice to the annual gathering of the worlds magicians. Dark practitioner magic from centuries ago is making a comeback with the deaths of magicians. As Sara delves deeper into the mystery of the deaths, and the identity of The Red King, the connected of the world got an upgrade to their magic she couldn't have imagined. Great mystery, not an inkling of the identity til the very end. Nice cameo's of the Arcana council. Super start to the series, loved it. And we got Nikki...yes!
If you loved the Immortal Vegas series where we first met Sara, and are enjoying the Demon Enforcer series that follows, then you will LOVE this new Wilde Justice series!
Get ye to the bookseller of your choice and preorder or one-click this book, because you won’t regret it!
Sara Wilde is back serving up Justice! I loved the interaction between Justice Sara and Judgement Gamon. Sara has a big heart and sees the best in everyone where Gamon has thicker skin and is cynical.
I enjoyed the setting in Venice. The plot was good and Nikki had me laughing out loud a lot.
I look forward to the next book. Love this series!!
*** I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This doesn't affect the content of my reviewing
The Red King is a whodunit whose prime sleuth is Lady Justice herself. That is, Sara Wilde in her new role as Justice of the Arcana Council. This is the first entry in a new series, "Wilde Justice", by Jenn Stark.
When Sara collars a couple of two-bit drug pushers, she's tracking the distribution of a new, far more powerful 'technoceutical' - a drug meant to enhance the inherent magical abilities of the connected. The top of that distribution pyramid appears to be someone styled as the "Red King", who may or may not be related to a certain gastronomie in old Venice. Off, then, to that watery city for Sara and her flamboyant sidekick Nikki.
The story picks up shortly after the Immortal Vegas series ends, as Justice Sara tries to settle into her new job. It brings with it new-employee hassles that will be familiar to every newbie, if said newbie was employed by the Arcana Council.
Author Jenn Stark starts off with a bang but gets tangled in the hazard of every series writer as she chews pages trying to bring the new reader up to speed in her world. Once past that, the story tempo improves. Throughout the book several characters from the Immortal Vegas series show up in cameo, providing a degree of continuity. They play a smaller role but are well-placed to move the story along.
Gone, for instance, is much (not all) of the emotional byplay among principals of the earlier series. On the other hand, Nikki carries forward her Nikkiness, and the author's voice for the character is always consistent and fun.
As the story moves to Venice it takes shape and momentum. While the ending is in small ways foreshadowed, Stark takes us to a rousing finale worthy of any of the Wilde series. It may not be the blockbuster of Getting Wilde (the first entry in Immortal Vegas), where everything is new and, well, wild. But it will satisfy those who thought the end of that series came too soon and have pined for more.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This in no way affects the content of my review.
What a wonderful start to a new series. Wilde has a new position and if the learning curve doesn't get her there are plenty of things in line for her to worry about. Venice is the place to be during carnival and if she can catch the Red King she may save lives as well. There's plenty of action and twist as she investigates, learns about her powers, gets history lesson and tries to stay alive. Nikki is amazing and love the two of them together. This is a great story and I love everything about it and can't wait for more.
I loved the book. Sara is great as Justice, its what she was made for. The exotic location of Venice at Carnavale with all the magicians getting together to form alliances and she had to look for the Red King which I did not see it coming who he was. I loved Sara and the Magician been together. And of course Nikki. I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This doesn't affect the content of my review.
I have been extolling the virtues of the Immortal Vegas series and Jenn Stark's ability to create a whole new way of looking at the UF world ever since I first found it . When I thought it was ending I was heartbroken. So finding out Sara was alive and well just living in a new role, the one as Justice on the Arcana Council, it was like Christmas morning and my birthday all rolled up into one.
Sara is back. She's Justice now. And her powers are not just enhanced, but different. Her job is to bring to Justice those Connecteds who have done wrong and/or get Justice for those who have had wrong done to them. With Gamon as Judgment the Connecteds around the world would soon learn to, well, at least be apprehensive of the two of them being around. Gamon is no wilting flower to be observed and discarded. She's dangerous in the most intense ways possible. And while Sara is still adjusting to her new role, she'll get it soon enough with a little help from Armaeus. And she'll be her usual force to be respected.
Watching Armaeus and Sara together is a treat. They really are in love, but she's not the type to swoon and he's not the type to be all roses and sweet words all the time. Regardless of whether they are entrenched in love or work, the two are so good together. I have to admit it, these two are my favorite UF couple. So watching them travel about administering Justice, or just being together, is gong to be one of my favorite pastimes.
I don't like to give away plots so I avoid giving out spoilers. That being said, The Red King is a great start to Sara's new career, and going to Venice an apropos place to start. New people are introduced. Old friends are present. Nikki of course is there, right next to Sara where she seems to truly belong. Kreios is still hanging around on the periphery making his presence known. A couple other Arcana Council members also show up. This series, I believe, is going to be more about the Arcana Council and less about Sara saving the Connected children. It's a new path for Sara, and I'm so very glad Jenn Stark is carrying on her story.
So Very Well Done, Jenn Stark!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This doesn't affect the content of my review. And because I truly support the authors I admire so much, I also bought a copy.
I read one book in the Immortal Vegas series, and I was hooked. When I finished the series, I felt that familiar deflated feeling. Believe me, I was satisfied with the ending, but I just didn’t want to give up the characters because I enjoyed Sara and her Magician so much. I missed Nikki’s fabulousness, friendship and humor. I just needed to give myself time for the Arcana Council to fade a bit before starting to read Sara’s journey from artifact hunter to Justice again.
I couldn’t believe it. Sara’s back! The Red King is everything I hoped it would be. Sara visits an exotic location and finds herself surrounded by the glamour of Venice, Carnevale and Nikki. Of course, when Sara arrives, the Connected start dying, and she must act as detective and Justice to discover the supposed culprit known as the Red King.
I started reading, and I couldn’t stop. And yes, the Council does make appearance. What would the story be without a hint of Esme, irritated with Sara as usual, the Devil, the incorrigible flirt, and the enigmatic, Armaeus? In my opinion, there can never be enough, Armaeus.
The best part is that the author, Jenn Stark, is soliciting locations for another book featuring Sara Wilde. YES! This isn’t the end! I know that The Red King just came out, but I can’t wait for Sara’s next adventure.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This doesn’t affect the content of my review.
Having Sara be elevated to the Justice of the Arcana Council was a stroke of genius on Jenn Stark's part. The path of the character can go anywhere now. We still get to discover her powers, but what I liked most about the book was that Sara got back to basics. She got back to what we first were introduced to her...reading her tarot cards to find out answers and possible outcomes. The action is again non-stop, the plot keeps you guessing. The characters and the new characters are so interesting. Their stories add to the main story. I don't want to tell you about the book because you can read that in the blurb about what the book is about. I will tell you that even if you have not read the first series about Sara (shame on you, you don't know what you are missing), you can read this one and still really love the book. Can't wait till the next one comes out. Just so you all know: I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This doesn't affect the content of my review. I am seriously considering just buying the next however many books because all I do is gush about Jenn Stark's writing and characters. I love them that much.
What a fabulous read! I consumed this book in a few hours and thoroughly enjoyed it. After finishing the Immortal Vegas Series I wondered how well it would work continuing the story of much loved characters, but this delivered and then some. Sara starts to learn more about her new role on the Arcana Council as Justice, and true to form the Magician has kept the more salient points to himself. Its fun to follow Sara and Nikki on their adventures around Venice's Carnevale and interesting to see the by-play between Sara and her fellow council members. I am looking forward to following this new series, can't wait for the next installment.
I absolutely love the Wilde Series I look forward to each one I keep wondering if they will ever get boring. Well not yet by a long shot. The new characters in The Red King were delightful. Jenn is always giving us new twists and action to keep you wanting more. The books just keep getting better read it in 2 days left work earl second day LOL. A must read. I received an advance copy of this book from publisher and it doesn't affect my review.
So entertaining. Full of excitement, adventure, danger, intrigue and hints of romance. An outstanding story that will keep the reader totally engrossed.. This is an excellent read for a true adventures seeker. Anyone cannot go wrong by reading any books by Jenn Stark.
This is a new series with Sara Wilde. Sara gets into adventure and danger, as she seeks The Red King and a new drug affecting the connected and magicians. I like the descriptions of Venice and her famous Carnivale. I like the action. If you like the Immortal Vegas series, you will like this new one.
This was a great next phase for the Immortal Vegas series, and as much as I enjoyed the archeology background. The maturing of Sara and her side kick Nikki gives a fresh new learning of the new bringer of justice for the Arcana council. Can't wait to see where this leads us, and Sara got the bad guy on her first outing. Great read!
I picked this up free at the beginning of the year after reading this authors entire Immortal Vegas series pretty much back to back. It contains the same set of characters but now Sara Wilde is part of the Arcana Council herself and is solving mysteries, instead of hunting for artefacts.
This one starts with Sara chasing someone up a mountain who's been selling technoceuticals to minors and has been marked for Justice. It's after he's been sent to be judged that whispers of the Red King begin to surface. A tale of a butcher in Venice who used to be renown for his stews until something was found in them that caused him to be hunted down and killed. Now it appears he's back from the dead and using the Venice Carnivale as a hunting ground and Sara is sent in to investigate.
I don't know about this one. I liked being back in the world of Sara and the Arcana Council. I enjoyed seeing more of the Devil and the Magician but there wasn't enough action to keep my entertained. I've been reading this nearly a week and there isn't even 250 pages in this.
I loved the descriptions of Carnivale and I'd love to visit Venice during that time but the mystery of who the Red King was and what his plan was just wasn't grabbing my attention. I think I preferred Sara hunting down the artefacts in the previous series. I think it was just more action packed and the tension between Sara and the Magician and the whole will they/won't they get together.
I will probably continue this series at a later date just because I still really like Sara and the Magician's relationship and the Devil who always pops up at just the right time/gives enough information away to help her.
I was really glad to come back to Sara, Nikki, and the other fabulous figures of Stark's imagination. I like that Sara has this new responsibility, and we all knew that her becoming a member of the Arcana Council has been a long time coming.
It's great that Stark has decided to follow Sara's new adventures, and I like that she's not just the same Sara that she's always been. Her powers are evolving: some newly developing and others disappearing as part of her ascension to the Council. I think it makes a lot of sense for her to continue changing, and I love that we get our dynamic duo of Nikki and Sara back into action.
One aspect that kind of dragged at me a little was the pacing. I felt like it started off very quickly, bursting into action with Sara's latest acquisition as Justice. There's mystery and danger pretty immediately, and it seemed like it was setting the tone as a pretty swift story. Once they got to Venice, however, I felt like the pacing started to drag a little.
Overall, the story was still gripping, and I'm as invested in the characters as I ever have been. Their development makes it a "must" to continue following Sara's journey, and, as always, I love the moments that we get between her and Armeus. I know their relationship is unconventional, but I really just love the two of them together.
I didn't enjoy this as much as I wanted to and I can't really say why. It was well written and I didn't dislike anything about it, but I never really got into it. I was able to leave it lying around for days without the strong urge to know what happens next. Maybe it was just the wrong book at the wrong time for me, and I'm not ruling out ever returning to the series. But right now, I don't care enough about these characters to pick up the next one. (This is a spin-off of another series - which I didn't realize when I started this -, so maybe I would've had an easier time caring about these characters if I had known their whole history.)
The book started off great, interesting new characters and positions for old ones from the prior series. Then, it got slow, plodding, unusually so for this author. The plot was in need of some spice too.