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Eve Williams #2
Birdsong and Bone
Contentment rarely lasts long for someone whose business is death.
It was a simple request.
Or so she thought.
When a local witch calls in a favor to investigate the death of her familiars, Eve's eager to clear the debt. But contracts with witches are rarely so easy.
Eve didn't anticipate getting caught up in a Jinx by agreeing to help - giving her little choice to help or suffer the consequences of a Jinx unfulfilled. But her investigation uncovers something bigger than the dead familiars. Someone is stalking and killing the city’s magical citizens and all signs point to the culprit being someone close to Eve’s heart.
Download your copy today to explore secrets, twists, and a magical mystery that you won't want to put down.
It was a simple request.
Or so she thought.
When a local witch calls in a favor to investigate the death of her familiars, Eve's eager to clear the debt. But contracts with witches are rarely so easy.
Eve didn't anticipate getting caught up in a Jinx by agreeing to help - giving her little choice to help or suffer the consequences of a Jinx unfulfilled. But her investigation uncovers something bigger than the dead familiars. Someone is stalking and killing the city’s magical citizens and all signs point to the culprit being someone close to Eve’s heart.
Download your copy today to explore secrets, twists, and a magical mystery that you won't want to put down.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 21, 2019
83 people are currently reading
62 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Beasley
5 books80 followersI'm an urban fantasy author. I write stories about sarcastic necromancers, sword-wielding druids and fat-ass cats. My books are packed with intriguing characters, deadly magic, and mystery.
I live in the Midwest with my husband, our two children, a dog, and our own fat-ass cat. I've been in love with mythology, folklore, and the paranormal for as long as I can remember and I want to share that love with my readers.
I live in the Midwest with my husband, our two children, a dog, and our own fat-ass cat. I've been in love with mythology, folklore, and the paranormal for as long as I can remember and I want to share that love with my readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 18, 2021
We Get Inside of James's Head
*****Spoilers*****
I liked this one better, mostly because the author did a much better job of including information necessary to understand what was going on and why. I felt less lost and had fewer questions though I noted there were more grammatical errors in this one than the first. It's not to distraction but noticeable.
Eve is off on another interconnected adventure and it's just as engaging as the first. Sometimes I can't help wondering why she doesn't have more combat training given the scrapes she's getting into. She's tricked into a Jinx and is on a timeline to solve a harpy witch's request to find what's killing birds. Thankfully Eve gets to the finish line with help from James and Wist as well as Shaw, another druid and friend of James which was surprising. The book was more enjoyable too because we got several instances of riding along with James. Being able to better understand him was worthwhile and I wonder how he's going to react going forward because his Wild very openly has a thing for Eve. He's protecting her and doing things out of usual character, even the other being inside of him, Silas is succumbing to the emotions stirred by the Wild. We'll see what, if anything, develops in future along those lines.
*****Spoilers*****
I liked this one better, mostly because the author did a much better job of including information necessary to understand what was going on and why. I felt less lost and had fewer questions though I noted there were more grammatical errors in this one than the first. It's not to distraction but noticeable.
Eve is off on another interconnected adventure and it's just as engaging as the first. Sometimes I can't help wondering why she doesn't have more combat training given the scrapes she's getting into. She's tricked into a Jinx and is on a timeline to solve a harpy witch's request to find what's killing birds. Thankfully Eve gets to the finish line with help from James and Wist as well as Shaw, another druid and friend of James which was surprising. The book was more enjoyable too because we got several instances of riding along with James. Being able to better understand him was worthwhile and I wonder how he's going to react going forward because his Wild very openly has a thing for Eve. He's protecting her and doing things out of usual character, even the other being inside of him, Silas is succumbing to the emotions stirred by the Wild. We'll see what, if anything, develops in future along those lines.
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October 13, 2021okay I think the reason I had some issues with first one is we didn’t much about anyone like I found out she’s probably twenty five in this book basically character details were missing so yeah I enjoyed it will continue
November 28, 2020
This series is off to a good start, just needs some tightening up......
This story was as riveting as the first tale in the series. The world building moves along at a good pace and keeps things interesting. What this saga lacks so far is, good, solid character descriptions and some groundwork on their backgrounds. At this point, I no idea what James or any of the characters look like and the only thing that stands out about Eve is that her super curly hair is thick enough to retain broken glass from car accidents. There is no explanation of how she got her power,where her parents are, or if she has or had siblings. For a main character, Eve Williams is pretty much a blank slate, but I'll be starting the third book soon in hopes that the author has started fleshing things out.
This story was as riveting as the first tale in the series. The world building moves along at a good pace and keeps things interesting. What this saga lacks so far is, good, solid character descriptions and some groundwork on their backgrounds. At this point, I no idea what James or any of the characters look like and the only thing that stands out about Eve is that her super curly hair is thick enough to retain broken glass from car accidents. There is no explanation of how she got her power,where her parents are, or if she has or had siblings. For a main character, Eve Williams is pretty much a blank slate, but I'll be starting the third book soon in hopes that the author has started fleshing things out.
December 30, 2025
2.5 stars.
-Spoilers, kinda, but not really-
The fact that I read this book in about 5 hours is a testament to how much more detail it needed. I mentioned in the review for the first book that the story would greatly benefit from being told in first person POV, and I stand by that. There are weaknesses in the writing that I can forgive in a first book, that is the start of a series, that I cannot forgive in the second book which should have improved upon them.
There is a gross lack of detail and information and scenes that we should have had. For example:
How did she and Vovin first meet? When she went to visit him, she was surprised he remembered her name but we're never given any information on how they previously met.
What happened when Eve first visited the Arachnae that makes her fear their nest so much?
I'm not sure I fully understand what an Aeshma is, so more information about them would have been nice. Especially why James hunted them to extinction. Was that during his time in London?
Eve has another friend other than Wist? Who is Gisela? How long has she been Eve's best friend? Is she human?
What about Eve calls to the Wild so much so that James's control breaks around her? I assume it plays a role in his attraction to her, considering how his Wild behaves with her.
Those are just a few of many questions I had while reading this book. All of this should have been expanded upon.
Another issue I had with the writing is everything seemed to be an afterthought. Eve grabs hold of a ghost to talk to it and James can hear/see the ghost and asks the ghost a question. Only then does it say Eve made it so James could also interact with the ghost. Say that before he interacts with it. You've already established that he, and others, can't see the ghost she interacts with so it completely broke me from the scene when he started talking to the ghost somehow. Also, Vovin found her from a piece of wood she scratched herself on when fleeing his office, leaving a hint of her blood? Did I miss the sentence in that scene where she scratched herself? Why not say it in the moment instead of many chapters later. James commented how Eve rambled in her fevered sleep about "home" post the visions. Why not show us that? We have plenty of James POV chapters and sections but not that? So many thoughts and actions occured a little too late and not in the moment.
Overall, I still found the story mostly interesting. I always enjoy seeing Eve use her necromancy. I'm curious if any of the abilities gained from the jinx will remain. Will she have an affinity with birds now? We are obviously moving towards her becoming Speaker of the Dead. I'm curious what that transition will be like and what that means about Harlan's fate. Also, I like Shaw. Would be nice to see him again. He's good for James.
-Spoilers, kinda, but not really-
The fact that I read this book in about 5 hours is a testament to how much more detail it needed. I mentioned in the review for the first book that the story would greatly benefit from being told in first person POV, and I stand by that. There are weaknesses in the writing that I can forgive in a first book, that is the start of a series, that I cannot forgive in the second book which should have improved upon them.
There is a gross lack of detail and information and scenes that we should have had. For example:
How did she and Vovin first meet? When she went to visit him, she was surprised he remembered her name but we're never given any information on how they previously met.
What happened when Eve first visited the Arachnae that makes her fear their nest so much?
I'm not sure I fully understand what an Aeshma is, so more information about them would have been nice. Especially why James hunted them to extinction. Was that during his time in London?
Eve has another friend other than Wist? Who is Gisela? How long has she been Eve's best friend? Is she human?
What about Eve calls to the Wild so much so that James's control breaks around her? I assume it plays a role in his attraction to her, considering how his Wild behaves with her.
Those are just a few of many questions I had while reading this book. All of this should have been expanded upon.
Another issue I had with the writing is everything seemed to be an afterthought. Eve grabs hold of a ghost to talk to it and James can hear/see the ghost and asks the ghost a question. Only then does it say Eve made it so James could also interact with the ghost. Say that before he interacts with it. You've already established that he, and others, can't see the ghost she interacts with so it completely broke me from the scene when he started talking to the ghost somehow. Also, Vovin found her from a piece of wood she scratched herself on when fleeing his office, leaving a hint of her blood? Did I miss the sentence in that scene where she scratched herself? Why not say it in the moment instead of many chapters later. James commented how Eve rambled in her fevered sleep about "home" post the visions. Why not show us that? We have plenty of James POV chapters and sections but not that? So many thoughts and actions occured a little too late and not in the moment.
Overall, I still found the story mostly interesting. I always enjoy seeing Eve use her necromancy. I'm curious if any of the abilities gained from the jinx will remain. Will she have an affinity with birds now? We are obviously moving towards her becoming Speaker of the Dead. I'm curious what that transition will be like and what that means about Harlan's fate. Also, I like Shaw. Would be nice to see him again. He's good for James.
October 13, 2020
I really liked Birdsong and Bones. Eve and James spend more time together, so their relationship is strengthened as the book goes on. You get James's point of view, which provides a better insight into his character. There's quite a bit going on with him. I enjoyed his and Eve's interactions with Wist and Shaw.
I liked the plot, but I did figures out the why before the characters; however, the who/what still doesn't quite make sense to me. It's not bad, but it just felt a bit off. Also, what happened to the ring James gave Eve? I don't remember her returning it to him in book one, and it's never mentioned in this book. It's as it never existed.
That said, I still recommend this book.
I liked the plot, but I did figures out the why before the characters; however, the who/what still doesn't quite make sense to me. It's not bad, but it just felt a bit off. Also, what happened to the ring James gave Eve? I don't remember her returning it to him in book one, and it's never mentioned in this book. It's as it never existed.
That said, I still recommend this book.
November 30, 2023
Whew! Finished book one of this series, and plunged straight into book 2. In book 2, we get James' perspective from time to time and I really enjoyed that, especially early on in the book as it clarified so much about him. The tradeoff, I suppose, is that he's less mysterious and consequently less awesome and less frightening, but I liked seeing him human and vulnerable.
This book picks up right where the previous one left off (I think some time has passed, actually, but the plot and character lines pick right up). And I enjoyed the jinx device and all that happened. Inhaled this one and have moved on to book 3!
This book picks up right where the previous one left off (I think some time has passed, actually, but the plot and character lines pick right up). And I enjoyed the jinx device and all that happened. Inhaled this one and have moved on to book 3!
September 1, 2019
The series continues strongly with this next installment. The world is expanding to include all sorts of creatures and some twists on classics. There is a nasty villain that keeps the book moving and you cheer to see it go down.
James is revealed to be a lot more complicated than I ever guessed. He actually has a reason for his hot and cold attitude towards Eve. Eve and James' relationship is developing slowly which I prefer to instalove.
Off to the next which just happened to have come out.
James is revealed to be a lot more complicated than I ever guessed. He actually has a reason for his hot and cold attitude towards Eve. Eve and James' relationship is developing slowly which I prefer to instalove.
Off to the next which just happened to have come out.
October 23, 2020
Great 2nd Book
The pacing of this book is as good as the first one. We delve a little more into the world of the witches but not too much. They make Eve get caught up in some trouble that puts her in constant danger and she has to unravel a puzzle before it’s too late. I love her complicated relationship with James and can’t wait to see them continue to grow. The introduction to a new character helps you realize how large and intriguing this world can be, and I look forward to learning more about it. Again I highly recommend!
The pacing of this book is as good as the first one. We delve a little more into the world of the witches but not too much. They make Eve get caught up in some trouble that puts her in constant danger and she has to unravel a puzzle before it’s too late. I love her complicated relationship with James and can’t wait to see them continue to grow. The introduction to a new character helps you realize how large and intriguing this world can be, and I look forward to learning more about it. Again I highly recommend!
August 27, 2023
Good series
I’d still say that this is a good series. I was looking forward to greater development of the interpersonal relationships amongst the characters. There was some but not enough in my opinion. Characters are lacking the self awareness to even explore relationships between one another, and I can’t wait until that aspect snaps into place. I believe the series will be 100x better for it. I will continue to the next book with the hope that we get a little more personal with the characters!
I’d still say that this is a good series. I was looking forward to greater development of the interpersonal relationships amongst the characters. There was some but not enough in my opinion. Characters are lacking the self awareness to even explore relationships between one another, and I can’t wait until that aspect snaps into place. I believe the series will be 100x better for it. I will continue to the next book with the hope that we get a little more personal with the characters!
March 28, 2019
Enjoyed it
In the second novel, you learn more about James than Eve. It's a good thing since I didn't like him in the first book. Now that I am more aware of his situation, he has grown on me. The new character kept things interesting, and I truly wouldn't mind seeing in him again in future books. I would like to see what happens with Eve and James, so naturally I will keep watch for the next book in the series.
In the second novel, you learn more about James than Eve. It's a good thing since I didn't like him in the first book. Now that I am more aware of his situation, he has grown on me. The new character kept things interesting, and I truly wouldn't mind seeing in him again in future books. I would like to see what happens with Eve and James, so naturally I will keep watch for the next book in the series.
August 24, 2019
I've really been enjoying this series! I love the main character's personality and the fact that she's a necromancer. It's refreshing and fun to read about a fantastical creature that is not often used in books as the main character. If you're an urban fantasy lover looking for something different, I definitely recommend this! Also, there's a great romance storyline without insta-love! It's more of a slow burn and realistic in the best way!
August 30, 2019
Unique and clearly underrated
If you liked the first book, well you will absolutely freaking love this one. We got to see James/Silas/...(spoilers) P.O.V and I enjoyed it. Eve's and his relationship went a bit further and I raced through this book. The mystery might not have been as intriguing as the first but everything else made up for it. I will definitely be continuing this series and have in fact preordered the third book.
If you liked the first book, well you will absolutely freaking love this one. We got to see James/Silas/...(spoilers) P.O.V and I enjoyed it. Eve's and his relationship went a bit further and I raced through this book. The mystery might not have been as intriguing as the first but everything else made up for it. I will definitely be continuing this series and have in fact preordered the third book.
September 20, 2019
I can't get enough of this series!! Eve and Charon (the delightfully fat beast) are at it again , solving dangerous mysteries with the ever meddling help of James. The wound too tight enforcer is trying to get her to spill the secrets of her current case, but because her friend Wist and a rude harpy, Eve is now jinxed and is magically oathed to reveal nothing. But time is ticking for her to and her friends to stop something she doesn't even understand.
March 27, 2021
Very enjoyable series
There are so many things to like about this series. Excellent world building and interesting character development among them.
The writer is clearly skilled. However, the erroneous use of the word "drug" as the past tense of "drag" was bothersome. It may seem like a trivial criticism, but I found it jarring. It interrupted the flow of what is otherwise a well written story. If not for that, I would have given 5 stars.
There are so many things to like about this series. Excellent world building and interesting character development among them.
The writer is clearly skilled. However, the erroneous use of the word "drug" as the past tense of "drag" was bothersome. It may seem like a trivial criticism, but I found it jarring. It interrupted the flow of what is otherwise a well written story. If not for that, I would have given 5 stars.
December 22, 2021
What a wild ride!
I can't express how much I'm loving this series! Eve, James, Wist, and the whole host of characters that populate this universe are full of interesting secrets that we readers are happily privy to as each story unfolds. I won't give any plot points away, but I will say if you enjoy urban fantasy, murder mysteries, a dash of romance and a healthy dose of sarcastic wit, this series is for you.
I can't express how much I'm loving this series! Eve, James, Wist, and the whole host of characters that populate this universe are full of interesting secrets that we readers are happily privy to as each story unfolds. I won't give any plot points away, but I will say if you enjoy urban fantasy, murder mysteries, a dash of romance and a healthy dose of sarcastic wit, this series is for you.
April 26, 2019
Another absolutely thrilling adventure with Eve!
This series is riveting! Great plot, well developed characters and so well written it's like watching a movie in your head while reading. I love all the magic and different shifters and witches. I had a really hard time putting this down. Highly recommend
This series is riveting! Great plot, well developed characters and so well written it's like watching a movie in your head while reading. I love all the magic and different shifters and witches. I had a really hard time putting this down. Highly recommend
July 16, 2020
Ugggh. I wanted to like this, I really did. I like the idea of the story but I just couldn’t get through it. I do NOT like big growling “alpha” (I say that in quotes as it’s such a bad way to write a character) guys who “must show women their place”. Can’t do it. How you gonna write a strong good female character and then make the men so horribly unlikable? Not for me.
November 13, 2020
Exactly What I wanted
I get tired of the paranormal erotica sometimes. Sometimes I just want a story to get loss it. One that I can relate to that doesn’t move along to fast. I love detective, mystery type reads I also love comedy and romance is always a given. I am truly enjoying this series.
I get tired of the paranormal erotica sometimes. Sometimes I just want a story to get loss it. One that I can relate to that doesn’t move along to fast. I love detective, mystery type reads I also love comedy and romance is always a given. I am truly enjoying this series.
December 7, 2020
So good
This series gets better with every book. Each case that she takes on or reluctantly takes on is filled with danger and revelations as well as building her confidence in her abilities. She Has a big heart and cares for all. Her desire to help get her into a lot of trouble.
I can’t wait to see if she and Jamie embrace what is brewing between them.
This series gets better with every book. Each case that she takes on or reluctantly takes on is filled with danger and revelations as well as building her confidence in her abilities. She Has a big heart and cares for all. Her desire to help get her into a lot of trouble.
I can’t wait to see if she and Jamie embrace what is brewing between them.
February 19, 2021
2nd book aas great!
The second book was good. I like that we got to hear James/Silas in this book. We got to hear how he felt and the author shared a little bit of James back story. He is still a mystery but we know him a little more about him in this story. I still like how Eve is strong but is also vulnerable. Her being vulnerable does not take away from character.
The second book was good. I like that we got to hear James/Silas in this book. We got to hear how he felt and the author shared a little bit of James back story. He is still a mystery but we know him a little more about him in this story. I still like how Eve is strong but is also vulnerable. Her being vulnerable does not take away from character.
November 21, 2022
Go get your man girl.
I loved this story. Eve and James really are perfect for each other because they tolerate the parts of each other that everyone else hates about them. That's someone you keep close. Go get your man Eve, you've even grown on Silas a little even if he won't admit it.
I loved this story. Eve and James really are perfect for each other because they tolerate the parts of each other that everyone else hates about them. That's someone you keep close. Go get your man Eve, you've even grown on Silas a little even if he won't admit it.
April 28, 2019
Looking forward to reading the next book in the series
It's a slow burn and keeps you guessing I like that the main characters have not fallen for each other as of yet but they are starting to feel something I won't say any more read it and make your own conclusions.
It's a slow burn and keeps you guessing I like that the main characters have not fallen for each other as of yet but they are starting to feel something I won't say any more read it and make your own conclusions.
May 30, 2019
This book was very dark for me and it kept me wondering what is going to happen next kind of wish there was a little more sex or even an inkling of weather the two would get together waiting for the next one God bless you
July 23, 2019
Great series
I stumbled upon this series through Amazon Unlimited. It is a unique and wonderful series. Action packed with moments of humor throughout. I cannot wait for the 3rd book on this series, and will definitely be watching for other series from this author.
I stumbled upon this series through Amazon Unlimited. It is a unique and wonderful series. Action packed with moments of humor throughout. I cannot wait for the 3rd book on this series, and will definitely be watching for other series from this author.
September 1, 2019
Excellent read!!
I loved this book! I think it was even better than the first one. The plot was intricate and unexpected, and the connection between Eve and James was fantastic! I would recommend this series to anyone who loves Seanan McGuire's "October Daye" series .
I loved this book! I think it was even better than the first one. The plot was intricate and unexpected, and the connection between Eve and James was fantastic! I would recommend this series to anyone who loves Seanan McGuire's "October Daye" series .
August 9, 2020
Wow ! and wow ! What great read
I love book 2 of the Eve Williams adventures just as much as book 1, Oh well maybe a little bit more okay !! The chemistry between her and James\ Silas is so very hot ! Wow I will have to definitely start reading book 3 tonight !!!
I love book 2 of the Eve Williams adventures just as much as book 1, Oh well maybe a little bit more okay !! The chemistry between her and James\ Silas is so very hot ! Wow I will have to definitely start reading book 3 tonight !!!
January 10, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. The story is interesting and kept moving along. I actually slowed down reading it because I knew I wouldn’t be able to put it down easily. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
January 24, 2021
Why, Hello There James :)
Im loving the tale from James' perspective as well. So much internal struggle. The angst! We love to see it lol. I wonder if Shaw will find his match out there. Now thatd be interesting af.
Im loving the tale from James' perspective as well. So much internal struggle. The angst! We love to see it lol. I wonder if Shaw will find his match out there. Now thatd be interesting af.
December 5, 2021
Birdsong and Bone
Amazing book. The book has everything. Love, romance, action, mystery paranormal and fun. Loved the characters and everything we find out about them. Excellent book.
Amazing book. The book has everything. Love, romance, action, mystery paranormal and fun. Loved the characters and everything we find out about them. Excellent book.
September 2, 2022
It was good. The mystery was okay. I still like our main character. It was nice to have POV of the enforcer. You get to know him more. However, I had issues with the writing this time. It wasn’t too obvious the first book but glaringly so with this installment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews