Hi everyone! My name is Sara, and I write urban fantasy and paranormal novels as SM Reine. I collect swords, cat hair, and typewriters (which I do use for writing!). It's a good day when those three things have nothing to do with each other.
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
This second book in this series was fantastic, but you do definitely need to have read the first one for this one to make complete sense. This story follows on immediately after the events of the first one and Allene, a sylph and Raven Knight finds herself in a dark, dank place, not the place she really wanted to wake up in.
She soon realises where she is and who has put her there, but her captor is actually the one person she needed to see, if only to end them! However, things change; she changes, her captor changes and eventually the horrible situation is no longer as dire as it once was. Allene just has to use her wits and sylph powers to make her captor realise that his situation is a lot worse than her own!
I absolutely loved Allene in this book - she is a strong, powerful character, with a very loving heart. Now with both of her lovers, I think she can only grow even more. I can't wait to find out who the next Tarot card will be, although I have my suspicions already! Leander was ever faithful and would stop at nothing to get Allene back, even when she didn't want or need to be rescued. Macsen surprised me to be honest - he is such a torn man and doesn't know what to believe until the truth stares him in the face. I'm so glad his eyes were finally opened in the end and hope that means now that he can move forward and upward with both Allene and Leander.
Although Morgause was not a particularly nice character, in fact she was downright evil most of the time, her final scene was brilliant! Completely unexpected as well and can't wait to read the next book and find out what it all means next for these characters.
Thank you to Sara and Angie for sending me an ARC copy of this book to read. I always enjoy Sara's books and cannot wait to get ahold of the next one!
I’m not sure it’s possible to start here in the series (or this world as a whole), so if you’re looking for a standalone, this book probably isn’t it. That being said, this book picks up right where the first one left off and might lead to some binge reading for later fans. While it always helps to be familiar with the larger world that the author creates, if this is your first series of hers, welcome!
Allene has been taken at the end of book 1. Sorry if that’s a spoiler for you – see above! She kind of sort of wanted to end up with Macsen anyway, whether to damn him or save him, that’s unclear, but we’re here anyway. Turns out, Macsen is super wounded and actually ends up needing Allene to soothe his broken soul. Allene is her brash self, trying to push through Macsen’s boundaries, trying to undo the brainwashing that so obviously has been taking place. All of that, plus the attraction, makes for some good times while being kidnapped.
Leander, of course, is not just sitting around waiting for the king to act. He and the other familiar faces of book 1 work together to help Allene where they can and leave her to her own devices where they can’t. Things are never a straight path, though, and the most obvious decisions end up having some truly catastrophic consequences. The ending of this book is a big ole cliffhanger, so prepare yourself!
Book 2 of the Raven Knights Saga, Wow! Just a quick recap to jog your memory. In the first book we met Allene, a scavenger in post Genesis Portland. She came across a fight and a van full of kids. 2 guys disappear and one tries to rescue the kids. Saved some, got hurt and his name is Leander. She finds the tarot card in the now burnt van and turns in a sylph. Meets the Autumn Court and King Rage. Falls for Leander, get in a fight with Macsen at Rage's concert then poof is gone. Now on to this book.
Allene comes to someplace dank and dark. She has been kidnapped. She has a bucket to piss in and an iron ring set into the floor. She is attacked and of all people Macsen saves her. She has felt drawn to him since the mindblowing sex on stage with Macsen and Leander. Now he is her captor in the enemy's stronghold. Another tarot card has appeared to her, this time The Priest of Skulls. It looks like Macsen. She is caught between lust and the murderous intent of Morgause, mommy dearest to the whole kingdom. Her friends will put their lives on the line to save her, she will have to save herself and Macsen to make it out alive
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC I received from the author*
WARNING: this book has a trigger warning of dubcon and rape through coercion.
Reine's writing has always been easy to get into. It's to the point and never loses its momentum. Add that with the craziness that she calls her characters, and you've got an endless mile of mind-blowing stories. This was one of them.
I had to collect my thoughts for the first few minutes after finishing this installment. I loved what Reine put these people through when dealing with their feelings, with love, or what they thought to be love. It was heartbreaking dealing with Macsen. I enjoyed their gentle times together but it was really hard to read this when it came down to the darker stuff. There truly is a horrid villain in this book, and it's been a very long time since I've come across anyone I thought... well, villainous.
I couldn't recommend this author and her work any harder. She still keeps to the funnies and light-hearted parts, and it balances out the one dark plight that makes my soul cry. You can bet I'll be buying myself a paperback when my book buying ban ends.
My initial reaction when I finished Priest of Skulls was – GAH! I suppose now I need to take the time to write a semi-coherent review without giving anything away. #EvilAuthor #CanYouSayCliffHanger
I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn’t started this series, so if that’s you – STOP here. Also, this is not a great place to start The Raven Knight Saga. If you’ve already read (and survived) Knave of Blades, you’ll totally understand. Just an FYI – this book does not end with our characters in any better circumstances than they were at the end of the first book. In fact, things are even more bleak – hence the GAH!
Allene should be terrified to be in the clutches of the enemy. She had planned on facing them – especially Macsen – but on her terms. The thing is, she feels safe with Macsen and eventually strangely protective of her captor. To make things even more complicated, another tarot card shows up and the Priest of Skulls has a striking resemblance to Macsen.
As crazy as it sounds, I found myself sympathizing with Macsen. He’s torn between his loyalty to Morgaues and his growing feelings toward both Allene and Leander.
Unsurprisingly, things get a little crazy, which is putting it mildly. Leander has no idea what’s going on and how much danger Allene is in and Keane spends a lot of his time talking him down. They have no idea that she not only considers herself safe, she's not ready to leave Macsen's side. That doesn't mean that her feelings for Leander have changed, if anything, they've grown. Obviously, there’s a lot more going on than just a simple kidnapping and when the true plan is revealed… GAH!
So… as usual with any of this author’s books, I’ll be waiting not so patiently for the next book in this saga. There are more questions need answering, more smexiness to be had, more characters to get to know better, and a prophecy that needs to be broken… GAH!
Just so you know, it’s not unusual for this author to reduce me to using one syllable words or writing rambling reviews. If you haven’t checked out any of S.M. Reine’s books yet, you need to delve into the Decentverse for yourself. I personally started with Seasons of the Moon, but you can start anywhere… as long as you start. Visit SM Reine’s website to check them all out. You can thank me later 😉
I received Priest of Skulls in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I'm always excited to read another of Sara Reines ARCs. I must admit that I am happier reading about the old characters, like visiting with old friends. But I'm sure I am mostly alone in that. I think others prefer to have something new and exciting to read. Well, this one is for you.
That is not to say I didn't enjoy this and the first book in this offshoot series. Ms. Reine was able to bring up some delicate and scary subjects in a fantasy setting and make some important points. If you get the chance to read this one please take the time to read the notes at the beginning of the book. There are warnings of what you will find inside. There are uncomfortable situations, even triggers if you will for folks that have had sex forced on them, rape. But it is worth the read for the empowerment given.
On an aside, there are, also, some very different forms of erotica that are -- fun to read. Not what we've expected from SM Reine. But so different that, well, you know how the fae are! I can't wait to read the next one!
Morgause and Macsen left a trap behind when they disappeared from the stage which allowed them to kidnap Allene and hold her hostage in the True Kingdom. Allene isn’t concerned about her situation because as a Raven Knight her job is to assassinate Macsen however she can. Since Allene is a sylph she can use her body to seduce Mascen and accomplish her goal but as she gets closer to him, she finds that he isn’t bad but is being controlled and manipulated by Morgause who is supposed to be his mother.
Reine’s imagination keeps amazing me as she is able to start and continue growing her amazing book series. The Raven Knights Saga is hot and sexy with a touch of intrigue and trouble. Allene is a nobody character who is transformed into a very powerful one who can use sex to her advantage whether she is trying to or not. The mystery character is still Keane, who I hope in the upcoming books is explored more in-depth. Magic, mystery, love, sex and betrayal are just a little bit of what you can expect from this fantastic series.
Allene is finding her way into her powers a little more as she connects with the next member of her cabal. Not that Macsen is part of her cabal yet, but it's only a matter of time once the cards start appearing, amirite?
Plus, for all he's kinda terrifying and fierce, Macsen has it bad for Allene ever since she dosed him with her pollen and gave him his chance with Leander. Wait up. There are other reasons he likes the sylph. She makes him...not human exactly, but she wakes him up when he's been comfortably numb for so long.
And for a guy whose power could trigger something world changing, waking up could go either way. Macsen just needs to decide if he's willing to open his eyes and truly see or continue blindly following.
THINGS are happening, people. BIG THINGS. Sexy things and dangerous things and OMG! THINGS! So exciting!
This is the second book in the series. In order to understand what is going on you have to read book 1 first.
Allene Whelan is captured, now what?
Macsen and Morgause are the enemies, or are they? Maybe one isn't what they seem.. Or maybe they are both exactly as we thought from the beginning. You will just have to read it to find out.
I don't want to give any details away, so I will keep this review short. I loved watching Allene learn more and more about her powers, and I loved seeing the other side of a few things. I enjoyed this book tremendously. I can't wait for the next one. The cliffhanger was unreal, I kept trying to flip the page only to realize that truly was the end!
Allene fits her sidhe powers perfectly, she is such a strong character and always has been but now she exudes that strength and is getting more wisdom from it as well. She is learning about herself and growing along with the knowledge and I loved every second of it. I can't wait to see what is to come.
Priest of Skulls, book two in the new Tarot Witches - Raven Knights series by S. M. Reine. Let me start by saying Wholly Cliffhanger. I am not a Patient person so the ending left me saying naughty words. This is the continuation of the Tarot cards that a scavenger named Allene keeps finding. She and Leander left off in the Autumn court fighting with Macsen. Macsen kidknaps Allene but finds he is unable to stop his feelings for her. What the reader learns is that Macsen draws strength from fighting and anger, Allene gets her strength from intimacy. Leander tries to save her but discovers that they need Macsen to complete the wishes of the Tarot cards. The story is told in classic Reine fashion with kick ass fight scenes, well thought out plots, and spectacular character development. The only down fall to this book is I have to wait till the next for what happens next.
I really love that Sara’s books come in series’. The depth of the characters and stories is unparalleled to that of a standalone. But I can never guess where the story will go, so waiting on the next installment is always torture. Priest of Skulls introduced another web of the Allene/Leander/Keane dynamic.. and with it, a lot of insight and exploration into the seemingly violent, volatile figure of Macsen. The book picks up immediately where Knave of Blades left off - Allene having been kidnapped by the True Kingdom. And then everything that you thought you knew is blown apart in a big way. This one was still fun in the Tarot Witches sense, but it introduced some very heavy, somewhat dark themes. And even those were delivered unexpectedly. Truths were revealed, loyalties were tested, betrayals were made. And then.... another cliffhanger. And still, I can’t be mad about that because I’m too busy anticipating what comes next!
The second book in this series does not disappoint and there are no spoilers here. There is a lot going in the latest installment enemies become frenemies, there is betrayal and devotion, torture and subterfuge so sometimes it is hard to work out who the bad guys are. It does become clearer in the end and there is no shortage of steamy sex scenes and hot sweaty moments so keep the iced water handy. Mainly the book features Macson and Allene in the True Kingdom fighting against their instincts which was captivating although I would have liked Leander to have been more involved in this book. Some characters you love to hate and Morgause is one of them and her deviousness does not disappoint. This book is not for the fainthearted and it hard to put down.
I liked Priest of Skulls (#2 in the saga) over the first one, honestly. At the very beginning of the book, the author very kindly provides some warning on what some may find triggers - reluctant consent of the sexual nature. The warning, in my opinion, made it sound like a more graphic scene was coming that when they did, I was happy that they weren't as intense as I was anticipating they would be. The graphic parts of the book were the actual sex scenes - very descriptive in the ways people can exist in a turned on scenario. Which were hot. The relationship(s) that form in this book felt more believable to me than in the first book and overall, I look forward to seeing the direction the story goes as a battle ensues! A battle for what, you ask? Read and find out!
This is the second book in Tarot Witches: the Raven Knights Saga. This is a series you do have to read in order. This book starts where the first book finished. Allene has been captive by Macsen who is a knight in the True Kingdom. Things are not as bad as Allene thought they would be. She is missing all of the people She is missing Leander the most tho and Macesn is also miss him. When it comes to exchange things don’t go as planned. The plot is getting really interesting and the characters are getting more depth to them as the series goes along. Really looking forward to the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Allene is trapped after Morgause and Macsen made sure they got their hands on her after the concert and even though she should be scared she is channeling her training as a Raven Knight as well as her Sylph powers to fight back. Things don't go quiet as plan once she gets to know Macsen more and has to figure out what to do about as well as get back to Leander at the Autumn Court especially as she has literally only had one night with the guy before she was taken and held in True Kingdom. You will be turning the page to see what happens next as well as be left eagerly awaiting the next book to see what happens next!!
I said in my review for the first book that I was able to follow all the world domination plans. Well, I can feel my confidence in my ability to continue to do so waning. This is an increasingly complex story line, albeit strongly character driven. That, coupled with the shortness of this story, meant that there was a lot going on.
Don't get me wrong, its all good. Very good in fact.
Really looking forward to seeing how this plays out after that somewhat explosive cliffy.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
Allene awakes trapped by her enemies after Rages concert went arye, she has to fight for survival when is moved from the dingy cells into Macsen's quarters still prisoner but a bit more comfortable but still trapped allowing her time to work her charms to try to Defeat him. But is Mascen as Bad as he makes out? who is controlling him? you will just have to read to find out. an awesome book that leaves you wanting more specially with the cliff hanger we are left at.
Arrrrrgh!!! Gorramit!!! It’s finished on an epic cliffhanger. God damn you Sara and Rory!!
This book is the next stage in The Tarot Witches saga and The Autumn Court and The True Kingdom feature heavily. Macsen and Allene fall in love, Keane and Leander struggle without Allene and Rage is well, Rage. I sincerely hope that Empress of Claws is out soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Allene is snatched from the Autumn Court after one perfect night with Leander to find herself deep within the Fenrir's lair she never expected to fall in love with the creature she was supposed to kill , yet as something draws her closer the True Kingdom has a plan .
After I really strong start this series just keeps on building! Fast paced, tangled and sometimes erotic this book keeps you coming back for more. I love the characters and the way the story is written! An enthralling read!
I received a copy of this book in exchange of a review. I haven't been enjoying the characters as much in these ones but the story is interesting and that ending makes me want the next one.
Allene still doesn't know exactly what she wants or all that she can do but what she does know is being kidnapped and held captive by Macsen and the True Kingdom isn't as bad as she thought it would be. Sure she missed and loves Leander but so does Macsen so it is easy to hold on. This book focused on Allene and Macsen and ends with the Autumn Court set to exchange and hey hey back but of course things aren't exactly what they seem and soon Morgause's plan will be put into motion.