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The Phantom Queen Diaries #5
Moscow Mule
Quinn MacKenna is on the warpath to save her bartender. Bear-tender...whatever. And it might just break Russia.
In every person’s life, there comes a point where well-meaning people mutter empty Hallmark card platitudes like “it’s all downhill from here” or “the only way to go now is up”.
For Quinn, black magic arms dealer and potential Fae royalty, that time is now.
Fresh after the death of her sole caretaker at the hands of a once-trusted ally, Quinn must forge new alliances and rekindle old friendships if she’s going to recover and find her place in the world.
She just didn’t know step one would take her straight to Moscow...and into the ever-pleasant, rolling hills of Siberia. But there's one thing an Irish gal simply cannot do - leave her bartender behind. Even if it means squaring off against ex-special forces shifter bears.
The newest antihero in the worldwide best-selling Phantom Queen series by Shayne Silvers. Join Cameron O’Connell and Shayne at the literary bar to sip a dirty cocktail of feisty Irish brogue - with an unhealthy splash of monsters - today!
In every person’s life, there comes a point where well-meaning people mutter empty Hallmark card platitudes like “it’s all downhill from here” or “the only way to go now is up”.
For Quinn, black magic arms dealer and potential Fae royalty, that time is now.
Fresh after the death of her sole caretaker at the hands of a once-trusted ally, Quinn must forge new alliances and rekindle old friendships if she’s going to recover and find her place in the world.
She just didn’t know step one would take her straight to Moscow...and into the ever-pleasant, rolling hills of Siberia. But there's one thing an Irish gal simply cannot do - leave her bartender behind. Even if it means squaring off against ex-special forces shifter bears.
The newest antihero in the worldwide best-selling Phantom Queen series by Shayne Silvers. Join Cameron O’Connell and Shayne at the literary bar to sip a dirty cocktail of feisty Irish brogue - with an unhealthy splash of monsters - today!
8 pages, Audible Audio
First published October 7, 2018
1164 people are currently reading
253 people want to read
About the author
Shayne Silvers
56 books2,128 followersLet's cut to the chase. You read stuff. I write stuff. So, If you want to nab a few of my free Amazon Best Selling Urban Fantasy books to test the waters, go here: http://www.shaynesilvers.com
Now, let's talk about this specimen of a man named Shayne...
Shayne Silvers writes the "Nate Temple Series" which features a foul-mouthed, flawed, young wizard with a chip on his shoulder attempting to protect St. Louis from the various nasties we all know and fear from our childhood bedtime stories.
Nate's been known to suckerpunch an Angel, cow-tip the Minotaur, and steal Death's horse in order to prove his point. His utter disregard for consequences and self-preservation will have you laughing and cringing on the edge of your seat.
But he has a lot to learn. Namely, how not to be so big of an A-Hole.
Get your FREE Nate Temple Starter Library TODAY at www.shaynesilvers.com.
Shayne holds two high-ranking black belts, and enjoys conversing about anything Marvel, Magical, or Mythological. You might find him writing in a coffee shop near you, cackling madly into his computer screen while pounding shots of espresso.
Now, let's talk about this specimen of a man named Shayne...
Shayne Silvers writes the "Nate Temple Series" which features a foul-mouthed, flawed, young wizard with a chip on his shoulder attempting to protect St. Louis from the various nasties we all know and fear from our childhood bedtime stories.
Nate's been known to suckerpunch an Angel, cow-tip the Minotaur, and steal Death's horse in order to prove his point. His utter disregard for consequences and self-preservation will have you laughing and cringing on the edge of your seat.
But he has a lot to learn. Namely, how not to be so big of an A-Hole.
Get your FREE Nate Temple Starter Library TODAY at www.shaynesilvers.com.
Shayne holds two high-ranking black belts, and enjoys conversing about anything Marvel, Magical, or Mythological. You might find him writing in a coffee shop near you, cackling madly into his computer screen while pounding shots of espresso.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
October 9, 2018
I have to admit, as much as I love the Templeverse, I am getting so overwhelmed by all the great plotlines going on! LOL! This latest is a great addition to this series, and Quinn is growing on me to be probably my favorite main character out of all of them...*whispers* maybe even more than Nate. Quinn’s friend Othello has been silent after going to Russia on the hunt for Quinn’s friends, and she must go find out what’s going on. She takes some SICCOs with her, and it isn’t long before they are neck-deep in trouble. I just love how well-written this was, and of course it was action-packed. Great book to add to all the rest! Highly recommend! I was provided the e-book which I voluntarily reviewed.
October 12, 2018
A new Dynamic Duo
The dynamic duo of Shayne Silvers and Cameron O’Connell serves up another dynamic duo as Quinn MacKenna, our once magic nullifying arms dealer turned Fae...something, and Othello, our favorite cyber-spy/CEO/techno-magician. Othelllo has disappeared into Mother Russia and Quinn heads off with some FBI Freaks on a search and rescue mission to find her. Their motives aren’t entirely altruistic, although Quinn would definitely launch a rescue for Othello regardless—but this time, they need Othello’s help to rescue yet another of Quinn’s missing friends and a Valkyrie who both vanished into the sky—literally! What Quinn and crew find is not at all what they prepared for or even could have dreamed up in a worst case scenario. Now the click is ticking and Quinn and Othello must both come face to face with their pasts in order to rescue their futures. Can they both get past their inherent distrust and secret keeping to do what must be done? We shall see, but only Quinn can determine if time is on their side...
The dynamic duo of Shayne Silvers and Cameron O’Connell serves up another dynamic duo as Quinn MacKenna, our once magic nullifying arms dealer turned Fae...something, and Othello, our favorite cyber-spy/CEO/techno-magician. Othelllo has disappeared into Mother Russia and Quinn heads off with some FBI Freaks on a search and rescue mission to find her. Their motives aren’t entirely altruistic, although Quinn would definitely launch a rescue for Othello regardless—but this time, they need Othello’s help to rescue yet another of Quinn’s missing friends and a Valkyrie who both vanished into the sky—literally! What Quinn and crew find is not at all what they prepared for or even could have dreamed up in a worst case scenario. Now the click is ticking and Quinn and Othello must both come face to face with their pasts in order to rescue their futures. Can they both get past their inherent distrust and secret keeping to do what must be done? We shall see, but only Quinn can determine if time is on their side...
October 9, 2018
“...there's one thing an Irish gal simply cannot do...leave her bartender behind.”
How can that line in the publisher’s blurb for Shayne Silvers and Cameron O’Connell’s Moscow Mule, the fifth book in their (really fantastic) Phantom Queen Diaries, not grab you. It certainly reeled me in - and would’ve even if I wasn’t already addicted to any series set in Silvers’ (I guess it’s now both author’s) marvelous, no: stupendous, “Temple Verse” whether or not Nate Temple (an all time favorite fictional character is involved). So c’mon and enjoy another chapter in the fantastic life of Quinn MacKenna, black magic arms dealer and potential Fae royalty. Just typical stuff here like facing off against ex-special forces shifter bears. Ho hum. (Yeah, really? How about super exciting and pretty perfect?) I can guarantee that if you find the publisher’s blurb you’ll love this book, though I do admit that like a fine wine (or well crafted beer), it’s best to imbibe this the best way for maximum results, which in this case means starting with the (totally wonderful) book 1. 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.
How can that line in the publisher’s blurb for Shayne Silvers and Cameron O’Connell’s Moscow Mule, the fifth book in their (really fantastic) Phantom Queen Diaries, not grab you. It certainly reeled me in - and would’ve even if I wasn’t already addicted to any series set in Silvers’ (I guess it’s now both author’s) marvelous, no: stupendous, “Temple Verse” whether or not Nate Temple (an all time favorite fictional character is involved). So c’mon and enjoy another chapter in the fantastic life of Quinn MacKenna, black magic arms dealer and potential Fae royalty. Just typical stuff here like facing off against ex-special forces shifter bears. Ho hum. (Yeah, really? How about super exciting and pretty perfect?) I can guarantee that if you find the publisher’s blurb you’ll love this book, though I do admit that like a fine wine (or well crafted beer), it’s best to imbibe this the best way for maximum results, which in this case means starting with the (totally wonderful) book 1. 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.
October 8, 2018
I love Quinn McKenna. She's this wonderfully foul-mouthed, abrasive and unexpectedly heart of gold heroine that is still trying to figure out who she is and where she came from. In the process of learning all this she has to help her friends who disappeared in Moscow.
Because this is Quinn we're talking about, very little goes as planned. I don't want to include any spoilers so I'm not going to tell you how things go wrong. Just rest assured that they do.
Between searching for her friends, fighting to get everyone out alive and learning new and even more enigmatic things about herself, Quinn's time in Moscow is adventurous to say the least.
Fast-paced, a tad confusing, but definitely exciting, Moscow Mule is yet another success for Cameron O'Connell and Shayne Silvers. I may not feel this was their very best Quinn story, it's still heads above most other authors. These two are always worth the read.
Very well done, guys! Very well done indeed!
I was given this book as part of the ARC team, but liked it enough to go ahead and buy it as well. My opinions are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone or anything else.
Because this is Quinn we're talking about, very little goes as planned. I don't want to include any spoilers so I'm not going to tell you how things go wrong. Just rest assured that they do.
Between searching for her friends, fighting to get everyone out alive and learning new and even more enigmatic things about herself, Quinn's time in Moscow is adventurous to say the least.
Fast-paced, a tad confusing, but definitely exciting, Moscow Mule is yet another success for Cameron O'Connell and Shayne Silvers. I may not feel this was their very best Quinn story, it's still heads above most other authors. These two are always worth the read.
Very well done, guys! Very well done indeed!
I was given this book as part of the ARC team, but liked it enough to go ahead and buy it as well. My opinions are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone or anything else.
October 9, 2018
Fresh off of the loss of Dez via surprising betrayal, Quinn decides to right certain wrongs in her life. Namely, going after the the special forces cabal (think Spetsnaz werebears) who kidnapped her friends. With no word or intelligence from Othello, she and a band of allies with a similarly vested interest hit Moscow. And Russia hits back.
A chaotic tour de force spanning much of Russia. Quinn metaphorically swatted a supernatural hornets' nest. The only resolution is to roll with the punches, prepare for the sting, maybe take on a quest (because who doesn't love a good quest?), and fight back. But perseverance may not be enough once the puppet master behind these and many other machinations is revealed.
A dynamite adventure.
A chaotic tour de force spanning much of Russia. Quinn metaphorically swatted a supernatural hornets' nest. The only resolution is to roll with the punches, prepare for the sting, maybe take on a quest (because who doesn't love a good quest?), and fight back. But perseverance may not be enough once the puppet master behind these and many other machinations is revealed.
A dynamite adventure.
October 9, 2018
Still going strong, but starting to ebb a bit with the action pieces.
Cameron O'Connell definitely had a stronger voice for Quinn Mackenna in her fifth outing here, though it was not without a few withdrawals from other aspects of the story engagement.
On one hand, Quinn herself gets a lot more introspective with this book. Her powers as she knew them before are gone, instead of being a walking magic-nullifier she's instead now sporting a host of powers and abilities from her awakened Fae lineage that she has little to no grasp on, right in the middle of yet another tumultuous incident. This time however it is much more localized, involving only a set few friends and allies rather than yet another doomsday scenario, and the smaller focus and differed pacing allow this introspection to work in a few good steps of character development for Quinn in quick order.
The offset to this however is that the action set-pieces are much more.... well a good word for them is strained. While Quinn has always been fond of various firepower to do her job for her, the balance between gunplay and using her new powers is noticeably uneven, perhaps in an effort to show she's still struggling to get full control and understanding of what she can do. By itself this wouldn't be a huge issue, hardly even a nitpick, but the extent of how it flip-flops in her fighting and thus changes the pacing of how the rest of the fighting goes on around her makes it all read very roughly. Whereas her previous fights flowed very well and kept up a swift but not overly hurried pace, the fights here feel very disjointed and cobbled together. This is rather obvious as some of the spots of dialogue/character interaction during some of the fights feel like they were cut out completely away from the rest of the fighting going on all around them.
Overall it is still a strong contender amongst the books so far, but it does indeed feel like the first notable hitch in the road for Quinn Mackenna's story. The character development and engagement with a lot of the other characters does help it along though and still inspires the reader to want to see what comes next, as usual.
Cameron O'Connell definitely had a stronger voice for Quinn Mackenna in her fifth outing here, though it was not without a few withdrawals from other aspects of the story engagement.
On one hand, Quinn herself gets a lot more introspective with this book. Her powers as she knew them before are gone, instead of being a walking magic-nullifier she's instead now sporting a host of powers and abilities from her awakened Fae lineage that she has little to no grasp on, right in the middle of yet another tumultuous incident. This time however it is much more localized, involving only a set few friends and allies rather than yet another doomsday scenario, and the smaller focus and differed pacing allow this introspection to work in a few good steps of character development for Quinn in quick order.
The offset to this however is that the action set-pieces are much more.... well a good word for them is strained. While Quinn has always been fond of various firepower to do her job for her, the balance between gunplay and using her new powers is noticeably uneven, perhaps in an effort to show she's still struggling to get full control and understanding of what she can do. By itself this wouldn't be a huge issue, hardly even a nitpick, but the extent of how it flip-flops in her fighting and thus changes the pacing of how the rest of the fighting goes on around her makes it all read very roughly. Whereas her previous fights flowed very well and kept up a swift but not overly hurried pace, the fights here feel very disjointed and cobbled together. This is rather obvious as some of the spots of dialogue/character interaction during some of the fights feel like they were cut out completely away from the rest of the fighting going on all around them.
Overall it is still a strong contender amongst the books so far, but it does indeed feel like the first notable hitch in the road for Quinn Mackenna's story. The character development and engagement with a lot of the other characters does help it along though and still inspires the reader to want to see what comes next, as usual.
October 9, 2018
A Better Quinn
I'll be the first to admit I was reluctant to read Quinn #5. She's my least favourite character of the Templeverse series after book 4.
She has done some growing up. Grief from the last book has set in and made her take a hard look at her choices and how she does things. While not softer, she has become less abrasive in her attitude. I'm all for four letter words and women kicking ass and not taking crap. However prior to this, Quinn was a bully and quite selfish to boot.
This book left me with hope for Quinn, as she has some hope for herself. She has questions, and that's good. I think she now is somewhat tempered in how she goes about getting them. She learns her purpose, which is Justice. If you're reading Nate's series, that just may mean a lot.
Nate may always be my favourite, but I can now look forward to the next Quinn book.
I'll be the first to admit I was reluctant to read Quinn #5. She's my least favourite character of the Templeverse series after book 4.
She has done some growing up. Grief from the last book has set in and made her take a hard look at her choices and how she does things. While not softer, she has become less abrasive in her attitude. I'm all for four letter words and women kicking ass and not taking crap. However prior to this, Quinn was a bully and quite selfish to boot.
This book left me with hope for Quinn, as she has some hope for herself. She has questions, and that's good. I think she now is somewhat tempered in how she goes about getting them. She learns her purpose, which is Justice. If you're reading Nate's series, that just may mean a lot.
Nate may always be my favourite, but I can now look forward to the next Quinn book.
October 14, 2018
Great book
What can I say another outstanding book Shayne and Cameron wrote again. Can’t wait until the next book. Thank you guys for this awesome getaway.
What can I say another outstanding book Shayne and Cameron wrote again. Can’t wait until the next book. Thank you guys for this awesome getaway.
October 18, 2018
Moscow Mule - a review by Rosemary Kenny
'...You'll not see nothing like the Mighty Quinn', says the song and it's never been truer than in this final book. (No 5) in the Phantom Queen series in which 6 foot tall, red-headed Irish colleen Quinn MacKenna plays the ever-changing, feisty, kick-ass heroine as she leads her SICCO squad of FBI enhanced special agent Freaks into the wastelands of icy Siberia via Moscow.
A retrospective Quinn seeks her missing bear-shifter barman Cristoff, after meeting up with her special friend and ally Othello in Moscow. She's also on the trail of a Valkyrie, frozen off-world, which ties in nicely with the necessity of a meet with the Master Vampire and a breath-taking battle with Werebears on their return.
I liked the introduction of Cristoff's back story that makes him a more rounded character. Also having Quinn realise that she needs others, at least until she fully engages her fledgling Fae powers, having lost her previous ones.
I can see a definite similarity between Quinn the Phantom Queen and MC Bethany Anne/The Queen Bitch) in Michael Anderle's Kurtherian Universe series, (although Quinn's not a vampire). This may or may not be as good, depending how gritty you like your urban fantasies.
Why not try both series and decide for yourself? They're both fabulous and Shane Silvers and Cameron O'Connell have done themselves - and us - proud...more please!
'...You'll not see nothing like the Mighty Quinn', says the song and it's never been truer than in this final book. (No 5) in the Phantom Queen series in which 6 foot tall, red-headed Irish colleen Quinn MacKenna plays the ever-changing, feisty, kick-ass heroine as she leads her SICCO squad of FBI enhanced special agent Freaks into the wastelands of icy Siberia via Moscow.
A retrospective Quinn seeks her missing bear-shifter barman Cristoff, after meeting up with her special friend and ally Othello in Moscow. She's also on the trail of a Valkyrie, frozen off-world, which ties in nicely with the necessity of a meet with the Master Vampire and a breath-taking battle with Werebears on their return.
I liked the introduction of Cristoff's back story that makes him a more rounded character. Also having Quinn realise that she needs others, at least until she fully engages her fledgling Fae powers, having lost her previous ones.
I can see a definite similarity between Quinn the Phantom Queen and MC Bethany Anne/The Queen Bitch) in Michael Anderle's Kurtherian Universe series, (although Quinn's not a vampire). This may or may not be as good, depending how gritty you like your urban fantasies.
Why not try both series and decide for yourself? They're both fabulous and Shane Silvers and Cameron O'Connell have done themselves - and us - proud...more please!
October 11, 2018
I think I'm finally starting to like Quinn!
I had a hard time getting into Quinn, I just couldn't seem to relate to her or understand how she 'ticked'. I especially found it hard because she seemed to lack empathy or compassion, but with this book we're given a peek into why that is exactly.
I really enjoyed the action, she could seriously rival Nate with how many sticky situations she finds herself in, but I'm glad she held her own and gave as much as she got (she really loves her 'toys'😂). I also enjoyed seeing how she's changed, both physically and mentally. But like seriously, we need more answers about her ASAP, don't keep us hanging here guys!😂
Wow! Seeing Othello like this was such a shock to how I viewed her as a character! But I love this side to her, it's different and gives a peek at the strength she has, which makes it clear how she keeps up with the Freaks in St Louis.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book and while I'm starting to 'get' Quinn, she still has a bit to go before I can comfortably say she's one of my favourites. But with all the sneak peeks and hints being dropped, I think I can see her being part of the family soon enough, so maybe that will help endear her to me, (I think I just don't like the thought of her beefing with our Nate😂). Keep up the good work guys, and don't take to many coffee breaks, we're dying for the next books!😂x
I had a hard time getting into Quinn, I just couldn't seem to relate to her or understand how she 'ticked'. I especially found it hard because she seemed to lack empathy or compassion, but with this book we're given a peek into why that is exactly.
I really enjoyed the action, she could seriously rival Nate with how many sticky situations she finds herself in, but I'm glad she held her own and gave as much as she got (she really loves her 'toys'😂). I also enjoyed seeing how she's changed, both physically and mentally. But like seriously, we need more answers about her ASAP, don't keep us hanging here guys!😂
Wow! Seeing Othello like this was such a shock to how I viewed her as a character! But I love this side to her, it's different and gives a peek at the strength she has, which makes it clear how she keeps up with the Freaks in St Louis.
All in all, I really enjoyed the book and while I'm starting to 'get' Quinn, she still has a bit to go before I can comfortably say she's one of my favourites. But with all the sneak peeks and hints being dropped, I think I can see her being part of the family soon enough, so maybe that will help endear her to me, (I think I just don't like the thought of her beefing with our Nate😂). Keep up the good work guys, and don't take to many coffee breaks, we're dying for the next books!😂x
October 12, 2018
Another non-stop adventure in the Templeverse. Quinn and Othello and their friends are busy from the opening of the story until they finally manage to return home to recover, and they don’t even have time to stop for a drink. Sheesh. What’s the world coming to?
In Moscow Mule, Quinn Mackenna finally gets to work on the unfinished business she has left over from Old Fashioned, the third book in the Phantom Queen series. She sets off for Moscow with the members of the S.I.C.C.O. Squad of magically gifted special agents and her friend, Jimmy Collins (who is auditioning for the special squad) to attempt to rescue her other friend, Christoff, the were-bear bartender who was abducted in the earlier book. They are all taken off and clapped in jail as soon as they arrive.
If not for Othello showing up with her cousin and her skinwalker friends and breaking Quinn out of jail, she would have been in big trouble. As it is, they wind up having to confront yet another historical personage who was supposedly killed long ago but evidently wasn’t really. In their quest to acquire the item this person wanted them to bring back in exchange for the remainder of their friends they have to meet with Moscow’s Master Vampire, travel into a frozen out-of-this-world realm, release a captive goddess and return into the middle of a war zone.
In Moscow Mule, Quinn Mackenna finally gets to work on the unfinished business she has left over from Old Fashioned, the third book in the Phantom Queen series. She sets off for Moscow with the members of the S.I.C.C.O. Squad of magically gifted special agents and her friend, Jimmy Collins (who is auditioning for the special squad) to attempt to rescue her other friend, Christoff, the were-bear bartender who was abducted in the earlier book. They are all taken off and clapped in jail as soon as they arrive.
If not for Othello showing up with her cousin and her skinwalker friends and breaking Quinn out of jail, she would have been in big trouble. As it is, they wind up having to confront yet another historical personage who was supposedly killed long ago but evidently wasn’t really. In their quest to acquire the item this person wanted them to bring back in exchange for the remainder of their friends they have to meet with Moscow’s Master Vampire, travel into a frozen out-of-this-world realm, release a captive goddess and return into the middle of a war zone.
October 26, 2018
Even though I confess to being a little tired of heroes who refuse to get along with whatever group they're a part of, even when their stubbornness flies completely in the face of all reason and good sense, I like the character of Quinn McKenna. She has a nerve and a resiliency that not only serve her well against the various supernatural forces in her hometown of Boston, but in the snows of Russia and the Otherworld, as well. Of course, as always, despite the looming threat of Father Grigori unlocking the Door of Heaven, the truth to all these stories is that Quinn's worst enemy is herself. She fights when there's no reason to, argues even when she agrees with the other person and finds things to be angry about, even when most people would just roll with the punches and blow it off. In other words, Quinn is broken in so many ways, most we're not even aware of yet, and it's inspiring almost, to see how, despite her doubts, her questions about her parentage, and her battered sense of self, she rises up every time and fights her way through it. If you liked the previous Quinn McKenna books, this is more of the same over-plotted, never-a-dull-moment excitement you've seen before, with Quinn emerging stronger and more sure of herself than ever, which I think, is the real journey Silvers and O'Connell want to take in the first place.
April 23, 2019
While we learned a lot about Quinn in book 4, we were left with lots of questions but we were left with very different questions at the end of book 3. Upon her return from Fae, Quinn takes matters into her own hands regarding what Othello was helping her with prior to her Faecation, by of course immediately picking up for some international travel and perhaps a little inter-dimensional travel, oh and don't forget getting into even more crazy situations with more legendary characters from history.
While we do ultimately wrap up the bear segment of our adventures, it opens up new questions for Quinn in regards to Othello and her interesting relationship with "Hemingway". And of course while all this is happening, Quinn still just wants a nap.
This outing shows more development in how Cameron and Shayne are intertwining characters between the series by further developing Othello (primarily from the Temple series) with more back story, emotions, and overall relevance to the plot than we've seen from her in a while. They are truly making these characters cross functional which is just improving the enjoyment for the readers.
While we do ultimately wrap up the bear segment of our adventures, it opens up new questions for Quinn in regards to Othello and her interesting relationship with "Hemingway". And of course while all this is happening, Quinn still just wants a nap.
This outing shows more development in how Cameron and Shayne are intertwining characters between the series by further developing Othello (primarily from the Temple series) with more back story, emotions, and overall relevance to the plot than we've seen from her in a while. They are truly making these characters cross functional which is just improving the enjoyment for the readers.
October 9, 2018
When I first started the Phantom Queen books, I really disliked them. A lot. Quinn's stupid accent got on my nerves, and her prickly attitude was something so far removed from the other characters of the Templeverse, that it was jarring. Once I decided to just "go with it" I realised, I actually adore her. She is me. Everything her about her attitude is mine. The only differences being, I'm not that tall (nor pretty) and I have a scouse accent, not an Irish/Southie one. She talks the way I talk, she has the same attitude as me, and will always make a joke, in the most appalling situations. Like Quinn, I don't make friends easily. Not because I'm a horrible person, just because I don't trust them, and most people just irritate me. Lol. So, without them knowing anything about me, Shayne and Cameron have managed to create a character, that for the first time in my life, I can relate to, on a very deep level. For that I am grateful.
October 30, 2018
Moscow Mule: Phantom Queen Book 5
Once again Quinn MacKenna, a dark arms dealer from Boston, MA, is in trouble up to her ears. This time she has many friends and associates trying to save her bar owner friend and his wife, who were kidnapped by the Russian Werebears!!
The story moves smoothly, with all sorts of nasty creatures as well as vampires, werebears, FBI agents, gods, immortals, seers, conjures, shifters, witches, freaks and humans.
Lots and lots of action, deception, treachery, death, surprises, kindness, sacrifices and a great ending. Lots of special situations throughout the story, helping the reader to better get to know Quinn and her past and what she might have to deal with in the future! A fabulous addition to the Templeverse book stories. Amazing writing, characters and story line that continues to get better with each new addition to the series.
Kathy Barber Doyle - 10/30/2018
Once again Quinn MacKenna, a dark arms dealer from Boston, MA, is in trouble up to her ears. This time she has many friends and associates trying to save her bar owner friend and his wife, who were kidnapped by the Russian Werebears!!
The story moves smoothly, with all sorts of nasty creatures as well as vampires, werebears, FBI agents, gods, immortals, seers, conjures, shifters, witches, freaks and humans.
Lots and lots of action, deception, treachery, death, surprises, kindness, sacrifices and a great ending. Lots of special situations throughout the story, helping the reader to better get to know Quinn and her past and what she might have to deal with in the future! A fabulous addition to the Templeverse book stories. Amazing writing, characters and story line that continues to get better with each new addition to the series.
Kathy Barber Doyle - 10/30/2018
October 13, 2018
Fabulous!
Quinn MacKenna is one of my all time favorite characters in the Templeverse, outshining even Nate and Callie at times. There's just something about her oh-so pragmatic view of life and take no prisoners attitude that I find appealing. As usual, the Templeverse is awash in mayhem and violence, but Quinn doesn't waste a lot of time wallowing in angst and wringing her hands or feeling sorry for herself when there's a job to be done. She's a take charge kind of girl who can't usually be bothered to tip toe around everyone's feelings and I really like the way her character has developed from book to book. Even better, there are still unanswered questions about Quinn's family background and her which remain to be answered, which means more action and adventure to come!
Quinn MacKenna is one of my all time favorite characters in the Templeverse, outshining even Nate and Callie at times. There's just something about her oh-so pragmatic view of life and take no prisoners attitude that I find appealing. As usual, the Templeverse is awash in mayhem and violence, but Quinn doesn't waste a lot of time wallowing in angst and wringing her hands or feeling sorry for herself when there's a job to be done. She's a take charge kind of girl who can't usually be bothered to tip toe around everyone's feelings and I really like the way her character has developed from book to book. Even better, there are still unanswered questions about Quinn's family background and her which remain to be answered, which means more action and adventure to come!
November 21, 2018
Quinn McKenna is an excellent addition to the Temple-verse, and this is the best of her books so far. She’s bold, brassy, and sassy with a heart of gold she like to keep hidden. This adventure sees her in Russia, trying to locate her missing bartender and his family. Do things ever go smoothly for Quinn? Of course not! This time, she has even mightier, and possibly more numerous, enemies, all the while trying to discover more about her history and powers. Previous books have foreshadowed her evolution nicely, but there’s always more to learn about Quinn.
These books are a nice complement to the Nate and Callie books, with an overlap of some characters, that it’s easy for the reader to transition from one series to another. If you love urban adventure highly laced with humor and hidden surprises, then these are the books for you. You might just discover two new, favorite authors.
These books are a nice complement to the Nate and Callie books, with an overlap of some characters, that it’s easy for the reader to transition from one series to another. If you love urban adventure highly laced with humor and hidden surprises, then these are the books for you. You might just discover two new, favorite authors.
March 23, 2019
I really enjoyed this book however kind of felt there was something missing, don't get me wrong as I said I really enjoyed it. Things are really changing for Quinn, she is working through her Fae limits, is stuck in Russia trying to find Othello as well as Serge and going into a snow storm that even Vampires wont go into. I do like how Quinn appears to mellow a bit and realise she doesn't have to be on the defensive with those she may consider friends like Othello, also it was great to get more of an insight into Othello's past as well and the way she is makes more sense. As a side notes I must admit Skadi was my favorite character in this book lol
January 14, 2019
Well written and intriguing
This book was different than I expected but it was completely captivating. Quinn learns a lot about her magic but there is still so many mysteries! I can’t wait for book number 6! There is no stupid cliffhangers, no slutty reverse harem stuff, it’s just an amazingly creative storyline with engaging characters. But of course, anything Shayne Silver touches to gold. Cameron is a talent author and together this duo creates captivating stories.
Some sex would be nice though.
This book was different than I expected but it was completely captivating. Quinn learns a lot about her magic but there is still so many mysteries! I can’t wait for book number 6! There is no stupid cliffhangers, no slutty reverse harem stuff, it’s just an amazingly creative storyline with engaging characters. But of course, anything Shayne Silver touches to gold. Cameron is a talent author and together this duo creates captivating stories.
Some sex would be nice though.
January 7, 2019
Easy read
An interesting read. No matter how much I enjoy Quinn, she just isn't allowed to truly become part of Nate's universe. I don't know if this is a metaphor reflecting Quinn's personality of not letting ANYONE get close enough to call a true friend or if there really is a schism between the two author's writing styles that can't be bridged.
Only time will tell, but if the two author's can't bring Quinn into the fold, she needs to stay a separate book series away from Nate's series.
An interesting read. No matter how much I enjoy Quinn, she just isn't allowed to truly become part of Nate's universe. I don't know if this is a metaphor reflecting Quinn's personality of not letting ANYONE get close enough to call a true friend or if there really is a schism between the two author's writing styles that can't be bridged.
Only time will tell, but if the two author's can't bring Quinn into the fold, she needs to stay a separate book series away from Nate's series.
July 4, 2019
How many Freaking worlds are there?
The Phantom Queen series continues to get more interesting. This was a little easier to read because there weren’t as many characters and personalities to absorb. I’ve found each book in this particular series to flow better and have become a more comfortable “read”. I am amazed at how many places Cameron O’Connell has managed to take us . I’ve decided that he stays in old dusty libraries going thru the ancient , musty tombs until he shrieks with glee. I can’t wait to see where I’m going next.
The Phantom Queen series continues to get more interesting. This was a little easier to read because there weren’t as many characters and personalities to absorb. I’ve found each book in this particular series to flow better and have become a more comfortable “read”. I am amazed at how many places Cameron O’Connell has managed to take us . I’ve decided that he stays in old dusty libraries going thru the ancient , musty tombs until he shrieks with glee. I can’t wait to see where I’m going next.
January 1, 2022
Roads aren't always paved with intentions
Wait...that soulless, evil, manipulator Rasputin is still alive? He's after the keys to the Pearly Gates? The keys are a flower, at least in Shayne Silvers version of Russian mythology. A Quest must be accomplished to rescue Quinn MacKenna's werebear-tender friend, and to rescue the rescue team Quinn went to Moscow with. It's summer in Siberia, then why all the snow and ice? The road paved with good intentions leads to two places. Read this tale to see who walks which direction in the end.
Wait...that soulless, evil, manipulator Rasputin is still alive? He's after the keys to the Pearly Gates? The keys are a flower, at least in Shayne Silvers version of Russian mythology. A Quest must be accomplished to rescue Quinn MacKenna's werebear-tender friend, and to rescue the rescue team Quinn went to Moscow with. It's summer in Siberia, then why all the snow and ice? The road paved with good intentions leads to two places. Read this tale to see who walks which direction in the end.
March 4, 2023
another Stellar TempleVerse Novel!
I’m a reader of all fantasy genres, stories of earth past preset and future and of other realms. the TempleVerse novels have such a unique stance on combining old myths, stories, and fables in a more realistic adult version in a modern earth and other realms. Action, suspense, humor, adult themes, magic, told through such relatable characters with well-written dialogue. What more could I ask for in a book? These are simply perfect! Read them all!
I’m a reader of all fantasy genres, stories of earth past preset and future and of other realms. the TempleVerse novels have such a unique stance on combining old myths, stories, and fables in a more realistic adult version in a modern earth and other realms. Action, suspense, humor, adult themes, magic, told through such relatable characters with well-written dialogue. What more could I ask for in a book? These are simply perfect! Read them all!
October 9, 2018
WOW!!!! What another amazing book by Shayne Silvers and Cameron O'Connell. Moscow Mule takes readers on a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs that leaves one at times question the sanity of not just themselves, but the writes as well. However, it is very much worth the insanity. It is great book with fascinating characters and world. Moscow Mule answered some questions while leaving us wondering about others. I cannot wait to see what happens next in this series and the Templeverse.
October 15, 2018
Out of communication with Othello, and missing her were-bear friend/bartender Cristoff, Quinn gathers together the FBI's special Freak force (who is missing a member as well), and heads to Mother Russia to track everyone down. When they are ambushed as soon as they land, Quinn and company are set on a wild ride through the frozen lands of Siberia, where they must match wits with shadowy figures out of Othello's past. This is a wild ride that will leave you chilled in more ways than one.
October 20, 2018
Love these Temple Verse books and this is a fantastic addition to the series. Fast paced, well written and I love the characters within. These books are all well written and keep the reader engaged and entertained. In this book Quinn and Othello join forces and needless to say snark, mayhem and humour run throughout. I'm not going to outline the story, other folk have done that before me, just pick up the book and enjoy.
Good job boys can't wait for the next instalment.
Good job boys can't wait for the next instalment.
October 25, 2018
One road leads to salvation or annihilation. With one magical road Quinn and Othello can save the ones they love, and maybe themselves in the process? But the road is one of the most dangerous paths they have traversed yet, and that is after a very impressive resume. This story wraps up a few story plots from the previous books, even as it opens several more. A great story, with some enlightening character twists.
February 21, 2019
Families reunited?
We get a deeper insight into who/what Quinn McKenna is, although we have not yet received full disclosure yet, I'm sure that all will be revealed in time, Quinn is not ready for the whole truth, so we will just have to wait until she is. This trip saw Quinn reunited with Othello and Serge, we dip into Othello's past with mixed results and emotions. There is a hint at future adventures and a nod at a previous outing on a certain 21st birthday do.
We get a deeper insight into who/what Quinn McKenna is, although we have not yet received full disclosure yet, I'm sure that all will be revealed in time, Quinn is not ready for the whole truth, so we will just have to wait until she is. This trip saw Quinn reunited with Othello and Serge, we dip into Othello's past with mixed results and emotions. There is a hint at future adventures and a nod at a previous outing on a certain 21st birthday do.
October 8, 2018
Quinn and Othello Adventure
Action packed, new characters in a quest / rescue mission with twists and gifts and more hints about Quinn's parents and evolving powers. I enjoyed this book very much, glad to see her personality and relationships growing. My only complaints are the continued teases. I'm past ready to see her come into her own, please!
Action packed, new characters in a quest / rescue mission with twists and gifts and more hints about Quinn's parents and evolving powers. I enjoyed this book very much, glad to see her personality and relationships growing. My only complaints are the continued teases. I'm past ready to see her come into her own, please!
October 13, 2018
An awesome, almost impossible to put down story!!
I sat still and read for 4 hours straight! I only put it down long enough to fix some lunch and then it was back in my hands while I ate. Quinn and Othello's adventures in this book are mind blowing. The cast of characters are fantastic and fun. Don't miss this book!!! I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could!!!!
I sat still and read for 4 hours straight! I only put it down long enough to fix some lunch and then it was back in my hands while I ate. Quinn and Othello's adventures in this book are mind blowing. The cast of characters are fantastic and fun. Don't miss this book!!! I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could!!!!
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