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Potentate of Atlanta #2
Pack of Lies
Hadley is losing time, and her shadow refuses to shed light on the gaps in her memory. How can she protect her city if she can't remember where she goes or what she does when she ought to be asleep? Her grim history appears to be stuck on repeat, and the only way forward might be a scythe through her back.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2020
895 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
Hailey Edwards
104 books2,834 followersHailey Edwards writes about questionable applications of otherwise perfectly good magic, the transformative power of love, the family you choose for yourself, and blowing stuff up. Not necessarily all at once. That could get messy.
Hailey isn't on Goodreads.
Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/
Hailey isn't on Goodreads.
Please email her via her website:
https://haileyedwards.net/contact-form/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 244 reviews
February 7, 2022
This 2nd book was just as surprising as the first, 'an unexpected delight' and I can't wait to start the next one!
I love the writing style, I never seem to know what it is that captures me about the style of writing an author uses and here I am again in the same situation. I don't care as long as I am pulled in and lost in the world I enter to escape normality for a while.
Hadley is an amazing character, quirky, cheeky and mysterious at times. I do like a character that makes me smile wherever I am reading... I was traveling to work via public transport the other day and I definitely caught myself smiling, I looked up to make sure I wasn't being watched but I had been caught... An elderly man was looking my way smiling too! It got me thinking how I would smile if I seen someone reading with a smile on their face..
I do love this series, I'm enjoying the plots, the world, the characters and, yes, that style of writing that appeals to me but not quite knowing why!
I love the writing style, I never seem to know what it is that captures me about the style of writing an author uses and here I am again in the same situation. I don't care as long as I am pulled in and lost in the world I enter to escape normality for a while.
Hadley is an amazing character, quirky, cheeky and mysterious at times. I do like a character that makes me smile wherever I am reading... I was traveling to work via public transport the other day and I definitely caught myself smiling, I looked up to make sure I wasn't being watched but I had been caught... An elderly man was looking my way smiling too! It got me thinking how I would smile if I seen someone reading with a smile on their face..
I do love this series, I'm enjoying the plots, the world, the characters and, yes, that style of writing that appeals to me but not quite knowing why!
April 22, 2020
Somewhere between the boundless enthusiasm of a fan and the keen eye of a critic lands Quarantine Brain.™ Pack of Lies is book two in Edwards’ spinoff series about the Potentiate (read: Magical Cop) of Atlanta (In Training), Hadley, and it proved quite satisfying. The plot is straightforward: Hadley has blacked out twice and is wondering if her attached ghost may be up to his old tricks, trying to escape her control. On the professional front, the witches from the last book are continuing to cause problems in the supernatural community. Then, of course, is her agreement to allow Midas, the second of the local pack, to court her. Eventually, the three plot lines intertwine nicely and progress satisfactorily on all fronts.
The good is that the plot is very action-oriented and doesn’t have a lot of down time. There are the occasionally humorous lines scattered through the book, but never to the detriment of minimizing a serious situation. Although some might say there is a sort of love triangle, it isn’t really, because Hadley is clear that she considers Ford a friend. There’s a nice cast of side characters, including an appearance by Linus, former Potentiate of Atlanta. I do think she and Midas will make an interestingly suitable pair, given their degree of emotional damage.
Problems? In this book, not really. I did feel like the ret-con of Hadley’s home life continued (if there was that much abuse, how could her bestie not have known?), but I’ll try accept it. The support team of the Potentiate reminds me of every support team in every crime-pseudo-military drama ever, and it’s always such a narrative crutch. Occasionally there’s a stupid line (such a hallmark of this type of book!) or three. I noted, “Midas stomped over to my armoire… and crushed an innocent tee from the top drawer in his fist.” And Edwards tries to continue supporting the anti-girly-girl trend by claiming Hadley is wearing a pair of bikini cut panties held together with a safety pin. wtf. I don’t think anything here really surprised me (plot-wise; I have to admit, the underwear surprised me), and I’m not expecting surprises out of the third book, honestly.
When looking at other reviews, I noted a couple that were confused about Hadley’s backstory, and why her ghostly sidekick Ambrose was such a problem. This was the entire plot of book two in the Necromancer series, How to Claim an Undead Soul, and continued in small bursts through the rest of the Necromancy series, so it’s not easy to say how well this would work if the reader hasn’t read at least that book. But the upside is that it doesn’t feel like there’s a great deal of backstory ‘filler’ here.
I really wish some of these writers would up their game, so I could read these books when there wasn’t a quarantine without rolling my eyes. This one would be a good candidate.
Three and a half stars
The good is that the plot is very action-oriented and doesn’t have a lot of down time. There are the occasionally humorous lines scattered through the book, but never to the detriment of minimizing a serious situation. Although some might say there is a sort of love triangle, it isn’t really, because Hadley is clear that she considers Ford a friend. There’s a nice cast of side characters, including an appearance by Linus, former Potentiate of Atlanta. I do think she and Midas will make an interestingly suitable pair, given their degree of emotional damage.
Problems? In this book, not really. I did feel like the ret-con of Hadley’s home life continued (if there was that much abuse, how could her bestie not have known?), but I’ll try accept it. The support team of the Potentiate reminds me of every support team in every crime-pseudo-military drama ever, and it’s always such a narrative crutch. Occasionally there’s a stupid line (such a hallmark of this type of book!) or three. I noted, “Midas stomped over to my armoire… and crushed an innocent tee from the top drawer in his fist.” And Edwards tries to continue supporting the anti-girly-girl trend by claiming Hadley is wearing a pair of bikini cut panties held together with a safety pin. wtf. I don’t think anything here really surprised me (plot-wise; I have to admit, the underwear surprised me), and I’m not expecting surprises out of the third book, honestly.
When looking at other reviews, I noted a couple that were confused about Hadley’s backstory, and why her ghostly sidekick Ambrose was such a problem. This was the entire plot of book two in the Necromancer series, How to Claim an Undead Soul, and continued in small bursts through the rest of the Necromancy series, so it’s not easy to say how well this would work if the reader hasn’t read at least that book. But the upside is that it doesn’t feel like there’s a great deal of backstory ‘filler’ here.
I really wish some of these writers would up their game, so I could read these books when there wasn’t a quarantine without rolling my eyes. This one would be a good candidate.
Three and a half stars
May 1, 2022
This is second in a series with character and story arcs that build from book to book. I definitely recommend reading in order.
So you know what you're getting with this one from having read the first. The tone is largely the same, though I'm impressed the relationship between Midas and Hadley is developing as fast as it is. More secrets came out in this one than I expected.
The plot/pace was as leisurely as I've grown used to, though there was more emotional investment as major characters are in more jeopardy than I expected (). It also becomes clear that the whole fae thing is going to be center stage for the series plot arc. And I'm okay with that.
I'm pleased-enough with the developments to give this four stars. I'm not really a fan of the whole "we're so broken" thing going on with both Hadley and Midas. Yeah, they have issues, but they make absolutes out of stuff they don't really mean and that's already old.
A note about Chaste: While they're definitely courting, or whatever, they aren't going terribly fast on the physical intimacy scale. There's a night of sleeping together, fully clothed, but there's nothing sexual about it. We do get some mention of morning unmentionables, though, so while I consider this chaste you could definitely make the case that it's not entirely so.
So you know what you're getting with this one from having read the first. The tone is largely the same, though I'm impressed the relationship between Midas and Hadley is developing as fast as it is. More secrets came out in this one than I expected.
The plot/pace was as leisurely as I've grown used to, though there was more emotional investment as major characters are in more jeopardy than I expected (). It also becomes clear that the whole fae thing is going to be center stage for the series plot arc. And I'm okay with that.
I'm pleased-enough with the developments to give this four stars. I'm not really a fan of the whole "we're so broken" thing going on with both Hadley and Midas. Yeah, they have issues, but they make absolutes out of stuff they don't really mean and that's already old.
A note about Chaste: While they're definitely courting, or whatever, they aren't going terribly fast on the physical intimacy scale. There's a night of sleeping together, fully clothed, but there's nothing sexual about it. We do get some mention of morning unmentionables, though, so while I consider this chaste you could definitely make the case that it's not entirely so.
February 24, 2020
Pack of Lies is book two of The Potentate of Atlanta series by Hailey Edwards.
Hadley is growing on me and the redemption storyline for her is working. I like her humor and how she uses it as a way to deflect when her feelings become too complicated.
Ambrose is a fun character and an unapologetic killer, but he makes me laugh.
I like that Hadley and Midas are finally working towards a relationship, even thou it seems like it's impossible. They both have issues and the romance is a slow build.
The story moves along at a nice steady pace. The action is entertaining, but our main focus seemed to be on Hadley and Midas’s relationship.
In this story we are treated to some type of magical roach creature. This storyline was a bit confusing to me and we don’t get any true understanding on this or conclusion, yet. Hopeful more will be reveled in the next installment. As for the ending we do end on a cliffhanger. Now, I’m not a fan of those, but nothing I can do about that.
The one thing that got to me is how much she relies on Linus still. I feel she needs to start weaning away and not calling him on every little thing all the time. It's ok to need someone to bounce ideas off, but I feel she calls him to much. I get she's still in the probation faze, but one day she's going to need to rely on her team and herself.
Pack of Lies was another good book in the series. It did leave me a little confused, but I like that we are seeing Midas and Hadley work on a relationship. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
Hadley is growing on me and the redemption storyline for her is working. I like her humor and how she uses it as a way to deflect when her feelings become too complicated.
Ambrose is a fun character and an unapologetic killer, but he makes me laugh.
I like that Hadley and Midas are finally working towards a relationship, even thou it seems like it's impossible. They both have issues and the romance is a slow build.
The story moves along at a nice steady pace. The action is entertaining, but our main focus seemed to be on Hadley and Midas’s relationship.
In this story we are treated to some type of magical roach creature. This storyline was a bit confusing to me and we don’t get any true understanding on this or conclusion, yet. Hopeful more will be reveled in the next installment. As for the ending we do end on a cliffhanger. Now, I’m not a fan of those, but nothing I can do about that.
The one thing that got to me is how much she relies on Linus still. I feel she needs to start weaning away and not calling him on every little thing all the time. It's ok to need someone to bounce ideas off, but I feel she calls him to much. I get she's still in the probation faze, but one day she's going to need to rely on her team and herself.
Pack of Lies was another good book in the series. It did leave me a little confused, but I like that we are seeing Midas and Hadley work on a relationship. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
Rated: 3.5 Stars
March 5, 2020
I adore the back and forth between Midas and Hadley. Both have secrets, and we learned a little more about some of Midas’s issues and how they tie into some case threads. Hadley has been losing time and waking up behind a dumpster. I enjoy Ambrose. Sure, he is evil…. but he likes chocolate and cracks me up. Sorry. Not sorry.
Witchborn fae, slimy cockroaches and missing members… eek gads. Things got pretty intense. Hadley called on Linus for answers and while I get it, I’d like to see her gain more confidence. I know it’s because she doesn’t want to repeat past mistakes, but Linus’s faith in her should be a strong indicator that she’s got this.
One of my favorite things about this series the interaction between the characters, from pack to team members to the relationship developing between Midas and Hadley. I laughed, swooned, and became caught up in their world.
While it isn’t necessary to have read the previous series, I recommend that you read this series in the order of its release. I am anxious for the next installment. Fans of urban fantasy, shifters, necromancers and paranormal suspense will find themselves right at home. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
Witchborn fae, slimy cockroaches and missing members… eek gads. Things got pretty intense. Hadley called on Linus for answers and while I get it, I’d like to see her gain more confidence. I know it’s because she doesn’t want to repeat past mistakes, but Linus’s faith in her should be a strong indicator that she’s got this.
One of my favorite things about this series the interaction between the characters, from pack to team members to the relationship developing between Midas and Hadley. I laughed, swooned, and became caught up in their world.
While it isn’t necessary to have read the previous series, I recommend that you read this series in the order of its release. I am anxious for the next installment. Fans of urban fantasy, shifters, necromancers and paranormal suspense will find themselves right at home. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 11, 2020
Things are happily picking up between Midas and Hadley! Given both their backgrounds and issues, the going is slow and scary but watching them fight through their fears in hopes of that one chance for happines is awesome!
I also thoroughly loved Hadley’s humor. She uses it as a way to deflect when her feelings become too complicated or surface too much. This makes her an even more endearing character - something she desperately needed.
The only thing that was a bit off was the full-stop ending with the plot, itself. That fae/Martian roach weird stuff was a rather odd and confusing thread throughout this story and rather than any understanding or conclusion, the book closes hanging off a cliff mid-action. HATE those!! Now, I know that all series have an over-arching plot that continues but this wasn’t a storyline where the monsters are vanquished but with the bigger problem still looming, like all the other installments. Rather, this book’s very specific plot is stopped mid arc. *shrugs*
Still, I love the time spent on Midas and Hadley and the sheer creative fun of Ms. Edwards writing that I won’t deduct more stars (something I would usually do with a full-stop ending where one must wait months and months to pick up the next sentence) or whine too hard.
I also thoroughly loved Hadley’s humor. She uses it as a way to deflect when her feelings become too complicated or surface too much. This makes her an even more endearing character - something she desperately needed.
The only thing that was a bit off was the full-stop ending with the plot, itself. That fae/Martian roach weird stuff was a rather odd and confusing thread throughout this story and rather than any understanding or conclusion, the book closes hanging off a cliff mid-action. HATE those!! Now, I know that all series have an over-arching plot that continues but this wasn’t a storyline where the monsters are vanquished but with the bigger problem still looming, like all the other installments. Rather, this book’s very specific plot is stopped mid arc. *shrugs*
Still, I love the time spent on Midas and Hadley and the sheer creative fun of Ms. Edwards writing that I won’t deduct more stars (something I would usually do with a full-stop ending where one must wait months and months to pick up the next sentence) or whine too hard.
June 24, 2025
Man, I just could not put this down.
Hadley is growing into the kind of loyal, self-reflective main character that I would have never thought possible, but am really growing to like.
Midas is just flat-out wonderful.
I really enjoyed seeing the two of them struggle to put their broken pieces together as this story unfolded. I also really enjoyed the meeting with Tisdale.
Plus, we got some more Linus! Yay, Linus!
Also, where have I heard the name Bria before? I feel like it has come up in the series, and I can't place it. But maybe I'm blending books.
Book 3, please!
Re-read June 2025
Yeah, this series is definitely on my favorites list. The first book had a lot of setup, but this one is where everything congeals, and I love it.
Hadley is growing into the kind of loyal, self-reflective main character that I would have never thought possible, but am really growing to like.
Midas is just flat-out wonderful.
I really enjoyed seeing the two of them struggle to put their broken pieces together as this story unfolded. I also really enjoyed the meeting with Tisdale.
Plus, we got some more Linus! Yay, Linus!
Also, where have I heard the name Bria before? I feel like it has come up in the series, and I can't place it. But maybe I'm blending books.
Book 3, please!
Re-read June 2025
Yeah, this series is definitely on my favorites list. The first book had a lot of setup, but this one is where everything congeals, and I love it.
June 18, 2020
******** Re-read Take 1...Now I can rate this. Hmm. But how to rate with this book's dependency on another series. Hmmm.
3.5 ish
"Pack of Lies" from The Potentate of Atlanta series only made sense after I read How to Claim an Undead Soul (The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy, #2). . This book also required a re-read of Shadow of Doubt (Potentate #1), since I had forgotten the "Snowball" plot. (There isn't any re-hash in book 2, so have the plot fresh in your mind or this book will leave you behind!)
If I had read the books required above then this book would have been a 3.5-4 star read, which I would have rounded up to 4 stars. I docked it to 3 stars since "Pack of Lies" can't stand alone within its own spin-off series. There's other occurances mentioned from The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy series but they didn't require a much of a stretch to fill in the blank areas. [Note: I've only read book 1 and 2 of the Necromancy series. It just wasn't for me as the characters felt pretty flat, the heroine bland, and even Amelie/Hadley was flat as a cardboard. Just my opinion folks.]
After the requisite reading, readers may enjoy the humor and romantic tension. (By the way, I like that this couple isn't all about 'hard-ons,' 'pebbling nipples,' and 'wet panties.) There's also the mystery! It was different, or should I say I hadn't read about an aspect of the baddies found in "Pack of Lies." I loved the vulnerability of the Hadley and Midas. Plus their characters' growth.
Change of Heart (The Potentate of Atlanta, #3), my pre-order, recently downloads to my Kindle and I'm ready, willing, and eager to read it. Like right now, right now. Ta ta!
********Finished and confused. I feel the need to re-read book 1 and, possibly, The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy series, which didn't really appeal to me. I rarely reread books unless they are "Keeper" books, but I really like Hadley and Midas and want to make some sense of this book. This is one book where I wish there had been some recaps.
no rating at this time
3.5 ish
"Pack of Lies" from The Potentate of Atlanta series only made sense after I read How to Claim an Undead Soul (The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy, #2). . This book also required a re-read of Shadow of Doubt (Potentate #1), since I had forgotten the "Snowball" plot. (There isn't any re-hash in book 2, so have the plot fresh in your mind or this book will leave you behind!)
If I had read the books required above then this book would have been a 3.5-4 star read, which I would have rounded up to 4 stars. I docked it to 3 stars since "Pack of Lies" can't stand alone within its own spin-off series. There's other occurances mentioned from The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy series but they didn't require a much of a stretch to fill in the blank areas. [Note: I've only read book 1 and 2 of the Necromancy series. It just wasn't for me as the characters felt pretty flat, the heroine bland, and even Amelie/Hadley was flat as a cardboard. Just my opinion folks.]
After the requisite reading, readers may enjoy the humor and romantic tension. (By the way, I like that this couple isn't all about 'hard-ons,' 'pebbling nipples,' and 'wet panties.) There's also the mystery! It was different, or should I say I hadn't read about an aspect of the baddies found in "Pack of Lies." I loved the vulnerability of the Hadley and Midas. Plus their characters' growth.
Change of Heart (The Potentate of Atlanta, #3), my pre-order, recently downloads to my Kindle and I'm ready, willing, and eager to read it. Like right now, right now. Ta ta!
********Finished and confused. I feel the need to re-read book 1 and, possibly, The Beginner's Guide to Necromancy series, which didn't really appeal to me. I rarely reread books unless they are "Keeper" books, but I really like Hadley and Midas and want to make some sense of this book. This is one book where I wish there had been some recaps.
no rating at this time
August 23, 2025
Some parts moved slow for me, but still an enjoyable episode.
January 15, 2020
Meh. Definitely worse than the first book. The plot was chaotic and convoluted and I really disliked how all main relationships were handled (with Ford never taking Hadley’s no for an anwser and Midas basically tricking her into their courtship). It also rubbed me the wrong way that Midas was continuously portrayed as someone „broken” and not as a survivor. Ambrose remains both the most interesting and the most underused/underdeveloped character in the series and I would love to read more about his complicated symbiosis with Hadley, but I’m not sure if that’s enough of an incentive to pick up another book after such a weak installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2025
“He told me some burdens are easier to bear with another shoulder to rest them on.”
Mutant Roaches, Witch-Fae baddies, and courting between our confused couple. Things are heating up all around!
June 12, 2023
I was worried I wasn't going to like this series as much as Grier's story, but I'm hooked! Guess I waited long enough between series so I'm not comparing them hahaha. Although reading this is making me want to do a re-read because Linus~~~~
January 17, 2020
In this latest book, the second in the spin-off of the author’s, Hadley is trying to deal with so many things including rebuilding her life, dealing with a maybe future with Midas, and doing things on her own without Linus. Every time I read I book by this author, I’m just filled with so many emotions. I love the other series this one came from, and I’m thinking this may overtake that one, or maybe tie with it, it’s that good. Midas’ past is coming to light, and he is becoming a favorite character along with Hadley, who I never thought I’d like again. She is just trying so darn hard. I can’t say enough good things about this, and you need to read this. Be prepared for a little…gore! LOL! Highly recommend!
November 14, 2023
Pack of Lies picks up where book one left off, managing to raise the stakes. Hailey Edwards’s writing style is easy to just jump into. I never feel like I have to wade through boring sections or info dumps to get to the excitement. Her books are heavy on the action, with enough mystery to keep the brain cells firing, and flawed characters with difficult challenges. I love that the main character in these, Hadley, isn’t one of those “special”, “perfect” types. She’s made mistakes, huge ones. It puts her in a unique position to offer up second chances to others. Seeing her and other characters struggle with self-worth, difficult choices, and immense responsibilities makes this story crackle with energy. There’s a found family vibe to this world that I love.
In Pack of Lies, Hadley is going to sleep in one place and waking up in another with no memory of anything that occurred in between. Meanwhile paranormal baddies are wreaking havoc in her city. She cracks plenty of jokes, but there’s a feeling that more than her job could be on the line if she doesn’t unravel these problems quick.
In Pack of Lies, Hadley is going to sleep in one place and waking up in another with no memory of anything that occurred in between. Meanwhile paranormal baddies are wreaking havoc in her city. She cracks plenty of jokes, but there’s a feeling that more than her job could be on the line if she doesn’t unravel these problems quick.
January 17, 2020
A list of things I thought about today while reading POA Pack of Lies:
• I wish Hadley, Grier, and Lethe made a BFF Triad
• Gwyllgi sound downright unattractive... but I'm strangely attracted anyway...
• Morning breath is a hard no
• Ambrose is an unapologetic killer but he really makes me laugh. Da#n his charisma!
• Midas - proof that females (no matter the species or wraith inhabited) are drawn to males with issues (if they're hot and have abs...). He's a fictional character and I'M drawn to him!
• I so do NOT want Hadley's job
• I wish Hadley's hair was a smidge longer
• I go to Walmart - a lot - seriously glad I do not have a gwyllgi sniffer
• When I completely and irrevocably fell in love with Atlanta's POA... Star Trek jammies...
• If I were pocket-sized I would love to kick back and pocket snuggle Hailey Edwards - I mean, with her imagination what kind of S#*! comes out of her mouth when her fingers aren't tapping away?!
• Being able to speak to someone while stinking to high heaven and not be embarrassed - I worship thee oh gifted one...
• I would totally decorate my Faraday penthouse in grey and blue, have a robot chef and house cleaner and use my new free time to ponder life's big questions (like cream of wheat or oatmeal).
• Midas tents 👀
• It's 5 o'clock somewhere
• Hadley makes me cry-laugh (better pee before chapter 3)
• Tisdale is one scary, scary woman (love her)
• Fried chicken sounds amazing
• As if roaches weren't already on the World's Most Disgusting Bug List - Edwards made them gross(er)
• Is it too soon to ask for POA #3?
• Is it too soon to send a handcrafted One Ring friends forever gift to Edwards (myyyyy precious)?
Edward's second POA is nothing short of brilliant - the characters, the storyline, the friendships, and even the sneaky wraiths - all of it - finger-licking-good (whoops, still thinking about buckets of fried chicken). As the almost, new Potentate of Atlanta, Hailey is doing a bang-up job of filling some Linus sized shoes... this new gig may just work. If only that witchborn fae coven wasn't still lurking about Atlanta...
Kris
Whiskey & Wit Book Reviews
• I wish Hadley, Grier, and Lethe made a BFF Triad
• Gwyllgi sound downright unattractive... but I'm strangely attracted anyway...
• Morning breath is a hard no
• Ambrose is an unapologetic killer but he really makes me laugh. Da#n his charisma!
• Midas - proof that females (no matter the species or wraith inhabited) are drawn to males with issues (if they're hot and have abs...). He's a fictional character and I'M drawn to him!
• I so do NOT want Hadley's job
• I wish Hadley's hair was a smidge longer
• I go to Walmart - a lot - seriously glad I do not have a gwyllgi sniffer
• When I completely and irrevocably fell in love with Atlanta's POA... Star Trek jammies...
• If I were pocket-sized I would love to kick back and pocket snuggle Hailey Edwards - I mean, with her imagination what kind of S#*! comes out of her mouth when her fingers aren't tapping away?!
• Being able to speak to someone while stinking to high heaven and not be embarrassed - I worship thee oh gifted one...
• I would totally decorate my Faraday penthouse in grey and blue, have a robot chef and house cleaner and use my new free time to ponder life's big questions (like cream of wheat or oatmeal).
• Midas tents 👀
• It's 5 o'clock somewhere
• Hadley makes me cry-laugh (better pee before chapter 3)
• Tisdale is one scary, scary woman (love her)
• Fried chicken sounds amazing
• As if roaches weren't already on the World's Most Disgusting Bug List - Edwards made them gross(er)
• Is it too soon to ask for POA #3?
• Is it too soon to send a handcrafted One Ring friends forever gift to Edwards (myyyyy precious)?
Edward's second POA is nothing short of brilliant - the characters, the storyline, the friendships, and even the sneaky wraiths - all of it - finger-licking-good (whoops, still thinking about buckets of fried chicken). As the almost, new Potentate of Atlanta, Hailey is doing a bang-up job of filling some Linus sized shoes... this new gig may just work. If only that witchborn fae coven wasn't still lurking about Atlanta...
Kris
Whiskey & Wit Book Reviews
January 18, 2020
Another great story
I absolutely love Hadley and Midas. There story is so fun and exciting and full of adventure. Ready for more.
I absolutely love Hadley and Midas. There story is so fun and exciting and full of adventure. Ready for more.
January 19, 2020
This was an interesting book because Hadley was both unsettled and settled about things. At first it seems like she was loosing control, but by the end of the book you can see that wasn't true and she was settling in quite good as Potentate. She went after those that were important to her, found a new ally, one who looks like they will be very useful and finally has come to terms with Midas. I'm very intrigued to see where that goes.
March 19, 2020
Review posted on Got Fiction? book blog
This second book in the Potentate of Atlanta brought us back to the beginning of Hadley’s story in the sense that she’s losing time, she’s waking up in weird places, and Ambrose (her shadow) isn’t talking.
Quick overview-in the Necromancer series, Hadley was Amalie, Grier’s best friend since childhood, but she got greedy. She wanted more for her life than she was allowed. She summoned something (Ambrose) that would take her over and use her in return for powers. Her punishment was lenient, and now she’s taking over for Linus as Potentate of Atlanta. You do not need to have read the Necromancer series to enjoy this one, but you do need to read them in order.
Hadley is doing everything she can to make up for her past, but to make the new identity work, she has a new life, and body. With a charm, a glamour, she is no longer Amalie. She is Hadley. I really like her. I wasn’t sure if the author would be able to take a previous villain and make her likeable, but she has.
Midas is interesting. We’ve all known since the previous series, that he considers himself broken. Here we glimpses of why. And I don’t think I like the way he’s spent the past few centuries handling it. It’s all going to come to a head, and that time seems to be now. I did like his mother a lot though. I don’t even mind his accidentally/ not-so-accidentally claiming of Hadley, and I like that she can refuse it. It gives her the agency that his claiming could otherwise take away. It’s more of a courtship than a claiming.
I feel like Ambrose should have a bigger role. He’s got so much potential. Why waste him? I also liked the way Linus and Hadley barged in at the end, but that ending? Hmmm…If the 7 hearts means what I think it means, I’m gonna be mad. Hadley should be allowed [redacted for now]
This has a very Kate Daniels vibe, so if you like that series, you’d probably like this one.
***I got this book through Kindle Unlimited
This second book in the Potentate of Atlanta brought us back to the beginning of Hadley’s story in the sense that she’s losing time, she’s waking up in weird places, and Ambrose (her shadow) isn’t talking.
Quick overview-in the Necromancer series, Hadley was Amalie, Grier’s best friend since childhood, but she got greedy. She wanted more for her life than she was allowed. She summoned something (Ambrose) that would take her over and use her in return for powers. Her punishment was lenient, and now she’s taking over for Linus as Potentate of Atlanta. You do not need to have read the Necromancer series to enjoy this one, but you do need to read them in order.
Hadley is doing everything she can to make up for her past, but to make the new identity work, she has a new life, and body. With a charm, a glamour, she is no longer Amalie. She is Hadley. I really like her. I wasn’t sure if the author would be able to take a previous villain and make her likeable, but she has.
Midas is interesting. We’ve all known since the previous series, that he considers himself broken. Here we glimpses of why. And I don’t think I like the way he’s spent the past few centuries handling it. It’s all going to come to a head, and that time seems to be now. I did like his mother a lot though. I don’t even mind his accidentally/ not-so-accidentally claiming of Hadley, and I like that she can refuse it. It gives her the agency that his claiming could otherwise take away. It’s more of a courtship than a claiming.
I feel like Ambrose should have a bigger role. He’s got so much potential. Why waste him? I also liked the way Linus and Hadley barged in at the end, but that ending? Hmmm…If the 7 hearts means what I think it means, I’m gonna be mad. Hadley should be allowed [redacted for now]
This has a very Kate Daniels vibe, so if you like that series, you’d probably like this one.
***I got this book through Kindle Unlimited
July 24, 2020
I love Hadley and Midas. I love their imperfections. I love their banter. I also enjoy the side characters.
You should definitely start with the first one . . . and if you want the *whole* story How to Save an Undead Life.
This story feels like part of a story more than a complete story - it feels like it just stops without any climax or solution or remedy . . .
I still loved it. I cannot wait for the next one to come out.
You should definitely start with the first one . . . and if you want the *whole* story How to Save an Undead Life.
This story feels like part of a story more than a complete story - it feels like it just stops without any climax or solution or remedy . . .
I still loved it. I cannot wait for the next one to come out.
April 16, 2020
Two and a half stars.
I just don't get Hailey Edwards, she seems to like to change direction mid-way through a series, and when the series is a spin-off from a series you haven't read the average reader is just left floundering.
Hadley is the trainee Potentate of Atlanta, she's a necromancer, assuming a fake identity, and she's entered into a bargain to share her consciousness with a shade (I'm sorry, it's not really explained and I have zero recall of the first book). She lives in an apartment block with the local Warg pack and has memory loss episodes where she wakes up in strange clothes and odd surroundings with no memory of how she got there, because of her backstory she is worried that she might be murdering people in a fugue state.
There's just so much going on and so little recapping of previous books that I was totally lost. Who are these characters, what is their story, why do they behave like this? I just didn't know. And this is my issue with other series by Hailey Edwards, you enjoy a book and then the series takes a odd turn and you're not sure where it's going. I liked the previous book, despite not understanding the backstory, but this seemed to degenerate into a 'cute boy is mean to me' and love-triangle PNR nonsense. More plot less tweenager angst please!
Hadley's love interest (sort of) is the Warg Beta, Midas. He has his own issues so there's a lot of push-me, pull-you angst and snarling when other wargs get too close. All this overshadows a plot which encompasses almost every kind of paranormal entity.
Overall, I was just confused.
I just don't get Hailey Edwards, she seems to like to change direction mid-way through a series, and when the series is a spin-off from a series you haven't read the average reader is just left floundering.
Hadley is the trainee Potentate of Atlanta, she's a necromancer, assuming a fake identity, and she's entered into a bargain to share her consciousness with a shade (I'm sorry, it's not really explained and I have zero recall of the first book). She lives in an apartment block with the local Warg pack and has memory loss episodes where she wakes up in strange clothes and odd surroundings with no memory of how she got there, because of her backstory she is worried that she might be murdering people in a fugue state.
There's just so much going on and so little recapping of previous books that I was totally lost. Who are these characters, what is their story, why do they behave like this? I just didn't know. And this is my issue with other series by Hailey Edwards, you enjoy a book and then the series takes a odd turn and you're not sure where it's going. I liked the previous book, despite not understanding the backstory, but this seemed to degenerate into a 'cute boy is mean to me' and love-triangle PNR nonsense. More plot less tweenager angst please!
Hadley's love interest (sort of) is the Warg Beta, Midas. He has his own issues so there's a lot of push-me, pull-you angst and snarling when other wargs get too close. All this overshadows a plot which encompasses almost every kind of paranormal entity.
Overall, I was just confused.
January 20, 2020
Hol-ee bananas. MAN, do I adore Midas and Hadley and the crew she's slowly building around her as she learns the ins and outs of becoming a Potentate. Hadley has serious guilt over what she did/what she put in motion back in Savannah and everything she does is flavored by that guilt. At the same time, she's still dealing with the long-term abuse her mother heaped on her when she was younger and that makes her a bit of a ticking time bomb.
Or at least it would if she wasn't willing to reach out for help when things start going sideways. Honestly, I really like that about her. She doesn't wait until the 11th hour to call in reinforcements (in the form of Linus and his big brain and tattoo gun, in this case), she sucks it up and tells him immediately when she starts to suspect something might have gone wrong, which helps mitigate the potential fallout.
That said, she's also extremely wary about revealing her secrets to those who don't already know them. Because, you know, if her secrets get out they could destroy everything she's been working toward and that would gut her in the worst possible way.
Which brings us around to Midas. She's drawn to him. She might not want to like him, but she does. BUT...she's not ready to share yet. Given that Midas has his own secrets, he understands this. (Again, yessssss. I like that they talked things out and found a work-around that has the potential for them both sharing all the truth somewhere down the line.)
For the record, bashful Midas might be my new favorite thing IN THE WORLD. Him asking without asking kills me dead and I absolutely loved how Hadley was able to parse what he needed and give it to him with minimal fuss.
Both Hadley and Midas have come a long way since their introduction. They're both trying to put their lives back together and I just...I JUST LIKE THEM TOGETHER SO MUCH. So much.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Or at least it would if she wasn't willing to reach out for help when things start going sideways. Honestly, I really like that about her. She doesn't wait until the 11th hour to call in reinforcements (in the form of Linus and his big brain and tattoo gun, in this case), she sucks it up and tells him immediately when she starts to suspect something might have gone wrong, which helps mitigate the potential fallout.
That said, she's also extremely wary about revealing her secrets to those who don't already know them. Because, you know, if her secrets get out they could destroy everything she's been working toward and that would gut her in the worst possible way.
Which brings us around to Midas. She's drawn to him. She might not want to like him, but she does. BUT...she's not ready to share yet. Given that Midas has his own secrets, he understands this. (Again, yessssss. I like that they talked things out and found a work-around that has the potential for them both sharing all the truth somewhere down the line.)
For the record, bashful Midas might be my new favorite thing IN THE WORLD. Him asking without asking kills me dead and I absolutely loved how Hadley was able to parse what he needed and give it to him with minimal fuss.
Both Hadley and Midas have come a long way since their introduction. They're both trying to put their lives back together and I just...I JUST LIKE THEM TOGETHER SO MUCH. So much.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
January 6, 2021
Ah, the tension! Will they get to them on time? Will they live? Will they die? All questions my sister refused to answer when I was at 50%!
It’s interesting to read a ‘broken’ alpha who actually acts like he is a bit broken. And not just ‘broken’ cause the writer told you he was.
Loving seeing more of Bishop, can’t wait to see more. Also want to see how Remy fits into it all.
It’s interesting to read a ‘broken’ alpha who actually acts like he is a bit broken. And not just ‘broken’ cause the writer told you he was.
Loving seeing more of Bishop, can’t wait to see more. Also want to see how Remy fits into it all.
January 15, 2020
Faeted
I may like The Potentate of Atlanta books more than The Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy - which is saying quite a lot since I not only gleefully devoured those books as fast as I could read them when they were released, but have reread the series probably a dozen times by now. It worries me that I like these characters so well, but the underlying theme of second chances and redemption is compelling. In fact, one of the things I struggled with in Ms. Edwards’s other series is that so many of the female protagonists are pile-ons, which is to say that they start out as relatively normal women and by the end of the series they transform into magical/miracle queens/goddesses/whathaveyous.
Hadley exists because of the mistakes she made. It’s a deeper truth that is fairly universal - don’t most people make mistakes? Hadley’s mistakes were catastrophic. They were mistakes that hurt not only her, but everyone else in her life. These books are about her learning to live with those mistakes and the consequences of her actions. It’s a story of redemption, rehabilitation, and reintegration. She is trying, slowly and painfully, to build a new life on the ashes of her old life. It’s a laborious process and she is painfully aware of the road that she left to take this new road.
The mystery of Midas, Bishop, Remy, and coven of witchborn fae is coming along neatly. I very much want to stay in the world that Edwards is building and learn more about these characters. I’m curious if Edwards is going to revisit the fae realm that she established in earlier books or how she is going to bring the fae element further into the story as it unfolds. I feel like this book is a worthy continuation of the previous novel and waiting for the next book is likely to be as frustrating as the wait for this one. I confess, I was not looking forward to waiting another 5 months for the 2nd book in the series and am delighted that it was released early. Fingers-crossed for book 3.
The only downside is that this book does, however, make me even more sad about the recent TBTGN novella about Grier’s wedding. It doesn’t fit into the timeline of the POA books, at all.
I may like The Potentate of Atlanta books more than The Beginner’s Guide to Necromancy - which is saying quite a lot since I not only gleefully devoured those books as fast as I could read them when they were released, but have reread the series probably a dozen times by now. It worries me that I like these characters so well, but the underlying theme of second chances and redemption is compelling. In fact, one of the things I struggled with in Ms. Edwards’s other series is that so many of the female protagonists are pile-ons, which is to say that they start out as relatively normal women and by the end of the series they transform into magical/miracle queens/goddesses/whathaveyous.
Hadley exists because of the mistakes she made. It’s a deeper truth that is fairly universal - don’t most people make mistakes? Hadley’s mistakes were catastrophic. They were mistakes that hurt not only her, but everyone else in her life. These books are about her learning to live with those mistakes and the consequences of her actions. It’s a story of redemption, rehabilitation, and reintegration. She is trying, slowly and painfully, to build a new life on the ashes of her old life. It’s a laborious process and she is painfully aware of the road that she left to take this new road.
The mystery of Midas, Bishop, Remy, and coven of witchborn fae is coming along neatly. I very much want to stay in the world that Edwards is building and learn more about these characters. I’m curious if Edwards is going to revisit the fae realm that she established in earlier books or how she is going to bring the fae element further into the story as it unfolds. I feel like this book is a worthy continuation of the previous novel and waiting for the next book is likely to be as frustrating as the wait for this one. I confess, I was not looking forward to waiting another 5 months for the 2nd book in the series and am delighted that it was released early. Fingers-crossed for book 3.
The only downside is that this book does, however, make me even more sad about the recent TBTGN novella about Grier’s wedding. It doesn’t fit into the timeline of the POA books, at all.
February 9, 2020
Such A Great Sequel!
I loved this sequel! It had all the humor and action as the first book with a touch of romance that was masterfully written given the brokenness and pasts of the characters involved. I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing Midas, and to some extent, Hadley grow. The growth is slow, but so worth it just to get those glimpses of healing that take place in unexpected ways. I'm definitely looking forward to Change Of Heart and what it will bring for the battle ahead for Hadley and Co.
Highly recommend this series!
I loved this sequel! It had all the humor and action as the first book with a touch of romance that was masterfully written given the brokenness and pasts of the characters involved. I also thoroughly enjoyed seeing Midas, and to some extent, Hadley grow. The growth is slow, but so worth it just to get those glimpses of healing that take place in unexpected ways. I'm definitely looking forward to Change Of Heart and what it will bring for the battle ahead for Hadley and Co.
Highly recommend this series!
January 17, 2020
Another amazing book!
Hadley is the character everyone WANTS to hate, lives to hate even. Yet she’s also the character that a reader can most sympathize with and therefore cheer for. Add Midas into the mix and you’re left panting for more, literally! I love the give and take they share together trying to dig out a new life they never really anticipated while also dealing with the teenager hormonal equivalent 😂 of love. The storyline is a great second helping of the world in Atlanta and I can’t wait to see where it progresses! Ford better find his happily ever after as well or I will. D extremely sad
Hadley is the character everyone WANTS to hate, lives to hate even. Yet she’s also the character that a reader can most sympathize with and therefore cheer for. Add Midas into the mix and you’re left panting for more, literally! I love the give and take they share together trying to dig out a new life they never really anticipated while also dealing with the teenager hormonal equivalent 😂 of love. The storyline is a great second helping of the world in Atlanta and I can’t wait to see where it progresses! Ford better find his happily ever after as well or I will. D extremely sad
January 20, 2020
I love how this universe keeps expanding. How the characters keep growing. I can’t wait for the next book!
February 5, 2020
Love this series
Who thought anyone would like Hadley's story? I just have trust in the author that they know what they are doing when they have a story to tell in a world we know and love, they usually deliver!
Who thought anyone would like Hadley's story? I just have trust in the author that they know what they are doing when they have a story to tell in a world we know and love, they usually deliver!
January 31, 2020
I’m really enjoying this spinoff series, and it’s getting easier to like Hadley the more I see her in action. Her relationship with Midas is evolving and she’s building loyalties and making friends that will stand her in good stead when she finishes her apprenticeship and becomes the Potentate of Atlanta. There are lots of secrets on both Midas and Hadley’s parts, and it will be interesting to see how much they are able to reveal and how perhaps learning of some secrets might change how they feel about each other. There were some tense moments in this one and it built up to the next book, clearly outlining the next mission to come, and I’m dying to find out how it all turns out.
December 9, 2024
I’m absolutely obsessed with this series and thoroughly enjoying the journey through Hadley and Midas's story once again. The slow burn romance between them is nothing short of epic, drawing you in with every page turn ❤️🔥. However, the richness of this series goes far beyond their relationship. It's genuinely one of the finest paranormal fantasy books I've had the pleasure of reading. Hailey Edwards has a remarkable talent for storytelling, and her vivid imagination shines through every chapter. There’s never a dull moment, as each twist and turn keeps you eagerly turning the pages.
June 10, 2020
I really like Hadley and Midas in this. There is plenty of interesting things going on in the background too. My only nit is the story just kind of stops without resolving anything, not really a cliff hanger but it felt like it should be the end of a chapter but not the end of the book.
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