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Hollowcliff Detectives #2
To Kill a King
When Mera Maurea goes to Lunor Insul to investigate the Night King’s murder, she knows bringing her partner Sebastian Dhay is a mistake, mostly because he’s the victim’s freaking son. Things would be a lot easier if Bast’s relationship with his four brothers wasn’t so… explosive. As the culprit keeps attacking the Night Court, Mera and Bast will have to catch him before all remaining Dhays are dead. Everything is connected, and solving this case might just bring Mera closer to Poseidon.
272 pages, Paperback
Published November 24, 2019
About the author
C.S. Wilde
18 books110 followersC.S. Wilde wrote her first Fantasy novel when she was eight. That book was absolutely terrible, but her mother told her it was awesome, so she kept writing.
Now a grown-up (though many will beg to differ), C. S. Wilde writes about fantastic worlds, love stories larger than life and epic battles.
She also, quite obviously, sucks at writing an author bio. She finds it awkward that she must write this in the third person, and hopes you won't notice.
You can find her at: www.cswilde.com
On Twitter: @thatcswilde
Or on Facebook: thatcswilde
Now a grown-up (though many will beg to differ), C. S. Wilde writes about fantastic worlds, love stories larger than life and epic battles.
She also, quite obviously, sucks at writing an author bio. She finds it awkward that she must write this in the third person, and hopes you won't notice.
You can find her at: www.cswilde.com
On Twitter: @thatcswilde
Or on Facebook: thatcswilde
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
June 16, 2020
The same complains as for the first book: please let them loose the fear to be together! They know each other secrets, so I just don't understand all these push and pulls!
But I still want to know who Poseidon is!!! And how will everything be explained!
But I still want to know who Poseidon is!!! And how will everything be explained!
February 8, 2021
I liked this even more than the first because they introduced the other beautiful fae brothers of Sebastian’s. Good lawd. I’m so thankful Ben is ok after all of the other horrible things that happened but I think if I was Bast that I’d have ended the vamp for hurting Ben the way he did 🤷🏻♀️ anyway, 5 stars for this one!
August 10, 2020
After the events of the first audiobook, To Kill A Fae, I was anxious to get back to more cases with Mera & Sebastian (Bast). This time they are headed to Lunor Insul to investigate the Night King’s murder.
To get there we will need to cross the water, and we gain knowledge about Mera’s murky past.
Meeting Sebastian’s family was interesting. He is a member of the Royal family with a price on his head. I adored his sister and understand his dilemma.
We see growth in the relationship which is turning into a slow burn, as they share secrets and heated moments. I am not completely onboard with some of Bast’s behavior, but there is room for growth and trust.
Poseidon is this hovering threat, but even this far in we don’t know why. The case however was stronger in To Kill A King. I appreciate the partnership forming between these two as an investigative team. They play well off each other.
Suspense mounted as the killer continued to attack the Night Court. It kept the momentum going as it hooked the listener.
Chris Dukehart once again narrated the perspective of Mera, but this time Tim Paige is introduced for the voice & perspective of Bass. I appreciated the dual narrative and as both narrators are stellar. They enhanced the overall story and character development.
Fans of suspense, snark, mystery and the Fae will want to grab the Hollowcliff Detectives on audio. You’ll want to meet these clever, flawed and engaging detectives. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
To get there we will need to cross the water, and we gain knowledge about Mera’s murky past.
Meeting Sebastian’s family was interesting. He is a member of the Royal family with a price on his head. I adored his sister and understand his dilemma.
We see growth in the relationship which is turning into a slow burn, as they share secrets and heated moments. I am not completely onboard with some of Bast’s behavior, but there is room for growth and trust.
Poseidon is this hovering threat, but even this far in we don’t know why. The case however was stronger in To Kill A King. I appreciate the partnership forming between these two as an investigative team. They play well off each other.
Suspense mounted as the killer continued to attack the Night Court. It kept the momentum going as it hooked the listener.
Chris Dukehart once again narrated the perspective of Mera, but this time Tim Paige is introduced for the voice & perspective of Bass. I appreciated the dual narrative and as both narrators are stellar. They enhanced the overall story and character development.
Fans of suspense, snark, mystery and the Fae will want to grab the Hollowcliff Detectives on audio. You’ll want to meet these clever, flawed and engaging detectives. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
August 30, 2023
3.25 stars. I liked this better than book 1.
January 15, 2020
Slooooooow burn.
Good story but damn. Don't expect this romance to go anywhere yet. Stay for the who done it- this time. I'm not a big fan of the guy rubbing his past lovers in his current interests face. Is he trying to prove how little he can be faithful before they even get started? Keep hurting her feelings for fun. That's always a turn on! Let smirking man bun scratch that itch but then move on. Maybe they'll actually have sex by the fifth book. Someone let me know. By the 10th interruption before their lips connect I became fatigued & hoped they'd both get some from other lovers. Dream sex don't count!
Good story but damn. Don't expect this romance to go anywhere yet. Stay for the who done it- this time. I'm not a big fan of the guy rubbing his past lovers in his current interests face. Is he trying to prove how little he can be faithful before they even get started? Keep hurting her feelings for fun. That's always a turn on! Let smirking man bun scratch that itch but then move on. Maybe they'll actually have sex by the fifth book. Someone let me know. By the 10th interruption before their lips connect I became fatigued & hoped they'd both get some from other lovers. Dream sex don't count!
August 13, 2020
To Kill a King is the second book in the Hollowcliff Detectives series, and I strongly recommend starting with the first book, To Kill a Fae, for world-building and character introduction and development. This one takes place shortly after the conclusion of the first book, picking up with Detectives Mera and Bast looking into the death of Bast’s father, the Night King, by returning to his homeland. The bulk of the story is spent investigating murders happening in the Night Court, but we also see story progression on a potential romance between the two main characters as we learn more about both characters’ pasts.
One of my wishes after listening to the first book was to hear Bast’s POV to balance the romantic aspects of the story, and to my delight… my wish was granted! The story actually opens with Bast’s POV in the past. Through these interludes, we learn more about how he went from an assassin in the Night Court to a Hollowcliff detective. It’s similar in how the author gave us glimpses of Mera’s past in the first book. The story is still dominantly shared via Mera’s POV until the last third of the book when Bast’s POV sections are set in present time when we get a balance of the two POVs. We do learn more about Bast’s feelings for Mera (which are way more than he let on in the first book). There are a couple of sexy-times, but I was put off by some of the terms used like “nether regions” and “bum;” the somewhat childish language made it almost goofy.
I enjoyed the mystery of who killed the Night King. Even though Bast was on a tear to prove his brother guilty of the crime(s), I liked how Mera remained open-minded and worked to keep Bast’s emotions out of the investigation. It was pretty obvious to me who it wasn’t, but I wasn’t certain who did do it (or why). The conclusion of the mystery and book is fitting to the storyline and I enjoyed it.
To Kill a King somewhat continued the overarching plotline involving Mera’s mysterious father, Poseidon. There are hints that something bigger is coming, and in the conclusion of the book, Mera and Bast seem determined to puzzle out that unknown mystery.
Narration: The story is shared via the third person POVs of Mira and Bast. Ms. Dukehart, who narrated the first title, does a good job representing Mera, capturing her drive and emotions. I appreciate the way the narrator separates the dual natures of Mira: her human and siren. Ms. Dukehart changes tone and voice for dialogue, making it appropriately deeper for males. I didn’t notice a huge difference between characters of the same gender, but enough for distinction and to keep it interesting. Mr. Paige performed all of the sections shared from Bast’s POV. I liked having a male narrator for these sections, and his tone, speed, and cadence are fitting. However, his performance is very dramatic... he infuses a lot of emotion into the characters, but it’s a bit over the top. It made Bast almost appear to be whiny, which he isn’t. I also did not like his voices for female and child characters. They are lighter and more feminine (or childish), but almost to the point of being shrill.
Overall, To Kill a King is a pretty good second book with more world building and plot momentum. I liked getting the dual POVs, learning more about Bast and the Night Fae, and that the focus was more on the murder and the connections developing between Bast and Mera. While I felt that there is still some immaturity in the writing, it is an improvement from first book, and I enjoy the direction of the series.
Story: B-
Narration:
Ms. Dukehart: B
Mr. Paige: C/C-
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
One of my wishes after listening to the first book was to hear Bast’s POV to balance the romantic aspects of the story, and to my delight… my wish was granted! The story actually opens with Bast’s POV in the past. Through these interludes, we learn more about how he went from an assassin in the Night Court to a Hollowcliff detective. It’s similar in how the author gave us glimpses of Mera’s past in the first book. The story is still dominantly shared via Mera’s POV until the last third of the book when Bast’s POV sections are set in present time when we get a balance of the two POVs. We do learn more about Bast’s feelings for Mera (which are way more than he let on in the first book). There are a couple of sexy-times, but I was put off by some of the terms used like “nether regions” and “bum;” the somewhat childish language made it almost goofy.
I enjoyed the mystery of who killed the Night King. Even though Bast was on a tear to prove his brother guilty of the crime(s), I liked how Mera remained open-minded and worked to keep Bast’s emotions out of the investigation. It was pretty obvious to me who it wasn’t, but I wasn’t certain who did do it (or why). The conclusion of the mystery and book is fitting to the storyline and I enjoyed it.
To Kill a King somewhat continued the overarching plotline involving Mera’s mysterious father, Poseidon. There are hints that something bigger is coming, and in the conclusion of the book, Mera and Bast seem determined to puzzle out that unknown mystery.
Narration: The story is shared via the third person POVs of Mira and Bast. Ms. Dukehart, who narrated the first title, does a good job representing Mera, capturing her drive and emotions. I appreciate the way the narrator separates the dual natures of Mira: her human and siren. Ms. Dukehart changes tone and voice for dialogue, making it appropriately deeper for males. I didn’t notice a huge difference between characters of the same gender, but enough for distinction and to keep it interesting. Mr. Paige performed all of the sections shared from Bast’s POV. I liked having a male narrator for these sections, and his tone, speed, and cadence are fitting. However, his performance is very dramatic... he infuses a lot of emotion into the characters, but it’s a bit over the top. It made Bast almost appear to be whiny, which he isn’t. I also did not like his voices for female and child characters. They are lighter and more feminine (or childish), but almost to the point of being shrill.
Overall, To Kill a King is a pretty good second book with more world building and plot momentum. I liked getting the dual POVs, learning more about Bast and the Night Fae, and that the focus was more on the murder and the connections developing between Bast and Mera. While I felt that there is still some immaturity in the writing, it is an improvement from first book, and I enjoy the direction of the series.
Story: B-
Narration:
Ms. Dukehart: B
Mr. Paige: C/C-
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
January 15, 2024
This book was........ Entertaining. I think the first book was better because while for the first time in this book we got the point of view of the MMC I don't know if I liked it or not. Also the murder plot was very basic and very easy to figure out who the murderer was but like I said it overall was an entertaining book and an easy and quick side read while I'm reading a heavier book. I'm still curious about the overarching plot and what's going to happen with it so I'm going to read the third book and possibly the final book.
July 15, 2020
OK, glad I stuck with it. This book definitely gives details on the hero. Also, the mystery aspect of the story was much better for this one in comparison to the first book. Still a lot of push and pull as far as the romance goes, but I don't mind a slow burn as long as I know they'll get there b by the 4th or 5th book.
May 25, 2024
Oh this one went left field!!! The detectives are on Bast’s territory to investigate the murder of his father. Bast annoyed me at times in this book because he kept pushing his old girlfriend in Mera’s face even though he admits there’s no longer any feelings there. Soon there’s another murder and more attacks against the family and whole Bast is firm on which brother is the killer, the culprit is a shocker.
April 8, 2020
Love it
I truly enjoy reading this series. Can’t wait for the next book to be released. These two detectives know how to keep you on your toes.
I truly enjoy reading this series. Can’t wait for the next book to be released. These two detectives know how to keep you on your toes.
October 26, 2024
It's an okay sequel. Bast's backstory and his confronting it in this book just wasn't my cup of tea.
July 6, 2024
2024 Reads #384/250
April 13, 2021
Very good series
It's a very good read: has good flow and pacing. I'm looking forward to the rest of the story. Enjoyed it
It's a very good read: has good flow and pacing. I'm looking forward to the rest of the story. Enjoyed it
March 11, 2020
Good continuation
Meta and Bast are great together, now only if Meta could see it. Their partnership is growing, along with the trust that Bast accidentally crushed in book one. The view points from Bast were a great inclusion and helped us see who he was and how he became that way. I'm excited for the third book. Hopefully Here's siren can come out to play.
Meta and Bast are great together, now only if Meta could see it. Their partnership is growing, along with the trust that Bast accidentally crushed in book one. The view points from Bast were a great inclusion and helped us see who he was and how he became that way. I'm excited for the third book. Hopefully Here's siren can come out to play.
December 7, 2019
The Night King is dead, and his killer is on the loose.
When Mera Maurea goes to Lunor Insul to investigate the Night King’s murder, she knows bringing her partner Sebastian Dhay is a mistake, mostly because he’s the victim’s freaking son.
Things would be a lot easier if Bast’s relationship with his four brothers wasn’t so… explosive. As the culprit keeps attacking the Night Court, Mera and Bast will have to catch him before all remaining Dhays are dead.
Everything is connected, and solving this case might just bring Mera closer to Poseidon.
Oh this was so good!!!
2 of my favorite detectives back again and the chemistry between them is still there and strong.
The plot and story line are so well written and kept me engaged through the whole story.
The characters are so well written and interesting to read about.
Great suspense, mystery, some action all rolled into this wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read more of these!!
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
When Mera Maurea goes to Lunor Insul to investigate the Night King’s murder, she knows bringing her partner Sebastian Dhay is a mistake, mostly because he’s the victim’s freaking son.
Things would be a lot easier if Bast’s relationship with his four brothers wasn’t so… explosive. As the culprit keeps attacking the Night Court, Mera and Bast will have to catch him before all remaining Dhays are dead.
Everything is connected, and solving this case might just bring Mera closer to Poseidon.
Oh this was so good!!!
2 of my favorite detectives back again and the chemistry between them is still there and strong.
The plot and story line are so well written and kept me engaged through the whole story.
The characters are so well written and interesting to read about.
Great suspense, mystery, some action all rolled into this wonderful world building.
Can't wait to read more of these!!
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
December 26, 2019
I loved tough, kick-a** detective Mera Maurea and her snarky fae partner Sebastian (Bast) Dhay in C.S. Wilde’s To Kill a Fae (separately reviewed), the first book in the Hollowcliff Detectives series. Well, now in To Kill a King (Book 2) Mera and Sebastian are back and are as superb as ever. Fae royals are dying again. Last time it they were looking into the death of the Summer King. This time the Night King has been killed - only this time it’s personal as the victim turns out to be Bast’s father. Add in “interesting” relationships with his four brothers and you’ve the makings of a superb tale when “cooked” by an author as talented as this one. The result? Absolutely delicious - and highly recommended.
May 17, 2020
I'm not sure how many books are in this series but I have a strong feeling that the author will drag on the process of the lead characters getting together till the very end. Furthermore, while I enjoyed the book and am curious to see how the series will unfold, nearly all the side characters seem to be rather flat and extraneous. Take the heroine's best friend Julian - we only know he's her best friend because she's claimed he is maybe a handful of times. However, there's no real connection as actually shown in the book - in fact, the heroine barely even thinks about her purported bestie.
December 1, 2019
Love Love Love this series!! C.S. Wilde definately delivers in this 2nd book in the Hollowcliff Detectives Series. Our two favorite detectives Mera and Bast are on the case to find out who killed Bast's father the Night King.
I was glued to the book as the plot twists and keeps you on your toes wondering if what is seen is in fact what happened. Also love getting to know more about Bast's past. Definately recommend diving into this book as well as book 1 if you haven't already!
I was glued to the book as the plot twists and keeps you on your toes wondering if what is seen is in fact what happened. Also love getting to know more about Bast's past. Definately recommend diving into this book as well as book 1 if you haven't already!
December 16, 2019
5 huge stars! I absolutely love this series! Bast and Mera are such a great pair of detectives - I loved reading about them working together to solve the murder of the king. This story is full of twists and I really love the murder mystery/urban fantasy style of this series! It’s very entertaining and fun to read! It sure kept me guessing!
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 12, 2019
I recieved a complimentary copy of this book, and this is my honest review. I really enjoyed the first book, but the second book was just as good if not better. I loved the twists and turns. It had me guessing until the very end, and I loved every minute of it. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!
December 14, 2019
Yes next book, please
The chemistry in this book is great between lead characters. Yet in this book the supporting story lines didn't diminish from the primary plot. You see a deeper side of Bast which was great. The story resolves the issue but leads into the next story line. Great read!
The chemistry in this book is great between lead characters. Yet in this book the supporting story lines didn't diminish from the primary plot. You see a deeper side of Bast which was great. The story resolves the issue but leads into the next story line. Great read!
December 14, 2019
Mera and Bast are back in To Kill A King. The first one was amazing and the second is even better. I just love this series and the chemistry that these two have. I liked getting more of the character depth in this one and an outstanding story line that keeps you turning the page. I can NOT wait for the next one!!!
December 8, 2019
Don’t miss anything as Bast and Mera’s journey continues. Plunge into the investigation of the king’s murder, you will not be disappointed!! This captivating story is filled with twists, suspense, family drama and murder ... This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy
December 11, 2019
Loved it!!!!
I borrowed the first one with KU, loved it, so I bought it, and pre ordered the second, and now read it, loved it, and pre ordered the 3rd. Love love love the series... Best and Mera have m e hooked!!!! Can't wait for more!!!! Very well worth reading!!!!
I borrowed the first one with KU, loved it, so I bought it, and pre ordered the second, and now read it, loved it, and pre ordered the 3rd. Love love love the series... Best and Mera have m e hooked!!!! Can't wait for more!!!! Very well worth reading!!!!
December 22, 2019
Regicide on the double
What if you know that your family has a curse, and that curse, sooner or later, will destroy your world? Add techno magic, dynastic squabble, steaming hot stuff, and you got this book
What if you know that your family has a curse, and that curse, sooner or later, will destroy your world? Add techno magic, dynastic squabble, steaming hot stuff, and you got this book
December 30, 2019
LOVE LOVE LOVE
Well written and captivating. The characters just seem to draw you in so that you can almost feel their emotions and you get lost in their world. I honestly feel sad when I finish each book in this series because the next one can’t come out soon enough for me!
Well written and captivating. The characters just seem to draw you in so that you can almost feel their emotions and you get lost in their world. I honestly feel sad when I finish each book in this series because the next one can’t come out soon enough for me!
December 8, 2019
Loved this sequel to Mera and Bast's story! I might be in love with Bast, mmkay? Don't judge me.
December 11, 2019
Awesome
Loved the characters, once I started I could hardly stop reading!! Thanks for the awesome getaway! Can hardly wait for the next one.
Loved the characters, once I started I could hardly stop reading!! Thanks for the awesome getaway! Can hardly wait for the next one.
December 24, 2019
Fairy mermaid magic
More cool hot fairy magic with powerful sassy mermaid really want book 3 like now need to know what happens next
More cool hot fairy magic with powerful sassy mermaid really want book 3 like now need to know what happens next
December 31, 2019
Loved this second book in an amazing series. Mera has to solve some murders but finds out her boyfriend is the killer’s son. What a dilemma. Hope there’ll be many more in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews