What do you think?
Rate this book
A Fistful of Daggers #2
Spellsmoke
It's not much of a life, taking bounty hunts on vampires. But as a disgraced former deputy, Lincoln Marshall's not exactly knee-deep in job offers, and airplane tickets are expensive after the apocalypse. His dying father is all the way across the country in Northgate. It's Lincoln's last chance to see him, and he'll do whatever it takes to get there - even though the werewolf pack in Northgate is still out for his blood.
Sophie Keyes, the one and only Historian, needs Lincoln's help. She fears the gods may be out to kill her. So Lincoln drags her back home despite his better instincts - only to learn that home's not exactly safer than Reno. Some preternatural monster is killing hospice patients in Northgate.
Sheriff Noah Adair is convinced the killers are werewolves. The werewolves are convinced Lincoln Marshall is the killer. And Lincoln thought surviving the post-apocalypse had been bad enough before all this crap.
Book 2 of the A Fistful of Daggers series.
Sophie Keyes, the one and only Historian, needs Lincoln's help. She fears the gods may be out to kill her. So Lincoln drags her back home despite his better instincts - only to learn that home's not exactly safer than Reno. Some preternatural monster is killing hospice patients in Northgate.
Sheriff Noah Adair is convinced the killers are werewolves. The werewolves are convinced Lincoln Marshall is the killer. And Lincoln thought surviving the post-apocalypse had been bad enough before all this crap.
Book 2 of the A Fistful of Daggers series.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2018
73 people are currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
S.M. Reine
114 books2,007 followersHi everyone! My name is Sara, and I write urban fantasy and paranormal novels as SM Reine. I collect swords, cat hair, and typewriters (which I do use for writing!). It's a good day when those three things have nothing to do with each other.
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 19, 2023
Why did it take me so long to start this series? Because I'm a bloody shrimping idiot, that's why. I mean, this is S.M. Reine, of course it was going to be slightly amazing 🙄.
So true, Obi-Wan, so true.
👋 To be continued and stuff.
P.S. I'm beginning to like Lincoln the Ass quite a lot. This is quite unacceptable indeed.
P.P.S. It's officially official, Sophie is Boom! Kidnapped! Packed Off to my High Security Harem!
P.P.P.S.S. This series is part of S.M. Reine's Descentverse and a downloadable reading list for the books in this universe can be found here: https://smreine.com/wp-content/upload... You're welcome and stuff.
👋 To be continued and stuff.
· Book 1: Lonesome Paladin ★★★★
· Book 3: Hell's Hinges ★★★★★
· Book 4: The Spellslinger ★★★★★
So true, Obi-Wan, so true.
👋 To be continued and stuff.
P.S. I'm beginning to like Lincoln the Ass quite a lot. This is quite unacceptable indeed.
P.P.S. It's officially official, Sophie is Boom! Kidnapped! Packed Off to my High Security Harem!
P.P.P.S.S. This series is part of S.M. Reine's Descentverse and a downloadable reading list for the books in this universe can be found here: https://smreine.com/wp-content/upload... You're welcome and stuff.
👋 To be continued and stuff.
· Book 1: Lonesome Paladin ★★★★
· Book 3: Hell's Hinges ★★★★★
· Book 4: The Spellslinger ★★★★★
May 6, 2023
MacHalo Buddy Read
Another excellent book by SM Reine. I think this is the year I'm going to put a big dent in my SM Reine bookshelf. She's becoming a fast favorite of mine. My go to author and comfort reads.
Another excellent book by SM Reine. I think this is the year I'm going to put a big dent in my SM Reine bookshelf. She's becoming a fast favorite of mine. My go to author and comfort reads.
July 31, 2018
This second book in this series was brilliant and I think I enjoyed it even more than the first one. Lincoln is now a bounty hunter in Reno, saving up enough money to buy a very expensive plane ticket to search for his ex-girlfriend Elise, who he believes can help him get rid of a personal problem. Unfortunately a spanner is thrown in the works when Ofelia, the Winter Court Queen, arrives bringing with her Sophie Keyes, the historian, who is now Lincoln's charge! At the same time, he gets a call from his cousin urging him to come back home quickly!
When he returns to his home town, he soon realises why he had to leave it before! Nothing has really changed - his family are not the most welcoming towards him and definitely not towards Sophie either. The werewolf pack has grown in size considerably and they are blamed for a series of murders in the town; in turn they blame Lincoln for the same murders, even though he has only just arrived back in town! Now it is up to Lincoln and Sophie to smooth things over with the werewolf alphas and the local police, find the murderer/s, work out what is up with his father and where the earthquakes are all coming from! Not an easy task when everyone seems to be against each other and against Lincoln too!
I really enjoyed this book. It was full of action and plot twists and turns. The murderers were definitely not what I was expecting, although I did have an idea of why the person in control was doing what they were doing, but the actual reason was a surprise too. Loved Lincoln's reaction when he found out!
Sophie was great in this book - she certainly didn't let anyone get away with treating her like a lower ranking citizen and definitely put Lincoln in his place a few times too. I think she will soon become one of my favourite book characters as she's smart, honest and takes no nonsense!
The ending was a complete shock though and I actually cried out when I read that last page!
Thank you to Sara and Angie for sending me a copy of this book to review! Can't wait to read the next one!
When he returns to his home town, he soon realises why he had to leave it before! Nothing has really changed - his family are not the most welcoming towards him and definitely not towards Sophie either. The werewolf pack has grown in size considerably and they are blamed for a series of murders in the town; in turn they blame Lincoln for the same murders, even though he has only just arrived back in town! Now it is up to Lincoln and Sophie to smooth things over with the werewolf alphas and the local police, find the murderer/s, work out what is up with his father and where the earthquakes are all coming from! Not an easy task when everyone seems to be against each other and against Lincoln too!
I really enjoyed this book. It was full of action and plot twists and turns. The murderers were definitely not what I was expecting, although I did have an idea of why the person in control was doing what they were doing, but the actual reason was a surprise too. Loved Lincoln's reaction when he found out!
Sophie was great in this book - she certainly didn't let anyone get away with treating her like a lower ranking citizen and definitely put Lincoln in his place a few times too. I think she will soon become one of my favourite book characters as she's smart, honest and takes no nonsense!
The ending was a complete shock though and I actually cried out when I read that last page!
Thank you to Sara and Angie for sending me a copy of this book to review! Can't wait to read the next one!
August 1, 2018
Lincoln Marshall is now working as a bounty hunter in Reno trying to find his way back to Elise, when Ophelia Queen of the Winter Court shows up with Sophie Keyes. She has found a spell that she needs to translate that will allow her speak to Inanna. She is also on the run from an unknown assassin. At the same time, he gets a call from his cousin telling him that his father is dying and that he needs to come home right away. Since Lincoln swore to Ophelia that he will keep Sophie safe, he has no choice but to take her home with him.
Once he arrives, his cousin Ashley tells him about a photograph she found of Lincoln’s dad holding a child that she believes is Lincoln’s little brother that he never knew of. Lincoln finds this hard to believe, he needs to talk to his father and find out the truth. There is also another issue, folks at the local hospice are dying….sooner than they should be and his father could be next. The sheriff thinks the wolf pack from Rylie and Abel’s (yes that Rylie and Abel!) are behind the murders. Lincoln knows that is it not them, now he has to prove it and that means working with Abel, who he is not a fan of.
Before heading over to see his dad, he brings Sophie to the family home, which does not go over well. His family do not like Sophie, they are racists and she has a bracelet with a witch hunter charm.
Lincoln’s family kicked Sophie out of their family home, so they have no choice but to seek refuge at the wolf sanctuary. Lincoln is attacked by a gargoyle, who may or may not have been a past citizen turned during genesis.
We also get to see Elise and a sleep deprived and cranky Rylie and Abel (since the birth of baby Benjamin) it is nice to know that even Alpha Werewolves can have a tough time when it comes to newborns! who or what is behind the killings? Who & where is Lincoln's little brother? and who is his mother?? Will Lincoln be able to rid himself of Inanna? It don’t want to give too many spoilers, but this series is well worth the read. Can't wait for the next installment!!
Once he arrives, his cousin Ashley tells him about a photograph she found of Lincoln’s dad holding a child that she believes is Lincoln’s little brother that he never knew of. Lincoln finds this hard to believe, he needs to talk to his father and find out the truth. There is also another issue, folks at the local hospice are dying….sooner than they should be and his father could be next. The sheriff thinks the wolf pack from Rylie and Abel’s (yes that Rylie and Abel!) are behind the murders. Lincoln knows that is it not them, now he has to prove it and that means working with Abel, who he is not a fan of.
Before heading over to see his dad, he brings Sophie to the family home, which does not go over well. His family do not like Sophie, they are racists and she has a bracelet with a witch hunter charm.
Lincoln’s family kicked Sophie out of their family home, so they have no choice but to seek refuge at the wolf sanctuary. Lincoln is attacked by a gargoyle, who may or may not have been a past citizen turned during genesis.
We also get to see Elise and a sleep deprived and cranky Rylie and Abel (since the birth of baby Benjamin) it is nice to know that even Alpha Werewolves can have a tough time when it comes to newborns! who or what is behind the killings? Who & where is Lincoln's little brother? and who is his mother?? Will Lincoln be able to rid himself of Inanna? It don’t want to give too many spoilers, but this series is well worth the read. Can't wait for the next installment!!
September 3, 2019
I enjoyed this book a lot more than book 1! Lincoln and Sophie really grew on me! And with that ending, I can’t wait for book 3!
November 12, 2018
Okay, wow. Now I know what all this talk about Lincoln and his gargoyles has been about!
I’m going to start with a point I’ve made previously and therefore won’t talk too much about. One of the strongest themes in these books is bigotry - so many different kinds, but race is definitely at the top. I think it’s impossible to read this one and feel anything except rage and injustice. Sensitive issues are tackled in this incredible way - there’s no sugar-coating, but you do get to witness the journey of the biased Lincoln slowly waking up. I think his realizations almost - and I mean almost - make the rest of it more bearable. Except not. Because while this is fiction for us, it’s real life for too many people.
Yeah, I tried to keep that short. Onto the body of the story. I seriously never know where Sara is going to take us on these adventures. I fully expected to be in the Middle World’s again, maybe a sprinkle of that delicious little Cesar/Fritz moment might have been in store? Alas, no. But instead, we get to go back almost all the way to the beginning - Rylie, Abel and the pack back in Northgate! The character dynamics - oh man, it’s just all gold. Cranky, sleep-deprived Abel butting heads with cranky, intolerant Lincoln? Amazing. And I’d forgotten (how?!) just how lovable and fun Summer is. Plus arrogant Nash. Plus baby Benjamin, plus Rylie actually getting to be a new mum, plus plus plus - I could just go on!
Sophie is once again a charming companion. She is never afraid to speak out, although it doesn’t get her very far with anyone but Lincoln. It makes you want to stand behind her in support. Silent support. Because goodness knows, she can speak for herself. I’m really enjoying watching Lincoln trying to work out what he’s feeling, too. I feel like, maybe eventually, there might be some romance here, but I know we’ll have to wait a few more books for that (James and Elise, anyone? Torture!!).
Okay, I think I’m wrapping up my ramble here. In conclusion, another story full of mystery, adventure, violence, preternatural creatures, corrupt lawmen, and family drama, told with so much heart by characters that you can relate to most of the time, and sometimes you wouldn’t mind strangling. In other words, Sara hit another one out of the ballpark!
I’m going to start with a point I’ve made previously and therefore won’t talk too much about. One of the strongest themes in these books is bigotry - so many different kinds, but race is definitely at the top. I think it’s impossible to read this one and feel anything except rage and injustice. Sensitive issues are tackled in this incredible way - there’s no sugar-coating, but you do get to witness the journey of the biased Lincoln slowly waking up. I think his realizations almost - and I mean almost - make the rest of it more bearable. Except not. Because while this is fiction for us, it’s real life for too many people.
Yeah, I tried to keep that short. Onto the body of the story. I seriously never know where Sara is going to take us on these adventures. I fully expected to be in the Middle World’s again, maybe a sprinkle of that delicious little Cesar/Fritz moment might have been in store? Alas, no. But instead, we get to go back almost all the way to the beginning - Rylie, Abel and the pack back in Northgate! The character dynamics - oh man, it’s just all gold. Cranky, sleep-deprived Abel butting heads with cranky, intolerant Lincoln? Amazing. And I’d forgotten (how?!) just how lovable and fun Summer is. Plus arrogant Nash. Plus baby Benjamin, plus Rylie actually getting to be a new mum, plus plus plus - I could just go on!
Sophie is once again a charming companion. She is never afraid to speak out, although it doesn’t get her very far with anyone but Lincoln. It makes you want to stand behind her in support. Silent support. Because goodness knows, she can speak for herself. I’m really enjoying watching Lincoln trying to work out what he’s feeling, too. I feel like, maybe eventually, there might be some romance here, but I know we’ll have to wait a few more books for that (James and Elise, anyone? Torture!!).
Okay, I think I’m wrapping up my ramble here. In conclusion, another story full of mystery, adventure, violence, preternatural creatures, corrupt lawmen, and family drama, told with so much heart by characters that you can relate to most of the time, and sometimes you wouldn’t mind strangling. In other words, Sara hit another one out of the ballpark!
July 26, 2018
Lincoln Marshall is working as a bounty hunter in Reno. He was on a job with his partner when he received a call from his cousin Ashley that his father was dying. Ophelia Queen of the Winter Court drops Sophie in his lap before he gets a chance to head home. She has found a spell that she needs to translate that will allow her speak to his remnant of Inanna. She is also on the run from an unknown assassin that attacked her while she was still in the summer Court. She's coming to Lincoln for protection so Lincoln has no choice but to take her home with him but after all Lincoln's been through in his hometown going home won't be pretty.
When he arrives home he is greeted by his cousin at the airport, she wants Lincoln to question his father about a baby she found a photograph of him holding believing it to be Lincoln's little brother. She has a violent reaction to Sophie being with him. Sophie carries a charm bracelet on her wrist from her Guardians, one of the charms that is on it is that of a witch hunter. Lincoln's cousin Ashley is still a witch even after Genesis. This is only the beginning of Lincoln's trouble when Lincoln arrives at his family's home he is kidnapped by Abel, mate of the alpha of the werewolves. When he arrives at the sanctuary he finds that their numbers have swelled and they taken in refugees from all over the country that were turned into weres there in Genesis. The alpha Riley is with her new baby and some foreign Alpha is there attempting to speak with Abel. After passing the alpha's test Abel attempts to recruit Lincoln to hunt down serial murderer. Meanwhile Sophie is stuck with Marshall's small town racist family.
Lincoln's father is dying in a local hospice and there is definitely trouble in this small town. Lincoln has to pull it together solve the murder, save the town, bridge the gap between the Weres and the mundanes and track down a long lost brother.
This is the second book in the series and it is shaping up to be a life altering experience for Lincoln. I highly recommend you reading all of SM Reine's books. She has over 50 of them now and keeps them comming. Come and be list in her world with the rest of her readers.
When he arrives home he is greeted by his cousin at the airport, she wants Lincoln to question his father about a baby she found a photograph of him holding believing it to be Lincoln's little brother. She has a violent reaction to Sophie being with him. Sophie carries a charm bracelet on her wrist from her Guardians, one of the charms that is on it is that of a witch hunter. Lincoln's cousin Ashley is still a witch even after Genesis. This is only the beginning of Lincoln's trouble when Lincoln arrives at his family's home he is kidnapped by Abel, mate of the alpha of the werewolves. When he arrives at the sanctuary he finds that their numbers have swelled and they taken in refugees from all over the country that were turned into weres there in Genesis. The alpha Riley is with her new baby and some foreign Alpha is there attempting to speak with Abel. After passing the alpha's test Abel attempts to recruit Lincoln to hunt down serial murderer. Meanwhile Sophie is stuck with Marshall's small town racist family.
Lincoln's father is dying in a local hospice and there is definitely trouble in this small town. Lincoln has to pull it together solve the murder, save the town, bridge the gap between the Weres and the mundanes and track down a long lost brother.
This is the second book in the series and it is shaping up to be a life altering experience for Lincoln. I highly recommend you reading all of SM Reine's books. She has over 50 of them now and keeps them comming. Come and be list in her world with the rest of her readers.
August 1, 2018
Before I started writing this review, I went back and read my review of Lonesome Paladin. I do that from time to time, just to refresh my memory. I didn't really need to this time, it hasn't been that long since I read the first book in A Fistful of Daggers. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't repeating my self too much... ;)
Needless to say, I'm loving this series so far. There were a couple of surprising appearances in Lonesome Paladin. The additional characters in A Fistful of Daggers were expected, but that doesn't mean that the way readers saw them in SpellSmoke was. Abel and Rylie are adjusting to being new parents while still being the Alpha mates. Abel is trying to take on most of the Alpha duties while Rylie recovers and adjusts. The fact that he needs his mate just as much as Rylie needs him isn't making things any easier on anyone. Adding Lincoln to the mix isn't helping. I loved spending time with Rylie, Abel and even Summer again. I may be a bit partial because Seasons of the Moon was my first introduction to this crazy, amazing world created by SM Reine. So you may want to take my infatuation with the pack with a grain of salt.
Aside from Lincoln's unintentional involvement with the pack, there was a lot more going on in SpellSmoke. I may or may not have mentioned in my review of Lonesome Paladin that I wasn't sure about my feelings about Sophie. That's changed... I fell in love with her in SpellSmoke -awkward nerdiness and all. Her sincerity, her unique view on the world, pretty much everything about her... even the way she continually put Lincoln in his place... I loved it all.
Then there were the unexplained hospice deaths. Lincoln's family, (that, incidentally, explained so much about the man he was). The mysterious assassin who was after Sophie. And a brand new group of shapshifters (kind of)... SpellSmoke was pretty much non-stop action and craziness and I loved every minute of it.
Oh, and if you're not a fan of cliff hangers, consider yourself forewarned. Just one more reason why I can't wait for the next book in A Fistful of Daggers...
I received SpellSmoke in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Needless to say, I'm loving this series so far. There were a couple of surprising appearances in Lonesome Paladin. The additional characters in A Fistful of Daggers were expected, but that doesn't mean that the way readers saw them in SpellSmoke was. Abel and Rylie are adjusting to being new parents while still being the Alpha mates. Abel is trying to take on most of the Alpha duties while Rylie recovers and adjusts. The fact that he needs his mate just as much as Rylie needs him isn't making things any easier on anyone. Adding Lincoln to the mix isn't helping. I loved spending time with Rylie, Abel and even Summer again. I may be a bit partial because Seasons of the Moon was my first introduction to this crazy, amazing world created by SM Reine. So you may want to take my infatuation with the pack with a grain of salt.
Aside from Lincoln's unintentional involvement with the pack, there was a lot more going on in SpellSmoke. I may or may not have mentioned in my review of Lonesome Paladin that I wasn't sure about my feelings about Sophie. That's changed... I fell in love with her in SpellSmoke -awkward nerdiness and all. Her sincerity, her unique view on the world, pretty much everything about her... even the way she continually put Lincoln in his place... I loved it all.
Then there were the unexplained hospice deaths. Lincoln's family, (that, incidentally, explained so much about the man he was). The mysterious assassin who was after Sophie. And a brand new group of shapshifters (kind of)... SpellSmoke was pretty much non-stop action and craziness and I loved every minute of it.
Oh, and if you're not a fan of cliff hangers, consider yourself forewarned. Just one more reason why I can't wait for the next book in A Fistful of Daggers...
I received SpellSmoke in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 30, 2018
Wow – this book has convinced me to root for Lincoln Marshall! I thought it was impossible after kind of hating him in the last book, but somehow I’m left at the end of this book wanting… more of Lincoln? It’s a strange feeling, but I’m 100% on board with this series now.
We join Lincoln following his turbulent entrance into the OPA limelight. He’s doing his own thing as a bounty hunter of sorts, rooming with the guys he hated last time, and once again confronted by the innocent awesomeness that is Sophie Keyes. She is thrust upon Lincoln after running from her own issues. Tasked with keeping her safe, Lincoln brings Sophie deep into Marshall family drama. Around the same time as Sophie showed up at his door, Lincoln also finds out that his father is dying. The money earmarked for finding Elise (and getting rid of his unseen companion) is quickly repurposed into a plane ticket back home.
Not surprisingly, Lincoln’s family goes really out of their way to make Sophie feel unwelcome in their home. Oh, and a jerky memory from Lincoln’s past is actually the sheriff and continues to be a jerk. There’s a bit of a mystery around some deaths in the same place the eldest Marshall is living out his final days, lots of werewolf posturing drama, racism, species-ism, and (of course) Sophie wandering into trouble. All of this combines in a really exciting and entertaining installment that (like I said) had me really in Team Lincoln.
This book ends in a sort-of cliffhanger, leaving me desperate for more. I know where things should end up, so I’m assuming there isn’t some magic HEA for Sophie and Lincoln, but it is definitely fun watching the pieces fall into place. These two are becoming a new pair of favorites in this universe. I continue to not like Abel… at all. Here’s hoping the next few books focus more on Sophie and less on the werewolves. Isn’t it weird that I ended up here? I started this universe with the werewolves and now I am desperate for a reprieve.
We join Lincoln following his turbulent entrance into the OPA limelight. He’s doing his own thing as a bounty hunter of sorts, rooming with the guys he hated last time, and once again confronted by the innocent awesomeness that is Sophie Keyes. She is thrust upon Lincoln after running from her own issues. Tasked with keeping her safe, Lincoln brings Sophie deep into Marshall family drama. Around the same time as Sophie showed up at his door, Lincoln also finds out that his father is dying. The money earmarked for finding Elise (and getting rid of his unseen companion) is quickly repurposed into a plane ticket back home.
Not surprisingly, Lincoln’s family goes really out of their way to make Sophie feel unwelcome in their home. Oh, and a jerky memory from Lincoln’s past is actually the sheriff and continues to be a jerk. There’s a bit of a mystery around some deaths in the same place the eldest Marshall is living out his final days, lots of werewolf posturing drama, racism, species-ism, and (of course) Sophie wandering into trouble. All of this combines in a really exciting and entertaining installment that (like I said) had me really in Team Lincoln.
This book ends in a sort-of cliffhanger, leaving me desperate for more. I know where things should end up, so I’m assuming there isn’t some magic HEA for Sophie and Lincoln, but it is definitely fun watching the pieces fall into place. These two are becoming a new pair of favorites in this universe. I continue to not like Abel… at all. Here’s hoping the next few books focus more on Sophie and less on the werewolves. Isn’t it weird that I ended up here? I started this universe with the werewolves and now I am desperate for a reprieve.
August 8, 2018
Sorry to be late to the party, again. Between computer/internet issues and smoke making my eyes too blurry to get online to write this, I am about a week late for this review.
I am always happy when I get to review yet another of S.M. Reine's books. She has got a library full of her own writing at this stage. She never stops! So I couldn't wait to read Spellsmoke. Unfortunately, I seem to have a huge amount of books to read right now and some are waiting for reviews. It's hard to be fair when you have favorites. Wink, Wink.
When a book starts with Meadowood Mall... I'm hooked. I knew of every aspect of the walk through the mall. Even Dippity Dots Kiosk! And Borders! I love when Sara includes Reno and other places many of us know and love in her stories. Who knew so many demons and vampires walked the Washoe County streets? I wish I would have gotten to know her when I lived there!
Okay, Lincoln Marshall is not my favorite character. He maybe is equal or above Cesar but most people will like them, I think. What I liked was meeting old friends like Rylie and her wolf clan. Which reminds me: Please, if you haven't started these series's Start with Six Moon Summer (Seasons of the Moon, #1). That's when you meet Rylie Gresham for the first time. Lincoln comes later in the series. But recurs often enough you get to like him.
Oh, and we get to see Sophie Keyes the historian again. She's a little weird, but I like her a lot.
Ms. Reine is bringing up touchy issues in this book but handles them with grace. Thing like racism and abuse. I'm proud of how she presents these and finds ways to explore both sides and introduces other angles not in a dogmatic way but rather in ways we all need to think on.
I can't wait to read book three in this little series. We weren't left on a cliff but were given enough to want to continue. I hate putting Sara's books down and go back to real life!
I am always happy when I get to review yet another of S.M. Reine's books. She has got a library full of her own writing at this stage. She never stops! So I couldn't wait to read Spellsmoke. Unfortunately, I seem to have a huge amount of books to read right now and some are waiting for reviews. It's hard to be fair when you have favorites. Wink, Wink.
When a book starts with Meadowood Mall... I'm hooked. I knew of every aspect of the walk through the mall. Even Dippity Dots Kiosk! And Borders! I love when Sara includes Reno and other places many of us know and love in her stories. Who knew so many demons and vampires walked the Washoe County streets? I wish I would have gotten to know her when I lived there!
Okay, Lincoln Marshall is not my favorite character. He maybe is equal or above Cesar but most people will like them, I think. What I liked was meeting old friends like Rylie and her wolf clan. Which reminds me: Please, if you haven't started these series's Start with Six Moon Summer (Seasons of the Moon, #1). That's when you meet Rylie Gresham for the first time. Lincoln comes later in the series. But recurs often enough you get to like him.
Oh, and we get to see Sophie Keyes the historian again. She's a little weird, but I like her a lot.
Ms. Reine is bringing up touchy issues in this book but handles them with grace. Thing like racism and abuse. I'm proud of how she presents these and finds ways to explore both sides and introduces other angles not in a dogmatic way but rather in ways we all need to think on.
I can't wait to read book three in this little series. We weren't left on a cliff but were given enough to want to continue. I hate putting Sara's books down and go back to real life!
September 1, 2018
This is the second book following the story of Lincoln after the void/breaking/apocalypse caused in part by his badass ex-girlfriend - the Godslayer. A lot has changed since the breaking. The balance between humans, demons, and gaeons has been shifted and the world is trying to figure out how to cope. Lincoln isn't subject to anything as crazy as now being a werewolf but he does have a remnant of one of the old Goddesses co-hosting his mind. When his father becomes sick, he has to go home - a place that hosts a history of racism, small town politics, apocalypse involved witches, and the growing community of werewoves and the alphas. His task of finding his ex, Elise, to exorcise the Goddess has to be put on hold. But in the meantime, life continues to change and revelations appear for Lincoln Marshall.
I've been reading SM Reine's books for a number of years now. Elise's story in the Ascent Series and Decent Series is a favorite of mine with Lincoln's appearance later on in the Decent Series bringing a very different, and welcome, dynamic to that series. I'm glad I get to follow Lincoln now. This book is well written and as per usual, the author is very good at realistically developing characters and being true to who they are even as everything is changing. It's written in a way that progresses the overall story line while diving into characters we've seen in other series, in other facets, as well as opening up more on the newer characters.
I did find that I felt like I was missing some key character development in Lincoln because I haven't read a few books where things happened to Lincoln earlier in the story timeline. I've also read some of the other series that occur much later on in the timeline so I'm a little mixed up. Kudos to SM for keeping it straight in her head!
I've been reading SM Reine's books for a number of years now. Elise's story in the Ascent Series and Decent Series is a favorite of mine with Lincoln's appearance later on in the Decent Series bringing a very different, and welcome, dynamic to that series. I'm glad I get to follow Lincoln now. This book is well written and as per usual, the author is very good at realistically developing characters and being true to who they are even as everything is changing. It's written in a way that progresses the overall story line while diving into characters we've seen in other series, in other facets, as well as opening up more on the newer characters.
I did find that I felt like I was missing some key character development in Lincoln because I haven't read a few books where things happened to Lincoln earlier in the story timeline. I've also read some of the other series that occur much later on in the timeline so I'm a little mixed up. Kudos to SM for keeping it straight in her head!
January 25, 2019
Alright, I'm totally being reminded why I fell super hard for Reine when I first discovered her years ago. I got into her first series and was so mind-blown that I had to take a break, but now that I've had my time to chill, I'm now scrambling to get it all. Honestly anything I can get my hands on.
Lincoln was part of Elise's story (her first series) and seeing him here trying to not be the racist jerk he was blindly raised to be is surprisingly entertaining. It's weird because he doesn't think that his mindset is wrong, and it actually makes me sad that he's unaware of what's really wrong. Which is also why I was really happy when he did realize what was up. It got sad again of course when he had to learn some truths the hard way. No one likes hearing when family is bad or wrong.
Rylie and Abel them get their turn in Lincoln's series and I fell a little more in love with Sophie's eccentric self. I'm a hopeless romantic and always want the hero and heroine to end up together, but I love that Reine's taking her time in doing it the right way. And even if they don't end up together, I honestly would be okay because I'm loving the way she's writing it all. I also love the world building. There's just something amazing in clicking with a book that makes everything easy to melt into. And this book's lucky i already have the third installment because that cliffhanger seriously KILLED me for a second before I realized I wouldn't have to wait lol.
It's a definite recommend. If you love the genres, the paranormal creatures mentioned, the author, or if you've just happened across this, I recommend it. I never want to leave this world.
Lincoln was part of Elise's story (her first series) and seeing him here trying to not be the racist jerk he was blindly raised to be is surprisingly entertaining. It's weird because he doesn't think that his mindset is wrong, and it actually makes me sad that he's unaware of what's really wrong. Which is also why I was really happy when he did realize what was up. It got sad again of course when he had to learn some truths the hard way. No one likes hearing when family is bad or wrong.
Rylie and Abel them get their turn in Lincoln's series and I fell a little more in love with Sophie's eccentric self. I'm a hopeless romantic and always want the hero and heroine to end up together, but I love that Reine's taking her time in doing it the right way. And even if they don't end up together, I honestly would be okay because I'm loving the way she's writing it all. I also love the world building. There's just something amazing in clicking with a book that makes everything easy to melt into. And this book's lucky i already have the third installment because that cliffhanger seriously KILLED me for a second before I realized I wouldn't have to wait lol.
It's a definite recommend. If you love the genres, the paranormal creatures mentioned, the author, or if you've just happened across this, I recommend it. I never want to leave this world.
July 26, 2018
Aww. Look at Lincoln. Hiding his kindness under his bluster and ...well, racism. Which isn't cool, Linc. Not at all. But, it does highlight just how far the Lincoln from before has come to the Lincoln of now. And how much farther he still has to go.
So. Lincoln's cool (or at least he's getting cooler) and all, but let's talk about his family for a minute. WOW. They're quite the group. Seriously. Is there a decent one in the lot of them? Possibly. Maybe not, though. I dunno. They're kinda jerkwads. Even when they're trying to do the right thing. If, you know, you can consider ANYTHING they did the right things. Totally debatable. Totally.
Anywho. Lincoln. And SOPHIE! I like Sophie.She's smart and kinda nerdy and that works for me. Especially since she's not afraid to call Lincoln on his questionable behavior. Actually, she's pretty down with letting everybody know when they've done something questionable. Good job, Soph!
On top of getting quality face time with Linc and Soph, we also get to see Abel and Rylie again. Abel. He's another character I like. The dude's as snarly as ever. Maybe even more than normal considering he's sleep (and sex) deprived since the arrival of his newest kiddo. Hey. No one ever said being a parent was easy. Even for the Alphas.
THINGS are happening, btw. BIG THINGS. (Except, they're always big things in this universe. Go big or go home is their motto, amirite? HA. Man, I've missed these crazy characters!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
So. Lincoln's cool (or at least he's getting cooler) and all, but let's talk about his family for a minute. WOW. They're quite the group. Seriously. Is there a decent one in the lot of them? Possibly. Maybe not, though. I dunno. They're kinda jerkwads. Even when they're trying to do the right thing. If, you know, you can consider ANYTHING they did the right things. Totally debatable. Totally.
Anywho. Lincoln. And SOPHIE! I like Sophie.She's smart and kinda nerdy and that works for me. Especially since she's not afraid to call Lincoln on his questionable behavior. Actually, she's pretty down with letting everybody know when they've done something questionable. Good job, Soph!
On top of getting quality face time with Linc and Soph, we also get to see Abel and Rylie again. Abel. He's another character I like. The dude's as snarly as ever. Maybe even more than normal considering he's sleep (and sex) deprived since the arrival of his newest kiddo. Hey. No one ever said being a parent was easy. Even for the Alphas.
THINGS are happening, btw. BIG THINGS. (Except, they're always big things in this universe. Go big or go home is their motto, amirite? HA. Man, I've missed these crazy characters!
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
August 16, 2018
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I found myself riveted by the beginning of the book, watching Lincoln Marshall's interaction with the shifters he is working with in this new post-genesis society working as a bounty hunter. I very much enjoyed these characters and hope they pop up again in the future. The book then takes a complete 180* when Ashley, Lincoln's cousin calls with news of his ill father. As Lincoln rushes home, I was intrigued to know more about Lincoln and his home life growing up, but I found most of the bigotry expressed by his family difficult to read, and some early portions with his family had difficulty holding my attention.
As the case continued to develop and we continued to encounter familiar faces such as Riley Gresham and Able Wilder, I once again found myself entranced by the novel. It was enjoyable to watch Lincoln and Sophie's interactions with the Werewolves, and I hope to see more of this dynamic in future books. I am also hoping to see a larger OPA presence as well as more of Ophelia. I was very excited to see how clearly Ophelia wants to stay a part of Lincoln's life, and I would be curious to see whether it is a romance of unusual friendship that develops between them.
Overall, interesting read. My rating dropped as it was difficult for me to read some of the family moments, however the overall plot to this book keeps you on the edge of your seat curious for what comes next.
I found myself riveted by the beginning of the book, watching Lincoln Marshall's interaction with the shifters he is working with in this new post-genesis society working as a bounty hunter. I very much enjoyed these characters and hope they pop up again in the future. The book then takes a complete 180* when Ashley, Lincoln's cousin calls with news of his ill father. As Lincoln rushes home, I was intrigued to know more about Lincoln and his home life growing up, but I found most of the bigotry expressed by his family difficult to read, and some early portions with his family had difficulty holding my attention.
As the case continued to develop and we continued to encounter familiar faces such as Riley Gresham and Able Wilder, I once again found myself entranced by the novel. It was enjoyable to watch Lincoln and Sophie's interactions with the Werewolves, and I hope to see more of this dynamic in future books. I am also hoping to see a larger OPA presence as well as more of Ophelia. I was very excited to see how clearly Ophelia wants to stay a part of Lincoln's life, and I would be curious to see whether it is a romance of unusual friendship that develops between them.
Overall, interesting read. My rating dropped as it was difficult for me to read some of the family moments, however the overall plot to this book keeps you on the edge of your seat curious for what comes next.
November 7, 2018
Lincoln has been doing bounty hunts for money after Genesis. He’s working with shifters and it’s not a glamorous life but it gets him the money he so desperately needs for a trip he has been planning. Until he learns that his father is dying and is forced to change his plans since this might be his last chance to see his father.
Sophie Keyes is the only Historian alive and is in danger, somebody is trying to kill her and she doesn’t know who so she shows up at Lincoln’s doorstep asking for his protection.
Lincoln is forced to take Sophie back home with him against his better judgement and do what he can to figure out who is after her all while trying to take care of things for himself. What he doesn’t know is how bad things truly are at home. Is Sophie really safer with Lincoln or will he put her in more danger?
This is the second book in this series and I can’t get enough of Lincoln Marshall. Lincoln... he grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. These books are so strong and very well written. There is so much detail to the story you feel like you are in the story with the characters. They become a part of you and you just can’t get enough. You keep going back for more. The Descentverse is such an amazingly creative place. Every time I read one of Sara’s stories I am just baffled by how well she can write.
Sophie Keyes is the only Historian alive and is in danger, somebody is trying to kill her and she doesn’t know who so she shows up at Lincoln’s doorstep asking for his protection.
Lincoln is forced to take Sophie back home with him against his better judgement and do what he can to figure out who is after her all while trying to take care of things for himself. What he doesn’t know is how bad things truly are at home. Is Sophie really safer with Lincoln or will he put her in more danger?
This is the second book in this series and I can’t get enough of Lincoln Marshall. Lincoln... he grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. These books are so strong and very well written. There is so much detail to the story you feel like you are in the story with the characters. They become a part of you and you just can’t get enough. You keep going back for more. The Descentverse is such an amazingly creative place. Every time I read one of Sara’s stories I am just baffled by how well she can write.
July 25, 2018
Lincoln was disgraced as a deputy and has no job offers on the horizon, so he takes bounties and hunts vampires to get paid. He wants to use the money to find his ex-girlfriend Elise. He needs her help with an immediate problem that he faces. His plans take a turn when his cousin calls and says his dad is dying and he needs to get home as fast as he can. Sophie has an assassin out to kill her and decides the only way to stay alive and protect history is to enlist Lincoln’s help.
Sophie rejected Lincoln’s advances for a relationship in the past and he still has some sore feelings over her rejection, but Lincoln is an honorable man nonetheless and will do anything he can to keep Sophie safe. The dynamics between Sophie and Lincoln are interesting. They aren’t the type of couple you would envision together, but something about their differences draws them together as well. Family drama is always the hardest for people to face and seeing the truths sometimes if hardest of all. If you've wondered how some things came to be in other series there are some answers here so you won’t want to miss this but beware the story creates more questions for your mind to ponder.
Sophie rejected Lincoln’s advances for a relationship in the past and he still has some sore feelings over her rejection, but Lincoln is an honorable man nonetheless and will do anything he can to keep Sophie safe. The dynamics between Sophie and Lincoln are interesting. They aren’t the type of couple you would envision together, but something about their differences draws them together as well. Family drama is always the hardest for people to face and seeing the truths sometimes if hardest of all. If you've wondered how some things came to be in other series there are some answers here so you won’t want to miss this but beware the story creates more questions for your mind to ponder.
July 30, 2018
Lincoln is still lost in this new world but at least now he is making money hunting down bounties unfortunately he still has a hitchhiker in his head and people popping up asking for help even though he has better things to do. Lincoln is sure finding Elise will get his hitchhiker gone but in order to find her it turns out he will get drawn into more drama while at home to see his dying farther which happens to also been by Rylie and Abel's wolfpack. There is loads packed in this book, I loved the twists with the earthquakes as well as seeing others from previous books for a moment and the frustrations of Lincoln not seeing what is right in front of him and Sophie was starting to wear on me a smidgen by the end but I have to remember she isn't use to normal socializing. After this book I can not wait for the next book as I know Lincoln is getting closer to things especially with what he did at the end of the book he now has new friends woohooo!!!!
January 23, 2019
Ok, this book was great! At first, I had a hard time getting into it. Why I have no idea because once I did get into it, I couldn’t put it down. Phoebe has returned and has asked Lincoln to protect her from an assassin.
But… Lincoln gets word his father is on his death bed and, to come home quick. So, he and Phoebe return to Northgate. First thing is he sorta runs into Able Wilder. We get to visit with Able, Riley and Summer, with a dash of Nash thrown in.
Someone is murdering patients at the hospice where is father is. So, being an ex-lawman he starts investigating.
I love Phoebe! She’s so prim and proper and well spoken. It’s a treat to read her.
There are a few things in here I don’t remember that happened to Lincoln. I’m going to go back and read the Ascension series again. Not a big hardship, as it’s one of my all time faves!
So grab a copy of SpellSmoke and be be”witch”ed.
But… Lincoln gets word his father is on his death bed and, to come home quick. So, he and Phoebe return to Northgate. First thing is he sorta runs into Able Wilder. We get to visit with Able, Riley and Summer, with a dash of Nash thrown in.
Someone is murdering patients at the hospice where is father is. So, being an ex-lawman he starts investigating.
I love Phoebe! She’s so prim and proper and well spoken. It’s a treat to read her.
There are a few things in here I don’t remember that happened to Lincoln. I’m going to go back and read the Ascension series again. Not a big hardship, as it’s one of my all time faves!
So grab a copy of SpellSmoke and be be”witch”ed.
July 29, 2018
Oooh there are some familiar faces in this one and that serves to remind me how character driven the author's stories are.
Yes, they have complex and far reaching plot arcs which make my brain hurt to follow sometimes. But at their core, it's the characters who drive it.
That is never more apparent than in this book. The protagonists are so very different, such that I'm still not sure I like Lincoln. And yet I can't help but root for him. And Sophie is just a joy. The naivety of an obscenely knowledgeable child in a woman's body.
That, coupled with an explanation of things that I can't elaborate on for fear of spoilers make this a winner in my book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
Yes, they have complex and far reaching plot arcs which make my brain hurt to follow sometimes. But at their core, it's the characters who drive it.
That is never more apparent than in this book. The protagonists are so very different, such that I'm still not sure I like Lincoln. And yet I can't help but root for him. And Sophie is just a joy. The naivety of an obscenely knowledgeable child in a woman's body.
That, coupled with an explanation of things that I can't elaborate on for fear of spoilers make this a winner in my book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
August 11, 2018
Don't get me wrong I love all the other series by this author and Lincoln is an interesting character but I kind of liked the demon Lincoln a little bit more. If you are a fan then this story gives you valuable insight in his past. Sophie who is eccentric and reclusive at best takes a while to warm up to and for me the story dragged a little in the beginning. Towards the end things started to happen and I knew Abel would get the action started . This book captured my attention enough to keep turning the pages.
I really enjoyed reading about Rylie and Abel and getting a glimpse into what their lives are like now as they feel like old friends after all this time. I was hoping to read more on Elise but maybe in the next book.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading about Rylie and Abel and getting a glimpse into what their lives are like now as they feel like old friends after all this time. I was hoping to read more on Elise but maybe in the next book.
I was given a copy of this book for an honest review.
July 27, 2018
I never know exactly what I am going to find in one of SM Reine's novels, but it is always guaranteed to have lots of action and excitement. Spellsmoke is no exception to that. An assassin, a dying father, truth, lies, deception; all of this and more is included here. Be prepared to get lost as you read this tale of one man (Lincoln Marshall), his family, and the historian he has chosen to protect. There is hardly a dull moment. Clues are hidden for you to find, and the conclusion of this book tells you there will be more to come. I cannot write a review worthy of this book or this series so far, you will just have to read it to see for yourself.
May 20, 2019
I have to say that Lincoln is growing on me. He’s grouchy, stubborn, opinionated with some outdated views but he’s also loyal, full of integrity and reliable. In this book he’s trying to find Elise so he can exorcise Innana but there are some issues that arise. It’s wonderful to have Rylie, Abel and the Pack back. Lincoln’s family are just plain horrible quite frankly. Sara doesn’t shy away from the ugliness of racism which is difficult to read but an important part of the book. I wanted to cheer at one point when Lincoln puts someone in their place. (No spoilers) it was great to see his albeit slow, growth. I’m off to start Book 3.
July 31, 2018
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. This one actually took me longer than normal to get into but once it gets going, it really takes off. This series is interesting because when Lincoln Marshall was with Elise I don't remember him being such a jerk but it's been awhile since I've read that one. I feel like his character grows a little bit in this one which is nice to see. Gotta love those cliffhangers.
July 25, 2018
The best laid plans , can still go wrong ..
After the world was re-born and Linc got tangled up with a Queen the middle worlds he knew he needed a plan , but a visit from a special lady and telephone call changes everything so Lincoln has to go home back to face his family and back to face his failed career ...
After the world was re-born and Linc got tangled up with a Queen the middle worlds he knew he needed a plan , but a visit from a special lady and telephone call changes everything so Lincoln has to go home back to face his family and back to face his failed career ...
October 15, 2018
Well this one sucked me in on the first page and spat me out on the last word - leaving me totally wrung out!!!
I love SM Reines writing - she manages to weave a complex tale with out losing the reader in all the details!! She has spun the web of this world so well that you are caught up in all its goings on and are a willing victim lol!!!
Loved it!!
I love SM Reines writing - she manages to weave a complex tale with out losing the reader in all the details!! She has spun the web of this world so well that you are caught up in all its goings on and are a willing victim lol!!!
Loved it!!
August 4, 2019
Lincolns second book in the Decentiverse and what an awesome contribution.
Some great 'what the hell' moments excellently executed by madam Reine in all her genius.
Need to have read some of the earlier books in the universe to get a better understanding as to some of the events referred to in this story.
Some rather violent scenes definitely not suitable for younger readers.
Some great 'what the hell' moments excellently executed by madam Reine in all her genius.
Need to have read some of the earlier books in the universe to get a better understanding as to some of the events referred to in this story.
Some rather violent scenes definitely not suitable for younger readers.
January 12, 2023
I still hate Lincoln, but he's starting to become less of a jackass in this book, giving me hope for the next one. We get to see how the Northgate Psck is doing in this book, which made some of Lincoln's more idiotic and ignorant moments a little more tolerable. I love the story, I just hate the main character.
August 2, 2018
Lincoln, Sophie & Grove County
Sara never disappoints her readers. Lincoln's journey gets more excited with each book. If you have read all of Sara's books like I have, you have wondered how Lincoln got to the place he was in the previous books. This series is a must read.
Sara never disappoints her readers. Lincoln's journey gets more excited with each book. If you have read all of Sara's books like I have, you have wondered how Lincoln got to the place he was in the previous books. This series is a must read.
October 19, 2018
Great stories. If you want fantasy this is the place to find it.
Read them all. Everything is here from angels, demons, werewolves and more monsters than Dr. Who. Enjoy them all I did.
Read them all. Everything is here from angels, demons, werewolves and more monsters than Dr. Who. Enjoy them all I did.
January 13, 2019
Excellent book!! This one takes you a bit back in time (in the entire series/world) to actually see how Riley and Abel made their sanctuary. Lincoln and Sofia are amazing in this book! Can not wait for the next!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews