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Lingua Magika #2
All Down But Nine
HARD TO CATCH. HARDER TO KEEP.
Lee Merriweather has fled across the line into Pedro Braga’s jurisdiction, an untamed desert too vast for even the ruthless Guardia Territorial to keep any semblance of order. The Carnarvons want him dead or alive – and with Lee’s attitude, the first seems most likely.
The trail south runs straight through two thousand miles of badlands. To find him, Ruth and Sebastian must survive sabotage, bloodthirsty bandits, and fresh horrors at the Reverend Jolly’s church in New Jerusalem. The hardships draw them into a passionate affair, but loyalties are put to the test when they finally reach the capital of Aguadulce and all hell breaks loose.
Ruth has privately vowed to stop Sebastian from killing Lee, even as the young savant seems bent on his own destruction. And he’s just a pawn in a game with higher stakes than anyone realizes. One that goes beyond empires. One that encompasses worlds.
The phantoms are the key. But can Ruth uncover the truth in time to save them all?
Lee Merriweather has fled across the line into Pedro Braga’s jurisdiction, an untamed desert too vast for even the ruthless Guardia Territorial to keep any semblance of order. The Carnarvons want him dead or alive – and with Lee’s attitude, the first seems most likely.
The trail south runs straight through two thousand miles of badlands. To find him, Ruth and Sebastian must survive sabotage, bloodthirsty bandits, and fresh horrors at the Reverend Jolly’s church in New Jerusalem. The hardships draw them into a passionate affair, but loyalties are put to the test when they finally reach the capital of Aguadulce and all hell breaks loose.
Ruth has privately vowed to stop Sebastian from killing Lee, even as the young savant seems bent on his own destruction. And he’s just a pawn in a game with higher stakes than anyone realizes. One that goes beyond empires. One that encompasses worlds.
The phantoms are the key. But can Ruth uncover the truth in time to save them all?
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 26, 2020
16 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Kat Ross
60 books806 followersKat Ross is an award-winning and bestselling fantasy author whose series range from the Persian-inspired Fourth Element to the cozy Ravencroft Hall books. She lives in Connecticut with her son and a gang (clowder?) of anarchist cats. When she’s not writing, you can find Kat wandering in the woods or poring over maps in the cartography turret. For more info, check out her website: www.katrossbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 17, 2025
Oh, this is SO good.
Review to come and stuff.
· Book 1: A Feast of Phantoms ★★★★
· Book 3: Devil of the North ★★★★
Review to come and stuff.
· Book 1: A Feast of Phantoms ★★★★
· Book 3: Devil of the North ★★★★
December 10, 2020
Phew! What a ride?!
I was lucky enough to be able to read the book a few days before the actual release and I'm really glad I got the chance (I'm not very good at waiting lol).
As you remember (or not...) Ruth and I had quite a rocky start: I didn't hate her but I didn't exactly like her either; too much of a square for my liking. Well, I'm now happy to report I'm finally liking her.
In All Down But Nine, our girl -at last- realizes that not everything is straight-up black and white (let's pat her on the back!).
Ruth aside, in this sequel the stakes are even higher, not only that but creepiness and gore is around the corner to the point that some parts reminded me of American Horror Story at its best.
“Two phantoms materialized on either side of him, each taking an arm. An instant later, the man was gone. And an instant after that . . . . A red rain pattered down from above, thick and viscous. Those unlucky enough to be standing beneath it were drenched in crimson. They slipped in the mess, crying out in horror and revulsion.”
But don’t worry! It is not all blood and gore! There's also space for romance… the spicy kind that leaves you all warm and fuzzy inside (Jeez I need some decent fanart of the series, can someone oblige please?).
I was always pretty honesty about my love for the character of Sebastian Hardin and in this book He’s smart and swoon worthy even more than usual. He’s what I call a “precious heartthrob”
Lee is, no surprisingly, up to no good but as Ruth correctly assessed in book one, deep down, "He's a good egg". His somewhat sheltered life led him to be a bit out of touch with the world which translate in a naiveté I find endearing.
Apart from our usual three the cast is enriched by an array of vivid side characters (some pleasant, some less ...Ava being the latter *coughs*. )
There is also huge plot twist which - for the life of me - I didn't see coming (And to think that I'm usually very detail-oriented and a nitpicker to boot but somehow, I missed this.! Well, played Kat! Well bloody played!) and a big revelation concerning the ghosts---my lips are sealed, you'll have to read the book if you want to know more.
Before I risk writing a review longer than the novel itself –let’s wrap things up! All Down But Nine it's a strong sequel, one that improves on its predecessor; painting a vivid, colourful, bloody picture with creepy undertones and steampunk/western nuances that make it extremely peculiar and original. It is also a thrilling rollercoaster!
I really encourage you to give this series a chance because the sequel it's even better than the predecessor and it is the one that really made me fall in love with the world Kat Ross has created.
I was lucky enough to be able to read the book a few days before the actual release and I'm really glad I got the chance (I'm not very good at waiting lol).
As you remember (or not...) Ruth and I had quite a rocky start: I didn't hate her but I didn't exactly like her either; too much of a square for my liking. Well, I'm now happy to report I'm finally liking her.
In All Down But Nine, our girl -at last- realizes that not everything is straight-up black and white (let's pat her on the back!).
Ruth aside, in this sequel the stakes are even higher, not only that but creepiness and gore is around the corner to the point that some parts reminded me of American Horror Story at its best.
“Two phantoms materialized on either side of him, each taking an arm. An instant later, the man was gone. And an instant after that . . . . A red rain pattered down from above, thick and viscous. Those unlucky enough to be standing beneath it were drenched in crimson. They slipped in the mess, crying out in horror and revulsion.”
But don’t worry! It is not all blood and gore! There's also space for romance… the spicy kind that leaves you all warm and fuzzy inside (Jeez I need some decent fanart of the series, can someone oblige please?).
I was always pretty honesty about my love for the character of Sebastian Hardin and in this book He’s smart and swoon worthy even more than usual. He’s what I call a “precious heartthrob”
Lee is, no surprisingly, up to no good but as Ruth correctly assessed in book one, deep down, "He's a good egg". His somewhat sheltered life led him to be a bit out of touch with the world which translate in a naiveté I find endearing.
Apart from our usual three the cast is enriched by an array of vivid side characters (some pleasant, some less ...Ava being the latter *coughs*. )
There is also huge plot twist which - for the life of me - I didn't see coming (And to think that I'm usually very detail-oriented and a nitpicker to boot but somehow, I missed this.! Well, played Kat! Well bloody played!) and a big revelation concerning the ghosts---my lips are sealed, you'll have to read the book if you want to know more.
Before I risk writing a review longer than the novel itself –let’s wrap things up! All Down But Nine it's a strong sequel, one that improves on its predecessor; painting a vivid, colourful, bloody picture with creepy undertones and steampunk/western nuances that make it extremely peculiar and original. It is also a thrilling rollercoaster!
I really encourage you to give this series a chance because the sequel it's even better than the predecessor and it is the one that really made me fall in love with the world Kat Ross has created.
February 10, 2024
Lo ripeterò all'infinito: Kat Ross è una ventata di freschezza. Worldbuilding originale, studiato e che viene svelato poco a poco.
Personaggi caratterizzati il giusto che si fondono al contesto, coerenti, che ragionano.
Qui il romanzo ha una nota cupa e più dark che prima era solo accennata, cattura e ci accompagna in un viaggio che non era quello che mi aspettavo in una serie del genere. La brevità del libro permette anche di non perdere tempo in intramezzi inutili, ma di concentrarsi su ciò che importante.
Personaggi caratterizzati il giusto che si fondono al contesto, coerenti, che ragionano.
Qui il romanzo ha una nota cupa e più dark che prima era solo accennata, cattura e ci accompagna in un viaggio che non era quello che mi aspettavo in una serie del genere. La brevità del libro permette anche di non perdere tempo in intramezzi inutili, ma di concentrarsi su ciò che importante.
March 18, 2024
Molto più cupo del primo volume, manca la costante ironia e viene sostituita da una vena dark e da un senso di apocalisse imminente che mi gasa.
Veramente (ma veramente) scorrevolessimo. L'aggiunta dei nuovi POV (qualche capitolo di Lee e Sebastian) non ha intaccato la narrazione, anzi l'ha arricchita.
Terzo e ultimo volume, aspettami!
Veramente (ma veramente) scorrevolessimo. L'aggiunta dei nuovi POV (qualche capitolo di Lee e Sebastian) non ha intaccato la narrazione, anzi l'ha arricchita.
Terzo e ultimo volume, aspettami!
March 24, 2022
When a second book avoids the usual curse of the trilogy slump, it's a blessing. When it outdoes all possible expectations, snatches your eyeballs and makes you stick to it like glue until you've devoured every last word and still leaves you desperate for more? Oh yeah, that is the sweet spot that this Weird Western beauty hits. It takes everything that made Feast of Phantoms a fascinating read and ramps up the tension, builds up a complex world, and gets us front row seats to more character POVs so that you feel so immersed in the story that when you reach that shocking yet satisfying cliffhanger conclusion you will be reaching for book 3 like a kid failing the marshmallow test.
TL;DR: If you liked book 1, you will LOVE book 2.
We pick up with Ruth Cortez and Sebastian Hardin as they venture into Pedro Braga's southern territories on the hunt for Lee Merriweather, the rogue savant who could cause phantom-related havoc if he wanted to, and the Reverend Jolly, who apparently already has and will likely do so again with deadly consequences. Pedro's city is all glitz and glamor, casinos and high-class crime; enough to turn anybody's head. Lee wants to enjoy his freedom, Hardin wants to do his duty to the woman who changed his life for the better, and Ruth... She wants to go home to Lucky Boy. Doesn't she?
Basically, there's more of everything. More of Ruth's character growth from stick in the mud to taking chances, more of Hardin's backstory and inner thoughts, more of Lee's youthful swagger threatening to be tempered by the terrible events he's unwittingly caught up in. Heck, even more Doc, which we really really needed (though he was AWOL a lot of the time - boo!). I loved how we got the two fellas' POVs, told in third person so there was no danger of getting their voices muddied up with Ruth's. I also loved that it's still not a love triangle. Or, if it ever became one, it wouldn't be one of those tacky YA cliches that sticks in the craw; while I wasn't completely sold on the chemistry of Hardin's feelings towards Ruth or how he expressed them, character relationships feel like they progress naturally. New side characters fit the vibe perfectly (cocksure Henry, stoic Tanaka), and the villain... Well now, we darn sure got a load more of what makes him tick and it is creepy as anything
The setting of this steampunk/weird west/1900s/desert Vegas was amazingly vibrant. We learn so much more about the phantoms through the strange and often shocking goings on. There's a fair bit of gore, but it's not overly dwelt upon. There are some really weird but creative ideas that give the world of Lingua Magika its gritty appeal. There were times when it seemed like a character suddenly knew things that in the previous book they'd claimed were unknown, usually about the phantoms (like a few times things come up like it's common knowledge but were never mentioned before )
Pacing perfect, plot on point, smooth writing, the circular narrative so so satisfying... Honestly, I dare you not to have a burning need to pick up book 3 once you're done with this hauntingly original horror-tinged fantasy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
TL;DR: If you liked book 1, you will LOVE book 2.
We pick up with Ruth Cortez and Sebastian Hardin as they venture into Pedro Braga's southern territories on the hunt for Lee Merriweather, the rogue savant who could cause phantom-related havoc if he wanted to, and the Reverend Jolly, who apparently already has and will likely do so again with deadly consequences. Pedro's city is all glitz and glamor, casinos and high-class crime; enough to turn anybody's head. Lee wants to enjoy his freedom, Hardin wants to do his duty to the woman who changed his life for the better, and Ruth... She wants to go home to Lucky Boy. Doesn't she?
Basically, there's more of everything. More of Ruth's character growth from stick in the mud to taking chances, more of Hardin's backstory and inner thoughts, more of Lee's youthful swagger threatening to be tempered by the terrible events he's unwittingly caught up in. Heck, even more Doc, which we really really needed (though he was AWOL a lot of the time - boo!). I loved how we got the two fellas' POVs, told in third person so there was no danger of getting their voices muddied up with Ruth's. I also loved that it's still not a love triangle. Or, if it ever became one, it wouldn't be one of those tacky YA cliches that sticks in the craw; while I wasn't completely sold on the chemistry of Hardin's feelings towards Ruth or how he expressed them, character relationships feel like they progress naturally. New side characters fit the vibe perfectly (cocksure Henry, stoic Tanaka), and the villain... Well now, we darn sure got a load more of what makes him tick and it is creepy as anything
The setting of this steampunk/weird west/1900s/desert Vegas was amazingly vibrant. We learn so much more about the phantoms through the strange and often shocking goings on. There's a fair bit of gore, but it's not overly dwelt upon. There are some really weird but creative ideas that give the world of Lingua Magika its gritty appeal. There were times when it seemed like a character suddenly knew things that in the previous book they'd claimed were unknown, usually about the phantoms (like a few times things come up like it's common knowledge but were never mentioned before )
Pacing perfect, plot on point, smooth writing, the circular narrative so so satisfying... Honestly, I dare you not to have a burning need to pick up book 3 once you're done with this hauntingly original horror-tinged fantasy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 14, 2022
Absolutely fantastic.
All Down But Nine is the second book in the Lingua Magika trilogy. You absolutely have to read the first book first. I despise surprise cliffhangers, but I don't have a problem with this trilogy because it's made clear upfront what you're getting into. Also, sometimes sequels have different enough tones that it can be jarring going from one book to the next. That's not the case here; at least, thus far. Book 1 flows seamlessly into Book 2, allowing the reader to remain immersed. I'm fully expecting a similar experience, moving from Book 2 to Book 3. To me, this trilogy isn't three separate books. It's one enormous, epic story, split into three volumes for the sake of convenience. I applaud the consistency.
If you're unfamiliar with the first book, A Feast of Phantoms, it's an Old West type of Gaslamp - and please forgive me if I'm getting the terms wrong. While I like Steampunk, it's not my go-to genre. Even so, I am enjoying these books immensely.
In this world of train robbers, horse thieves, and traveling preachers, some people are gifted with the ability to communicate with and control strange beings (hence the "Lingua Magika"). Whether they are called haints, grims, or phantoms, these strange beings are happy to work for humans, running various machinery - until they aren't. As if that's not enough, let's throw in a religious zealot who has some unusual views on winnowing the wheat from the chaff.
Events push Ruth, Sebastian, and Lee beyond their breaking points - and I love the fact that they react in emotionally realistic ways. They aren't superheroes. Maybe they are a bit more determined, or loyal, or gifted than the average person; but in the long run, they are ordinary human beings trying to cope with extraordinary circumstances.
I can't wait to see what twists and turns Book 3, Devil of the North, is going to throw at me!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
All Down But Nine is the second book in the Lingua Magika trilogy. You absolutely have to read the first book first. I despise surprise cliffhangers, but I don't have a problem with this trilogy because it's made clear upfront what you're getting into. Also, sometimes sequels have different enough tones that it can be jarring going from one book to the next. That's not the case here; at least, thus far. Book 1 flows seamlessly into Book 2, allowing the reader to remain immersed. I'm fully expecting a similar experience, moving from Book 2 to Book 3. To me, this trilogy isn't three separate books. It's one enormous, epic story, split into three volumes for the sake of convenience. I applaud the consistency.
If you're unfamiliar with the first book, A Feast of Phantoms, it's an Old West type of Gaslamp - and please forgive me if I'm getting the terms wrong. While I like Steampunk, it's not my go-to genre. Even so, I am enjoying these books immensely.
In this world of train robbers, horse thieves, and traveling preachers, some people are gifted with the ability to communicate with and control strange beings (hence the "Lingua Magika"). Whether they are called haints, grims, or phantoms, these strange beings are happy to work for humans, running various machinery - until they aren't. As if that's not enough, let's throw in a religious zealot who has some unusual views on winnowing the wheat from the chaff.
Events push Ruth, Sebastian, and Lee beyond their breaking points - and I love the fact that they react in emotionally realistic ways. They aren't superheroes. Maybe they are a bit more determined, or loyal, or gifted than the average person; but in the long run, they are ordinary human beings trying to cope with extraordinary circumstances.
I can't wait to see what twists and turns Book 3, Devil of the North, is going to throw at me!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 24, 2022
4 shiny deputy stars
Well, it was a wild, wild ride!
All Down But Nine confirmed the talent of Kate Ross, providing a freakin’ amazing Western steampunk fantasy full of adventure and twists.
Compared to A Feast of Phantoms, I found it even more action-packed (yet a bit gory) and - true to its title - it made me guess at every turn.
I especially loved the multiple POVs that alternate with Ruth's main narrating voice. And even though the Happily Ever After I envisioned (and rooted for) is now as far away as a phantom in the ether (if you read this series, you know what I mean), I can't wait to read the next book!
**I received a free ARC from Book Sirens and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.**
“You’re all down but nine, Ruth.”
I stared at him. “What does that mean?”
“It’s a saying up in the N.T. [...]It means when you miss all nine pins in bowling. When you just don’t have a clue what’s what.”
Well, it was a wild, wild ride!
All Down But Nine confirmed the talent of Kate Ross, providing a freakin’ amazing Western steampunk fantasy full of adventure and twists.
Compared to A Feast of Phantoms, I found it even more action-packed (yet a bit gory) and - true to its title - it made me guess at every turn.
I especially loved the multiple POVs that alternate with Ruth's main narrating voice. And even though the Happily Ever After I envisioned (and rooted for) is now as far away as a phantom in the ether (if you read this series, you know what I mean), I can't wait to read the next book!
**I received a free ARC from Book Sirens and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.**
April 10, 2025
This series has really taken off in this installment.
There is so much going on with the characters being separated and off doing their own things. Ruth, as always, owns my heart, and I love seeing her break away from Lucky Boy a little bit and grow into her own person. I love Hardin less, but also more, even if that makes no sense. He’s this perfect combination of listen to what you’re told and think for yourself. I think I like him more for the hand he had in shaping Ruth’s growth than I love him as a person. Even as a main character in this story, he still always kind of felt like a side character next to Ruth.
Lee, as always, is good fun. And Doc is perfect. The characters are all so much fun (less Jolly and Cage, who are so brutal, I can't even love to hate them).
This world is amazing. All of the different styles of books coming together into this one story is to die for. Is it so extremely refreshing to read something so new and so outside the box and the cliches.
There is so much going on with the characters being separated and off doing their own things. Ruth, as always, owns my heart, and I love seeing her break away from Lucky Boy a little bit and grow into her own person. I love Hardin less, but also more, even if that makes no sense. He’s this perfect combination of listen to what you’re told and think for yourself. I think I like him more for the hand he had in shaping Ruth’s growth than I love him as a person. Even as a main character in this story, he still always kind of felt like a side character next to Ruth.
Lee, as always, is good fun. And Doc is perfect. The characters are all so much fun (less Jolly and Cage, who are so brutal, I can't even love to hate them).
This world is amazing. All of the different styles of books coming together into this one story is to die for. Is it so extremely refreshing to read something so new and so outside the box and the cliches.
March 9, 2022
**I received a free ARC from Book Sirens and am leaving this honest review voluntarily. **
I enjoyed the first book, but this sequel is even better! Ruth shows some growth and learns that life is not always black and white...there is a substantial amount of gray in the middle. Lee also shows some growth towards the end and stops being quite so petulant. Hardin is his usual self, but faces some pretty severe choices. And without including a spoiler, there is a pretty amazing twist that caught me by surprise. This is a fun filled and fast paced read.
I enjoyed the first book, but this sequel is even better! Ruth shows some growth and learns that life is not always black and white...there is a substantial amount of gray in the middle. Lee also shows some growth towards the end and stops being quite so petulant. Hardin is his usual self, but faces some pretty severe choices. And without including a spoiler, there is a pretty amazing twist that caught me by surprise. This is a fun filled and fast paced read.
October 19, 2021
Brilliant follow-up as the second in the Lingua Magika series. Page turning twists and turns made this very hard to put down.
I felt engaged with each and every characters storyline.
The only pitfall is waiting for the next in the series to be released.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I felt engaged with each and every characters storyline.
The only pitfall is waiting for the next in the series to be released.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 10, 2022
Excellent second book in the series. The steampunk western world-building was well done, I loved Ruth and Doc, and the explanation of what the haints are was very clever. Also quite unsettling in places, and featuring some genuinely creepy villains. A dark and fun roller-coaster of a book!
I received a copy from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from BookSirens in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2022
This novel is a smooth continuation of A Feast of Phantoms. I really enjoyed the development of the characters especially the strong female lead Ruth. I can't wait to read the last book in this trilogy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! I cannot wait for the 3rd to come out as I want to know the ending!
March 2, 2021
In Summary: Our Alien Overlords are Playing Train Robbers in a Kiddie Sandbox
Reviewed on December 11, 2020
Wow this second book is fast-paced and captivating! I stayed up until 2:30am finishing it last night because I could not put it down past the 50% mark. Kat Ross has developed a unique world of wild west, steampunk, ghosts, and science. There are multiple mysteries all combining into a giant mystery and a hierarchy of villains. You get some more answers in this book, but you are also left with some deeper, existential questions – basically if Wild Wild West and Interstellar had a baby you might get a fraction of what this book entails. So here’s what you have to look forward to:
1) More worldbuilding: Ruth and Sebastian are on Lee’s tail following him to a new glamorous city (like Las Vegas), while also uncovering a trail of misery and death by Reverend Jolly. Unfortunately, the villains are also following these 3 and it culminates in mass bloodshed, but not in way you’d expect. There’s some serious twists and revelations that happen in this book.
2) Slight romance: I feel like there’s a possibility of a love triangle between Ruth, Sebastian, and Lee, but it’s still unclear. Ruth and Sebastian are definitely into each other, though the build-up to a relationship seemed a little rushed to me. But I’m still happy to have the romance and I hope the next book fleshes out the romance some more.
3) In this book, Ruth is the smartest and most pragmatic of all the characters, Sebastian is a little too hardnosed and single-minded in his desire to capture Lee, and Lee is an idiot. There’s a little less phantom “magic” in this book and more mystery, but even Ruth is blindsided by the twists that happen.
There’s a lot to deal with in the next book and I am really looking forward to it because this is by far one of the most interesting fictional worlds I’ve ever read. I really hoping that in the next book we get to find out why Ruth is “special” (meaning why do Class X phantoms listen to her), what her father discovered, why Sebastian gets migraines (I’m thinking it might have something to do with these other dimensions), set Doc free, and resolve Ruth’s relationship with Sebastian and/or Lee. Not to mention, eradicate all the villains (and trust me, there’s a lot of them).
*I was provided an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed on December 11, 2020
Wow this second book is fast-paced and captivating! I stayed up until 2:30am finishing it last night because I could not put it down past the 50% mark. Kat Ross has developed a unique world of wild west, steampunk, ghosts, and science. There are multiple mysteries all combining into a giant mystery and a hierarchy of villains. You get some more answers in this book, but you are also left with some deeper, existential questions – basically if Wild Wild West and Interstellar had a baby you might get a fraction of what this book entails. So here’s what you have to look forward to:
1) More worldbuilding: Ruth and Sebastian are on Lee’s tail following him to a new glamorous city (like Las Vegas), while also uncovering a trail of misery and death by Reverend Jolly. Unfortunately, the villains are also following these 3 and it culminates in mass bloodshed, but not in way you’d expect. There’s some serious twists and revelations that happen in this book.
2) Slight romance: I feel like there’s a possibility of a love triangle between Ruth, Sebastian, and Lee, but it’s still unclear. Ruth and Sebastian are definitely into each other, though the build-up to a relationship seemed a little rushed to me. But I’m still happy to have the romance and I hope the next book fleshes out the romance some more.
3) In this book, Ruth is the smartest and most pragmatic of all the characters, Sebastian is a little too hardnosed and single-minded in his desire to capture Lee, and Lee is an idiot. There’s a little less phantom “magic” in this book and more mystery, but even Ruth is blindsided by the twists that happen.
There’s a lot to deal with in the next book and I am really looking forward to it because this is by far one of the most interesting fictional worlds I’ve ever read. I really hoping that in the next book we get to find out why Ruth is “special” (meaning why do Class X phantoms listen to her), what her father discovered, why Sebastian gets migraines (I’m thinking it might have something to do with these other dimensions), set Doc free, and resolve Ruth’s relationship with Sebastian and/or Lee. Not to mention, eradicate all the villains (and trust me, there’s a lot of them).
*I was provided an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2022
Gory, but good
Steampunk with an otherworldly element, and a badass young woman protagonist. There’s more blood and gore than I typically prefer, but Kat Ross is great at world building, pacing, characters, and “didn’t see that coming!” plot twists, and I can’t wait to read book 3!
Steampunk with an otherworldly element, and a badass young woman protagonist. There’s more blood and gore than I typically prefer, but Kat Ross is great at world building, pacing, characters, and “didn’t see that coming!” plot twists, and I can’t wait to read book 3!
December 12, 2025
This world is so cool and original, a sort of western steampunk with ghosts. The characters are very well written and grow a lot in this book, and the romance is sizzling. The plot is getting bigger end bigger, and there are a lot of 8nteresting philosophy in it as well. I love it, just like I love all of Kat Ross' other books as well.
December 12, 2020
A Rip-Roaring Ride!
This an imaginative thrill ride through a re-imagined Old West setting, complete with alien beings from another dimension. I came to the end of each book with a shock, thinking, "No! It can't be over yet!" Sigh. Hope the next one comes soon!
This an imaginative thrill ride through a re-imagined Old West setting, complete with alien beings from another dimension. I came to the end of each book with a shock, thinking, "No! It can't be over yet!" Sigh. Hope the next one comes soon!
December 13, 2020
Brilliant and interesting book, a true page turner. Lots of twists that keep you engaged with loving characters that you really understand looking forward to the next in the series
April 8, 2021
Fun free wheeling story. Can't wait for #3.
March 2, 2023
. Kat Ross is one of my favorite authors and it is because she writes such fantastic stories in different eras and settings so fluidly. This book was simply superb and I enjoyed it so much.
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