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Of Magic and Contempt #3
Civil Contempt
The amount of pressure on Melody is only increasing. The Apex want to mate with her, her new coven wants her to choose a suitable husband from within their ranks and the new Provost wants her out of there - to graduate as soon as possible.
Everyone wants something from Melody, including her mad aunt and Coven Bestia.
When does she get to be herself?
Melody must rush to graduate as soon as she can, she's not safe at the academy, but everything she hopes and dreams of, relies on her being strong enough to stand on her own two feet. If she's going to fight for her familiars, and for familiars everywhere, then she needs a good education as her foundation.
If she's going to defeat her aunt once and for all, then she'll need to know how to weild her magic at its highest level.
Time is running out. It may only be her second year, but Melody is going to need a crash course in everything, including coven politics if she's going to survive all of the machinations against her.
**Warning, this is a dark reverse harem story with elements that may cause some readers distress, including but not limited to descriptions of physical abuse, neglect and battle. Please consider carefully before purchasing.**
Everyone wants something from Melody, including her mad aunt and Coven Bestia.
When does she get to be herself?
Melody must rush to graduate as soon as she can, she's not safe at the academy, but everything she hopes and dreams of, relies on her being strong enough to stand on her own two feet. If she's going to fight for her familiars, and for familiars everywhere, then she needs a good education as her foundation.
If she's going to defeat her aunt once and for all, then she'll need to know how to weild her magic at its highest level.
Time is running out. It may only be her second year, but Melody is going to need a crash course in everything, including coven politics if she's going to survive all of the machinations against her.
**Warning, this is a dark reverse harem story with elements that may cause some readers distress, including but not limited to descriptions of physical abuse, neglect and battle. Please consider carefully before purchasing.**
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2021
168 people are currently reading
158 people want to read
About the author
Jade Thorn
33 books328 followersHi!
I'm "Jade" (pen name only). I'm a stay at home mother to three gorgeous young children. I've been writing stories since I was a little girl, but I have never had the confidence to share them. Finally a friend talked me into publishing something, so, "Siren" was born.
I ask you to be kind in your reviews. I know that you may not like what I write, but it doesn't mean that you have to be nasty about it. I don't understand people who feel the need to do that. My books cost less than a cup of coffee. If you didn't like the coffee, would you abuse the person who served you?
I like to "meet" my followers and get to know them. You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jade.thorn.944/
I look forward to sharing my journey with you.
Jade
xoxo
I'm "Jade" (pen name only). I'm a stay at home mother to three gorgeous young children. I've been writing stories since I was a little girl, but I have never had the confidence to share them. Finally a friend talked me into publishing something, so, "Siren" was born.
I ask you to be kind in your reviews. I know that you may not like what I write, but it doesn't mean that you have to be nasty about it. I don't understand people who feel the need to do that. My books cost less than a cup of coffee. If you didn't like the coffee, would you abuse the person who served you?
I like to "meet" my followers and get to know them. You can find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jade.thorn.944/
I look forward to sharing my journey with you.
Jade
xoxo
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
March 4, 2023
Reread 3/3/23
3.5 stars.
Eager to see what happens with Melody and her men in the future.
3.5 stars.
Eager to see what happens with Melody and her men in the future.
June 2, 2021
The book is quite short and it actually finishes at about 85%. I liked the tension that was built with the anticipation of the next battle, I liked the small battles she had to undergo with various small people. I liked her shows of power.
What I don't like is that for a third book - there was just one sex scene that involved her. But nevertheless, there were two others involving her mates getting it on with each other without her in the picture at all, or knowledge. Knowing the mindset of the idea behind this m/m random action I can deduce the main character will be totally fine.
I'm not. And despite the great start of the books I will not be continuing.
Where is the trigger warning about m/m action?
What I don't like is that for a third book - there was just one sex scene that involved her. But nevertheless, there were two others involving her mates getting it on with each other without her in the picture at all, or knowledge. Knowing the mindset of the idea behind this m/m random action I can deduce the main character will be totally fine.
I'm not. And despite the great start of the books I will not be continuing.
Where is the trigger warning about m/m action?
May 30, 2021
Third verse, same as the first
Although the first book had a few moments of creativity in the approach to the YA/academy RH/shifter genre, the author has not built on any of those ideas. At all. Rather, each book gets successively less interesting as the author stopped writing any story at all and is now entirely focused on creating sexual scenarios. Every single one of these books ends on a cliffhanger and they’re not even good or interesting cliffhangers. For the 2nd time out of 3 books, the book ends with Melody blacked out. Oh. No. Has the author decided to kill off the main, and only female, character? Somehow I doubt it, but good luck to the readers who twiddle their thumbs for the next 4 months to find out that there are going to be 3-9 more books of the characters wandering around aimlessly fvc<*ng before anything happens story-wise. I wonder how many more all male characters in love with Melody the author can shoehorn into the cheap and directionless p•rn• “plot”.
As it is, there is nothing to the story here except gratuitous and extremely graphic sex. Exactly like it was in the first book, Melody is still stringing Justin along and he keeps storming off in a huff. I no longer care. Exactly like it was in the second book, Melody’s aunt and the new headmistress are up to no good. Again, don’t care. Trent and Nick are now in a bisexual relationship. Still could not possibly care less.
Although the first book had a few moments of creativity in the approach to the YA/academy RH/shifter genre, the author has not built on any of those ideas. At all. Rather, each book gets successively less interesting as the author stopped writing any story at all and is now entirely focused on creating sexual scenarios. Every single one of these books ends on a cliffhanger and they’re not even good or interesting cliffhangers. For the 2nd time out of 3 books, the book ends with Melody blacked out. Oh. No. Has the author decided to kill off the main, and only female, character? Somehow I doubt it, but good luck to the readers who twiddle their thumbs for the next 4 months to find out that there are going to be 3-9 more books of the characters wandering around aimlessly fvc<*ng before anything happens story-wise. I wonder how many more all male characters in love with Melody the author can shoehorn into the cheap and directionless p•rn• “plot”.
As it is, there is nothing to the story here except gratuitous and extremely graphic sex. Exactly like it was in the first book, Melody is still stringing Justin along and he keeps storming off in a huff. I no longer care. Exactly like it was in the second book, Melody’s aunt and the new headmistress are up to no good. Again, don’t care. Trent and Nick are now in a bisexual relationship. Still could not possibly care less.
May 27, 2021
5 grumbling stars
Why grumbling you ask?
Let me tell you first about why FIVE, and then I'll get to the grumbling part.
I've been eagerly waiting to get my hands on this book from the time I finished the second in series Held in Contempt. So much that I actually downloaded and started reading it at midnight on release day and kept turning pages into the wee hours of the night, because I simply couldn't set it down.
It was fabulous! Even more darker and full of feeling than the previous instalments and the characters I already grew to love sank their claws even deeper into my heart.
The amount of pressure on Melody is only increasing. The Apex want to mate with her, her new coven wants her to choose a suitable husband from within their ranks and the new Provost wants her out of there - to graduate as soon as possible.
Everyone wants something from Melody, including her mad aunt and Coven Bestia.
And everything seems to be slowly going to hell in a handbasket. But this time around Melody is determined to stand her ground and fight with all she's got. And this time around, for the first time ever, people are gathering on her side and there is hope.
Of course part of her keeps waiting 'for the other shoe to drop. For the kick to come, for the pain to return. Yet, there was also a newer part, one still emerging from the darkness, that urged her to seize every opportunity that came her way. It was a quietly desperate emotion, the need to experience as much as she could before it was ripped away. Because when it all went to hell again, she'd need those happy memories to sustain her.'
Until then she'll follow Dean's advice:
"Pull on your big girl panties and let's go fix some shit,"
This time around we get a much more deeper glimpse into the mind and heart of Melody's shifters and I loved every single bit about that. All those males are downright sigh-worthy and I'd be hard pressed to pick a favourite.
Feeling and emotion leap from the page and the characters themselves make you live their story with them. The smut is way hotter than ever before while the love and longing are enough to melt a heart.
"Mel, you're my fated mate. You're my sun, my moon, my stars. You are my first waking thought, and you haunt my dreams at night. I would do anything for you, be anything. I'd die for you."
(*cue dreamy sigh*)
But why the grumbling?!
Because of the mother of all cliffhangers at the end. This book is way too short and ends way too fast. And it feels unfinished. It left me with that feeling of frustration that any reader gets when they turn the last page and can't believe it's THE END.
Yep. I kind of got angry at that.
And yet, it cannot be contested that Of Magic and Contempt is an absolutely unique and unforgettable tale that will appeal to all dark fantasy fans out there. It has a solid and absolutely intriguing edge of the seat plot, great characters, as well as all the feels! It's a very slow burn romance with no insta love and lots of steamy hot scenes, jampacked with exquisitely rendered emotion and feeling!
I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to any and all readers out there in search for a gripping and addictive read.
But ware that steep cliff at the end.
Happy reading everyone
and
'listen to your heart'
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
Why grumbling you ask?
Let me tell you first about why FIVE, and then I'll get to the grumbling part.
I've been eagerly waiting to get my hands on this book from the time I finished the second in series Held in Contempt. So much that I actually downloaded and started reading it at midnight on release day and kept turning pages into the wee hours of the night, because I simply couldn't set it down.
It was fabulous! Even more darker and full of feeling than the previous instalments and the characters I already grew to love sank their claws even deeper into my heart.
The amount of pressure on Melody is only increasing. The Apex want to mate with her, her new coven wants her to choose a suitable husband from within their ranks and the new Provost wants her out of there - to graduate as soon as possible.
Everyone wants something from Melody, including her mad aunt and Coven Bestia.
And everything seems to be slowly going to hell in a handbasket. But this time around Melody is determined to stand her ground and fight with all she's got. And this time around, for the first time ever, people are gathering on her side and there is hope.
Of course part of her keeps waiting 'for the other shoe to drop. For the kick to come, for the pain to return. Yet, there was also a newer part, one still emerging from the darkness, that urged her to seize every opportunity that came her way. It was a quietly desperate emotion, the need to experience as much as she could before it was ripped away. Because when it all went to hell again, she'd need those happy memories to sustain her.'
Until then she'll follow Dean's advice:
"Pull on your big girl panties and let's go fix some shit,"
This time around we get a much more deeper glimpse into the mind and heart of Melody's shifters and I loved every single bit about that. All those males are downright sigh-worthy and I'd be hard pressed to pick a favourite.
Feeling and emotion leap from the page and the characters themselves make you live their story with them. The smut is way hotter than ever before while the love and longing are enough to melt a heart.
"Mel, you're my fated mate. You're my sun, my moon, my stars. You are my first waking thought, and you haunt my dreams at night. I would do anything for you, be anything. I'd die for you."
(*cue dreamy sigh*)
But why the grumbling?!
Because of the mother of all cliffhangers at the end. This book is way too short and ends way too fast. And it feels unfinished. It left me with that feeling of frustration that any reader gets when they turn the last page and can't believe it's THE END.
Yep. I kind of got angry at that.
And yet, it cannot be contested that Of Magic and Contempt is an absolutely unique and unforgettable tale that will appeal to all dark fantasy fans out there. It has a solid and absolutely intriguing edge of the seat plot, great characters, as well as all the feels! It's a very slow burn romance with no insta love and lots of steamy hot scenes, jampacked with exquisitely rendered emotion and feeling!
I absolutely loved it and highly recommend it to any and all readers out there in search for a gripping and addictive read.
But ware that steep cliff at the end.
Happy reading everyone
and
'listen to your heart'
Find this review and more on my book review and cover art blog The Magic Book Corner
January 5, 2024
Questa serie non mi appassiona più, per me finisce quì.
May 24, 2021
Look, I was super excited when this book came out, especially after book 2 cliffhanger. But I was kinda disappointed even though it was a good book.
Why I’m disappointed because basically it was the same stuff. Her going to school, getting bullied and targeted, attacks, but not much else really. The book ends at 82% with a cliffhanger (her passing out again). The first almost 50% was within the same day and really there wasn’t much during that. You see some growth with Melody as she gets romantically involved with Dean, but he was the only one. She also hasn’t bonded with Justin which I’m really irritated about.
It was a good book, but can you see why I’m disappointed...? I’ve been waiting for this to come out, I read within a day easily, and not much had happened. Though you are introduced to a male witch that might become more but I don’t know.
Oh. Now the next and I think final book comes out NEXT YEAR 2022!!!! Freaking hell.
So yay. I’ll have to wait a year for the next book.
This review is of my own opinion.
Why I’m disappointed because basically it was the same stuff. Her going to school, getting bullied and targeted, attacks, but not much else really. The book ends at 82% with a cliffhanger (her passing out again). The first almost 50% was within the same day and really there wasn’t much during that. You see some growth with Melody as she gets romantically involved with Dean, but he was the only one. She also hasn’t bonded with Justin which I’m really irritated about.
It was a good book, but can you see why I’m disappointed...? I’ve been waiting for this to come out, I read within a day easily, and not much had happened. Though you are introduced to a male witch that might become more but I don’t know.
Oh. Now the next and I think final book comes out NEXT YEAR 2022!!!! Freaking hell.
So yay. I’ll have to wait a year for the next book.
This review is of my own opinion.
May 25, 2021
Great story but left incomplete
I've really been enjoying this series, it has emotion and conflict. However, this didn't feel like a whole book. I know Jade left a note to say this was supposed to be the last book and that it was going to be too long so she decided to divide it into 2 books. However, it has left this book as an incomplete novel, ending suddenly not unlike Saviour, the 3rd Siren novel which we are still waiting to be completed. It doesn't make the story bad but it is disappointing to now wait until 2022 for the 2nd half of this book.
I've really been enjoying this series, it has emotion and conflict. However, this didn't feel like a whole book. I know Jade left a note to say this was supposed to be the last book and that it was going to be too long so she decided to divide it into 2 books. However, it has left this book as an incomplete novel, ending suddenly not unlike Saviour, the 3rd Siren novel which we are still waiting to be completed. It doesn't make the story bad but it is disappointing to now wait until 2022 for the 2nd half of this book.
July 7, 2022
Not Bad
Not bad, a little disjointed some words used incorrectly and some typos, but overall I enjoy the book and where it’s going. I just wish it was written more in a telling manner because Thorn has the talent to make it happen, just needs to cultivate it a bit more.
Melody having to deal with a ton of stuff in this book. Pushy shifters who want to challenge her, pushy admin and annoying mean girls. I get so frustrated with injustice type of behavior that I kept yelling at my iPad lol. But overall I’m not sure where this is going and I wish the book didn’t end where it did. Felt slightly abrupt.
Not bad, a little disjointed some words used incorrectly and some typos, but overall I enjoy the book and where it’s going. I just wish it was written more in a telling manner because Thorn has the talent to make it happen, just needs to cultivate it a bit more.
Melody having to deal with a ton of stuff in this book. Pushy shifters who want to challenge her, pushy admin and annoying mean girls. I get so frustrated with injustice type of behavior that I kept yelling at my iPad lol. But overall I’m not sure where this is going and I wish the book didn’t end where it did. Felt slightly abrupt.
May 25, 2021
wow! ... love this series so much!!
May 29, 2021
Enjoyable
This book felt a lot shorter than I was expecting. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
This book felt a lot shorter than I was expecting. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
September 15, 2022
loving this series
I love the story behind the series and LOVED the first two books but I am not into MM action without a F being involved.
I love the story behind the series and LOVED the first two books but I am not into MM action without a F being involved.
May 1, 2024
DNF- Finished 100% of book one & two, & 76% of book three
**Review shared for series**
TLDR; If you can get past the lack of editing the plot is worth it... but only for the first book. Then the plot becomes a repetition of Melody's bonds being broken and her refusing to bond the familiars she feels are "hers".. The relationships become stunted with absolutely no chemistry, the plot holes start to become more frequent, and antagonists become more and more immature in a way that makes the story unbelievable and completely juvenile.
Buckle in.. The reason this review is so long is because this had the potential to be my new favorite series. And I mean #1! I absolutely loved the idea of this series. The execution was lacking HEAVILY.
Characters:
Melody was the perfect traumatized fmc that was slowly growing into her strength.. except when she wasn't? There were so many instances where she became just as cruel and petty as her bullies. Then all of a sudden she would be a mouse again. Her development wasn't that, it was like it was two personalities and you never knew which one you would get in that chapter. Also.. she went from "knowing they are hers" when it came to her familiars/mates, to refusing to bond with them (even though it would offer strength and protection they needed on both sides) because she wanted to feel free.. She became increasingly selfish and annoying as time went on. I actually agreed when Shawna was yelling at Melody about her wanting to be free when the Dragons had spent HUNDREDS of years being imprisoned at the school...
There were similar issues with the men in the harem.
Nick - Dragon 1 - In the beginning I thought he was going to be a quiet leader that helped keep the shifters in line thanks to being a thousand years old.. but it just doesn't feel like he knows or does enough especially considering his age.
Justin -Dragon two - Supposedly this man is also a dragon that is a thousand years old. But he acts like a teenage boy. He refuses to give Melody a choice or time in the decision to bond him, "pretends" to date some girl to save Melody but doesn't tell her so all she sees is him being with another woman. And he is constantly throwing tantrums when he doesn't get his way... but again he is a thousand years old? *insert rolling eye emoji*
Dean - Lion - In the beginning I didn't like him. He made a game out of challenging Melody without even knowing her.. just assuming she would want him and not taking the hint when she literally avoided him for WEEKS? But.. I will say he definitely became my favorite later on. That being said, it was also clear he was Melody's favorite and I don't like that in the harem stories personally.
Ryan and Oz - The two wolves - I am lumping these two together because half of the time they felt like the same character. They both fall into the background a lot. Making it feel like the author bit off more than she could chew.
Trent - Fox/Kitsune - I don't want to be THAT person, but his submissiveness and weakness in the harem just didn't make sense. Which is too bad because I thought he was the best one for Melody (Kitsune alter-ego aside). Also the fact that he had more of a relationship with Nick than Melody just wasn't it for me.
Asher - Younger wolf - Ugh. This man was legit irredeemable, also it made no sense that Melody was his mate after he said "if it's the case of her dying, or me, I choose her." No "mate" would ever say that. Not to mention the fact that he didn't care about Melody as a person, only a witch that could force him to shift. He took away her choice multiple times even after almost causing her death.
Alexander and Nikolai - potential witch mate and his bear familiar (who only bonded him in hopes he would be with Melody when Alex became her mate) - I didn't really end up getting far enough to know them well. But I will say that I was impressed with the devotion and choice that Alexander kept giving Melody. I think the whole bonding thing between the two was a little weird and forced? They literally came out of nowhere and Melody already had her hands full.
Quinn - shifter (I think he is a wolf) - The story would have been better if he ended up with Melody. They had more chemistry then ANY of her mates/familiars. Melody even admitted that she had wished she could bond him so I was really hoping that was the beginning of something great.
Carla - Melody's witch friend - I never liked her. The fact that she flirted with Quinn and offered to be his second choice when it was obvious that he liked Melody was so weird. I wasn't upset about how she acted later on because she was cursed. But that whole plotline never made sense. Y'all are at an academy for witches and no one realized she was cursed? Okay.. And Melody and the guys knew it was a possibility but waited sooooo long to help her when she was one of the people hurting Melody and it had a simple solution... When the mean Provost said "the foolish girl accepted a charm from someone who from all accounts was unfriendly beforehand. She deserved what she got." I totally agreed.
The bitch squad - aka Melody's bullies (specifically Shawna) - typical academy plot, a group of girls wanted the guys that run the school but then this random girl comes (Melody) and gets them all and the girls are pissed. The only difference was that the shit they were doing was super petty most of the time. Most professors just let it all slide which made NO sense, Melody and her guys hardly ever fought back. Literally all of it was so freaking ridiculous. Also the scene where Jaynie runs into the room and drops to her knees so that Justin cums in her mouth? wtf was that scene. And he just kept finishing? She was nuts and this is another example of Justin sucking.
Provost Aer - Her death made no sense. She is supposedly incredibly strong and runs an entire paranormal academy and yet she dies in .2 seconds at the first battle they face? When she knew she was stepping into it? Made 0 sense.
Misc. - random side characters - The way so many of the characters acted was just so immature and annoying. For example a grown ass man that is on the council saying things like "she needs to get out of bed, the lazy bitch!" or "I said now, you fucking bitch, sit up, get up, right now." and then 20 minutes later he is crying at her feet.. Or entire student body would (for example) listen to Justin's speech and be on their side and then the next day everyone avoided or attacked them all again? These are supposedly adults and it just felt like there was no free thinking at the college and everyone was unbelievably (literally) immature. It REALLY took away from the story and made the writing come off juvenile. There were so many other things going on that if you took that out it would have still been interesting and 10000% times better.
The new Provost - literally the most annoying character to date. How did she even get the position when a councilor kept seeing her overstepping her position. Calling a student "slut" and constantly screaming at everyone? Literally made no sense that she (and some of the professors) could act that way. Again, it also REALLY took away from the writing to have so many adults acting like pre-teens.
So many plot holes -
Melody makes up her own spells which Nick makes it seem like a big deal but she only ever says the one spell out loud and it is never mentioned again.
She said she could bond all the apex but then says it's too much.
When people saw her back when Dean ripped her shirt, but no one commented or reacted at all the scars she had.
Asher hanging out/getting close to Shawna and then it is never mentioned again.
Professor Ludwig gave "bad/weird" vibes but then we never see or hear about what that could have been and she literally disappears from the plot.
After she almost dies when the bond is broken between her and Asher someone mentions bringing outside help to break the curses on Melody.. but no one offered that before, knowing that she was being tortured and putting the apex in danger.
Melody forced Justin's shift but didn't bond him? I assumed it was because he didn't challenge her but he also had so it didn't make sense.
The whole explanation in chapter 29 of book two was a plot hole. Dean and Melody redid the bond RIGHT AFTER it was broken. It was Asher that had to wait days in between.
In the third book she starts to be intimate with Trent and says "Men had touched her there before" but earlier in the series she mentions not even having the chance to even touch herself because she was around the shifters and her "innocence" is mentioned often, like the fact she hadn't kissed anyone before the academy?
The Provost forbids Melody from seeing her familiar for 48 hours as punishment, which is never mentioned and never happens.
When Melody loses all her familiar bonds thanks to the goddess wanting to give her "more options.." but right after Melody is talking about feeling what Nick and Justin are feeling through the bond? The bond with Nick was broken and she had never even bonded Justin.
There are other plot holes or things that didn't make sense but those were just the ones I highlighted.
Also.. I am not trying to be rude but when authors use obscure words like "anathema" but then fails at simple grammar it just comes off as trying too hard. It seems unlikely that someone with the knowledge of such obscure language would struggle so much with simple word use and sentence structure.
**Review shared for series**
TLDR; If you can get past the lack of editing the plot is worth it... but only for the first book. Then the plot becomes a repetition of Melody's bonds being broken and her refusing to bond the familiars she feels are "hers".. The relationships become stunted with absolutely no chemistry, the plot holes start to become more frequent, and antagonists become more and more immature in a way that makes the story unbelievable and completely juvenile.
Buckle in.. The reason this review is so long is because this had the potential to be my new favorite series. And I mean #1! I absolutely loved the idea of this series. The execution was lacking HEAVILY.
Characters:
Melody was the perfect traumatized fmc that was slowly growing into her strength.. except when she wasn't? There were so many instances where she became just as cruel and petty as her bullies. Then all of a sudden she would be a mouse again. Her development wasn't that, it was like it was two personalities and you never knew which one you would get in that chapter. Also.. she went from "knowing they are hers" when it came to her familiars/mates, to refusing to bond with them (even though it would offer strength and protection they needed on both sides) because she wanted to feel free.. She became increasingly selfish and annoying as time went on. I actually agreed when Shawna was yelling at Melody about her wanting to be free when the Dragons had spent HUNDREDS of years being imprisoned at the school...
There were similar issues with the men in the harem.
Nick - Dragon 1 - In the beginning I thought he was going to be a quiet leader that helped keep the shifters in line thanks to being a thousand years old.. but it just doesn't feel like he knows or does enough especially considering his age.
Justin -Dragon two - Supposedly this man is also a dragon that is a thousand years old. But he acts like a teenage boy. He refuses to give Melody a choice or time in the decision to bond him, "pretends" to date some girl to save Melody but doesn't tell her so all she sees is him being with another woman. And he is constantly throwing tantrums when he doesn't get his way... but again he is a thousand years old? *insert rolling eye emoji*
Dean - Lion - In the beginning I didn't like him. He made a game out of challenging Melody without even knowing her.. just assuming she would want him and not taking the hint when she literally avoided him for WEEKS? But.. I will say he definitely became my favorite later on. That being said, it was also clear he was Melody's favorite and I don't like that in the harem stories personally.
Ryan and Oz - The two wolves - I am lumping these two together because half of the time they felt like the same character. They both fall into the background a lot. Making it feel like the author bit off more than she could chew.
Trent - Fox/Kitsune - I don't want to be THAT person, but his submissiveness and weakness in the harem just didn't make sense. Which is too bad because I thought he was the best one for Melody (Kitsune alter-ego aside). Also the fact that he had more of a relationship with Nick than Melody just wasn't it for me.
Asher - Younger wolf - Ugh. This man was legit irredeemable, also it made no sense that Melody was his mate after he said "if it's the case of her dying, or me, I choose her." No "mate" would ever say that. Not to mention the fact that he didn't care about Melody as a person, only a witch that could force him to shift. He took away her choice multiple times even after almost causing her death.
Alexander and Nikolai - potential witch mate and his bear familiar (who only bonded him in hopes he would be with Melody when Alex became her mate) - I didn't really end up getting far enough to know them well. But I will say that I was impressed with the devotion and choice that Alexander kept giving Melody. I think the whole bonding thing between the two was a little weird and forced? They literally came out of nowhere and Melody already had her hands full.
Quinn - shifter (I think he is a wolf) - The story would have been better if he ended up with Melody. They had more chemistry then ANY of her mates/familiars. Melody even admitted that she had wished she could bond him so I was really hoping that was the beginning of something great.
Carla - Melody's witch friend - I never liked her. The fact that she flirted with Quinn and offered to be his second choice when it was obvious that he liked Melody was so weird. I wasn't upset about how she acted later on because she was cursed. But that whole plotline never made sense. Y'all are at an academy for witches and no one realized she was cursed? Okay.. And Melody and the guys knew it was a possibility but waited sooooo long to help her when she was one of the people hurting Melody and it had a simple solution... When the mean Provost said "the foolish girl accepted a charm from someone who from all accounts was unfriendly beforehand. She deserved what she got." I totally agreed.
The bitch squad - aka Melody's bullies (specifically Shawna) - typical academy plot, a group of girls wanted the guys that run the school but then this random girl comes (Melody) and gets them all and the girls are pissed. The only difference was that the shit they were doing was super petty most of the time. Most professors just let it all slide which made NO sense, Melody and her guys hardly ever fought back. Literally all of it was so freaking ridiculous. Also the scene where Jaynie runs into the room and drops to her knees so that Justin cums in her mouth? wtf was that scene. And he just kept finishing? She was nuts and this is another example of Justin sucking.
Provost Aer - Her death made no sense. She is supposedly incredibly strong and runs an entire paranormal academy and yet she dies in .2 seconds at the first battle they face? When she knew she was stepping into it? Made 0 sense.
Misc. - random side characters - The way so many of the characters acted was just so immature and annoying. For example a grown ass man that is on the council saying things like "she needs to get out of bed, the lazy bitch!" or "I said now, you fucking bitch, sit up, get up, right now." and then 20 minutes later he is crying at her feet.. Or entire student body would (for example) listen to Justin's speech and be on their side and then the next day everyone avoided or attacked them all again? These are supposedly adults and it just felt like there was no free thinking at the college and everyone was unbelievably (literally) immature. It REALLY took away from the story and made the writing come off juvenile. There were so many other things going on that if you took that out it would have still been interesting and 10000% times better.
The new Provost - literally the most annoying character to date. How did she even get the position when a councilor kept seeing her overstepping her position. Calling a student "slut" and constantly screaming at everyone? Literally made no sense that she (and some of the professors) could act that way. Again, it also REALLY took away from the writing to have so many adults acting like pre-teens.
So many plot holes -
Melody makes up her own spells which Nick makes it seem like a big deal but she only ever says the one spell out loud and it is never mentioned again.
She said she could bond all the apex but then says it's too much.
When people saw her back when Dean ripped her shirt, but no one commented or reacted at all the scars she had.
Asher hanging out/getting close to Shawna and then it is never mentioned again.
Professor Ludwig gave "bad/weird" vibes but then we never see or hear about what that could have been and she literally disappears from the plot.
After she almost dies when the bond is broken between her and Asher someone mentions bringing outside help to break the curses on Melody.. but no one offered that before, knowing that she was being tortured and putting the apex in danger.
Melody forced Justin's shift but didn't bond him? I assumed it was because he didn't challenge her but he also had so it didn't make sense.
The whole explanation in chapter 29 of book two was a plot hole. Dean and Melody redid the bond RIGHT AFTER it was broken. It was Asher that had to wait days in between.
In the third book she starts to be intimate with Trent and says "Men had touched her there before" but earlier in the series she mentions not even having the chance to even touch herself because she was around the shifters and her "innocence" is mentioned often, like the fact she hadn't kissed anyone before the academy?
The Provost forbids Melody from seeing her familiar for 48 hours as punishment, which is never mentioned and never happens.
When Melody loses all her familiar bonds thanks to the goddess wanting to give her "more options.." but right after Melody is talking about feeling what Nick and Justin are feeling through the bond? The bond with Nick was broken and she had never even bonded Justin.
There are other plot holes or things that didn't make sense but those were just the ones I highlighted.
Also.. I am not trying to be rude but when authors use obscure words like "anathema" but then fails at simple grammar it just comes off as trying too hard. It seems unlikely that someone with the knowledge of such obscure language would struggle so much with simple word use and sentence structure.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2021
Melody is in a sticky situation. She is a powerful witch with a lot of potential familiars. Mel is a reluctant mate to these men. Most witches have 1 familiar, she has way more than that. She finally agrees to bond with Dean. Then everything hits the fan and things start to go downhill for Melody. The men who want to bond with her begin to fit, more men appear to bond with her because she's so magical.
Ok, my issue with this book is the number of people in the story. I figured it would be Melody and Dean and maybe 2 extras. Nope, way too many extras to count and I lost track of who was who and why they wanted to be with her. And what the point of the story was.
I love a good shifter book. But this reminds me of Anita Blake where she was with tons of people. I do understand this is a reverse harem. The sex scenes were lackluster. I was expecting multiple partners and multiple times and spiciness. It started out good, then I lost interest.
Ok, my issue with this book is the number of people in the story. I figured it would be Melody and Dean and maybe 2 extras. Nope, way too many extras to count and I lost track of who was who and why they wanted to be with her. And what the point of the story was.
I love a good shifter book. But this reminds me of Anita Blake where she was with tons of people. I do understand this is a reverse harem. The sex scenes were lackluster. I was expecting multiple partners and multiple times and spiciness. It started out good, then I lost interest.
July 4, 2023
While I still enjoyed Melody's character and most of the men in her harem, the story really stagnated in this book and nothing much progressed or resolved. Sure, she bonded with a couple more of the Apex, but only one more managed to have an intimate relationship with her. M/M romance scenes were also thrown in out of nowhere -- while we did learn that Trent and his kitsune were bi in the last book, letting it go further without Melody's knowledge or participation seemed like cheating to me. Same with Nick's hookups with Trent and Justin.
The cliffhanger was super unsatisfying with Melody once again . It seems like there is one more book planned, even though this was originally advertised as a trilogy. I plan on reading it, and hopefully it ties up all the loose plot ends in a satisfactory manner.
Update on re-read #2: It seemed like the author had actually expanded the novel another 16 chapters since first publication, and the story arc was more finished without a giant cliffhanger, concluding with a new development about Daisuke and Trent. I still had issues with the side relationships in the book and the hand-wavy goddess deus ex machina plot device though and didn't think my final rating warranted upgrading to a 4-star.
Romance:
------
Ratings - completed series:
#1 Beneath Contempt: ★★★★☆
#2 Held in Contempt: ★★★★☆
#3 Civil Contempt: ★★★☆☆
#4 Breeding Contempt: ★★★☆☆
#5 Surviving Contempt: ★☆☆☆☆ / DNF
Update on re-read #2: It seemed like the author had actually expanded the novel another 16 chapters since first publication, and the story arc was more finished without a giant cliffhanger, concluding with a new development about Daisuke and Trent. I still had issues with the side relationships in the book and the hand-wavy goddess deus ex machina plot device though and didn't think my final rating warranted upgrading to a 4-star.
Romance:
------
Ratings - completed series:
#1 Beneath Contempt: ★★★★☆
#2 Held in Contempt: ★★★★☆
#3 Civil Contempt: ★★★☆☆
#4 Breeding Contempt: ★★★☆☆
#5 Surviving Contempt: ★☆☆☆☆ / DNF
June 18, 2021
3.5ish stars...maybe? I love this series, I like this author, but this book was...filler? Nothing really happens. At least nothing new, just a lot of reused material that we’ve already seen happening in the last two books (we get it-the teachers are bullies, the provost is a terrible person, witches and shifters alike are treated like garbage-now let’s DO something about it!) It has a few good moments, but there’s so much potential here that is just left unexplored. Some of the guys are left so ignored/not present that they don’t really have personalities. Give them some time to develop! And what was that totally unnecessary chapter from the kitsune’s POV?!
Also, constructively, I need this author to work on writing endings. It’s not fair to say each book ends in a cliffhanger, because they really don’t. They just kindve stop in the middle of a thought. I’ll still read the hell out of the next book, but I need it to do better than this one did.
Also, constructively, I need this author to work on writing endings. It’s not fair to say each book ends in a cliffhanger, because they really don’t. They just kindve stop in the middle of a thought. I’ll still read the hell out of the next book, but I need it to do better than this one did.
August 18, 2021
Not much happened and to be honest I was more invested in the relationship between Trent and Nick than Melody and anyone else. The next book isn't out yet and I don't care enough to keep an eye out for it so I'm done with the series.
Summary: Melody continues to be treated like shit by almost everyone at the academy. The shifters are all trying to get in her pants but only one succeeds in this book.
Summary: Melody continues to be treated like shit by almost everyone at the academy. The shifters are all trying to get in her pants but only one succeeds in this book.
April 25, 2022
I'm out.
First I loathe when OP characters are depicted as lilting flowers or not allowed to play to their strengths.
Melody has endured horrifying torture since the age of 4, is unbelievably powerful and has the alpha persona of a shifter and yet she is walked on every. single. book. She can't fight back against the provost, teachers or students yet she can't defend herself either? She has written hundreds of spells yet can't write up protection/rebounding wards for either their home or persons? She claimed to be able to bond every single shifter on campus but has spent two books waffling about bonding the full Apex group and still hasn't done it?
Why give her all this power if the author won't let her do a damn thing with it? There is literally no reprieve from the suffering, not even within her bonds so what in the hell is even the point of having them?
Now onto the Apex, same issue. They have been at this school for centuries yet can't use that insider knowledge to thwart the bullies, spiteful teachers and the provost? And why don't they do something with the other shifter-- either rallying them to stand against the witches elitist ideals or just using their Apex Alpha-ness to cower them into not being part of the problem?
So much of the book is dedicated to pointing out that shifters should be treated as equals and yet these mostly older and wiser shifter keep acting up, causing more issues with the provosts or other students and yet keep getting a pass on it under the blanket statement of animal instincts?
Worse still is their treatment of Melody. RH only works if everyone is on the same page and respected but nearly every bond is effing toxic at this point. I get that they have been stuck for centuries but she has been abused and imprisoned the whole of her life too. Instead of letting that be a bonding point, the shifters just keep pushing their needs, wants and demands on her.
She didn't get 1 damn day of freedom. Not 1 before the bonds started happening and while the keep bringing up her automy, its seems like a throw away thought when they do literally nothing to help her get to a good place physically or mentally for the bonds. They just keep throwing themselves at her and see what sticks.
The author hasn't taken any real time to allow the bonds to have any weight. No dates. No quiet moments without the bonds pushing at them. Literally nothing to allow for a ship to naturally develop just the characters bouncing from one sucky situation to the next on endless repeat.
First I loathe when OP characters are depicted as lilting flowers or not allowed to play to their strengths.
Melody has endured horrifying torture since the age of 4, is unbelievably powerful and has the alpha persona of a shifter and yet she is walked on every. single. book. She can't fight back against the provost, teachers or students yet she can't defend herself either? She has written hundreds of spells yet can't write up protection/rebounding wards for either their home or persons? She claimed to be able to bond every single shifter on campus but has spent two books waffling about bonding the full Apex group and still hasn't done it?
Why give her all this power if the author won't let her do a damn thing with it? There is literally no reprieve from the suffering, not even within her bonds so what in the hell is even the point of having them?
Now onto the Apex, same issue. They have been at this school for centuries yet can't use that insider knowledge to thwart the bullies, spiteful teachers and the provost? And why don't they do something with the other shifter-- either rallying them to stand against the witches elitist ideals or just using their Apex Alpha-ness to cower them into not being part of the problem?
So much of the book is dedicated to pointing out that shifters should be treated as equals and yet these mostly older and wiser shifter keep acting up, causing more issues with the provosts or other students and yet keep getting a pass on it under the blanket statement of animal instincts?
Worse still is their treatment of Melody. RH only works if everyone is on the same page and respected but nearly every bond is effing toxic at this point. I get that they have been stuck for centuries but she has been abused and imprisoned the whole of her life too. Instead of letting that be a bonding point, the shifters just keep pushing their needs, wants and demands on her.
She didn't get 1 damn day of freedom. Not 1 before the bonds started happening and while the keep bringing up her automy, its seems like a throw away thought when they do literally nothing to help her get to a good place physically or mentally for the bonds. They just keep throwing themselves at her and see what sticks.
The author hasn't taken any real time to allow the bonds to have any weight. No dates. No quiet moments without the bonds pushing at them. Literally nothing to allow for a ship to naturally develop just the characters bouncing from one sucky situation to the next on endless repeat.
Read
August 13, 2022This series is one of my favorites but I have to say that thus has been the lowest of all of them. For example in my iPad, the pages resumes about 180 or 200 pages (depending on text) when the first book was 353in comparison.
Nothing super significantly happens and what happens that could be qualified as such does not involve her because in this book suddenly we have a lot m/m action which bothers me because there was not prelude to it. For example, both dragons get a little 1on1 action and it doesn’t surprise me because I understand that they’ve been alone a long the time but I don’t like the fact that it seems rush into the story because there was never before any type of mention oin any books or the fact that in the previous Dean in declare himself as heterosexual but suddenly in this book maybe he wants to fuck Trent.
It feels as though both Oz and Ryan are secondary characters in the story even though they’re supposed to be part of the Apex and they have little to no time together in any of the books. I love when harems are big but I don’t like when it feels as though new interest are appearing when the ones that are with her already do not have a strong bond with her (not even when they bonded). I don’t know if it was meant like this that I feel as though this book leaves a lot of things open: for example the fact that Ryan mentioned that it was almost as one of the professor have something specifically against Melody (beyond common dislike) or the fact that Melody is Justin’s true mate but not Nicks (even when he wants to mate her - I will absolutely hate it if Trent ends up being his mate)
Nothing super significantly happens and what happens that could be qualified as such does not involve her because in this book suddenly we have a lot m/m action which bothers me because there was not prelude to it. For example, both dragons get a little 1on1 action and it doesn’t surprise me because I understand that they’ve been alone a long the time but I don’t like the fact that it seems rush into the story because there was never before any type of mention oin any books or the fact that in the previous Dean in declare himself as heterosexual but suddenly in this book maybe he wants to fuck Trent.
It feels as though both Oz and Ryan are secondary characters in the story even though they’re supposed to be part of the Apex and they have little to no time together in any of the books. I love when harems are big but I don’t like when it feels as though new interest are appearing when the ones that are with her already do not have a strong bond with her (not even when they bonded). I don’t know if it was meant like this that I feel as though this book leaves a lot of things open: for example the fact that Ryan mentioned that it was almost as one of the professor have something specifically against Melody (beyond common dislike) or the fact that Melody is Justin’s true mate but not Nicks (even when he wants to mate her - I will absolutely hate it if Trent ends up being his mate)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2024
2.5⭐️1🌶️
At least this was shorter.
Im disappointed, this wasn’t exactly bad, I mean, I was entertained enough and enjoyed the book but I also was expecting more, I just thought this had more potential.
Mainly I’m disappointed with the magic it was just lacking in all aspects and the constant talk about shifters being lesser beings became annoying because even though it was something Melody was fighting against it was just so engrained to their culture, dynamics and speech that it was noticeable in all their dialogues and actions.
I don’t know if it was the writing or my attention to the book but I couldn’t follow the inner monologues they were so jumbled and incoherent, it was frustrating to read.
As I said in my previous reviews I think there’s really not enough about the MMC’s; I know their names and their beast but none of them have been really developed and more times than not I forget half of them.
The relationships are random, there are not real connections or chemistry between the characters, the mm scenes were out of the blue and without precedent or mention of any kind of relationship honestly it all just felt baseless.
The plot also felt a little over the place, I wasn’t a fan of the addition of a goddess and wasn’t the whole enslavement of Melody because she was so much more powerful than her whole coven? Where is all this power?
She really is just an insecure character with a big pity party going on that won’t see what’s in front of her.
At least this was shorter.
Im disappointed, this wasn’t exactly bad, I mean, I was entertained enough and enjoyed the book but I also was expecting more, I just thought this had more potential.
Mainly I’m disappointed with the magic it was just lacking in all aspects and the constant talk about shifters being lesser beings became annoying because even though it was something Melody was fighting against it was just so engrained to their culture, dynamics and speech that it was noticeable in all their dialogues and actions.
I don’t know if it was the writing or my attention to the book but I couldn’t follow the inner monologues they were so jumbled and incoherent, it was frustrating to read.
As I said in my previous reviews I think there’s really not enough about the MMC’s; I know their names and their beast but none of them have been really developed and more times than not I forget half of them.
The relationships are random, there are not real connections or chemistry between the characters, the mm scenes were out of the blue and without precedent or mention of any kind of relationship honestly it all just felt baseless.
The plot also felt a little over the place, I wasn’t a fan of the addition of a goddess and wasn’t the whole enslavement of Melody because she was so much more powerful than her whole coven? Where is all this power?
She really is just an insecure character with a big pity party going on that won’t see what’s in front of her.
June 9, 2021
I’ve been putting off this review for about 3 weeks now only because I’m conflicted on what to say. For this reason I’m going to keep this one short and sweet.
My cons for this book are quite simple I must say. While I normally don’t take notice of the length a book has this one I can’t seem to help but notice unfortunately. My only other con was that I felt like we hadn’t moved forward in the story or even when it comes to Melody’s relationships. And I know it may not seem like it but there was something I really liked while reading and that was Melody’s progression as a character. We see her step into herself a little bit more and continue to grow that backbone we know she has!
I guess it wasn’t as short and sweet of a review I would’ve liked but I’m glad I was finally able to write it out. One thing I can say though is that the author did an awesome job of writing book 1 & 2 (although I didn’t particularly care for book 3) I still have a burning desire to continue reading the series so I can finally get all my questions answered as well as seeing how Melody’s relationships end up.
My cons for this book are quite simple I must say. While I normally don’t take notice of the length a book has this one I can’t seem to help but notice unfortunately. My only other con was that I felt like we hadn’t moved forward in the story or even when it comes to Melody’s relationships. And I know it may not seem like it but there was something I really liked while reading and that was Melody’s progression as a character. We see her step into herself a little bit more and continue to grow that backbone we know she has!
I guess it wasn’t as short and sweet of a review I would’ve liked but I’m glad I was finally able to write it out. One thing I can say though is that the author did an awesome job of writing book 1 & 2 (although I didn’t particularly care for book 3) I still have a burning desire to continue reading the series so I can finally get all my questions answered as well as seeing how Melody’s relationships end up.
July 13, 2021
While I still enjoyed this third book as much as the other two, it felt a little more like an introduction to the fourth (and hopefully final) book of this series. The focus in this book seems to be on the relationship developments within the harem (with and without Melody, so there is MM content) and more background on the expectations the witches have of Melody. I'm curious to find out how the male witches will find a place in Melody's life, and how her mating bonds with her familiars will evolve.
For me, looking back at the three books so far, this author manages to combine a lot of characters and storylines into one amazing series. There are so many characters, so many people that all give their own point of view, that it makes sense that not all details are provided by the author. If she had, this series would have been eight books long at this point, or it would have been lower on characters. But that is precisely what makes this series such a work of art in my opinion: the way this author gives you enough information to stay invested in her storyline, but still gives you enough room to make it your own by adding your own details.
For me, looking back at the three books so far, this author manages to combine a lot of characters and storylines into one amazing series. There are so many characters, so many people that all give their own point of view, that it makes sense that not all details are provided by the author. If she had, this series would have been eight books long at this point, or it would have been lower on characters. But that is precisely what makes this series such a work of art in my opinion: the way this author gives you enough information to stay invested in her storyline, but still gives you enough room to make it your own by adding your own details.
June 20, 2021
Finally
Finally we are seeing where all of this is going. Bonds and relationships are being formed. Character growth and conflict are in full force.
This was a little bit short but it has left me with anticipation for the next book. So many terrible things have happened and so many obstacles have been overcome and now we are finally seeing the twinkle of a light at the end of the tunnel. There might be an ultimate goal now, or at least a potential way to make it out the otherwise.
Some people have mentioned the steam level is very high and I would have to disagree. I think it felt just about right for me. The last two books were deserts with hardly any steam in sight so if you are expecting that, or like that, then this might be a bit much for you. Compared to many RH books or even NA romance books I definitely do not this this was over the top. There is M/M, so of you don't like that you should take that into consideration.
Overall I think this was by far the best in the series so far. I'm looking forward to book 4.
Finally we are seeing where all of this is going. Bonds and relationships are being formed. Character growth and conflict are in full force.
This was a little bit short but it has left me with anticipation for the next book. So many terrible things have happened and so many obstacles have been overcome and now we are finally seeing the twinkle of a light at the end of the tunnel. There might be an ultimate goal now, or at least a potential way to make it out the otherwise.
Some people have mentioned the steam level is very high and I would have to disagree. I think it felt just about right for me. The last two books were deserts with hardly any steam in sight so if you are expecting that, or like that, then this might be a bit much for you. Compared to many RH books or even NA romance books I definitely do not this this was over the top. There is M/M, so of you don't like that you should take that into consideration.
Overall I think this was by far the best in the series so far. I'm looking forward to book 4.
June 27, 2021
Mixed feelings
I really like this series. It's really original as far as world building, and interesting characters.
It is much shorter then the previous books, and does end on a cliffhanger. But for me it's the relationships that are kind of confusing. One minute Melody wants to bond them, then the next minute she doesn't.
Also two, out of the three sex scenes in the book are not with the FMC, but are m/m and kind of come out of nowhere.
Fated mates, but not waiting for their mate, and hooking up with each other in private seems kind of like it would be a deal breaker! Especially since she's already looking for reasons to keep most of them at a distance, and not wanting to be manipulated, or tricked by her bonded.
I really hope the next book shows Melody having some reactions to that, and not just going along and not even mentioning it. It was a bit of a sticking point for me.
She's only been with one of them, while Nick, been with multiple guys, and Trent seems to be heading in the same direction. Confusing behavior from these guys for sure. I
I really like this series. It's really original as far as world building, and interesting characters.
It is much shorter then the previous books, and does end on a cliffhanger. But for me it's the relationships that are kind of confusing. One minute Melody wants to bond them, then the next minute she doesn't.
Also two, out of the three sex scenes in the book are not with the FMC, but are m/m and kind of come out of nowhere.
Fated mates, but not waiting for their mate, and hooking up with each other in private seems kind of like it would be a deal breaker! Especially since she's already looking for reasons to keep most of them at a distance, and not wanting to be manipulated, or tricked by her bonded.
I really hope the next book shows Melody having some reactions to that, and not just going along and not even mentioning it. It was a bit of a sticking point for me.
She's only been with one of them, while Nick, been with multiple guys, and Trent seems to be heading in the same direction. Confusing behavior from these guys for sure. I
August 22, 2024
Holy Smokes!
The twists and turns I just read have my mind spinning! Maybe it’s best described as a roller coaster. They have all been through So much! Especially Melody, my heart hurts for her but also I’m getting sick and tired of her familiar bonds being broken. She finally gets to do the horizontal tango, which in hindsight actually saved Dean in the end with the goddess. Every moment, every chapter was written with precision, driving home how hard Melodys and her shifters lives are. They are getting a peak at what she went through but additionally seeing how strong she really is. I’m glad she didn’t flip flop on her decisions to gain her familiar bonds back. I was actually worried that the academy students would be strong enough to force her guys to shift to gain a familiar. I’m just glad that it didn’t get that far. I’m also interested to see how Disakey (I have no idea how to spell his name) grovels for her, enough to change her opinion of him. Can’t wait to read the next book!
The twists and turns I just read have my mind spinning! Maybe it’s best described as a roller coaster. They have all been through So much! Especially Melody, my heart hurts for her but also I’m getting sick and tired of her familiar bonds being broken. She finally gets to do the horizontal tango, which in hindsight actually saved Dean in the end with the goddess. Every moment, every chapter was written with precision, driving home how hard Melodys and her shifters lives are. They are getting a peak at what she went through but additionally seeing how strong she really is. I’m glad she didn’t flip flop on her decisions to gain her familiar bonds back. I was actually worried that the academy students would be strong enough to force her guys to shift to gain a familiar. I’m just glad that it didn’t get that far. I’m also interested to see how Disakey (I have no idea how to spell his name) grovels for her, enough to change her opinion of him. Can’t wait to read the next book!
January 10, 2024
Middle of the series
A powerful witch finally breaks free of her abusive coven only to find out the world at large isn’t all that much better. Oh, and her former coven has decided it wants her back- no matter the cost.
Pros: Good world building. Inventive witch-shifter relationship. Big harem. Well developed characters. Twisty and interesting plot.
Cons: Almost no spice whatsoever. Constant action with no breathing room at all.
Biggest con: Spoiler alert
She promises herself in book 2 that she will NOT forgive his multiple betrayals without serious groveling. Then in this book, she caves in completely and he never even tried to apologize. I understand why because her mentor explains it well, but it still feels to me like she betrayed both the rest of her guys and most importantly, herself.
I’ll still finish the rest of the series, but my enjoyment of it is seriously compromised.
A powerful witch finally breaks free of her abusive coven only to find out the world at large isn’t all that much better. Oh, and her former coven has decided it wants her back- no matter the cost.
Pros: Good world building. Inventive witch-shifter relationship. Big harem. Well developed characters. Twisty and interesting plot.
Cons: Almost no spice whatsoever. Constant action with no breathing room at all.
Biggest con: Spoiler alert
She promises herself in book 2 that she will NOT forgive his multiple betrayals without serious groveling. Then in this book, she caves in completely and he never even tried to apologize. I understand why because her mentor explains it well, but it still feels to me like she betrayed both the rest of her guys and most importantly, herself.
I’ll still finish the rest of the series, but my enjoyment of it is seriously compromised.
May 7, 2024
Lost the will here
I've skimmed and skipped but one thing still sticks to me... Melody is so adamant about being equal to shifters yet at every opportunity she's basically going back to the I'm better that you phase. They all think/know they are her mates but she holds no regard to that. Errrrmmmm I didn't think Justin did anything wrong at all. She couldn't hate her bestia coven but her "familiars" were asking for too much... Really 500 years and she couldn't throw a dragon a bone...
She's meant to be amazing and thoughtful, all bells and whistles yet all I've been reading is a lot of me me me. These men have protected her, provided for her, even almost lost their lives but on no it's too much for her... They are apparently trying to rape her. I've never wanted to shake a heroine so much.
Did my best but this is getting ridiculous. Can kill over 200 shifters in one go but bonding one is fainting inducing????
Why just why?
I've skimmed and skipped but one thing still sticks to me... Melody is so adamant about being equal to shifters yet at every opportunity she's basically going back to the I'm better that you phase. They all think/know they are her mates but she holds no regard to that. Errrrmmmm I didn't think Justin did anything wrong at all. She couldn't hate her bestia coven but her "familiars" were asking for too much... Really 500 years and she couldn't throw a dragon a bone...
She's meant to be amazing and thoughtful, all bells and whistles yet all I've been reading is a lot of me me me. These men have protected her, provided for her, even almost lost their lives but on no it's too much for her... They are apparently trying to rape her. I've never wanted to shake a heroine so much.
Did my best but this is getting ridiculous. Can kill over 200 shifters in one go but bonding one is fainting inducing????
Why just why?
May 25, 2021
Melody and her gang of familiars are still facing a bunch of issues in this book. Teachers and the provost turning against them, a new coven who want to use and control melody, a new “home” with new protection challenges, and many still trying to break up their group.
In civil contempt we get to see a lot more relationship development between the familiars. The steemy scenes were amazing. I did however wish there was a little more relationship development between them and melody. Dean was the only one who got closer to her in this book. I am finding that I really like Alexander and I hope they continue to have a good relationship between them, whatever that relationship ends up becoming.
I’m happy there is going to be a fourth book. The whole time I was reading book three I was thinking there was too much left to happen to fit.
In civil contempt we get to see a lot more relationship development between the familiars. The steemy scenes were amazing. I did however wish there was a little more relationship development between them and melody. Dean was the only one who got closer to her in this book. I am finding that I really like Alexander and I hope they continue to have a good relationship between them, whatever that relationship ends up becoming.
I’m happy there is going to be a fourth book. The whole time I was reading book three I was thinking there was too much left to happen to fit.
July 8, 2021
Cliffhanger Alert!!
Ah! No! .... sigh. Immediately searched out book4 -- may 2022! 2022. Sigh sigh sigh.
Oh man. Preordered, just so the author KNOWS I am expecting to read the end of this story!! 2022.... cries.
Fantastic story and development of characters and adventure. Relationships and bonding are slow to develop and def a low/slow burn.
But I still recommend the book in spite of the slow burn (x5 !!! minimal RH steam) I was cheering on the MFC Melody from book 1 right thru all 3 installments, she is a strong minded kick ass take no shit witch character, she gathers up her harem and friends at a slow steady pace, and ignores the incessant bullying (wishing she would embrace some revenge justice!!) while learning and expanding her magical capabilities. Looking forward to seeing some storyline resolutions in book 4!! May 2022... oh man, painful!!
Ah! No! .... sigh. Immediately searched out book4 -- may 2022! 2022. Sigh sigh sigh.
Oh man. Preordered, just so the author KNOWS I am expecting to read the end of this story!! 2022.... cries.
Fantastic story and development of characters and adventure. Relationships and bonding are slow to develop and def a low/slow burn.
But I still recommend the book in spite of the slow burn (x5 !!! minimal RH steam) I was cheering on the MFC Melody from book 1 right thru all 3 installments, she is a strong minded kick ass take no shit witch character, she gathers up her harem and friends at a slow steady pace, and ignores the incessant bullying (wishing she would embrace some revenge justice!!) while learning and expanding her magical capabilities. Looking forward to seeing some storyline resolutions in book 4!! May 2022... oh man, painful!!
November 6, 2022
I promised myself that I would work on my own work this weekend and not get lost in the world that author Jade thorn has created (again) However, I did not achieve it lol. The third book in this series was just calling me. And again once started no matter how hard I tried to put it down I kept going back and picking it up again. In all I lost and finished the book. Wow! Well, things between all the characters are hitting up, big time. But with near fatal incidents once again things change, for them all. Melody is growing not only in confidence but personally too. I feel there is so much more we do not know, and I cannot wait to see her face the person which called herself aunt. I won’t use bad language lol even though I want to. In all book 3 was great, and I would thoroughly recommend the whole series so far, and as you can guess I’m on to 4 .. thank you Jade Thorn.
March 18, 2023
For any of those interested and who do read newer reviews, some of these books maybe a little older but let me tell you…I would yell it if I could…I started these yesterday and am now on book four in the series…they are truly EPIC~ Melody, the shifters, and those that support her just cannot catch a break~ They all know a war is coming and the ones they are fighting now are just skirmishes. Test runs if you will from the Bestia to see what will and will not work; to take out more and more of them at a time. Melody and her factions seem to get stronger through persistence, loyalty, love, and finding new ways, beasts, witches, and more to help. In this book, the actual goddess will appear several times to help, to destroy (not in the way you think), and try her best to make things right again. There is always a choice…Melody will have huge ones to make in the books ahead~ Stay tuned…
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