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The Fox Witch #2
Up in Smoke
Driven by her awareness someone is out to destroy Tulsa, Jade takes Sandro into the heart of New Orleans to seek help from the Voodoo queens. If anyone can wipe out a choir hellbent on destruction, it’s them.
Keeping Sandro on a short leash tests Jade in ways she never imagined possible. In a city where secrets rule, power is won through deceit, and life can be bought or sold at a queen’s whim, they can’t afford to make a single mistake. Should she fail to secure help in the South, those Jade loves will perish or become enslaved to a system that cares nothing for them.
Uncovering the truth about the storms leads them down the dark road of political intrigue, magic, and greed. Without help, the Alley will fall to the machinations of those desiring power at any cost.
The fight for Tulsa’s survival has begun.
Keeping Sandro on a short leash tests Jade in ways she never imagined possible. In a city where secrets rule, power is won through deceit, and life can be bought or sold at a queen’s whim, they can’t afford to make a single mistake. Should she fail to secure help in the South, those Jade loves will perish or become enslaved to a system that cares nothing for them.
Uncovering the truth about the storms leads them down the dark road of political intrigue, magic, and greed. Without help, the Alley will fall to the machinations of those desiring power at any cost.
The fight for Tulsa’s survival has begun.
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2021
47 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Blain
84 books1,314 followersRJ Blain suffers from a Moleskine journal obsession, a pen fixation, and a terrible tendency to pun without warning.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
When she isn't playing pretend, she likes to think she's a cartographer and a sumi-e painter. In reality, she herds cats and a husband, and obeys the commands of Tsu Dhi, the great warrior fish.
In her spare time, she daydreams about being a spy. Should that fail, her contingency plan involves tying her best of enemies to spinning wheels and quoting James Bond villains until she is satisfied.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
December 4, 2021
Wonderful Determination
She is so determined to set things right, or as right as possible under the circumstances, that the reader is pulled into Jade's journey and focus just as much as Sandro is.
I got so into the story that I was shocked by the end, I just flipped the page expecting another chapter. We got to see a lot of dots connected here, but loose ends still need to be tied up in the third and final book. I very much anticipate the next, and hope we get more series in the same settings. I also want to know more about the other quadrants and the magic there.
She is so determined to set things right, or as right as possible under the circumstances, that the reader is pulled into Jade's journey and focus just as much as Sandro is.
I got so into the story that I was shocked by the end, I just flipped the page expecting another chapter. We got to see a lot of dots connected here, but loose ends still need to be tied up in the third and final book. I very much anticipate the next, and hope we get more series in the same settings. I also want to know more about the other quadrants and the magic there.
December 3, 2021
Wonderful Continuation of the Series
I loved the second book in the Fox Witch series. Sandro and Jade are happy together and travel to New Orleans to help them keep it from sinking and flooding and then to the Alley to try and save Tulsa and it’s remaining residents. They learn more about Mansfield’s plans and make their own plans to thwart him. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
I loved the second book in the Fox Witch series. Sandro and Jade are happy together and travel to New Orleans to help them keep it from sinking and flooding and then to the Alley to try and save Tulsa and it’s remaining residents. They learn more about Mansfield’s plans and make their own plans to thwart him. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
December 2, 2021
Awesome!!!
Jade is my hero. All they thing she has been through and she still helped when and how she could. I am in love with Sandro. RJ has done it again and I can’t wait to see what she writes next
Jade is my hero. All they thing she has been through and she still helped when and how she could. I am in love with Sandro. RJ has done it again and I can’t wait to see what she writes next
December 3, 2021
Jade and Sando continue on their journey to save the Alley. Spoilers.
Jade now recovered after being shot, travels to New Orleans to speak to the Voodoo Queens hoping to get their help.in dealing with those responsible for causing all the tornadoes hitting Tulsa. The Queens agree to help but it's conditional on Sandu helping to shore up levee's as New Orleans is slowly being reclaimed.by the sea. After applying a temporary fix and promising to return, Sandu and Jade set off back to Tulsa which had been completely decimated by the constant storms since they were last there. Nearly the whole populace is now.living underground in Asylum. ----------The town Harrisson has built for his own nefarious purposes------ which provides the residents of Tulsa with a safe place to live. Before Jade and Sandu can deal with Harrisson they must find out what his long term plans are, why he is doing all this and who (if any) are his allies. So, it's back to Asylum, where Jade was shot, still not knowing who shot her, or if they still want her dead. Things are not looking good for Tulsa and it's inhabitants but Jade and Sandu will not stop trying to thwart Harrissons.plans ------ even if they die trying--------.
Jade now recovered after being shot, travels to New Orleans to speak to the Voodoo Queens hoping to get their help.in dealing with those responsible for causing all the tornadoes hitting Tulsa. The Queens agree to help but it's conditional on Sandu helping to shore up levee's as New Orleans is slowly being reclaimed.by the sea. After applying a temporary fix and promising to return, Sandu and Jade set off back to Tulsa which had been completely decimated by the constant storms since they were last there. Nearly the whole populace is now.living underground in Asylum. ----------The town Harrisson has built for his own nefarious purposes------ which provides the residents of Tulsa with a safe place to live. Before Jade and Sandu can deal with Harrisson they must find out what his long term plans are, why he is doing all this and who (if any) are his allies. So, it's back to Asylum, where Jade was shot, still not knowing who shot her, or if they still want her dead. Things are not looking good for Tulsa and it's inhabitants but Jade and Sandu will not stop trying to thwart Harrissons.plans ------ even if they die trying--------.
December 7, 2021
The sequel lost a few charms
As much as I loved the first book in this series, the sequel is missing many of the charms that made the first so good.
Generally speaking, the book is much more rushed than the first. Sequences pass by quickly without development or explanation or flair, quickly jumping from one scene to the next. It left me wanting for more repeatedly.
Explanations of magic fall by the wayside, with the main characters clearly being labeled as powerful magicians, but exactly what voodoo is, or how our witch uses to anything is completely skipped over.
The themes of domination and control and courtesanship that created an interesting plot point in the first book are much less pronounced now, yet the topic repeatedly brought up in humorous tone.
Further, important aspects of the first book, like the sword, it's capabilities and history, are completely forgotten and receive no further development.
Basically, there's a difference between 450 page book and 250 page book, and amount of content between the two is hard to move past.
Overall, I'll be waiting for the third book in the series when it comes out, giving it one more chance, because I liked the first book so much.
As much as I loved the first book in this series, the sequel is missing many of the charms that made the first so good.
Generally speaking, the book is much more rushed than the first. Sequences pass by quickly without development or explanation or flair, quickly jumping from one scene to the next. It left me wanting for more repeatedly.
Explanations of magic fall by the wayside, with the main characters clearly being labeled as powerful magicians, but exactly what voodoo is, or how our witch uses to anything is completely skipped over.
The themes of domination and control and courtesanship that created an interesting plot point in the first book are much less pronounced now, yet the topic repeatedly brought up in humorous tone.
Further, important aspects of the first book, like the sword, it's capabilities and history, are completely forgotten and receive no further development.
Basically, there's a difference between 450 page book and 250 page book, and amount of content between the two is hard to move past.
Overall, I'll be waiting for the third book in the series when it comes out, giving it one more chance, because I liked the first book so much.
November 6, 2022
This story follows directly after
Jade has been bought by Sandro's family to be his future wife & joint head of the family when Sandro's parents retire. She is back east recovering from being shot in Tulsa and it is decided that the voodoo Queens in NOLA, need to know what is happening in Tulsa as the storms that are killing lots of people aren't natural but magical storms.
The Voodoo Queens want Jade to be THE Voodoo Queen, for their own project of saving NOLA which is sinking and Sandro can help with that with his magic poetry reading. A deal is made and Sandro does his thing & the Voodoo Queens start clearing out the Choirs creating the storms.
This is a unique magic world building and very interesting.
The bad guy is very bad, and trying to look so, so good. Hopefully he gets his in the next book!
Jade has been bought by Sandro's family to be his future wife & joint head of the family when Sandro's parents retire. She is back east recovering from being shot in Tulsa and it is decided that the voodoo Queens in NOLA, need to know what is happening in Tulsa as the storms that are killing lots of people aren't natural but magical storms.The Voodoo Queens want Jade to be THE Voodoo Queen, for their own project of saving NOLA which is sinking and Sandro can help with that with his magic poetry reading. A deal is made and Sandro does his thing & the Voodoo Queens start clearing out the Choirs creating the storms.
This is a unique magic world building and very interesting.
The bad guy is very bad, and trying to look so, so good. Hopefully he gets his in the next book!
July 29, 2024
Good book
I enjoyed this book and getting more interactions between Jade and Sandro. There was lots of action with the 2 of them trying to figure out why someone is targeting her home, Tulsa. The plot is intriguing and has us guessing along with them as to what the main motive is.
We get to see more romance between them but it is so PG that there isn’t even a kiss between them. I can’t even be positive they had sex, which I’m 90% sure they did. But it’s so subtle, I can’t tell for sure. So it’s hard to see them as more than very good compatible friends as opposed to being love interests.
A word of warning though. There is supposed to be a 3rd book but been 3 yrs and I don’t see it out yet. I know from this author’s website that it’s slated for another one but this does leave us with a cliffhanger.
The story line is interesting enough that I would definitely read book 3 when it comes out as I’m very curious how they resolve the issue.
I enjoyed this book and getting more interactions between Jade and Sandro. There was lots of action with the 2 of them trying to figure out why someone is targeting her home, Tulsa. The plot is intriguing and has us guessing along with them as to what the main motive is.
We get to see more romance between them but it is so PG that there isn’t even a kiss between them. I can’t even be positive they had sex, which I’m 90% sure they did. But it’s so subtle, I can’t tell for sure. So it’s hard to see them as more than very good compatible friends as opposed to being love interests.
A word of warning though. There is supposed to be a 3rd book but been 3 yrs and I don’t see it out yet. I know from this author’s website that it’s slated for another one but this does leave us with a cliffhanger.
The story line is interesting enough that I would definitely read book 3 when it comes out as I’m very curious how they resolve the issue.
December 3, 2021
I really like how the author depicts what a real relationship should look like. Never mind the legalities, Jade is no wilting lily and Sandro does not use John Rambo as his role model. Neither is strong all the time; neither is weak all the time. Jade has her occasion fainting spells with Sandro catching her; Sandro has his energy running out crossing the boundaries and Jade hauling him across Oklahoma in a scavenged wagon. They complement each other. This is the way a real relationship should go, with each person supporting and being supported by the other as they work together. I really like how Jade's and Sandro's courtship is going - I have got to see how the marriage goes as they deal with Mansfield's ambitions. (I wonder just how badly they are going to spank Mansfield; the possibilities... the possibilities ....)
April 26, 2022
Nothing is as it seems
I had to reread most of the first book to pick up what was going on in the opening pages.
Such a good series! Jade's outlook in life is much the same as mine. She looks at a situation, then strive to make it better, or "fixing it."
The cycles of life and death make this story bittersweet. But, there is currently a bright shiny spot in the constant twisters of this book. Jade works to stop the twisters from taking so much life from the people of the Alley.?
The plot develops the main character, Jade, as someone you care for , a sympathetic character who worries more about her people than about the magic that she carries between her little ears and her sleek tail.
I had to reread most of the first book to pick up what was going on in the opening pages.
Such a good series! Jade's outlook in life is much the same as mine. She looks at a situation, then strive to make it better, or "fixing it."
The cycles of life and death make this story bittersweet. But, there is currently a bright shiny spot in the constant twisters of this book. Jade works to stop the twisters from taking so much life from the people of the Alley.?
The plot develops the main character, Jade, as someone you care for , a sympathetic character who worries more about her people than about the magic that she carries between her little ears and her sleek tail.
December 6, 2021
Foxes are the best!
Jade and Sandro are back in this new novel from R. J. Blain that evokes all the feelings. Laughter at the banter between the two and how they interact with Voodoo queens and Mongolian martial arts teachers, rage at evil jerks willing to kill people because they’re feeling greedy (this also evokes murderous feelings - why isn’t he dead yet?), and sadness at the loss of life are just a few of said feelings. Can Sandro and Jade win in the end? Read this amazing book to continue their journey to see if they have what it takes to not only survive, but succeed in their course of action.
Jade and Sandro are back in this new novel from R. J. Blain that evokes all the feelings. Laughter at the banter between the two and how they interact with Voodoo queens and Mongolian martial arts teachers, rage at evil jerks willing to kill people because they’re feeling greedy (this also evokes murderous feelings - why isn’t he dead yet?), and sadness at the loss of life are just a few of said feelings. Can Sandro and Jade win in the end? Read this amazing book to continue their journey to see if they have what it takes to not only survive, but succeed in their course of action.
December 3, 2021
Let the bodies hit the floor
Just finished reading Up in Smoke by R.J. Blain. I laughed a lot (Warning: this book contains master level sarcasm) and there were spots where I just bawled (Here's looking at you Frankie). I love this series! I know it just came out today but I already can't wait for the next one! Even though in reality I will sadly have to wait for the author to produce the next book in a year or so.
Just finished reading Up in Smoke by R.J. Blain. I laughed a lot (Warning: this book contains master level sarcasm) and there were spots where I just bawled (Here's looking at you Frankie). I love this series! I know it just came out today but I already can't wait for the next one! Even though in reality I will sadly have to wait for the author to produce the next book in a year or so.
December 6, 2021
WOW
What a sequel. The first book really drug you into the story this second one hooks you makes you live it. I never miss her books and this one makes me enjoy my addiction. But that's my opinion. I highly recommend reading this story - its a laugh out loud or hunt for tissues to cry, then you want revenge - from beginning in book on then two and then anxiously await the third. Goog reading.
What a sequel. The first book really drug you into the story this second one hooks you makes you live it. I never miss her books and this one makes me enjoy my addiction. But that's my opinion. I highly recommend reading this story - its a laugh out loud or hunt for tissues to cry, then you want revenge - from beginning in book on then two and then anxiously await the third. Goog reading.
December 10, 2021
I want to cry: HOW LONG for the next book???
I absolutely love this author in all of her pseudonyms, but this series is definitely the deepest of them all.
Still a lot of humor, but an amazing storyline.
My only suggestion would be if she finds it nessesary to start the chapter with the date, time of day would be good, otherwise it's confusing having same date on consecutive chapters.
I absolutely love this author in all of her pseudonyms, but this series is definitely the deepest of them all.
Still a lot of humor, but an amazing storyline.
My only suggestion would be if she finds it nessesary to start the chapter with the date, time of day would be good, otherwise it's confusing having same date on consecutive chapters.
December 3, 2021
Foxtabulous
My favourite foxy witch returns to cause some mayhem and deal with the people who tried to destroy her home!
Loved this book it was totally worth the wait and I’m primed to find out what happens next. Poor Sandro though he really did catch a lot more than he bargained for.
My favourite foxy witch returns to cause some mayhem and deal with the people who tried to destroy her home!
Loved this book it was totally worth the wait and I’m primed to find out what happens next. Poor Sandro though he really did catch a lot more than he bargained for.
December 3, 2021
Love it!
I have been waiting for this second book in the series. I was not disappointed. This book picks up right where the first book leaves off. Love the feel and vibe of this New Orleans and her Queens. I also really enjoyed the relationship building between Jade and Sandro. I am waiting (im)patiently for the next book. Thank you R.J.!!
I have been waiting for this second book in the series. I was not disappointed. This book picks up right where the first book leaves off. Love the feel and vibe of this New Orleans and her Queens. I also really enjoyed the relationship building between Jade and Sandro. I am waiting (im)patiently for the next book. Thank you R.J.!!
December 11, 2021
Started reading this book and was a little confused..so I had to go back and read book 1 to figure out where I was in the story…this book had more substance and plot than humor as I had read previously from this author. I think the long wait between books made it difficult to pick up this book and instantly step into the story.
April 19, 2025
As usual, R J Blain has entranced me
I'm spending a lot of money keeping up with the flow of stories from RJ Blain. I started book one with interest, had to buy book two because I had to find out what came next, and now I need book three!
Good story, good plot and the flow means the next book needs to be budgeted for sooner than expected. I may need to slow my reading!
I'm spending a lot of money keeping up with the flow of stories from RJ Blain. I started book one with interest, had to buy book two because I had to find out what came next, and now I need book three!
Good story, good plot and the flow means the next book needs to be budgeted for sooner than expected. I may need to slow my reading!
December 17, 2021
Loved the sequel as much as the first
I love the main characters rapport, the relationships in Tulsa, the Queens, and I was disappointed it ended so soon! Im ready for more already!!
I love the main characters rapport, the relationships in Tulsa, the Queens, and I was disappointed it ended so soon! Im ready for more already!!
December 17, 2021
Wow!!! A must read for those who love spunky heroines
This story has heart, soul and spunk. I love Jade and Sandro is her match. Thank you for a great read and a wonderful story, can’t wait for the next awesome tale!
This story has heart, soul and spunk. I love Jade and Sandro is her match. Thank you for a great read and a wonderful story, can’t wait for the next awesome tale!
January 6, 2022
Good but not finished
I really like our RJ Blain’s books, well, most of them. This would’ve been five stars except it ended before it was finished. Not precisely a cliffhanger but not really the end of a plot either.
I really like our RJ Blain’s books, well, most of them. This would’ve been five stars except it ended before it was finished. Not precisely a cliffhanger but not really the end of a plot either.
January 17, 2022
good
Another enjoyable book in this series. The two main characters are well done. And the different plot aspects are done well with included explanations that fit the point of view. Looking forward to the next book and hopefully resolution for the big bad.
Another enjoyable book in this series. The two main characters are well done. And the different plot aspects are done well with included explanations that fit the point of view. Looking forward to the next book and hopefully resolution for the big bad.
February 6, 2022
Bad moon rising
I waited a little too long between reading book one and book two so I had to refresh myself but once I was back into it the story moved right along. This one stopped too abruptly for me so I have to get the next one fast! I like where this one is heading.
I waited a little too long between reading book one and book two so I had to refresh myself but once I was back into it the story moved right along. This one stopped too abruptly for me so I have to get the next one fast! I like where this one is heading.
March 18, 2022
I need book 3 stat!
I really like the world building of this series and the main characters. They seem a bit familiar in some ways, but more complex in others. Looking forward to what comes next! Going to eat lots of chips and salsa while I wait!
I really like the world building of this series and the main characters. They seem a bit familiar in some ways, but more complex in others. Looking forward to what comes next! Going to eat lots of chips and salsa while I wait!
May 19, 2025
A brilliant fantasy tale of good vs evil where white and black magic collide. The perfect follow up to "Outfoxed". Recommended reading for fantasy lovers. Can't wait for the next book in this series as there is so much left hanging in the air.
December 3, 2021
Loved it
December 4, 2021
Fabulous and intriguing
I can't wait to see how this series ends.
R J Blain has hit it out of the park again. I get lost in her stories and I just want more.
I can't wait to see how this series ends.
R J Blain has hit it out of the park again. I get lost in her stories and I just want more.
December 4, 2021
I love this Fox!
This is an outstanding series, and I am really looking forward to the next book. Ms. Blain writes engaging characters with unique plots.
This is an outstanding series, and I am really looking forward to the next book. Ms. Blain writes engaging characters with unique plots.
December 4, 2021
Great second book in the Fox Witch series. I like how Jade and Sandro are developing as a team. I'm looking forward to the next book
December 5, 2021
What a wild ride!
This world is so engaging. Every time I read one of these stories I find so many new things. I can't wait to read part 3!
This world is so engaging. Every time I read one of these stories I find so many new things. I can't wait to read part 3!
December 5, 2021
Awesome
I love RJ Blain’s books so much! Her world building and characters are so amazing! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
I love RJ Blain’s books so much! Her world building and characters are so amazing! I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews