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Fallen Messengers #2
Spellbound
Can Cassius and Morgan overcome an elusive enemy and save a young girl’s life?
Eden Monroe has spent her entire existence believing she has no magic. Shunned by her mother Brianna and the magical bureau Hexa, she runs away from home when she is forced to embrace a future she never chose, only to fall into the hands of ghastly monsters from the Nine Hells. After being rescued by a mysterious Dryad with secrets of his own, Eden realizes there is more to her past and future than she could ever have imagined.
When San Francisco PD asks Argonaut to assist them in solving a series of strange bank robberies, Cassius Black and Morgan King uncover a disturbing plot that points to an unknown artifact hidden somewhere in the city. Their investigation soon has them crossing paths with a desperate Brianna, who seeks their help in finding her missing daughter. When the witch reveals the shocking circumstances surrounding her daughter’s birth as well as the deadly magic sealed inside the young girl’s body, the Argonaut agents realize their case is linked to Eden and the weapon of devastating power the bank robbers are after.
Can Cassius and Morgan defeat the malevolent organization behind it all and save Eden from her cursed fate? Or will the young girl suffer a destiny worse than death itself?
Spellbound is the second novel in the gay urban fantasy romance series Fallen Messengers. This is an MM paranormal adventure full of action, magic, snark, and a host of steamy angels and demons.
Eden Monroe has spent her entire existence believing she has no magic. Shunned by her mother Brianna and the magical bureau Hexa, she runs away from home when she is forced to embrace a future she never chose, only to fall into the hands of ghastly monsters from the Nine Hells. After being rescued by a mysterious Dryad with secrets of his own, Eden realizes there is more to her past and future than she could ever have imagined.
When San Francisco PD asks Argonaut to assist them in solving a series of strange bank robberies, Cassius Black and Morgan King uncover a disturbing plot that points to an unknown artifact hidden somewhere in the city. Their investigation soon has them crossing paths with a desperate Brianna, who seeks their help in finding her missing daughter. When the witch reveals the shocking circumstances surrounding her daughter’s birth as well as the deadly magic sealed inside the young girl’s body, the Argonaut agents realize their case is linked to Eden and the weapon of devastating power the bank robbers are after.
Can Cassius and Morgan defeat the malevolent organization behind it all and save Eden from her cursed fate? Or will the young girl suffer a destiny worse than death itself?
Spellbound is the second novel in the gay urban fantasy romance series Fallen Messengers. This is an MM paranormal adventure full of action, magic, snark, and a host of steamy angels and demons.
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2021
177 people are currently reading
436 people want to read
About the author
Ava Marie Salinger
13 books290 followersAva Marie Salinger is the romance pen name of an Amazon bestselling author with a passion for writing addictive tales. Known for her action-packed and thrilling urban fantasy novels, she has expanded her repertoire with the introduction of the M/M urban fantasy romance series Fallen Messengers. Additionally, she has penned the scorching hot contemporary M/M romance series Nights and Twilight Falls as A.M. Salinger. When not immersed in her writing, Ava can be found curating inspiring music playlists, indulging in her love for nature, marveling at the latest gadgets, and savoring Chinese cuisine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
October 19, 2021
2.5 "too much MF YA vibes, with a dose of creepy age gap" stars
My main loves; Cassius and Morgan
I'm disappointed to say this one did not live up to my expectations. I loved Cassius and Morgan's love story in book 1 and was excited to see their relationship evolve more but unfortunately, their development was very much swept to the side in this one. There was several different POVs and additional secondary characters (book 1 already had a lot!) that took away from them. We did get a few cute moments (my faves being Morgan being a growly and possessive boyfriend) but not enough to satisfy my greedy heart.
Teen girl's storyline
There was a lot more world building which I did enjoy and found super interesting but the introduction of Eden's storyline took up way too much of the story. While I was aware that the author had chosen to incorporate a storyline of a girl being kidnapped from the blurb going in, Eden's storyline did not interest me as much, I kept skimming past it. I picked this book up under the assumption that it was mm adult fiction like book 1, so it was disappointing to have not only a female character become one of the MCs + have her POV often but for her to be a teenager as well? It felt too YA for my taste.
Additionally, while these chapters were still well written and I did connect with Eden's character, I have to agree with other reviewers that her storyline was a bit problematic. Eden, a sixteen year old teenage girl falls in love with a grown man (a Dryad Prince) that is over hundred years old . If the author had gone full out into the alternate universe where age gaps never matter, I would maybe have understood the decision but this story has emphasized how normal and human Eden was, so the age-gap was just uncomfy. The story does try to excuse it by saying that Dryads (a type of nymph) don't see age the same way and only one character, Eden's bodyguard mentions that Eden is human and still a MINOR on Earth but its glossed over fairly quickly as Eden and Cedric "only kiss." Still weird in my opinion, Cedric's age was not useful to the story so he really could've been made a teenager as well.
When I was younger I loved stories like Twilight and saw no issues with the creepy age gaps, but times have changed as more conversations arise about issues of consent and SA I don't think it's acceptable for authors to not think of the implications. This may be a personal thing but unless a story is marketed as a dark romance (which this one is NOT) where I'm aware that there will be moral lines crossed before picking it up, I don't want to read storylines that blur lines of consent or ethics. I'm surprised by the author's decision and hope they at least reconsider how they market their stories.
Despite my disappointment, I will still read book 3 because I truly love Cassius and Morgan relationship and want to see what happens to them.
My main loves; Cassius and Morgan
I'm disappointed to say this one did not live up to my expectations. I loved Cassius and Morgan's love story in book 1 and was excited to see their relationship evolve more but unfortunately, their development was very much swept to the side in this one. There was several different POVs and additional secondary characters (book 1 already had a lot!) that took away from them. We did get a few cute moments (my faves being Morgan being a growly and possessive boyfriend) but not enough to satisfy my greedy heart.
Teen girl's storyline
There was a lot more world building which I did enjoy and found super interesting but the introduction of Eden's storyline took up way too much of the story. While I was aware that the author had chosen to incorporate a storyline of a girl being kidnapped from the blurb going in, Eden's storyline did not interest me as much, I kept skimming past it. I picked this book up under the assumption that it was mm adult fiction like book 1, so it was disappointing to have not only a female character become one of the MCs + have her POV often but for her to be a teenager as well? It felt too YA for my taste.
Additionally, while these chapters were still well written and I did connect with Eden's character, I have to agree with other reviewers that her storyline was a bit problematic. Eden, a sixteen year old teenage girl falls in love with a grown man (a Dryad Prince) that is over hundred years old . If the author had gone full out into the alternate universe where age gaps never matter, I would maybe have understood the decision but this story has emphasized how normal and human Eden was, so the age-gap was just uncomfy. The story does try to excuse it by saying that Dryads (a type of nymph) don't see age the same way and only one character, Eden's bodyguard mentions that Eden is human and still a MINOR on Earth but its glossed over fairly quickly as Eden and Cedric "only kiss." Still weird in my opinion, Cedric's age was not useful to the story so he really could've been made a teenager as well.
When I was younger I loved stories like Twilight and saw no issues with the creepy age gaps, but times have changed as more conversations arise about issues of consent and SA I don't think it's acceptable for authors to not think of the implications. This may be a personal thing but unless a story is marketed as a dark romance (which this one is NOT) where I'm aware that there will be moral lines crossed before picking it up, I don't want to read storylines that blur lines of consent or ethics. I'm surprised by the author's decision and hope they at least reconsider how they market their stories.
Despite my disappointment, I will still read book 3 because I truly love Cassius and Morgan relationship and want to see what happens to them.
October 10, 2021
Spellbound is the second book in the Fallen Messengers series by Ava Marie Salinger. This is a gay urban fantasy romance series full of action, magic, steamy times and a whole load of snark, so if you haven't read book 1 Fractured Souls stop right now and go read that one first! ♥️🖤
Cassius and Morgan's story is continued in book 2, but they take more of a back seat with the introduction of two more MCs, Eden and Cedric, who take the storytelling reins from their POVs. We are also gifted more layers of worldbuilding, magic and mysticism with the introduction of dryads and ghouls into the mix of demigods, angels and demons. And don't worry - our boys Cassius and Morgan still find time for some steamy moments as their relationship develops further 🔥🔥🔥.
"Cassius Black tried to answer. Unfortunately, Morgan King's mouth was currently locked on his and stopping all attempts from him to communicate with their team."
We already know that there is an overarching story connecting all of the 'supernaturals' together, and in Spellbound, Cassius, Morgan and the Argonaut agency team up with HEXA, to try to get to the bottom of who is planning to unleash hell on earth, and why.
I adore the world that Ava Marie Salinger has created in this series, and practically every secondary character is worthy of their own book too (I'm looking at you Julia, Adrianne, Bailey, Charlie, Zach, Reuben, Jasper and the divine Victor Sloane).
I can't wait to continue the story in Edge Lines, coming early 2022.
Recommended.
4 snarky stars ✨✨✨✨
Cassius and Morgan's story is continued in book 2, but they take more of a back seat with the introduction of two more MCs, Eden and Cedric, who take the storytelling reins from their POVs. We are also gifted more layers of worldbuilding, magic and mysticism with the introduction of dryads and ghouls into the mix of demigods, angels and demons. And don't worry - our boys Cassius and Morgan still find time for some steamy moments as their relationship develops further 🔥🔥🔥.
"Cassius Black tried to answer. Unfortunately, Morgan King's mouth was currently locked on his and stopping all attempts from him to communicate with their team."
We already know that there is an overarching story connecting all of the 'supernaturals' together, and in Spellbound, Cassius, Morgan and the Argonaut agency team up with HEXA, to try to get to the bottom of who is planning to unleash hell on earth, and why.
I adore the world that Ava Marie Salinger has created in this series, and practically every secondary character is worthy of their own book too (I'm looking at you Julia, Adrianne, Bailey, Charlie, Zach, Reuben, Jasper and the divine Victor Sloane).
I can't wait to continue the story in Edge Lines, coming early 2022.
Recommended.
4 snarky stars ✨✨✨✨
October 15, 2021
4.5 stars
Q and A Time!!!!
Q: How long did it take you to finish this book Layla?
A: I read this in 1 sitting and I couldn't put it down! #Unputdownable
Q: Wow...that good?
A: Totally! I LOOOOVED it. #ExcuseMyExcite
Q: What made it so special Layla?
A: Well you got a fallen angel right? We find out that he is more than just a regular angel. He's like... THE ULTIMATE. Then we have a demon! But this demon isn't a regular demon too! He's so much more!
And thennnnn, we got a big bad villain who wants to destroy the world! #CueIntenseMusic
Q: Intruiged! What are the tropes in the book?
A: SOULMATES! Who have know each other in a past life and then they meet again and they fall in love again and they start remembering stuff about each other. #SoMuchSwoon
Q: Steam-o-meter Layla?
A: Steamy AF! These guys are all over each other. Also the demon is question is ubee jealous and possesive of his angel. #CueSimper
Q: SO MUCH EXCITE! Angst-o-meter Layla?
A: No angst between the MCs! A bit of outside angst because of the big baddie. #GoToHell
Q: What about the ending Layla?
A: HFN for our duo, but the major story ARC continues in the coming books! #CantWait
Q: Is this a standalone Layla?
A: NOP! Read book 1 first! It's just as amazing 👏😌
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
Q and A Time!!!!
Q: How long did it take you to finish this book Layla?
A: I read this in 1 sitting and I couldn't put it down! #Unputdownable
Q: Wow...that good?
A: Totally! I LOOOOVED it. #ExcuseMyExcite
Q: What made it so special Layla?
A: Well you got a fallen angel right? We find out that he is more than just a regular angel. He's like... THE ULTIMATE. Then we have a demon! But this demon isn't a regular demon too! He's so much more!
And thennnnn, we got a big bad villain who wants to destroy the world! #CueIntenseMusic
Q: Intruiged! What are the tropes in the book?
A: SOULMATES! Who have know each other in a past life and then they meet again and they fall in love again and they start remembering stuff about each other. #SoMuchSwoon
Q: Steam-o-meter Layla?
A: Steamy AF! These guys are all over each other. Also the demon is question is ubee jealous and possesive of his angel. #CueSimper
Q: SO MUCH EXCITE! Angst-o-meter Layla?
A: No angst between the MCs! A bit of outside angst because of the big baddie. #GoToHell
Q: What about the ending Layla?
A: HFN for our duo, but the major story ARC continues in the coming books! #CantWait
Q: Is this a standalone Layla?
A: NOP! Read book 1 first! It's just as amazing 👏😌
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
November 19, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this one. I enjoyed the story with Eden and Cedric, but I wanted more Cassius and Morgan. I was disappointed they didn't get much page time. I wanted their relationship, the ups, and downs, not just the sex scenes. I'm hoping the next one is more centered around them than the overall story arc.
November 14, 2022
Hmmmmm….
I hoped that I would like this one more than the 1st book, but no, I didn’t.
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it overall, but it had issues:
Too many POV’s
Simplistic solutions
Inconsistent world building
Repetitive phrases such as “back passage” *snort*
Characters not acting like I would expect centuries-old or millennia-old beings to act (read: unsure, immature), or acting inconsistently.
Overall, these issues were enough to end my journey into Ava Marie Salinger’s novels. She’s got the bones of a good story, her talent just needs to develop and mature.
Also, I don’t think the narrator did her Cassius MC any favors by making him sound so incredibly inexperienced in the bedroom, and by giving him the voice he did.
My rec? If you’ve got a short TBR, this could work for you—others gave it 5 stars, maybe you will, too.
I hoped that I would like this one more than the 1st book, but no, I didn’t.
That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it overall, but it had issues:
Too many POV’s
Simplistic solutions
Inconsistent world building
Repetitive phrases such as “back passage” *snort*
Characters not acting like I would expect centuries-old or millennia-old beings to act (read: unsure, immature), or acting inconsistently.
Overall, these issues were enough to end my journey into Ava Marie Salinger’s novels. She’s got the bones of a good story, her talent just needs to develop and mature.
Also, I don’t think the narrator did her Cassius MC any favors by making him sound so incredibly inexperienced in the bedroom, and by giving him the voice he did.
My rec? If you’ve got a short TBR, this could work for you—others gave it 5 stars, maybe you will, too.
October 9, 2021
Spellbound is the second in the Fallen Messengers series. It continues some time after the first book. I liked Fractured Souls so when a chance to read an ARC for the second book came I grabbed it. I love Cassius a lot and Morgan did grow on me. I still prefer Victor Sloan right now though. That might change who knows.
What I liked: The world building continues to be great. Added layers of lore for another existing race is very much welcome and gives a better understanding on how things are. The overarching plotline and mystery surrounding what happened before with Cassius and Morgan continues to hold my interest and is intriguing. Seeing Julia and Adrianne own my heart, Bailey, Charlie and Zach being their awesome selves and the interaction between the crew being fun and engaging is delightful. There is a semblance of growth in the side characters which is always a welcome thing. I did like that the relationship between Cassius and Morgan is stronger than ever along with some of the few moments they both get to be sweet to each other. The found family vibes just warms my heart and yes, the banter is still top notch.
The BAD: After finishing the book, I decided to give myself some time to try get my thoughts in order and process my feelings about this book. This was a big let down after having read Fractured Souls and the promise that book gave.
First: Morgan and Cassius in this book felt more like an afterthought in the overall plot than being the leads. Yes, we got to learn something really nice about Morgan's heritage because of a new power that he manifested, but for the most part both did not get any character growth worth mentioning. When I was reading and I was at around the 40 plus percent, I kept asking myself when do I get to see more of the two being in the thick of the action and story? That is how little I have seen of them while I was going the story. By the end of it all, there was a vibe of something really huge about to happen and yet there is also that feeling of nothing of import actually occurred to progress the MCs growth and underlying story.
Second: Eden and Cedric. Boy oh boy do I have feelings over these two. I don't mind new characters in fact they are a welcome thing but the introduction of Eden and Cedric and the consequent handling of their characters in the story along with the overall narrative and plot was an aggravating experience. It amazed me there was so much focus on these two that you can just call Spellbound as their own book. That's how much spotlight they got. The way that their romance was also developed and built alongside the plot while the two leads don't even get that much of a development on their own book just bugged me to no end. It's not even the age gap really considering how Cedric would probably be considered an extremely young in Dryad years but more on how prominent it became. It gave me pause. At one point it almost had me give up on finishing this book but then I was already beyond the 50 percent mark and I still had that tiny hope that something relevant might materialize in relation to leads while the current storyline was progressing. It might not be the case, but it felt like the plot was just an excuse to write Cedric and Eden in and the writer realized oh I forgot about Morgan and Cassius, wait let me include them in along with some sexy times.
Overall, Spellbound is a decent follow up to the first book in the series. It is fast-paced, action packed with an intriguing enough mystery to hold the reader's attention. However, it is plagued by narrative voices that makes the reader wonder on who truly are the main characters and a tangled storyline that would've been better with a tighter editing.
I'd probably still check out the next installments as I do want to find out the mystery behind Cassius and Morgan, but my enthusiasm definitely took a nose dive.
I am giving this 3 stars out of 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
What I liked: The world building continues to be great. Added layers of lore for another existing race is very much welcome and gives a better understanding on how things are. The overarching plotline and mystery surrounding what happened before with Cassius and Morgan continues to hold my interest and is intriguing. Seeing Julia and Adrianne own my heart, Bailey, Charlie and Zach being their awesome selves and the interaction between the crew being fun and engaging is delightful. There is a semblance of growth in the side characters which is always a welcome thing. I did like that the relationship between Cassius and Morgan is stronger than ever along with some of the few moments they both get to be sweet to each other. The found family vibes just warms my heart and yes, the banter is still top notch.
The BAD: After finishing the book, I decided to give myself some time to try get my thoughts in order and process my feelings about this book. This was a big let down after having read Fractured Souls and the promise that book gave.
First: Morgan and Cassius in this book felt more like an afterthought in the overall plot than being the leads. Yes, we got to learn something really nice about Morgan's heritage because of a new power that he manifested, but for the most part both did not get any character growth worth mentioning. When I was reading and I was at around the 40 plus percent, I kept asking myself when do I get to see more of the two being in the thick of the action and story? That is how little I have seen of them while I was going the story. By the end of it all, there was a vibe of something really huge about to happen and yet there is also that feeling of nothing of import actually occurred to progress the MCs growth and underlying story.
Second: Eden and Cedric. Boy oh boy do I have feelings over these two. I don't mind new characters in fact they are a welcome thing but the introduction of Eden and Cedric and the consequent handling of their characters in the story along with the overall narrative and plot was an aggravating experience. It amazed me there was so much focus on these two that you can just call Spellbound as their own book. That's how much spotlight they got. The way that their romance was also developed and built alongside the plot while the two leads don't even get that much of a development on their own book just bugged me to no end. It's not even the age gap really considering how Cedric would probably be considered an extremely young in Dryad years but more on how prominent it became. It gave me pause. At one point it almost had me give up on finishing this book but then I was already beyond the 50 percent mark and I still had that tiny hope that something relevant might materialize in relation to leads while the current storyline was progressing. It might not be the case, but it felt like the plot was just an excuse to write Cedric and Eden in and the writer realized oh I forgot about Morgan and Cassius, wait let me include them in along with some sexy times.
Overall, Spellbound is a decent follow up to the first book in the series. It is fast-paced, action packed with an intriguing enough mystery to hold the reader's attention. However, it is plagued by narrative voices that makes the reader wonder on who truly are the main characters and a tangled storyline that would've been better with a tighter editing.
I'd probably still check out the next installments as I do want to find out the mystery behind Cassius and Morgan, but my enthusiasm definitely took a nose dive.
I am giving this 3 stars out of 5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book via GRR and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
October 7, 2021
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
Spellbound by Ava Marie Salinger is the second book in the Fallen Messengers series. Cassius Black has found himself a steady job, a great group of found family to work with and Morgan King as a partner. With the repercussions of their first case together saving San Francisco from being ripped apart, the new case of bank robberies seems pretty straight forward. Eden Monroe, the non-magical daughter of Brianna Munroe, head of Hexa, has reached her breaking point in her sheltered life. Even with the odd feeling of being followed she decides to proceed with her plan to run away. The plan goes awry and she finds herself being protected by a handsome stranger Cedric who knows more about her than she could even imagine. When Eden’s troubles cross with Cassius and Morgan’s case they find themselves trying to stop another world altering event at the hands of an unknown enemy.
Cassius and Morgan have been brought together by more than their immediate attraction to each other and find each new thing they learn about each other brings them even closer. Their chemistry is steaming off the pages as the two strong angels find comfort in each other. They are also learning more about their past as stronger enemies find their way to the mortal plain endangering all around them.
“In those moments, Morgan became the anchor he sought. The person who could ground him and carry him through the darkness and into the light. The one being who could make him lose himself in pleasure so fierce it purged him of all his bad thoughts and his insecurities and regrets.”
Eden Monroe has felt unloved since the very beginning. Her mother has kept her at even further than arm's length and forced everyone who guards her through Hexa to do the same. When she puts her plan into action to run from this life and find another all her own, the secrets that have been kept by Brianna and Hexa come out and change everything. Cedric comes into her life to protect her in a way no one ever has. Her connection to him feels strong from the beginning but her life of constant disappointment leads her not to trust what she feels for him. IT IS NOT OK THAT EDEN IS 16 AND CEDRIC IS HOWEVER OLD HE IS THOUGH………………..
This book had a ton of continued world building which was to be expected since there is so much to this particular urban fantasy setup. The introduction to Eden, Cedric, Galliad and more would have been nice except that she created a romantic situation between a teenager and an aged Dyriad. Why did this have to happen? Literally the fact that no one really questioned this as a beta reader and was like well hey maybe 16 would make people uncomfortable even if physical lines weren’t overtly crossed.
2.5 stars for a book that had a lot of potential but struggled to meet the mark.
Spellbound by Ava Marie Salinger is the second book in the Fallen Messengers series. Cassius Black has found himself a steady job, a great group of found family to work with and Morgan King as a partner. With the repercussions of their first case together saving San Francisco from being ripped apart, the new case of bank robberies seems pretty straight forward. Eden Monroe, the non-magical daughter of Brianna Munroe, head of Hexa, has reached her breaking point in her sheltered life. Even with the odd feeling of being followed she decides to proceed with her plan to run away. The plan goes awry and she finds herself being protected by a handsome stranger Cedric who knows more about her than she could even imagine. When Eden’s troubles cross with Cassius and Morgan’s case they find themselves trying to stop another world altering event at the hands of an unknown enemy.
Cassius and Morgan have been brought together by more than their immediate attraction to each other and find each new thing they learn about each other brings them even closer. Their chemistry is steaming off the pages as the two strong angels find comfort in each other. They are also learning more about their past as stronger enemies find their way to the mortal plain endangering all around them.
“In those moments, Morgan became the anchor he sought. The person who could ground him and carry him through the darkness and into the light. The one being who could make him lose himself in pleasure so fierce it purged him of all his bad thoughts and his insecurities and regrets.”
Eden Monroe has felt unloved since the very beginning. Her mother has kept her at even further than arm's length and forced everyone who guards her through Hexa to do the same. When she puts her plan into action to run from this life and find another all her own, the secrets that have been kept by Brianna and Hexa come out and change everything. Cedric comes into her life to protect her in a way no one ever has. Her connection to him feels strong from the beginning but her life of constant disappointment leads her not to trust what she feels for him. IT IS NOT OK THAT EDEN IS 16 AND CEDRIC IS HOWEVER OLD HE IS THOUGH………………..
This book had a ton of continued world building which was to be expected since there is so much to this particular urban fantasy setup. The introduction to Eden, Cedric, Galliad and more would have been nice except that she created a romantic situation between a teenager and an aged Dyriad. Why did this have to happen? Literally the fact that no one really questioned this as a beta reader and was like well hey maybe 16 would make people uncomfortable even if physical lines weren’t overtly crossed.
2.5 stars for a book that had a lot of potential but struggled to meet the mark.
October 20, 2021
It's gunna take me some time to decide on my final rating. Book 1 was a 5 star read for me so I'm a bit disappointed this book fell short. Though this is a urban fantasy romance, having a human 16yo girl in a whirlwind relationship with a 300 year old paranormal man didn't sit well with me. I have daughters, so maybe this colored my feelings, but in all honesty it skeeved me out. Even her family mentioned more than once how she was a minor. Ick
The Morgan and Cassius aspect of the book was another story. Their storyline is so intriguing and I am looking forward to learning more about the powerful bad guy and any new powers the two angels unlock. I really want to know more about their past before the Fall and hope the next book shines more light on that. Morgan's possessiveness and the chemistry with Cassius was as steamy as book 1.
I also really love the team members and their bantering. I even have a soft spot for a certain Lucifigous demon we get to see again. (Side note: I have no idea if I spelled that right. It was from memory) I'll still be continuing the series, because the first book was spectacular and the major plot point from that book still hasn't wrapped up. Also Cassius and Morgan are a couple that will keep me coming back for sure.
The Morgan and Cassius aspect of the book was another story. Their storyline is so intriguing and I am looking forward to learning more about the powerful bad guy and any new powers the two angels unlock. I really want to know more about their past before the Fall and hope the next book shines more light on that. Morgan's possessiveness and the chemistry with Cassius was as steamy as book 1.
I also really love the team members and their bantering. I even have a soft spot for a certain Lucifigous demon we get to see again. (Side note: I have no idea if I spelled that right. It was from memory) I'll still be continuing the series, because the first book was spectacular and the major plot point from that book still hasn't wrapped up. Also Cassius and Morgan are a couple that will keep me coming back for sure.
Currently reading
October 15, 2021And it's live! :D Happy birthday Spellbound!
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Did you know Edge Lines (Fallen Messengers #3) and Oathbreaker (Fallen Messengers #4) are available for pre-order? ;-)
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Get Spellbound (Fallen Messengers #2) on Amazon
Did you know Edge Lines (Fallen Messengers #3) and Oathbreaker (Fallen Messengers #4) are available for pre-order? ;-)
Pre-order Edge Lines (Fallen Messengers #3) on Amazon
Pre-order Oathbreaker (Fallen Messengers #4) on Amazon
Add Edge Lines (Fallen Messengers 3) to your Goodreads shelf
Add Oathbreaker (Fallen Messengers 4) to your Goodreads shelf
October 15, 2021
This is the second book in the Fallen Messenger series and a worthy second book. This is definitely not a stand-alone as there is a overall story arch .
In this book we learn more about the world and different new creatures. We also get two new POVs with Eden and Cedric, whom I really liked but they take a lot of page time away from Cassius and Morgan. That is really visible as we don't get to experience their building relationship but 'only' their sexual encounters (which are hot, no questions but ...)
We learn more about Morgan and I am really curious about their past.
The storyline was really good and I can't wait to read the next book
In this book we learn more about the world and different new creatures. We also get two new POVs with Eden and Cedric, whom I really liked but they take a lot of page time away from Cassius and Morgan. That is really visible as we don't get to experience their building relationship but 'only' their sexual encounters (which are hot, no questions but ...)
We learn more about Morgan and I am really curious about their past.
The storyline was really good and I can't wait to read the next book
September 13, 2021
I wanted to like this a lot but the fact that the author chose to make Eden a 16 year old have a romance plot line with a 1500 year old character who is a full grown adult weirds me out so much and made me uncomfortable reading Eden’s chapters. Im willing to re read the book and see if I change my mind but because of the decision to make eden a minor I can not give this more than 2 stars
I received an arc for this
I received an arc for this
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2021
I LOVED the first book and was very excited to get into this one. However, I came away disappointed. It felt like Morgan and Cassius were barely in this book, and when they were - it was mainly sex scenes. I’m fairly certain Eden + Cedric have more POV here than Morgan.
It’s kinda a bizarre move by the author tbh, I personally came here for the mm romance so to sideline them in their own book and have the main story be f/m is misleading and annoying. Especially when said romance is kinda problematic.
I did enjoy the story but this should’ve been a side book. Hopefully the next one will be more Cassius + Morgan focused or I’ll probably drop this series.
It’s kinda a bizarre move by the author tbh, I personally came here for the mm romance so to sideline them in their own book and have the main story be f/m is misleading and annoying. Especially when said romance is kinda problematic.
I did enjoy the story but this should’ve been a side book. Hopefully the next one will be more Cassius + Morgan focused or I’ll probably drop this series.
September 16, 2021
I love the characters of Cassius and Morgan. The chemistry between these two is insane and the mystery of their full powers and past lives is still being revealed as we go along. We do learn more about Morgan, but Cassius is still a mystery at the end of this book. This one was just as much fun as the first one with the introduction of Eden and Cedric. Eden runs away from home convinced that her life will be better away from her life and her mother, never guessing the secret her mother has been keeping close. It quickly becomes apparent someone is after her and she is rescued by a Druid with quite a few secrets of his own. I still love the side characters of the other Argonaut agents and Loki is my favorite demon cat ever. And of course our favorite angelic demigods defeat the enemy and live to fight another day. But the identity of our enemy is still unknown and we have more mysteries to solve. I can’t wait to see where this series goes. These two are among my favorite UF characters ever. I will be reading these books for years to come.
October 17, 2021
I couldn't wait to read this follow up of Fractured souls and author didn't disappoint with plot development - action packed, great writing and world building, wonderful characters, steamy - it's all there and I was barely able to put it down. I loved the new characters introduced, but they are also the reason for four instead of five stars, simply because they are stealing the show so to speak. I was expecting more relationship development between Cassius and Morgan, more secrets of their past revealed. The plot in this installment overshadowed everything else. So definitely 5 stars for perfectly written, imaginative urban fantasy. It's one of the best I've read so far, but the balance between MC's relationship and the plot was lost here. I couldn't avoid the feeling that Cassius and Morgan were just part of the team and not the main focus. Nevertheless I can't wait to read the next book in this amazing series.
October 18, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Spellbound is the second book in Ava Marie Salinger’s Fallen Messengers series. I really enjoyed the first book and meeting Cassius and Morgan, so I was excited to continue on here. This story does a nice job of picking up the threads from the first book, while also giving us another exciting suspense plot. There are lots of intense battles, as well as a nice build as we learn who is behind it all and their motivations. We also expand the world building here as we learn more about Eden’s bloodcursed magic and how it plays into the larger series arc. I really enjoy this creative world Salinger has built and I continue to feel like it is one of the strongest aspects of the series.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Spellbound is the second book in Ava Marie Salinger’s Fallen Messengers series. I really enjoyed the first book and meeting Cassius and Morgan, so I was excited to continue on here. This story does a nice job of picking up the threads from the first book, while also giving us another exciting suspense plot. There are lots of intense battles, as well as a nice build as we learn who is behind it all and their motivations. We also expand the world building here as we learn more about Eden’s bloodcursed magic and how it plays into the larger series arc. I really enjoy this creative world Salinger has built and I continue to feel like it is one of the strongest aspects of the series.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
April 27, 2025
Still rating this 4 stars bcs also if there was less plot about Morgan and Cassius, and most of the story was about Eden and the second prince of the Dryads Cedric and her powers, curse, and lastly also their relationship...I still enjoyed the plot.
Also Morgan and Cassius, find out more infos about their previous lives and their bond, and gifts.
Also Morgan and Cassius, find out more infos about their previous lives and their bond, and gifts.
July 21, 2025
A missing girl, a missing artifact, and some interesting additions to this universe and cast of characters... another entertaining read. If only the central romance of this romance series weren't my least favourite aspect of it - Morgan continues to annoy me, and while some might find his cocky, possessive crap sexy or endearing, to me it's just a giant red flag.
January 2, 2023
3⭐️
This wasn't bad, i just wanted more of Morgan and Cassius and less of Eden.
At times I felt like I was reading a YA thanks to Eden's povs and I didn't like it that much even if I understand that it was important for the plot.
This wasn't bad, i just wanted more of Morgan and Cassius and less of Eden.
At times I felt like I was reading a YA thanks to Eden's povs and I didn't like it that much even if I understand that it was important for the plot.
January 28, 2025
***4+ Stars***
dnf
January 20, 2024DNF @ 46%
Despite my issues with certain parts in the 1st book of the series it ended on a high note for me. So why then when the request for reviews for this came I was skeptical to ask for an ARC? I felt a lot of apprehension and maybe I should have listened to my gut because my mood is probably affecting the story. So it is really a me issue.
Up till the point I read there was nothing to advance the story when it comes to the mysteries and questions surrounding Cassius and Morgan. I don't know how many books for the series the author is planning so maybe that is the reason. But that being the case there was nothing to excite me and entice me to continue the story and the series overall.
The story begins with Eden, a seemingly non-magical human and the subsequent fight that she has with her mother, Brianna the director of Hexa for those parts of the county(?).
From what is revealed later on I can't understand for the life of me why Brianna didn't explain things to Eden when she was 10 or 12 but left hurt and resentment fester in her daughter! Acknowledging the fact that she messed up later on is of no help to no one when from the way she phrased herself she knew she was in the wrong. So really that whole thing soured me. I don't know how things were handled later on but with the way the story went till then kidnapping Eden would have worked without the whole "hating my mother" bit. Maybe it was there for angst reasons but for me it didn't work that way but feeling frustrated with Brianna.
Cassius and Morgan bit started with quite the unprofessional behavior :/ . Still their intimate scenes remind me of M/F especially when I come across sentences like this one:
[...]Cassius cursed, his back passage clenching hungrily around Morgan.
COME ON! Does he have a front passage we are unaware?!
This just plainly made me laugh:
[...]Morgan, shuddered, pulled his swelling arousal out of Cassius...
Also I noticed some kinda awkward sentences like this:
[...]hips pumping his throbbing length fitfully
fitfully?! from all the English words we went with something reminiscing a tantrum. At least there was no dancing involved this time. Win?! Although the tone on those scenes still is that regency/purple prose kind that appears only there.
[...]this agony was ten times, no, twenty times worse.
I don't even know what to say here. I did a double back and I was questioning myself if there was a measuring contest or something. This doesn't convey the agony the mother is in, it was... awkward.
I don't think I'll be continuing the series and clearly this isn't the author for me. I hope others will have the enjoyment in the story my jaded self doesn't.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Despite my issues with certain parts in the 1st book of the series it ended on a high note for me. So why then when the request for reviews for this came I was skeptical to ask for an ARC? I felt a lot of apprehension and maybe I should have listened to my gut because my mood is probably affecting the story. So it is really a me issue.
Up till the point I read there was nothing to advance the story when it comes to the mysteries and questions surrounding Cassius and Morgan. I don't know how many books for the series the author is planning so maybe that is the reason. But that being the case there was nothing to excite me and entice me to continue the story and the series overall.
The story begins with Eden, a seemingly non-magical human and the subsequent fight that she has with her mother, Brianna the director of Hexa for those parts of the county(?).
From what is revealed later on I can't understand for the life of me why Brianna didn't explain things to Eden when she was 10 or 12 but left hurt and resentment fester in her daughter! Acknowledging the fact that she messed up later on is of no help to no one when from the way she phrased herself she knew she was in the wrong. So really that whole thing soured me. I don't know how things were handled later on but with the way the story went till then kidnapping Eden would have worked without the whole "hating my mother" bit. Maybe it was there for angst reasons but for me it didn't work that way but feeling frustrated with Brianna.
Cassius and Morgan bit started with quite the unprofessional behavior :/ . Still their intimate scenes remind me of M/F especially when I come across sentences like this one:
[...]Cassius cursed, his back passage clenching hungrily around Morgan.
COME ON! Does he have a front passage we are unaware?!
This just plainly made me laugh:
[...]Morgan, shuddered, pulled his swelling arousal out of Cassius...
Also I noticed some kinda awkward sentences like this:
[...]hips pumping his throbbing length fitfully
fitfully?! from all the English words we went with something reminiscing a tantrum. At least there was no dancing involved this time. Win?! Although the tone on those scenes still is that regency/purple prose kind that appears only there.
[...]this agony was ten times, no, twenty times worse.
I don't even know what to say here. I did a double back and I was questioning myself if there was a measuring contest or something. This doesn't convey the agony the mother is in, it was... awkward.
I don't think I'll be continuing the series and clearly this isn't the author for me. I hope others will have the enjoyment in the story my jaded self doesn't.
I received an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.
Read
February 2, 2024It wouldn’t have made a fuck-all bit of difference to make Eden an adult. Not a single one. She could’ve been in college, or taking a fucking gap year, or literally anything else EXCEPT A FUCKING MINOR.
And the story wouldn’t have suffered at all. Not even a little bit. It would’ve been wonderful. Hell, you could’ve even kept her a child and just not mated her off to an adult. Or added that plot point in an epilogue or “years from now” short story.
And then, to add insult to injury, SHE IS PUT INTO A MATE BOND WITHOUT HER CONSENT OR KNOWLEDGE. AS A FUCKING SIXTEEN YEAR OLD CHILD.
Nothing makes that okay. You had a choice, and you chose wrong. And then hoping people loved their “love story”? That’s asking people to be okay with something NO ONE should EVER be okay with. It’s fucking sad, too, because it would’ve been a wonderful fated mates side story. It could’ve been sweet and beautiful.
But she is a child. A traumatized, definitely in need of therapy, C H I L D. Nothing you could do or say will change that. Nothing. That poor girl hasn’t gotten to live any kind of life, make any of her own fucking choices… nothing. She has one friend, spent a lifetime thinking her mother would rather her have been dead… TRAUMA. ALL OF THE TRAUMA. Mommy issues, affection/attention starved, killer magic… just so much trauma she hasn’t even begun to unpack or cope with, much less heal and learn how to live a life without.
You should know, you gave it to her.
And then you dumped her right into a fated relationship with someone who’s at least 300. And tried to “grow her up” some with a climax battle and some intense powers.
No. Absolutely not.
And what upsets me aside from all of this is that I hate that you ruined the entire series for me and I honestly don’t know if I’ll be able to continue because I KNOW they’ll be in the remainder of the series. I was LOVING the storyline even if the spice wasn’t it for me.
I get that “taboo” is what’s in these days, but there’s a line, and minors are the line. Children aren’t on the table. Ever. For any reason.
0/5. There should most definitely be a disclaimer in every book that mentions that a minor is in a relationship with an adult, and it’s not like she was given a choice.
And the story wouldn’t have suffered at all. Not even a little bit. It would’ve been wonderful. Hell, you could’ve even kept her a child and just not mated her off to an adult. Or added that plot point in an epilogue or “years from now” short story.
And then, to add insult to injury, SHE IS PUT INTO A MATE BOND WITHOUT HER CONSENT OR KNOWLEDGE. AS A FUCKING SIXTEEN YEAR OLD CHILD.
Nothing makes that okay. You had a choice, and you chose wrong. And then hoping people loved their “love story”? That’s asking people to be okay with something NO ONE should EVER be okay with. It’s fucking sad, too, because it would’ve been a wonderful fated mates side story. It could’ve been sweet and beautiful.
But she is a child. A traumatized, definitely in need of therapy, C H I L D. Nothing you could do or say will change that. Nothing. That poor girl hasn’t gotten to live any kind of life, make any of her own fucking choices… nothing. She has one friend, spent a lifetime thinking her mother would rather her have been dead… TRAUMA. ALL OF THE TRAUMA. Mommy issues, affection/attention starved, killer magic… just so much trauma she hasn’t even begun to unpack or cope with, much less heal and learn how to live a life without.
You should know, you gave it to her.
And then you dumped her right into a fated relationship with someone who’s at least 300. And tried to “grow her up” some with a climax battle and some intense powers.
No. Absolutely not.
And what upsets me aside from all of this is that I hate that you ruined the entire series for me and I honestly don’t know if I’ll be able to continue because I KNOW they’ll be in the remainder of the series. I was LOVING the storyline even if the spice wasn’t it for me.
I get that “taboo” is what’s in these days, but there’s a line, and minors are the line. Children aren’t on the table. Ever. For any reason.
0/5. There should most definitely be a disclaimer in every book that mentions that a minor is in a relationship with an adult, and it’s not like she was given a choice.
October 19, 2025
It took me a while to write this review though I finished this book a while ago because I had some serious mixed feelings about this book.
I enjoyed the first book in this series but I feel like this was a huge let down for me. First off Morgan and Cassius were pushed to the back of this story and their scenes weren’t anything note worthy at all. Second off I felt very uncomfortable with Eden being a teenager with a grown man druid for her romantic partner and the fact they kept bringing up the ages too was weird to me. The plot wasn’t as fun as the first and was just okay. I want to give this series another chance but I’m just not convinced. 2.5 stars rounded DOWN because there was some good moments and because I like Morgan and Cassius but there was a lot to be desired and why the hell was eden a child.
Edit: 4yrs later i realized i was too generous this should be a 2
I enjoyed the first book in this series but I feel like this was a huge let down for me. First off Morgan and Cassius were pushed to the back of this story and their scenes weren’t anything note worthy at all. Second off I felt very uncomfortable with Eden being a teenager with a grown man druid for her romantic partner and the fact they kept bringing up the ages too was weird to me. The plot wasn’t as fun as the first and was just okay. I want to give this series another chance but I’m just not convinced. 2.5 stars rounded DOWN because there was some good moments and because I like Morgan and Cassius but there was a lot to be desired and why the hell was eden a child.
Edit: 4yrs later i realized i was too generous this should be a 2
October 10, 2021
This is an exciting story with excellent continued world building. Intriguing plot and characters. It has the continued romance of Cassius and Morgan, which is steamy and wonderful. But I did not realize that this story would also focus heavily on the MF relationship of Eden and Cedric. That being said it is a great action and romance book , it just was not what I expected. Two many main characters for me. I was looking forward to a book focused on Cassius and Morgan but this had too much focus on Eden and Cedric. I received an ARC of this book and if you enjoy a continuing series with a mix of MF and MM relationships then you may enjoy this one.
October 18, 2021
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as Fractured Souls. I was looking forward to learning more about Cassius and Morgan, and continuing their story, but the book had too much focus on Eden and Cedric for me. Still a great story, with plenty of action and some hot steamy scenes, just the focus not where I expected it to be.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
June 14, 2024
Beware of YA plot.
I very much dislike YA. This one had a plotline following a teenage girl along with all the cheese and dubious romantic age gap that comes with that. Cassius and Morgan were in it but it wasn't about them. Not for me. I'll continue the series because it looks like the rest are actually about Morgan and Cassius but this one was a total filler flop.
I very much dislike YA. This one had a plotline following a teenage girl along with all the cheese and dubious romantic age gap that comes with that. Cassius and Morgan were in it but it wasn't about them. Not for me. I'll continue the series because it looks like the rest are actually about Morgan and Cassius but this one was a total filler flop.
May 11, 2025
3,5/5
I listened to the audiobook.
I have mixed feelings about this second instalment: I enjoyed this one but I felt a bit less involved in the story. Cassius and Morgan took a back seat a bit too much for me.
I listened to the audiobook.
I have mixed feelings about this second instalment: I enjoyed this one but I felt a bit less involved in the story. Cassius and Morgan took a back seat a bit too much for me.
June 21, 2022
Cassius and Morgan are barely in this, so if you're in this for a relationship between a teenage girl and an adult man then this is the book for you. If you're in this for the main series relationship, be prepared to be disappointed.
January 24, 2024
I’m sorry but I am so sick of gross age gaps.. Eden is 16 and her mate is the dryad prince who’s like 300 yrs old? We couldn’t make her like 20? She could’ve been a college student instead of being in high school. It’s just so gross seeing a grown man with a 16 yr old. She is a childddddd.
November 24, 2021
Good Plot, love Eden
I found this story to have great elements, good storyline and some issues that bothers me.
The storyline that takes up the majority of this novel is wonderful. It contains so much depth and emotional layering that I expected. There’s a serious mother/daughter flawed relationship built on lies, love, and a great tragedy. Eden, the daughter is so relatable in her anger, pain, and apparent maternal abandonment. Her rage is both poignant and deeply frightening. We get it. This aspect of the novel, and everything that surrounds Eden is absolutely terrific. With an exception.
Eden is a high school student. At the end of this story, she’s found herself in a serious permanent as in forever relationship. With a ancient being. Now while we are all smacking our heads over that flag, I will say the author has several characters bring up the illegality of that issue as well as the idea that she’s not emotionally ready. Ok good.
But there’s no real resolution. So perhaps that’s to be addressed in upcoming novels but Eden clearly deserves a more defined finish here. She’s a marvelous character and so is this entire element of the arc.
That brings us to the aspect of characterization. What I thought worked and, frankly, what I felt didn’t.
Eden’s group and storyline. Those characters were new , including her BFF Lois and her family. All the beings that gravitated around Eden and her drama? They really worked as far as realistic emotional scenes and reactions to her dilemma. Again great job.
But, unfortunately, in what should be solid, continuing .character growth for Cassius and Morgan, our main couple and the series biggest heart as well as mystery? It felt as though we got a stripping off of layers instead of a depth of dimension.
In the first story, we saw the ages of wisdom, the compassion and pain coming through for Cassius. Now he’s a pouty, insecure lovesick being? What happened to the serious character of the other novel? He seems to have vanished, replaced by a boyfriend of Morgan’s. Who occasionally transforms into something cool. Morgan too is undergoing a bit of a metamorphosis, although into what exactly is anyone’s guess. But the gravity of these downright elemental or idk other worldly transformations seems to be missing.
Issues?
The missing main character of Loki the cat who makes only a very brief appearance towards the end of the book only to disappear once more. A huge difference from book one where he’s a constant presence and essential arc element. Continuity and consistency!
All of which finally brings me to my last bit of griping. Since I had time to notice all the above, then the issues I had with the repetition of adjectives and certain author’s fondness of terms definitely continues on here.
We are back to muscles jumping in every character’s face and often. Adrianne is saying things “leadenly”again. I pity poor Adrianne. No sex and the worst lines. A couple of female characters always “smile softly “.
There’s also a lot of “she___fill in the name___snarled,” “so and so hissed”,
Lots of hissing and no they aren’t snake shifters.
Also “growling “. Cedric growled. But it could have been and usually is another.
Plus a host of clenched whatever… jaw, fist… whatever can be clenched.
You get the idea. Salinger once she uses a word or term in a certain manner, it stays used. To the detriment of the story. And the reader’s, at least this reader’s concentration.
And that’s a shame, because the plots? Both one the book and overall series arc scale are imaginative and layered. They have grabbed my attention and the potential for a really great series shows everywhere….
But there’s some definite tidying up to be done. Both in the major characters personalities and language. I look forward to see what book three brings.
High marks mostly for Eden and her journey.
I found this story to have great elements, good storyline and some issues that bothers me.
The storyline that takes up the majority of this novel is wonderful. It contains so much depth and emotional layering that I expected. There’s a serious mother/daughter flawed relationship built on lies, love, and a great tragedy. Eden, the daughter is so relatable in her anger, pain, and apparent maternal abandonment. Her rage is both poignant and deeply frightening. We get it. This aspect of the novel, and everything that surrounds Eden is absolutely terrific. With an exception.
Eden is a high school student. At the end of this story, she’s found herself in a serious permanent as in forever relationship. With a ancient being. Now while we are all smacking our heads over that flag, I will say the author has several characters bring up the illegality of that issue as well as the idea that she’s not emotionally ready. Ok good.
But there’s no real resolution. So perhaps that’s to be addressed in upcoming novels but Eden clearly deserves a more defined finish here. She’s a marvelous character and so is this entire element of the arc.
That brings us to the aspect of characterization. What I thought worked and, frankly, what I felt didn’t.
Eden’s group and storyline. Those characters were new , including her BFF Lois and her family. All the beings that gravitated around Eden and her drama? They really worked as far as realistic emotional scenes and reactions to her dilemma. Again great job.
But, unfortunately, in what should be solid, continuing .character growth for Cassius and Morgan, our main couple and the series biggest heart as well as mystery? It felt as though we got a stripping off of layers instead of a depth of dimension.
In the first story, we saw the ages of wisdom, the compassion and pain coming through for Cassius. Now he’s a pouty, insecure lovesick being? What happened to the serious character of the other novel? He seems to have vanished, replaced by a boyfriend of Morgan’s. Who occasionally transforms into something cool. Morgan too is undergoing a bit of a metamorphosis, although into what exactly is anyone’s guess. But the gravity of these downright elemental or idk other worldly transformations seems to be missing.
Issues?
The missing main character of Loki the cat who makes only a very brief appearance towards the end of the book only to disappear once more. A huge difference from book one where he’s a constant presence and essential arc element. Continuity and consistency!
All of which finally brings me to my last bit of griping. Since I had time to notice all the above, then the issues I had with the repetition of adjectives and certain author’s fondness of terms definitely continues on here.
We are back to muscles jumping in every character’s face and often. Adrianne is saying things “leadenly”again. I pity poor Adrianne. No sex and the worst lines. A couple of female characters always “smile softly “.
There’s also a lot of “she___fill in the name___snarled,” “so and so hissed”,
Lots of hissing and no they aren’t snake shifters.
Also “growling “. Cedric growled. But it could have been and usually is another.
Plus a host of clenched whatever… jaw, fist… whatever can be clenched.
You get the idea. Salinger once she uses a word or term in a certain manner, it stays used. To the detriment of the story. And the reader’s, at least this reader’s concentration.
And that’s a shame, because the plots? Both one the book and overall series arc scale are imaginative and layered. They have grabbed my attention and the potential for a really great series shows everywhere….
But there’s some definite tidying up to be done. Both in the major characters personalities and language. I look forward to see what book three brings.
High marks mostly for Eden and her journey.
November 8, 2024
1.5 stars
This is barely M/M Romance. It’s barely M/M at all. It’s supposed to be the next chapter in their romance with a focus on rescuing this girl. In reality, it’s about the girl, her powers, her being chased and escaping. Her powers were cool and it was nice to have a powerful female but it was too far.
She is the most powerful mage ever. I don’t really want that in my M/M books unless it’s some character they go to visit for help. I don’t want it to be a main character. I certainly don’t want to see things from her POV. One of our MCs gets new powers during a battle but it felt more like an afterthought.
Very little is the search of the good guys for her, no development in Morgan and Lance’s relationship, just a lot of sex. They were in the big battles but not a whole lot else.
This felt like a mainstream romance book except the girl was really too young to date the het hero. She was a teen young enough to get grounded. I think she was 17 and the 300-year-old or something like that guy falls for her. They at some point say she’s a minor. Twilight anyone? So gross. This is marketed as an M/M romance book and I get an offensive teen romance with x-rated gay sex scenes stuck in occasionally.
The dialogue was cheesy and nothing was particularly new. This didn’t feel like a continuation of the previous story line. It felt totally different, like a completely different world. The final battle was good—I think. It was too full of talk about the girl being the old guy’s true mate. Maybe it’s because I’ve had teenage daughters who are convinced their souls mates are men in their thirties. The men are so gross and inappropriate.
She has no say in her life. Her future is decided permanently by the other characters. It’s disgusting.
Why am I spending so much time talking about this teenage girl? Exactly.
It sounds like this whole story is going to be along these lines in the next book and I’m not interested.
The reader was good but the audio was inconsistent. A character would yell or even just say something loud and the decibels increased dramatically. I don’t recommend listening to this with head phones—you’ll blow out an eardrum—or when someone is around you don’t want knowing what you’re listening to: “Oh sweetheart, I love you so much, touch me, OMIGOD I’M GOING TO COME!!” That doesn’t even show it properly. I’m not exaggerating.
This is barely M/M Romance. It’s barely M/M at all. It’s supposed to be the next chapter in their romance with a focus on rescuing this girl. In reality, it’s about the girl, her powers, her being chased and escaping. Her powers were cool and it was nice to have a powerful female but it was too far.
She is the most powerful mage ever. I don’t really want that in my M/M books unless it’s some character they go to visit for help. I don’t want it to be a main character. I certainly don’t want to see things from her POV. One of our MCs gets new powers during a battle but it felt more like an afterthought.
Very little is the search of the good guys for her, no development in Morgan and Lance’s relationship, just a lot of sex. They were in the big battles but not a whole lot else.
This felt like a mainstream romance book except the girl was really too young to date the het hero. She was a teen young enough to get grounded. I think she was 17 and the 300-year-old or something like that guy falls for her. They at some point say she’s a minor. Twilight anyone? So gross. This is marketed as an M/M romance book and I get an offensive teen romance with x-rated gay sex scenes stuck in occasionally.
The dialogue was cheesy and nothing was particularly new. This didn’t feel like a continuation of the previous story line. It felt totally different, like a completely different world. The final battle was good—I think. It was too full of talk about the girl being the old guy’s true mate. Maybe it’s because I’ve had teenage daughters who are convinced their souls mates are men in their thirties. The men are so gross and inappropriate.
She has no say in her life. Her future is decided permanently by the other characters. It’s disgusting.
Why am I spending so much time talking about this teenage girl? Exactly.
It sounds like this whole story is going to be along these lines in the next book and I’m not interested.
The reader was good but the audio was inconsistent. A character would yell or even just say something loud and the decibels increased dramatically. I don’t recommend listening to this with head phones—you’ll blow out an eardrum—or when someone is around you don’t want knowing what you’re listening to: “Oh sweetheart, I love you so much, touch me, OMIGOD I’M GOING TO COME!!” That doesn’t even show it properly. I’m not exaggerating.
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