It's hard to concentrate on work when you've just moon-shifted with your alpha...
But the council that recruited me doesn't waste any time handing me my first assignment--and it just happens to be personal to me.
I have to slay the warped evil that is Avis Vine--a human servant so twisted and changed by her former master's bad blood magic that she's no longer really human. She's a powerful, raging creature bent on revenge and filled with darkness and bloodlust.
And making me suffer is her only goal.
But my wolf and I, we know about goals. We have goals. And we're just a little twisted ourselves.
We aren't about to wait for Avis to find us. We're going to hunt her down, and we're going to end her miserable life before she can achieve her only purpose in life--killing the people I love, the same way I killed her master.
Frederick Axton was her only reason for living, and I took him away from her.
You can see how that might piss a girl off.
And the longer I battle Avis Vine, the more I realize she's not going to be easy to end. As she blows through my city like a violent, destructive cyclone, I have to wonder...
Can I stop her before she shatters me and destroys my entire world?
Laken was first published in 2008. After a few exciting years with her publishers, she struck out on her own to write the now complete Rune Alexander series, and never looked back.
She shares her Ohio home with three spoiled dogs, two fish, and a tenacious African Violet. She drinks too much coffee and continues burning up the keys of her trusty laptop, getting the stories out of her head and into her readers' hands.
The human servant of the murderous vampire from the last book is determined to avenge his death. She has sworn to make Kait pay for killing him by taking everyone Kait cafes.for from her before finally killing her. Kait has a lot.to.deal with she has no idea when so many people became important in her life, for so long it was just Kait and her mum. Now, now there's so many, her housemate Lucy her Alpha Jared the two most important. The police detective Kait often works with (who was captured by the vampires in the last book) is still recovering from his.ordeal, the members of Jason's pack are still not very accepting of Kaits presence also Jared, for some reason, is reluctant to.act on the attraction that exists between the two of them. Then the enemy does something nobody could have foreseen which totally changes the world forever,................ There may be no coming back from what has been unleashed but one things for sure Kait will go.down fighting.....
3.5 Somewhat messy, too many threads, too many people. Both she and I were confused. And the minority report vibe was absurd, or rather I would have liked an explanation as to why that “species” is raving mad. (I can’t be clearer without major spoilers) I liked it but yeah it is seriously messy.
I’m still thoroughly enjoying the series but there were a couple of things that give me pause in this installment. But first the good:
I truly love Kait’s character. She does what has to be done, loves with a deep and abiding loyalty that is unwavering and accepts even those who don’t understand her. She puts up with those who hate her… Although that might be better on my bad list, because she really should stand up for herself more rather than just walking away all the time. I adore Rick, Lucy, Joe, Zach and all those who stand by her. The plot-lines in each of the three books so far have been action-packed, interesting and incredibly hard to put down.
Jared, her kinda-sorta love interest is a mixed bag for me. He is in a tough position because he is the alpha of a wolf pack that hates her, yet he sees who she really is and (I think) realizes she is his mate. That would be a super hard situation to navigate and he is trying to do it carefully. I love how he deals with her. He is patient and supportive and allows her the freedom she needs without pressuring. However, I really don’t like how he also allows his pack to be so nasty to her. He sees how they look at her, treat her and want her gone. But so far, most of the time he just tries to ignore it. Yes, there are times he puts them in their place and most of the time Kait is actually the one to stop him, but still… I want him to do more because she doesn’t deserve the treatment she gets.
The plot in this installment is non-stop fighting almost from first to last page, as well. Now, that can be a plus - or it can be a problem. I just got exhausted. It isn’t just the normal baddy killing people, it takes it to a massive slaughter kind of scale. Rather than some people it is hoards of people being killed in bloody, gory ways throughout and that gets a bit overwhelming after a while.
And, at this point, it would have been nice to get a bit more depth into Kait’s background that makes her who she is. Why does she have these weird powers, etc.? Lots of stuff brushed over as we race to the next massive tragedy. And I REALLY don’t get why Lennon was let go WITH HER WAND!!! Are they all brain-dead?!? That makes absolutely NO sense in any rational world whatsoever. *sigh*
But, I’m still gobbling up the books, so, there is obviously SO much more good than these few quibbles. The series has me hooked enough to dive right back in. 😁
I'm kind of over the pack drama, and I feel like it's going to be HUGE coming out of this book. Hence the "book full of stupid assholes" tag.
I can't wait for the next one, but I'm nervous because if they all go tumbling down the stupid asshole hole - and man, it sure seemed like it was happening at the end of this book - it will wreck the series for me.
Oh man, this might be my favourite one yet. Kait is really put to the test with this book, and so is Jared.
Rick, the detective, has a lot going on and is featured quite a bit, and I fear what the next book will bring with him. I feel for him. I do. But I also wonder what he will do if he really does remember everything that happened to him.
The human servant, ohhh I can't think of his name, Zach! Is his name; he is healing, but his master wants him back, and he will stop at nothing to get Kait to hand him over.
Then we have the human psycho still to deal with; it's a lot, and a lot of plots are coming together, and some are going to blow your mind.
I loved it, and I am jumping into book 4. Loving the narration.
Kait and Jared see a development in their relationship. Though again I feel the need to mention more romantic foreplay before we get to confessing.
Lucy needs to get a more rounded characterization as well. Honestly.
Otherwise, it's fine. Didn't expect that to happen in the big climax. That took me by a lot of surprise. And I just want to hate on the Gray Shadow pack, for now.
I binged this series this weekend. First of all thank you Laken Cane for putting this up on audible to borrow for free.
I can't exactly tell what kept me going on with this series. I think it was this weird Romance in this book and also the mystery what kind of supernatural is Kait Silver? What are the secrets she is keeping and which are kept from her.
I enjoyed all the books and my rating is 3.5 to four stars for all the books. I like the main leads and thee side characters. My favorite were two side characters: Ash the rescued dog and Lucy the rescued human girl.
I liked the slow burn of the romance but when they finally give in it gets spicy. I had a good time listening to the audiobooks.
There is a ton of action but I wish there was more mystery and plot. Patricia Briggs or Ilona Andrews usually have a nicely packaged arc for each book. This felt more like the second half of the previous book, instead of something new. The amount of action scenes was overwhelming at times, and I can't help but wonder if this could have been pared down and simply combined with the previous book.
The romance in this series is more of a background element, but I can see it picking up in later books. I'm okay with the romance not taking off right away, and to be honest, I wish she did more dating around first.
Even though I didn't have as much fun with Bold Mercy, I'm still looking forward to the next book!
... I'm glad this wasn't the first book in the series
I had a hard time buying this 'oh btw, the evil vampire in the last book left a super villain behind who's apparently an even greater threat than he was', & the uber powerful vampire elders of the council who had to take care of Axton themselves because he was so powerful, just sat back & waited for Kait to stop his mini-me monster while their presence is revealed to the humans in a way that guarantees the humans will want them eliminated. Just not believable.
I still enjoy the relationships Kait is developing thru this, though her relationship with Jared is so frustratingly damaged, & at several key moments their romance is too crude to be romantic.
There is character growth, but things are beginning to feel artificially prolonged - like this would have been better as a 3 or 4 book series rather than 5. I may revise my opinion after I read the rest, but at this point, I think I'd like to see some of the plot threads tying up already.
Also, Kait constantly misinterprets the motives of those who want to help her & has this whole 'I am woman hear me roar' defensive thing that's obnoxious, & it's an aspect of her damage that I hope she outgrows soon.
I have to admit that I'm starting to worry about how the conclusion is going to turn out ...
***Potential Content Issues: There are still instances of naked bodies, though it isn't dwelt on or emphasized much. There's a sex scene that gives readers some general idea of what's going on, but it's not fully graphic - strongly R-rated rather than outright X porn. It's fairly easy to skip past
74 f-bombs yet somehow it seemed like more - certainly in relation to having sex it was a romance killer. As is the whole 'let's just have meaningless sex together' thing. Romance without love just isn't; it's more on par with a horny dog humping somebody's leg.
So many twists in this installment and non-stop action that I had to pause to gather my bearings more than once. Although Kait brought the big bad to justice in the last novel, he left behind a destructive little sidekick who is threatening to undo Kait's world. Add to that a human psycho after one of her friends and Kait has her hands full. A lot of ups and downs in this book, revelations and betrayals leaving things very different at the end with lots of unanswered questions.
Dnf 30% I've for some reason developed a strong dislike for the MFC. She's dismissive and selfish and naive and I can't stand her. This characterization started for me in the second book and has continued, so I just need to be done. ✌️ Out
At the beginning I was debating on finishing reading just because it has been a while since I read the last book. But something about Laken Cane’s writing sucks you in. They know how to write a good action scene, and a story in general without dragging it out, which I really appreciate.
There’s no real steamy scene in the book but (SPOILER) there is a mating, all while still leaving a huge gap between the main characters.
Dit boek was zo spannend! Het verhaal bouwde mooi op en ik kon gewoon niet meer stoppen! Ook dit boek had een open einde.. Maar niet extreem. Ik ben benieuwd waar het volgende deel over gaat.
"Bold Mercy" by Laken Cane is the third installment in the urban fantasy "Kait Silver" series, and it plunges back into the gritty and dangerous world of Kait Silver.
This book picks up the threads from the previous novels, throwing Kait into a deeply personal and action-packed conflict.
* "Bold Mercy" lives up to its name. From the very beginning, the plot is a whirlwind of confrontations, battles, and desperate attempts to outwit Avis. The pacing rarely lets up, keeping the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat. If you enjoy non-stop action in your urban fantasy, this book delivers.
* This installment raises the personal stakes for Kait significantly. Avis's motivations are directly tied to Kait's past actions, making the conflict deeply emotional and impactful. The threat to Kait's loved ones adds a layer of vulnerability and urgency to her mission.
* Kait continues to be a compelling protagonist. Her resilience, loyalty, and inner strength shine through even in the face of overwhelming odds. The internal struggle of a shifter who can't shift adds a unique and relatable dimension to her character. We see her further embrace her unique talents and her fierce protectiveness of those she cares about. * Beyond the action, the book touches upon themes of revenge, the consequences of one's actions, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Avis, while a clear antagonist, has a understandable motivation, adding a layer of complexity to the conflict.
* The familiar cast of characters, including Rick, Lucy, and Joe, continue to play important roles, offering support and adding depth to Kait's world. Their interactions feel genuine and contribute to the overall emotional resonance of the story.
"Bold Mercy" is a thrilling and action-packed addition to the "Kait Silver" series. Laken Cane delivers a high-stakes narrative with a determined protagonist facing a deeply personal and dangerous threat. Fans of urban fantasy with strong female leads, intense action sequences, and a touch of paranormal romance will likely find themselves engrossed in Kait's latest battle. While the relentless pace and violence might not appeal to all readers, "Bold Mercy" solidifies Kait Silver's place as a resilient and compelling figure in the genre. It successfully raises the stakes and leaves the reader eager to see what challenges await Kait in the next installment.
"Bolf Mercy" is an incredible installment in Kait Silver series. This time there is a serial killer who is haunting Lucy's dreams. Additionally, the Vampire Council has sent Kait a message that former Vampire Master, Frederick Axton's human companion, Avis has gone rogue and is creating a magically enhanced new kind of vampire and is planning to go after everyone Kait holds dear. Lucy confirms that someone is coming for them and she feels they should start preparing for the attack.
As Kait and the gang begin mobilizing their army, humans are being attacked in the streets by vampires. They also seem to be able to avoid burning to a crisp in the sunlight. Paranormals are no longer a secret in the human world. Jared and Kait are still trying to fight their attraction to one another but for very different reasons. Jared is not a one night kind of guy and Kait is afraid she will lose herself to him if she commits.
As Avis escalates her attacks on Kait and the city the Mayor wants to make the face of the protector of humans. The only problem is that she really is not human. But I'm not telling (lol). This book is chocked full of action, emotions, betrayals and loyalties. There is also just enough snark to make you smile in between the sorrow. This read also introduces us to a new character that has exciting possibilities. I cannot wait to see where the next installment is heading. It promises to definitely be an interesting ride.
Torn between three and four stars, but ultimately, I’m thinking a strong three. Holy moly. Things picked up times ten in this book. The whole thing was basically action! Definitely both pros and cons to that, but overall, I enjoyed it.
Relationship wise… well, Kait and Jared are together now… and I’m confused. In the last book, the whole BIG thing was that they couldn’t be together until she accepted him, or whatever. Which… she hasn’t. And yet… they are together. The romance is fine. Frankly, it’s the least remarkable part of the series, and that’s honestly saying something coming from a certified romance junkie.
The plot in this one had more layers, which I enjoyed. The main plot line with the vampire servant had some elements which were a bit confusing or maybe just not super well-developed; namely, how was this human (because she was a human… right?) somehow more powerful than, like, all of the most powerful supernaturals combined?
The Lennon plot line was an interesting and genuinely surprising twist, and I would honestly be curious if I ever re-read this to see if there was build-up that I missed. The wand business was also a little confusing to me as well, but as Kait no longer had it by the end of the book, I’m assuming that’s either wrapped up or will come back with hopefully more explanation later.
I will say that I have enjoyed the diverse cast of characters so far in this series, and the side characters are often a highlight for me.
I absolutely adore all of the characters. I can so see Joe and Max getting together , I really hope they do because they are so cute !! I think Jared and Kait will finally make things official in book 4 but it’s taking a longggg time and would love to see more romance between them.
Ash is one of my favorite characters , the sweet little rescue pittie who makes everyone feel safe and loved , bless him he is amazing 😭💕
At the end of this book I felt really bad for the detective and Lucy , I mean damn that was rough… I hope they can get through it. Also how is Kait still ALIVE ?😂 that women have a gazillion lives.
There were a lot of things I didn’t see coming in this book , this was a fast paced book and there was a lot going on in it so much so that sometimes I lost focus on everything that was going on but it all kept me hooked - I read it in a day !
The only negative thing I can say is that in all 3 books so far there have been A Lot of spelling mistakes which is disappointing and hopefully book 4 onwards will have better spelling.
Overall it was a great book if you don’t mind the spelling mistakes 💕
Laken Cane - Please give us some more romance with Kait in book 4 !! I’d love to see some sweet scenes with her opening up and feeling safe and content with her love interest 🤗
I really enjoyed the first two books of this series, but I am very disappointed with this book and the progression of the story and characters. Kait can do all these special things, but there is no history or explanation behind them. Her only growth comes from the fact she realizes she is an alpha and doesn't want to be commanded or dominated (yay!), but no one else seems to realize her strengths (other than the fighting kind) and grow in kind - I'm looking at you, Jared. You'd think that having two alphas/equal partners would be a good thing... but no. Also the whole Pack thing is dumb - they are supposed to be a pack and (in other werewolf books) generally inclusive or accepting. Here, no matter what Kait does, she is a traitor (tarred by the same brush as her father - also vague and not fully explained) even though she literally saved the Pack in the first book and keeps doing it. I like her growing group of sidekicks, but they don't have great depth. Kait's decision to join the council (also not well explained who they are or their contribution to society) just because she felt that they weren't getting the respect they deserve was not well thought out or even fleshed out as a plot point. Finally, she is a little to "my precious" with her stupid demon sword.
I'm so disappointed because the first two I already love it My main problem was the plot, it wasn't a lot of plot, it was just action, fight after figth every other pages and if she wasn't fighting she was licking her wounds and boy oh boy! she really got beat up so much. Obviously Jared is her Fated mate but i hate that whenever anyone is going to mention it they just get shushed by another person and she obviously doesn't get it but she knows about fated mate since book one. I would have loved a book where she focuses more on her job solving small cases that involve more research and also spending time getting to know more about her own pack and also if she was more curious about her heritage, like trying to get to know more about her abilities and from where they come from. But since it's not that case, we just read fight after fight with some angst between Jared and her, indeed she has waaaay too many man friends that look up to her like she was a goddess. Honestly I'm mostly sad because I just spend so much time to get enough free time to just relax and read this book just to be disappointed and even I didn't finish!
3.5 but rounded up because it’s not the book’s fault I have no patience and felt like dying every time I had to wait for the other shoes to drop.
This was a thrill. Even when I was busy with life and took a few to finish it up, I enjoyed it. Kait is… just poor thing man. I was a little annoyed that there seems to be a pattern of they like me/they hate me and it’s beginning to get old. I’m okay with it to an extent, all this drama. I’m okay when it makes me cry and when I’m pumped on adrenaline. But if book four does the same thing, imma have to say enough is enough.
In relation to that, I love watching Kait turn into a “bad guy”. Cause she’s not. But everyone seems so adamant to label her as one, and with her twisted wolf/woman Psycho always smiling when it’s time to hurt someone for hurting her/s, it definitely doesn’t help.
For the first time in this series, I am irritated with Kait. First, she tries to engage in a casual sexual relationship with Jared, because she is too scared to engage in a deeper, more meaningful relationship. He becomes deeply offended and she can't seem to understand why. Second, Kait's confidence and strength are starting to come across as arrogance. She starts bragging about how strong she is, and arguing with people whose opinions used to hold weight with her. Third, she starts treating the wolves in her pack as lesser than her human friends, even though she keeps insisting that she has always wanted to be pack.
So we finally make some headway into the relationship with Jared at about 70%, but the ending has another miscommunication putting up a road block there as well.
I read ahead through reviews of books 4 & 5, and have decided not to continue at this time.
It started off pretty good, but it's starting to flow into the same old story. Girl playing fake tough warrior, but only runs her mouth with little bitty fake threats and nothing to back them up with. This whole book is all Abt, fantasyland fake playacting threats, that never actually happen cuz, she's all talk. She doesn't do any training to increase her skill set, or anything else. Just lying to her followers, and still blowing hot air Abt what she's gonna do to someone when she finds that someone. Hahah it's overkill and not realistic, in fact she should've already been merk'd in book 2. I mean seriously. She was wouldn't even be alive right now. Hahahah and I'f she's part demon or part something u need to power this Beotch up, cuz she's too weak. Right now for all that jaw jockn she's doing