Being hunted was the perfect excuse for a shopping spree. Just because I was going to die didn’t mean I couldn’t go down in style.
My grandmother said it was idiotic. I didn’t agree ... until I came face to face with a demon and the bastard ate my Prada shirt.
Like, who does that?
You’d think he’d be into souls, not silk, right? But it could have something to do with my spastic magic.
My rogue powers were what got me into this mess. And now I was shackled with River Blackman.
In just a few hours, the arrogant male made me regret everything—including the day I was born. Unfortunately, my little fiasco with the fashion-munching demon came with a price, so I had to play nice with the high priest.
The problem?
River had secrets of his own. And if the skeletons in his closet were ever unleashed, we’d both wish we were dead.
As if I needed more help in the kick-bucket department.
USA Today Bestselling and multi award-winning fiction author, Maya Daniels shares her skillful and creative storytelling with audiences from around the world. Semiramis is her first published trilogy. Marrying her investigative journalism skills with her knowledge and passion of the esoteric, she spins compelling stories of magic, truth, romance, and adventure. She lives with her magick sprinkled familiar, a cat named Odyssey, in Southern California. When not reading all about the arcane, eating chocolate, or writing her next novel, she is busy with her Reiki healing practice.
Hmm… I don’t know why I’m disappointed. I guess it just didn’t hit the same as book one.
We have the same sassy main character, except now I think her attitude is over the top. We have the same delicious sexual tension with River, except now I think it’s been going on too long without any progress (they didn’t even kiss once 😭). We have the same easy to read writing, except now I think there should have been so much more of it.
The start doesn’t feel like the start of a new book (how do I explain this?) It’s just so… nonsensical. I probably wouldn’t have minded if it happened later in the book, but it didn’t work as an opening for me. It made Hazel appear whiny and impractical. I did enjoy the middle of the book, but not as much as I expected. And worst of all, as soon as things get interesting the book cuts off on a cliffhanger.
I needed so much more of this. I was delighted to be reunited with some of my favourite characters, but I feel like I only got a brief tease. Even so, you couldn’t keep me away from the next (hopefully longer) book.
This is the second book in this series and I loved this one just as much as the first! If you like witches, magic, and urban fantasy this book should definitely be on your TBR list ASAP. This one starts off right where the first one left off, and ends in a definite cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Ok I'm a big fan of fmc with sass but this character is down right annoying I would love to punch her in the face and tell her to grow up and get a brain I barely finished the first book but thought hey she might grow up in the next book but nope. I am so disappointed the series would have been great if she had a better fmc I was finding myself browsing pages to skip out her bull to get back into the story I read the book in about a hour because of it will not be reading the next one.
I couldn't wait to start this book! After the revelations dropped on Hazel's head, heck, she and I were still reeling! Granny dearest hid so much from Hazel, ostensibly to protect her but then she squirrels Hazel away, once more for her "protection" She had a point though, because, Hazel, being Hazel, just can't follow "requests" She's a bit of a loose cannon and oh so impetus, which, yep, lands her in the thick of it yet again. Demons, vampires, supernaturals of all kind are intent on getting to her, a full out scramble ensues with dreadful consequences. I fully understand WHY Hazel needs to push buttons, she's grown up feeling like a failure, she's starved of any type of maternal love and bombshell after bombshell land squarely on her head! Her only out, her only tether is Sissily, her best friend, her crutch to sanity. With that bond in tatters, yes....she will do whatever she can to fix it. But "fixing" for Hazel leads her to even more disastrous outcomes. Her snark and attitude hide her insecurities superbly. I do enjoy the comical aspects Maya effortlessly brings in, so natural in the banter. The mystery and betrayals, the twisting of the plot, the secrets and lies, the author turns up the volume, one dial at a time, immersing me entirely.
Awesome characters give this book a realism, a sense of knowing them, rooting for them. I couldn't love Alex and Amber more, the nicest, deadliest, best unconditional, protective love oozes from them. Hazel, a compulsively impulsive character with a fetish for designer clothing, a very over the top persona, is a delight. I loved seeing her evolve with her magic, the confusion, the fear of it, trying to understand it. Geez, what she does eventually discover, she sure ain't prepared for! No wonder she has trust issues! Nor is she prepared for River, the gorgeous hunk who gets her all quivery, well WHOA!!!! And then the bombshell of all bombshells! Talk about throwing a curve ball! This author constantly surprises me, she takes an already great character, then adds more layers to them and then takes them to a new high. I can never anticipate where she'll end up so I lean back and enjoy the ride, one jaw dropping revelation at a time! Secrets, or at the very least, vital, pertinent info keep dropping like embers spitting from a fire, not sure where they'll land. Loyalty, friendship and love are a huge theme throughout any of Maya's books, tightly wound in a fast paced, captivating read, flowing so naturally. Each time I reach the end of a book, I'm surprised, like a road well travelled, I suddenly find I've reached my destination. Thankfully Hazel has not...there is more to explore, more to discover, more to be revealed. A very fun, quick read, packed with the beauty of true friendship, true loyalty and a whole host of awesome action.
Hazel is at the Packhouse and has been there for quite a few days and it is driving her crazy! She manages to sneak out to the coven to check on her BFF, Sissily. While there, the coven comes under attack and everyone is on board to fight! A weird connection still exists between her and River…and one of his biggest secrets comes out~ They all will fight with demons, wolves, vamps, and other beings! As Hazel matures more into the role fate has set out for her, she will hear voices that she will later learn are most important! Her unbound magic is something she is still learning to control. Hazel is learning to respect and trust certain people around her and she also discovers she has friends. Hazel also has developed feelings for those she is now considering family for they have proven just how much she means to them. She always comes back to the strange blank book, and now that she knows her origins, just what will it take for it to reveal what is inside? River and Hazel will have to learn to trust one another implicitly to work together successfully. He has betrayed her and what could have been the start of something wonderful. What will be in store for the next part of the journey?
Hazel's friend Sissly hasn't talked to her since the attack in the field, and she is determined to see her and make sure she hasn't lost her friend because of her unexpected and brutal new powers. The only problem is escaping from the Alpha's land, but her opportunity to do so comes when and old flame, and a member of the pack shows up at a party. Unfortunately, Hazel's plan goes terribly wrong. She does get to the coven building, but there is an attack of vampires and demons that threatens to destroy the rest of the building, and everyone in it. To top it all off, the stupid book that unlocked her power remains blank, and her frustration at not getting any answers is getting frustrating. Action, suspense, magical battles, and battles between paranormal beings. Fast paced and engrossing read with unexpected twists in the plot. I think this is a must read. The characters are all well written, unique, and sometimes laugh out loud funny. I especially like Hazel and her interactions with her friends, and those she doesn't trust at all. She has a kick butt and unapologetic attitude that I found to be down right charming.
**WARNING! Cliffhanger!** Picking up from where book one left off, we find Hazel living in the pack lands, getting some training from the shifters. She hasn’t heard from her best friend Sissely for a week, and she has no idea what her grandmother Danika and the annoying (but attractive) River are up to. A trip back to the coven house leads to a demon attack, and a number of secrets are revealed before Hazel and her friends head further into adventure.
The book ends on a pretty big reveal and cliffhanger, and fortunately we only have to wait two months (at the time of writing this) to find out what happens next. There are also two chapters preview of a book from another series by the author at the end of the book, so don’t be too surprised when it stops at the 90% mark. It’s still a good and very entertaining read, and yes, Hazel is just a little annoying at times (a flaw the author even acknowledges), but it just adds an edge to be rubbed smooth by the events yet to occur!
If you enjoy urban fantasy stories in a kind of serialized format, then you’ll enjoy this one.
Hazel and Sissily are brilliant characters.Witches and best friends since they met four years old. For all her life Sissily he been Hazel's only friend as Hazel is cursed............she's the.only witch that he no magic.......none whatsoever......... If it were.not for the fact that her grandmother is in charge of her coven and the strongest witch alive, Hazel would have died long ago....not that Hazel's grandmother seems to be motivated by love. Hazel's mother died giving birth to her something for which she has never gotten over. Now, since her magic (or some mgic) has manifested in Hazel she seems to be acquiring allies .......like the wolf alpha and his pack. But she is also finding herself inundated by enemies on all sides. Something about Hazel now having access to magic has put a giant target on her back and she has no idea why............................let's hope she and her friends can survive long enough to find answers.................... Great second edition carries right on from where book one left off, plenty of snark, laughs and action....I loved it...........
There was alot of action in this book. Some good fight scenes. Hazel got a bit more insight to her magic and parentage. We still need more answers.. about her.. and what's the high priest game?.. the vampires and the demons?.. Alex and Amber are great characters, Hazel needs them. Sissily is amazing and knows exactly how to handle Hazel. Their banter is so funny. More is revealed about River. I like him too.. I'm not sure how I feel about Hazel if I'm honest. She can be a strong, sassy women. Loyal to those she cares about. Determined. But her attitude was getting to me. They way she is with River. There is something there with them, will she allow that to happen? Even she admits to acting like a teenager. But the continued pushing away... I'm sure Maya is teasing us! I look forward to the next book in this series and hope that Hazel learns to trust more and be more open to her feelings and not so closed off.
I received a copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
This is book 2 in the series. It picks up where book 1 left off. Hazel is her snarky sassy self. She is used to blending in and not being noticed. When she opened Pandora's box, all hell broke loose. She ends up with so much power, and she needs to learn some people can help her not all of them are bad. The relationship between River and Hazel is hilarious!! Their relationship is definitely taking a different turn, if Hazel allows it. This book was awesome!! You learn more in this book. Secrets come out and relationships get stronger. It's full of suspense, action and humor!! Grab your copy and enjoy Hazels world, you won't be sorry!!
So… sometimes I kinda wanna smack Hazel in the forehead. I get exactly why she is the way she is. She’s sound a coping mechanism. However, she’s also her own worst enemy. She does cause her own chaos. So now we have seen sissily as the bestie. We’ve gotten to know River a little bit. And I’ve definitely fallen in love with Amber and Alex and their family. My heart also kinda breaks for Ace but we can’t help that. So now we’ve got all kinda crazies after Hazel. And she can’t seem to just be. And I have a feeling now that all the crazy is coming out, it’s gunna get worse before it gets better.
Its so good to get back into Hazel's world!! Like book 1, this was a fun and action packed read, with lots of revelations revealed that just keeps you turning the pages to discover more! I loved the continued deep friendship between Hazel and Sissily as they try to take on the world together! They're slowly learning that they can open up their little circle to others, but its a very new concept for them both. River is another great character that you know theres more to come about him yet - and I cant wait to discover it!!
Another great story with Hazel and her crew. I did enjoy this book but I do have to say that Hazel’s attitude was over the top. It’s understandable that she is feeling off due to finding out she does have powers but I’m hoping she matures a bit in the next book. There is not much steam in this book, hopefully she will move forward with her pseudo-relationships with Ace and River. Secrets about her past have now come to light and the action is well paced in this book. Looking forward to seeing how everything moves forward now that so many hidden secrets have been revealed.
Would be good if the MC wasn't a brat - read on KU
I am going to read the next one to see if she decides to behave like an adult. If she did, this would be a great story. And why is she convinced River betrayed her? That isn't really a spoiler because he doesn't do anything worthy of her having that opinion. And I'd really live it if the author would stop with the "Im'ma." It'd be nice if Hazel didn't talk like a gangster half the time. Too bad Sissily isn't the MC. She's reasonable.
While this book picked up exactly where we left off. It just didn’t have that Saale quick paced plot as it’s previous. It definitely didn’t have that sassy female MC I fell in-tune with from the start. Information dumping if how I could describe this book. I’m not even sure I’ll read the next in it’s series unfortunately. I just was not connected at all. What a shame.
Yes we have another witch who has no clue, but she's going to go down figting rather than acknowledge it.. At some point you think parents are gonna start. Learning that binding their children just doesn't seem to do what they think it's gonna do... Win or Lose?
Every Maya Daniels book is a delight to read and this one was no different. It holds a lot of tension building in its storyline and the great characters that we love from the other books. I enjoyed this book.
Be careful what you wish for. That is something Hazel needs to remember. This book is full of battles, earth shattering revelations and the usual betrayals. It was a fun read and I look forward to the series continuing.
I was really disappointed with this one. The MC was very annoying and over the top with her bitchiness . The stars are just because I like River and her best friend. I found myself skimming her dialogues when she starts talking. Hope the next book will be better
This book kept me wanting more. Every time I had to put it down, it was very difficult to do so. I was even late coming back from break, when i was at work. Lol The ending of this book had me screaming.
The woman born from a long and strong line of witches is about to find out a lot of things about herself. She had no witchy powers until she accidentally blows up the library at the coven house. Now she has unusual and uncontrolled magic. And enemies are still out to get her. It breaks my heart how much she has been lied to and belittled just to hide secrets. This witch is not going to take it anymore.
I think the first book, which I thoroughly enjoyed, defined the characters, and let me get to know them. This second book is a little more complex, where Hazel is beginning to see having powers comes with a lot more responsibility. I'm still chuckling to myself with Hazel's antics, but see that her powers are having an emotional toll. I highly recommend this book.
Good story line and characters. I don't like the over-use of profanity. Takes away from the story. I will continue with the series, unless it becomes worse with the profanity.
I like it the characters dry you in, but it’s the constant south of a person that’s had bad things happen in her life that really makes this book so engaging. Kudos to the author.
I'm getting tired of her being contrary just for the sake of it and causing irreversible damage... Well, let's hope book 3 is going to be where she grows up even a bit 🙄
Hazel goes in guns balzing. The Shifters are brilliant and a shopping spree brings trouble galore. Throw in a cliff hanger, Sissley, and the gang and I can't wait for the next book!