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Kaliya Sahni #3
Monsters
My life is out of control. Raphael is now my lover, Mygi is trying everything they can to kill me to get him back, and I’m still a ruler of a dying people with enemies lurking in every shadow.
And for all of that, I only have a single lead that could unravel the mysteries of Raphael’s past. His mysteries, which are also the secrets of Mygi, a company very much willing to kill to keep those secrets.
All I can do is focus on one problem at a time, follow the threads, and connect the dots. I need to take the fight to them and I won’t be stopped. The threads are coming together, the pieces are falling into place. For him, I’m going to expose them as the monsters they are. I’m going to bring every secret into the light. For him, I’ll do anything, even though he doesn’t know what he really is to me.
I’m Kaliya Sahni, a Tribunal Executioner, a ruler of the nagas, and the secret mate of Raphael Alvarez.
And I kill monsters.
And for all of that, I only have a single lead that could unravel the mysteries of Raphael’s past. His mysteries, which are also the secrets of Mygi, a company very much willing to kill to keep those secrets.
All I can do is focus on one problem at a time, follow the threads, and connect the dots. I need to take the fight to them and I won’t be stopped. The threads are coming together, the pieces are falling into place. For him, I’m going to expose them as the monsters they are. I’m going to bring every secret into the light. For him, I’ll do anything, even though he doesn’t know what he really is to me.
I’m Kaliya Sahni, a Tribunal Executioner, a ruler of the nagas, and the secret mate of Raphael Alvarez.
And I kill monsters.
10 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 19, 2021
328 people are currently reading
173 people want to read
About the author
K.N. Banet
37 books731 followersAuthor of the Jacky Leon series, Kaliya Sahni series, and Everly Abbott series, along with standalones that belong in the same world as all of them!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
October 12, 2021
This is third in a UF series that is bound together with another (the Jacky Leon series). This one has character and plot arcs that build over time. The timeline of the two serieses intersects oddly, so I try to read them in publication order. I don't know if you want to go that far, but I definitely recommend reading the series itself in order.
You know what you're getting at this point in the series. The action is fast, the story engaging, the characters pretty awesome. Well, about that last one...
The thing dragging this down for me, and it was a huge drag for the entire story, is that Kaliya is all about information withholding and unilateral action "for his own good". She's hiding that Raphael is her mate. And there are some relatively good reasons she should hold off and maybe not complete that bond. But she's making a decision for both of them. And I hate that so very, very much.
It doesn't help that a good deal of her reasoning is a deep-seated self-hatred. So there's a lot of "he deserves to live the life he was meant for" going on. So not only is she making choices for both of them, she's doing it out of undeserved self-loathing.
So while it's a good story, and I still love the characters, I was deeply frustrated for much of my time reading. So it's three stars and I'm not sure if I'll continue on to the next.
A note about Steamy: For the most part, Banet elides over the explicit parts of their intimacy. Which is probably a good choice. But there's one scene where we get more, and I think that was a good choice as well—it was important in a lot of character-establishment ways. So this is steamy. But really lightly so.
You know what you're getting at this point in the series. The action is fast, the story engaging, the characters pretty awesome. Well, about that last one...
The thing dragging this down for me, and it was a huge drag for the entire story, is that Kaliya is all about information withholding and unilateral action "for his own good". She's hiding that Raphael is her mate. And there are some relatively good reasons she should hold off and maybe not complete that bond. But she's making a decision for both of them. And I hate that so very, very much.
It doesn't help that a good deal of her reasoning is a deep-seated self-hatred. So there's a lot of "he deserves to live the life he was meant for" going on. So not only is she making choices for both of them, she's doing it out of undeserved self-loathing.
So while it's a good story, and I still love the characters, I was deeply frustrated for much of my time reading. So it's three stars and I'm not sure if I'll continue on to the next.
A note about Steamy: For the most part, Banet elides over the explicit parts of their intimacy. Which is probably a good choice. But there's one scene where we get more, and I think that was a good choice as well—it was important in a lot of character-establishment ways. So this is steamy. But really lightly so.
February 7, 2022
Nope, this one didn’t work for me. Don’t get me wrong, it is just as well written as previous books in this series. BUT (and it’s kind of a big one) the back and forth of “will Kaliya and Raphael be honest about their relationship” was the huge elephant in the room from page one to the last page turned. Yet there was absolutely no progression in that over-riding area AT ALL! In fact it ends worse than it started.
And can I just say, I HATE the old “I’m not worthy so it’s for his/her own good” trope where one partner doesn’t allow the other any say in the matter? Burns my blood and makes me want to throw the book (tablet) at the wall.
Aside from that red-face, hair-pulling annoyance… the first half of the book is super slow with not much happening. The second half gets better and the action is great. It just can’t overcome the idiocy of Kaliya’s choices where the most important person in her life is concerned. Good grief, I hope this doesn’t extend into the next book or I’mma gonna have to tap out.
And can I just say, I HATE the old “I’m not worthy so it’s for his/her own good” trope where one partner doesn’t allow the other any say in the matter? Burns my blood and makes me want to throw the book (tablet) at the wall.
Aside from that red-face, hair-pulling annoyance… the first half of the book is super slow with not much happening. The second half gets better and the action is great. It just can’t overcome the idiocy of Kaliya’s choices where the most important person in her life is concerned. Good grief, I hope this doesn’t extend into the next book or I’mma gonna have to tap out.
January 22, 2021
Wow.
What an amazing book. What an amazing story.
Kaliya and Raphael return for the third instalment of their story. Their investigation into the prison break (Snared Kaliya Sahni #2) is bogged down and going nowhere. Then an unexpected lead breaks the deadlock and they find themselves on a rescue mission that will change everything.
What an amazing book. What an amazing story.
Kaliya and Raphael return for the third instalment of their story. Their investigation into the prison break (Snared Kaliya Sahni #2) is bogged down and going nowhere. Then an unexpected lead breaks the deadlock and they find themselves on a rescue mission that will change everything.
January 20, 2021
I'm going to begin this by saying Kristen is one of my very favourite authors. Her world building is complex, original and well-drawn and she is a superb writer. I love her heroines and she always gets the right balance on plot and romance.
However, I do have some mixed feelings about this one, which has left me unsure of my rating.
The plot of this book is top notch. We see the Mygi storyline come to its conclusion and find out the answers to the mystery of Raphael and his species. It was well paced, with a good balance of action and down time for character development. I also liked how Raphael is beginning to grow into himself, as he's never been a massively vivid character on page, but he almost seemed to grow into himself by the end.
So why am I unsure of the rating, I hear you ask? Mainly, the frustration I am left with at the end. I completely understand why Banet has done it, and it is evident what will likely eventually happen to resolve it, but it doesn't make it any less fraustrating, which can't help but dampen my enjoyment somewhat. I guess it's because I really don't like the secret keeping causing drama trope, and if course we have (as in previous books) poor Kaylina keeping the secret that Raphael is her mate and allowing her fear and trauma to refuse to see a future for them. I understand why she feels that way, but hearing her think it repeatedly did make me want to bash my head against a wall.
That being said, everything else was excellent, and I know the frustration will be short lived in the grand scheme of the series. But June feels very far away!
However, I do have some mixed feelings about this one, which has left me unsure of my rating.
The plot of this book is top notch. We see the Mygi storyline come to its conclusion and find out the answers to the mystery of Raphael and his species. It was well paced, with a good balance of action and down time for character development. I also liked how Raphael is beginning to grow into himself, as he's never been a massively vivid character on page, but he almost seemed to grow into himself by the end.
So why am I unsure of the rating, I hear you ask? Mainly, the frustration I am left with at the end. I completely understand why Banet has done it, and it is evident what will likely eventually happen to resolve it, but it doesn't make it any less fraustrating, which can't help but dampen my enjoyment somewhat. I guess it's because I really don't like the secret keeping causing drama trope, and if course we have (as in previous books) poor Kaylina keeping the secret that Raphael is her mate and allowing her fear and trauma to refuse to see a future for them. I understand why she feels that way, but hearing her think it repeatedly did make me want to bash my head against a wall.
That being said, everything else was excellent, and I know the frustration will be short lived in the grand scheme of the series. But June feels very far away!
January 22, 2021
No spoilers.
..... I really enjoyed this book, it concluded some things and left others wide open. Poor kaliya is SO broken emotionally but I actually do see her point that she makes throughout her book, and I understand the ending. It gives us hints about hasan and his family , you see them from a different perspective from jacky. I highly reccomended this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
..... I really enjoyed this book, it concluded some things and left others wide open. Poor kaliya is SO broken emotionally but I actually do see her point that she makes throughout her book, and I understand the ending. It gives us hints about hasan and his family , you see them from a different perspective from jacky. I highly reccomended this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 20, 2021
Well, That Ending Wrecked Me
This is the best installment yet. The storyline got seriously interesting in this one, and I’m totally smitten! I’m so ready for the next one, and Kristen better redeem herself after that treacherous ending! I’m in tears, so be prepared. I will never tire of the world of the Tribunal!
This is the best installment yet. The storyline got seriously interesting in this one, and I’m totally smitten! I’m so ready for the next one, and Kristen better redeem herself after that treacherous ending! I’m in tears, so be prepared. I will never tire of the world of the Tribunal!
January 21, 2021
Wow - lots of answers, but also a few more questions. Kaliya is trying to keep Raphael safe from being a naga’s mate, and Raphael is starting to remember what happened to him. I liked that we get to see more of Kaliya’s emotions and there are a few heartbreaking moments that had me teary. The ending leaves you itch answers but also in limbo in different ways - I wouldn’t call it a cliffhanger, but it has some definite “WTF, Why did you do that?” I can’t wait to see what happens next!
January 13, 2021
I got an early copy of this book and omg now I can't believe i have to wait for the next one!
This book really brought out all the ugly crying for me. It resolved many of the plot points but we still have the biggest one (or two) left. I don't want to spoil anything but that ending! We get to see our favorite werecat, or my favorite anyway. Kaliya shows some personal growth throughout the book but seemed to fall right back ton her usual at the end which honestly, i don't think anyone will let her get away with. We find out what Raphael is and its a doozy, though i'm glad he got his memories back, i kinda miss the old Raphael. This book also shows us what Hisao taught Kalya and wow that woman is a bad momma.
Overall this is an excellent book and poor Hasan must be pulling his whiskers out with both Jackie and Kalya bringing so much chaos.
This book really brought out all the ugly crying for me. It resolved many of the plot points but we still have the biggest one (or two) left. I don't want to spoil anything but that ending! We get to see our favorite werecat, or my favorite anyway. Kaliya shows some personal growth throughout the book but seemed to fall right back ton her usual at the end which honestly, i don't think anyone will let her get away with. We find out what Raphael is and its a doozy, though i'm glad he got his memories back, i kinda miss the old Raphael. This book also shows us what Hisao taught Kalya and wow that woman is a bad momma.
Overall this is an excellent book and poor Hasan must be pulling his whiskers out with both Jackie and Kalya bringing so much chaos.
April 6, 2022
I honestly didn't think that I could think less of Kaliya, but this book was all "hold my beer!"
She is a whiny, selfish, self-absorbed asshole who thinks she's being this big martyr, when she's really just being a narcissist who thinks only she gets a say. I actually hate her character.
This book gets 5 stars for the fun mystery unfolding, and the detective teamwork. But Kaliya gets zero fucking stars, so the rating lands at 2.5.
I'll be honest, I'm only reading this series for the additional info we get on this world, and the scenes with Hasan and Hisao. If Kaliya died in book 4 and the series became about Raphael finding a non-asshole mate, I would be more than okay with it.
She is a whiny, selfish, self-absorbed asshole who thinks she's being this big martyr, when she's really just being a narcissist who thinks only she gets a say. I actually hate her character.
This book gets 5 stars for the fun mystery unfolding, and the detective teamwork. But Kaliya gets zero fucking stars, so the rating lands at 2.5.
I'll be honest, I'm only reading this series for the additional info we get on this world, and the scenes with Hasan and Hisao. If Kaliya died in book 4 and the series became about Raphael finding a non-asshole mate, I would be more than okay with it.
January 20, 2021
4.75 That ending!!!!! Wow! 😭
March 18, 2021
This book suffers from something happening that needs to happen. And, because books delivered in Kindle Unlimited tend to be short chapters of a longer story, what happens, happens at the end. And it is sad. I mean, you know it will be corrected. (At least, I seriously hope so or will be eternally disappointed!) but it is still a sad ending. So, the book suffers.
But I still enjoyed it.
But I still enjoyed it.
January 26, 2021
Everything that Kaliya and Raphael have gone through and discovered so far leads to THIS, a book with plenty of answers, drama and intensity.
Picking up a couple months past the events in Book 2, we are hot on the trail of the Healer - though that trail may not be quite as hot as they hoped. Failure after failure assaults them, and anyone that know Kaliya, knows that she is not good with failure. Especially when the life and future of her 'unknown' mate is on the line.
The characters drive this narrative forward, even more so than the events that transpire. The wants, needs and secret desires that bleed through the pages not only set the stage for future installments, but explain, deeply, why certain choices are made now. I feel for these souls, and my heart hurts to see what is so glaringly obvious. Raphael has proven himself a Main Male Protagonist worthy of crushing on, while Kaliya is, of course, my Bad@ss girl goals.
I can't wait to see where this will go next!
Perspective:
First Person, Single POV
Rating:
R
Ending Type:
'To Be Continued...' / Episodic
Romantic Dynamic:
M/F
Character Age Range:
Adult
My Final Verdict on Monsters
I can't get enough of this world or these characters, be they Jacky or Kalyia. Fast paced, deeply plotted and still emotionally driven, these are the kinds of Urban Fantasies that drag you in and don't let go. I great read I highly recommend.
Picking up a couple months past the events in Book 2, we are hot on the trail of the Healer - though that trail may not be quite as hot as they hoped. Failure after failure assaults them, and anyone that know Kaliya, knows that she is not good with failure. Especially when the life and future of her 'unknown' mate is on the line.
The characters drive this narrative forward, even more so than the events that transpire. The wants, needs and secret desires that bleed through the pages not only set the stage for future installments, but explain, deeply, why certain choices are made now. I feel for these souls, and my heart hurts to see what is so glaringly obvious. Raphael has proven himself a Main Male Protagonist worthy of crushing on, while Kaliya is, of course, my Bad@ss girl goals.
I can't wait to see where this will go next!
Perspective:
First Person, Single POV
Rating:
R
Ending Type:
'To Be Continued...' / Episodic
Romantic Dynamic:
M/F
Character Age Range:
Adult
My Final Verdict on Monsters
I can't get enough of this world or these characters, be they Jacky or Kalyia. Fast paced, deeply plotted and still emotionally driven, these are the kinds of Urban Fantasies that drag you in and don't let go. I great read I highly recommend.
January 20, 2021
This one was intense. I loved it! I’ve been really enjoying the play of the relationship between Ralph and Kaliya and in this next installment, it was so interesting to see it continue. Obvs no spoilers here and I can’t wait to chat about it in the spoiler even on Fb.
I don’t know what it is about the way that Banet writes or the emotions that her character has but they always feel just so relatable. Sure my family wasn’t murdered and I spent my life becoming a weapon but somehow the feelings and emotions just speak to me. Running? Pushing ppl away? I get it. Tbh I’m really frustrated Kaliya or Raphael don't know how to talk about their feelings honestly and openly with each other but to be fair to the drama and the characters it might not make for such angsty interesting reading! Haha
This book really focused on solving Raphael's mystery and I am very much looking forward to the next few in unlocking more secrets in Kalyia’s mystery!
This one ends in a cliffhanger so hold onto your hats friends it’s going to be a bumpy emotional ride!
I don’t know what it is about the way that Banet writes or the emotions that her character has but they always feel just so relatable. Sure my family wasn’t murdered and I spent my life becoming a weapon but somehow the feelings and emotions just speak to me. Running? Pushing ppl away? I get it. Tbh I’m really frustrated Kaliya or Raphael don't know how to talk about their feelings honestly and openly with each other but to be fair to the drama and the characters it might not make for such angsty interesting reading! Haha
This book really focused on solving Raphael's mystery and I am very much looking forward to the next few in unlocking more secrets in Kalyia’s mystery!
This one ends in a cliffhanger so hold onto your hats friends it’s going to be a bumpy emotional ride!
January 25, 2021
This is a pivotal book in this series. With it we get to the bottom of what Raphael is and where he was. Along the way Kaliya learns a bit more about when her family was murdered. So much going on, so much you can't really talk about without spoiling things. I will say that I'm happy with the Tribunal meeting at the end, glad that Raphael has the support of them and a way to start a new life. I sort of hate how things were left between Kaliya and Raphael, but I'm hoping that will change.
March 7, 2021
Duh.
These books are ridiculously good. Ridiculously.
And they're on KINDLE UNLIMITED. So you have no excuse!!
These books are ridiculously good. Ridiculously.
And they're on KINDLE UNLIMITED. So you have no excuse!!
March 6, 2022
3.5
The character is interesting enough, the world too. The romance is very slow burn and bit too angsty for me, but I suppose angst could be considered part and parcel of a lot of slow burn.
The character is interesting enough, the world too. The romance is very slow burn and bit too angsty for me, but I suppose angst could be considered part and parcel of a lot of slow burn.
February 11, 2022
Kaliya and Raphael are finally getting the answers they have been looking for and it's time to stop Magi once and for all. The two of them, Cassius and Sorcha are ready to storm the facility and free the other captives and show the world what was going on behind close doors. But once they are done, it will mean that Kaliya will finally have to leave Raphael because if her enemies will found out he's her mate, they'll come after him.
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions full of action!
This book was a rollercoaster of emotions full of action!
June 4, 2021
I enjoyed this book, but not nearly as well as some of the others she's written. Maybe it's because of the whole "Negative Motivation" that another reviewer was talking about, but I find myself very unhappy with Kaliya.
The action level in the story was great and kept me enjoying it from beginning to end. At the same time, I was unhappy with the personal portions of it. I understand that Kaliya is a very morally different person, and that she's been through some shit... but I can't agree with or understand her motivations, and it makes it very hard to relate to her. I will definitely be reading the next book, and I am really hoping to see some personal growth in it for Kaliya. Because right now it doesn't feel like it's there... and without it, all the action in the world can't push the book forward for me.
The action level in the story was great and kept me enjoying it from beginning to end. At the same time, I was unhappy with the personal portions of it. I understand that Kaliya is a very morally different person, and that she's been through some shit... but I can't agree with or understand her motivations, and it makes it very hard to relate to her. I will definitely be reading the next book, and I am really hoping to see some personal growth in it for Kaliya. Because right now it doesn't feel like it's there... and without it, all the action in the world can't push the book forward for me.
October 26, 2021
The third book FINALLY has some resolution for some of the questions and unanswered things that we have had to endure during the first two books. Ms. Banet does a really good job with the pacing, the plot and the entire world building. Where I am having a problem is with the female MC Kaliya. I want to shake her during most of this book (TBH, I've wanted to beat my head against a table for the last three books) Why? Because I am SO tired of her inner dialogue. The whole " woe is me" and "I'm such a horrible person and not good enough for you" dialogue but yet she can NEVER tell Rafael who he is to her is REALLY getting old. AND, if I read/hear about how her "fangs keep dropping" one more time....ARGH!!
Other than that, there is a lot of action in this book and we finally get to resolve the whole Mygi story arc. Plus, we get to find out exactly what Rafael is. And he turns out to be a badass. Awesome.
So, when some things get resolved, we are left with more questions. Honestly though, I am enjoying this series and ready to move on to the next book.
Other than that, there is a lot of action in this book and we finally get to resolve the whole Mygi story arc. Plus, we get to find out exactly what Rafael is. And he turns out to be a badass. Awesome.
So, when some things get resolved, we are left with more questions. Honestly though, I am enjoying this series and ready to move on to the next book.
December 7, 2022
This was another hard read to finish. The amount of pull and push from Kaliya is starting to completely ruin this series. She's super hypocritical and its starting to bother me to new degree. The self-hatred and woe is me is about to push this story to DNF. The constant he's a good man and i'm just a horrible supernatural is repetitive and irritating at this point. We are three books in, where is the character development. When is she gonna get over herself. Also, getting beat up again all the time and her constant reasoning is that she wasn't ready. When has an assailant ever waited for a person to get ready before fighting. It's irritating. If this doesn't change by the end of the next book imma have to dnf this series.
January 20, 2021
Raphael’s book!
The tribunal series is one of my favourite PNR world at the moment. Monsters is book 3 of Kaliya Sahni series and is mainly centered on the mystery around Raphael - finally!!
Brilliant plot development, loved the Mygi storyline and boy was the action here! A little bit frustrated on the romance side of things, as Kaliya isn’t really opening up, pushing and pulling away, and still hiding away who Raphael really is to her. This is the only reason why I did not give 5 stars.
WARNING: This book ends on a huge cliffhanger!!
The tribunal series is one of my favourite PNR world at the moment. Monsters is book 3 of Kaliya Sahni series and is mainly centered on the mystery around Raphael - finally!!
Brilliant plot development, loved the Mygi storyline and boy was the action here! A little bit frustrated on the romance side of things, as Kaliya isn’t really opening up, pushing and pulling away, and still hiding away who Raphael really is to her. This is the only reason why I did not give 5 stars.
WARNING: This book ends on a huge cliffhanger!!
May 21, 2022
Have to give up on this series, I just don't like Kaliya. Too bad, cause it ties in with Jacky Leon, and that series is great.
EDIT
Alright I went back in because I don't want to be out of the Jacky Leon loop. The storytelling is great but I still find Kaliya arrogant and condescending. I hate the "I'm breaking up with you for your own good" trope, so that factors in bigly.
EDIT
Alright I went back in because I don't want to be out of the Jacky Leon loop. The storytelling is great but I still find Kaliya arrogant and condescending. I hate the "I'm breaking up with you for your own good" trope, so that factors in bigly.
June 14, 2021
Wow what a book, so many awesome revelations in this one. Finally so much needed answers. BUT that ending ugh not a cliffhanger but definitely not what I hoped for, that's for sure. Its ok we have 3 more books still to come and I can't wait this a great series done by an amazing writer!!!
January 23, 2021
And the secrets come to light and the plots unravel. By far the best book of the series in my opinion. I loved seeing Raphael in his leadership role. He had so much potential but then circumstances lead to his strengths being used in a more ‘brawn not brain’ setting. Add in Kaliya’s overprotectiveness and boom. We don’t really get to see Raphael in his true light. Suffice to say this book cured us all of the curiosity and all the suspense. Well okay maybe not 100% but, here’s hoping we’ll see a more confident and regal Raphael in the upcoming books.
Then ofc there’s Kaliya, our MC. I have been pretty vocal in my previous reviews on my feelings towards our Nagini. I can’t say I still love her character but. I did find myself liking her about 85% of the book. She’s still Kaliya but I liked reading about her feelings about her relationship/non-relationship with Raphael. We all know where those thoughts are headed but heck if I’m not going to be there completely and truly for the ride. A bomb waiting to detonate and all I can hope is that Banet can write us a scene(s) worthy of all this tension. I would hate to be prepared for a DEFCON 1 only for it to be a ripple in a pond, if you get what I mean.
Other than that, there’s so much going on with Sorcha and Cassius that’s outside the pages of the book. It’s honestly making me wonder whether Banet is thinking of them being the main couple in her next Tribunal Archives series. Much as I would love to read the entire TA set, if it’s really a series about Sorcha and Cassius I hardly think it’d be much suspenseful at this point. They’re a constant presence in the KS series and okay yeah we’re all kind of curious about them but. How the heck are we supposed to read about them when almost everything is being spoiled in the Kaliya Sahni series? I really do do hope this is not the case but. I dunno it’s looking a lot like that is exactly what’s going to happen. I can’t say for sure I would read the series, neither can I say I won’t read it. Cause after reading Jacky Leon I wasn’t at first going to read Kaliya Sahni, it took me a few months to start the series.
Soo yeah. Good book, series getting better and more suspenseful. Can’t wait for Reborn but before that.... SHADES OF HATE, MY PRETTIES.
Then ofc there’s Kaliya, our MC. I have been pretty vocal in my previous reviews on my feelings towards our Nagini. I can’t say I still love her character but. I did find myself liking her about 85% of the book. She’s still Kaliya but I liked reading about her feelings about her relationship/non-relationship with Raphael. We all know where those thoughts are headed but heck if I’m not going to be there completely and truly for the ride. A bomb waiting to detonate and all I can hope is that Banet can write us a scene(s) worthy of all this tension. I would hate to be prepared for a DEFCON 1 only for it to be a ripple in a pond, if you get what I mean.
Other than that, there’s so much going on with Sorcha and Cassius that’s outside the pages of the book. It’s honestly making me wonder whether Banet is thinking of them being the main couple in her next Tribunal Archives series. Much as I would love to read the entire TA set, if it’s really a series about Sorcha and Cassius I hardly think it’d be much suspenseful at this point. They’re a constant presence in the KS series and okay yeah we’re all kind of curious about them but. How the heck are we supposed to read about them when almost everything is being spoiled in the Kaliya Sahni series? I really do do hope this is not the case but. I dunno it’s looking a lot like that is exactly what’s going to happen. I can’t say for sure I would read the series, neither can I say I won’t read it. Cause after reading Jacky Leon I wasn’t at first going to read Kaliya Sahni, it took me a few months to start the series.
Soo yeah. Good book, series getting better and more suspenseful. Can’t wait for Reborn but before that.... SHADES OF HATE, MY PRETTIES.
January 21, 2021
Okay I really enjoyed this one. I thought the pacing and overall storyline was great and it was a good continuation from the previous books. One thing I like about this serious is that there is a continuous story arc yet each book feels complete with its own storyline and climax etc. I also enjoyed the fact that the ending (for Raphael's background) was concluded in a way that a) made sense; b) was satisfying.
SPOILERS because I have to say something!
I don't actually mind the fact that Kaliya leaves at the end. I think both her and Raphael need to figure out who he is now that he has his memory back. Before, he was so dependent on her they couldn't really be equals. Now, she is going to have to learn how to deal with the new, more confident version of him and also comes to terms with the fact that she can't be the overly protective mate that she wants to be. While I think she left for different reasons, which I don't think are necessarily good reasons, I do think it is important that they have some space so she can come to terms with the fact that they will need to be partners, not teacher-student/ruler-unknown. I'm just glad that the next one comes out soon! I'm looking forward to finding out more about the deaths of the nagas and how they'll solve Kaliya's problem (I'm sure Raphael will want to help her since she helped him... Also pretty sure cambions have mates too). I trust that the author will give us a HEA (in some way with them at least). I'm also looking forward to getting to know the new Raphael since the old one could be a bit whiney and annoying sometimes.
SPOILERS because I have to say something!
I don't actually mind the fact that Kaliya leaves at the end. I think both her and Raphael need to figure out who he is now that he has his memory back. Before, he was so dependent on her they couldn't really be equals. Now, she is going to have to learn how to deal with the new, more confident version of him and also comes to terms with the fact that she can't be the overly protective mate that she wants to be. While I think she left for different reasons, which I don't think are necessarily good reasons, I do think it is important that they have some space so she can come to terms with the fact that they will need to be partners, not teacher-student/ruler-unknown. I'm just glad that the next one comes out soon! I'm looking forward to finding out more about the deaths of the nagas and how they'll solve Kaliya's problem (I'm sure Raphael will want to help her since she helped him... Also pretty sure cambions have mates too). I trust that the author will give us a HEA (in some way with them at least). I'm also looking forward to getting to know the new Raphael since the old one could be a bit whiney and annoying sometimes.
November 3, 2021
Yay! We get to find out what Dom is and the demon fighting, fae helping journey that it takes to get there. First class action as always, but Kal is emotionally damaged and pushes herself away from Dom- which I hate. And now Dom will be self-sufficient and not a kept man anymore :)
I can appreciate Kal's coldness now, not just from being a snake person (which is weird since they love heat) but from her abusive past (could be some triggers for readers). Snake people should be portrayed as more warm and friendly. If you think about it, she has not experienced softness and love since she was a teenager. So over 100 years. I have to take that in and realize that is just her character.
And from a reader standpoint, this storyline does not make me happy inside. I want the MC's to feel for each other and not hold back the intimacy that comes with honesty. Dom is finally stepping up and bringing topics up, confessing his feelings but she shuts it down. Sigh. And I guess we need to go through seeing Dom as young and confused human to a Leader with authority that can go toe to toe with a Naga.
But I also find myself way more emotionally invested in this series than some others because it BOTHERS me. Great writing! And I would dearly love to read the story of Cassius and Sorcha.
I can appreciate Kal's coldness now, not just from being a snake person (which is weird since they love heat) but from her abusive past (could be some triggers for readers). Snake people should be portrayed as more warm and friendly. If you think about it, she has not experienced softness and love since she was a teenager. So over 100 years. I have to take that in and realize that is just her character.
And from a reader standpoint, this storyline does not make me happy inside. I want the MC's to feel for each other and not hold back the intimacy that comes with honesty. Dom is finally stepping up and bringing topics up, confessing his feelings but she shuts it down. Sigh. And I guess we need to go through seeing Dom as young and confused human to a Leader with authority that can go toe to toe with a Naga.
But I also find myself way more emotionally invested in this series than some others because it BOTHERS me. Great writing! And I would dearly love to read the story of Cassius and Sorcha.
April 10, 2021
“Monsters” is one of those books in a series where you are greatly anticipating the read; but, are also dreading it at the same time. We learn so much in this installment and once again, the action is off the charts.
After being granted a leave from her role as an executioner for the Tribunal and Cassius role as investigator, Kaliya and the gang set out to find out what Mygi Pharmaceuticals has been up to. Without giving anything away we learn that they have truly been up to no good. There are a lot of false leads but in the end what Kaliya learns will not only change her life forever but Raphael’s as well.
We finally learn what Raphael is and boy is it a game changer. In addition, we get a haunting view of who or what has nearly annihilated the nagas. In the end, there is so much to do from a moving forward basis and Kaliya will have to make one of the hardest decisions of her life. This decision left me devastated and it was just what I have been dreading for a while. The logical part of me knows that it will most likely resolve itself but that doesn’t disappoint any less. Man, I can’t wait to read the next installment because it definitely promises to be amazing.
After being granted a leave from her role as an executioner for the Tribunal and Cassius role as investigator, Kaliya and the gang set out to find out what Mygi Pharmaceuticals has been up to. Without giving anything away we learn that they have truly been up to no good. There are a lot of false leads but in the end what Kaliya learns will not only change her life forever but Raphael’s as well.
We finally learn what Raphael is and boy is it a game changer. In addition, we get a haunting view of who or what has nearly annihilated the nagas. In the end, there is so much to do from a moving forward basis and Kaliya will have to make one of the hardest decisions of her life. This decision left me devastated and it was just what I have been dreading for a while. The logical part of me knows that it will most likely resolve itself but that doesn’t disappoint any less. Man, I can’t wait to read the next installment because it definitely promises to be amazing.
October 3, 2023
Well this book has finally made me firmly decide on how I feel about Kaliya. I hate her character. I positively LOATHE her. She is selfish, self-serving, petty, nasty backstabbing, cruel, stupid & just plain pathetic. I have NEVER hated a main character like I hate her. If it was not for Cassius, Sorcha, Set in the Tribunal World & have snippets of my favorite characters from the Jacky Leon & Everly Abbot series' I would never have continued further than book one. I am glad I only have to suffer reading six insufferable books with her as the main character.
Cassius is still one of my mega favorites, third favorite over all (1. Alexius & 2. Isaiah). His character progression is amazing. But it make me so heartbroken knowing what I know from the Jacky Leon books.
It was interesting seeing more of Hisao, The Assassin. It was also interesting reading more about the different creatures in the Tribunal World & I hope we get lots more information on them in all the Tribunal World Series'.
Cassius is still one of my mega favorites, third favorite over all (1. Alexius & 2. Isaiah). His character progression is amazing. But it make me so heartbroken knowing what I know from the Jacky Leon books.
It was interesting seeing more of Hisao, The Assassin. It was also interesting reading more about the different creatures in the Tribunal World & I hope we get lots more information on them in all the Tribunal World Series'.
January 29, 2021
The more I read about Kaliya, the more attached I get to her and her problems. She tries really hard to be edgy, but at the end of the day, like Leith hinted at, she doesn't believe she can be loved so her knee-jerk reaction is to push everyone away or run away before they can leave her first. I do love the development of her and Raphael and how it's not just mindless sexy times, but I'm excited to see how her relationship develops with Cassius, Sorcha, and Raphael. My only issue is that Banet tries really hard to convince her audience of how tough, hard, and epic her female protagonist is (also what I didn't like about Jacky Leon) and doesn't do a great job of showing us, because in simple fights the MC seems to be put off balance quite easily despite all that hype.
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