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Merry Gentry #6
A Lick of Frost
I am Meredith Gentry, princess and heir apparent to the throne in the realm of faerie, onetime private investigator in the mortal world. To be crowned queen, I must first continue the royal bloodline and give birth to an heir of my own. If I fail, my aunt, Queen Andais, will be free to do what she most install her twisted son, Cel, as monarch . . . and kill me. My royal guards surround me, and my best loved–my Darkness and my Killing Frost–are always beside me, sworn to protect and make love to me. But still the threat grows greater. For despite all my carnal efforts, I remain childless, while the machinations of my sinister, sadistic Queen and her confederates remain tireless. So my bodyguards and I have slipped back into Los Angeles, hoping to outrun the gathering shadows of court intrigue. But even exile isn’t enough to escape the grasp of those with dark designs.Now King Taranis, powerful and vainglorious ruler of faerie’s Seelie Court, has leveled accusations against my noble guards of a heinous crime–and has gone so far as to ask the mortal authorities to prosecute. If he succeeds, my men face extradition to faerie and the hideous penalties that await them there. But I know that Taranis’s charges are baseless, and I sense that his true target is me. He tried to kill me when I was a child. Now I fear his intentions are far more terrifying.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 23, 2007
502 people are currently reading
7114 people want to read
About the author
Laurell K. Hamilton
422 books25.7k followersLaurell K. Hamilton is one of the leading writers of paranormal fiction. A #1 New York Times bestselling author, Hamilton writes the popular Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter novels and the Meredith Gentry series. She is also the creator of a bestselling comic book series based on her Anita Blake novels and published by Marvel Comics. Hamilton is a full-time writer and lives in the suburbs of St. Louis with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 733 reviews
October 14, 2025
I keep complaining of how fast these books go, but this time they are too slow for me.
One scene (I guess you could call it that) is stretched through ten or so chapters. I agree what happens to Merry in this book is both horrible and joyous, but overall, almost nothing happens.
It is a lot of conversations over mirrors and negotiations. I feel like the pacing of it has gone astray.
I can't wait for Sholto to reappear, though.
One scene (I guess you could call it that) is stretched through ten or so chapters. I agree what happens to Merry in this book is both horrible and joyous, but overall, almost nothing happens.
It is a lot of conversations over mirrors and negotiations. I feel like the pacing of it has gone astray.
I can't wait for Sholto to reappear, though.
April 2, 2021
Ortalık karıştı iyice 🤦♀️
March 20, 2011
For me this series gets better with each book. I am always expecting the new love twist, the new magic, some new development. But this one, broke my heart....
I tend to get sucked into the books that I read that I truly love and enjoy.. I feel the emotions and develop my relationships with the characters.
Through out this series I have chosen my favorites...Doyle, Rhys, Frost, Galen and Kitto. I care a lot for the others, but these five are my favorites.
So much happens in this book, so many realizations, news that we have been waiting for. A lot of heartbreak too...
Frost, he is so complicated, so stubborn and so defensive, so when you get a glimpse of his true emotions it takes you back....there is a part of this book, that will stand out to me above all others, it moved me to tears....the thought of someone saying this just breaks me...
"I will love you always. When this red hair is white, I will still love you. When the smooth softness of youth is replaced by the delicate softness of age, I will still want to touch your skin. When your face is full of the lines of every smile you have ever smiled, of every surprise I have seen flash through your eyes, when every tear you have ever cried has left its mark upon your face, I will treasure you all the more, because I was there to see it all. I will share your life with you...." "I will love you until the last breath leaves your body or mine"
Great series...looking forward to reading the next one...
I tend to get sucked into the books that I read that I truly love and enjoy.. I feel the emotions and develop my relationships with the characters.
Through out this series I have chosen my favorites...Doyle, Rhys, Frost, Galen and Kitto. I care a lot for the others, but these five are my favorites.
So much happens in this book, so many realizations, news that we have been waiting for. A lot of heartbreak too...
Frost, he is so complicated, so stubborn and so defensive, so when you get a glimpse of his true emotions it takes you back....there is a part of this book, that will stand out to me above all others, it moved me to tears....the thought of someone saying this just breaks me...
"I will love you always. When this red hair is white, I will still love you. When the smooth softness of youth is replaced by the delicate softness of age, I will still want to touch your skin. When your face is full of the lines of every smile you have ever smiled, of every surprise I have seen flash through your eyes, when every tear you have ever cried has left its mark upon your face, I will treasure you all the more, because I was there to see it all. I will share your life with you...." "I will love you until the last breath leaves your body or mine"
Great series...looking forward to reading the next one...
December 12, 2007
I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for Meredith to get pregnant already and for there to be some forward movement of plot in these books. Also, I was getting tired of the strung together scenes of sex...new magic...more sex...some more new magic.
This book really toned down on the sex, thank goodness. And, to be fair, the plot did inch forward infinitesimally. But this book was quite boring. It was a bunch of mirror conversations. First Merry talks to Taranis is the mirror for eleventy-billion pages. Then she talks to Andais for eleventy-more-billion pages. The she talks to the goblins. And then we hear about some more new creatures her sex has brought to life.
In the course of these conversations we get more of Bat Shit Crazy Andais, something of Skeevy Perv Crazy Taranis and of course there is Just Psycho Crazy Cel lurking off in the background. Talk about tedious characters. If Merry is so dang powerful why doesn't she off some of these people already. I do agree with Andais, Merry has turned into a wimp.
I remember the first book when she got her hand of power and used it. Actually, I remember the first book and so much happened just in that one book. Le Sigh.
This book really toned down on the sex, thank goodness. And, to be fair, the plot did inch forward infinitesimally. But this book was quite boring. It was a bunch of mirror conversations. First Merry talks to Taranis is the mirror for eleventy-billion pages. Then she talks to Andais for eleventy-more-billion pages. The she talks to the goblins. And then we hear about some more new creatures her sex has brought to life.
In the course of these conversations we get more of Bat Shit Crazy Andais, something of Skeevy Perv Crazy Taranis and of course there is Just Psycho Crazy Cel lurking off in the background. Talk about tedious characters. If Merry is so dang powerful why doesn't she off some of these people already. I do agree with Andais, Merry has turned into a wimp.
I remember the first book when she got her hand of power and used it. Actually, I remember the first book and so much happened just in that one book. Le Sigh.
June 12, 2013
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2008
I can't decide what I think about the latest installment in the Meredith Gentry series by Laurell K. Hamilton. Yes, I like the series. Yes, I like Merry and Darkness and Rhys and Frost and Galen, etc. The last couple of books have bothered me on some levels, mainly that they take place over the span of only about one day, and are over-packed with intrigue, politics, alliances, sex (recreational, procreational and/or political... not bad, just sort of a LOT of it for reasons I'm not always clear about), carnage, miracles, magic, salvation... well you get the point. It's often hard to track who is allied with whom, and whether the seemingly miraculous happening is a good thing or a bad thing.
This title starts by setting up what you assume will be the main conflict in the book, yet it disappears fairly early on. (Amazingly, NO sex till well after page 100) In some ways, this book almost felt like a novella compared to most of Hamilton's books. The story moved, changed and resolved so quickly, and there weren't a lot of character developments. I also wasn't satisfied by the "major development" at the end (don't want to give it away) but it seemed a bit of a cop-out. A resolution that, while interesting, seems to shoot down something we were supposed to be waiting impatiently for, and which was supposed to be of major political concern. Seemed like Hamilton said, "Well, can't decide what to do about that, so...!"
I guess I'd say "Good, but not thoroughly satisfying." I hope the next book in the series is better.
This title starts by setting up what you assume will be the main conflict in the book, yet it disappears fairly early on. (Amazingly, NO sex till well after page 100) In some ways, this book almost felt like a novella compared to most of Hamilton's books. The story moved, changed and resolved so quickly, and there weren't a lot of character developments. I also wasn't satisfied by the "major development" at the end (don't want to give it away) but it seemed a bit of a cop-out. A resolution that, while interesting, seems to shoot down something we were supposed to be waiting impatiently for, and which was supposed to be of major political concern. Seemed like Hamilton said, "Well, can't decide what to do about that, so...!"
I guess I'd say "Good, but not thoroughly satisfying." I hope the next book in the series is better.
May 11, 2012
I thought, "What the hell." Hamilton has sold enough books to fill a desiccated Lake Eerie, so I just had to pick one up, almost in spite of my own literary snobbishness. I've been wrong before. The fourth Harry Potter movie was out before I decided to pick up Philosopher's Stone and I was pleasantly surprised at the journey the good Ms. Rowling took me on.
I will tell you that I tried. Twenty pages worth of trying. The book (read: paper better used for wiping the asses of dysentery sufferers) was a lesson in mediocrity on par with the profound literary masterpiece known as The Hunger Games. The first page was tough and I wanted to stop, but I thought, "No, Atreyu wouldn't quit now." So I slugged on, and each page was worse than the previous one. Lame exposition of situations–and in an environment– thinner than the wasted paper it was printed on.
Here is Ms. Hamilton's attempt at simile: "But his hair was uniquely his own, silver, like metal beaten into hair." I reread this three times thinking I was missing some deeper meaning, refusing to believe that this line slipped passed the eyes of the authors many drafts, and an agent, and a line editor, and a story editor, and a copy editor, and a final read by all of the above.
Here are a few more:
"...the white of his shirt was less white than his own skin."
"There was no magic to it, just the force of their physicality." The force of their physicality?
"The men across the table gave the guards the glances men give when they see another man whom they are almost certain could take them physically without breaking a sweat." Read that like you would a Shelley poem or Shakespeare. So talentless, so very sad.
Listen, writing a book is hard. I get it. No one deserves to have their art dismantled and mocked. But there is no attempt, by the author, or by the publisher, at greatness here. A book is so precious, so goddamn important, and this thing is printed...why? because of a story? because she's sold books before? Because, because, becaaaaaause, because of the wonderful things she does?
Bad books have always been written. They shall always be written, but I guess I'm more concerned with the impetus that compels so many people to pull 25 bucks out of their pocket and slam it on the counter gleefully for this trash. "LOOK," I say to the average reader. "There sits Picture of Dorian Gray, Bleak House, Pillars of the Earth, Drood, The Idiot, Dune, anything by Gene Wolfe! pick up that instead, PLEASE. It's even cheaper!"
As a lover of books, it hurts my heart and my brain.
Just another rant. Not like anybody reads these anyway.
I will tell you that I tried. Twenty pages worth of trying. The book (read: paper better used for wiping the asses of dysentery sufferers) was a lesson in mediocrity on par with the profound literary masterpiece known as The Hunger Games. The first page was tough and I wanted to stop, but I thought, "No, Atreyu wouldn't quit now." So I slugged on, and each page was worse than the previous one. Lame exposition of situations–and in an environment– thinner than the wasted paper it was printed on.
Here is Ms. Hamilton's attempt at simile: "But his hair was uniquely his own, silver, like metal beaten into hair." I reread this three times thinking I was missing some deeper meaning, refusing to believe that this line slipped passed the eyes of the authors many drafts, and an agent, and a line editor, and a story editor, and a copy editor, and a final read by all of the above.
Here are a few more:
"...the white of his shirt was less white than his own skin."
"There was no magic to it, just the force of their physicality." The force of their physicality?
"The men across the table gave the guards the glances men give when they see another man whom they are almost certain could take them physically without breaking a sweat." Read that like you would a Shelley poem or Shakespeare. So talentless, so very sad.
Listen, writing a book is hard. I get it. No one deserves to have their art dismantled and mocked. But there is no attempt, by the author, or by the publisher, at greatness here. A book is so precious, so goddamn important, and this thing is printed...why? because of a story? because she's sold books before? Because, because, becaaaaaause, because of the wonderful things she does?
Bad books have always been written. They shall always be written, but I guess I'm more concerned with the impetus that compels so many people to pull 25 bucks out of their pocket and slam it on the counter gleefully for this trash. "LOOK," I say to the average reader. "There sits Picture of Dorian Gray, Bleak House, Pillars of the Earth, Drood, The Idiot, Dune, anything by Gene Wolfe! pick up that instead, PLEASE. It's even cheaper!"
As a lover of books, it hurts my heart and my brain.
Just another rant. Not like anybody reads these anyway.
July 5, 2020
Ok, so we actually get a lot of progression here.
Merry and her gang have left the court behind and are back in LA, but of course court politics have not left her. Now, Taranis, the King of the Seelie court has accused three of Merry's men of raping a lady of his court. Blindsided by this accusation, Merry has no choice but to confront her uncle about his lies. But of course this doesn't go as planned and has disastrous consequences.
I remember being so excited to read this book because Frost was one of my favorite characters. And dang, he goes through some shit in this - I'm honestly not sure how he's going to come back from it either. But while the plot moved forward, the book was a little slow. Again, pacing has always been a issue of mine with Hamilton. For once I would like the book to move the plot forward while also maintaining the intensity and focus of this story. It's either all sex or all mirror talking. There seems to be no in between.
I still want the showdown between Merry and Cel though and if that never happens this series will be a sham.
Merry and her gang have left the court behind and are back in LA, but of course court politics have not left her. Now, Taranis, the King of the Seelie court has accused three of Merry's men of raping a lady of his court. Blindsided by this accusation, Merry has no choice but to confront her uncle about his lies. But of course this doesn't go as planned and has disastrous consequences.
I remember being so excited to read this book because Frost was one of my favorite characters. And dang, he goes through some shit in this - I'm honestly not sure how he's going to come back from it either. But while the plot moved forward, the book was a little slow. Again, pacing has always been a issue of mine with Hamilton. For once I would like the book to move the plot forward while also maintaining the intensity and focus of this story. It's either all sex or all mirror talking. There seems to be no in between.
I still want the showdown between Merry and Cel though and if that never happens this series will be a sham.
December 5, 2022
Review at book 9
January 4, 2023
Gerçekten son kısımlara kadar sıkıntıdan geberecektim. Artık bi susun diye isyan ettim. Bir yere varmayan olaylarla doluydu fakat son kısımlarda baya heyecanlıydı. 2 puanı zaten o kısımlara verdim. İlk okuduğumda istemediğim olaylar olmuştu ama bu sefer hazırlıklıydım. Şaka maka işim gücüm yokmuş gibi kalktım şu seriyi re-read yapıyorum ya. Allah bana akıl fikir versin.
October 29, 2007
Holy crap. Now that's what I'm talking about. I've been giving LKH's Merry Gentry books progressively lower ratings because...well, my estimation of them has fallen greatly. What started as a magnificent series with lots of potential and a keen awareness of Celtic mythology had fallen into 200-some pages of endless sex romps with multicolored men.
Until now.
This book definitely turns all of that on its head, and actually *furthers the plot*...something that LKH has avoided for at least several books now. The climax at the end of this book (no spoilers, but it takes place in Meav's dining room) had my jaw on the floor. In addition to the wonderful plot advancements, and spot-on mythological references to explain a total plot-shocker, the actual *writing* is great in this book, with several passages that I read multiple times just for their flow and poetry.
Hats off, LKH. If this is any indication of where the series is going from here on out, I'm glad I stayed on the rocky ride!!!
Until now.
This book definitely turns all of that on its head, and actually *furthers the plot*...something that LKH has avoided for at least several books now. The climax at the end of this book (no spoilers, but it takes place in Meav's dining room) had my jaw on the floor. In addition to the wonderful plot advancements, and spot-on mythological references to explain a total plot-shocker, the actual *writing* is great in this book, with several passages that I read multiple times just for their flow and poetry.
Hats off, LKH. If this is any indication of where the series is going from here on out, I'm glad I stayed on the rocky ride!!!
December 28, 2015
Yay, finally! I can give a book in this series 4 stars!
Yup, this one was better than the others. I absolutely adored it!
Yup, this one was better than the others. I absolutely adored it!
July 18, 2016
These books would be perfect if someone killed Taranis and Cel
November 17, 2008
I love this book, I love this series. This is the 6th book in the Meredith Gentry series. This was yet another book that I just couldn't put down. I can't get enough of Merry Gentry's world. Love it. Better than the Anita Blake series. Love the play on Celtic lore, the love story, the push for non christian perspectives. Absolutely adore Dole. Laurell finally got a powerful man right, no breaking this one down into fluff like she did with her vampire hero in the Blake series. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys tales of the Faery Courts, sidhe intrigue, and copious sex.
July 18, 2008
This is one of the best books in the Merry Gentry series! I loved it!
The plot thickens with Merry awakening all sorts of new powers in both the seelie and unseelie courts...
There is of course HOT sex, but also a great plot as well!!! Im am really impressed by this one and cant wait for the Swallowing Darkness!!!
WOW!!!
The plot thickens with Merry awakening all sorts of new powers in both the seelie and unseelie courts...
There is of course HOT sex, but also a great plot as well!!! Im am really impressed by this one and cant wait for the Swallowing Darkness!!!
WOW!!!
March 20, 2019
Buonasera, lettrici!
Eccomi a parlarvi di “Un soffio di gelo”, sesto romanzo della serie “Merry Gentry” di Laurell K. Hamilton, edita Nord.
Merry e i suoi corvi sono tornati in L.A. dopo che il palazzo della corte Unseelie ha iniziato a riprendere vita, animali cari alle fate da tempo perduti sono tornati e i giardini hanno ripreso vita. Questi cambiamenti hanno fatto sì che suo cugino Cel uscisse dalla sua prigione e con la vita di Merry in pericolo, la regina l’ha mandata nel regno degli umani. Ad aspettarli ci sono le accuse mosse dal re Taranis contro tre delle sue guardie. Meredith e i suoi uomini dovranno scoprire cosa trama il re della corte Seelie prima che sia troppo tardi.
Se nel precedente romanzo vi eravate un po’ scoraggiate dai pochi avvenimenti, preparatevi che in questo accadranno molte cose e verrano fatte grosse rivelazioni.
Merry e i suoi corvi sono tornati nel mondo umano, ma non tutte le guardie che volevano seguirla hanno potuto, in quanto la regina Andais, gelosa e oltraggiata dalle azioni di Merry, ha sfogato la sua rabbia sui propri sudditi. Cosa che peserà a Merry, in quanto non può fare nulla per aiutarli. A complicare la situazione ci sono le accuse di stupro fatte con cui ha coinvolto le autorità umane. Merry sa che Taranis la vuole nella sua corte, ma a quale scopo? Dopotutto lei sa il suo segreto ed è una grossa minaccia, soprattutto visto che ora ha riportato in vita parte della magia da tempo persa. Si dovrà muovere con cautela, in quanto potrebbe scoppiare un’altra guerra tra i due regni e a pagarne le conseguenze saranno i più deboli. Anche i suoi sentimenti rischiano di metterla in pericolo; quasi tutti si sono accorti di quanto Doyle e Frost le stiano più a cuore rispetto agli altri suoi amanti. E i nemici non se lo lasceranno scappare…
“Cosa puoi fare quando sai che stai spezzando il cuore a qualcuno, ma facendo qualcosa rischi di spezzare il tuo?”
Una protagonista che in ogni romanzo impara ad essere un capo, compiendo scelte difficili e cercando nel mentre di non rimanere ferita. La strada è ancora lunga e non è ancora fuori pericolo, soprattutto non ha ancora concepito un possibile erede per il regno Unseelie… Cosa la aspetta ancora?
Mi è piaciuta molto come lettura. Il sesso passa in secondo piano per concentrarsi su colpi di scena e scene dolci, tutto mescolato alla magia e al mistero del mondo delle fate. I riferimenti al folklore aumentano, incuriosendo il lettore a scoprire chi siano queste creature di cui sentiamo parlare. Posso anche dirvi che vi innamorerete ancora di più dei personaggi principali. Credo che i miei preferiti li sappiate già: Doyle e Frost! La lettura di questo romanzo è stata molto più scorrevole e veloce rispetto al precedente, dopotutto i libri precedenti servivano a preparare certi scenari, alcuni dei quali vedremo proprio in “Un soffio di gelo”.
Con questo vi auguro una buona lettura e ci vediamo in “Lacrime di tenebra”.
A presto.
Voto: 4,5
Eccomi a parlarvi di “Un soffio di gelo”, sesto romanzo della serie “Merry Gentry” di Laurell K. Hamilton, edita Nord.
Merry e i suoi corvi sono tornati in L.A. dopo che il palazzo della corte Unseelie ha iniziato a riprendere vita, animali cari alle fate da tempo perduti sono tornati e i giardini hanno ripreso vita. Questi cambiamenti hanno fatto sì che suo cugino Cel uscisse dalla sua prigione e con la vita di Merry in pericolo, la regina l’ha mandata nel regno degli umani. Ad aspettarli ci sono le accuse mosse dal re Taranis contro tre delle sue guardie. Meredith e i suoi uomini dovranno scoprire cosa trama il re della corte Seelie prima che sia troppo tardi.
Se nel precedente romanzo vi eravate un po’ scoraggiate dai pochi avvenimenti, preparatevi che in questo accadranno molte cose e verrano fatte grosse rivelazioni.
Merry e i suoi corvi sono tornati nel mondo umano, ma non tutte le guardie che volevano seguirla hanno potuto, in quanto la regina Andais, gelosa e oltraggiata dalle azioni di Merry, ha sfogato la sua rabbia sui propri sudditi. Cosa che peserà a Merry, in quanto non può fare nulla per aiutarli. A complicare la situazione ci sono le accuse di stupro fatte con cui ha coinvolto le autorità umane. Merry sa che Taranis la vuole nella sua corte, ma a quale scopo? Dopotutto lei sa il suo segreto ed è una grossa minaccia, soprattutto visto che ora ha riportato in vita parte della magia da tempo persa. Si dovrà muovere con cautela, in quanto potrebbe scoppiare un’altra guerra tra i due regni e a pagarne le conseguenze saranno i più deboli. Anche i suoi sentimenti rischiano di metterla in pericolo; quasi tutti si sono accorti di quanto Doyle e Frost le stiano più a cuore rispetto agli altri suoi amanti. E i nemici non se lo lasceranno scappare…
“Cosa puoi fare quando sai che stai spezzando il cuore a qualcuno, ma facendo qualcosa rischi di spezzare il tuo?”
Una protagonista che in ogni romanzo impara ad essere un capo, compiendo scelte difficili e cercando nel mentre di non rimanere ferita. La strada è ancora lunga e non è ancora fuori pericolo, soprattutto non ha ancora concepito un possibile erede per il regno Unseelie… Cosa la aspetta ancora?
Mi è piaciuta molto come lettura. Il sesso passa in secondo piano per concentrarsi su colpi di scena e scene dolci, tutto mescolato alla magia e al mistero del mondo delle fate. I riferimenti al folklore aumentano, incuriosendo il lettore a scoprire chi siano queste creature di cui sentiamo parlare. Posso anche dirvi che vi innamorerete ancora di più dei personaggi principali. Credo che i miei preferiti li sappiate già: Doyle e Frost! La lettura di questo romanzo è stata molto più scorrevole e veloce rispetto al precedente, dopotutto i libri precedenti servivano a preparare certi scenari, alcuni dei quali vedremo proprio in “Un soffio di gelo”.
Con questo vi auguro una buona lettura e ci vediamo in “Lacrime di tenebra”.
A presto.
Voto: 4,5
Read
September 24, 2020Given that this is the book initiates the baby daddy thing that made me nope out originally, I'm surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Actually, it's one of the strongest in the series plot-wise, and some of those emotional punches hit.
December 30, 2010
Ah, the next book in the Meredith Gentry series (book #6 if you want to keep track). This is a series that I read because I like reading about the Seelie and Unseelie courts. I am not sure why else I read it. The plot is complex and interwoven and the characters interesting. Meredith herself is an interesting contrast of personality traits. Like most of Laurell Hamilton's books I think I can best review this by breaking it down into the good, the bad, and the ugly.
This series makes no secret about devoting itself to sex. Strangely this book was lacking in the numerous number of pages detailing sex scenes. There were a measly two sex scenes; no sex until around 200 pages into the book...I mean wow! That's got to be a record. There is a lot of talking about sex. So onto the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The Good
- The plot moves...seriously the plot actually advances in this book (notice I didn't say quickly). A good portion of the 300+ pages are devoted to plot!
- We get to hear about Frost's past; I love Frost and I loved hearing about his past.
- Amazing fairy things continue to happen and amazing creatures are introduced
- The book focuses on 4-5 of Merry's "men" instead of having her sleep with a plethora of them
- The Red Cap goblins are back; I love them.
The Bad
- Continuous rants about how every kind of sex is acceptable take up loads of page space. We get it, S&M can be a good thing, multiple partners can be fun...now let's move on.
- Merry humoring her thousand year old boyfriends' need for constant emotional support; geez if I had to try and not to hurt the feelings of 20 guys at once I guess it would take time...but does it have to take up soooo much page space???
The Ugly
- Merry's guards seem to never be around to guard her when something extremely bad happens...what it up with that!
- This whole book, like the last two, spans a time frame of maybe a day.
- Rumors are that Swallowing Darkness is not the end, we will continue to be tortured by this incredibly strung out story.
***SPOILER START****
- Much of the book is taken up preparing with you for a sex scene between Merry and the goblins but it doesn't lead much of anywhere.
***SPOILER END*****
Okay so, in general this book had more plot and less sex than I was actually expecting so that is a good thing. It focused more on characters I like and less at throwing in a billion new men for Merry to have at it with. All-in-all I wasn't disappointed. I read a ton of paranormal genre books and these books are still very creative and reasonably well-written compared to most of them. I know it's easy to gripe about the lack of plot, etc. etc. I am guilty of that too; still Hamilton is a good writer. I mean how many other people have made erotica hit the New York Times bestseller list?
I'll read the next book because I am a sucker for the characters. I am hoping the series doesn't drag on for too much longer though. Seems to me the overall story could come to an end soon.
This series makes no secret about devoting itself to sex. Strangely this book was lacking in the numerous number of pages detailing sex scenes. There were a measly two sex scenes; no sex until around 200 pages into the book...I mean wow! That's got to be a record. There is a lot of talking about sex. So onto the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The Good
- The plot moves...seriously the plot actually advances in this book (notice I didn't say quickly). A good portion of the 300+ pages are devoted to plot!
- We get to hear about Frost's past; I love Frost and I loved hearing about his past.
- Amazing fairy things continue to happen and amazing creatures are introduced
- The book focuses on 4-5 of Merry's "men" instead of having her sleep with a plethora of them
- The Red Cap goblins are back; I love them.
The Bad
- Continuous rants about how every kind of sex is acceptable take up loads of page space. We get it, S&M can be a good thing, multiple partners can be fun...now let's move on.
- Merry humoring her thousand year old boyfriends' need for constant emotional support; geez if I had to try and not to hurt the feelings of 20 guys at once I guess it would take time...but does it have to take up soooo much page space???
The Ugly
- Merry's guards seem to never be around to guard her when something extremely bad happens...what it up with that!
- This whole book, like the last two, spans a time frame of maybe a day.
- Rumors are that Swallowing Darkness is not the end, we will continue to be tortured by this incredibly strung out story.
***SPOILER START****
- Much of the book is taken up preparing with you for a sex scene between Merry and the goblins but it doesn't lead much of anywhere.
***SPOILER END*****
Okay so, in general this book had more plot and less sex than I was actually expecting so that is a good thing. It focused more on characters I like and less at throwing in a billion new men for Merry to have at it with. All-in-all I wasn't disappointed. I read a ton of paranormal genre books and these books are still very creative and reasonably well-written compared to most of them. I know it's easy to gripe about the lack of plot, etc. etc. I am guilty of that too; still Hamilton is a good writer. I mean how many other people have made erotica hit the New York Times bestseller list?
I'll read the next book because I am a sucker for the characters. I am hoping the series doesn't drag on for too much longer though. Seems to me the overall story could come to an end soon.
April 6, 2018
This was a jaw dropping amazeballs awesome read, I really enjoyed this book than the others in the series, and hope the next is just as good or better, so gonna keep it short and sweet, and hope not to give too much away, but if your enjoying this series Hury up and get to this one, you will soooo not regret it and glad you kept reading them
Happy Reading peeps!!! 🌟
Happy Reading peeps!!! 🌟
December 19, 2024
In an unusual turn of events for most series, these feel more plot-heavy in the second half than the first. There’s less fluff and smut overall and more focus on the threats surrounding Meredith as she gets closer to the throne. Taranis has been more of a background threat than anything so far, but he takes center stage here. While Frost has never been one of my favorites (so moody), I enjoyed the look into his backstory and some rare moments of downtime for Merry and her men.
I do wish we’d gotten more on Merry/Doyle/Frost as a throuple though, since that’s mentioned in passing but never really developed on page. I’ve seen some reviews noting that this series could be way kinkier than it actually is, and they’re so right. Merry has goblins, giants, and winged/tentacled creatures in her harem, but all the sex is pretty vanilla even when there’s more than one guy in her bed at a time.
This book gets a bit darker than the previous as well, the stakes higher in tandem with Meredith’s ever-growing powers. Some of the attacks against her men have actual consequences here, rather than just leveling up in power and waving them away with new magic. Though my records say I did actually read this book, I have no memory of the ending. It leaves off on an unexpectedly grim note, which seems like something that would stick in my mind.
I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
I do wish we’d gotten more on Merry/Doyle/Frost as a throuple though, since that’s mentioned in passing but never really developed on page. I’ve seen some reviews noting that this series could be way kinkier than it actually is, and they’re so right. Merry has goblins, giants, and winged/tentacled creatures in her harem, but all the sex is pretty vanilla even when there’s more than one guy in her bed at a time.
This book gets a bit darker than the previous as well, the stakes higher in tandem with Meredith’s ever-growing powers. Some of the attacks against her men have actual consequences here, rather than just leveling up in power and waving them away with new magic. Though my records say I did actually read this book, I have no memory of the ending. It leaves off on an unexpectedly grim note, which seems like something that would stick in my mind.
I review regularly at brightbeautifulthings.tumblr.com.
April 6, 2018
After Galen accidentally released all the prisoners in the Hall of Mortality in book 5, Merry and her guards are whisked back to LA and away from her cousin's insanity. Except that they're far from safe when King Taranis sets his sights on luring Merry to his court through whatever means necessary. More wild magic is released and Merry receives news that is both welcome and heartbreaking. Parts of this book killed me. Come to think of it, that's probably why I never read the latest books that came out in the series. I was dead. Knowing that that next book ties up the main story arc made the re-read on this one a little easier. One way or another Merry will have the things she needs, whether it's the Queendom of the Unseelie Court or the love of her men in exile.
July 6, 2019
Re-read that retained all its original stars.
April 1, 2024
Kitabın finali ayrı gelişen olaylar ayrı şaşırttı beni😂hiç bu şekilde gelişeceğini düşünmemiştim doğrusu.. işler oldukça ilginç bir hal almaya başladı bakalım yeni kitapta bizi neler bekliyor 🫠
October 26, 2015
The Good: Taranis has been discussed at length many times in the previous books, but we finally get to see him as a major character in A Lick of Frost. Everything mentioned before pales in comparison to the reality of what Taranis is capable of. Things get dark and gritty quickly and Hamilton is the queen of dark and gritty. Some very powerful, emotional, devastating stuff goes on here with Taranis and beyond. Merry experiences bitter joy and deep loss, all in the confines of needed plot progression. Frost's backstory was an important inclusion here, really explaining who he is and why he's different than the other sidhe.
The Bad: This is another shorter book and I sincerely believe it should have been combined with Mistral's Kiss to make one larger novel that would fit better with the flow of the series.
The Bad: This is another shorter book and I sincerely believe it should have been combined with Mistral's Kiss to make one larger novel that would fit better with the flow of the series.
July 16, 2019
He came to his knees and put his hands on my arms, and stared down into my face. "I will love you always. When this red hair is white, I will still love you. When the smooth softness of youth is replaced by the delicate softness of age, I will still want to touch your skin. When your face is full of the line of every smile you have ever smiled, of every surprise I have seen flash through your eyes, when every tear you have ever cried has left its mark upon your face, I will treasure you all the more, because I was there to see it all. I will share your life with you, Meredith, and I will love you until the last breath leave your body or mine."
Laurell K. Hamilton. Meredith Gentry 06 - A Lick of Frost (Kindle Locations 2416-2421). Ballantine Books. Kindle Edition.
Laurell K. Hamilton. Meredith Gentry 06 - A Lick of Frost (Kindle Locations 2416-2421). Ballantine Books. Kindle Edition.
July 7, 2009
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
I think this is the first Merry Gentry novel that focuses significant time on plot rather then sex! In fact, I don't think sex happens until after page 200 (which is pretty amazing, given I guess-ta-mate that the previous book had about 20 pages that _weren't_ sex). Events happen, evil plotting occurs! It isn't resolved, but the book reminded me of why I used to really like Laurell Hamilton's work. We get more actions from the King of the Seelie court! Political scheming! Yeah! The shocking thing (imo) is that all the sex in _A Mistral's Kiss_ actually becomes a plot point in this book. Who'da'thunk?
I think this is the first Merry Gentry novel that focuses significant time on plot rather then sex! In fact, I don't think sex happens until after page 200 (which is pretty amazing, given I guess-ta-mate that the previous book had about 20 pages that _weren't_ sex). Events happen, evil plotting occurs! It isn't resolved, but the book reminded me of why I used to really like Laurell Hamilton's work. We get more actions from the King of the Seelie court! Political scheming! Yeah! The shocking thing (imo) is that all the sex in _A Mistral's Kiss_ actually becomes a plot point in this book. Who'da'thunk?
March 1, 2009
I want it now!!!!!!!!!!!! ahhh!!! oh I can't wait. This is going to be awesome. Hey if anybody wants to discuss anything about Laurell K Hamilton's two series this one and the Anita Blake one check out Ladies who Love Laurell in the Group section. (we are under books and Literature then Romance) We got a discussion going about who's going to be Merry's babies daddy, so stop bye and throw in your two cents. Personall I think...
DOYLE FOR KING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DOYLE FOR KING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 4, 2009
I am not exactly sure why I keep reading this series--besides of the sex I mean. Pure stubbornness, most likely. I just want to see what happens next. The storyline is pretty far fetched, but I still buy into it more than into the magic described in Stolen (see my previous review). Also my imagination gets a great workout, trying to picture the outlandish looks of all of Merry's bed companions.
December 24, 2019
Sixth in the Meredith Gentry erotic urban fantasy series revolving around a half-human faerie princess and her Merry Men.
My Take
The joys and miseries continue to accumulate as Merry’s magic continues to bring back powers that were lost and rouse jealousy within the queen as she fumes over the loss of her guard to Merry’s side, about the bright flavors that Merry causes to arise in the Unseelie Court, and the rumors flooding back to the Unseelie Court from the Seelie.
Ooh, boy. I was curious to see how Merry and her accused men would get out of this charge, and it went in directions I would have never foreseen. Too exciting for words with all sorts of potential problems for the Seelie Court. Yes!!
I enjoyed the encounter(s) with all the lawyers. They were an ambitious lot with Shelby and Cortez more interested in how the case could help their careers. Veducci was a sly dog, both helpful and a bit harmful for Merry with all the unexpected knowledge he has of the fae. He did at least play fair, although it was touch-and-go there as Hamilton slid us in and out and all around the issues of illusion and what was purposeful and what was not. He had a good explanation of the presence.
It’s a lot of give-and-take with careful tiptoeing around to avoid lying while answering truthfully, for there is much that cannot be said, although there seems to be too much information that should have remained unknown floating around that conference table.
Nice point by Merry that the fae have no connection to Christian religion. I liked the note Merry makes about the still dead beauty of the Seelie Court. Ooh, and a bit more background detail on the separation of the courts into Seelie and Unseelie.
Then there are those Anitaisms: how she likes oral sex — just like Anita, her enjoyment of a man’s scars — just like Anita. Thank god she’s more relaxed about sex than Anita.
Oh, crack me up! The whole sexual aspect of Merry and her men arises with the humans dumbfounded even as they dwell on the more prurient aspects while Merry still doesn’t understand the human fear of sex. The questions about celibacy are fair enough — there are sixteen men vying for Merry’s bed. Six of them were once part of Prince Essus’ Cranes who were co-opted by Prince Cel.
Hmmm, I wonder if there’ll be a court revolution with the lesser fae turning the tide.
Kitto’s fears about Merry’s other men come out, and Merry discovers that Kitto sees her as his new master, happy that he belongs. Lovely moment between Kitto and Rhys. We also discover that Rhys had asked Essus if he would consider him for a fiancé for Merry, but Essus had a preference for life.
And this one always makes me cry…
The Story
It’s a first for Taranis, to use human law for his own ends. And it’s the beginning of his end, when he uses the ambassador and confronts Merry and her men in the lawyers’ office. He is so desperate and so full of belief in his own godlike glory that he has no clue how he's opening himself up.
Taranis’ own Court is opening in wonder at the old magic that is returning to the fae with envy for the growth that has come to the Unseelie and the sluagh.
The Characters
Princess Meredith “Merry Gentry” NicEssus is in a race against time to become pregnant. Proven fertility—Rhys tells her of “some of the women of her mother’s line … goddesses of fertility, love, lust … a warm lot … in that good earthy way”—will put her on the throne instead of her insane, sexual sadist of a cousin, Prince Cel. Her father, Prince Essus, was of the Unseelie Court, the queen’s beloved brother, and he was murdered. A pregnant Minnie and Mungo are Merry’s fae dogs. Besaba is Merry’s unloving Seelie mother. How unloving you may ask? Besaba’s Bane is one of Merry’s names in the Seelie Court.
Her Merry Men
Captain Doyle is now Merry’s Darkness and the captain of the princess’ guard with his pack of hellhounds. He and Lieutenant Frost, a.k.a., the Killing Frost, who fears he is not sidhe enough, are those whom Merry loves most. Galen is a greenman, a symbol of fertility who has already proven his ability; Sergeant Rhys is Cromm Cruach, a god of death, who truly loves Merry even though he knows she doesn’t love him the same—at least his many terriers love him; Abeleoc had been Accasbel, the god of intoxication, the original party boy who opened the first pub in Ireland and once made kings, queens, gods, and goddesses; Usna is almost more cat than human-like with all the calico spots his skin sports, and his mother is a favorite at the Seelie Court; Aisling could have been king if not for Taranis’ treachery, although he still wields a treacherous power of his own; Kitto is her lover from the goblin court, a snake goblin who has become sidhe and will aid Merry any way he can; Amatheon had been a deity of agriculture; Adair is both solar deity and oak grove; and, an angry Onilwyn is still with them, angry as Merry refuses to let him in her bed.
Biddy, one of Cel’s guards, is pregnant with Nicca’s child. Fred has been Maeve Reed’s human driver for thirty years. The formerly wingless fae followed Merry into exile, but thanks to Merry’s magic, they now sport wings and are led by the twins Penny and Royal.
Hafwen is a healer, finally allowed out of her killing guise. Dr. Sang is a human doctor who refuses to allow Hafwen access.
Andais is the Queen of Air and Darkness and Merry’s aunt, a goddess of war and destruction who is serial-killer crazy. Andais abuses horribly those guards left her including Crystall and Mistral.
Taranis Thunderer, a sky and storm god, is Merry’s great-uncle, the King of Light and Illusion, who is pressing rape charges through the human police against Rhys, Galen, and Abeleoc. Ambassador Stevens is the official human ambassador to the courts of faerie, and he’s been tricked for years. Lady Caitrin is the Seelie who claimed rape. Sir Hugh Belenus, one of the king’s personal guard, is a Seelie firelord leading a faction who wants to depose Taranis. Lady Elasaid wishes Merry’s help with her own fertility plan. A Cu Sith is finally in the Seelie Court due to events in Mistral’s Kiss , 5, protecting those who need it. Shanley, Barri, and another are the guards Merry must get past. Quinnie is the healer who helps Merry. Doctor Vanessa Hardy is the human who will help.
Kurag is the Goblin King who desperately wants out of this alliance; Ash and Holly are fraternal twins, feared by most goblins. Half-sidhe and half-goblin, they want Merry to bring them into their power. A Gally-trot is a ghost dog. Jonty leads the Red Caps who all seem to have been brought into their power by Merry’s hand of blood.
Sholto is King of the Sluagh, the Wild Hunt, Lord of That Which Goes Between.
The lawyers
Michael Shelby is the U.S. Attorney for Los Angeles; Ernesto Bertram is his assistant. Miguel Cortez is the District Attorney for Los Angeles County, Pamela’s boss; Assistant D.A. Pamela Nelson is much too taken by the fae. Albert Veducci, a man who still believes in the law and knows too much about the fae, is the U.S. Attorney for St. Louis; Grover is his assistant. Simon Biggs and Thomas Farmer are partners in Biggs, Biggs, Farmer, and Farmer, and they are Merry’s lawyers hosting the meeting in which statements will be taken.
Officers Brewer and Kent are quite happy to have more guards at the hospital. Rose is the child with second sight who saw Jackie Frost and inspired him to life, the magic of love; her mother is still a cook at the shining court. Maeve Reed, the fae-turned-Hollywood goddess, is hiding out in Europe. Major Walters is the St. Louis PD fae liaison between humans and the Courts. Special Agent Raymond Gillett is the FBI agent who kept in touch with Merry after the investigation into her father’s death was stopped.
The Cover
The turquoise blue cover features Frost's naked back against a rain-streaked window, the open palm of his hand facing us through the glass and beginning to send out the hoarfrost for which he's named.
The title is about the Cu Sith created that night in the ballroom, a fae dog with a lick for all, but not A Lick For Frost.
My Take
The joys and miseries continue to accumulate as Merry’s magic continues to bring back powers that were lost and rouse jealousy within the queen as she fumes over the loss of her guard to Merry’s side, about the bright flavors that Merry causes to arise in the Unseelie Court, and the rumors flooding back to the Unseelie Court from the Seelie.
Andais is so angry she would be willing to "condemn all of faerie to death because it is not the faerie she wishes it to be".There are so many beautiful truths in this story. Truths about love, one’s heart, and caring with some tremendous events occurring: the creation of a new sithen, a king’s madness, sacrifice and renewal, and a sense of prophecy.
Ooh, boy. I was curious to see how Merry and her accused men would get out of this charge, and it went in directions I would have never foreseen. Too exciting for words with all sorts of potential problems for the Seelie Court. Yes!!
I enjoyed the encounter(s) with all the lawyers. They were an ambitious lot with Shelby and Cortez more interested in how the case could help their careers. Veducci was a sly dog, both helpful and a bit harmful for Merry with all the unexpected knowledge he has of the fae. He did at least play fair, although it was touch-and-go there as Hamilton slid us in and out and all around the issues of illusion and what was purposeful and what was not. He had a good explanation of the presence.
It’s a lot of give-and-take with careful tiptoeing around to avoid lying while answering truthfully, for there is much that cannot be said, although there seems to be too much information that should have remained unknown floating around that conference table.
Nice point by Merry that the fae have no connection to Christian religion. I liked the note Merry makes about the still dead beauty of the Seelie Court. Ooh, and a bit more background detail on the separation of the courts into Seelie and Unseelie.
Then there are those Anitaisms: how she likes oral sex — just like Anita, her enjoyment of a man’s scars — just like Anita. Thank god she’s more relaxed about sex than Anita.
Oh, crack me up! The whole sexual aspect of Merry and her men arises with the humans dumbfounded even as they dwell on the more prurient aspects while Merry still doesn’t understand the human fear of sex. The questions about celibacy are fair enough — there are sixteen men vying for Merry’s bed. Six of them were once part of Prince Essus’ Cranes who were co-opted by Prince Cel.
I will do my best not to take offense, except where it is given.Oh, god, Andais threatens Merry with the loss of her guard! Then I cried over Frost’s story of how he came to life.
Hmmm, I wonder if there’ll be a court revolution with the lesser fae turning the tide.
Kitto’s fears about Merry’s other men come out, and Merry discovers that Kitto sees her as his new master, happy that he belongs. Lovely moment between Kitto and Rhys. We also discover that Rhys had asked Essus if he would consider him for a fiancé for Merry, but Essus had a preference for life.
And this one always makes me cry…
The Story
It’s a first for Taranis, to use human law for his own ends. And it’s the beginning of his end, when he uses the ambassador and confronts Merry and her men in the lawyers’ office. He is so desperate and so full of belief in his own godlike glory that he has no clue how he's opening himself up.
Taranis’ own Court is opening in wonder at the old magic that is returning to the fae with envy for the growth that has come to the Unseelie and the sluagh.
The Characters
Princess Meredith “Merry Gentry” NicEssus is in a race against time to become pregnant. Proven fertility—Rhys tells her of “some of the women of her mother’s line … goddesses of fertility, love, lust … a warm lot … in that good earthy way”—will put her on the throne instead of her insane, sexual sadist of a cousin, Prince Cel. Her father, Prince Essus, was of the Unseelie Court, the queen’s beloved brother, and he was murdered. A pregnant Minnie and Mungo are Merry’s fae dogs. Besaba is Merry’s unloving Seelie mother. How unloving you may ask? Besaba’s Bane is one of Merry’s names in the Seelie Court.
Her Merry Men
Captain Doyle is now Merry’s Darkness and the captain of the princess’ guard with his pack of hellhounds. He and Lieutenant Frost, a.k.a., the Killing Frost, who fears he is not sidhe enough, are those whom Merry loves most. Galen is a greenman, a symbol of fertility who has already proven his ability; Sergeant Rhys is Cromm Cruach, a god of death, who truly loves Merry even though he knows she doesn’t love him the same—at least his many terriers love him; Abeleoc had been Accasbel, the god of intoxication, the original party boy who opened the first pub in Ireland and once made kings, queens, gods, and goddesses; Usna is almost more cat than human-like with all the calico spots his skin sports, and his mother is a favorite at the Seelie Court; Aisling could have been king if not for Taranis’ treachery, although he still wields a treacherous power of his own; Kitto is her lover from the goblin court, a snake goblin who has become sidhe and will aid Merry any way he can; Amatheon had been a deity of agriculture; Adair is both solar deity and oak grove; and, an angry Onilwyn is still with them, angry as Merry refuses to let him in her bed.
Biddy, one of Cel’s guards, is pregnant with Nicca’s child. Fred has been Maeve Reed’s human driver for thirty years. The formerly wingless fae followed Merry into exile, but thanks to Merry’s magic, they now sport wings and are led by the twins Penny and Royal.
Hafwen is a healer, finally allowed out of her killing guise. Dr. Sang is a human doctor who refuses to allow Hafwen access.
Andais is the Queen of Air and Darkness and Merry’s aunt, a goddess of war and destruction who is serial-killer crazy. Andais abuses horribly those guards left her including Crystall and Mistral.
Taranis Thunderer, a sky and storm god, is Merry’s great-uncle, the King of Light and Illusion, who is pressing rape charges through the human police against Rhys, Galen, and Abeleoc. Ambassador Stevens is the official human ambassador to the courts of faerie, and he’s been tricked for years. Lady Caitrin is the Seelie who claimed rape. Sir Hugh Belenus, one of the king’s personal guard, is a Seelie firelord leading a faction who wants to depose Taranis. Lady Elasaid wishes Merry’s help with her own fertility plan. A Cu Sith is finally in the Seelie Court due to events in Mistral’s Kiss , 5, protecting those who need it. Shanley, Barri, and another are the guards Merry must get past. Quinnie is the healer who helps Merry. Doctor Vanessa Hardy is the human who will help.
Kurag is the Goblin King who desperately wants out of this alliance; Ash and Holly are fraternal twins, feared by most goblins. Half-sidhe and half-goblin, they want Merry to bring them into their power. A Gally-trot is a ghost dog. Jonty leads the Red Caps who all seem to have been brought into their power by Merry’s hand of blood.
Sholto is King of the Sluagh, the Wild Hunt, Lord of That Which Goes Between.
The lawyers
Michael Shelby is the U.S. Attorney for Los Angeles; Ernesto Bertram is his assistant. Miguel Cortez is the District Attorney for Los Angeles County, Pamela’s boss; Assistant D.A. Pamela Nelson is much too taken by the fae. Albert Veducci, a man who still believes in the law and knows too much about the fae, is the U.S. Attorney for St. Louis; Grover is his assistant. Simon Biggs and Thomas Farmer are partners in Biggs, Biggs, Farmer, and Farmer, and they are Merry’s lawyers hosting the meeting in which statements will be taken.
Officers Brewer and Kent are quite happy to have more guards at the hospital. Rose is the child with second sight who saw Jackie Frost and inspired him to life, the magic of love; her mother is still a cook at the shining court. Maeve Reed, the fae-turned-Hollywood goddess, is hiding out in Europe. Major Walters is the St. Louis PD fae liaison between humans and the Courts. Special Agent Raymond Gillett is the FBI agent who kept in touch with Merry after the investigation into her father’s death was stopped.
The Cover
The turquoise blue cover features Frost's naked back against a rain-streaked window, the open palm of his hand facing us through the glass and beginning to send out the hoarfrost for which he's named.
The title is about the Cu Sith created that night in the ballroom, a fae dog with a lick for all, but not A Lick For Frost.
May 21, 2016
This book is hard to rate for me. Less than four, more than three... maybe a 3.85? The book starts off maybe a little slow, but then it warps into high speed with a LOT of information thrown at you. I am still trying to sort this all out so this review may be more of that, less than an actual review.
Merry and her guards are back in L.A. and are living in Maeve Reed's star Hollywood home. They are around 20 people or so and at this point the house itself is becoming a little small for everyone. More of the sidhe wanted to come into exile with Merry, but Queen Andais put a stop to everyone fleeing. In fact, she make it a point to torture others for their want to leave with Merry. Most of the fae are afraid to leave the sithen because their magic/powers don't work nearly as well elsewhere.
The book begins with Merry and some of her guards sitting in a lawyers office. King Taranis has done the unthinkable and has turned to the human courts for justice. The Seelie Court claims that Rhys, Galen and Abeloec raped Seelie Lady Caitrin. In the end, during a mirror call with Taranis, they realize this is all a ploy to get to Merry. He keeps trying to get her to come to him and he refuses to answer the question if he has sexual or marital intentions towards her. That made everyone nervous. When the Goddess's power becomes present, Merry is able to stand by herself up to her Uncle and he gets really mad. Suddenly, Taranis uses his hand of power and it shoots through the mirror and seriously injures Doyle and less so Abe.
While the ambulance stables Doyle, Frost and Rhys speak with Sir Hugh from the Seelie Court. Hugh admits that Taranis hadn't been himself for awhile. He states that there are others like him who would like to force a vote and choose a new ruler, and they would like it to be Merry. She feels as if the Seelie Court treated her worse than the Unseelie. It is obvious that the Seelie Court is divided and instead of having 1 set of assassins after her, by accepting the Seelie throne, she would have two. Also, it could be a simple plot to bide more time and when one has enough power, overthrow her reign like they did the kings. No, she did not like it at all.
Merry was not feeling like herself. She was tired and feeling like she was coming down with a cold. At the hospital Abe, formally the god Accasbel, was holding his own. But Doyle was still unconscious. Halfwen was arguing with the doctor in charge. Merry put herself in the middle and when the ring came to life, she saw a woman who worked in a bookshop nearby that he had grown up with. If they were together, they would have children but he loved medicine too much and feared that he could not have both. While distracted, Halfwen healed Doyle enough that atleast he was movable. Rhys was acting strangely at the hospital. Rhys loved Merry, but knew she did not love him like he did her.
When they returned home, after a wonderful greeting by the fairie dogs that the magic of the wild hunt had created a month ago and a greeting by the demi-fey, they went straight to the mirror to meet with the Queen. She was livid as she had heard that Merry was offered and accepted the Seelie throne. It took a lot of convincing that Merry had done no such thing and there had been NO secret meetings behind the Queen's back regarding this. Galen loses it and demands that the Queen act like the Queen and help them. When she asks what he needs from her, Galen states that they need to know why Sir Hugh offered the throne in the first place. Andais states that she will try and find out if Hugh is being honest or not. Meredith is fearful when Andais states that she may want to take them up on the offer of the throne. Andais hates Merry and if not careful, her hatred of Merry may someday outweigh the desire for one of her blood to sit on the throne. On the Seelie throne, Merry would at least be safe.
Next, the goblins call. They are angry and insulted that she took so long to answer. Merry convinces Holly and Ash that she was speaking with the Queen and all must wait on her wishes. They state that the negotiations must be redone but Merry demands to only choose two other men to guard her safety. They claim they will keep their word and will do only what was bargained for nothing more. Merry replies that although the guards will be there to make sure they don't get carried away, they will also protect her from herself as well. She doesn't mind getting rough and in the midst of sex, she might ask for things that would actually hurt her. Before the mirror went blank again, all agreed the night would continue as planned.
After the call, Rhys is even more unnerved asking if Merry really enjoys pain and sex. She replies that sometimes yes she does. Frost stated that he didn't understand either, but secretly Merry knew he did more than he realized. Merry states that she enjoys being with all of them as sometimes she wants soft gentle lovemaking and sometimes she wants something a little rougher.
Rhys leaves Frost and Merry alone because he realizes that as Frost stated he will guard Merry with the goblins, it is at great effort. Frost also needs Merry's reassurance, especially with the Queen reminding Merry that she can't love them all. And as soon as the king is found, everyone one else will return to her, which she is starting to look forward to. Also, Rhys senses the Frost is feeling the loss of Doyle at their sides. Rhys reminds Merry that she promised him sex before the goblin's meeting. Frost states that they have never shared Merry before and Rhys responds that they aren't going to. Maybe at times he will share her bed with some of the newer men but is is because Merry likes him better than them. However, he could bear to see how much more she feels about Frost and Doyle than him. Merry reminds him that she does love him, but Rhys before leaving states that there is going to be a winner and loser, even among Doyle and Frost.
The day crashes over Merry and Frost, insecure asks if she doesn't want to be with him without Doyle. He knows that Doyle takes first place in her heart. She reminds Frost that she truly loves him too. Then she tells him that she is not feeling well and thinks she may be coming down with a cold which reminds her of how mortal she is. And when she grows old and eventually passes on, they will stay the same.
Frost tells her the story of his beginning. He was just the hoarfrost but he began to watch though her window, a girl who had the second sight. Her name was Rose and other people in the village named her and her mother witches. When Frost begged the Goddess to help him help her, he began to become more. And in innocence, he took food from others to give to them, firewood and the like. They were put in jail and Frost froze the bars and let them out. Frost led them away from the village, but being an elemental of cold, they were dying. So Frost prayed again and the consort came to him and asked if he would give up all he was in order to save them. Frost agreed thinking that since in was his meddling that caused their misery, it was a suitable sacrifice. Suddenly Taranis appeared and began to take the two women to his court, but Rose refused to go with him and instead returned to Frost. Frost took care of Rose and they were even able to be married. Eventually he watched as she aged. But he loved her always because it was her love that made him real, the magic of love. Frost tells Merry that he, too will love her always. No matter what happens, no matter when her hair becomes white and wrinkles appear, he will always love her and be there for her.
When Frost kissed her again, the fell into making mad passionate love. Frost ended up pushing Merry up against the headboard and Merry ran her nails down her skin but where it might have bleed, instead it was blue glowing lines that flowed out and painted both of their skin. Merry notices there was a stag traced across his chest as well as in his eyes. They orgasm together and a voice from the mirror says how she had forgotten how magnificent Frost could be. She asks Frost point blank if he loves Merry and if she loves him, and the answer makes her angry. She feels that fear is more powerful than love. And to prove it, she thinks she will take Mistral tonight and play with his body and find his fear.
Merry moves into the only room without a mirror, Kitto's room. They snuggle together and then Rhys asks to join them. Apparently is a day for greater revelations as Rhys tells Merry that he once asked her father for her hand because he thought they would be good to each others. Rhys explained that her father felt there was enough death in Merry's life and he was hoping Merry would be paired with someone whose magic was all about life. Kitto feels the need to leave, but again Rhys tells Kitto to stay and help him understand why it is Kitto Merry turns to when she wants to relax. Rhys says he knows that he is not her heart's desire yet he still wanted a place in Merry's life and wanted to be something new. Kitto gets up and explains that he will not teach Rhys his place for then Rhys may replace Kitto. Merry protests but in the end Kitto leaves.
Rhys goes on to say that one of the reasons he wanted to spend time with Merry when she was younger was because he wanted to see which side she took after more, Seelie or Unseelie. He knew some of her great, great great aunts and grandmothers and they were a warm and caring people.
Rhys laid her on her stomach and began to gently kiss his way down her back. He laid his weight down on her and began to tease her with his hips, rubbing himself up and down. Rhys turns really dark and states that if he truly loved her, he would take himself out of the race for king. He would be like Kitto and Galen and let her go. If he truly loved her, he would somehow help her get her heart's desire, but unfortunately he was too selfish. He can't give her up without a fight. He shoves himself inside her hard like she likes it and is rough with her and full of deep emotions. He claims that he wants her even though in the end it may break her heart. He is selfish and doesn't want to give her up, not even to see her happy. Then he reminds her that he isn't being nearly as rough as the goblins will be. If he had to, he could give her up to Doyle, Frost, even Galen. But he can't to the goblins and the thought of her with them tonight is driving him crazy. So, he plans to use his power and he is going to fill her body with seed and he is going to pray as hard as he ever had that he gets her pregnant. Not because he wants to be king, not because Cel won't sit on the throne, nothing as noble as that. He wants her, HER, even knowing that she doesn't want him like that in return. And when they shove themselves inside her tonight, they won't know that they will be shoving his seed farther in.
The meeting with the goblins start off well. When she recognizes Jonty the Red Cap, Jonty states that her hand of blood helped bring them back into power the night of the wild hunt. Will she touch the others who weren't there that night, yes, of course she will. Suddenly, it seems as if the whole world has paused and the demi-fey flew into the room with the faerie dogs right behind them. The dogs ran to their masters. Frost asks what is going on and Royal of the demi-fay states that it is the moment of creation. Doyle appears and the Consort moves behind his eyes.
Suddenly the magic breaks and it is like standing at ground zero. Through the explosion of color and light, she realizes the dogs had anchored her from breaking apart. Her next thought was for Frost who had no dogs at his side. Moments later, it is over and everyone realizes that reality has changed. The room they are in is now never ending. Jonty claims that she is remaking them. Rhys and Galen draw her attention to Frost who is on the floor lifeless like others who had no dogs to anchor them. Doyle steps forward and is completely healed. He called out and some of the dogs by his side leave and find their masters, bringing them back to life. But no dogs came to Frost.
Merry sees a glowing blue on Frost and it is the stag head she had seen before. Creation comes with sacrifice and the white stag was the mark of a sacrificial king. Merry is angry and yells at Doyle/not Doyle and Rhys and Galen calm her stating that Frost would be ok with this. Just then the Queen’s ring touches Minnie and Merry sees that Minnie is pregnant. Minnie nudges her and beside Merry are two small phantoms of her own; she is pregnant with twins, and there is a faint promise of a third. When Merry looks up she realizes that Doyle, Frost, Galen, and Rhys are the fathers of the 2 children. It didn’t make sense but it was true as it had happened in the far past. Merry touches Frost and he transforms into a stag and runs off into the new land that was created. Frost wasn’t gone, but was changed and only the Deity knew if Frost would return.
In the after math, Ash and Holly are pissed because they want their night with Merry. But since she is pregnant, that won’t happen. Still, Kurug, King of Goblins is happy since the Red Caps have returned to their full strength. Doyle states that Merry will have two children with three fathers each, just as those in legends past. Mistral and Sholto are added to the father list. Suddenly it is all too much and Merry wants to be alone. The new sithen obeys her and she finds herself out in a sunny courtyard where she can cry with her two dogs beside her.
Amatheon appears and kisses her. She tries to push him away and suddenly realizes it is Taranis, King of Light and Illusion. She makes a door appear to call for her men but they don’t get to her in time. Taranis hits her over the head and knocks her out. She awakes naked in his bed with him. Merry has a severe concussion and begins vomiting. She prays for the Goddess to help her. The king goes to get cleaned up and Hugh and others fight to get Merry to freedom. Merry is not alone because Doyle, in his dog form, has entered the Seelie sithen to be with her. He has come in that guise often. Sir Hugh and Lady Elasaid swear they will do all to help Merry, but they hope that perhaps she might do something to see them pregnant. Merry agrees she would be happy to help when she was better.
They get her to the press conference occurring outside and Merry speaks about the possibility of being raped by her uncle. They get her to the ambulance and Merry discovers Rhys, Galen and Sholto have also taken the risk of coming to her rescue. In the ambulance Doyle holds Merry and she cries helplessly. She may have won the throne of the Unseelie Court, but at what price?
Merry and her guards are back in L.A. and are living in Maeve Reed's star Hollywood home. They are around 20 people or so and at this point the house itself is becoming a little small for everyone. More of the sidhe wanted to come into exile with Merry, but Queen Andais put a stop to everyone fleeing. In fact, she make it a point to torture others for their want to leave with Merry. Most of the fae are afraid to leave the sithen because their magic/powers don't work nearly as well elsewhere.
The book begins with Merry and some of her guards sitting in a lawyers office. King Taranis has done the unthinkable and has turned to the human courts for justice. The Seelie Court claims that Rhys, Galen and Abeloec raped Seelie Lady Caitrin. In the end, during a mirror call with Taranis, they realize this is all a ploy to get to Merry. He keeps trying to get her to come to him and he refuses to answer the question if he has sexual or marital intentions towards her. That made everyone nervous. When the Goddess's power becomes present, Merry is able to stand by herself up to her Uncle and he gets really mad. Suddenly, Taranis uses his hand of power and it shoots through the mirror and seriously injures Doyle and less so Abe.
While the ambulance stables Doyle, Frost and Rhys speak with Sir Hugh from the Seelie Court. Hugh admits that Taranis hadn't been himself for awhile. He states that there are others like him who would like to force a vote and choose a new ruler, and they would like it to be Merry. She feels as if the Seelie Court treated her worse than the Unseelie. It is obvious that the Seelie Court is divided and instead of having 1 set of assassins after her, by accepting the Seelie throne, she would have two. Also, it could be a simple plot to bide more time and when one has enough power, overthrow her reign like they did the kings. No, she did not like it at all.
Merry was not feeling like herself. She was tired and feeling like she was coming down with a cold. At the hospital Abe, formally the god Accasbel, was holding his own. But Doyle was still unconscious. Halfwen was arguing with the doctor in charge. Merry put herself in the middle and when the ring came to life, she saw a woman who worked in a bookshop nearby that he had grown up with. If they were together, they would have children but he loved medicine too much and feared that he could not have both. While distracted, Halfwen healed Doyle enough that atleast he was movable. Rhys was acting strangely at the hospital. Rhys loved Merry, but knew she did not love him like he did her.
When they returned home, after a wonderful greeting by the fairie dogs that the magic of the wild hunt had created a month ago and a greeting by the demi-fey, they went straight to the mirror to meet with the Queen. She was livid as she had heard that Merry was offered and accepted the Seelie throne. It took a lot of convincing that Merry had done no such thing and there had been NO secret meetings behind the Queen's back regarding this. Galen loses it and demands that the Queen act like the Queen and help them. When she asks what he needs from her, Galen states that they need to know why Sir Hugh offered the throne in the first place. Andais states that she will try and find out if Hugh is being honest or not. Meredith is fearful when Andais states that she may want to take them up on the offer of the throne. Andais hates Merry and if not careful, her hatred of Merry may someday outweigh the desire for one of her blood to sit on the throne. On the Seelie throne, Merry would at least be safe.
Next, the goblins call. They are angry and insulted that she took so long to answer. Merry convinces Holly and Ash that she was speaking with the Queen and all must wait on her wishes. They state that the negotiations must be redone but Merry demands to only choose two other men to guard her safety. They claim they will keep their word and will do only what was bargained for nothing more. Merry replies that although the guards will be there to make sure they don't get carried away, they will also protect her from herself as well. She doesn't mind getting rough and in the midst of sex, she might ask for things that would actually hurt her. Before the mirror went blank again, all agreed the night would continue as planned.
After the call, Rhys is even more unnerved asking if Merry really enjoys pain and sex. She replies that sometimes yes she does. Frost stated that he didn't understand either, but secretly Merry knew he did more than he realized. Merry states that she enjoys being with all of them as sometimes she wants soft gentle lovemaking and sometimes she wants something a little rougher.
Rhys leaves Frost and Merry alone because he realizes that as Frost stated he will guard Merry with the goblins, it is at great effort. Frost also needs Merry's reassurance, especially with the Queen reminding Merry that she can't love them all. And as soon as the king is found, everyone one else will return to her, which she is starting to look forward to. Also, Rhys senses the Frost is feeling the loss of Doyle at their sides. Rhys reminds Merry that she promised him sex before the goblin's meeting. Frost states that they have never shared Merry before and Rhys responds that they aren't going to. Maybe at times he will share her bed with some of the newer men but is is because Merry likes him better than them. However, he could bear to see how much more she feels about Frost and Doyle than him. Merry reminds him that she does love him, but Rhys before leaving states that there is going to be a winner and loser, even among Doyle and Frost.
The day crashes over Merry and Frost, insecure asks if she doesn't want to be with him without Doyle. He knows that Doyle takes first place in her heart. She reminds Frost that she truly loves him too. Then she tells him that she is not feeling well and thinks she may be coming down with a cold which reminds her of how mortal she is. And when she grows old and eventually passes on, they will stay the same.
Frost tells her the story of his beginning. He was just the hoarfrost but he began to watch though her window, a girl who had the second sight. Her name was Rose and other people in the village named her and her mother witches. When Frost begged the Goddess to help him help her, he began to become more. And in innocence, he took food from others to give to them, firewood and the like. They were put in jail and Frost froze the bars and let them out. Frost led them away from the village, but being an elemental of cold, they were dying. So Frost prayed again and the consort came to him and asked if he would give up all he was in order to save them. Frost agreed thinking that since in was his meddling that caused their misery, it was a suitable sacrifice. Suddenly Taranis appeared and began to take the two women to his court, but Rose refused to go with him and instead returned to Frost. Frost took care of Rose and they were even able to be married. Eventually he watched as she aged. But he loved her always because it was her love that made him real, the magic of love. Frost tells Merry that he, too will love her always. No matter what happens, no matter when her hair becomes white and wrinkles appear, he will always love her and be there for her.
When Frost kissed her again, the fell into making mad passionate love. Frost ended up pushing Merry up against the headboard and Merry ran her nails down her skin but where it might have bleed, instead it was blue glowing lines that flowed out and painted both of their skin. Merry notices there was a stag traced across his chest as well as in his eyes. They orgasm together and a voice from the mirror says how she had forgotten how magnificent Frost could be. She asks Frost point blank if he loves Merry and if she loves him, and the answer makes her angry. She feels that fear is more powerful than love. And to prove it, she thinks she will take Mistral tonight and play with his body and find his fear.
Merry moves into the only room without a mirror, Kitto's room. They snuggle together and then Rhys asks to join them. Apparently is a day for greater revelations as Rhys tells Merry that he once asked her father for her hand because he thought they would be good to each others. Rhys explained that her father felt there was enough death in Merry's life and he was hoping Merry would be paired with someone whose magic was all about life. Kitto feels the need to leave, but again Rhys tells Kitto to stay and help him understand why it is Kitto Merry turns to when she wants to relax. Rhys says he knows that he is not her heart's desire yet he still wanted a place in Merry's life and wanted to be something new. Kitto gets up and explains that he will not teach Rhys his place for then Rhys may replace Kitto. Merry protests but in the end Kitto leaves.
Rhys goes on to say that one of the reasons he wanted to spend time with Merry when she was younger was because he wanted to see which side she took after more, Seelie or Unseelie. He knew some of her great, great great aunts and grandmothers and they were a warm and caring people.
Rhys laid her on her stomach and began to gently kiss his way down her back. He laid his weight down on her and began to tease her with his hips, rubbing himself up and down. Rhys turns really dark and states that if he truly loved her, he would take himself out of the race for king. He would be like Kitto and Galen and let her go. If he truly loved her, he would somehow help her get her heart's desire, but unfortunately he was too selfish. He can't give her up without a fight. He shoves himself inside her hard like she likes it and is rough with her and full of deep emotions. He claims that he wants her even though in the end it may break her heart. He is selfish and doesn't want to give her up, not even to see her happy. Then he reminds her that he isn't being nearly as rough as the goblins will be. If he had to, he could give her up to Doyle, Frost, even Galen. But he can't to the goblins and the thought of her with them tonight is driving him crazy. So, he plans to use his power and he is going to fill her body with seed and he is going to pray as hard as he ever had that he gets her pregnant. Not because he wants to be king, not because Cel won't sit on the throne, nothing as noble as that. He wants her, HER, even knowing that she doesn't want him like that in return. And when they shove themselves inside her tonight, they won't know that they will be shoving his seed farther in.
The meeting with the goblins start off well. When she recognizes Jonty the Red Cap, Jonty states that her hand of blood helped bring them back into power the night of the wild hunt. Will she touch the others who weren't there that night, yes, of course she will. Suddenly, it seems as if the whole world has paused and the demi-fey flew into the room with the faerie dogs right behind them. The dogs ran to their masters. Frost asks what is going on and Royal of the demi-fay states that it is the moment of creation. Doyle appears and the Consort moves behind his eyes.
Suddenly the magic breaks and it is like standing at ground zero. Through the explosion of color and light, she realizes the dogs had anchored her from breaking apart. Her next thought was for Frost who had no dogs at his side. Moments later, it is over and everyone realizes that reality has changed. The room they are in is now never ending. Jonty claims that she is remaking them. Rhys and Galen draw her attention to Frost who is on the floor lifeless like others who had no dogs to anchor them. Doyle steps forward and is completely healed. He called out and some of the dogs by his side leave and find their masters, bringing them back to life. But no dogs came to Frost.
Merry sees a glowing blue on Frost and it is the stag head she had seen before. Creation comes with sacrifice and the white stag was the mark of a sacrificial king. Merry is angry and yells at Doyle/not Doyle and Rhys and Galen calm her stating that Frost would be ok with this. Just then the Queen’s ring touches Minnie and Merry sees that Minnie is pregnant. Minnie nudges her and beside Merry are two small phantoms of her own; she is pregnant with twins, and there is a faint promise of a third. When Merry looks up she realizes that Doyle, Frost, Galen, and Rhys are the fathers of the 2 children. It didn’t make sense but it was true as it had happened in the far past. Merry touches Frost and he transforms into a stag and runs off into the new land that was created. Frost wasn’t gone, but was changed and only the Deity knew if Frost would return.
In the after math, Ash and Holly are pissed because they want their night with Merry. But since she is pregnant, that won’t happen. Still, Kurug, King of Goblins is happy since the Red Caps have returned to their full strength. Doyle states that Merry will have two children with three fathers each, just as those in legends past. Mistral and Sholto are added to the father list. Suddenly it is all too much and Merry wants to be alone. The new sithen obeys her and she finds herself out in a sunny courtyard where she can cry with her two dogs beside her.
Amatheon appears and kisses her. She tries to push him away and suddenly realizes it is Taranis, King of Light and Illusion. She makes a door appear to call for her men but they don’t get to her in time. Taranis hits her over the head and knocks her out. She awakes naked in his bed with him. Merry has a severe concussion and begins vomiting. She prays for the Goddess to help her. The king goes to get cleaned up and Hugh and others fight to get Merry to freedom. Merry is not alone because Doyle, in his dog form, has entered the Seelie sithen to be with her. He has come in that guise often. Sir Hugh and Lady Elasaid swear they will do all to help Merry, but they hope that perhaps she might do something to see them pregnant. Merry agrees she would be happy to help when she was better.
They get her to the press conference occurring outside and Merry speaks about the possibility of being raped by her uncle. They get her to the ambulance and Merry discovers Rhys, Galen and Sholto have also taken the risk of coming to her rescue. In the ambulance Doyle holds Merry and she cries helplessly. She may have won the throne of the Unseelie Court, but at what price?
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