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Corine Solomon #3
Shady Lady
I’d spent my whole life settling, trying not to attract attention, and generally doing whatever it took to keep other people happy. I didn’t want to do that again. Not when I was finally comfortable in my own skin. Sure, there were certain challenges, like a drug lord who wanted me dead, and the fact that I owed a demon a debt that he could call due at any moment. But everybody’s got problems, right?
Whenever Corine Solomon touches an object, she immediately knows its history. But her own future concerns her more and more. Now back in Mexico, she’s running her pawnshop and trying to get a handle on her strange new powers, for she might need them. And soon.
Then former ally Kel Ferguson walks through her door. Heavily muscled and tattooed, Kel looks like a convict but calls himself a holy warrior. This time, he carries a warning for Corine: the Montoya cartel is coming for her—but they don’t just pack automatic weapons. The Montoyas use warlocks, shamans, voodoo priests—anything to terminate trouble. And Corine has become enemy number one…
Whenever Corine Solomon touches an object, she immediately knows its history. But her own future concerns her more and more. Now back in Mexico, she’s running her pawnshop and trying to get a handle on her strange new powers, for she might need them. And soon.
Then former ally Kel Ferguson walks through her door. Heavily muscled and tattooed, Kel looks like a convict but calls himself a holy warrior. This time, he carries a warning for Corine: the Montoya cartel is coming for her—but they don’t just pack automatic weapons. The Montoyas use warlocks, shamans, voodoo priests—anything to terminate trouble. And Corine has become enemy number one…
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 10, 2011
12 people are currently reading
1325 people want to read
About the author
Ann Aguirre
82 books7,069 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Ann Aguirre has been a clown, a clerk, a savior of stray kittens, and a voice actress, not necessarily in that order. She grew up in a yellow house across from a cornfield, but now she lives in Mexico with her family. She writes all kinds of genre fiction, but she has an eternal soft spot for a happily ever after.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
July 4, 2012
Shady Lady is a book that shows tremendous growth in the Corinne Solomon series. Ann Aguirre has this amazing ability to dream up and write extremely unique characters and place the setting of her stories in places that come alive on the pages of her book. The first two books in this series created distinct reactions in my mind – one, I loved the characters, the setting and the “talents/abilities” of the characters; two – the main character’s reaction and interactions with her love interests (yes that is plural) drove me crazy and detracted from the storyline. I love how Ann Aguirre writes about an American woman living in Mexico – having been one myself years ago, I can say with confidence that Aguirre gets it right and makes me feel like I am back there doing it all over again. I love how Aguirre writes her characters. Nothing is easy, there is a cost to talent and there are consequences to choices. The people in Corinne’s life are unique and quirky - -much like real people in real life are.
So Shady Lady finds Corinne back in Mexico, I was already cheering from the beginning of the story. And there are some positive things that develop in Corinne’s love life that were much more tolerable and enjoyable than in the first few books. The quest/challenge is interesting and not predictable at all. So where does this leave me with the series?
I love Aguirre’s Sirantha Jax series. That is one of my all time favorite series – a character driven story, amazing setting and hard choices. Aguirre never takes the easy way out as a writer and I love reading those kinds of stories. I wish that the first two in the Corinne Solomon series were automatic wins for me, but there is enough meaty stuff there that encouraged me to keep going and I am glad that I did. I plan to read #4 in this series, Devil’s Punch, very soon and cannot wait for #5 to be released. If you like complex UF books, with richly developed interesting characters and very unique settings then I think you would like this book. But … you have to understand that there are flaws with books one and two, there is a pay off to sticking with the series. The books improve and by the third, Shady Lady, the series is strong and very enjoyable. It has taken my 2 years to get to book 3 and I am thankful that my GR friend Maja, encouraged me to keep going. I cannot think of another UF series out there where the author is writing such diverse and interesting characters with settings that come alive and make you feel like you are there. So stick with this series. I promise you will be happy you did.
For more on this series check out Badass Book Reviews
So Shady Lady finds Corinne back in Mexico, I was already cheering from the beginning of the story. And there are some positive things that develop in Corinne’s love life that were much more tolerable and enjoyable than in the first few books. The quest/challenge is interesting and not predictable at all. So where does this leave me with the series?
I love Aguirre’s Sirantha Jax series. That is one of my all time favorite series – a character driven story, amazing setting and hard choices. Aguirre never takes the easy way out as a writer and I love reading those kinds of stories. I wish that the first two in the Corinne Solomon series were automatic wins for me, but there is enough meaty stuff there that encouraged me to keep going and I am glad that I did. I plan to read #4 in this series, Devil’s Punch, very soon and cannot wait for #5 to be released. If you like complex UF books, with richly developed interesting characters and very unique settings then I think you would like this book. But … you have to understand that there are flaws with books one and two, there is a pay off to sticking with the series. The books improve and by the third, Shady Lady, the series is strong and very enjoyable. It has taken my 2 years to get to book 3 and I am thankful that my GR friend Maja, encouraged me to keep going. I cannot think of another UF series out there where the author is writing such diverse and interesting characters with settings that come alive and make you feel like you are there. So stick with this series. I promise you will be happy you did.
For more on this series check out Badass Book Reviews
March 26, 2011
Review courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
I’ve come to expect great things from Ann Aguirre. I don’t just read her books, I step into the skin of her characters, breath the same air, taste the same food, feel the same rush of adrenaline and chill of fear. The Corine Solomon books in particular, have all been superb supernatural rides, and SHADY LADY is the best yet.
What a surprise Kel was in this book. When we first met him in BLUE DIABLO, he was this crazy, zealous warrior. Barely human. An enemy. A tenuous alliance was formed between him and Corine, but he was still terrifying at best, and homicidal most times. And yet, Ann changed him in a very gradual, subtle way throughout SHADY LADY. Or maybe she just changed my perception, because by the end of the book, I’d basically called the race for Corine’s heart and the two other guys from the previous book weren’t even close. I loved how my expectations were completely turned upside down and yet I never once felt cheated.
But even though I may have declared a winner, that doesn’t mean that Corine (or Ann has). I had some issues with Corine’s indecisiveness in the previous books, and she’s no more resolute this time when it comes to the men in her life. In SHADY LADY, she mentally commits to each one before waffling on to the next in the space of only a few chapters. Talk about whiplash. Yes there are circumstances that prompt each decision, but I would have expected her to maybe take a little time to think things through before moving on to the next guy. But that’s my only complaint in this otherwise excellent urban fantasy.
There is so much good stuff packed into this book. Surprising character transformations, rich worldbuilding, gorgeous writing, killer action scenes and hot romance (the chapters in the jungle reminded me of a classic Linda Howard romance). Everything adds up here. Urban Fantasy fans will want to get drunk on this series, and the good news is that we have at least two more Corine Solomon books to look forward to. DEVIL’S PUNCH will be out in April 2012, followed by BLOODY MARIA in April 2013. So belly up to the bar if you haven’t already. This is a series that just keeps getting better.
Sexual Content:
Kissing. A brief, mildly graphic sex scene. References to rape. Attempted rape.
I’ve come to expect great things from Ann Aguirre. I don’t just read her books, I step into the skin of her characters, breath the same air, taste the same food, feel the same rush of adrenaline and chill of fear. The Corine Solomon books in particular, have all been superb supernatural rides, and SHADY LADY is the best yet.
What a surprise Kel was in this book. When we first met him in BLUE DIABLO, he was this crazy, zealous warrior. Barely human. An enemy. A tenuous alliance was formed between him and Corine, but he was still terrifying at best, and homicidal most times. And yet, Ann changed him in a very gradual, subtle way throughout SHADY LADY. Or maybe she just changed my perception, because by the end of the book, I’d basically called the race for Corine’s heart and the two other guys from the previous book weren’t even close. I loved how my expectations were completely turned upside down and yet I never once felt cheated.
But even though I may have declared a winner, that doesn’t mean that Corine (or Ann has). I had some issues with Corine’s indecisiveness in the previous books, and she’s no more resolute this time when it comes to the men in her life. In SHADY LADY, she mentally commits to each one before waffling on to the next in the space of only a few chapters. Talk about whiplash. Yes there are circumstances that prompt each decision, but I would have expected her to maybe take a little time to think things through before moving on to the next guy. But that’s my only complaint in this otherwise excellent urban fantasy.
There is so much good stuff packed into this book. Surprising character transformations, rich worldbuilding, gorgeous writing, killer action scenes and hot romance (the chapters in the jungle reminded me of a classic Linda Howard romance). Everything adds up here. Urban Fantasy fans will want to get drunk on this series, and the good news is that we have at least two more Corine Solomon books to look forward to. DEVIL’S PUNCH will be out in April 2012, followed by BLOODY MARIA in April 2013. So belly up to the bar if you haven’t already. This is a series that just keeps getting better.
Sexual Content:
Kissing. A brief, mildly graphic sex scene. References to rape. Attempted rape.
June 13, 2017
This lady needs to make up her mind. Practically every man who shows the slightest interest she imagines a future including love with them. And then after having two pretty significant talks with two men, she turns to the third who has hurt her over and over again for no good reason. Him being near her is enough to cause bad stuff to happen, but she's ignoring it. And the ending with her buddy and one of the guys she was contemplating having a long term relationship with just felt wrong. That kind of stuff usually makes me a little weepy but it was so out of left field that I just stopped and thought "What?!" Even with all of my complaints I'm planning on reading more of the series. I love most of this author's other books so I'm hoping this series will get better.
May 17, 2011
Considering how much I enjoyed this book, I feel as though I should have rated the first 2 in the series 4 stars but there is no chance I will change those ratings. This series gets better with each book, a necessity for an urban fantasy writer and a trademark of the types of writers I remain loyal to. I am currently torn between Aguirre and Harrison as my favorite authors of the genre. Aguirre deserves the same rabid followers as Harrison has.
Book 3 begins shortly after the dust has settled in book 2 and I was instantly hooked. The Hand of God returns. Kel's character was by far my favorite part of the book. *This is me gritting my teeth, attempting to avoid spoilers at any cost.*
To interest anyone considering starting the series, here is a short list of some of my favorite bits:
1. possessed killer monkeys
2. those tattoos
3. the cake or death line
4. excellent action scenes, at times with guns but mostly with demons
5. that one scene was really hot
6. Indiana Jones style worthiness test, in Peru
The ending was bittersweet, with enough of a conclusion that my head will not explode while waiting for the next book to be published. Yet I have a good many questions and ideas about where the story is headed next. I never know for sure with Aguirre, which is another reason why she is one of my favorite authors.
Above all else, this book is a paranormal romance for the urban fantasy addict and the series a must read.
Book 3 begins shortly after the dust has settled in book 2 and I was instantly hooked. The Hand of God returns. Kel's character was by far my favorite part of the book. *This is me gritting my teeth, attempting to avoid spoilers at any cost.*
To interest anyone considering starting the series, here is a short list of some of my favorite bits:
1. possessed killer monkeys
2. those tattoos
3. the cake or death line
4. excellent action scenes, at times with guns but mostly with demons
5. that one scene was really hot
6. Indiana Jones style worthiness test, in Peru
The ending was bittersweet, with enough of a conclusion that my head will not explode while waiting for the next book to be published. Yet I have a good many questions and ideas about where the story is headed next. I never know for sure with Aguirre, which is another reason why she is one of my favorite authors.
Above all else, this book is a paranormal romance for the urban fantasy addict and the series a must read.
April 21, 2011
Review posted at: http://wickedlilpixie.com/2011/04/21/...
In this third book in Ann Aguirre’s Corine Solomon series we find Corine trying to live low-key in her pawnshop in Mexico, -trying- being the operative word. She succeeds for a couple of months until dark, mysterious and somewhat frightening Kel Ferguson shows up at her door. Kel opens a huge can of reality on her… the Montoya cartel want her dead to save face for her involvement in the events that happened in Blue Diablo. He urges her and then helps her get on up out of there and go! Thus begins an action-packed journey for Corine to keep herself and the ones she loves alive, while accepting the only way to do that might be to take the Montoya cartel down herself.
I feel the need to state that I had a love-hate relationship with the last book in the series, Hell Fire. The love triangle with Corine, Jesse, and Chance and the tension it caused really exhausted me. Even though I have been waiting for this new release, I was nervous to see where it would go. With that being said… I. loved. this. book. Shady Lady is a masterpiece in dark and descriptive narrative. From colorful streets in Mexico to hot, creepy jungles in Peru. Ms. Aguirre takes you to places in your imagination only an expert story teller can take you. There is one scene that involves demonic monkeys were I was truly spooked… and the scenes like that just kept on coming! What Ms. Aguirre does with Kel Ferguson in this book was fantastic. I loved every turn the voyage took Corine on, I enjoyed all the players, and … just … wow. Helping to make the story feel that much more authentic, Ms. Aguirre weaves in Spanish to the dialog and has Corine translate it in her head for us, which is excellently done. The characters we initially were introduced to in the first book in the series all make an appearance, as well as Shannon from the second book, who is now living with her.
In Shady Lady I never knew what would happen next, the story was constantly moving and had me bewitched. I expected intense drama and a lot of magical action as I have come to expect that from this author. Those expectations were delivered. What I was not expecting was for a beautiful and unexpected romance to bloom that packed one hell of a punch. I am still “OMG!” over it. OMG! And there are some really surprising plot twists that will leave you freaking out with how the book is wrapped up. Freaking out. I cannot begin to tell you how distressed I am that we are not to get another Corine Solomon book, Devil’s Punch, until April of next year. This is without a doubt my most favorite book in the series and I am quite pleased with the direction the series is taking.
I think you could try to read this novel as a stand-alone and still follow along, but I certainly would not recommend it. Corine has too much history with the secondary cast that the reader would miss out on the emotional experience of the book. The Corine Solomon series is SO FAR set to be a five book series but Ms. Aguirre has said there could be more depending on readers! Here is the reading order for your convenience:
Blue Diablo
Hell Fire
Shady Lady
Devil’s Punch – 4.2012
Bloody Maria – 4.2013
In this third book in Ann Aguirre’s Corine Solomon series we find Corine trying to live low-key in her pawnshop in Mexico, -trying- being the operative word. She succeeds for a couple of months until dark, mysterious and somewhat frightening Kel Ferguson shows up at her door. Kel opens a huge can of reality on her… the Montoya cartel want her dead to save face for her involvement in the events that happened in Blue Diablo. He urges her and then helps her get on up out of there and go! Thus begins an action-packed journey for Corine to keep herself and the ones she loves alive, while accepting the only way to do that might be to take the Montoya cartel down herself.
I feel the need to state that I had a love-hate relationship with the last book in the series, Hell Fire. The love triangle with Corine, Jesse, and Chance and the tension it caused really exhausted me. Even though I have been waiting for this new release, I was nervous to see where it would go. With that being said… I. loved. this. book. Shady Lady is a masterpiece in dark and descriptive narrative. From colorful streets in Mexico to hot, creepy jungles in Peru. Ms. Aguirre takes you to places in your imagination only an expert story teller can take you. There is one scene that involves demonic monkeys were I was truly spooked… and the scenes like that just kept on coming! What Ms. Aguirre does with Kel Ferguson in this book was fantastic. I loved every turn the voyage took Corine on, I enjoyed all the players, and … just … wow. Helping to make the story feel that much more authentic, Ms. Aguirre weaves in Spanish to the dialog and has Corine translate it in her head for us, which is excellently done. The characters we initially were introduced to in the first book in the series all make an appearance, as well as Shannon from the second book, who is now living with her.
In Shady Lady I never knew what would happen next, the story was constantly moving and had me bewitched. I expected intense drama and a lot of magical action as I have come to expect that from this author. Those expectations were delivered. What I was not expecting was for a beautiful and unexpected romance to bloom that packed one hell of a punch. I am still “OMG!” over it. OMG! And there are some really surprising plot twists that will leave you freaking out with how the book is wrapped up. Freaking out. I cannot begin to tell you how distressed I am that we are not to get another Corine Solomon book, Devil’s Punch, until April of next year. This is without a doubt my most favorite book in the series and I am quite pleased with the direction the series is taking.
I think you could try to read this novel as a stand-alone and still follow along, but I certainly would not recommend it. Corine has too much history with the secondary cast that the reader would miss out on the emotional experience of the book. The Corine Solomon series is SO FAR set to be a five book series but Ms. Aguirre has said there could be more depending on readers! Here is the reading order for your convenience:
Blue Diablo
Hell Fire
Shady Lady
Devil’s Punch – 4.2012
Bloody Maria – 4.2013
February 16, 2012
OMG i wish she would just choose one man and stick with him!
have to say though that part with kel was pretty awesome ;)
whats with all the men hitting on her anyways?? share some of the hotties around would ya! ;P
So some pretty exciting things happened in this book - as you know by now corine's ability has gotten stronger so she's started doing spells (which she ends up screwing royally) plus now she also has a demon mark one her and its practically impossible to be a white witch after that (according to the book). butch can write (with scrabble tiles) which is totally awesome! and he has the cutest personality! <3 that dog :D
we also get to see ALOT more of kel in this book - which i loved! and we get to find out a few of his secrets! oh and that crazy drug lord guy has finally tracked corine down so she goes and see's the non crazy drug lord to help her wipe out the crazy-ass one.... o.O yea i know she's a lil retarded at times, but hey there's a next book so it must of worked.
oh and eva has her baby - YAY!
so yea i left out some major things but i didnt want to ruin all the surprises - just give u a taste of what your missing if u dont read this book ;)
Peace.
have to say though that part with kel was pretty awesome ;)
whats with all the men hitting on her anyways?? share some of the hotties around would ya! ;P
So some pretty exciting things happened in this book - as you know by now corine's ability has gotten stronger so she's started doing spells (which she ends up screwing royally) plus now she also has a demon mark one her and its practically impossible to be a white witch after that (according to the book). butch can write (with scrabble tiles) which is totally awesome! and he has the cutest personality! <3 that dog :D
we also get to see ALOT more of kel in this book - which i loved! and we get to find out a few of his secrets! oh and that crazy drug lord guy has finally tracked corine down so she goes and see's the non crazy drug lord to help her wipe out the crazy-ass one.... o.O yea i know she's a lil retarded at times, but hey there's a next book so it must of worked.
oh and eva has her baby - YAY!
so yea i left out some major things but i didnt want to ruin all the surprises - just give u a taste of what your missing if u dont read this book ;)
Peace.
June 7, 2011
I always like the Corine Solomon series well enough, but never loved. I rather enjoyed this book though, and most of that would have to do with Kel, who is competent and dangerous, but is--not broken exactly--fractured in his own right. What makes him likable is that he doesn't drag out his past and mope, but is really the strong, silent suffering type and... yeah, this is me being a total sucker.
In any case, the book starts off slowly. It takes a while to ramp up, but then it proceeds at a nicely clipped pace. The basic premise is that Corine has Montoya, the boss of a cartel, after her. The man is not afraid to rip through her loved ones for her, and Corine is understandably concerned about getting any of them involved. Kel comes along because he was told to protect her, and off Corine goes on a journey to get Montoya first. This has her get involved with a rival cartel, dodging dangerous situations, and finding out more about Kel, who slowly unveils more about himself.
...Okay, apparently I can't just move along. Oh Kel. Kel and Corine's interactions were so fascinating to read, and the slow reveal of Kel and what he is and what he does was done very skillfully. I've always been ambivalent about Jesse. I dislike Chase. But Kel? I wish he'd just stick around forever.
It was nice to see how proactive Corine can be in regards to her situation. At first she just reacts to everything that is happening to her (not much else she could do), but once she gets her bearings, she really hardens and fights for herself and the people she loves. She's a great main character--strong, but not perfect. She has to rely on other people's help, but she can do things herself as well. At the start of the book I was a bit "eh" about where it was going, since Corine relied so much on Kel, but she truly shines in the latter half of the book. She has to make some difficult decisions and doesn't shy from the hard choices she has to make.
The plot, after the warm up phase, zips along from page to page. After the beginning (and yes, I do have to say that the beginning is slow and a bit boring a couple of times, haha), it becomes truly engrossing to read. Corine discovers new abilities, new allies, and touches in with old ones. Shannon is along for the ride, and I find myself greatly warming up to the girl.
The ending was bittersweet, but fit. And then But I did really like this book for all of the reasons stated above, so 4 stars.
In any case, the book starts off slowly. It takes a while to ramp up, but then it proceeds at a nicely clipped pace. The basic premise is that Corine has Montoya, the boss of a cartel, after her. The man is not afraid to rip through her loved ones for her, and Corine is understandably concerned about getting any of them involved. Kel comes along because he was told to protect her, and off Corine goes on a journey to get Montoya first. This has her get involved with a rival cartel, dodging dangerous situations, and finding out more about Kel, who slowly unveils more about himself.
...Okay, apparently I can't just move along. Oh Kel. Kel and Corine's interactions were so fascinating to read, and the slow reveal of Kel and what he is and what he does was done very skillfully. I've always been ambivalent about Jesse. I dislike Chase. But Kel? I wish he'd just stick around forever.
It was nice to see how proactive Corine can be in regards to her situation. At first she just reacts to everything that is happening to her (not much else she could do), but once she gets her bearings, she really hardens and fights for herself and the people she loves. She's a great main character--strong, but not perfect. She has to rely on other people's help, but she can do things herself as well. At the start of the book I was a bit "eh" about where it was going, since Corine relied so much on Kel, but she truly shines in the latter half of the book. She has to make some difficult decisions and doesn't shy from the hard choices she has to make.
The plot, after the warm up phase, zips along from page to page. After the beginning (and yes, I do have to say that the beginning is slow and a bit boring a couple of times, haha), it becomes truly engrossing to read. Corine discovers new abilities, new allies, and touches in with old ones. Shannon is along for the ride, and I find myself greatly warming up to the girl.
The ending was bittersweet, but fit. And then But I did really like this book for all of the reasons stated above, so 4 stars.
May 9, 2011
This series just keeps getting better, this is by far the best book, just terrific. It started off a little rough because it jumped right in and I didn't remember all of the details of the last book very well, but soon it all came together and it became the best page-turner I've read in a long time. I just got so emotionally invested in what Corine was going through, it was so raw and vivid. And unpredictable! There is nothing formulaic about this book, I was always surprised, chapter to chapter, beginning to end, and that is something that rarely happens. Well, maybe I had an idea about which guys she wasn't going to end up with, but other than that, the major plot is convoluted, complex, and compelling. When I step back and look at it, it's really one of the standard stories, what does a character do when they have no good choices? What rules are they willing to break, how far are they willing to go, that sort of thing. But Aguirre does it with style, my heart broke for Corine over and over again, I cheered for her bravery, and was fully invested in her journeys.
I also really liked the added layers we got to see about Corine through the history she revealed to Shannon. It helped me to understand why she keeps going back to to her romantic situation, something I just didn't get before. I liked the end of the book a lot and didn't expect to. Maybe the being the new people that they've become will give them an opportunity to really get to know themselves and each other and build something solid and real for the first time in their lives.
Just one little note to the publisher - why, why must you put her in a belly-revealing shirt on the cover? Yes, she lost weight in the jungle, but this is not a skinny woman in general or someone who would ever wear that kind of shirt by choice. And what does it say about us as readers that you think that that sells more books than a fully-clad woman would?
I also really liked the added layers we got to see about Corine through the history she revealed to Shannon. It helped me to understand why she keeps going back to to her romantic situation, something I just didn't get before. I liked the end of the book a lot and didn't expect to. Maybe the being the new people that they've become will give them an opportunity to really get to know themselves and each other and build something solid and real for the first time in their lives.
Just one little note to the publisher - why, why must you put her in a belly-revealing shirt on the cover? Yes, she lost weight in the jungle, but this is not a skinny woman in general or someone who would ever wear that kind of shirt by choice. And what does it say about us as readers that you think that that sells more books than a fully-clad woman would?
January 16, 2010
This book has demon-possessed monkeys.
Hell yeah.
Hell yeah.
January 17, 2012
Third in the Corine Solomon urban fantasy series about an evolving and Gifted woman.
My Take
Oh, man! Talk about ups and downs! In this episode, Corine is conflicted over the demonic encounters that continue to crop up; she feels as though she is falling deeper and deeper to the dark side and it terrifies her. Then she finally falls in love. The real kind with someone she can't have just as the life she has created for herself is falling apart.
Jeez, Aguirre is just incredible at creating the tension and drama in this unique series. There aren't too many authors (that I've come across anyway...yet) who's main character is a touch psychic. The back history she created for Kel is fascinating; I can't wait to see what she comes up with for Chance...lord knows, Aguirre has been teasing us enough!
The Story
Life is peaceful in Mexico City, at least until the loveliest silver salt and pepper shakers show up on Corine's pawnshop doorstep. And Kel intervenes in time to save her life. Again. It seems that Montoya has Corine back in his sights and it's time for Corine to get outta town.
This time she has Shannon along for the ride with Kel as they head down to Catemaco to find a witch to cleanse the salt shaker. A successful trip provided you don't object to evading assassins---demonic and human. It's on their trip up to Laredo that Corine, Shannon, and Kel are hijacked by Escobar's men. And Escobar makes a deal that Corine really cannot refuse. A deal that has so many benefits for Escobar but forces Corine to pass test after test after test.
Tests that Kel helps her struggle through. In which she learns more about the powers she inherited from her mother. The changes that have been made to her powers since she touched her mother's necklace. The greater depths to which Corine will sink to take this threat to her and her friends away. The hopeless love that grows between Corine and Kel.
The Characters
Corine Solomon is making a life with Shannon in her pawnshop in Mexico City. She's told Chance off and is dating Jesse virtually. Only, something happened back in Kilmer when she picked up her mother's flower pentacled necklace. After dying for the second time in her life and returning, her psychometric Gift of touch no longer leaves obvious burn marks behind, but it's added something more. This third death...well, she is determined to be true to herself in spite of owing a demon a debt. Butch is a chihuahua in touch with his supernatural side. He's not bad at communicating with Corine and Shannon and just gets better and better. Señor Alvarez picks up treasures to sell to Corine; in a pinch, he mans the shop for Corine when she has to take off. Tia is an ancient witch friend in Mexico City who recommends she contact Nalleli in Catemaco. She also rescues Corine's grimoires.
Shannon is so much happier with Corine. A fellowship with another Gifted person. Shannon's own gift is of communicating with ghosts via a vintage radio. She's not sure if she can ever forgive her father for not protecting her (see Hell Fire ) and she feels a kinship with Corine. Come hell or high water, Shannon intends to stick.
Jesse Saladan is a detective on the Laredo Police Force with a Gift for empathy. He's not willing to give up his career and move to Mexico City nor is he willing to give up on Corine so they've settled for a non-monogamous relationship via email with the occasional physical meet. Lieutenant Glencannon is his boss. Clemsen and Rudd are the cops guarding Jesse and Shannon in the safe house. Chance is wallowing in his anger and feelings of self-righteousness. He helped Corine with her Kilmer thing. Endured a lot and she didn't follow him home to Florida. The fact that the Kilmer trip was his payback for Corine helping to recover his mother doesn't seem to have hit his radar… His particular Gift is luck but the universe likes to balance this by striking whoever is standing next to him.
Kelethiel "Kel" Ferguson is a convicted serial killer...we thought. It turns out he really is the Hand of God and now an archangel has sent him to protect Corine from Montoya. Ian Booke has become friends with Corine and they IM frequently and talk once a month. In between they practice astral projection and object translocation. There is some mystery about Booke for he's trapped in his house and can't leave it. Eva Obregón is eight months pregnant and she and her husband Chuch are looking forward to the baby even as they remain belligerent about Montoya. "Maury" is the demon Corine freed in Hell Fire and to whom she owes a debt for saving her life. Even if it did leave a knife blade embedded in her body! Now he's calling his debt due.
Diego Montoya is the head of a drug cartel. Due to a curse Chance's mother laid on him and then the deal he made with her, he can't attack Chance, but he can come after Corine. Vicente Montoya is his brother and it seems he's been taking black magic lessons. Ramiro Escobar is the chief of a rival cartel. He wants to use Corine as bait to make Montoya crazy and lure him out so Escobar can take him out. His son Paolo has the Gift of telekinesis. The drug soldiers of Escobar's that Corine picks up from the Rosa Negra through Zaragoza's help are García, Petrel, Santos, and Morales.
The Cover
They used a different model for Corine on this one. Wearing either black jeans or a miniskirt (yeah, sorry, I can't tell from the shadows…) and a cropped, knit tank-top, Corine is standing in profile but with her head turned to look at us, an athame in her right hand and her witch's circle bounded with lit candles in the background. It has the feel of an alley but one at an angle for when looking straight on, you can see a lit-up building directly in front of us on this fuchsia-fogged night.
The title is another drink Corine needs that night in Rosa Negra. She's certainly feeling like a Shady Lady.
My Take
Oh, man! Talk about ups and downs! In this episode, Corine is conflicted over the demonic encounters that continue to crop up; she feels as though she is falling deeper and deeper to the dark side and it terrifies her. Then she finally falls in love. The real kind with someone she can't have just as the life she has created for herself is falling apart.
Jeez, Aguirre is just incredible at creating the tension and drama in this unique series. There aren't too many authors (that I've come across anyway...yet) who's main character is a touch psychic. The back history she created for Kel is fascinating; I can't wait to see what she comes up with for Chance...lord knows, Aguirre has been teasing us enough!
The Story
Life is peaceful in Mexico City, at least until the loveliest silver salt and pepper shakers show up on Corine's pawnshop doorstep. And Kel intervenes in time to save her life. Again. It seems that Montoya has Corine back in his sights and it's time for Corine to get outta town.
This time she has Shannon along for the ride with Kel as they head down to Catemaco to find a witch to cleanse the salt shaker. A successful trip provided you don't object to evading assassins---demonic and human. It's on their trip up to Laredo that Corine, Shannon, and Kel are hijacked by Escobar's men. And Escobar makes a deal that Corine really cannot refuse. A deal that has so many benefits for Escobar but forces Corine to pass test after test after test.
Tests that Kel helps her struggle through. In which she learns more about the powers she inherited from her mother. The changes that have been made to her powers since she touched her mother's necklace. The greater depths to which Corine will sink to take this threat to her and her friends away. The hopeless love that grows between Corine and Kel.
The Characters
Corine Solomon is making a life with Shannon in her pawnshop in Mexico City. She's told Chance off and is dating Jesse virtually. Only, something happened back in Kilmer when she picked up her mother's flower pentacled necklace. After dying for the second time in her life and returning, her psychometric Gift of touch no longer leaves obvious burn marks behind, but it's added something more. This third death...well, she is determined to be true to herself in spite of owing a demon a debt. Butch is a chihuahua in touch with his supernatural side. He's not bad at communicating with Corine and Shannon and just gets better and better. Señor Alvarez picks up treasures to sell to Corine; in a pinch, he mans the shop for Corine when she has to take off. Tia is an ancient witch friend in Mexico City who recommends she contact Nalleli in Catemaco. She also rescues Corine's grimoires.
Shannon is so much happier with Corine. A fellowship with another Gifted person. Shannon's own gift is of communicating with ghosts via a vintage radio. She's not sure if she can ever forgive her father for not protecting her (see Hell Fire ) and she feels a kinship with Corine. Come hell or high water, Shannon intends to stick.
Jesse Saladan is a detective on the Laredo Police Force with a Gift for empathy. He's not willing to give up his career and move to Mexico City nor is he willing to give up on Corine so they've settled for a non-monogamous relationship via email with the occasional physical meet. Lieutenant Glencannon is his boss. Clemsen and Rudd are the cops guarding Jesse and Shannon in the safe house. Chance is wallowing in his anger and feelings of self-righteousness. He helped Corine with her Kilmer thing. Endured a lot and she didn't follow him home to Florida. The fact that the Kilmer trip was his payback for Corine helping to recover his mother doesn't seem to have hit his radar… His particular Gift is luck but the universe likes to balance this by striking whoever is standing next to him.
Kelethiel "Kel" Ferguson is a convicted serial killer...we thought. It turns out he really is the Hand of God and now an archangel has sent him to protect Corine from Montoya. Ian Booke has become friends with Corine and they IM frequently and talk once a month. In between they practice astral projection and object translocation. There is some mystery about Booke for he's trapped in his house and can't leave it. Eva Obregón is eight months pregnant and she and her husband Chuch are looking forward to the baby even as they remain belligerent about Montoya. "Maury" is the demon Corine freed in Hell Fire and to whom she owes a debt for saving her life. Even if it did leave a knife blade embedded in her body! Now he's calling his debt due.
Diego Montoya is the head of a drug cartel. Due to a curse Chance's mother laid on him and then the deal he made with her, he can't attack Chance, but he can come after Corine. Vicente Montoya is his brother and it seems he's been taking black magic lessons. Ramiro Escobar is the chief of a rival cartel. He wants to use Corine as bait to make Montoya crazy and lure him out so Escobar can take him out. His son Paolo has the Gift of telekinesis. The drug soldiers of Escobar's that Corine picks up from the Rosa Negra through Zaragoza's help are García, Petrel, Santos, and Morales.
The Cover
They used a different model for Corine on this one. Wearing either black jeans or a miniskirt (yeah, sorry, I can't tell from the shadows…) and a cropped, knit tank-top, Corine is standing in profile but with her head turned to look at us, an athame in her right hand and her witch's circle bounded with lit candles in the background. It has the feel of an alley but one at an angle for when looking straight on, you can see a lit-up building directly in front of us on this fuchsia-fogged night.
The title is another drink Corine needs that night in Rosa Negra. She's certainly feeling like a Shady Lady.
September 15, 2020
This third book of the Corine Solomon series has been my favorite so far. The action truly kicks up a notch with Corine working to stay alive against a Cartel that wants her dead, an opposing Cartel that maybe wants to help her, and the usual magic stuff from books 1 and 2. The first part of this one revisits my favorite character from book 1, Kel. We learn significantly more about him as he helps Corine get through a South American jungle on a test mission. Despite how much I liked the action, there were still some big execution problems that keep me from rating this higher - even considering a lower rating. I like the story enough I still plan to read the next 2 books of this complete series despite my issues with the writing.
Read
June 7, 2020DNF @ 27%
1. Without the presence of a clear and present goal like there was in the first couple of books, this one fails to hold my interest. It's a shame because I don't think it's a bad book; it's just that stories which are effectively thrillers are not really my type.
2. The things which make it hard for me to read this book; weird tension between Kel and Shannon (She's 18. Eighteen.), the lack of alllll of my favorite characters (Chuch, Chance, Eva), the aforementioned lack of real stakes and just idk. General listlessness? It's possible I might get back to this book if I'm in a more forgiving mood but as it is, it's off my reading pile.
1. Without the presence of a clear and present goal like there was in the first couple of books, this one fails to hold my interest. It's a shame because I don't think it's a bad book; it's just that stories which are effectively thrillers are not really my type.
2. The things which make it hard for me to read this book; weird tension between Kel and Shannon (She's 18. Eighteen.), the lack of alllll of my favorite characters (Chuch, Chance, Eva), the aforementioned lack of real stakes and just idk. General listlessness? It's possible I might get back to this book if I'm in a more forgiving mood but as it is, it's off my reading pile.
April 6, 2011
Shady Lady is the third book in Ann Aguirre’s Corine Solomon urban fantasy series, and I’m pleased to report that Aguirre just keeps on delivering the goods. Despite a slow and somewhat jerky start, by the mid-point of the book I was completely hooked, and the end left me drooling for more.
The beginning reminded me of how the first book in the series, Blue Diablo started out pretty slow and meandering, and while Shady Lady doesn’t exactly meander, it does take a while to really pick up. Big Exciting Things happen at the beginning, when we find out that Montoya, the drug dealer Corine pissed off in the first book, is gunning for her, and Kel, the slightly creepy Hand of God, shows up saying thathe’s on a mission from God been assigned to protect Corine. They, along with Shannon, Corine’s roommate and the gifted girl she rescued from her old hometown in Hell Fire, set off to find out how to break a hex that was meant to kill Corine.
The more I think about it, the more Shady Lady feels like two novels mashed into one. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but it does lead to a slightly disjointed feel overall. The first half involves Corine and Kel running around, dodging snipers and trekking through jungles. The second half involves Corine turning into a complete badass in Texas, trying to take out Montoya and stay on the good side of Montoya’s rival and her new, er, patron, Escobar. In terms of how the story flows, story one segues into story two pretty well, but it did take a while for me to really feel like the ball was rolling.
Once again, characterization is the strongest point in this series. Corine continually grows as a character, learning things about herself that scare her. I really appreciate that Aguirre doesn’t allow Corine to become a static character. Everything that happens to her affects the way she sees the world and sees herself. When she faces a nasty choice–should she work with a rival drug lord to get rid of the one who’s trying to kill her?–she doesn’t make any decisions lightly, and even at the end, she’s not sure that she’s doing the right thing or going down the right path. She does what she has to do to survive, but that decision will come with a lot of soul searching.
Shannon is a fantastic addition to the story, a troubled young woman finally coming into her own. Kel in particular impressed me. It’s been a while since I read Blue Diablo and so I only vaguely remembered him. I absolutely love his slowly-revealed back story, and I’m definitely hoping we see more of him in future installments. Both of Corine’s past love interests, Jesse and Chance, make appearances in Shady Lady, but I have to confess that I wasn’t particularly pleased to see either of them. I like them well enough as characters, but I loved seeing Corine thriving on her own in Mexico City. I really hope she doesn’t fall back into her old habit of codependency.
Oh, and Butch the psychic Chihuahua? Gets better and better with each book. I was a little wary of the idea at first, but when Butch showed off a new talent late in Shady Lady, I simultaneously cracked up and bought into it without reservation. He’s turning out to be a pretty awesome character.
The book doesn’t necessarily end on a cliffhanger, but something happens that made me yell, “OH NO!” when I got to it. I enjoyed Shady Lady very much, and I’m seriously chomping at the bit for the next book in the series.
The beginning reminded me of how the first book in the series, Blue Diablo started out pretty slow and meandering, and while Shady Lady doesn’t exactly meander, it does take a while to really pick up. Big Exciting Things happen at the beginning, when we find out that Montoya, the drug dealer Corine pissed off in the first book, is gunning for her, and Kel, the slightly creepy Hand of God, shows up saying that
The more I think about it, the more Shady Lady feels like two novels mashed into one. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but it does lead to a slightly disjointed feel overall. The first half involves Corine and Kel running around, dodging snipers and trekking through jungles. The second half involves Corine turning into a complete badass in Texas, trying to take out Montoya and stay on the good side of Montoya’s rival and her new, er, patron, Escobar. In terms of how the story flows, story one segues into story two pretty well, but it did take a while for me to really feel like the ball was rolling.
Once again, characterization is the strongest point in this series. Corine continually grows as a character, learning things about herself that scare her. I really appreciate that Aguirre doesn’t allow Corine to become a static character. Everything that happens to her affects the way she sees the world and sees herself. When she faces a nasty choice–should she work with a rival drug lord to get rid of the one who’s trying to kill her?–she doesn’t make any decisions lightly, and even at the end, she’s not sure that she’s doing the right thing or going down the right path. She does what she has to do to survive, but that decision will come with a lot of soul searching.
Shannon is a fantastic addition to the story, a troubled young woman finally coming into her own. Kel in particular impressed me. It’s been a while since I read Blue Diablo and so I only vaguely remembered him. I absolutely love his slowly-revealed back story, and I’m definitely hoping we see more of him in future installments. Both of Corine’s past love interests, Jesse and Chance, make appearances in Shady Lady, but I have to confess that I wasn’t particularly pleased to see either of them. I like them well enough as characters, but I loved seeing Corine thriving on her own in Mexico City. I really hope she doesn’t fall back into her old habit of codependency.
Oh, and Butch the psychic Chihuahua? Gets better and better with each book. I was a little wary of the idea at first, but when Butch showed off a new talent late in Shady Lady, I simultaneously cracked up and bought into it without reservation. He’s turning out to be a pretty awesome character.
The book doesn’t necessarily end on a cliffhanger, but something happens that made me yell, “OH NO!” when I got to it. I enjoyed Shady Lady very much, and I’m seriously chomping at the bit for the next book in the series.
August 30, 2011
Ann Aguirre has done it again!
I had a few issues with Corine in the first two books of the series--primarily that she was difficult to like due to her doom-and-gloom attitude. When a heroine is so negative, I cannot help but wonder why I am reading about her in the first place. BUT, because I read ENCLAVE before beginning the Corine Solomon series, I knew how awesome Ann's books could be.
I can say with confidence, even though it pains me to say so, that had I not read ENCLAVE, I would have written this series off as a DNF early on. Thankfully I didn't, and because I stuck with it, I was easily repaid tenfold for dedicating the time to learn about the characters and universe in this series. This is one situation where I am glad I ordered the prior books from the library as opposed to starting out of order.
So what happens in this book? Kel happens. Kel, that freaky Hand of God that I hated earlier in the series totally undergoes a complete transformation before Corine's eyes. Gone is the brooding warrior, who is now replaced by... well, you'll just have to read and find out, won't you?
At first, I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the interactions between the two. It seemed like every man Corine met wanted to sleep with her in this series. Jesse and Chance play minimal roles this time around, and for that reason--the lack of a love triangle--I think I appreciated the story line more. Corine appeared more real than she ever has. She laughed at some points, and more importantly: she did not behave like some "agitated" individual fending off the affections of men she felt ambivalent about.
One particular scene can be a major tearjerker for some; I tried hard to resist the waterworks pooling in my eyes. Even now, a few months after reading the book, I am still unsure of my feelings about the outcome of this separation. Likewise, while the ending of SHADY LADY satisfied me at the time, I am now wondering who I truly wanted Corine to end up with in the end. I think Ann did her job exceptionally well.
SHADY LADY redeemed Corine in my eyes, and transformed her from a whiny brat who was difficult to relate with into a heroine I wanted to cheer on--and one who I almost cried for. If that's not reason enough to either start this series, or give it another chance, then I must wash my hands of you, you heartless beast. Give the series a shot, whether you're new to it, or if you've given up on it because of Corine. I guarantee that SHADY LADY will make you view all of the characters in a new, generally favorable light.
I had a few issues with Corine in the first two books of the series--primarily that she was difficult to like due to her doom-and-gloom attitude. When a heroine is so negative, I cannot help but wonder why I am reading about her in the first place. BUT, because I read ENCLAVE before beginning the Corine Solomon series, I knew how awesome Ann's books could be.
I can say with confidence, even though it pains me to say so, that had I not read ENCLAVE, I would have written this series off as a DNF early on. Thankfully I didn't, and because I stuck with it, I was easily repaid tenfold for dedicating the time to learn about the characters and universe in this series. This is one situation where I am glad I ordered the prior books from the library as opposed to starting out of order.
So what happens in this book? Kel happens. Kel, that freaky Hand of God that I hated earlier in the series totally undergoes a complete transformation before Corine's eyes. Gone is the brooding warrior, who is now replaced by... well, you'll just have to read and find out, won't you?
At first, I couldn't help but roll my eyes at the interactions between the two. It seemed like every man Corine met wanted to sleep with her in this series. Jesse and Chance play minimal roles this time around, and for that reason--the lack of a love triangle--I think I appreciated the story line more. Corine appeared more real than she ever has. She laughed at some points, and more importantly: she did not behave like some "agitated" individual fending off the affections of men she felt ambivalent about.
One particular scene can be a major tearjerker for some; I tried hard to resist the waterworks pooling in my eyes. Even now, a few months after reading the book, I am still unsure of my feelings about the outcome of this separation. Likewise, while the ending of SHADY LADY satisfied me at the time, I am now wondering who I truly wanted Corine to end up with in the end. I think Ann did her job exceptionally well.
SHADY LADY redeemed Corine in my eyes, and transformed her from a whiny brat who was difficult to relate with into a heroine I wanted to cheer on--and one who I almost cried for. If that's not reason enough to either start this series, or give it another chance, then I must wash my hands of you, you heartless beast. Give the series a shot, whether you're new to it, or if you've given up on it because of Corine. I guarantee that SHADY LADY will make you view all of the characters in a new, generally favorable light.
May 28, 2011
**I'm trying to keep this short and sweet to not ruin the mystery of the book here.**
Corine is back home in Mexico with Shannon and things seem to be going well until she receives a salt and pepper shaker set. Just as Corine goes to pick up one of the set a tall mysterious man walks into her shop, one that Corine quickly recognizes ~ Kel Ferguson. Kel has been assigned as Corine's guardian as she will be important in the future and is in deadly danger now, and the salt and pepper shaker set is part of her starting troubles. Corine and Kel are on their way to learn about the magic cast on the shaker set and learn of the man who's after Corine, Montoya. Corine pairs up with Kel and an unlikely ally to try and save her life. What will it cast Corine and her friends in the end?
Ann is quick to bring us right back into Corines life at the beginning of this book. We get a taste of Corine's "touch" gift at the very beginning to bring us right back to her abilities strengths. And there is more she can now do, but not sure who to trust the new abilities with. As the book goes we see some new developments in Corine's powers and abilities. I love how she slowly starts to grow in her strength and as a character.
The action! Wow. Ann is amazing at keeping the story on fast forward. Just when I think it's starting to calm down and Corine might be able to get a nights sleep, all heck breaks loss once again. I enjoy this constant movement in a book. It's one to make me wonder what will happen to the characters and where will we go.
Corine even makes a few choices in this book. She picks a man. She learns more about herself. And about others as well... Yes, we learn more about another character ~ Kel. I have to say for a character I liked where Ann took Kel as being a mysterious bad guy (with potential as maybe being a good guy for who he worked for) to being a character I loved. This was a great manifestation here!
I'm looking forward to see how strong Corine grows with her powers and to what extent she will be able to use them. Along with a few other questions... the men! And her future!?! I can't wait for more of Corine Solomon!
Corine is back home in Mexico with Shannon and things seem to be going well until she receives a salt and pepper shaker set. Just as Corine goes to pick up one of the set a tall mysterious man walks into her shop, one that Corine quickly recognizes ~ Kel Ferguson. Kel has been assigned as Corine's guardian as she will be important in the future and is in deadly danger now, and the salt and pepper shaker set is part of her starting troubles. Corine and Kel are on their way to learn about the magic cast on the shaker set and learn of the man who's after Corine, Montoya. Corine pairs up with Kel and an unlikely ally to try and save her life. What will it cast Corine and her friends in the end?
Ann is quick to bring us right back into Corines life at the beginning of this book. We get a taste of Corine's "touch" gift at the very beginning to bring us right back to her abilities strengths. And there is more she can now do, but not sure who to trust the new abilities with. As the book goes we see some new developments in Corine's powers and abilities. I love how she slowly starts to grow in her strength and as a character.
The action! Wow. Ann is amazing at keeping the story on fast forward. Just when I think it's starting to calm down and Corine might be able to get a nights sleep, all heck breaks loss once again. I enjoy this constant movement in a book. It's one to make me wonder what will happen to the characters and where will we go.
Corine even makes a few choices in this book. She picks a man. She learns more about herself. And about others as well... Yes, we learn more about another character ~ Kel. I have to say for a character I liked where Ann took Kel as being a mysterious bad guy (with potential as maybe being a good guy for who he worked for) to being a character I loved. This was a great manifestation here!
I'm looking forward to see how strong Corine grows with her powers and to what extent she will be able to use them. Along with a few other questions... the men! And her future!?! I can't wait for more of Corine Solomon!
April 25, 2011
reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blo...
SHADY LADY is another great addition to the Corine Solomon series. I LOVED Kel in this book, I never would have thought that he would grow on me and I would find myself pulling for him. He really has been a surprise awesome character that I want to see more of and high hopes for to be in Corine's life. When I saw that Chance wasn't playing a big part in SHADY LADY I was kind of disappointed, But Kel kinda made me realize that I kinda hope Chance doesn't have a chance. Shannon is also a great character I didn't see being so awesome. After the events in HELL FIRE I thought she would make some appearances but now I cant see the series without her in it. Butch of course is still the coolest dog ever and we see he has some other talents under his paws. SHADY LADY was full of twist turns and action. I never knew what was coming and I never wanted to stop reading. I defiantly thought it was the best book of the series yet. The Ending?? OMFG Seriously? WTH? PLEASE be temporary, that has to be the most messed up situation ever. I really reallly reallllllly hope that the ending result is temporary. DEVILS PUNCH cant come out soon enough.
SHADY LADY is another great addition to the Corine Solomon series. I LOVED Kel in this book, I never would have thought that he would grow on me and I would find myself pulling for him. He really has been a surprise awesome character that I want to see more of and high hopes for to be in Corine's life. When I saw that Chance wasn't playing a big part in SHADY LADY I was kind of disappointed, But Kel kinda made me realize that I kinda hope Chance doesn't have a chance. Shannon is also a great character I didn't see being so awesome. After the events in HELL FIRE I thought she would make some appearances but now I cant see the series without her in it. Butch of course is still the coolest dog ever and we see he has some other talents under his paws. SHADY LADY was full of twist turns and action. I never knew what was coming and I never wanted to stop reading. I defiantly thought it was the best book of the series yet. The Ending?? OMFG Seriously? WTH? PLEASE be temporary, that has to be the most messed up situation ever. I really reallly reallllllly hope that the ending result is temporary. DEVILS PUNCH cant come out soon enough.
February 3, 2012
Amazing! I'm still trying to figure out how Aguirre crammed so many different events into only 311 pages. It was emotional and action-packed and I loved it!
Fans of Jesse and/or Chance will be surprised at the change of direction in Corine's love life and then surprised once again by the story's ending. Corine never knows what she wants! But I find her indecisiveness entertaining.
The main focus of the story is Corine's fight for survival against drug lord, Montoya. She is forced to test her personal limits - physically, magically and emotionally. Corine strengthens her talents and forms new alliances while solving problems and creating new ones.
Shady Lady is easily my favorite of the series and after the shocking conclusion, I'm dying to get my hands on the fourth installment, Devil's Punch.
I recommend this series to any fan of urban fantasy and especially fans of Ann Aguirre. I have yet to read anything by her that I haven't enjoyed.
Fans of Jesse and/or Chance will be surprised at the change of direction in Corine's love life and then surprised once again by the story's ending. Corine never knows what she wants! But I find her indecisiveness entertaining.
The main focus of the story is Corine's fight for survival against drug lord, Montoya. She is forced to test her personal limits - physically, magically and emotionally. Corine strengthens her talents and forms new alliances while solving problems and creating new ones.
Shady Lady is easily my favorite of the series and after the shocking conclusion, I'm dying to get my hands on the fourth installment, Devil's Punch.
I recommend this series to any fan of urban fantasy and especially fans of Ann Aguirre. I have yet to read anything by her that I haven't enjoyed.
April 16, 2011
After reading BLUE DIABLO, I have been a huge fan of Ann Aguirre's Corine Solomon series. SHADY LADY is the latest book in this awesome series and a must-read for paranormal junkies like myself. My advice is to make sure you have ample time when you start reading this book because you won't want to put it down.
May 27, 2011
Actually, I really enjoyed this novel. Corine has paranormal talents. And, she can control demons. It becomes really interesting when Corine finds out that she is a descendent of King Solomon.
All the usual fighting, flight, and houses being burn down.
If you like strong girls with paranormal talents, then you'd like this one too.
All the usual fighting, flight, and houses being burn down.
If you like strong girls with paranormal talents, then you'd like this one too.
April 9, 2011
If you're at all intrigued by Kel (the Hand of God), then you can't afford to miss this book. However, I must warn that you may be gritting your teeth once you get to the end.
March 12, 2019
This is the third book in the Corine Solomon series by Ann Aguirre. This book is an urban fantasy. In this one, Corine and Chance have gone their separate ways. Corine has returned to her shop in Mexico with Shannon in tow. They are trying to live a quiet life and both are exploring their powers when Corine receives a package with a hexed salt and pepper shaker in it. She is saved from touching it and probably dying by the unexpected appearance of Kel, her onetime enemy. Kel says that he has been sent by higher powers to protect Corrine and will do whatever he needs to accomplish this. Corine is attacked by a gunman and saved by once again by Kel. Corine decides to get a witch to remove the hex on the shaker set and maybe find out who sent it to her. It soon becomes apparent that their troubles are not over when they are attacked by another gunman. This time however Kel captures the gunman and they discover he has been sent by Corine's old enemies the Montoya cartel. She also learns that her shop has been destroyed and her friend who has been running it in her absence has been killed. Corine decides that she must put an end to the threat of the Montoya cartel once and for all. This is another great addition to this series and I recommend it.
May 27, 2011
Rating: 3.0 stars
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Shady Lady is the third book in the Corine Solomon series by Ann Aguirre. This story takes place roughly six months from the end of Hell Fire, and Corine’s return from her former hometown. This story, like the previous two, starts out slow, and then builds up to a crescendo and final battle with Diego Montoya, then lets us down in the conclusion that truly you can see coming a mile away. We actually get to see the kind of person Kel Ferguson really is, including his own past. We also get to see a much more dangerous and scarier Corine then in the previous two books which I actually love.
The ending left me pulling out my gray hairs and wondering why in hades name do writers put us through this nonsense on a constant basis? I cannot believe that Aguirre really thinks it’s in the best interests for Corine to keep running back to the same person who continually let’s her down. Then she has Corine do a stupid forget me spell, and loses the two main stays in her life! One who was going to be her business partner and her friend, and the other who see finally decided was the one for her. As Vince Lombardi once famously said, “What the hell is going on out here?”
So, in review, Corine now finds that she has her mother’s powers, and is subsequently an untrained witch as well as a powerful handler, or one that can see the history of an object. Hard to be trained a trained witch when you keep running away from those that can actually can help. She returned to Mexico City, which seriously I would rather be in Haiti then Mexico City, but then again that’s just me. Kel shows up saying that he is her guardian angel and that it is his mission to protect her until he is no longer needed.
Note: Corine’s character says that Mexico City does not have all that much crime, and guns are outlawed. Oh really? On what freaking planet are you living on? MC has one of the highest kidnapping and murder rates in the Northern Hemisphere, as well as a drug and cartel problem that rivals that of Columbia. Just because said author lives there, doesn’t mean the rest of us want to.
Naturally, Montoya tries to send a message to Corine that he wants her very dead, and will do anything to rid her and anyone else who might be friends with her. This continued threat pushes her into the arms of Montoya’s chief rival, Ramos Ramirez, who she agrees to work for in return for his help. Montoya has used warlocks, shaman, and Voodoo preachers in order to kill Corrine.
Corine still owes Maury the demon a debt for saving her life back in Georgia. He calls in his favor while she is in the middle of her personal war with Montoya. Of course, the end result of agreeing to complete his deal comes with a weapon to use against Montoya. If you remember, Cooper stabbed her, and she was dead. Maury then saved her by using Cooper’s weapon to heal Corine. She now has a piece of said weapon in her body which is part of the reason she has turned hard.
Of course, the usual suspects show up throughout the story:
Shannon has moved in with Corine in Mexico City and has become her mentee. Shannon can actually call on the dead via an ancient radio, and get them to do her bidding. Shannon, I thought, was going to be around for a while, but unfortunately, Aguirre seems to have other plans for her which I totally disagree with. Shannon and Corine made a wonderful team, and she needed that friendship in her life.
Jesse Saldana only appears briefly, but when he does, he ends up getting in the middle of the Corine vs. Montoya debacle and gets shot. No, he’s not dead, but after what Corine does to him with her spell, he might as well be. Just when Corine finally agrees that Jesse is the one for him, Aguirre once again slams that idea in our faces. Corine also meets his parents while he is in the hospital.
Booke, who lives in the UK and is the occult expert of the group, also makes an appearance and tells Corine that he will eventually tell her the truth of what he is still trapped in Stoke. Corine and Booke both have the ability to be in each others dreams and dreamscape so that they can work together.
Our favorite couple, Chuch and Eva appear as well. Eva is on the brink of having her baby, and Montoya tries to burn down their house with them in it. Chuch and Eva, thankfully, don’t get their memories erased, and actually jump in and help Corine when she really needs it.
Naturally, my favorite person to despise, hate, call names, and generally want to strangle, shows up as well. Chance has decided that he will try once again with Corine and actually gives up his business in order to be with her wherever she goes. ::eyeroll::
For those who actually care about this stuff as maybe trivia or a question to be asked later; Shady Lady is actually a name of a drink that has Melon Liqueur, Tequila, grapefruit juice, with cherries and limes on top. Seriously useless trivia, but interesting name for the book.
Favorite Character: Kel Ferguson hands down. I mean, he takes up a big chunk of the storyline protecting Corine from Montoya’s thugs. Then Corine finds out the truth about who he really is, as well as the fact that he knows about her blood line that is supposed to go back to King Solomon’s time. He and Corine have a wonderful moment after she saves his life from a Knight of Hell.
Considering the way Shady Lady ended, I can't say I'm looking forward to the next book and much more of Chance's participation in the series. I think I would actually prefer to read Sirantha Jax's Aftermath series (08/30/2011) instead. But, for those who do want to continue the series, Devil's Punch is the next book and releases next April (2012).
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Shady Lady is the third book in the Corine Solomon series by Ann Aguirre. This story takes place roughly six months from the end of Hell Fire, and Corine’s return from her former hometown. This story, like the previous two, starts out slow, and then builds up to a crescendo and final battle with Diego Montoya, then lets us down in the conclusion that truly you can see coming a mile away. We actually get to see the kind of person Kel Ferguson really is, including his own past. We also get to see a much more dangerous and scarier Corine then in the previous two books which I actually love.
The ending left me pulling out my gray hairs and wondering why in hades name do writers put us through this nonsense on a constant basis? I cannot believe that Aguirre really thinks it’s in the best interests for Corine to keep running back to the same person who continually let’s her down. Then she has Corine do a stupid forget me spell, and loses the two main stays in her life! One who was going to be her business partner and her friend, and the other who see finally decided was the one for her. As Vince Lombardi once famously said, “What the hell is going on out here?”
So, in review, Corine now finds that she has her mother’s powers, and is subsequently an untrained witch as well as a powerful handler, or one that can see the history of an object. Hard to be trained a trained witch when you keep running away from those that can actually can help. She returned to Mexico City, which seriously I would rather be in Haiti then Mexico City, but then again that’s just me. Kel shows up saying that he is her guardian angel and that it is his mission to protect her until he is no longer needed.
Note: Corine’s character says that Mexico City does not have all that much crime, and guns are outlawed. Oh really? On what freaking planet are you living on? MC has one of the highest kidnapping and murder rates in the Northern Hemisphere, as well as a drug and cartel problem that rivals that of Columbia. Just because said author lives there, doesn’t mean the rest of us want to.
Naturally, Montoya tries to send a message to Corine that he wants her very dead, and will do anything to rid her and anyone else who might be friends with her. This continued threat pushes her into the arms of Montoya’s chief rival, Ramos Ramirez, who she agrees to work for in return for his help. Montoya has used warlocks, shaman, and Voodoo preachers in order to kill Corrine.
Corine still owes Maury the demon a debt for saving her life back in Georgia. He calls in his favor while she is in the middle of her personal war with Montoya. Of course, the end result of agreeing to complete his deal comes with a weapon to use against Montoya. If you remember, Cooper stabbed her, and she was dead. Maury then saved her by using Cooper’s weapon to heal Corine. She now has a piece of said weapon in her body which is part of the reason she has turned hard.
Of course, the usual suspects show up throughout the story:
Shannon has moved in with Corine in Mexico City and has become her mentee. Shannon can actually call on the dead via an ancient radio, and get them to do her bidding. Shannon, I thought, was going to be around for a while, but unfortunately, Aguirre seems to have other plans for her which I totally disagree with. Shannon and Corine made a wonderful team, and she needed that friendship in her life.
Jesse Saldana only appears briefly, but when he does, he ends up getting in the middle of the Corine vs. Montoya debacle and gets shot. No, he’s not dead, but after what Corine does to him with her spell, he might as well be. Just when Corine finally agrees that Jesse is the one for him, Aguirre once again slams that idea in our faces. Corine also meets his parents while he is in the hospital.
Booke, who lives in the UK and is the occult expert of the group, also makes an appearance and tells Corine that he will eventually tell her the truth of what he is still trapped in Stoke. Corine and Booke both have the ability to be in each others dreams and dreamscape so that they can work together.
Our favorite couple, Chuch and Eva appear as well. Eva is on the brink of having her baby, and Montoya tries to burn down their house with them in it. Chuch and Eva, thankfully, don’t get their memories erased, and actually jump in and help Corine when she really needs it.
Naturally, my favorite person to despise, hate, call names, and generally want to strangle, shows up as well. Chance has decided that he will try once again with Corine and actually gives up his business in order to be with her wherever she goes. ::eyeroll::
For those who actually care about this stuff as maybe trivia or a question to be asked later; Shady Lady is actually a name of a drink that has Melon Liqueur, Tequila, grapefruit juice, with cherries and limes on top. Seriously useless trivia, but interesting name for the book.
Favorite Character: Kel Ferguson hands down. I mean, he takes up a big chunk of the storyline protecting Corine from Montoya’s thugs. Then Corine finds out the truth about who he really is, as well as the fact that he knows about her blood line that is supposed to go back to King Solomon’s time. He and Corine have a wonderful moment after she saves his life from a Knight of Hell.
Considering the way Shady Lady ended, I can't say I'm looking forward to the next book and much more of Chance's participation in the series. I think I would actually prefer to read Sirantha Jax's Aftermath series (08/30/2011) instead. But, for those who do want to continue the series, Devil's Punch is the next book and releases next April (2012).
July 8, 2020
Hot damn 🥂, now this is more like it. No excessive incessant drivel. Action from start to finish. There was some slow moments but not enough to make me experience the same level of frustrations from BLUE DIABLO or HELLFIRE. I love me some Kelethiel (Kel). I enjoyed Corine's growth her willingness to examine her shit and be accountable food or bad. I don't agree with her settling for Jessie (she'll learn soon enough settling never works) because I do not believe that Jesse is a good match for her. He tends to be a little judgmental and sanctimonious while breaking the same rules to self serve. Gotta love friends that got your back. We all need friends like Church & his wife - priceless. I'm rating this 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
Onward to Devils Punch (4) 😈👊🏾.
Onward to Devils Punch (4) 😈👊🏾.
June 17, 2022
3.5 but would have been a solid 4 if not for the last bit. This was a vast improvement, with the only major drawback that this woman bounced between three romantic partners in what, two weeks? Like monogamous-ish in love with a real future kind of romance. What? I was into the Kel thing because there was actual chemistry, something intriguing and believable in that world. Then Jesse is inexplicably there, which is boring but ok. Then convenient plot twist to get him out of the way for Chance, who is so boring considering he’s supposed to be dangerous or whatever. The vibe is pretty flat.
But ugh the first 60% or so was really good, and most of the next 35% or so was pretty good. On to the next…
But ugh the first 60% or so was really good, and most of the next 35% or so was pretty good. On to the next…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2022
Reading this series is still very comforting because it takes me back to when I first started reading urban fantasy. I think that Corine is definitely coming to know herself better and now that the trauma of her past has been aired out and come to some sort of resolution she's able to come more into her sense of self. I think that this is very much the middle book in that things have gone down and there have been some smaller victories but there is still a long road to travel yet and things are not close to being in a good place. I'm curious to see how she will deal with the setbacks that have happened in this installment as I read on in the series.
October 17, 2017
Shady Lady had movement in character progression with Corine and the storyline had more depth than previous installments. I’m still not a big fan of Corine, much less her decision making skills, but this series is like a train wreck. I find I can’t NOT read what will happen next! Even if I don’t agree with the stupid decisions the heroine makes at the worst times, when there’s a talking dog, battles with demons, and ultra fun side characters to read about? That more than makes up for Corine’s deficit.
May 29, 2018
Urban fantasy: psychometry, witches, demons and angels. I like how Corine's skills are leveling up as the series goes on and the bit with her last name was cool. Strong pacing for the most part, though it took me awhile to get into the side quest in the middle. Lots of action.
Corine's lovelife got even more complicated this time around. Not only are her ex and mentor still in the picture, but she starts to fall for a new guy...
Corine's lovelife got even more complicated this time around. Not only are her ex and mentor still in the picture, but she starts to fall for a new guy...
August 17, 2012
Shady Lady is the third book in the Corinne Solomon Series, each book titled after a cocktail with a dangerous name. I really enjoy the world that Aguirre has built and the characters already feel like people you know. Much as I love crazy monsters, it is nice to read a book where the world it is set in feels so real. Some of the worst and most frightening monsters in her books have zero amount of magic; prejudiced townsfolk, drug Lords, assassins and soldiers of the Narco wars, are in many ways more frightening then sorcerers and magicians. Aguirre's expat status, as a resident of Mexico gives her the authenticity when writing that others who try to incorporate the troubles in Mexico miss.
The characters, the settings, the environment feel so real, it is so easy to forget that magic doesn't really exist. Her Mexico in this book was like another character. Much as she does with all her characters, you get to see the best and the worst. The kindness and the beauty, and the horrific toll the Narco wars are enacting on the citizens of Mexico. She does it with just enough of a twist of fantasy that Mexico breaths on the page like another character she has written.
Yes, in her world, there is scary magic and fantasy but it is all grounded in an “almost possibility” that makes it feel like slipping on a coat you could wear when you read the books. It is shiny and does impossible things but it almost fits.
Hellfire was very enjoyable and a good read but the ending made me cry. So I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Shady Lady. I was so happy with how much I loved this book. Even more than the first one, which was one of my favorite finds a few years ago.
Corinne isn’t some crazy powerful chick who goes around kicking down doors and stabbing and shooting people. She doesn’t wear bad ass boots and carry around weapons. She likes to wear flowery skirts and gauzy tops, she worries about her love life and her weight, and she worries about her friends. She is starting to use her gifts more, stretch out her abilities. She is also maturing, and being willing to make hard choices, or live by the decisions she made.
I was stunned by how much I grew to care about the character Kel, in this book. In book one he was terrifying. Covered in tattoos and muscles, he looked like the escaped convict he was. Kel made no bones about the fact he was a killing machine, one Corinne and Chance (her ex-boyfriend) had helped put in jail. When he showed up they thought he was there to kill them. Instead, he said he was “The Hand of God” and that God wanted him to help them. It quickly became obvious that Kel was more then the psycho killer they had helped put behind bars and he definitely had their back in the fight. However , Chance and Corinne were naturally very uncomfortable having him as a compatriot.
In Shady Lady, Kel shows up just in time to save Corinne from a magical curse sent by an assassin working for Montoya, the Drug Lord Corinne went up against in book one. Kel was terrifying in the beginning of book one and by the end he was someone Corinne could work with but who made her nervous. Now he is here, literally sent by God, to help save her from Montoya, and now Kel, Corinne, her young apprentice Shannon are off traveling across Mexico, trying to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.
Aguirre took this character and completely sheared away layer after layer of my perceptions of Kel, an understanding I thought I had, that she had given me, and revealed something and someone completely different underneath the surface. I had always thought there was more to him then met the eye, but by the time she was done she made my heart break for the guy. I couldn’t believe how much I didn’t see that coming. Given how masterfully she twisted my reality of Kel, I have a feeling that is what is coming with Corinne. There was some foreshadowing for the future of the series as well, as hints were dropped that Corinne may be more then she thinks she is.
Jessie is , as ever the trusty policeman, the lawful suitor for her heart. In many ways he seems like he should be the ideal choice; he’s kind, he knows about magic, he is not just law abiding, he is the law. But he finds himself in trying to help Corinne with her magic, unhappy with the situations she finds herself in and the outside the box and outside the law solutions she uses to handle them. Chance however, operates outside the law more than in, and is absent most of the book but he has a personal epiphany and makes a decision that will affect the future of the series. By the time the book was over, I was as confused as Corinne was, as to which person to care more about.
Corinne’s playing one drug lord off against another was so nervous making; I’d have to put the book down occasionally just to shake off the heebee jeebee’s. Corinne’s friends help when they can, and she has a spectacular group of side characters, all of whom are so fully developed and fascinating, I’d read a spin off book of any of them. But in the end Corinne, like all of us, at times has to stand alone and face her monsters on her own. She makes mistakes, one of which is heartbreaking, but she takes responsibility for them and moves on.
The characters, the settings, the environment feel so real, it is so easy to forget that magic doesn't really exist. Her Mexico in this book was like another character. Much as she does with all her characters, you get to see the best and the worst. The kindness and the beauty, and the horrific toll the Narco wars are enacting on the citizens of Mexico. She does it with just enough of a twist of fantasy that Mexico breaths on the page like another character she has written.
Yes, in her world, there is scary magic and fantasy but it is all grounded in an “almost possibility” that makes it feel like slipping on a coat you could wear when you read the books. It is shiny and does impossible things but it almost fits.
Hellfire was very enjoyable and a good read but the ending made me cry. So I wasn’t sure how I would feel about Shady Lady. I was so happy with how much I loved this book. Even more than the first one, which was one of my favorite finds a few years ago.
Corinne isn’t some crazy powerful chick who goes around kicking down doors and stabbing and shooting people. She doesn’t wear bad ass boots and carry around weapons. She likes to wear flowery skirts and gauzy tops, she worries about her love life and her weight, and she worries about her friends. She is starting to use her gifts more, stretch out her abilities. She is also maturing, and being willing to make hard choices, or live by the decisions she made.
I was stunned by how much I grew to care about the character Kel, in this book. In book one he was terrifying. Covered in tattoos and muscles, he looked like the escaped convict he was. Kel made no bones about the fact he was a killing machine, one Corinne and Chance (her ex-boyfriend) had helped put in jail. When he showed up they thought he was there to kill them. Instead, he said he was “The Hand of God” and that God wanted him to help them. It quickly became obvious that Kel was more then the psycho killer they had helped put behind bars and he definitely had their back in the fight. However , Chance and Corinne were naturally very uncomfortable having him as a compatriot.
In Shady Lady, Kel shows up just in time to save Corinne from a magical curse sent by an assassin working for Montoya, the Drug Lord Corinne went up against in book one. Kel was terrifying in the beginning of book one and by the end he was someone Corinne could work with but who made her nervous. Now he is here, literally sent by God, to help save her from Montoya, and now Kel, Corinne, her young apprentice Shannon are off traveling across Mexico, trying to stay one step ahead of the bad guys.
Aguirre took this character and completely sheared away layer after layer of my perceptions of Kel, an understanding I thought I had, that she had given me, and revealed something and someone completely different underneath the surface. I had always thought there was more to him then met the eye, but by the time she was done she made my heart break for the guy. I couldn’t believe how much I didn’t see that coming. Given how masterfully she twisted my reality of Kel, I have a feeling that is what is coming with Corinne. There was some foreshadowing for the future of the series as well, as hints were dropped that Corinne may be more then she thinks she is.
Jessie is , as ever the trusty policeman, the lawful suitor for her heart. In many ways he seems like he should be the ideal choice; he’s kind, he knows about magic, he is not just law abiding, he is the law. But he finds himself in trying to help Corinne with her magic, unhappy with the situations she finds herself in and the outside the box and outside the law solutions she uses to handle them. Chance however, operates outside the law more than in, and is absent most of the book but he has a personal epiphany and makes a decision that will affect the future of the series. By the time the book was over, I was as confused as Corinne was, as to which person to care more about.
Corinne’s playing one drug lord off against another was so nervous making; I’d have to put the book down occasionally just to shake off the heebee jeebee’s. Corinne’s friends help when they can, and she has a spectacular group of side characters, all of whom are so fully developed and fascinating, I’d read a spin off book of any of them. But in the end Corinne, like all of us, at times has to stand alone and face her monsters on her own. She makes mistakes, one of which is heartbreaking, but she takes responsibility for them and moves on.
November 1, 2022
Not entirely sure what went wrong with this one, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first two. Just wasn't sufficiently engaged. Either a case of wrong book at the wrong time or the series has just lost its luster for me. Oh well.
March 27, 2023
4/5
I read this almost a decade ago so this is from my notes.
A Mexican drug lord wants the main character dead. She has different plans ans some witch powers. She also has gained some powerful associates.
I read this almost a decade ago so this is from my notes.
A Mexican drug lord wants the main character dead. She has different plans ans some witch powers. She also has gained some powerful associates.
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