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Grimm's Circle #4
Tarnished Knight
The mind forgets, but the body remembers. Everything.
Grimm’s Circle, Book 4
One look at Jack Wallace and Perci knows he’s going to be trouble. Even surrounded by soul stealers, he’s a one-man wrecking crew. What does he need Grimm training for? He’s already hell on earth, a warrior bent on destruction. And something…more.
He’s too strong and fast to be a mere mortal. Even covered in blood, he makes her forget she’s only here to do a job and get out. It’s twisted. Sick. She hasn’t felt this alive in three centuries.
Born with a natural talent for killing unnatural things, Jack has always known things he shouldn’t. The fact that Perci is one of them glows all over her. Giving him an unholy urge to see just how far he can push her before don’t touch me melts into touch me there.
When they come together, it isn’t careful or cautious. It’s heaven and hell, exposing all their raw and wounded places to healing heat, resurrecting memories of a destined love from the distant past. But the evil that destroyed them once before has tracked them here, threatening their second and last chance at forever. Demanding a sacrifice no one—Grimm or human—should ever be asked to make…
Warning: Dark, sexy, a little bit scary—this fairy tale is only for grownups and is best saved for bedtime.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 9, 2010
8 people are currently reading
392 people want to read
About the author
Shiloh Walker
202 books2,436 followersHello... thanks for swinging by. I don't log into Goodreads much, so if you have questions, please visit my website to email me through my site.
Thank you!
My other me.... J.C. Daniels
And an experimental me that I put to sleep. J. Dallas
Bio...
Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.
To contact the author, please visit her website!
Thank you!
My other me.... J.C. Daniels
And an experimental me that I put to sleep. J. Dallas
Bio...
Shiloh Walker has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious vampire stories. She loves reading and writing anything paranormal, anything fantasy, and nearly every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest.
To contact the author, please visit her website!
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
May 23, 2012
~* 3.5 Stars *~
Sometimes Painful, Always Powerful
Centuries ago Luc and Perci lived a happy life together as man and wife. It's tragic what a little death can do. Since becoming Grimm, guardian angels who protect humanity from soul-stealing demons, they've worked side-by-side as partners. Luc, blind but for when he sees through another's eyes, and Perci, whose disability is far less noticeable and infinitely more debilitating, have not once been apart in all that time. Nor have they been together.
Their marriage died when they did, because the sad truth is that no matter how many years pass, Perci has never recovered from the circumstances surrounding her death, nor risen above the agony of the losses she suffered at the vicious hand of a madwoman. Not like Luc has. Not at all.
And though Perci knows that Luc loves her and yearns for their former life together, she also knows that she doesn't. And no amount of regret or length of time is going to change that. Still, partners they remain, locked in a devastating cycle of co-dependency and grief, until Will, leader of the Grimm, gives Perci a new job. On her own.
She's tasked with guiding the odd and ferocious Jack Wallace, a man who does things and knows things that no human should be able to do or know. A man who stirs Perci's heart and body in a way that she hasn't felt in several lifetimes. A man who willingly, almost gleefully, engages in battle with demons at every opportunity and fights like he is riding a death wish straight towards hell.
Together, Perci and Jack are two broken souls who may just be able to heal each other, but only if they survive not only the demons who hunt them, but the very traumas that made them.
~*~
I'm happy to say that this fourth book of Walker's Grimm's Circle series has more story and character development than its predecessor, which was my biggest issue with Crazed Hearts. And Walker is right back on track with complex, layered characters, complicated backstory, gripping emotion, and solid romance. Unfortunately, in Tarnished Knight, I still had some issues that came from a couple of other directions.
On one hand, I can't help but commend Walker for creating such a damaged character, one who ran a serious risk of being utterly unsympathetic. Perci is not an easy woman to like at the beginning. We know she's suffered for three hundred years (we find out the details later in the book), but her damage seems almost cruelly self-involved when held against Luc's love and dedication to her. Plus, Luc's blind, so she's leaving a blind man who relies on her to see, one who is in love with her, because she's too wounded to forgive him or herself for their past.
Yeah, for a long time Perci was utterly unsympathetic.
In fact, I hated her. And my heart ached for Luc. It was made worse for me because of the parts of the narrative that are told in Perci's first person point of view. There was nothing to buffer me from thoughts and feelings that I found distasteful, and while she was obviously regretful, she was also resolute about not loving Luc any more. It was and intense way to flesh out a character, but it did nothing to endear Perci to me.
I wasn't crazy about the narrative shifting point of view from first to third and back again, either. Being in Perci's head wasn't any kind of fun, but the back and forth was worse. I found it made the pace of the book jerky in places and distracted me when I was reading.
But then there was Jack, and for all that Perci first made me mental, I loved Jack immediately. His life is cloaked in mystery, his knowledge of Grimm, his mother, his far-better-than-human abilities, and the teasing glimmers of his past were all brilliantly conceived and fabulously executed. I loved his personal journey, and as pieces started to fit together, drawing tattered wounds of the past closed in a bloody bundle of emotion and horror, I found myself rooting for Jack and hoping he got the woman he didn't know he always wanted.
The pity in that was that I wasn't nearly as happy for Perci. I was too emotionally fatigued by Luc's pain to be fully on board with the romance when it started heating up. I couldn't help but feel that Perci didn't deserve such a quick chance for a Happily Ever After.
Still, for all that I thought Crazed Hearts lacked the sort of emotional impact that Walker is so damn good at, this one doubled it up and served heaps of it. I was wrung out by the end, and yes, by the end, I was far more mollified by the story and no longer begrudged Perci her peace. If she'd been more palatable for me earlier in the novella, though, I would have been much happier about the read overall.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Sometimes Painful, Always Powerful
Centuries ago Luc and Perci lived a happy life together as man and wife. It's tragic what a little death can do. Since becoming Grimm, guardian angels who protect humanity from soul-stealing demons, they've worked side-by-side as partners. Luc, blind but for when he sees through another's eyes, and Perci, whose disability is far less noticeable and infinitely more debilitating, have not once been apart in all that time. Nor have they been together.
Their marriage died when they did, because the sad truth is that no matter how many years pass, Perci has never recovered from the circumstances surrounding her death, nor risen above the agony of the losses she suffered at the vicious hand of a madwoman. Not like Luc has. Not at all.
And though Perci knows that Luc loves her and yearns for their former life together, she also knows that she doesn't. And no amount of regret or length of time is going to change that. Still, partners they remain, locked in a devastating cycle of co-dependency and grief, until Will, leader of the Grimm, gives Perci a new job. On her own.
She's tasked with guiding the odd and ferocious Jack Wallace, a man who does things and knows things that no human should be able to do or know. A man who stirs Perci's heart and body in a way that she hasn't felt in several lifetimes. A man who willingly, almost gleefully, engages in battle with demons at every opportunity and fights like he is riding a death wish straight towards hell.
Together, Perci and Jack are two broken souls who may just be able to heal each other, but only if they survive not only the demons who hunt them, but the very traumas that made them.
~*~
I'm happy to say that this fourth book of Walker's Grimm's Circle series has more story and character development than its predecessor, which was my biggest issue with Crazed Hearts. And Walker is right back on track with complex, layered characters, complicated backstory, gripping emotion, and solid romance. Unfortunately, in Tarnished Knight, I still had some issues that came from a couple of other directions.
On one hand, I can't help but commend Walker for creating such a damaged character, one who ran a serious risk of being utterly unsympathetic. Perci is not an easy woman to like at the beginning. We know she's suffered for three hundred years (we find out the details later in the book), but her damage seems almost cruelly self-involved when held against Luc's love and dedication to her. Plus, Luc's blind, so she's leaving a blind man who relies on her to see, one who is in love with her, because she's too wounded to forgive him or herself for their past.
Yeah, for a long time Perci was utterly unsympathetic.
In fact, I hated her. And my heart ached for Luc. It was made worse for me because of the parts of the narrative that are told in Perci's first person point of view. There was nothing to buffer me from thoughts and feelings that I found distasteful, and while she was obviously regretful, she was also resolute about not loving Luc any more. It was and intense way to flesh out a character, but it did nothing to endear Perci to me.
I wasn't crazy about the narrative shifting point of view from first to third and back again, either. Being in Perci's head wasn't any kind of fun, but the back and forth was worse. I found it made the pace of the book jerky in places and distracted me when I was reading.
But then there was Jack, and for all that Perci first made me mental, I loved Jack immediately. His life is cloaked in mystery, his knowledge of Grimm, his mother, his far-better-than-human abilities, and the teasing glimmers of his past were all brilliantly conceived and fabulously executed. I loved his personal journey, and as pieces started to fit together, drawing tattered wounds of the past closed in a bloody bundle of emotion and horror, I found myself rooting for Jack and hoping he got the woman he didn't know he always wanted.
The pity in that was that I wasn't nearly as happy for Perci. I was too emotionally fatigued by Luc's pain to be fully on board with the romance when it started heating up. I couldn't help but feel that Perci didn't deserve such a quick chance for a Happily Ever After.
Still, for all that I thought Crazed Hearts lacked the sort of emotional impact that Walker is so damn good at, this one doubled it up and served heaps of it. I was wrung out by the end, and yes, by the end, I was far more mollified by the story and no longer begrudged Perci her peace. If she'd been more palatable for me earlier in the novella, though, I would have been much happier about the read overall.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
November 13, 2010
Book Blurb: The mind forgets, but the body remembers. Everything.
Grimm’s Circle, Book 4
One look at Jack Wallace and Perci knows he’s going to be trouble. Even surrounded by soul stealers, he’s a one-man wrecking crew. What does he need Grimm training for? He’s already hell on earth, a warrior bent on destruction. And something…more.
He’s too strong and fast to be a mere mortal. Even covered in blood, he makes her forget she’s only here to do a job and get out. It’s twisted. Sick. She hasn’t felt this alive in three centuries.
Born with a natural talent for killing unnatural things, Jack has always known things he shouldn’t. The fact that Perci is one of them glows all over her. Giving him an unholy urge to see just how far he can push her before don’t touch me melts into touch me there.
When they come together, it isn’t careful or cautious. It’s heaven and hell, exposing all their raw and wounded places to healing heat, resurrecting memories of a destined love from the distant past. But the evil that destroyed them once before has tracked them here, threatening their second and last chance at forever. Demanding a sacrifice no one—Grimm or human—should ever be asked to make…
Warning: Dark, sexy, a little bit scary—this fairy tale is only for grownups and is best saved for bedtime.
***Warning: Mild Spoilers Below***
My Thoughts: Ok, first a confession. Prior to reading this book, I had read only one book by Ms. Walker. Actually, I tried to read a book, Through the Veil, but I couldn't even finish it. A friend had recommended it so I got it from my library and once I started it, had zero interest in it. Then some acquaintances at Goodreads suggested the Grimm series and when I looked it up, it sounded right up my alley. Then, last week, when I was logged into Twitter, Ms Walker tweeted that she was looking for some people to review Tarnished Knight, provided that they could read it and get the review up before it's release tomorrow, the 26th. (Yes, I know, I squeaked in under the wire). I eagerly responded and to my surprise I was one of the reviewers that she picked. I was surprised because my blog is so new, so small, and not at all well known. Still, I was very happy.
I'm still happy. I really enjoyed this book. Walker has taken Grimm's fairy tales, updated them, and given them her own spin. I've always loved fairy tales, and I'm a sucker for a well-done update. Many readers don't realize or have forgotten that the original fairy tales were not in the least "child friendly" as we in this century would define it. They were bloody, gory, sometimes erotic tales that were usually meant as cautionary tales. Ms Walker has kept that spirit.
The Grimm are supernatural beings,who fight demons and who, some of them anyway, were humans in a prior life. Walker takes a fairy tale, tweaks it, and brings those characters into her world, making them Grimm. For this book she has used Rapunzel, or more accurately, an older lesser known version, called Persinette. I wasn't familiar with it but it has commonalities with some versions of Rapunzel that I've read.
Perci, AKA Persinette survived her fairy tale, as did her husband, and they became Grimm. They did not, however, get an HEA. Enter Jack, who is not Grimm but who has some of their abilities and is aware of their existence. Perci is emotionally broken and her pain feels very real. She is smart, sexy, and strong in some ways while weak in others. Jack is also not emotionally whole. Together, sparks fly but they connect emotionally as well as sexually. The story is sexy and fast paced, the characters well-written and believable. I hadn't read the preceding stories which was not a problem; Ms Walker does a very nice job of keeping it a stand alone story while smoothly working in series details and background without doing the dreaded info dump.
I enjoyed this story very much and will be adding the others to my TBR pile.
Publisher: Samhain
Release Date: 10/26/2010
This book was received as a PDF from the author.
Posted by Bea at 12:30 PM
Labels: erotica, fantasy, review, romance, Walker 1 comments:
Shiloh Walker said...
:) thanks for the review... glad you liked it!
The Perci thing happened because I COULDN'T THINK of a nickname for Rapunzel, you know... I just couldn't. While I was researching, came across Percinette, and it made me go hmmmm....
October 28, 2010 1:52 PM
Grimm’s Circle, Book 4
One look at Jack Wallace and Perci knows he’s going to be trouble. Even surrounded by soul stealers, he’s a one-man wrecking crew. What does he need Grimm training for? He’s already hell on earth, a warrior bent on destruction. And something…more.
He’s too strong and fast to be a mere mortal. Even covered in blood, he makes her forget she’s only here to do a job and get out. It’s twisted. Sick. She hasn’t felt this alive in three centuries.
Born with a natural talent for killing unnatural things, Jack has always known things he shouldn’t. The fact that Perci is one of them glows all over her. Giving him an unholy urge to see just how far he can push her before don’t touch me melts into touch me there.
When they come together, it isn’t careful or cautious. It’s heaven and hell, exposing all their raw and wounded places to healing heat, resurrecting memories of a destined love from the distant past. But the evil that destroyed them once before has tracked them here, threatening their second and last chance at forever. Demanding a sacrifice no one—Grimm or human—should ever be asked to make…
Warning: Dark, sexy, a little bit scary—this fairy tale is only for grownups and is best saved for bedtime.
***Warning: Mild Spoilers Below***
My Thoughts: Ok, first a confession. Prior to reading this book, I had read only one book by Ms. Walker. Actually, I tried to read a book, Through the Veil, but I couldn't even finish it. A friend had recommended it so I got it from my library and once I started it, had zero interest in it. Then some acquaintances at Goodreads suggested the Grimm series and when I looked it up, it sounded right up my alley. Then, last week, when I was logged into Twitter, Ms Walker tweeted that she was looking for some people to review Tarnished Knight, provided that they could read it and get the review up before it's release tomorrow, the 26th. (Yes, I know, I squeaked in under the wire). I eagerly responded and to my surprise I was one of the reviewers that she picked. I was surprised because my blog is so new, so small, and not at all well known. Still, I was very happy.
I'm still happy. I really enjoyed this book. Walker has taken Grimm's fairy tales, updated them, and given them her own spin. I've always loved fairy tales, and I'm a sucker for a well-done update. Many readers don't realize or have forgotten that the original fairy tales were not in the least "child friendly" as we in this century would define it. They were bloody, gory, sometimes erotic tales that were usually meant as cautionary tales. Ms Walker has kept that spirit.
The Grimm are supernatural beings,who fight demons and who, some of them anyway, were humans in a prior life. Walker takes a fairy tale, tweaks it, and brings those characters into her world, making them Grimm. For this book she has used Rapunzel, or more accurately, an older lesser known version, called Persinette. I wasn't familiar with it but it has commonalities with some versions of Rapunzel that I've read.
Perci, AKA Persinette survived her fairy tale, as did her husband, and they became Grimm. They did not, however, get an HEA. Enter Jack, who is not Grimm but who has some of their abilities and is aware of their existence. Perci is emotionally broken and her pain feels very real. She is smart, sexy, and strong in some ways while weak in others. Jack is also not emotionally whole. Together, sparks fly but they connect emotionally as well as sexually. The story is sexy and fast paced, the characters well-written and believable. I hadn't read the preceding stories which was not a problem; Ms Walker does a very nice job of keeping it a stand alone story while smoothly working in series details and background without doing the dreaded info dump.
I enjoyed this story very much and will be adding the others to my TBR pile.
Publisher: Samhain
Release Date: 10/26/2010
This book was received as a PDF from the author.
Posted by Bea at 12:30 PM
Labels: erotica, fantasy, review, romance, Walker 1 comments:
Shiloh Walker said...
:) thanks for the review... glad you liked it!
The Perci thing happened because I COULDN'T THINK of a nickname for Rapunzel, you know... I just couldn't. While I was researching, came across Percinette, and it made me go hmmmm....
October 28, 2010 1:52 PM
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
March 5, 2011Hello and welcome back once again, to what is a rather special review this time. To set the tone, allow me to tell a little story.
It was far into the wee hours of the night as I was pursuing my usual late night custom of perusing Twitter, when lo! The call went out from one of the authors I follow, she found herself on a deadline and in need of a few good men and women in to review her latest work.
I could not help but rise to the ladie’s plea and so, here I present to you my review of Ms Shilow Walkers latest work.
Now to be fair, to date I hadn’t done much more then skim over thumbnail reviews of her work as I hadn’t been able to beg or borrow any of her work, however I have to say that after reading this book, I am definitely a fan, any book or writer that manage to keep me reading to the extent that I miss out on a nights sleep is to me, one worth watching.
The Good.
First off, the author wins points for a Star Wars reference in the first few pages,I’ll let you you find it on your own. The overall mythos of these books is a great concept and a really cool origin story if you will,with a fantastic display of creativity.
Whilst this was a love story, in fact one very much in the classic vein, there is very little mush, so guys stop worrying and just read it.
Ms. Walker is an adept story teller and as much of a cliché as it is to say so, this book is a real page turner, you very quickly become invested in the character.
The Bad.
There is very little negative I can say about this book, despite the fact I read it with my review in mind. The worst I can truly say about it is just one or two minor niggles, the the worst of which is that it’s just not long enough! Which is an an odd thing to say as the pacing is just right, the story feels neither cramped nor rushed. The only other niggle is that the sex scenes are ferocious, all of them, none of them are particularly tender.
The Hot.
The sex scenes as I touched on before, are scorching hot, well written, with no hesitancy, jarring or lack of fluidity, the passion almost drips off the page. The frisson between the characters is right there from the start and when they start to spark, stand back folks, it’s gonna get steamy.
In Conclusion
This really is a wonderful love story, love, true love, wins through, in spite of the obstacles of time, death and divorce. I personally am a sucker for fairy tales and this is a great take on what happened after “happily ever after” if happily ever after never actually happened.
I look forward to reading the past and future volumes of this series, so please Ms.Walker, if you’re reading this, don’t stop writing them.
Overall, I’d give this book a solid 9/10 well worth the time taken to read it.
It was far into the wee hours of the night as I was pursuing my usual late night custom of perusing Twitter, when lo! The call went out from one of the authors I follow, she found herself on a deadline and in need of a few good men and women in to review her latest work.
I could not help but rise to the ladie’s plea and so, here I present to you my review of Ms Shilow Walkers latest work.
Now to be fair, to date I hadn’t done much more then skim over thumbnail reviews of her work as I hadn’t been able to beg or borrow any of her work, however I have to say that after reading this book, I am definitely a fan, any book or writer that manage to keep me reading to the extent that I miss out on a nights sleep is to me, one worth watching.
The Good.
First off, the author wins points for a Star Wars reference in the first few pages,I’ll let you you find it on your own. The overall mythos of these books is a great concept and a really cool origin story if you will,with a fantastic display of creativity.
Whilst this was a love story, in fact one very much in the classic vein, there is very little mush, so guys stop worrying and just read it.
Ms. Walker is an adept story teller and as much of a cliché as it is to say so, this book is a real page turner, you very quickly become invested in the character.
The Bad.
There is very little negative I can say about this book, despite the fact I read it with my review in mind. The worst I can truly say about it is just one or two minor niggles, the the worst of which is that it’s just not long enough! Which is an an odd thing to say as the pacing is just right, the story feels neither cramped nor rushed. The only other niggle is that the sex scenes are ferocious, all of them, none of them are particularly tender.
The Hot.
The sex scenes as I touched on before, are scorching hot, well written, with no hesitancy, jarring or lack of fluidity, the passion almost drips off the page. The frisson between the characters is right there from the start and when they start to spark, stand back folks, it’s gonna get steamy.
In Conclusion
This really is a wonderful love story, love, true love, wins through, in spite of the obstacles of time, death and divorce. I personally am a sucker for fairy tales and this is a great take on what happened after “happily ever after” if happily ever after never actually happened.
I look forward to reading the past and future volumes of this series, so please Ms.Walker, if you’re reading this, don’t stop writing them.
Overall, I’d give this book a solid 9/10 well worth the time taken to read it.
October 25, 2010
Shiloh Walker offers an interesting twist on our age old fables. The most recent in her series, Tarnished Knight, keeps you engaged with Perci, Jack and Luc. You feel their pain and their passion. I hadn't heard of the Grimm's before this, the only reason I'd offered to read it was because Shiloh offered it up for review. I've really enjoyed many of her other stories and figured this one would be no different.
What are Grimm Circle stories? A twisted take on guardian angels who kick demon ass yet still suffer through all the emotions of their human lives.
In Tarnished Knight, Perci isn't in love with her ex-husband, Luc, but neither is she willing to be without him. He needs her. And, Luc isn't willing to give her up, thinking that when she heals, she'll come back to him.
Neither is happy about being assigned duties apart from each other.
She's been sent off to help prepare Jack for his transition to Grimm. Jack doesn't really need the help. He's big enough and bad enough to be taking on demons while still human, if only he could get rid of the pesky knowledge that keeps cropping up in his waking and sleeping realms. He shouldn't know about the Grimm's, but he's always known.
It would drive a lesser man insane.
The tragedy behind their fairy tale is so real and gripping, it's no wonder it made it into the history books with a little more sugar coating. Reality, even in Shiloh's fictional realm, is always stranger than fiction.
Which just makes you wonder, what's really behind those fairy tales?
While I wanted a little more detail about the fairy tales, I was intrigued enough to pick up the rest of the series to get up to speed. Those who've been reading the series from the start will be able to drop right into the story and stay engaged. Others are going to love it, but want to pick up the previous books to really feel like they understand the entire realm that Shiloh has created. Layers upon layers show through.
What are Grimm Circle stories? A twisted take on guardian angels who kick demon ass yet still suffer through all the emotions of their human lives.
In Tarnished Knight, Perci isn't in love with her ex-husband, Luc, but neither is she willing to be without him. He needs her. And, Luc isn't willing to give her up, thinking that when she heals, she'll come back to him.
Neither is happy about being assigned duties apart from each other.
She's been sent off to help prepare Jack for his transition to Grimm. Jack doesn't really need the help. He's big enough and bad enough to be taking on demons while still human, if only he could get rid of the pesky knowledge that keeps cropping up in his waking and sleeping realms. He shouldn't know about the Grimm's, but he's always known.
It would drive a lesser man insane.
The tragedy behind their fairy tale is so real and gripping, it's no wonder it made it into the history books with a little more sugar coating. Reality, even in Shiloh's fictional realm, is always stranger than fiction.
Which just makes you wonder, what's really behind those fairy tales?
While I wanted a little more detail about the fairy tales, I was intrigued enough to pick up the rest of the series to get up to speed. Those who've been reading the series from the start will be able to drop right into the story and stay engaged. Others are going to love it, but want to pick up the previous books to really feel like they understand the entire realm that Shiloh has created. Layers upon layers show through.
October 29, 2010
really 3.5 I wished Goodreads would get with the program and allow 1/2 star ratings!!!
Have you ever wondered the origin of the fairy tales that we know so well? The Grimm is a new twist on classic fairy tales. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading Tarnished Knight. This is book 4 of Grimm Circle and worried I would need to have read the other 3 to be able to follow the plot. I was worried for nothing!
When Perci is sent to train Jack, the last thing she wants is to be attracted to him. But there's something about him that speaks to her. Her marriage to Luc has long since been over but they continue to hold on to each other, not caring that by doing so, they are continually hurting each other by not letting go of the past. Perci can not deny the attraction that she feels towards Jack. Jack is not Grimm but he's too powerful and fast to be solely human. He knows too much about them. There's also the fact that Jack feels like he knows Perci from before.
The attraction between Jack and Perci is mutual and explosive. There's no sweet whispers and gentle touches. Their coming together was rough, hard and demanding. Both are emotionally broken but they find comfort and solace in each other. Perci isn't looking for love but can't deny that what she feels for Jack is something that she hasn't felt in a very long time.
Tarnished Knight is not your ordinary fairy tale. It's sexy and emotional. The characters are broken and wounded. Perci and Jack heal those wounds where they least expected to find it - in each other's arms.
I definitely want to read the first 3 books in the series and look forward to reading more about the Grimm. I hope Luc gets his HEA. He deserves it!
Have you ever wondered the origin of the fairy tales that we know so well? The Grimm is a new twist on classic fairy tales. I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading Tarnished Knight. This is book 4 of Grimm Circle and worried I would need to have read the other 3 to be able to follow the plot. I was worried for nothing!
When Perci is sent to train Jack, the last thing she wants is to be attracted to him. But there's something about him that speaks to her. Her marriage to Luc has long since been over but they continue to hold on to each other, not caring that by doing so, they are continually hurting each other by not letting go of the past. Perci can not deny the attraction that she feels towards Jack. Jack is not Grimm but he's too powerful and fast to be solely human. He knows too much about them. There's also the fact that Jack feels like he knows Perci from before.
The attraction between Jack and Perci is mutual and explosive. There's no sweet whispers and gentle touches. Their coming together was rough, hard and demanding. Both are emotionally broken but they find comfort and solace in each other. Perci isn't looking for love but can't deny that what she feels for Jack is something that she hasn't felt in a very long time.
Tarnished Knight is not your ordinary fairy tale. It's sexy and emotional. The characters are broken and wounded. Perci and Jack heal those wounds where they least expected to find it - in each other's arms.
I definitely want to read the first 3 books in the series and look forward to reading more about the Grimm. I hope Luc gets his HEA. He deserves it!
February 7, 2011
I've read all the Grimm books. This latest one, while a favourite of Ms. Walker's, is not a favourite of mine. I did enjoy it as I enjoy all her books. This one, there were two story lines going and it would have been nice to have both of them resolved in story. Actually, there were three since Will's story is still being prolonged in a painful manner.
In most of Ms. Walker's books, there is a deeper character development and a connection. This one, not so much. This book came across as more of an explanation of Grimm history and setting up the players for another book. While Perci is on a path of mending after 300 years of guilt and sadomasochistic emotional torture, it resolved just a little to quickly for me. Luc on the other hand, is left out in the cold, completely missing the unrequited love of Sina (sic?) who just happens to be Snow White.
This book is not bad. It just didn't do it for me. I read in Ms. Walker's blog how she was surprised that Beg me sold out more than Tarnished Knight. I'm not surprised. Even though Beg Me was a shorter story, it was tighter and the characters were more engaging. There was just something a bit off with Tarnished Knight. If the sex would have been a bit hotter, grittier or more deviant, then it might have salvaged the book for me. Still, this was a relaxing read. A couple of hours devoted to escapism is never a bad thing.
In most of Ms. Walker's books, there is a deeper character development and a connection. This one, not so much. This book came across as more of an explanation of Grimm history and setting up the players for another book. While Perci is on a path of mending after 300 years of guilt and sadomasochistic emotional torture, it resolved just a little to quickly for me. Luc on the other hand, is left out in the cold, completely missing the unrequited love of Sina (sic?) who just happens to be Snow White.
This book is not bad. It just didn't do it for me. I read in Ms. Walker's blog how she was surprised that Beg me sold out more than Tarnished Knight. I'm not surprised. Even though Beg Me was a shorter story, it was tighter and the characters were more engaging. There was just something a bit off with Tarnished Knight. If the sex would have been a bit hotter, grittier or more deviant, then it might have salvaged the book for me. Still, this was a relaxing read. A couple of hours devoted to escapism is never a bad thing.
October 26, 2010
First things first: I had an awful lot of fun reading this book. It's sexy and fast-paced and it breaks your heart more than once. I haven't read the others in the series (although I have them sitting on my TBR shelf) but I had no problem following along and keeping up with what was happening.
Perci is damaged and she's spent the last 300 years hurting- not just herself but, without realizing it, also those around her. She needs to be shaken up and rattled around. Enter Jack, someone who knows a little too much about the Grimm but who she trusts immediately and implicitly. He infuriates her. He arouses her. He makes her feel again.
I really liked the mythology behind this whole series. I'm a sucker for twisted fairy tales and the concept of the Grimm fits in with the idea that all myths and stories and fairy tales are based on a kernel of truth- no matter how much the story itself has changed with the tellings. Shiloh Walker did a wonderful job taking these childhood classics that we've grown up with and tweaking them just enough that, while still recognizable, they had their own voice.
Sure, it's a sexy, purring, up-against-the-wall voice, but I don't think we grownups mind all that much.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Perci is damaged and she's spent the last 300 years hurting- not just herself but, without realizing it, also those around her. She needs to be shaken up and rattled around. Enter Jack, someone who knows a little too much about the Grimm but who she trusts immediately and implicitly. He infuriates her. He arouses her. He makes her feel again.
I really liked the mythology behind this whole series. I'm a sucker for twisted fairy tales and the concept of the Grimm fits in with the idea that all myths and stories and fairy tales are based on a kernel of truth- no matter how much the story itself has changed with the tellings. Shiloh Walker did a wonderful job taking these childhood classics that we've grown up with and tweaking them just enough that, while still recognizable, they had their own voice.
Sure, it's a sexy, purring, up-against-the-wall voice, but I don't think we grownups mind all that much.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
January 31, 2015
Rapunzel. Other than her getting long hair cut by a beautician, there’s not much resemblance until we get her history toward the end, then it makes some sense. So hang on in there.
Not much actual demon fighting action either. This series is getting more relationship/romance angst than good guardian angels vs. bad demons or saving humans from being possessed. It’s turning away from its original premise. They just talk alot about how their job is to kill demons. Only real action here is a bar fight and a briefly described demon attack near the end. I’d like more supes and less lovey-dovey.
Jack and Perci? Not feeling it. They are too heart broken, angsty and mushy. It’s Luc I feel the most for.
Quick Thoughts: 1)The end was a big disappointment. I’d been expecting some major thing to throw them together, then when it happens it sort of breaks apart. Then I think at the beach, maybe? Then it just turns into a mushy HEA.
2)I hate how the POVs change from sentence to sentence within a conversation and/or action scenes without any warning. It’s annoyingly confusing.
Fave Scenes: Will watching Mandy, the blonde succubus and Persinette’s sickbed story.
Not much actual demon fighting action either. This series is getting more relationship/romance angst than good guardian angels vs. bad demons or saving humans from being possessed. It’s turning away from its original premise. They just talk alot about how their job is to kill demons. Only real action here is a bar fight and a briefly described demon attack near the end. I’d like more supes and less lovey-dovey.
Jack and Perci? Not feeling it. They are too heart broken, angsty and mushy. It’s Luc I feel the most for.
Quick Thoughts: 1)The end was a big disappointment. I’d been expecting some major thing to throw them together, then when it happens it sort of breaks apart. Then I think at the beach, maybe? Then it just turns into a mushy HEA.
2)I hate how the POVs change from sentence to sentence within a conversation and/or action scenes without any warning. It’s annoyingly confusing.
Fave Scenes: Will watching Mandy, the blonde succubus and Persinette’s sickbed story.
October 31, 2010
I love this series. This story is as hot as it is heart wrenching. I can't wait for the next tale.
January 14, 2011
Absolutely wonderful, but you definitely need to read the entire series in order. Can't wait for another! They have to tell Will & Mandy's story, right!? And what about Luc & Sina?
June 2, 2011
loved it but like all stories this is the end of the series for now
Want to read
April 10, 2012The cover is so damn.. haunting. Enchanting. A delicious knight, Grimm-in-training and an Other.
April 16, 2012
This one definitely had me turning to Wikipedia for the old stories of Rapunzel and Persinette! Very heart wrenching but an great read!
April 25, 2012
My fave so far
September 21, 2012
I cried like mad because this chick was just evil, she just didn't understand she was killing her husband. I felt soooo bad for him that it distracted the main plot of the story for me.
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