TBR Challenge: JR Ward - Claimed

Lydia Susi is passionate about protecting wolves in their natural habitat. When a hotel chain develops a tract of land next to the preserve, Lydia is one of the most vocal opponents of the project - and becomes a target.
One night, a shadowy figure threatens Lydia’s life in the forest, and a new hire at the Wolf Study Project comes from out of nowhere to save her. Daniel Joseph is both mysterious and someone she intrinsically wants to trust. But is he hiding something?
As the stakes get higher and one of Lydia’s colleagues is murdered, she must decide how far she will go to protect the wolves. Then a shocking revelation about Daniel challenges Lydia’s reality in ways she could never have predicted. Some fates demand courage, while others require even more, with no guarantees. Is she destined to have true love...or will a soul-shattering loss ruin her forever?

Comment: One more year of the TBR Challenge begins!

For the month of January the theme is "still here", which didn't make me think of anything specific at first, but then I remembered I could pick something that still lingers in the pile but that I haven't been in the mood for. With the challenge's prompt, I went for this book by JR Ward, the first of a spin off series which would feature werewolves, thus quite a transition from her usual vampires.

Lydia Susi is a behavior biologist who feels deeply for the safekeeping of wolves and she tries to do her best at the preserve she works for, even though things have been weird lately. To make it worse, there's a hotel chain wanting to do something near the preserve, which Lydia is very vocally against, and this makes her a target. Then, Daniel Joseph arrives, looking for a job and she instinctively trusts him, but everything starts to go wrong, especially when it concerns her boss and the veterinarian, who both seem to be involved in something shady. With Daniel's help,c an Lydia discover what has been happening and what big secrets the others were hiding?

Back in 2005, I've discovered the BDB series by this author and I admit, I was obsessed with the books, the characters, the world, for a few years. I have several books in hardcover when I usually wait for paperbacks. I was a goner for that world and there was a time I felt this author could do no wrong. Well, time goes by and nowadays, while I still appreciate her work, I no longer feel the obsession (obviously others came along).

This said, I was hoping this book would be an interesting take on werewolves or, at least, in something different from the BDB series - whose latest books I haven't read and, honestly, I don't feel I want to -  because if there is one big criticism I ignored but now frustrates me immensely is that the author doesn't let the deserved HEAs rest. Always some issue now needs to be addressed and I don't feel her method works, not anymore. I'm saying this because Xhex and John Matthew from the BDB series have some cameo appearances here, well and a few others, but mainly these, and while thankfully their relationship is as strong, there's some news for Xhex that seem troublesome. I wonder... why? Why having to add this to this new story... it's all so... avoidable.

Anyway, back to the Claimed plot, I had some expectations, and I was particularly eager to see the author develop a werewolf story, but the beginning was quite unassuming and was clearly the author's style, but... where were the werewolves references and characters? There was nothing in the book until the end in which one could say, oh this is definitely a werewolf story. I have learned in the meantime that this is actually the first of a continuous trilogy featuring the same main characters, and not three stories in the same world with different couples, as the author has done in the past.

Well, disappointment. I'm not certain of what to say about this but even putting aside the lack of werewolf content, the story didn't grab me completely, and I admit I've skimmed a few pages here and there to keep going. I kept thinking to myself, a few years ago I would have not done such a thing while reading a book by this author...but the truth is that the plot was slow, somewhat dense and when I got to the end I actually thought this story was, well, unnecessary. Also, there is a certain reveal which seemed to come out of nowhere, I mean, why, how, and no explanation, only apparent fact. I feel this tactic of spring up such a thing at the end without any hint/context/ allusion to anything about it before was incredibly irritating.

I never really saw the reason for why this story had to happen, why it had to make sense... not even the "romance" between Lydia and Daniel convinced me. I was especially annoyed at this when we get to the end, because two things happen, or better, two things are revealed and it's so... urghh, that I truly lost interest and patience in thinking I'd read more with these characters. Adding to this, the preserve vs hotel sub plot was also not very captivating, and I've finished the novel frustrated with several things.

Therefore, why not a lower grade... well, I still feel some pull towards this author's style and way of story telling and I did like some passages and sequences. I also liked the BDB characters showing up even though it felt they didn't have to, and I think the author is still quite skilled in taking things to a seemingly impossible situation and then twisting it around to make things appealing. But did this book work out perfectly for me? No, not really.

I might return to the author one day, who knows, I still have a couple of books by her in the pile but while they are still here, I don't think they are as enthralling as others by her used to be. This book just didn't seem to have enough charisma, and while it was still competently organized and structured, it failed to truly convince me of what the main characters were going through and of what they meant for one another. It is what it is... everyone changes.

Grade: 5/10

Mini-Comments, again

Here is the second post with mini-comments...

Lover Arisen by JR Ward is the 20th installment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series. There was a time I defended and loved this series in a way that, now, makes me see how "obsessed" I was with the world building. Everything was great, even doubtful elements. In this story, when things are clearly reaching the end of the arc, I'm not as blind to the flaws and I no longer feel that drive to know what happens.
Balthazar and Erika aren't bad protagonists, and I love the wold building and the characters (and their interactions) as much as ever, but the path taken by the author feels very unfair. I also dislike the enemies that currently have a role in the series, and I abhor the fact the main villain has a voice and that there are so many pages from their POV.
Plot wise, there isn't much to say, because the true value of this series was in the world the author created and in the characters, who brought everything to life. I will always cherish some of the books in a special way and I might read other books but yes, to me, who have read all 20 of them, the first 5 or 6 had the true magic, that's for sure. What a pity the romance and the characters' interactions are no longer the only point of interest. I mean, there has always existed a villain, but to me it was never really important. Now, things are different and I feel a little sad...
Grade: 6/10

Beloved Imposter by Patricia Potter is an historical romance which has been in the shelf for many years, and the fact the setting is medieval probably put me off a little. Now I've read it, I must say I was positively surprised and this tale of a young woman (an original I'm sure) who doesn't want to marry a lecher and decides to run away to find a solution, did captivate me. I also liked that her family and the hero's were enemies but, as always. things find a way to be solved. The romance was actually quite well paced and I was entertained by all the things that took place.
This is the first book I try by the author but now I even feel I need to read the rest of this trilogy, which will feature the brothers of the male protagonist. The writing does feel a little dated, but unlike many other books, this story felt well balanced between plot and romance, and the protagonists weren't in love at first sight nor were they doing things they shouldn't when anyone could see. I actually found it refreshing to have an historical romance story where the characters fall in love before they get intimate. Perhaps it's only my impression... there are some details that, of course, feel a little less achieved, but my overall idea is a positive one.
Grade: 8/10

Two Novellas

Well, perhaps novella isn't the right word since these two stories in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series have a bigger page count than the average novella.

These two stories are still smaller sized when compared to the full length books and recently I've had the opportunity to finally read them.

Where Winter Finds You is the story of Trez and Therese. Trez was one of the main protagonists in The Shadows (book #13) but his romance didn't end up as most readers would have expected. Here, as some might probably hope/wait for, the author found a way to allow Trez to be happy with the heroine he has always loved. I can't say this was the best choice or not, or if his story should have gone a different way altogether, but I think there were enough elements to sustain the idea. I still think the romance itself could have been done better, in a more romantic way (no matter the emotional and everlasting connection, I believe things went too fast between them) or at least in a way that would feel more convincing. I won't debate the obvious limitations, which the author probably didn't see when she devised certain world rules, which kind of reduced the odds of some romances to be stronger, but in the end I'm just glad this loose thread was fixed.

 

A Warm Heart in Winter is the continuation of Blay and Qhuinn's romance, kind of, which took place in book #11). These two are happy, have a steady but busy life and a loving support system around them. Still, work sometimes presents some worries and they also have little everyday things to think of. I liked this story a little better than the other, mainly because it offered more interesting dynamics and I have always been more emotionally invested in these two than in Trez, for instance. The biggest novelty here, I'd say, is the one related to a secondary character whom I expected to have a different type of arc at some point in following books. I felt a little sad over certain things to be honest, but I cannot say this was a bad addition to the series. The end is very sweet, to let us finish with a sweet side of things...

Both occur later in the series (17.5 and 18.5), which means a lot of the information includes spoilers from past books and there are references to several situations which might seem vague to a reader who has not read them. I've liked the two stories well enough because I've followed the books from the start, I still care about the characters and their struggles, even though the plots have gone, in several installments, into paths I'd have preferred to see differently. I think both accomplish what they aimed for and they also include interesting information here and there, but if not for my general appreciation about the world building in general, I'd probably say some elements weren't very convincing. Nevertheless, it was a nice way to stay in contact with the series.

Grade: 7/10

JR Ward - Lover Unveiled

Sahvage has been living under the radar for centuries—and he has every intention of staying “dead and buried.” But when a civilian female sucks him into her dangerous battle with an evil as ancient as time, his protective side overrides his common sense.
Mae has lost everything, and desperation sets her on a collision course with fate. Determined to reverse a tragedy, she goes where mortals should fear to tread—and comes face-to-face with the Brotherhood’s new enemy. She also discovers a love she never expected to find with Sahvage, but there can be no future for them.
Knowing they will part, the two band together to fight against what Mae unknowingly unleashed—as the Brotherhood closes in to reclaim one of their damned, and the evil vows to destroy them all….

Comment: This is the 19th installment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series and, so far, is the one I liked less.

In this novel, the focus is on Sahvage, a former Brother who, for the past centuries, has been living under the radar and now gets money by fighting. One night at the club where he is about to have a showdown, a woman shows up and tries to stop the fight, causing problems and a lot of confusion. 

Mae, turning out to be a vampire, is at the club because she was told the Reverend knows about a Book, which she is looking for, so she can do some kind of spell to get her brother back. Although she can't have any answers from Rev, Sahvage decides to help her and the older woman she is taking care of too. 

The problem is that Devina, the demon, is back and the Book belongs to her....but where is the Book is the question... and when the truth come out, will Mae and Sahvage have any chance at love?

I've been a fan of this series since 2008, when I happened to have read the first book and I've entered the whole fandom world created by the author and the fans, especially while her forum was online and active. It is true that having many people focused on the same thing at the same time is a huge help to increase attention and until that boardroom was closed, I was feeling the appeal.

After the forum closed, I was still a dedicated fan and defended the books and the stories to anyone who would ask me about it, even though some books just weren't as consistent with the first ones in terms of content and the rules invented by the author. Despite that, most times things worked out and just reading about the world and the characters was enough to make me love them. However, it's been a while since I've felt the appeal as strongly as it used to be and the main reason is that the stories  no longer feel as romantic and as well thought as they used to.

At first, the romance took time to develop and the secondary issues were logical and helped to create tension and conflict and even obstacles to why the couple couldn't simply have a quiet or blissful domestic life. I wasn't fond of the lessers (original enemy) but since most stories had them as secondary issues, I didn't care. With time, the stories started to lose steam and romance and while I still loved the multi POVs and being aware of the lives of everyone, something started to be weaker... which makes me arrive at this point. Sadly, Mae and Sahvage as a couple didn't really work out because they are there just to accomplish one goal: having a main couple.

To be honest, this is a pity, the surrounding situations related to both of them and to each one individually have its interest but I just don't find the result a good one. For years and years the speculation and the "keep reading" answer to the question "what is the importance of the coffins at the mansion?" which was on everyone's minds for so long is finally revealed here, and it's directly connected with Sahvage and then it's as if nothing matters anymore because all the secondary issues just stole the attention. 

I so much preferred the series when it felt the author contained the rules and the notion of what is the vampire race in a specific sphere... nowadays, as other readers have said, it feels those same rules put the author into a corner in terms of what she can or cannot do. I feel as if the author lost control of her own world and wanted to go a way those same rules prevented. Thus, why she invented so many things that, to me, weakened the world building and the importance of each HEA for the past years.

Mae and Sahvage could be a stronger couple but what made them unique wasn't interesting to me. Mae, in particular, is just too... bland and silly sometimes, and not even the crazy reason why she wanted the Book made me like her more. The HEA with Sahvage might be cute and all that, but I confess I've skipped many scenes about her search for the Book in situations that made no sense if she was a civilian. Also, I've skipped all scenes/chapters with Devina, the demon villain because I hate this character and the power she has. I preferred the books where the lesser enemies had no actual voice nor real power, they were just there as an excuse to put the Brothers in key situations.

The stories are still readable to me and I will read the next ones, but not with the intensity I once imagined would never vanish. My curiosity about other characters and some loose plot points, which felt so urgent ten years ago are now just details I can wait to read about but... it's truly a pity how this series lost track of what used to be so important and well done in the beginning.

Grade: 6/10

JR Ward - The Jackal

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Sinner brings another hot adventure of true love and ultimate sacrifice in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world.
The location of the glymera’s notorious prison camp was lost after the raids. When a freak accident provides Nyx clues to where her sister may still be doing time, she becomes determined to find the secret subterranean labyrinth. Embarking on a journey under the earth, she learns a terrible truth—and meets a male who changes everything forever.
The Jackal has been in the camp for so long he cannot recall anything of the freedom he once knew. Trapped by circumstances out of his control, he helps Nyx because he cannot help himself. After she discovers what happened to her sister, getting her back out becomes a deadly mission for them both.
United by a passion they can’t deny, they work together on an escape plan for Nyx—even though their destiny is to be forever apart. And as the Black Dagger Brotherhood is called upon for help, and Rhage discovers he has a half-brother who’s falsely imprisoned, a devious warden plots the deaths of them all…even the Brothers.

Comment: It's been a couple of years since the last book I've read by this author. There was a time when I devoured anything she wrote and her vampire world is still one of the best which I'll cherish eternally. Nevertheless, rarely something remains unchangeable and my appreciation and devotion to the books isn't the same... waiting two years wouldn't feel possible some years ago, but it is what it is now...

In this story, which is set in the same Caldwell setting as the other PNR series, we have another spin off of the BDB series. This time the focus is on a group of characters in a prison created by the glymera (high society) and how, after the events which have disbanded the society in previous BDB books, so many of these people are still controlled by someone, somehow. One night, sisters Nix and Posie rescue someone who claims to have escaped from the prison and upon knowing this, Nix immediately plans to find the prison so she can help another sister, Janelle, whom she believes was wrongly accused of a crime, despite what her grandfather tells her. However, after finally finding a  way in, nothing would have prepared Nix for the problems the inmates face and she is lucky enough to be helped by the Jackal, someone who tries to help her survive inside. But he demands a price for his help, will Nix be able to do what he wants? Will she finally discover what happened to her sister and if she is still alive in the prison?

For a spin-off, this wasn't a bad introduction into a new part of the vampire world readers have gotten fans of and used to. I especially liked that the story is rather focused on the main characters and what they do, with only a few italic chapters which work as background to explain a few things. When I say this, I mean it in a positive way even though I have always like the multiple POVs and situations addressed in the BDB books. Some readers have started to get tired of the lack of focus but for me, that was never the issue.

I'd say what makes me a little disappointed about the books is how so much attention is given to the villain's POV and their actions. I'd love if the author would stick to the main plot line and what is necessary for the reader to know, minimizing villains. I started to get very irritated with this (namely the Devina character, so very annoying) and that did affect my enjoyment of the rest of the stories.

I'm, therefore, happy to say the villain of this book was not Devina and the attention was on the main couple and their joining forces to uncover what happened to Nix's sister. One would think that telling the world about the prison would also be a key subject but since most of the story is about the romantic connection between Nix and Jackal, this seemed to have been slightly overlooked. Still, the tone and vibe was one of hope, in my opinion, even though the prisoners couldn't simply escape at will.

The romance is clearly hastened. From the moment they meet and the moment we realize their connection for what it is, not that long has gone and of course this feels a little too easy. I suppose the fact they're vampires and how usually the dynamics between them have to be different (biologically, for instance, it's easier to confirm a mating) can make up for what I see as a flaw, but since I liked them both, their personalities are definitely strong and resilient, I could accept this as a fact and simply want to see how their path would develop.

I think there are some details, which the author wanted to use as a twist or revelation but that were actually rather obvious as soon as some things were told. There is one twist I didn't see coming, true, so I guess part of the work was well done... I also liked how there are plenty of scenes where the author tries to maintain a certain emotional level, not as obvious as in some previous installments, but I was eager to see if Nix and Jackal could find happiness and some situations on the road there, related to them or to secondary characters, seemed to have achieved a good result.

The plot's resolution was tidy enough to make me happy with how everything ended. I do think this worked pretty well for the type of story I wanted to read, even if I'd change one or two details for my personal preference. There are some things which are just... too much of a coincidence. I think long time readers would just take it for granted, but there's something about the writing that might seem as if it's taking for granted any reader would have knowledge of events in previous books. This does read as a standalone but... the editing could have been a little better, I think.

I liked it enough that I would want to know what happens to the other characters mentioned in this book and who were in prison too. As for Jackal and Nyx, some little coincidences apart, I feel glad they found their HEA.

Grade: 8/10

JR Ward - The Sinner

Syn has kept his side hustle as a mercenary a secret from the Black Dagger Brotherhood. When he takes another hit job, he not only crosses the path of the vampire race’s new enemy, but also that of a half-breed in danger of dying during her transition. Jo Early has no idea what her true nature is, and when a mysterious man appears out of the darkness, she is torn between their erotic connection and the sense that something is very wrong.
Fate anointed Butch O’Neal as the Dhestroyer, the fulfiller of the prophecy that foresees the end of the Omega. As the war with the Lessening Society comes to a head, Butch gets an unexpected ally in Syn. But can he trust the male—or is the warrior with the bad past a deadly complication?
With time running out, Jo gets swept up in the fighting and must join with Syn and the Brotherhood against true evil. In the end, will love true prevail...or was the prophecy wrong all along?

Comment: This is the most recent installment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by author JR Ward and it seems it was the end of the arc. At least, the plot seems to indicate so.

In this book we have the story of Syn and Jo, as well as the concluding events that lead to the final battle against the enemy that has plagued the brotherhood since the first book.

Jo is a character that has been referenced in the past books, she even got page time here and there and we finally understand how she is connected to the main characters apart from the obvious fact she is about to reach her transition.

Even before that, she meets Syn, one of the members of the Band of Bastards who has joined the battle a few books ago along with his fellow "warriors" but who also gives in to his need to kill by accepting contracts on the side.

As these two bond over common traits and an attraction not that easy to explain, will it be possible to finally reach the peace everyone has wanted for so long?

I'll include some mild spoilers!

I have mixed feelings about this book. I have said many times, probably on each new book's release, how I am such a fan and how I have been devoted to this series since book #1, which I stumbled upon around 2008, when there were five books out and the next one about to be released.

For these past twelve years, I've been dedicated to the series, to the amazing world and the characters, even when the stories went towards paths I was indifferent to but many were not fans of.

Now this book arrives, it's clear it's meant to be the end of an arc, if I can say so, because it finishes the main plot that had been on going all this time which is the fight against the lessers and the Omega.

To be honest, I don't really mind this as I've felt this part of the story was completely unnecessary. I think the series would have had a lot more to gain had it been just a story on the vampire life, culture, dynamics, all the things we already had besides the fighting. The bad guys, the lessers could still exist in the world, after all the warriors would have needed a purpose, but in an abstract way somehow.

Anyway, so this is over. 

At the end of the book, though, we have a new enemy coming out and I really dislike who that character is. I don't think it's a surprise to say it's a character already seen in another series by this author. I think to myself, was this really the way to go? Why? Why this enemy, why like this, I dislike how things are going. A villain that has more protagonism than the main characters? No wonder so many have been critics the series was no longer a romance.

This brings me to this book's main couple, then.

I liked Jo and Syn as a whole, I think they had a lot of potential to be a strong team but to me it was really a pity we see them before Jo's transition and not as much after. I understand why, after all the focus would have had to be different but I love these books for the world, for the family/community relationships. I'd have preferred to have more scenes with them getting to know each other than villain moments.

Were the first books in the series better in this regard? I have to say yes based on how the balance between plot and romance developed. I've also said this didn't bother me and it's true, I don't mind having less romance pages to have other types of interactions between the characters. But to replace them with the bad guys' POVs? Then, I don't think it was such a good idea.

This book feels like it had a goal: to finish the main idea, to tidy some of the loose strings (why was Bo special, for instance) to prepare things for a different approach.

There were several scenes that reminded me of the god old days, when the books were so emotional I couldn't help being emotional myself. Of course I liked the references to all the other characters although, like many other readers, the constant emphasis on the special relationship between V and Butch gets on my nerves. I think everyone already got it and maybe more scenes between V and Jane would not be enough to counterbalance this now.

I don't know what's to come, I'll still read this series no matter what because what I felt with the first books cannot just disappear but, sadly, for me this book was not the wonder I expected and wanted to have, being it the last of an era (of sorts).

I hope the author can have better ideas for the next ones and not giving in to silly stuff.

Grade: 7/10

JR Ward - Blood Truth

As a trainee in the Black Dagger Brotherhood's program, Boone has triumphed as a soldier and now fights side by side with the Brothers. Following his sire's unexpected death, he is taken off rotation against his protests—and he finds himself working with Butch O'Neal, former homicide cop, to catch a serial killer: Someone is targeting females of the species at a live action role play club. When the Brotherhood is called in to help, Boone insists on being a part of the effort—and the last thing he expects is to meet an enticing, mysterious female...who changes his life forever.
Ever since her sister was murdered at the club, Helaine has been committed to finding the killer, no matter the danger she faces. When she crosses paths with Boone, she doesn't know whether to trust him or not—and then she has no choice. As she herself becomes a target, and someone close to the Brotherhood is identified as the prime suspect, the two must work to together to solve the mystery...before it's too late. Will a madman come between the lovers or will true love and goodness triumph over a very mortal evil?

Comment: This is the fourth installment in the Black Dagger Legacy series, featuring mostly trainees who decided to join the fight against the same enemies we see the main characters of the original Black Dagger brotherhood series fight.

This series and the original one happen at the same time but, of course, the focus on specific characters and situations changes slightly.

In this installment we have the story focusing on Boone, one of the trainee elements who hadn't yet had his own romance.

Boone comes from an aristocratic family and we get to know he had an arranged mating but by talking to his intended, they decided on canceling it, making it look like she was the one who made that decision since this colors Boone badly but it would be even worse for her, had their roles been reversed.

Boone is now dedicated to his training and the tasks he and the others are trusted with more and more. so when he joins the Brother Butch in investigating the murders of female of the species in a night club, he feels glad he is being active and wants to help. One witness comes froward and Boone is immediately drawn to her, to the point of spending more time with her than what would be necessary.

What will Boone do when he discovers this witness is actually also connected to one of the victims..?

Most times, even when in regards to long series, the authors do try to make things be readable as standalone titles so that when someone unaware picks a random book in a series, there is still some structure to make it easy. I do think this happens here but at the same time, and having my opinion colored by my being a fan, it also feels very unfair to those people. There's a lot to be said about investing in the characters and I feel this series is only good if read in order.

This said, the story follows a very simple premise: there's a small group of characters interacting, some are looking to investigate a crime while we also see them dealing with their personal lives.

Like I said, I'm a fan, so everything gained a special "flavor" for me but I can also see that things are quite simplistic in this plot.

The murder investigation is simple, easy to fix after all when we connect the dots and it's not the most complex situation one can imagine. For me, the interest was not as much in the how or why the crime occurred but in the who was investigating and why it mattered to them.

Butch has always been my favorite character in the series from the start and it was a plus for me to see him have a special role in this novel. It felt like not enough, though but I understand he was not the main focus.

Boone is the main character and we have him doing most of the things and being the main focus, even though the author also set up the next story in the main series. I suppose this is one of the weaker elements of her work: she is so worried to create the perfect atmosphere, to set her characters in the most interesting emotional context that everything else is secondary and the stories/plots lose some engagement, they feel underdeveloped. I'd say this has been recurrent lately and maybe that explains why some readers no longer follow her.

As for the romance in this book, Boone and the witness - Helania - make a connection, they start seeing in each other and despite the fact things happen very quickly, they claim they are falling in love by the end. I confess I don't particularly like how quickly this situation happens. Yes, one can bear in mind the paranormal aspect and how easy things were made up to simplify the attraction between the couples but the authors can find ways to make the romances develop in a more believable manner.

I liked Boone and Helania found common ground but their connection also feels too easy. Considering the emotional hurdles they both claim to have faced, I expected them to bond for longer before admitting things, before it got to matter for real.

I think a lot of these novels sets on fans' loyalty and the fact there are little passages here and there, clues about future situations that make the reader want to stay in touch with this world. The writing is often captivating but there's a lot of focus on difficulties, on some negative situations if they happen, on overcoming bad stuff... I think the positive aspects are a little underestimated so it feels like the only solution is to amp the emotional side for readers to be mesmerized, to be (maybe?) shocked and want to keep reading. I wish this would change and in this book it wasn't as dire as I'm painting it but...yes, some books just don't reach the same level as others by her in the beginning did.

Nevertheless, I love the world, I've invested in the characters... I'll still follow them.

Grade: 8/10

JR Ward - The Savior

In the venerable history of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, only one male has ever been expelled—but Murhder’s insanity gave the Brothers no choice. Haunted by visions of a female he could not save, he nonetheless returns to Caldwell on a mission to right the wrong that ruined him. However, he is not prepared for what he must face in his quest for redemption.
Dr. Sarah Watkins, researcher at a biomedical firm, is struggling with the loss of her fellow scientist fiancé. When the FBI starts asking about his death, she questions what really happened and soon learns the terrible truth: Her firm is conducting inhumane experiments in secret and the man she thought she knew and loved was involved in the torture.
As Murhder and Sarah’s destinies become irrevocably entwined, desire ignites between them. But can they forge a future that spans the divide separating the two species? And as a new foe emerges in the war against the vampires, will Murhder return to his Brothers... or resume his lonely existence forevermore?

Comment: This is the latest installment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward. This is the series that made me interested in PNR beyond the basic stories where supernatural characters were the enemies of humans that were the norm for me until I started reading about this group of vampires, who instead of being turned humans were actually part of a specific type of human.

In this 17th installment, we finally have the story of Muhrder, a character that has been mentioned from time to time, always with some mystery surrounding him and his whereabouts but who now has returned to the group and wants nothing more than solve unfinished business before his path takes him to a final goal.

However, he also meets Sarah Watkins, a researcher/scientist who sees her path mingle with that of Murhder after they meet each other while trying to accomplish something they have in common which is to to solve a situation related to Sarah's job. Things aren't simple though and even less so is the fact they are destined to be important to one another... but will the BDB accept these new changes and additions to their world?

It's no mystery I've been  - and remain so - a fan of this series and I won't go too much into it because I could write and write but I think it's better to be concise about what I think.

This was a book that reminded me of the first ones, where it was mostly about the romance and the surroundings took second place but for me this didn't really work for two reasons:

1) I'm invested in the series so this "back to basics" technique felt a little flat and

2) the romance was too quick, even for this world's rules.

I think it's positive the secondary characters that were important for the main plot weren't on too much and also that the villain POV's weren't too detailed (thankfully for me) either. I know this is a general complaint of some readers, that the focus is too spread through multiple POVs and although i'm not bothered by that, in fact I like it, it was good this story was simpler in terms of how the reader was able to focus properly on what was happening.

The plot follows Muhrder and his attempts to make something right off a wrong situation years ago and the reason he was expelled from the brotherhood, something fans have known he was the only only to have gone through that for unexplained reasons. We finally have an explanation about it and although it makes sense I sort of expected something bigger.

I have to say I imagined this character's return in several ways but not that it would be as simple as this. Or, maybe I should say I imagined his personality to be one of someone harder to empathize with and to be honest I must say it was the complete opposite because he is probably one of the best male characters/protagonist of the whole series. The title is very apt for him, indeed.

His romance with Sarah has high points and I can see why they could be a good match. I'm just a little sad they practically had no time to know each other well besides attraction and bonding. I know some rules help this situation along and the "being mates" card does help but even with - for me - less POVs, I still think the romance could have had a better reinforcement.I would have liked more scenes with them discovering why they were a good match instead of a situation that pushed them into one another (and I don't mean the being mates thing).

I think there were ways for this story to be stronger but overall I liked spending time with the characters, I liked reading a little bit about other characters and if there's one thing the author accomplishes well is the teasing, the leaving of little clues here and there about this or that and speculation spreads. I'm obviously eager to read more.

I can be aware the quality of the books might not appear the same for everyone, some expectations weren't met and sometimes the author does include unnecessary stuff to situations taken for solved/definite. But I also think she managed to create a fascinating world and I confess I wouldn't be able to think about letting go of all the characters...

It was good to see Muhrder back, that's for certain.

Grade: 8/10

JR Ward - The Thief

Sola Morte, former cat burglar and safecracker, has given up her old life on the wrong side of the law. On the run from a drug lord's family, she is lying low far from Caldwell, keeping her nose clean and her beloved grandmother safe. Her heart, though, is back up north, with the only man who has ever gotten through her defenses: Assail, son of Assail, who never meant to fall in love--and certainly not with a human woman. But they have no future, and not just because she doesn't know he is a vampire, but because he is not about to stop dealing arms to the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Fate, however, has other plans for them. When Assail falls into a coma and lingers on the verge of death, his cousins seek out Sola and beg her to give him a reason to live. The last thing she wants is a return to her past, but how can she leave him to die?
As a lethal new enemy of the vampires shows its face, and the Brotherhood needs Assail back on his feet, Sola finds herself not only a target, but a mission-critical force in a war she doesn't understand. And when Assail's truth comes out, will she run from the horror . . . or follow her heart into the arms of the male who loves her more than life itself?

Comment: This is the most recent installment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward, still one of my favorite series ever. This is book #16 and it focuses on Assail and Sola.

Assail has had a life of control and power over his affairs but meeting Sola and sort of bonding with her, trying to think of ways to help and protect her has made him think twice about his past choices. To become a better person he has decided to fight his cocaine addiction with the help of the BDB doctors. However his mind and his body are struggling too much to stay alive and his cousins Ehric and Evale decide to try another tactic: to find Sola.

Sola and her mother are living in Florida as a means for Sola to stay away from the mess she used to be in when she was doing shady jobs as a thief. In order to fulfill a promise she moved with her beloved grandmother and is trying to stay away from everything she used to know, including the mysterious Assail with whom she fell in love with but wants to forget. 

Now that Sola knows Assail is "sick" and might not live, can she go back to him to say goodbye? Or will her presence turn out to be a miracle?

Before getting into my thoughts about this story I just want to repeat some things from my comments of the previous books in thes eries, just to get it out of the way:

- I still love these books despite the romance of the supposed "main couple" not being the only focus anymore.

- Even if this is more urban fantasy, I still appreciate the amazing world and characters.

- Many readers dislike the multiple POVs which make the story confusing and without much closeness to the characters and while this could be a bit avoided, I still enjoy the overall work.

I liked this book in general but I must say there were two details about the story itself (as opposed to the overall story line) that could have been done differently and wouldn't be a betrayal of the author's vision for the book.

First, I would certainly include a lot less scenes/moments with the villains or bad guys plotting their plans ans thinking about their hate of the heroes or something. I can understand this need to keep the reader updated to some details but...for me, totally avoidable. And it seems more bad characters will show up and I think it's unnecessary.

Another aspect is how the relationship between Sola and Assail ends up. Ok, they have their HEA and we know they will be happy and will solve things but there was still some indecisive situations I'd have liked to see solved right now.

As for the romance itself, it was sweet in a way I wouldn't imagine if one were to consider Assail as he was when he first appeared a few books ago. I like this new person he turned out to be even if he feels lost now that he doesn't have much to work on.

Sola is a good heroine because she cares for those she loves and she is confident in her abilities.

But yes, I's have loved a bit more about them as characters part of this world. Perhaps the problem is that we don't really know what's their role in the bigger scheme...

The other several plot lines provided very interesting details about so many things...I really love this sense that I have when I read the books because having a lot of information - even if distracting at times - means I'm "closer" to the characters I came to love and hear about. As if we, the readers, are a little part of those character's lives.

I especially liked knowing a character quite discussed by readers is coming to scene at last and that some new events will take place in the next book that will certainly mean another interesting romance...

All things considered, this worked out for me quite well, except for a couple of details I'd change. But it's like visiting friends, when I read a story set in this world.

Grade: 8/10

A link, a comment, a picture

Hello all.

I hope you have good plans for the weekend.

I work today as always but tomorrow I'm going on a trip with some people. A different day for sure.

Just wanted to tidy up some things, so three subjects in this post:

1)

A link

I was looking for stuff related to books online and I came across these lists: https://www.listchallenges.com/lists/books

There are books for all kinds of preferences. I'll browse some to see which books were included in the lists that get my attention the most. 

Enjoy, if you want to overflow your TBR even more! 😄

2)

A comment

I've recently read, but forgot to write a post about it, Blood Fury by JR Ward, the 3rd installment in her BDB series spin-off, BD Legacy. 

This is mainly the stories of Peyton and Novo, two trainees in the BDB training program to find civilians to help the fight against the lessers. There's also another sub plot with Saxton, a beloved character for some time now, and Ruhn, a recent addition to the main series but that seemed to be a worthy character of a story.

Overall, I liked the story. I keep saying that, for me, the multiple plot lines doesn't bother me but at times the author seems to prefer to focus on things I wouldn't so it's not the amount of sub plots that is the problem: it's how things are dealt with in each main plot and /or characters.

I was quite happy with how things were done, I liked best the emotional content bu yes, some scenes could have been worked with differently. 

Still, this was a positive story for me and I want to keep reading books in the BDB universe, for certain.

Grade: 8/10

3) A picture

As expected when I remember to do so, I leave you with an image. I woke up this morning, it was raining quite heavily and I just wanted to stay in bed. Alas, to earn money, one must work, but for those who can, I hope this image inspires you. 

The image is from Buzzfeed.

Happy reading!

JR Ward - The Chosen

Xcor, leader of the Band of Bastards, convicted of treason against the Blind King, is facing a brutal interrogation and torturous death at the hands of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Yet after a life marked by cruelty and evil deeds, he accepts his soldier’s fate, his sole regret the loss of a sacred female who was never his: the Chosen Layla.
Layla alone knows the truth that will save Xcor’s life. But revealing his sacrifice and his hidden heritage will expose them both and destroy everything Layla holds dear—even her role of mother to her precious young. Torn between love and loyalty, she must summon the courage to stand up against the only family she has for the only man she will ever love. Yet even if Xcor is somehow granted a reprieve, he and Layla would have to confront a graver challenge: bridging the chasm that divides their worlds without paving the way for a future of even greater war, desolation, and death.
As a dangerous old enemy returns to Caldwell, and the identity of a new deity is revealed, nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love . . . or destinies that have long seemed set in stone.

Comment: This is the latest installment in the Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward. I've said countless time before I've been a fan of the series since I found the first book and despite some less than good books for me, I still cherish and enjoy this world.

This is Layla and Xcor's book. I mean, nowadays, the away the series is, one can almost say each story isn't only focused on one single couple, the multi sub plots which annoy so many people, seem to have come to stay. Still, the focus can be given to this couple and this is their HEA at last.

At the same time, change is happening with the Scribe Virgin, the race's deity, and the enemy has a new member who will try his best to end the king and the BDB.

Among so many problems, can at least true love prevail?

Attention: mild spoilers!

I truly hated the last sentence in the blurb mentioned above: "nothing is certain or safe in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, not even true love . . . or destinies that have long seemed set in stone" because this is only the affirmation of what has annoyed and drove mad most faithful readers who know don't have many positive things to say about the series anymore.

One of the best things about romance, in all it's genres and sub genres, is the idea of HEA, of how that will somehow proof love conquers all. In this world, JR Ward has created, that was seen as more than a requirement by the rules the author herself has introduced since book #1. But the problem is that now the concept of HEA is constantly challenged in every book. What we painfully went through in previous books to see the emotionally journey each couple had to overcome to be happy forever, seems to be quite pointless, because all is put in question now.

This is what really lets people down. There are details we might not like, but this is like an attempt to al the patience and suffering we've been gone though.

The author has said or led to be understood that real life is made of challenges, changes and obstacles everyday people need to overcome. Life goes on after a HEA.

True.

But this is a fantasy book set in a fantasy world. We still NEED the HEA to be set in stone. Now, personally I don't usually mind the way things happen and, as a whole, this book was still a positive one for me, but I do share the opinion things are being done in a way that is completely unnecessary and purposely negative. To fill up space? To increase the drama? To give different takes on the same idea? To add layers no one feels it's interesting?

I'm specifically speaking about the situation with Qhuinn and V and their respective (and separate) issues. Are they valid? Absolutely. Are they necessary for the plot? Definitely not. The problems they have here could still be presented to us without all the drama and silliness we need to endure now.

And how would that be? Simple: change the tone. Change the way we are given the information. An author has the power to influence our impressions using words. Having the two mentioned characters go through the same doubts and emotional issues but saying things differently or allowing them to express themselves differently wouldn't mean a lobotomy in any of their brains and we would see things differently. All is bleak and dire and bad. It doesn't have to be and still enough to occupy page space. Oh well...

I see things this way: this was bad, some previous decisions in terms of plotting haven't been the best but I always hope there will come something good out of it. Qhuinn's problem was solved somehow so we went through all that almost for nothing except drama. I assume V's issue will be the same. I get it, but I also understand readers and their lack of patience.

Personally, the positive things for m in this book were, as usual, the feel of this world, I just like the setting and the ideas within this world, I still love to see beloved characters, I liked Layla and Xcor and I did fantasize a lot about how they could be accepted as a couple and yay, for once, my fantasy ideas came true and their HEA was exactly as I hoped for!

Also very interesting was the Scribe Virgin situation. A new deity is revealed and I think it will be amazing!

There is a new clue about Trez's emotional situation. I think I understand why this is happening and unlike so many others, I don't mind if in the next books we will see it developing further along the apparent lines we were shown. Life is short, even for vampires, so... grab it while happiness is there!

I keep enjoying the multi POVs (I could do without the villain) because I LOVE this feeling they live together, they are all part of a family, of a community and just thinking that makes me smile and wish I was a character there (I bet I could be an upbeat one at least). I still focus on the positive, even if the negative makes people talk more.

This book isn't my favorite despite my preferences and the things I liked more. Too much unnecessary confusion and stuff that end up influencing out enjoyment. I hope the next is better. But this we always hope for. I see why people are giving up but the same way we don't all see things the same way, there will always be readers who still like this, so... up to now, I still see the good above the rest.

Grade: 7/10

JR Ward - Immortal

The Creator invented the game, and the stakes are nothing less than the fate of the quick and the dead: seven souls, seven crossroads. Reluctant savior Jim Heron has compromised himself, his body and his soul, and yet he’s on the verge of losing everything...
...Including Sissy, the innocent he freed from Hell. Jim’s determined to protect her—but this makes her a weakness the demon Devina can exploit. With Jim torn between the game and the woman he’s sworn to defend, evil’s more than ready to play dirty.
Humanity’s savior is prepared to do anything to win—even embark on a suicide mission into the shadows of Purgatory. True love is Jim’s only hope for survival—and victory. But can a man with no heart and no soul be saved by something he doesn’t believe in? 

Comment: Although I consider myself a fan of this author, the truth is I didn't have any trouble waiting to read this book. I've had it in the pile practically since it was released but I admit I wasn't feeling very eager to read it. I like the author as a writer and I still love the BDB, the series that really hooked me to PNR. But this Fallen Angel series, no matter how interesting some scenes, didn't win me over as easily.

In this 6th and final installment, we finally have the battle between Good and Evil and the solution for Jim's task and whether is can be accomplished successfully or not. In the previous book, Jim forfeited a win in order to save Sissy but now he pays a price too heavy on his heart. But as the final soul comes near, who wins it may become the winner of the game the Creator has started.

Could Jim be the savior anyone wants him to become or will he let his anger and past be the final straw that will unbalance things to the side of evil?

Two things that stay with me after having read this final book, especially after all the sort of secret "aura" given to the books and what would happen in them: the battle seems redundant, considering the key players and the end of this books feels rather incomplete and unimportant to the whole scheme of things if we barely see a reference to the previous characters and the ole they played in the whole thing.

To me, the biggest problem in all this is that too much page time was dedicated to Devina, the villain, and not to the connections between characters, namely the good ones. It makes all this sound silly considering we more or less expected the good guys to win. If the lesson is supposed to be about the hearts and actions of the souls to be saved, it was great they were important in their books, but what about now? Sure, Jim has always been the key player but the way this final book showed things, all the other things lost some importance. Why do we need to spend so much time in Devina's head - even if her character is important to the story - and not with the characters that obviously need to make the biggest change?

I liked the overall feel of the story, how the good ones tried their best to accomplish what they had to and how many inner thoughts were shared with us but the romance between Jim and Sissy, after everything, every sacrifice, could have been even sweeter. Jim is not a sweet guy, I know, but come on, everything he did was because of Sissy, I kind of wanted them to interact and bond more. Even the physical aspect, which had importance because of Sissy's role in all this, wasn't as romantic or special as I imagined after so many books.

I still feel dedicated to the author's writing, but it seems she is looking more towards individuals and not couples or the developments always necessary to the better improvement of the protagonists. Who are Jim and Sissy together? If certain aspects of their lives/personalities were given importance before, why not now?

Anyway, I liked Adrien and all the other secondary characters, I liked how some feelings were explored in specific contexts (like Nigel's inadequacy feelings or Adrien's losses) but they also almost felt like adds up to what could have been a stronger central romance.

Overall, I liked many parts of the book, many scenes, but when I think of the big picture, it's not as intensely romantic as I expected, after all the buzz.

The end was sweet, hopeful of course but a little bit bland. It was not a complete surprise but I imagined a different, better scenario to fit all the struggles and fights of before.

I finished the book feeling better than worse, though, because the series has an end and not a dried up version of an end. Better to stop before things get too tricky or out of familiar and expected content. Still, entertaining.

Grade: 7/10

JR Ward - Blood Vow

#1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward returns as her thrilling, original spin-off series set in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood continues! When a brooding vampire warrior-in-training teams up with a quick-witted aristocrat to solve a deadly mystery, the only thing more dangerous than their mission is their undeniable attraction.

Comment: Since I've discovered this author, I've been a fan of the BDB series. I've also read her romance work as Jessica Byrd and I have one book missing in her angel series. I still need to read her most recent series but I'll leave that for later. What I mean with all this is that, basically, I enjoy entering the worlds the author has created (some more than others) but I can understand why others have lost their interest. Nevertheless, it still works for me.

In this second installment of the BDB legacy spin off, we have Axe and Elise story as well as a continuation of the Rhage and Mary's family situation we've seen developed in the previous BDB book.

Axe comes from a modest family and he carries a lot of guilt with him and he dealt with it with drugs and alcohol but now that he is in the Brotherhood program he wants to feel he can help and that he can battle what killed his father. He wasn't counting on Elise, his fellow program trainee Peyton's cousin, someone he meets by chance. He ends up being her bodyguard but can they really maintain a distance when they are so attracted to one another?

This series was apparently thought to offer readers romance while the original BDB series focuses more and more on world building and interactions outside a story that in the beginning focused almost 90% on the main couple's relationship. Personally, I've felt the difference but it didn't bother me completely because there is still romance. On one hand it's sad because we aren't in the characters' heads as much but at the same time it allows us time to glimpse everything around them and to me, it makes it look like there's a world besides the romance and sex. I liked it even if I'd wish to see more romance at the same time.

But of course this bothers those faithful readers from the first 5 or 6 books, that expected PNR in its full power. I guess this book might have been disappointing for many because of this; the series is giving as much air time to secondary stuff as it does to the romance which means the romantic relationship between Axe and Elise doesn't feel strong. I can understand and I agree but I don't feel as bothered. There's a HEA, there's some emotional connection and I liked it that both Elise and Axe couldn't help it, the same way the heroes from all the BDB series couldn't when they found their mates. I know their story is not perfectly presented but overall, I liked knowing them, knowing some of the things they were feeling and the HEA felt good even if the lack of a sweet epilogue made it look rushed, as many people say.

As for Rhage and Mary and Bitty, we learn some new interesting things and a new character shows up. I'm soooo curious about him and the way another character seemed to react to him makes me even more eager to read more. Will they show up in the next book, I really hope so.

The drama that these characters face is difficult to imagine in real life but the way things happen seems believable for the type of characters and plot that has been developed. Part of the interest is precisely the emotional level the author has portrayed here and how that can reach us, the reader. It's not pure romance but t offers impressive details on psychology and human behavior (even if the characters aren't all human).

All things considered, this is not the best book ever, and not the best in the whole series if we think about them globally. But it's trademark Ward and I enjoyed reading it. Probably, now that it's out and reactions are being known, the author could have divided the focus more and instead of the practically 50/50 romance, Rhage and Mary, the romance between Axe and Elise should have gone up to 70% or something, that would suit everyone better. Again, I don't feel much bothered but it wouldn't be a bad thing. And maybe more people could have more positive opinions....it's just difficult to see things we love so much through negative eyes but...that's life. For me, it worked again.

Grade: 8/10

JR Ward - The Beast

Nothing is as it used to be for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. After avoiding war with the Shadows, alliances have shifted and lines have been drawn. The slayers of the Lessening Society are stronger than ever, preying on human weakness to acquire more money, more weapons, more power. But as the Brotherhood readies for an all-out attack on them, one of their own fights a battle within himself…
For Rhage, the Brother with the biggest appetites, but also the biggest heart, life was supposed to be perfect—or at the very least, perfectly enjoyable. Mary, his beloved shellan, is by his side and his King and his brothers are thriving. But Rhage can’t understand—or control—the panic and insecurity that plague him…
And that terrifies him—as well as distances him from his mate. After suffering mortal injury in battle, Rhage must reassess his priorities—and the answer, when it comes to him, rocks his world...and Mary’s. But Mary is on a journey of her own, one that will either bring them closer together or cause a split that neither will recover from..

Comment: This series has been one of my favorites ever since I've started reading PNR. I still look for each new installment because the world the author created is so special and vibrant to me, I often feel like I could belong there somehow.

Yes, some plot themes aren't as interesting or well developed, but overall I still feel in love with the BDB world building and character bonds.

In this novel, we keep following the several sub plots on going but there's a focus on couple Rhage and Mary and some new facts about themselves they need to sort out and deal with. There are many situations to challenge not only their relationship but also their separate personalities..can the two of them work things out?

What about the impact any change can have in their lives?

At the same time war against certain people and the Lesser Society keeps escalating and all the Brothers must act and decide what is the best course of action...

I'm afraid I won't have much to say about this book. In a way, this was positive for me in ways the previous one wasn't (as many other readers must agree with) and it sort of restored my faith in the series. I can't tell if this was the way it was supposed to or if the author felt the need to present us with a book more in the lines of what readers expect, considering the mixed opinions of The Shadows. Anyway, for me this one worked well.

I think the best way for me to summarize my opinion if to say what I liked and disliked, in a list format. These things are the ones that caught reader's attention the most, I think, therefore it's what one can remember more and obviously caused the biggest impact in terms of plot development.

So, positive things:

a) Rhage and Mary's relationship is set in stone. I'm glad the author didn't add some weird twist to this and their main cause of problems was easily solved. I'm very happy with the way things went, but it wasn't such a big surprise, considering the tidbits from long ago pointing towards this direction of events. I'm even more relieved because they are the best example of how a couple can communicate and be happy and in sync with each other and it wasn't necessary to "play" with their relationship and bond. Some readers certainly thought everything was too easy, too predictable, too convenient but from the POV of someone who only wants them happy and has been invested in the community/family I consider them all to be, this was great.

b) again, the connections and relationships between all the characters. I'm a fan of this multi POV scheme of novels, because I love to feel everyone is part of a loving family, of a community...it's good to see so many of them helping each other, trying to be there for others, whether to give a hand or to have a laugh with...we saw this in this book and it surely helped to give the readers another sense of them, after the more depressive previous book.

c) now, this would fall into spoiler category, but in a general idea, I liked how things are moving along with Layla and Xcor...apparently their story is next and I fully expect a HEA at the end of it all, even more so now that some wonderful news happened related to Layla and her pregnancy... and there was quite the huge surprise about Xcor's parents... I can't wait to read the next book!

We also learn a lot about Jo, a human character that has played a part in this book, someone unknown to us but that in the end was revealed to be quite important after all!

I'm proud of Assail as a character, and I really hope the step he took in this book to change to better will be achieved...I suppose he has a long road of challenges in front of him, but I'll keep the faith for him and his  - possible - HEA too...

d) Little scenes with our beloved characters have led me to think good things can happen or, at least, make me dream about it...namely V and Jane, Lassiter and even Saxton...

Of course not all was perfect... two things bothered me a lot and while I can understand the rational part of it because of the world and the settings and everything, I was still bothered when V and another character did something to Assail which I abhor. Eventually they helped him later on, but still...

I also didn't particularly like the path the character of Scribe Virgin is taking... after all, why was she necessary in the first place if she's losing so much importance? A bit weird this....

I guess one needs to be a fan to accept certain things without much fuss. I can understand how some things might look dismissive, easy fixes or silly to some, but overall, this still works for me.

I had a great time reading this book and wanted to keep having glimpses of the characters...I guess I'm fully invested in them and in seeing their lives and world develop. I'm very happy this was one of the "good" books by the author!

Grade: 9/10