Book #Review: Archangel's Eternity by Nalini SIngh #ArchangelsEternity #NetGalley.#GuildHunter

Elena and Raphael return for the hauntingly poignant conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s genre-defining Guild Hunter series A thousand years.


It’s been a millennium since Elena’s fateful first meeting with Archangel Raphael. She has survived war and loss, experienced beauty and cruelty. But no matter what, she has always held on to her mortal heart, as she and Raphael have held on to each other. Passionate and vibrant, they’ve built a life that has stood the test of time, growing ever stronger with each turn of the sun.

But change is coming—of a magnitude they could have never imagined—and it will forever alter the trajectory of their existence.

Even as they grapple with the cataclysmic shift in their personal lives, the Cadre of Ten, which has maintained a hard-won peace for centuries, begins to simmer with dangerous fault lines. The specter of madness looms in one archangel, the promise of war burns between two others, and in darkness far from mortal and immortal eyes stirs an ancient, slumbering power.

Suddenly, the future is terrifyingly uncertain . . . at the very moment that Elena and her archangel need to protect a treasure infinitely more precious than eternity.

Book Title: Archangel's Eternity (Guild hunter #18)

Author: Nalini Singh |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram| Bookbub | Goodreads

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy
Series/Standalone: Series Finale Book 18
Format: eBook, Audiobook, 

Cost: $9.99

Pages:  448

How I got it: ARC & Purchased

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop.Org Mahogany Books (Complete Your Series)
Publication Date: May 05, 2026
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Trigger/ Content Warnings: Discussion of immortality and Death

Excerpt (on author site) 

Okay my loves I'm going to start this off by being so honest with you. I have been deep into school for the past two years and the only reason I stayed sane as a reader was re-reading this and her other series and anything new Nalini wrote. I have relistened to the series like a million times. (If you haven't heard the audiobooks and you like audio I HIGHLY recommend it).  And to read this one you need to bring tissues.  If you have read this series at all then you know Nalini writes so much emotion into her books and this finale ain't no different. In fact I think it was even more emotional (at least for me) than all the others and some of the others definitely made me cry or tear up. 

I absolutely ugly cried reading this book. Knowing it was the last in this iteration of the series made me sob. I'm also an older sister, so even writing this thinking about living a thousand years without my sisters by my side would absolutely do me in. But ohhh the adventures Elena has had.  I have read this series so many times and each time I re read I find another thing to love about the series, but the discussion about family and what makes family really made me love this even more.  Getting to see some of the characters as they developed and grew, even some surprises from the the other books, oh how I loved each page. 

It being the end of an era, she had so many threads to wrap up. I cried for the characters we got and for the ones we didn't. I cried when Elena and Raphael had their discussion on what they would do should the worst happen. It took me four days to read this because I wasn't ready to let them go or to have anything happen to my favorite characters. So much change has already happened in the world and the new adventures these two go on is so worth reading and being apart of. 

It definitely made me wonder what the world would look like in 400 years and then I thought of the part of Coco where the dead talk about the part that you fade when the last person who remembers you dies. And I just balled my heart out.  

"When there is no one left in the living world who remembers you, you disappear from this world. We call it the final death"   COCO (the movie)

We are here because Raphael made the right choice on that roof top, I just think of what would have happened had he not chosen correctly how differently this world would be. We wouldn't have had the parings (my favorite being Naasir and his Mate in Archangel's Enigma) and adventures we did, new powers wouldn't have risen, and should they not have then the Mantle would have fallen, and so too would it all.  I do hope we see more from the world because there are so many other stories, we could have like what happens to the Healer, do anymore sleepers awaken, can we get the stories from the new batch of warriors of course it wouldn't be from Elena's and Raphael's POV but that's fine. I just want more. 

Even if we never see this world again this was a fantastic conclusion to the Guild Hunter Series and if you haven't read the series I highly recommend.  For now, I will say Goodbye for now Habibti, Goodbye for now Archangel

 ★★★★★

Did I add the book to my personal library??

Absolutely!!! A Must Have

Series In Order

Guild Hunter:

• Angels' Blood
• ArchAngel's Kiss
• ArchAngel's Consort
• ArchAngel's Blade
• ArchAngel's Storm
• ArchAngel's Legion
• ArchAngel's Shadows
• ArchAngel's Enigma
• ArchAngel's Heart
• ArchAngel's Viper
• ArchAngel's Prophecy
• ArchAngel's War
• ArchAngel's Sun
• ArchAngel's Light
• ArchAngel's Resurrection
• ArchAngel's Lineage
• ArchAngel's Ascension
• ArchAngel's Eternity 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Psy-Changling Series by Nalini Singh

Happy Reading my loves, 

Book #Review: Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh #ResonanceSurge #NetGalley

Book Title: Resonance Surge Psy-Changeling Trinity Series Book 7

Author: Nalini Singh |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram| Bookbub | Goodreads

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Series/Standalone: Psy-Changeling Trinity Series Book 7

Format: Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover

Cost: $28.00

Pages: 432

How I got it: Advanced copy via Netgalley

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Audible Audiobook} Author Links

Publication Date:  July 18, 2023

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Synopsis:

Where are the broken? That is the propulsive question that unleashes a world of secrets in New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh’s Resonance Surge . . .

StoneWater bears Pavel and Yakov Stepyrev have been a unit since birth, but now Pavel’s life is veering in a new direction, his heart held in the hands of Arwen Mercant, a Psy empath—and the only man who has ever brought Pavel to his knees.

This is it. A point of irrevocable change. For Pavel . . . for Arwen . . . for Yakov . . . and for another pair of twins whose bond has a far darker history.

A low-Gradient Psy, Theodora Marshall is considered worthless by everyone but her violently powerful twin, Pax. She is the sole person he trusts in their venomous family to investigate a hidden and terrible part of their family history—an unregistered rehabilitation Center established by their grandfather.

Places of unimaginable pain designed to psychically wipe minds, leaving the victims shells of their former selves, the Centers are an ugly vestige of the Psy race’s Silent past. But this Center was worse. Far, far worse. And now Theo must uncover the awful truth—in the company of a scowling bear named Yakov, who isn’t about to take a Marshall at face value . . . especially a Marshall who has turned his dreams into chilling nightmares

Because Yakov is the great-grandson of a foreseer . . . and he has seen Theo die in an unstoppable surge of blood. Night after night after night . . .

I mentioned in my Sunday post that I returned to school and literally have only been re-reading this series. I have favorite characters and so many side characters that I can’t wait until she writes their stories. I have loved this series from the beginning and this installation is no different. The world we are now in, is the post-Council world and the different races are working to save not just themselves but to come back from the brink the Psy have brought their people to. Once again the horrors of what was done to keep the few alive is finally being shared with the world. And it's a horror show.

Theo has spent her life fighting to survive the family she was brought up into, had she not been linked to her twin brother Pax the more powerful Psy she wouldn’t be here. Pavel a Stonewater Bear has some of the Psy talent he's inherited from his Grandfather which has given him dreams since his childhood and they all star Theo. Theo has come to Russia to find out just how far and deep into the Council structure did her Grandfather go, and how much is her family truly liable for what happened to the broken Psy who didn't meet the exacting standards of the Council & why was her name on partially deleted files?

The dance, the way the story is woven together, I was absorbed from the start, I loved seeing Arwen and the glimpses of the family including Silver and Valentin, There is so much in the story and so much more we need. I absolutely loved the little sprinkling of intrigue we got at the club, I can’t wait to see more. I loved how they talked about the unique earthquakes (IYKYK) in the area.

These stories have been my comfort zone in the crazy world we live in currently and I can’t stop reading. There are a few moments where I had to stop and breathe because if I could jump into the book to go after some people, baby gear up. I would definably bring tissues, and be prepared as there are some triggering subject matter in the form of flashbacks. The fact that these people think they are the best of the best and not realizing that the very definition of a perfect Psy was a psychopath. So many people hurt because the Council lied and so many more in danger because the Scarab Queen would rather seize power than save their race. I can’t wait to see how this all comes out.

The way she ended the story I’m going to be annoyed for a whole year until we get the next installation because why??!!!!! I need it now!!! There were so many beautiful moments that made the book amazing to read, and I can’t wait to get my physical copy to display on my shelves. I will also be listening to the audiobook version because Angela Dawe has a way of narrating the story that is just so amazing, they bring the story to life. 

Have you read this series yet my loves?? I picked it up because every time without fail whenever Sylvia Day is asked what books she recommends she always says Nalini, and I can say I have never enjoyed a recommendation more.

 ★★★★1/2☆

Series In Order

Series in Order (While you can read the books as standalones, the story is vastly enriched by reading in order, as there are subplots and nuances you may not get without the full backstory)   

Psy Changeling Series 

1. Slave to Sensation 
2. Visions of Heat 
3. Caressed by Ice 
4. Mine to Possess 
5. Hostage to Pleasure 
6. Branded by Fire 
7. Blaze of Memory 
8. Bonds of Justice 
9. Play of Passion 
10. Kiss of snow 
11. Tangle of Need 
12. Heart of Obsidian 
13. Shield of Winter 
14. Shards of Hope 
15. Allegiance of Honor 

Trinity Series: 

1. Silver Silence 
2. Ocean Light 
3. Wolf Rain 
4. Alpha Night 
5. Last Guard 
6. Storm Echo 
7. Resonance Surge 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Nalini Singh’s  Guild Hunter Series 

• Lora Leigh’s Breeds Series 

If you can't tell I highly recommend, this book, the series and most of Nalini's work (the one's I've read so far are good) Have you read the series?? Let me know what  you thing, and of course if you have other recommendations, don't forget to drop them in the comments.

Happy Reading my loves, 

Audiobook #Review: The Book of Life (All Souls Trilogy Book 3) by Deborah Harkness

Book Title: The Book Of Life ( All Souls Trilogy #3)
Author: Deborah Harkness |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram

Publisher: Viking Adult

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 3

Format: Audiobook, Hardcover
Narrator: Jennifer Ikeda

Audio Service: Penguin Audio via RTB App
Hours in Book: 25

Cost: $38.95

Pages: 561

How I got it: BEA 2014/ Audio via RTB App

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: July 15th, 2014
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Synopsis:

The #1 New York Times bestselling series finale and sequel to A Discovery of Witches and Shadow of Night

Bringing the magic and suspense of the All Souls Trilogy to a deeply satisfying conclusion, this highly anticipated finale went straight to #1 on the New York Times bestseller list. In The Book of Life, Diana and Matthew time-travel back from Elizabethan London to make a dramatic return to the present—facing new crises and old enemies. At Matthew’s ancestral home, Sept-Tours, they reunite with the beloved cast of characters from A Discovery of Witches—with one significant exception. But the real threat to their future has yet to be revealed, and when it is, the search for Ashmole 782 and its missing pages takes on even more urgency.

Overall:
A fantastic end to the series and I can't wait to see how they adapt this one as well. This eas so explosive and good. I did have a few moments closer to the end where I was annoyed that we essentially got closed door on what I thought would have been major blow out scenes and yet sometimes way too many pages on the mundane.  The pacing was faster this time around and while we had moments of levity, there were a whole lot more unmasking moments within the book. So many things get revealed and I love the way in which Deborah takes the team on their search for the origin of the species. It's going to be hella interesting what they do with the results.  I had originally skipped the novella Time's Convert but apparently, I shouldn't have and after this, I'm going to remedy that, because apparently a good amount of things happened, not enough that you can't follow along but enough you know that things happened off scene and you are missing a few minor pieces.

Narrator:
Jennifer Ikeda.

This is my second story with Jennifer as a narrator and she is phenomenal. She manages to make the whole cast of characters unique and carry the story along without losing any of the different threads.  I loved how I could tell who the different characters were, including when she would switch languages and sing. Just amazing, she really brought the story alive.  Her voice was pleasing and her inflections really made the story fly by. I read at 1.5x speed and this helped to make the storytime go by faster. Even sped up Jenn's voice really hooked you. I didn't want to stop listening at all.

Story:

The time has come for Matthew and Diana to return home and bring with them the knowledge of the Book of Life and once again attempt to beat out the others making a play for the book.  There were so many good moments of reunions that Diana and Matthew both needed that brought them healing while giving them the necessary footing to be able to go into battle far more prepared than they were before.

Diana now knows the source of her magic and can control better than before, but she's come back with a few more gifts as well and now the clock is ticking on when and how she will be face the full wrath of the governing body of the species. She's sworn to get revenge for the battles that were waged when she wasn't there and she's coming for the witches who betrayed her and her mother. Before she can make good on that promise though she needs the pieces of the Book Of Life and she and Matthew need to decipher it before their enemies.

From the time they return to the end of the book Diana and her team were running against a clock. Beat their enemies to deciphering the unknown language of the book, get revenge for her mother an all the other witches; find out why the species is dying out, and prevent Matthew's older brother from fling Diana out of the clan. It's a whirlwind of unraveling secrets, learning new secrets and discovering something that will eventually turn their entire world upside down.  There are new mates and partnerships that have formed while Matthew and Diana were away and now that they have returned they have to find their place within the new family dynamics.

I love that we learn what happened to some of the people Diana left behind; people we counted on before come through and some betray us.  Relationships are fractured and the truth comes out in a big way.  I loved the weaving of politics and the mythology of the Knights Templar into the story. The history and as new puzzle pieces were laid I was so excited to see how it changed the landscape they were navigating.  I found myself angry at some characters, in love with others, laughing with Diana and weary with Matthew. The fledging sense of hope, the fear Diana felt as she made it past the loss and her fear about what the future meant for their people. Fighting the ingrained prejudice that many took as a precaution against being seen by humans, it's funny how even within the magical community it comes down to genetics.

I really want to go into more detail but this being the final book I won't spoil it for you. If you want to fangirl on twitter/ Instagram in the DMs then holler at me.

I'm hoping we're going to get more from the world because there are so many we need to learn about. When those final battle scenes were happening?? When they hunted for Matthew and the full-blown truth came out?? This is what happens when a person doesn't truly have faith but uses it to practice punishment. So many times others have pointed out that Matthew's piousness would come back to haunt him and it finally does. I was so hooked those final chapters and I was totally satisfied with the ending. I highly recommend it my loves.

 ★★★★1/2☆

Series In Order

1. A Discovery Of Witches ( All Souls Trilogy 1)
2. Shadow Of Night (All Souls Trilogy 2) 
3. The Book Of Life ( All Souls Trilogy 3) 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
• The Portal Series by Maggie Shayne

Happy Reading my loves, 

Audiobook #Reivew: A Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy Book 2) by Deborah Harkness .@DebHarkness

Book Title: A Shadow of Night (All Souls Trilogy Book 2)
Author: Deborah Harkness |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram

Publisher: Viking Adult
Genre: Paranormal Historical Fiction
Series/Standalone: Book 2
Format: Audiobook, Hardcover
Narrator: Jennifer Ikeda

Audio Service: Penguin Audio via RTB App
Hours in Book: 25

Cost: $45.99

Pages: 834

How I got it: BEA 2012/ RTB App

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: July 10, 2012
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Synopsis:

Picking up from A Discovery of Witches’ cliffhanger ending, Shadow of Night takes Diana and Matthew on a trip through time to Elizabethan London, where they are plunged into a world of spies, magic, and a coterie of Matthew’s old friends, the School of Night. As the search for Ashmole 782 deepens and Diana seeks out a witch to tutor her in magic, the net of Matthew’s past tightens around them, and they embark on a very different—and vastly more dangerous—journey.

Overall:
A great historical fiction that picked right up where the first book finished. The story was chuck full of historical figures as well as with historical facts.  I enjoyed seeing how she wove all the different threads of the characters and the time period together along with the future storylines.

Narrator: Jennifer Ikeda.
This is my first taste of Jennifer as a narrator and she is phenomenal. She manages to make the whole cast of characters unique and carry the story along without losing any of the different threads.  I loved how I could tell who the different characters were, including when she would switch languages and sing. Just amazing, she really brought the story alive.  Her voice was pleasing and her inflections really made the story fly by. I read at 1.5x speed and this helped to make the storytime go by faster. Even sped up Jenn's voice really hooked you. I didn't want to stop listening at all.

Story:
The story picks up right where the first book A Discovery of Witches  ended. I have to say for me this reading experience was phenomenal. Having seen the t.v. show (Review) and reading the book I have a clear picture of the two characters and even as it's lengthy due to including all the historical information it still flowed well and kept me hooked.  Seeing the characters as the people portrayed in the show helped to make this an easier book to digest as we get scant descriptions of the characters at times.

The narrator really was able to make this story flow and the characters come alive. From the get go we really got Diana's thoughts and motivations and I was totally excited with her about being back in history and her realizing it's one thing to read about history/ teach it and it's people it's another to interact with it. I loved the discussion of time and it's movements, as we saw the future where the impacts they were making and the changes being wrought because of them being in the past and at the same time we realize this had to happen for them to come together in the future.

I loved the interaction with historical characters and how the development of how they impacted Dianna and Matthew's life. It was interesting to see how and who knew about the existence of beings and how this created the world we live in now.

When reading the first book I kept saying how much Matthew was holding back from Diana and how that was going to come back to hurt her. And here in this story it really began to come out how much Matthew holds back from sharing with Diana & his family. It's especially telling when family members point out that Matthew has two moods and neither of them allow him to share with those around him. For him this was a journey about learning how his faith wasn't being truly enacted and how much his holding back hurts those around him. Diana for her part had to learn to blend the two halves of herself, the part that hadn't interacted with magic before but wants to learn everything and the part that still wanted nothing to do with magic, while here she was able to be free to be herself to be surrounded by those who knew and were accepting of magic, while trying to stay one step ahead of the beginning of the witch trials in Scotland.

This was a European history major's dream weaving of fact and fiction in a that created a great story. I loved the different journeys they had to go on and seeing the ripple effects in the future. The story shares the different timelines and as the action ramps up we see how the different timelines converge and how history is impacted and the future is changed.

I really loved the life they created while in the time period, the changes it brings to them as characters, the growth they both experience, and the knowledge of how this world works. I loved the little snippets of things that you know have to have an impact in the future then jumping to the future and seeing how it impacts the family then. There are so many good moments, especially when Matthew meets up with someone whom he thought he would never see again.  They went in thinking this was going to be a simple mission find the book, learn about her magic and come back but time and magic have their own rules and they begin to learn that when Diana meets a mentor who really brings it all home for them.

Matthew and his origin is told to Diana and they begin the hunt for the book that will tell them the origin of all creatures. I can't wait to see how the story completely unfolds as Diana learns more about herself and her magic, her history and the history of witches.  I highly recommend reading it in audiobook form while following along with the book.  I can't wait to see it all play out in the second season, the way everything is described it's going to be interesting to say the least.

 ★★★★1/2☆

Series In Order

1. A Discovery of Witches 
2. A Shadow of Night 
3. The Book Of Life

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Happy Reading my loves, 

ARC Book #Review: The Bear's Fated Mate (Borealis Bears 2) by Vivian Arend .@VivianArend

Book Title: The Bear's Fated Mate (Borealis Bears 2)
Author:  |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram

Publisher: Arend Publishing
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series/Standalone: Book 2
Format: ebook, Paperback

Cost: $3.99

Pages: 168

How I got it: Author Street Team Group

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Publication Date: November 19th, 2019
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Synopsis:

He’s going to pick someone perfectly wrong for him—because fate isn’t in charge of his world!

A stand alone title in a brand-new shifter trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Vivian Arend.

As head of security for the family company, polar bear shifter Alex Borealis has intel warning something big is about to happen. His prime suspect? Tantalizing, infuriating Lara Lazuli, youngest daughter of Borealis Gems’ main competitor. But when mating fever hits, he decides she’s the perfect one to turn to. They’ve got chemistry hot enough to melt the polar ice caps, but he doesn’t trust her enough for a permanent connection to form.

Being with Alex is one step shy of torture for Lara. As a wolf shifter, she scented the truth the instant she met him months ago—he’s her mate. But she’s not about to trap anyone into being with her, especially not a man who thinks she’s up to no good. Add in her own suspicions of wrong-doing in her pack and Lara’s caught between heaven and hell.

But tangled sheets lead to real communication, and a bond of friendship forms that neither expected. When Lara asks for help, Alex finds himself living in the pack house, scaring off random Alpha wolves and fighting at her side.

Because the mating fever knows a thing or two about fate and forever.

Like most of the books I read, I went into this one blind, I love Vivian's work and have been apart of her street team for a while. When the link came for this one based on the cover I asked to be apart of the reviews. I'm so glad I did, this was so funny and sweet and I totally want to read the rest of the trilogy now. Basically, these three polar bear brothers make a pact not to be influenced by their busybody Grandfather during their mating fever, except you don't live this long and remain as Patriarch for as long as their Grandfather if you aren't a wily bear.  He's got a few plans in place to help his grandsons realize their potential mates and he's not afraid to meddle when he needs to. I loved it.

Lara is the sister to the Alpha of the local wolf pack, having gone away for college and lived her life away from the pack, she returns home to help with the security for the pack. When she returns she notices there appear to be things the leaders of the pack won't share with her and she's suspicious of what that could mean for their people. She's also discovered who her mate is and the infuriating man doesn't even recognize her. Alex the security expert for the local bear pack is suspicious of the little wolf Lara and her interest in being friends with his newest sister in law and he's beyond attracted to her but can't fathom why her.  When his Grandfather begins to drop hints he's suspicious the wolf pack may be making moves he decides to look into it. 

Alex's brother has recently discovered his mate and he's broken the vow the brothers have made and now it's up to Alex to hold out. He's going to find out what the wolves are up to and if he can get close to the wolf his bear likes who is he to complain?? Lara wants to find out what her family is up to and she wants her mate, but she's not willing to put herself out there to be hurt, as the first to recognize the mating bond she's feeling the full effects and he's unaware of it. 

These two were a riot to read, their animals were separate personalities and would inject their ideas on how to handle the other often. Alex's bear certainly had his mind made up his human just had to catch up. This was a great romantic story that focused on the two getting to know each other as friends first then as mates. Neither were aware of just how much they were being pushed together not just by their animals but their family as well.  I certainly didn't expect what was happening in Lara's pack to happen. And I loved how great their familial relationships were.  The Grandfather was hilarious and the way he went about getting them together was too funny. His voice is what kick starts the story and I was hooked from reading his journal entry.

These two were so good together and I loved how even as they tried to navigate being friends then becoming more all while trying to figure out just what is happening with the leadership of the pack. I loved the bit of tension that brought to the story and even how it was all resolved.  The ending had me cracking up when all the answers came out and I now need to read the third book because it's going to be interesting to see how she gets this one hooked to his mate. I absolutely loved that despite Alex being described as a 'bear' of a man Lara was still able to handle him because she was so kick ass. Just so awesome!!! And of course, the sexual chemistry was off the charts. There are so many cute moments in the book that I just ugh couldn't stop smiling while reading. Lara's sister?? I love her and I sure would love a story about her and her mate (which we learn about in this one but still). Highly recommend for those seeking a good romantic comedy with a kick-ass female and a polar bear that loves to play.

 ★★★★☆

Series In Order

• The Bear's Chosen Mate (Book 1) ** haven't read yet**
• The Bear's Fated mate (Book 2) 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Christine Feehan Carpathian Series
• Lora Leigh Breed Series

Happy Reading my loves, 

AudioBook #Review: Witchling (Otherworld Sisters of The Moon Book 1) by Yasmine Galenorn .@YasmineGalenorn

Book Title: Witchling (Otherworld/ Sisters of the Moon)
Author: Yasmine Galenorn |Website| Twitter| Facebook| Instagram

Publisher: Tantor Media
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy
Series/Standalone: Book 1
Format: Audiobook Unabridged
Narrator: Cassandra Campbell

Audio Service: Scribd
Hours in Book: 10

Cost: $7.99

Pages: 276

How I got it: Scribd

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher

Publication Date: December 15th, 2008
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Synopsis:

We're the D'Artigo Sisters: Half-human, half-Faerie, we're savvy--and sexy--operatives for the Otherworld Intelligence Agency. But our mixed-blood heritage short-circuits our talents at all the wrong times. My sister Delilah shapeshifts into a tabby cat whenever she's stressed. Menolly's a vampire who's still trying to get the hang of being undead. And me? I'm Camille--a wicked-good witch. Except my magic is as unpredictable as the weather, which my enemies are about to find out the hard way...

At the Wayfarer Inn, a portal to Otherworld and the local hangout for humans and beasties alike, our fellow operative, Jocko, has been murdered. Every clue points to Shadow Wing, the soul-munching, badass leader of the Subterranean Realms. He's made it clear that he aims to raze humankind to the ground, turning both Earth and Otherworld into his private playground. Our assignment: keep Shadow Wing and his minions from creeping into Earth via the Wayfarer. The demons figure they're in like Flynn. After all, with only my bumbling sisters and me standing in the way, how can they miss? But we've got a secret for them: Faulty wiring or not, nobody kicks ass like the D'Artigo girls. . .

Overall:
I listened to this over the course of two weeks, not because it wasn't good but because I enjoyed it then put it down for a few books for tour dates, I found that it was extremely easy to jump back in when I wanted to come back to the story and the narrator Cassandra was wonderful, her voice able to keep you entertained and engaged while keeping the story flowing.

Narrator
This was narrated by Cassandra Campbell and she was wonderful. She carried all the emotions and made them tangible without bogging down the story. I loved when she managed to make Camille's voice sound like an overall narrator while still sharing the story from her POV and sharing her funny as hell self talk. I enjoyed her voice a good deal.

Story:

I loved that this was an urban fantasy. In this world, the Fae and all the creatures of the paranormal world are out and they are all form Otherworld. Camille and her sisters who are all half-fae, half-human were more prepared to live among the human than most. They are guardians who really only have a few instances in which they have to step in. Until the day someone opens the portal to Otherworld and let in three dangerous creatures who immediately set about upsetting the balance of the town.  Something or someone is killing Fae and leaving a mess behind and now the sisters must work with their human liaison and try to find out just what came through and what it's got to do with the coming upheaval in Otherworld.

I loved that this world had so many complex courts and the lore that was included. It's going to be interesting to see all the stories that develop and come out of this world. Camille and her sisters are interesting, as each young woman has different strengths and weaknesses. Camille is the witch in the family but her spells don't always work, she's in love with a race of people that are looked down upon in the Otherworld ( because even in the fantasy world dark-skinned people can't catch a break le sigh). Knowing that the Svartans love to enthrall their lovers then leave them she cuts him from her life first and now that there is an upcoming battle the Svartan is back in her life. Can she trust him or is he here only to break her heart.

Her two sisters will have their own stories as one was changed into a vampire while on assignment and another has a tendency to shapeshift whenever she's stressed. That makes it hard for her to help during battles. As the story grows legends come to life, a long lost key comes into play and there is a hot dragon. Oh and several earth spirits including a drop-dead gorgeous Kitsune.  Camille has to complete a bargain of getting a demon finger, finding the murderer of the Fae, stop a powerful artifact from falling into the wrong hands and take on a seemingly indestructible Fae nicknamed Badass.

She's gotta do all of this while making sure her bookstore doesn't get protested by those who want the right to hunt their paranormal neighbors and of course protect the city.

I did wonder if this was a spin off of a established series, while the world building was good; I felt like a bit of the storytelling was a 'given' like you should know because you've been here before. Also the relationship that Camille is in was done really quickly as they are an established couple from before the story started.  There is also a weird relationship that develops with one of the sisters, and it happened off screen and we don't know how it all went down. The sisters were quirky but I'm hoping it's not too much of the chick lit quirk where they are so 'helpless' without the male protag. I enjoyed this one for the lore we were getting as well as Camille's view on things. She didn't have any too stupid to live moments which let's be real sometimes these books have the heroines do just so they can be rescued. Nope she was smart, and on top of it including being knowledgeable about the lore she needed to be able to save her family and stay one step ahead for now. I'm hoping this shapes up to be a polyamory story but I won't hold my breathe.

I enjoyed it, and can't wait to check out the rest of the series which I now own up to book 18 thanks to Savers over the summer.

 ★★★☆☆

Series In Order

• Witchling (Book 1) 

RECOMMENDATIONS

• Kitty Norville Series by Carrie Vaughn 
• Merry Gentry series by Laurell K Hamilton ( I can only vouch for up to Swallowing Darkness after that y'all are on your own. ) 
• Magic series by Cheyenne McCray
• World of the Lupi by Karen Chance

Happy Reading my loves,