Early Update on my Challenges

 

These were my challenges for 2023:

1 - read at least 12 TBR Orphans.

2 - read the Alex Craft series by Kalayna Price

I totally succeeded to read the Alex Craft series!

As for the TBR Orphans: I read 11, the oldest being from 2014

For 2024 I plan on once again trying to read at least 12 TBR Orphans.

I also want to finish some series that are on my TR pile:

Karma Marx duology: 1 read, 1 to go

Jessie Shimmer trilogy: 1 read, 2 to go

House Immortal trilogy: 2 read, 1 to go

Souls of Fire series: 2 read, 2 to go

Dar Swan series: 2 read, 2 to go

What are your reading plans for 2024?

Teaser Tuedays - Ghost of a Chance

"If it makes you feel any better, Spider will pay for what he's done." "That's a given," Pixie said, an odd look on her face that cleared quickly when she realized I was watching her.

(33% Ghost of a Chance by Katie MacAlister)

Fun Christmas Read: All I Want for Christmas Is a Werewolf

I'm sharing some Christmas Reads with you this week!

All I Want for Christmas Is a Werewolf

by Liana Brooks

Del hates Christmas. As a child, she spent too many Decembers on the streets after her parents abandoned her. As an adult, the enforced family focus, the clients who see the holidays as an excuse to get gropey, and the mistletoe her well-meaning colleague Maureen hung over her work desk just seals the deal: December sucks.

If only it could stay Halloween for a couple of months instead. Del loves the excuse to slay monsters, the spooky atmosphere—and of course, the werewolves. Because everyone knows werewolves make the best lovers... Pity they’re not real.

When Maureen conjures up a list of eligible bachelors for the holidays and insists Del take her pick, Del does the only reasonable thing: she lies. And when nosy office Grinch Rafael Kane asks who the lucky fellow is, Del announces it to the whole office: she's getting a dog.

So now, the first item on Del’s holiday to-do list? Find a dog. Fast. Because if she doesn’t, nothing will protect her from Maureen’s list of Miami bachelor rejects.

A charming, sensual romance for everyone who believes in found families, happily ever after—and werewolves.

Naughty Christmas Read: Five Golden Rings

 I'm sharing some Christmas Reads with you this week!

Five Golden Rings

by Jeffe Kennedy

The Twelve Days of Christmas were never quite this naughty…

All Matilda Campbell wanted was to spend a romantic and relaxing Christmas in the Mexican Caribbean. When her lover dumps her—at the airport, no less—she decides to go solo. But fate and a well-timed margarita intervene, introducing her to the charming and seductive Miguel D’Oro on the plane.

Miguel offers Tilda an outrageous bargain, involving escalating naughty gifts for each of the twelve days of Christmas. The only rule is that she must accept what he gives her and what he tells her to do, or face a sensual punishment. Giving up control is just what Tilda is looking for, so she impulsively agrees.

As Tilda embraces a newfound freedom in abandoning herself to pleasure and Miguel’s demands, she only wonders what will happen when the holiday is over…

Heartwarming Christmas Read: Relocating Christmas

 

I'm sharing some Christmas Reads with you this week!

Relocating Christmas

by Kerry Anne King/Kerry Schafer

A heartwarming Christmas mystery with a touch of magic.

Nickle Wood is not a thief, although her rap sheet begs to differ. It’s just that a lot of objects are not where they are meant to be and the universe has chosen her to move them. Christmas is absolutely the worst, with every brightly wrapped package a potential landmine.

She and her private-eye boyfriend, Hawk, have agreed: no presents. But he can’t resist giving her a little something and Nickle’s fragile trust is broken. She thought he understood the problem, but maybe he doesn’t really know her at all. Insult to injury, the gift, a beautiful pendant, clearly wants to be elsewhere.

Nickle ventures out into a Christmas Eve snowstorm, determined to relocate the pendant on her own, but when it leads her to a runaway teen and a dog sheltering together behind a dumpster, Nickle knows she’s going to need Hawk’s help to find the girl’s missing mother. Can they trust each other – and Nickle’s unusual ability – enough to work together and pull off a Christmas miracle?

This delightful stand alone novella continues the story of Nickle and Hawk from King’s beloved novel Other People’s Things.

Teaser Tuesdays - Girl, Goddess, Queen

 

I'm never there alone. If I'm in the library, he is too.

He must really love those scrolls.

(page 139, Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald)

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Fall of Ruin and Wrath - Book Review

 

Fall of Ruin and Wrath (Awakening #1)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

What is it about:

SHE LIVES BY HER INTUITION. HE FEEDS ON HER PLEASURE.

Long ago, the world was destroyed by gods. Only nine cities were spared. Separated by vast wilderness teeming with monsters and unimaginable dangers, each city is now ruled by a guardian―royalty who feed on mortal pleasure.

Born with an intuition that never fails, Calista knows her talents are of great value to the power-hungry of the world, so she lives hidden as a courtesan of the Baron of Archwood. In exchange for his protection, she grants him information.

When her intuition leads her to save a traveling prince in dire trouble, the voice inside her blazes with warning―and promise. Today he’ll bring her joy. One day he'll be her doom.

When the Baron takes an interest in the traveling prince and the prince takes an interest in Calista, she becomes the prince’s temporary companion. But the city simmers with rebellion, and with knights and monsters at her city gates and a hungry prince in her bed, intuition may not be enough to keep her safe.

Calista must follow her intuition to safety or follow her heart to her downfall.

What did I think of it:

This was a nice enough read.

In my opinion the world building was glossed over a bit, but I would have been willing to overlook it if the story had been a bit better.

To be fair: the sexual tension and steamy scenes were really good. The overall story however wasn't for me. I especially thought the inclusion of her best childhood friend felt a  bit forced and unnecessary.

Still I was entertained enough to finish the book. I don't think I will get my trotters on the next book though.

Why should you read it:

It's an entertaining read.

 

Spellbent - Book Review (reread/repost)

 

Spellbent by Lucy A. Snyder

What is it about:
When an innocent spell somehow opens a portal to Hell, young mage Jessie Shimmer manages to kill the demon about to stomp on downtown Columbus, Ohio, but she loses an eye, a hand, and her lover and mentor, Cooper. Benedict Jordan, ruling mage for the area, forbids any attempts to find Cooper, who may still be alive in Hell, and strips Jessie of her resources. With little more than her ferret familiar, her magic, and the help of Cooper's smart-ass half-brother, Jessie must rescue Cooper and uncover Benedict's motives.

What did I think of it:
I loved this book. Jessie is one kickass heroine and I got sucked into the story right from the start and couldn't put the book down before I finished it. I must say that if you really look closely at the story at times there's not much happening besides Jessie trying to figure out what to do next, but still it feels really fast paced and action packed which I think is an amazing feat. The one thing I can say against this story is that Cooper disappears quite early in the story, before I could really get a feel of Jessie's relationship with him. I'd have loved to read a bit more about the two of them together and just about Cooper. But there's going to be a sequel to this book in Oktober (Shotgun Sorceress) so I might get my wish.

Thoughts on rereading:

I read this in 2010 and could only remember the overall story, not the smaller details. I still feel the same though: knowing more about Jessie's relationship with Cooper would have been nice. Now I often felt like Cooper is a dodgy jerk, making it hard to root for Jessie finding him. Still this is an awesome read, and I will dig up book 2 soon. 

Why should you read it:
If you like Urban Fantasy which features a no nonsense heroine this is your book!

Teaser Tuesdays - The Inheritance Games

 

The older couple i'd seen earlier leaned into each other. All i could think was: ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.

(page 35, The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes)

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Twisted Magic: Out Now!

 

You want this book! It's so good!

Twisted Magic (Renegades of Magic #3)

by Jeffe Kennedy

Their love makes them stronger together… Unless the world rips them apart

Jadren El-Adrel knows he’s a mess. He’s a cobbled-together monster pretending to be a wizard, still unable to master the magic that makes him pretty much immortal and is useless for anything else. Though he’s tried to learn to work with his familiar, Seliah, he’s still terrified to discover what might happen if he gives himself full access to the depths of her powerful magic. Some questions should never be answered.

Seliah Phel got her happy ever after. Jadren loves her; they’re together in a safe and beautiful place; and they’re finally learning to work together as wizard and familiar. But even she must recognize that Jadren continues to stew in his black moods, brooding that only worsens when he receives a missive from home, his horrible family demanding the that they both return to House El-Adrel.As the denizens of House Phel fight an increasingly pitched battle against the enemies determined to destroy them forever, Jadren and Selly fight their own war—against the past and to overcome their own failings. To become truly stronger together.

Untethered Sky - Book Review

Untethered Sky

by Fonda Lee

What is it about:

Ester’s family was torn apart when a manticore killed her mother and baby brother, leaving her with nothing but her father’s painful silence and a single, overwhelming need to kill the monsters that took her family.

Ester’s path leads her to the King’s Royal Mews, where the giant rocs of legend are flown to hunt manticores by their brave and dedicated ruhkers. Paired with a fledgling roc named Zahra, Ester finds purpose and acclaim by devoting herself to a calling that demands absolute sacrifice and a creature that will never return her love. The terrifying partnership between woman and roc leads Ester not only on the empire’s most dangerous manticore hunt, but on a journey of perseverance and acceptance.

What did I think of it:

This is a beautiful and bittersweet read.

Ester dedicates her life to hunting manticores after her mother and brother are killed by one. Although I could mostly understand her feelings, her obsession was  painful to see at times. 

As the story follows her progress it shows all the sacrifices she and her fellow ruhkers have to make as well as the consequences for those who let their focus slip. I wasn't sure if I should root for Ester to succeed or for her to find a different path in life.

All in all beautiful read that stayed with me long after I finished  it. I will have to investigate what else Leee has written.

Why should you read it:

It's a beautiful Fantsy read.

 

Infinity Bell - Book Review

 

Infinity Bell (House Immortal #2)

by Devon Monk)

What is it about:

Return to national bestselling author Devon Monk's heartpounding House Immortal series, where eleven powerful Houses control the world and all its resources. But now, the treaty between them has been broken, and no one—not even the immortal galvanized—is safe....

Matilda Case isn’t normal. Normal people aren’t stitched together, inhumanly strong, and ageless, as she and the other galvanized are. Normal people’s bodies don’t hold the secret to immortality—something the powerful Houses will kill to possess. And normal people don’t know that they’re going to die in a few days.

Matilda’s fight to protect the people she loves triggered a chaotic war between the Houses and shattered the world’s peace. On the run, she must find a way to stop the repeat of the ancient time experiment that gifted her and the other galvanized with immortality. Because this time, it will destroy her and everything she holds dear.

Caught in a cat-and-mouse game of lies, betrayal, and unseen foes, Matilda must fight to save the world from utter destruction. But time itself is her enemy, and every second brings her one step closer to disaster....

What did I think of it:

This book starts right where the first ended, and we're immediately back int action and intrigue.

I enjoyed the book, but slightly less than the first. It was hard to put a finger on it though. I mean: there was action, danger, suspense, there was Neds (totally my favorite character).

Then it hit me: I really do not like Matilda's brother or her love interest. Both really rub me the wrong way. And especially her brother has a huge role in his book. Luckily there's enough to love about this book that I still had a great time with it.

The ending of his book is... something! I'm eager to find out what happens in the last book so I'll be picking it up soon. 

Why should you read it:

It's a cool Urban Fantasy Read.

Teaser Tuesdays - Poison Fruit

 

"More's the pity," he observed. "I hope you appreciate the irony. You, possessed of world-shattering power, can never use it."

(page 83, Poison Fruit by Jacqueline Carey)

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Thorn Queen - Book Review

 

Thorn Queen (Dark Swan #2)

by Richelle Mead

What is it about:

Eugenie Markham is a shaman for hire. She's paid

to bind and banish creatures from the

Otherworld.

But something happened after her last battle. She became queen of the Thorn Land. With her kingdom in tatters, her love life in chaos, and eager to avoid the prophecy about her firstborn destroying mankind, the job's really not all it's cracked up to be.

Now young girls are disappearing from the Otherworld, and no one seems willing to find out why. Or to put an end to it. Not that Eugenie's fazed by spilling fey blood, but this enemy is shrewd, subtle, and dangerous -- and nursing a very personal grudge.

Eugenie must venture deep into the Otherworld and trust in a power she can barely control. She may be a reluctant queen, but she's vowed to do her duty, even if it means facing the darkest and deadliest side of her nature.

What did I think of it:

I had fun with the first book, so picked up book two to see if this series would keep entertaining me.

Once again I had a good time. I really like one of the love interests, even while I despise the other. There's still a couple of books to go, but I have high hopes Eugenie will be smart. I liked seeing Eugenie trying to balance her old life with this new life she fell into.

The story is suspenseful and should probably come with some trigger warnings, so if you do pick this up: handle with caution. I myself don't get triggered easily, but others might.

 Overall another cool read. I'll be picking up the next book soon.

Why should you read it:

It's a suspenseful Urban Fantasy Read.

Teaser Tuesdays - This Time it's Real

 

By the time we're dropped off at school, I have 472 unread messages and god knows how many Twitter mentions.

And then things get significantly weirder.

(page 31, This Time it's Real by Ann Liang)

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Autumn Bones - Book Review

 

Autumn Bones (Agent of Hel #2)

by Jacqueline Carey

What is it about:

New York Times bestselling author Jacqueline Carey returns to the curious Midwest tourist community where normal and paranormal worlds co-exist—however tenuously—under the watchful eye of a female hellspawn…...

Fathered by an incubus, raised by a mortal mother, and liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, Daisy Johanssen pulled the community together after a summer tragedy befell the resort town she calls home. Things are back to normal—as normal as it gets for a town famous for its supernatural tourism, and presided over by the reclusive Norse goddess Hel.

Not only has Daisy now gained respect as Hel’s enforcer, she’s dating Sinclair Palmer, a nice, seemingly normal human guy. Not too shabby for the daughter of a demon. Unfortunately, Sinclair has a secret. And it’s a big one.

He’s descended from Obeah sorcerers and they want him back. If he doesn’t return to Jamaica to take up his rightful role in the family, they’ll unleash spirit magic that could have dire consequences for the town. It’s Daisy’s job to stop it, and she’s going to need a lot of help. But time is running out, the dead are growing restless, and one mistake could cost Daisy everything…

What did I think of it:

After rereading the first book in this series I immediately grabbed this book, because I wanted more.

And I wasn't disappointed. This book is just as much fun!

Both Lurine and the ghouls are still my favorites of the mythical creatures. Luckily they all got their chance to shine.

I wasn't a fan of Sinclair when he was introduced in Dark Currents, and I didn't warm up to him in this book, but as he is the one at the center of all the events in this book I could live with him for the sake of an awesome suspenseful story. I kept reading to see what was happening next. 

Overall the storyline in this book felt a bit more meandering than in the first book, but as it was all cool and fun I didn't mind.

You bet I'll be picking up book 3 soon.

Why should you read it:

It's a really cool Urban Fantasy Read

Dark Currents - Book Review (reread/repost)

 

Dark Currents (Agent of Hel #1)
by Jacqueline Carey

What is it about:
The Midwestern resort town of Pemkowet boasts a diverse population: eccentric locals, wealthy summer people, and tourists by the busload; not to mention fairies, sprites, vampires, naiads, ogres and a whole host of eldritch folk, presided over by Hel, a reclusive Norse goddess.

To Daisy Johanssen, fathered by an incubus and raised by a single mother, it’s home. And as Hel’s enforcer and the designated liaison to the Pemkowet Police Department, it’s up to her to ensure relations between the mundane and eldritch communities run smoothly.

But when a young man from a nearby college drowns—and signs point to eldritch involvement—the town’s booming paranormal tourism trade is at stake. Teamed up with her childhood crush, Officer Cody Fairfax, a sexy werewolf on the down-low, Daisy must solve the crime—and keep a tight rein on the darker side of her nature. For if she’s ever tempted to invoke her demonic birthright, it could accidentally unleash nothing less than Armageddon.

What did I think of it:
This is a fun read.

I loved the word building in this book. It's very diverse and even though it lends from all kinds of mythologies it felt unique.

Daisy was a cool character with an interesting back-story. She of course does attract the attention of multiple men, because she's so special, but it wasn't annoying. The annoyance will probably come in upcoming books when she will pick the wrong guy(s) in my opinion.

That aside: The story was both funny and suspenseful. I kept trying to guess what would happen next, and how Daisy would solve things. I loved how a lot of different supernatural creatures get involved and introduced. I especially liked the ghouls, and Daisy's friend Lurine.

Although the murder mystery is resolved in this book, there are some things happening in this book that lend themselves for more intrigue and suspense for the next book, so you bet I will be getting my trotters on it to find out what's next for Daisy.

Thought on rereading:

Another book where I almost didn't remember anything. But I had book 2 in my TBR since 2015, so I decided to do a reread to refresh my memory. And this is such a cool read! Why did I forget about it? I immediately picked up book 2 after finishing my reread. 

Why should you read it:
It's an entertaining Urban Fantasy read.

Teaser Tuesdays - Thorn Queen

 

"We don't know for sure that they're aliens," he said hastily. "But there is something here."

(page 59, Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead)

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Storm Born - Book Review

 

Storm Born (Dark Swan #1)

by Richelle Mead

What is it about:

Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every horny creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants...

Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl's got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy—one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie's first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.

Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne'er-do-well, and the ones who don't want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her...

What did I think of it:

Back when this book released I was reading another series by Mead and when people I knew were saying how bad this book apparently was, I never got to picking it up. But when buying some second hand books last year I decided to add it to my purchase to get to the amount for free shipping. 

It turned into an orphan and was gathering dust until I spotted book 3 & 4 at a free library not long ago. 

It turns out this is a really nice read.

I liked Eugenie, and loved discovering her powers and background. She has a shitty taste in men: falling for the least interesting love interest, but what else is new...

The story is entertaining and even with the dramatics that come with her falling for a guy with more red flags than I could count, it never got too annoying. 

The world building was cool as well, and with the events in this book I'm eager to find out what this will mean for Eugenie and the Otherworld.

After finishing this book I hunted down a copy of book 2 right away.

Why should you read it:

It's a very entertaining Urban Fantasy Read.

Wicked Embers - Book Review

 

Wicked Embers (Souls of Fire #2)

by Keri Arthur

What is it about:

Keri Arthur, New York Times bestselling author of Fireborn, presents the thrilling new Souls of Fire Novel featuring Emberly Pearson, a phoenix that can transform into a human—and is haunted by the ability to foresee death....

Crimson Death, the plague like virus spawned from a failed government experiment to isolate the enzymes that make vampires immortal, continues to spread. Emberly and her partner, Jackson Miller, are desperately seeking the stolen research for a cure before the virus becomes a pandemic.

But their mission is jeopardized by another threat uncovered in Emberly’s prophetic dreams. A creature of ash and shadow has been unleashed on a murdering spree. Now Emberly must summon all her gifts and investigative knowledge to put an end to this entity’s brutal rampage—even if it means placing herself in harm’s way....

What did I think of it:

After rereading book one to refresh my memory on this series I finally picked up book 2 which had been lingering in TBR Mountain since 2015.

And this is another cool read.

I really like Emberly and her two male sidekicks: Rory and Jackson. Rory is a phoenix like Embery, and even though his role is small compared to other characters, he's awesome in my opinion (that he was the only thing I remembered from my first read of book 1 is telling). Jackson is cool as well though, I like how he and Emberly work together.

Next to the ongoing storyline started in book one, there's another storyline involving Emberly's  prophetic dreams that was really intriguing as well. There's lots of suspense, danger, and thrills in this book.

My one big problem with this book/series is Sam, who seems to be the main love interest. I can't stand the guy! And in my opinion Emberly should hate him as well. But there's two more books to go, so I'm keeping hope and rooting for one (or both) of the other guys to win Emberly's heart.

All in all a very enjoyable read. I bought the remaining two books and am waiting for their arrival to continue this series.

Why should you read this:

It's a cool Urban Fantasy read.

Teaser Tuesdays - Second Hand Rose

She put the screwdriver into the lock, and pop!  The screwdriver snapped into two pieces. How could that happen?

(page 7, Second Hand Rose by D.E. Fox)

What is it about:

Short Story

Abigail Hirst, a city reporter, returns to her hometown to take over Second Hand Rose, a quintessential antique store, following the sad passing of her beloved Grandmother, Rose.

This new life seems perfect for Abigail and her trusted terrier Jake, until she starts to notice strange happenings.

Gruesome deaths and mysterious disappearances are catching up with this chocolate-box town named Friendship, as Abigail digs deeper in her investigations.

Time is quickly running out for the fate of the whole town but only facing up to her own dark past, can she truly help Friendship and the people she loves most.

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

The Better Part of Darkness - Book Review (reread/repost)

 

The Better Part of Darkness (Charlie Madigan #1)
by Kelly Gay

What is it about:
Atlanta: it's the promised city for the off-worlders, foreigners from the alternate dimensions of heaven-like Elysia and hell-like Charbydon. Some bring good works and miracles. And some bring unimaginable evil....

Charlie Madigan is a divorced mother of one, and a kick-ass cop trained to take down the toughest human and off-world criminals. She's recently returned from the dead after a brutal attack, an unexplained revival that has left her plagued by ruthless nightmares and random outbursts of strength that make doing her job for Atlanta P.D.'s Integration Task Force even harder. Since the Revelation, the criminal element in Underground Atlanta has grown, leaving Charlie and her partner Hank to keep the chaos to a dull roar. But now an insidious new danger is descending on her city with terrifying speed, threatening innocent lives: a deadly, off-world narcotic known as ash. Charlie is determined to uncover the source of ash before it targets another victim -- but can she protect those she loves from a force more powerful than heaven and hell combined?

What did I think of it:
This is a very nice read.

I will confess that although I did like the world building and the overall story, I was a bit apprehensive of the relationship story line. Charlie might be divorced, but her ex keeps showing up and trying to get back with her. Maybe it's because when I burn bridges, I burn them beyond recovery, that this part of the story annoyed me. Especially when I found out why they divorced.

But the relationship drama was only a small part of the story, so it didn't annoy me too much. And luckily there were some interesting men who might be able to get Charlie's thoughts off her ex.

The events in this book were suspenseful, and even though it seemed the stakes were set a bit too high (it's so often DOOM! in these kinds of stories, while smaller threats can be just as suspenseful in my opinion) I very much enjoyed the ride.

The ending gives some closure, but leaves a lot open, making me curious about what will happen next. Luckily i already have the next book in my TBR pile, so I'll be picking it up soon.

Notes on rereading:

Another reread where I forgot most of the story. I must have been in a better mood the first time I read this, because this time it was a slog to get through. So much so I decided to not continue this series after this reread.

Why should you read it:
It's a very enjoyable UF read (when you're in the right mood).