A Time of Dying (Araneae Nation #3) by Hailey Edwards-a review

A Time of Dying (Araneae Nation #3) by Hailey Edwards- a review

A Time of Dying

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Araneae Nation – Book 3
Release Date: July 30, 2013

Once the future Segestriidae maven, Kaidi lived a privileged life. Now she spends her nights haunting cities ravaged by the plague. Spade in hand, she stalks rows of freshly dug graves for corpses…and then she takes their heads.

Her new life is caked in blood and spattered with gore, but it’s hers. At least until-to her fury-she’s caught napping.

A plague survivor by the skin of his teeth, Murdoch risks his neck to solve the mysteries left in its wake. Bodies have gone missing. Guards have left their posts and never returned home.

When he rouses a female dozing among the dead, he’s unprepared for the violence of her response. Or his. Beneath the grime, she’s lovely. Too bad the blood under her fingernails belongs to his clansmen.

He has no choice but to follow this alluring creature deeper into her world of winged beasts and flesh-eating monsters. She holds the knowledge he craves, but the price is high-and they may both pay for it with their lives.

Warning: This book contains one heroine in desperate need of a bath and one hero willing to wash away her sins. Expect threats, swears and general cursing. Love is a slippery slope, and these two are sliding.

Review:

A Time of Dying begins shortly after A Feast of Souls ends. The plague is still ravaging the countryside and everyone is wary of newcomers. And, the newcomer that Murdoch encounters among his clan’s dead is no exception. She is taken into custody by Murdoch and taken back to Cathis to be judged for her crimes: desecrating the Cathis clan’s dead, or so it seems. Once the Cathis Maven, Mana, and her husband, Vaugn, the Cathis Paladin, figure out that Haidi was to be the Maven of a neighboring clan, they send for the Paladin in hopes of striking some kind of alliance with their clan. After all, he’ll be glad to get his future wife back, right?? The problem is that Haidi does not want to return. There are things happening that are horrendous, and once Murdoch starts to trust in Haidi, which she does not make easy for him, he is determined to keep her safe and away from what has frightened her so much. To add to the complications, Murdoch wants her for himself. Murdoch and Haidi are drawn to each other, but how can they be together, when, after all, she is betrothed to the Paladin of another clan? Oh, you’ll just have to read to find out.

This is, without a doubt, my favorite book of the series so far! The action starts in the first sentence and doesn’t stop. I don’t know how Edwards comes up with the creatures that she writes about, but I hope she continues for a long, long time. I always feel that maybe I should be appalled by some of the characters “nature”, but it’s so well written, that you absolutely fall in love with them. The winged creatures that are preying on the various clans are some of the best I’ve read about in years. Totally original and once that part of the story line starts rolling, you can’t turn the pages fast enough. Oh, and it makes your heart pound!! I became so engrossed in the story that I could NOT put this book down. There is humor, loyalty, a little intrigue, action and a sweet romance. I always feel that my reviews do not do this series justice. I’m sure I’ve said it before, but if you are wanting a diversion from the usual paranormal series that you read, this is the one! Her originality grabs you and doesn’t let go.

Copy supplied by the author.

Vickie M

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A Cast of Shadows by Hailey Edwards-a review

A Cast of Shadows by Haleigh Edwards-a review

A Cast of Shadows

Book 2.5 in the Araneae Nation Series

About the book: Released February 12, 2013

Daraja has grown up watching her brothers journey down the river on the traditional Deinopidae rite of passage. Each returned with riches from their travels, and lovers with whom to share their lives.
Now she has reached the age where she would strike out on her own to seek her fortune—if she were male. Instead, she is expected to sit patiently, weave her nets and wait for the river to bring a husband to her.
Patience, however, has never been her strong suit.
Brynmor haunts the forest surrounding the city of Cathis, his disembodied spirit inextricably bound to the wild canis roaming his lands. Until the day he stumbles across a brazen trespasser in his woods.
Compelled to step in when the canis suspect her of poaching one of their own, Brynmor fears he has lost a piece of his ragged soul to the feisty, adventure-seeking female. And when the canis confront the real poachers, he is forced to choose which life to sacrifice. Hers…or his own.

Review:

We met Brynmor in the previous book, A Feast of Souls, and I was immediately intrigued by his character. And, I have to tell you, when I saw that his book was next, I was like “how’s that going to work?”. Well, it worked out just fine.

Once Brynmor runs across Daraja, he knows his life will never be the same. Daraja sets out to follow the river, not as the women of their people do, but as the men do. She’s tired of being alone and strikes out to see what lies beyond their village. And once she encounters a mysterious stranger, she doesn’t know if she should welcome him or be scared. One thing she knows for sure is that she is intrigued. But, once she discovers exactly what Brynmor is, or isn’t as the case may be, will they be able to overcome their differences, or will Brynmor once again miss out on love?

I’m glad that Haleigh Edwards wrote A Cast of Shadows. Brynmor’s story broke my heart in the previous book. Edwards cleverly crafts her worlds in this wonderful series and gave Brynmor something to look forward to, rather than looking back on what he lost. If you haven’t read any of the Araneae Nation Series, I highly recommend it as it is a departure from the types of books that are flooding the market at present. I hope you enjoy getting to know the characters as much as I have, and I look so forward to the next installment.

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble /

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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A Feast of Souls by Hailey Edwards-a review

A Feast of Souls by Hailey Edwards

Book 2 in the Araneae Nation Series

About the book: Release Date December 18, 2012

The only way to save her is to bind their souls as one.

Born with the ability to communicate with the dead, few things take Mana by surprise. But when a canis lopes into her life, announcing himself as the long-dead father of a childhood friend, she’s shocked. To make matters worse, he has a dire message that she alone can deliver.
Now Mana must face Vaughn, the male who inspired one too many girlish fantasies, and impart the spirit’s message—without acknowledging her source—so the soul can be laid to rest.

With rumors of a burgeoning clan war setting his nerves on edge, the last thing Vaughn needs is for an innocent to get caught in the crosshairs. But the woman he remembers as an awkward girl refuses to leave his side until he’s heard her out. That’s not the only change in her that calls to him. Her kindness soothes his battle-scarred soul—and he craves her in ways a warrior shouldn’t.

When they are both captured, they learn of an even greater threat. The plague devastating the southlands has come to his clan home. And his best—and only—chance to keep his people alive is the female who walks among the dead.

Review:

A Feast of Souls begins not long after the end of A Hint of Frost. Once Rhys and Lourdes have settled, Mana encounters a spirit who is more powerful than any she’s encountered before. She’s a walker who has always been able to help a spirit move on, but this one seems………..reluctant. Once she communicates with it and discovers that the plague of yellow death is ravaging the southlands, she knows she must venture home in order to see if she can aid the Mimetidae clan who are Vaughn’s people. Vaughn and two of his men begin their journey escorting Mana to her homeland. Unfortunately, they are attacked along the way and taken captive, which infuriates Vaughn. He had vowed to keep Mana safe. And his feelings for her are growing stronger. He also wonders about the wild canis that has befriended Mana and become protective of her as well.

Once they finally reach Mana’s home, politics come into play. Seems her maven, and aunt, is not keen on letting her leave the relative safety of their home. But when Old Father gives Mana his blessing, they begin last leg of their trip to Cathis, Vaughn’s home, and where he will one day rule as he is their maven’s first born.

Upon reaching Cathis, the gates are closed. Once they gain entrance, it is discovered that his mother and maven, Isolde, is gravely ill with the plague. Mana, being a spirit walker and healer, can also heal on a spiritual level and agrees to try to heal Isolde. They also discover that the yellow death has claimed many of Vaughn’s clan, and many more have taken ill. Mana wants to help Vaughn’s clan, but politics play into whether or not she’ll be accepted. Her feelings for Vaughn are growing as well, and the clan knows it. Will they accept a union between Mana and Vaughn? Or will the threat of yellow death be the end of them all?

I really liked this book as well. Mana has pined away for Vaughn most of her life. And she thought it was purely a one-sided thing…..dumb girl!! I really liked Mana’s character. Love her sense of duty and the way her feelings for Vaughn unfold. And, what to say about Vaughn? A good bad boy! LOL!! His sense of duty and honor are an integral part of the storyline, and he’s fierce in both. This book has a little of everything: intrigue, a little mystery, betrayal, touching moments and such a sweet romance. Definitely worth the read and I look forward to reading the next installment.

ORDER LINKS: Barnes and Noble / Amazon

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Copy Supplied by author.

*********************

A Cast of Shadows – Araneae Nation, Book 2.5

Coming February 2013

The strongest net is no match for destiny.

Daraja has grown up watching her brothers journey down the river on the traditional Deinopidae rite of passage. Each returned with riches from their travels, and lovers with whom to share their lives.

Now she has reached the age where she would strike out on her own to seek her fortune—if she were male. Instead, she is expected to sit patiently, weave her nets and wait for the river to bring a husband to her.

Patience, however, has never been her strong suit.

Brynmor haunts the forest surrounding the city of Cathis, his disembodied spirit inextricably bound to the wild canis roaming his lands. Until the day he stumbles across a brazen trespasser in his woods.

Compelled to step in when the canis suspect her of poaching one of their own, Brynmor fears he has lost a piece of his ragged soul to the feisty, adventure-seeking female. And when the canis confront the real poachers, he is forced to choose which life to sacrifice. Hers…or his own.

Warning: This book contains one heroine with a knack for weaving nets and one hero who relishes getting caught. Expect singing, some howling, ghostly shenanigans, and the start of a love that transcends death.
————————————————-

*************

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Hailey Edwards

Born in the Deep South, Hailey is a lifelong resident of Alabama. Her husband works for the local sheriff’s department and her daughter is counting down the days until she’s old enough to audition for American Idol. Her doxie, Black Ilex, helps Hailey write by snoozing in his recliner in her office.

Her desire to explore without leaving the comforts of home fueled her love of reading and writing. Whenever the itch for adventure strikes, Hailey can be found with her nose glued to her Kindle’s screen or squinting at her monitor as she writes her next happily-ever-after.

She loves to hear from readers. Drop her a line here.

You can also swing by her blog or subscribe to her newsletter for all her latest news.

Hailey is published with Samhain Publishing and by Grand Central Publishing‘s Forever Yours line.

Click HERE for Hailey’s WEBSITE

 

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A Hint of Frost by Hailey Edwards – a review

A Hint of Frost by Hailey Edwards- a review

Araneae Nation, Book 1

About the book: Released April 2012

Hope dangles by a silken thread.
When the head of the Araneidae clan is found poisoned in her nest, her eldest daughter, Lourdes, becomes their clan’s new maven. If her clan is to survive, she has but one choice: she must marry before her nest is seized. All she needs is a warrior fierce enough to protect her city and safeguard her clansmen. Such a male is Rhys the Cold.

Born the youngest son of an impoverished maven, the only things Rhys has to his name are his sword and his mercenary reputation. His clan is starving, but their fondness for the flesh of fellow Araneaeans makes them unwelcome dinner guests. Torn between loyalty to his clan and fascination with his future bride, Rhys’s first taste of Lourdes threatens to melt the cold encasing his heart.
Amid the chaos of battle, Lourdes’s sister disappears and is feared captured. Lourdes and Rhys pursue their enemies into the southlands, where they discover an odd plague ravaging southern clans as it travels north, to Erania. Determined to survive, Lourdes will discover whether she’s worth her silk or if she’s spun the thread by which her clan will hang.

Review:

A Hint of Frost begins with Lourdes finding someone slipping from her parents’ room and her finding them dead. She races through the tunnels, trying to find members of the Theridiidae clan, whom are Lourdes’ clan’s protectors. Unfortunately, she finds out a bit too late that things are not as they should be. She finds Isolde, the maven of the Mimetidae clan, and her mother’s dear friend. Lourdes quickly negotiates terms for a contract between the two clans in order to save her own clan, the Araneidae, for which now, she is the maven. Lourdes accepts Isolde’s son, Rhys the Cold, as her new partisan and if all terms of the contract are fulfilled, she will take him as hers through their binding ceremony. Once Lourdes meets Rhys, she discovers he is the graceful warrior that she admired from afar.

Lourdes’ siblings are very supportive, except for Pascale, her sister. Pascale is furious with Lourdes for taking Rhys as her partisan, and verbally tears into her sister. Pascale is then confined to her quarters, from where she comes up missing. A search ensues for the missing sibling, but turns up nothing. Vaughn, Rhys’ brother, is a renowned tracker and knows that Pascale has left with a member of the Theridiidae clan. But did she leave of her own free will? Or was she taken against her will? Even worse, was she a knowing accomplice in their parents’ murder? Lourdes sets out on her own to try and find Pascale, against Rhys’ wishes and without his knowledge. Thankfully Rhys is there for Lourdes when things go terribly wrong. Rhys comes up with a plan to track Pascale, but Lourdes protests them leaving her behind. It doesn’t take Rhys long to determine that Maven Lourdes gets what she wants, and they set out to find Pascale and bring her home. Rhys has vowed to keep Lourdes safe and give her vengeance for those who killed her parents.

Once their journey starts, Lourdes is drawn to Rhys even more. But, his brother keeps hinting at secrets that Rhys holds. Their journey brings danger, revelations, politics, the discovery of a plague sweeping the land and of course, love.

I really liked this story. Rhys and Lourdes’ attraction is apparent from the beginning and the author did a good job of letting it build through out the story. Rhys does have secrets, but once Lourdes discovers them, I think it makes her love him even more. He truly is a great hero for this story. And, to steal from a friend, he is swoonworthy. He really snuck up on me. Lourdes, having the survival of her entire clan on her shoulders, is a wonderful heroine and goes into everything with her chin held high and her heart on her sleeve. And, there is a cast of supporting characters that I look forward to finding out more about.

The only problem I had with this story is with the clan names and the creatures on which they rode. Some were easily figured out, riding ursus, I’m assuming, means they were riding bears. I’m still confused as to exactly what a pecora is though. Google tells me it is a hoofed animal. Guess I’ll have to settle for that. 😉 Other than that, this was a very well written story and I look forward to reading A Feast of Souls.

ORDER LINKS: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository / KOBO

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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