Tag Archives: Take Another Look

CHAOTIC (Women of the Otherworld) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

Posted on by
6

CHAOTIC (Women of the Otherworld) by Kelley Armstrong- a review

At Moonlight Gleam’s Bookshelf this is the 8th month in her Women of the Otherworld challenge. The featured book this month is PERSONAL DEMON focusing on Hope Adams and her struggles as a 1/2 demon who feeds off of chaos.  But I have chosen a different path this month and I will review CHAOTIC.

CHAOTIC is a novella in the Women of the Otherworld series that witnesses Hope as she meets Karl Marsden for the first time-basically a prequel to their relationship.  I hope you enjoy this series as much as we do.

CHAOTIC by Kelley Armstrong

CHAOTIC is a novella in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. The short story was first published in the anthology Dates From Hell, but was released in ebook format January 2012. Chaotic features half-demon Hope Adams and werewolf Karl Marsden. The readers were first introduced to Karl in Kelley’s first novel of the Otherworld series-Bitten.

Hope Adams is a half-demon, who thrives on chaos. As a journalist working for a tabloid newspaper, chaos is the perfect set-up for her powers- finding and reporting news from the world of the paranormal. But, a tabloid journalist is the perfect cover for investigating the evil side of the paranormal world. Thinking she has been sent on assignment for the Council of Interracial Beings, Hope is sent to a charity function at a local museum, waiting for a story to break.

Karl Marsden is a werewolf, whose current occupation-that of a thief-has led him to the museum function, hoping to steal a rare collection of diamonds and jewels. Karl is the epitome of the handsome rogue-well dressed, debonair and extraordinarily handsome. But an accidental encounter with a beautiful woman has left him shaken. And now, this same woman is shadowing his every move throughout the museum.

When Hope witnesses Karl’s theft of the jewels, she believes it is her duty to make an arrest on behalf of the Council, but when she calls to report the theft to her ‘superior’ at True News-Tristan Robard-she is surprised when Karl points out that the Council does not have ‘agents’ in the field. Disgruntled and confused, Hope questions Tristan about her latest assignment, only to find out that she is holding a werewolf hostage, in a janitorial closet, waiting for the Council to apprehend the thief.

As a chaos demon, Hope thrives on other people’s anxiety and fears. Embarrassed by the inherited traits, Hope sets out in search of some chaotic activity and chances upon death and fear, a feeling that someone has been murdered. When she stumbles upon a dead security guard, Karl is close behind, scenting the blood. Thinking she can escape the werewolf, Hope hides in the ventilation system, only to find that Tristan Robard is one of the men, searching the museum for victims.

When Karl confronts Tristan regarding his business with the Interracial Council, Tristan reveals, that it is not Council business that brings him to the museum, by a vendetta against Karl-for past transgressions, and Hope, was his means to an end. Tristan is a sorcerer, who was aware of Hope’s chaos-demon side, and ‘hired’ Hope with the intention of using her need for chaos, to lead him to Karl. Karl soon recognizes that Tristan has no intention to letting them leave the building alive.

Forcing an escape, Hope and Karl, once again find themselves trapped inside the ventilation system, trying to out maneuver the sorcerer and his demon guards. When they finally reach a safe area, a sudden feeling of chaos overwhelms Hope and the appearance of more demons, threatens their safety. But battling the guards is easier, when your partner is a werewolf with supernatural strength. When Hope and Karl find themselves outside, they head for her house, hoping to lure Tristan into a trap. But a fatal error in judgment results in one death, several injuries and a possible future for Hope and her werewolf.

CHAOTIC is a quick read. First appearing in the anthology Dates From Hell, Chaotic introduces a new demon into the Council of Interracial Beings. By way of pairing Hope with Karl Marsden, the werewolves and the sorcerer Cabals will overlap in many future storylines. Karl’s first appearance in Bitten is a far cry from his character in Chaotic. As a member of Jeremy Danver’s pack, Karl must now abide by the laws of the pack or face expulsion or death. With Hope, there is a renewed interest in what happens to Karl, as well as what the future holds for this couple. I am a fan of Kelley Armstrong, and it saddens me that Kelley is ending her Otherworld series with her final novel Thirteen. But Kelley has promised a line of short stories, novellas and updates, so that the fans will still get a taste of the werewolves we know and love. And Hope’s family will play a major role in THIRTEEN.

Reviewed by Sandy

Every month beginning March 1, 2012 Moonlight Gleam’s Bookshelf is hosting a WOMEN OF THE OTHERWORLD reading challenge.

Challenge members will either post a review, their reading experience, character castings or anything else related to that title. You have freedom to have fun with your monthly post so be creative! Seeing as this series is 13 novels long ( plus various short stories and novellas), this challenge will last 13 months.

Share

NO HUMANS INVOLVED (WOTO #7) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

Posted on by
11

NO HUMANS INVOLVED by Kelley Armstrong

 

NO HUMANS INVOLVED (Women of the Otherworld #7) by Kelley Armstrong

NO HUMANS INVOLVED is the 7th full length novel in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. Featuring Jaime Vegas and Alpha leader Jeremy Danvers, No Humans Involved will see Jaime get her man/wolf, and we will see a side of Jeremy that we never knew existed.

As a television personality renowned for her ability to ‘speak to the dead’ necromancer Jaime Vegas was invited to participate in a live televised taping of with some of the best in the business, but little did anyone know, that Jaime is the only true necromancer and she has uncovered a mysterious burial ground right under their noses.

Relaying the information to Elena, Jaime would find help in the form of American Pack Alpha Jeremy Danvers-a man she has been struggling to get him to acknowledge her existence. But every time she is in his presence her inner geek and dufus take over. And to her surprise Jeremy will reveal that he has noticed Jaime for several years, but his duties and his quiet reserve have held him back.

Jaime and Jeremy will uncover a cult-like group of people hoping to bring the dead back to life. But while they are searching for the grounds outside the hotel, they will uncover a mass grave of young children, long thought to be runaways or missing.

Eve Levine and Kristof Nash return to help Jaime communicate with the spirits of the children and help them crossover: Karl is called in when Hope and Jaime go missing and find themselves imprisoned by the ones hoping to gain power using an ancient ritual: and Jeremy and Jaime’s relationship will take the next step when Jaime finds herself the girlfriend to the American Alpha.

NO HUMANS INVOLVED is one of my favorite storylines in Kelley’s WOTO series. I am a fan of the werewolves and Jeremy tugs at my heart. When he finally finds his mate, he is NOT your typical alpha male but it takes a strong feminine woman like Jaime to tame his inner beast. Jaime’s seduction of Jeremy is one of the smexiest seductions in Kelley Armstrong’s WOTO series.

Reviewed by Sandy

NO HUMANS INVOLVED  is the seventh storyline in   Moonlightgleam  Women Of The Otherworld reading challenge

 

The Challenge:
Each month beginning March 1st, 2012, challenge members will read or re-read the title for that month. In addition, challenge members will either post a review, their reading experience, character castings or anything else related to that title. You have freedom to have fun with your monthly post so be creative! Seeing as this series is 13 novels long, this challenge will last 13 months.

Share

HAUNTED (Women of the Otherworld #5) by Kelley Armstrong

Posted on by
8

HAUNTED (Women of the Otherworld #5) by Kelley Armstrong

HAUNTED (Women of the Otherworld #5) by Kelley Armstrong

HAUNTED is the 5th novel in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. Haunted, told from varying POVs, focuses on Eve Levine and Kristof Nash-Savannah’s recently deceased parents. As both a witch and a demon, Eve has been summoned by the Fates to take down the Nix. Calling in a favor for saving Lucas and Page, the Fates demand that Eve pay up.

As a ghost, Eve is unable to communicate with Savannah, and the frustration continues when she secretly looks in from time to time on Paige and Lucas, ensuring that Savannah is all right. But making sure her daughter is protected has come at a price.

Nix is a demi-demon who thrives on chaos. Inhabiting the bodies of people on the cusp of a kill, the demi-demon pushes the people to murder, thereby ensuring chaos reigns. On the run after an escape from hell, the Nix is making trouble in the human realm and the Fates have ordered Eve to locate and eradicate the Nix. But trouble continues to follow Eve as the Nix now endeavors to locate those closest to exact retribution. All is not lost when an Angel offers his aid-and with the help of Trsiel, Eve will be reborn into something she never expected or dreamed.

HAUNTED is another fascinating storyline from the mind of Kelley Armstrong. We will meet Eve throughout the series, culminating in the final novel THIRTEEN. Even Trsiel will make a few more appearances. One may wonder why Kelley introduces various characters and storylines throughout the series, but all will be answered in the final instalment of THIRTEEN

Reviewed by Sandy

 

The Reading Cafe is continuing the Women of the Otherworld Challenge sponsored by Moonlight Gleam’s Bookshelf.  HAUNTED by  Kelley Armstrong is the July 2012 featured novel.

Share

INDUSTRIAL MAGIC (WOTO #4) by Kelley Armstrong-a WOTO challenge review

Posted on by
9

INDUSTRIAL MAGIC (WOTO #4) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

INDUSTRIAL MAGIC (Women of the Otherworld #4) by Kelley Armstrong

INDUSTRIAL MAGIC is the 4th full-length novel in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series, and once again, not one of my favorite storylines. I love Kelley Armstrong’s books and series, but there were a few in this particular series that I did not enjoy and for some reason those involving Paige and Lucas did not top my list. Perhaps it was the ‘lack’ of the wolves (including Clay, Elena, Jeremy,Nick, Antonio etc) or the lack of sexual energy surrounding  Paige and Lucas, but if I think back, it is probably the copious amount of background information and the numerous characters involved with each Paige/Lucas/Cabel storyline. I am still recommending Kelley’s Women of the Otherworld series, including Industrial Magic, but a couple of the storylines were difficult.

We first met Paige and Lucas in Dime Store Magic (WOTO #3) when Lucas agreed to represent Paige during her custody struggle for Savannah and her banishment from the Witches Coven. Industrial Magic focuses on the Cabel side of the family including Lucas’s family and Savannah’s extended biological family from her father’s side. Cabels are family run, and controlled and aligned with the most powerful sorcerers and to compare these Cabels to the Mafia or Mob, would not be a far stretch. But someone or something is murdering the young Cabal sons and heirs, and as Lucas is his father’s reluctant heir, he and Paige are now deeply involved with the investigations.

Several new characters are introduced, as I had said before, but there are a couple that we will see many times in future novels and storylines. Jaime Vegas is a clairvoyant and necromancer, and Eve Levine is part witch/part demon and, Savannah’s deceased mother. There are demons, shamans, vampires, wolves, sorcerers, witches and of course, the lowly suffering humans. Quite frankly I thought about pulling out my power point and designing a graph to keep track of the familial connections.

Regrettably, Kelley will be releasing her final full-length novel in the Women of the Otherworld series in July-THIRTEEN. But, on the plus side, Kelley has also said she will be re-releasing some of her short stories and novellas, as well as writing some continuing short storylines to keep her fans happy e.g V Plates -released in May 2012 (narrated by Nick).

Each month beginning March 1st, 2012, The Reading Cafe has accepted a challenge by the host site Moonlightgleam to post a review from each of Kelley Armstrong’s 13 full-length novels in her Women of the Otherworld series. WE hope you have enjoyed catching up with Kelley’s books. Next month we will be reviewing HAUNTED  and  THIRTEEN-Kelly’s new release and final instalment in the WOTO series. *sniff*

reviewed by Sandy

Share

The Dream Trilogy Review

Posted on by
Reply

The Dream Trilogy Review

Since Valentine’s Day has just passed, and we are in the mood for Romance, we thought we would treat you to one Nora Roberts pure romantic trilogies.  The Dream Trilogy is what Nora does so well, it is all about romance, love, friendship and pure fun. In some of Nora trilogies, she mixes romance with mystery, tragedy, or in some cases paranormal. Not so in the Dream trilogy. This is a wonderful story of three friends who grew up together from childhood, each having their own outlook at what they wanted for their lives in the future….each having grown up in the same household, but by different means. Margo, Kate and Laura were brought up like sisters amidst the grandeur of the Templeton House, and by the time you finish the series, you will love them like they were your friends and family. Enjoy this series, as it is one of Nora’s best, but then again I love all of Nora’s trilogies.

“Daring to Dream” –  Book #1

Daring to Dream belongs to Margo Sullivan.  Margo is the daughter of Ann Sullivan, who started working for the rich Templeton family almost thirty years ago. Margo was raised in the mansion of the Templeton’s, who own a chain of international luxury hotels. Early, living in the mansion, Margo, becomes best friends with Laura, the daughter of of the Templetons, as well as with Kate, a cousin of Laura, who was adopted by the Templetons, after a tragic accident killed her parents.  Though this is Margo’s story, this is all about the friendship between the three girls, that continues as they are all grown up.  

Margo loved the Templeton’s as they were her own family, and was always treated equally the same as Laura and Kate.  But Margo always wanted to go on her own, and seek fame and fortune.  All the girls are pretty, but Margo the glamour girl of the three of them.  She leaves home at the age of 18 to seek her fame and fortune, which she does well as a model in Europe.  Though famous, Margo still visits her friends and family, but after 10 years she has to return home humiliated by a scandal, as well as losing all her money.

Margo will not beg or ask for help, but it is her friends who give her the love and support to help her begin her life again.  Josh Templeton, Laura’s brother is the Attorney for Templeton, and he is also there to help Margo.  Josh has secretly loved Margo, and both have totally ignored the attraction each had for one another.  Margo, though loving her family (the Templetons), is a bit selfcentered.  Josh, has always been a playboy, living the live style of the rich.  But they are thrown together during Margo’s problems, as well as Laura’s marriage problems, that is heading toward a divorce.   

It is great to see Margo changing and beginning to love the idea of opening a shop and becoming a saleswoman…..to see how the three girls stick together and the love they have for each other….the heat from Margo and Josh realizing they were meant for each other.  Great first book, can’t wait for the next book, which belongs to Kate.

“Holding the Dream” – Book #2

Kate Powell is the adopted daughter of Thomas and Susan Templeton.  Kate is different then both Margo and Laura, as she though beautiful, deglamorizes herself.  She dresses in conservatively, is dedicated to her job, as an accountant, and is very opinionated.  Despite all of that, Kate loves her family, and is very close to Margo and Laura, even if they are all different.   Kate, though being offered to work for the Templeton’s did not want to take advantage of them, and pursued working on her own.  Working for a CPA firm, she has high hopes of becoming a partner.   

Kate is a silent partner in Pretenses, a boutique shop Margo started with Laura in the first book.  She helps with the books, and lets the other two use their outgoing personalities to sell.  But then everything begins to fall apart for Kate.  She learns that her deceased father was a thief, and shortly thereafter,  Kate is accused of embezzling funds from the accounting firm she works for.  Then suddenly Kate’s world comes crashing down. First, she finds that her father, who was killed in a car accident when she was a girl, was under a cloud of suspicion for.  Her confidence is shattered, and she keeps her feelings to herself, which eventually causes her to have an ulcer.

Kate has not been dating in the last few years, and meets the new manager of the the Templeton hotel, Byron DeWitt.  She dislikes him, as he is a certified hunk, and not her type.  But the sexual intensity between them is strong.  Bryon is confused, as Kate is exactly what he was never interested in, as she kept her hair short like a boy, dresses conservatively, and comes across as hostile.  Despite her family wanting to help her, Kate regresses into her shell, and it is Byron who she eventually turns to.  She lets herself open up, and become sexually involved with Bryon.   Kate never wants to depend on any man, and thinks they having an affair is good enough.   But as Byron begins to fall in love with Kate, he wants more. 

The family and Byron help Kate come out of her shell and fight the charge against her.  It is Margo and Laura, who convince Kate not to run away from Byron and to face her love. 

Another wonderful story by Nora.  I just love seeing all of them together…to see how they make their business grow….to watch Margo become a mother and her marriage to Josh is great….to see Laura, though now divorced…be happy for her friends…loved how Margo transformed Kate to look totally sexy for a charity event .  I loved the way Thomas and Susan Templeton love all of “their” children, which does include Kate and Margo.   The key to this series is the fun watching the girls with each other.. the teasing, the fighting, and the love and support they feel for each other.

“Finding the Dream” – Book #3

Laura Templeton is the heroine in the final book of the Dream Trilogy. If you have read the first two books, you know that Laura is the steady one of all three of the girls.  Though she is now divorced from the bad Peter Ridgeway, who took her money, as well as what was put away for her daughters.  She is now working at the hotel, which her family owns, as well at Pretenses. Laura will not touch her stock, or ask for her family to bail her out.  She prefers to work to take care of her girls and pay her bills.  Now alone living in her mansion, Laura raises two daughters, and watches her best friends find love and marry.   She copes with her guilt over the failed marriage, as well as the fallout from her children.  These frustrations began in the previous book, as the oldest daughter blames her for her father leaving.  

Michael Fury is an old friend of Josh, Laura brother.  A rough tough teenager when he was young, Michael has spent years abroad as a mercenary, and in Hollywood, as a stunt man. Now he has finally come home, as he runs a horse stable, but was just recently wiped out by a mudslide.  Josh convinces Laura to let Michael rent their empty stable.  Laura, remembering the bad boy Michael, reluctantly agrees, as she can use the money.

Michael befriends Laura’s girls, as they help him work around the stable, and he teaches them to ride the horses.  Though Laura is not looking for romance, she finds herself becoming attracted to Michael. The romance that develops between the two of them is great to watch.  Michael though does not believe that anything would ever become of his relationship to Laura. He knows he has always admired her from afar, but is now in love with her, but Michael feels he does not belong in the of the wealthy Templetons, nor would Laura even consider becoming serious.  Laura, finally emerging from the shell she built from her previous marriage, and opens herself up both sexually and emotionally.

It’s a great last ¼ of the book, where Laura’s parents come home from Europe to find out what is happening with their daughter, but they realize in a short time, that Laura knows what she wants, and is happy.  But Michael sensing the family, nor Laura will except him, decides to leave.  The exciting ending, where a accident threatens some lives, and the hidden treasure that has been part of this trilogy all the way through, is discovered. But as in most romances, especially Nora, there is a happy ending.

All three books were great…I enjoyed the fun of Margo, though she was a bit selfish, but never to her family, and loved her with Josh…I liked the change in Kate and her romance with Byron…I loved Laura’s story, just seeing her open up to love and sex, especially after her loveless marriage to Peter, and watching her best friends happily married.

If I could change one thing, it would be the ending. I felt there should have been another short chapter, showing all of them together…living happily having found their Dreams.

Share

DEVIL’S BRIDE by Stephanie Laurens

Posted on by
Reply

DEVIL’S BRIDE by Stephanie Laurens

Take Another Look at Devil’s Bride by Stephanie Laurens.  

Released in 1998, Devil’s Bride is the first novel in the Cynster series of historical romance books by Stephanie Laurens. The most famous and eligible of the Cynster males, Sylvester “Devil” Cynster meets his match in Honoria Wetherby, a finishing governess and a woman who would fit well in the 21st century.

Honoria Wetherby has been hired, to prepare the young daughter of a wealthy couple, for her coming out. But when she happens upon a bleeding and dying man alongside the road, Honoria isn’t one to pass by without notice. Giving aid to Tolly Cynster, Honoria is suddenly propelled into the world of the aristocratic rich and famous of the English countryside. When Sylvester, aka Devil Cynster, arrives to help his young cousin, it is then, that he meets the energetic young woman and swears to himself, that Honoria will be his bride.

Never one to step back from a threat or challenge, Honoria places herself in a compromising position to help Devil comfort his dying cousin. But when Tolly succumbs to his gunshot wounds, in the small cabin where they sought refuge, the Cynster males vow to find his killer. But Honoria is placed in a precarious predicament, when it is discovered, that she spent the night in the cabin, un-chaperoned with Devil Cynster, and Devil takes it upon himself, to demand her hand in marriage-to make an honest woman out of her.

Honoria is a very modern woman, for Regency England. Although investigating the death of Devil’s cousin, may prove to be exactly what she needs, her freedom is what she demands. But, when Devil announces to the family that he has found his bride, Honoria is whisked into action, helping prepare for the funeral and family mourning period. With the idea in mind, that she will aid the family during their time of grief, Honoria involves herself with the dealings of the Cynster males and their efforts to locate and ferret out Tolly’s killer. But, there are unsettling details surrounding the death, that require further investigation and Honoria takes it upon herself, to seek answers to the questions.

As with all romance storylines, Devil and Honoria are sexually and physically attracted to one another. Her physical beauty, as well as her penchant for finding herself in situations, that require her rescue, put Devil on alert. But, someone is trying to kill Devil, and with the help of his cousins, they try to track a killer. When the clues and information, start pointing to a beloved family member, Honoria is caught in a trap,that could very well end all of their lives.

Devil’s Bride introduces us to the Cynster family including the Cynster males. Demon, Vane, Gabriel, Lucifer, Scandal and Devil are all members of the Bar-Cynster, a name they had given themselves, as young, pleasure-seeking men. But one quiet and reclusive family member was never involved or accepted into the group, and now, a history of extra-marital affairs and ½ brothers, may bring the Cynster family to their knees.

As an introductory book to the series, the Devil’s Bride was a wonderful read. The ‘mysterious murderer’ is blatantly obvious, so the ‘mystery’ is less than palpable.  Devil and Honoria’s relationship is filled with angst, smoldering sex, scandalous behavior and the realization of love. The introduction of the Cynster males, leaves plenty of opportunity to continue the storyline (18 at last count) and the romance world of Stephanie Laurens is forever etched in my soul. I found a new romance hero in Sylvester “Devil” Cynster, a man that I could truly call …my own!!

Sandy

Share

BITTEN

Posted on by
Reply

BITTEN

BITTEN is the first book in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. With the introduction of Elena Michaels, Clayton and Jeremy Danvers and the Pack, Kelley uses first person narration, in most of her Otherworld storylines, to let the reader into the minds of the characters. Elena is the principle narrator for BITTEN, but through descriptive narrations, we can feel the pain and emotion that each of the characters experienced throughout the storylines.

Elena Michaels is a bitten werewolf, and werewolf lore specifically notes, there are NO female wolves, yet Elena is the only ‘made’ female wolf in existence. Turned by a bite from her werewolf lover Clayton Danvers, Elena spirals out of control and eventually, after years of fighting and warring with her mate, Elena moves to Toronto, Canada to start a new life away from the Pack. When a rogue mutt (werewolf not belonging to any pack) starts a killing spree, Elena and the other Pack members are called back to Stonehaven, home of the Pack leader and Alpha Jeremy Danvers and his enforcer (and adopted son) Clayton. Not ready to face either man, Elena tries to ignore Jeremy’s summons, but truth be told, Elena must return , as she is Pack. Leaving behind a confused fiance, and a heavy heart, Elena heads back to Stonehaven and the only man, who will ever, truly know and love, the real Elena Michaels–Clayton Danvers.

With so much history between Elena and Clay, the other Pack mates, and best friends to Clay and Jeremy respectively, Nicolas and his father, Antonio Sorrentino, are left in the precarious position of watching from the sidelines as tension mounts. Not wanting to continue her relationship with Clay, Elena tries to avoid all confrontations with her mate. But like wolves in the wild, there is only one mate for each werewolf, and with Elena, the only known female werewolf, there is much rivalry from ‘outside’ wolves, in other areas and packs. Elena must continuously fend off advances from other males and potential life-threatening situations because of her position in the Pack. But when fellow pack-members Peter Myers, and close friend Logan Jonsen are murdered, Elena makes it her goal to seek justice and retribution, regardless of the directive of the Pack Alpha.

There is much speculation surrounding Logan and Peter’s murders, and different names are mentioned, including former and wannabe Pack members. But when more bodies start to appear on the Stonehaven property, Jeremy and the Pack must go hunting. Karl Marsten, Zachary Cain, Daniel Santos and Jimmy Koenig are a few names suggested as potential suspects, but it isn’t until Elena is forced to move back to Toronto, for her own safety, do the names and suspects begin to add up. Much to her dismay and disappointment, Clay is sent to Toronto as protection for Elena, but she sees Clayton’s form of protection, as an interference. When she returns to her apartment after a day at work, she finds her fiance injured and Clay missing. Her only clue–is the wedding band Clay has worn for over 10 years (a symbol of his fidelity to Elena), left behind with a note, demanding Elena in exchange for Clayton’s safe return. The scent belonged to Daniel Santos.

When Elena (along with Nick Sorrentino) arranges a meeting with Daniel, she is surprised when wannabe-pack wolf Karl Marsten is present. Not knowing Karl’s true motives, Elena is curious as to his involvement with the former Pack member Daniel Santos. Unbeknownst to the Pack, Elena offers herself up, in exchange for a severely injured and drugged Clayton-only to realize, she isn’t the true target. Daniel is seeking revenge for his father’s death (years before), at the hands of Clayton, and was using Karl Marsten as a means to an end.

Following Daniel’s death, and Clayton’s subsequent release, Elena is compelled to return to Stonehaven to aid in Clay’s recovery. But it doesn’t take anyone long to realize, that Elena is still and always has been, in love with her mate. When she returns to Toronto, Clay follows, fearing she has left him for good. A ‘chance’ meeting between Clay and Elena, on the sidewalk outside of her Toronto apartment, reveals the reality of the situation-Elena had returned to say goodbye to her ex-fiance, and was heading back to Stonehaven to start a new life with Clay and the Pack.

I love this series. I have looked forward to every new release of Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. With her many novellas and anthologies, Kelley has revealed plenty of background information and delved into the lives of the werewolves and other supernatural beings throughout her Otherworld series. I was especially thrilled with her Men of the Otherworld collection of short stores, as well as her Tales of the Otherworld. Both of these books are contain ‘prequels’ to the current storylines, as well as continuing stories, and by way of flashbacks and flash-forwards, the story arcs come full circle. Most of the reader’s questions are answered.

 

Review by Sandy

Share

STOLEN

Posted on by
Reply

STOLEN

STOLEN is the second book in Kelley Armstrong’s-Women of the Otherworld series. Elena Michaels, the only female werewolf in existence, wants to lead a normal life ( or as close to normal as a ‘made’ female werewolf is able) with her mate and family, but a group of ‘researchers’ and the billionaire who heads the institute, have other plans for Elena and the world of supernatural beings.

Following a lead on a story about werewolf sightings, Elena is introduced to Paige and Ruth Winterbourne, mother and daughter witches who sit on the Council for Supernatural Beings. As surprised as Elena is, that such a council exists (let alone witches), she is more surprised to find out that the ‘supernatural’ are hunted by billionaire Ty Winsloe, and then experimented upon and held in custody for his own personal collection.

After a failed kidnapping attempt by Winsloe’s men, Elena and the Pack make a decision-it is time to meet the Council of Supernatural Beings and find out what they know about Winsloe and his compound of vigilante hunters. Jeremy Danvers (Pack alpha) and his adopted son Clayton (Elena’s mate) make an appearance alongside Elena at the emergency Council meeting, where we are introduced to Adam Vasic (a half-demon whose powers involve fire) and Cassandra, a vampire who has eyes for Clay. The reader knows, we will see these characters at a future date, with stories of their own.

When Elena is abducted and held prisoner at the compound, she realizes she isn’t alone. Ruth Winterbourne and an assortment of other supernatural beings are already imprisoned, trying desperately to communicate with one another. But it isn’t until Ruth dies under mysterious circumstances, and Elena is introduced to Savannah Levine, a young and powerful 12 year old witch, that she makes the decision to attempt freedom.

Meanwhile, following several ‘physical exams’ and a threat against her mate, Elena becomes aware of one of the true reasons behind her abduction-to ‘make’ another werewolf. Sondra Bauer, a compound examiner and scientist, has injected herself with saliva, procured from one of the physical exams. Without the aid of a Pack, Sondra’s change to werewolf is anything but successful-her body is unable to handle the many changes and when attempting to escape, she is killed by the very guards-she once controlled.

We are introduced to several supernatural characters including demons Xavier Reese and Leah O’Donnell, a chameleon shifter Armen Haig, and vampire Aaron Darnell, someone from Cassandra’s past and recent present. Using Paige’s witch powers and an attempt at telepathic communication, Jeremy and Clay are able to contact Elena, but Clay refuses to believe that Paige has any telepathic powers, beyond her ability to irritate. When the connection is broken, Elena becomes distraught and through dreams, she is able to connect with Clay, only to see, he too, is suffering without his mate and lover.

Ty Winsloe, is a sadistic collector of the supernatural, and when his ‘projects’ no longer serve any purpose, his pits Elena against a few of the failures. Hoping to learn more about the werewolf physiology, and her ability to shift, Winsloe continues to antagonize Elena with pictures of an injured werewolf and talk of her ‘dead’ mate. She soon realizes that Clay and the others have tried unsuccessfully to rescue her, and she is now determined, to free herself from the compound and its’ band of vigilante warriors.

Following her bid for freedom, Clay and Elena must return to the compound to rescue Savannah and the others. Savannah is a powerful witch and they soon realize she is one ‘being’ that could very well, control many of the people with a few words and a look. We see the introduction of Adam to Savannah, a foreshadowing of many storylines, and the escape of Leah O’Donnell, a demon that will surface again in a future book. But, all is not lost, when Clay and Elena make the final move against Winsloe and his crew at the compound. One by one, each member of Winsloe’s team is ‘removed’ from duty and meets his demise at the hands or ‘paws’ of either a demon or wolf.

I can’t say enough about Kelley Armstrong’s-Women of the Otherworld series. I found this series, purely by accident, while looking for something in the paranormal genre. As a fellow Canadian, I was excited and thrilled to read such an exciting series of novels and characters, and one that didn’t follow the usual vampire/werewolf storylines. I am saddened that Kelley is ending her Otherworld series in 2012, but with her continued novellas and anthologies, Elena, Clay and the other werewolves, will continue to be some of my favorite characters and Kelley one of my favorite authors.

 

Review by Sandy

Share