Tag Archives: WOTO

Thirteen (WOTO #13) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

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THIRTEEN (Women of the Otherworld #13) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

THIRTEENbyKelleyArmstrong

This review is a re-post. For the past thirteen months The Reading Cafe has participated in the Women of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong) reading challenge hosted by Moonlight Gleam’s Bookshelf and the amazing Lucy D.

We would like to thank Lucy for the opportunity to participate in this challenge and allowing me to re-read an entire series again-for the fourth or fifth time 😉

WOTOChallenge

THIRTEEN is the final instalment in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. Although the number of storylines, technically cross, into the 20s (with the many anthologies and short stories available), THIRTEEN is the last of the full-length novels. There remain many stories to be told (Morgan’s and Reese’s for example) but sadly, I understand why Kelley felt the need to close the door on the Women of the Otherworld series. I am also pleased she has announced that she has, at the minimum, three more anthologies set for release starting in 2014. Let us hope that Morgan and the others will get their stories written-nothing like introducing several new characters and never revealing the exact nature of their connection to the series.

THIRTEEN is the culmination of 10 plus years of story telling all starting with Kelley’s introductory WOTO novel BITTEN, where we were first introduced to Elena Michaels –the first and only female werewolf- and her mate and ‘sire’ Clayton Danvers. But the road to THIRTEEN began in the pages of the second story STOLEN with the introduction of Savannah Levine- a young 12year old witch left orphaned when her half-demon/half- witch mother, Eve Levine, was murdered trying to escape Ty Winsloe’s compound of imprisoned supernatural beings. Now 10 years later, Savannah is a young woman, hopelessly in love with the man who helped rescue her from Winsloe’s hold, and a major player trying to stop a 13th century child killer from successfully finding a cure for mortality and revealing the existence of the supernatural race.

Many of the WOTO characters reunite in this final chapter including the revelation that someone who was long thought dead, is very much alive-and for that reason alone-a few more storylines must be written. Kelley has exposed us to many different demons, half-demons, angels and Cabals, but THIRTEEN gathers some of the Otherworld’s nastiest demons and fallen angels in a struggle between ‘the good, the bad and the lowest of the low’. Yet the one whom you would have thought wanted to destroy the world, remains an angel behind the façade of one of most hated beings in the world of religious beliefs. And with the birth of child, comes a reunion between father and daughter, and a new Pack member who reluctantly admits that family is more important than pride.

Savannah and Adam will, at last, admit they have been dancing around each other for many years. Savannah’s proclamation that she has been in love with Adam since he ‘burned’ her initials into a heart, and Adam maintains that their age difference held him back from taking the initial steps towards a relationship will quell the angst of unrequited love. Their relationship has been frustrating throughout the series, knowing that they belonged together, but it will be Adam’s admission that he has felt the same way for a very long time.

Our favorite PACK will reunite in a short story at the end of the book-FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE. The previous Alpha will be vanquished from position in a head to head battle, a new Pack Alpha will be declared and their numbers will increase with the addition of a new member and his young family.

THIRTEEN is a fast paced, wild ride that will bring back many memories from the previous storylines. Cassandra and Aaron will sacrifice themselves to save a once-beloved Cabal member, while Jasper Haig is released to ensure Hope survives the end of the world. Many of the demon fathers make an appearance as the wall between the worlds slowly disintegrates, but the open portal will allow a beast so frightening, that even the powers of the supernatural are useless against its’ attack. THIRTEEN is a wonderful end to a fantastic series that will be missed by so many readers and friends. I would like to thank the talented Kelley Armstrong for allowing me to ride along on the amazing adventures of Elena, Clay and the Pack. They will truly be missed.

Reviewed by Sandy

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

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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.

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THIRTEEN (Women of the Otherworld #13) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

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THIRTEEN by Kelley Armstrong -a review

THIRTEEN (Women of the Otherworld #13) by Kelley Armstrong

THIRTEEN is the final instalment in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. Although the number of storylines, technically cross, into the 20s (with the many anthologies and short stories available), THIRTEEN is the last of the full-length novels. There remain many stories to be told (Morgan’s and Reese’s for example) but sadly, I understand why Kelley felt the need to close the door on the Women of the Otherworld series. I am also pleased she has announced that she has, at the minimum, three more anthologies set for release starting in 2014. Let us hope that Morgan and the others will get their stories written-nothing like introducing several new characters and never revealing the exact nature of their connection to the series.

THIRTEEN is the culmination of 10 plus years of story telling all starting with Kelley’s introductory WOTO novel BITTEN, where we were first introduced to Elena Michaels –the first and only female werewolf- and her mate and ‘sire’ Clayton Danvers. But the road to THIRTEEN began in the pages of the second story STOLEN with the introduction of Savannah Levine- a young 12year old witch left orphaned when her half-demon/half- witch mother, Eve Levine, was murdered trying to escape Ty Winsloe’s compound of imprisoned supernatural beings. Now 10 years later, Savannah is a young woman, hopelessly in love with the man who helped rescue her from Winsloe’s hold, and a major player trying to stop a 13th century child killer from successfully finding a cure for mortality and revealing the existence of the supernatural race.

Many of the WOTO characters reunite in this final chapter including the revelation that someone who was long thought dead, is very much alive-and for that reason alone-a few more storylines must be written. Kelley has exposed us to many different demons, half-demons, angels and Cabals, but THIRTEEN gathers some of the Otherworld’s nastiest demons and fallen angels in a struggle between ‘the good, the bad and the lowest of the low’. Yet the one whom you would have thought wanted to destroy the world, remains an angel behind the façade of one of most hated beings in the world of religious beliefs. And with the birth of child, comes a reunion between father and daughter, and a new Pack member who reluctantly admits that family is more important than pride.

Savannah and Adam will, at last, admit they have been dancing around each other for many years. Savannah’s proclamation that she has been in love with Adam since he ‘burned’ her initials into a heart, and Adam maintains that their age difference held him back from taking the initial steps towards a relationship will quell the angst of unrequited love. Their relationship has been frustrating throughout the series, knowing that they belonged together, but it will be Adam’s admission that he has felt the same way for a very long time.

Our favorite PACK will reunite in a short story at the end of the book-FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE. The previous Alpha will be vanquished from position in a head to head battle, a new Pack Alpha will be declared and their numbers will increase with the addition of a new member and his young family.

THIRTEEN is a fast paced, wild ride that will bring back many memories from the previous storylines. Cassandra and Aaron will sacrifice themselves to save a once-beloved Cabal member, while Jasper Haig is released to ensure Hope survives the end of the world. Many of the demon fathers make an appearance as the wall between the worlds slowly disintegrates, but the open portal will allow a beast so frightening, that even the powers of the supernatural are useless against its’ attack. THIRTEEN is a wonderful end to a fantastic series that will be missed by so many readers and friends. I would like to thank the talented Kelley Armstrong for allowing me to ride along on the amazing adventures of Elena, Clay and the Pack. They will truly be missed.

Reviewed by Sandy

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FORBIDDEN by Kelley Armstrong-cover blurb and reveal

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FORBIDDEN by Kelley Armstrong-cover blurb and reveal

Here’s the first look at Angilram’s delightful cover art for Kelley Armstrong’s 40,000 word novella, Forbidden, due later this year. The art you see here is for the signed limited edition, which is about 60% sold out. We’ll post the equally striking dust jacket for the trade edition, as well as interior illustrations, in just a few short weeks.

Meanwhile, about Forbidden…

Westwood loves its werewolves. The team-spirit sign by the side of the highway seems a good omen to loner Morgan Walsh, as he drives to what could be the most important visit of his life — a chance to join the North American Pack. Then he wakes naked in the woods, surrounded by wolf tracks and a ring of suspicious cops. The situation only gets worse when he’s bailed out by Alpha-elect Elena Michaels and Clayton Danvers, her terrifying enforcer and mate.

Disappointed that such a promising young werewolf risked exposing them, Elena isn’t expecting anything from the pesky retrieval job except some much-needed alone time with Clay. Instead, she finds a different kind of evil stalking the streets and forests of Westwood, New York. Trapped in town by a snowstorm and sabotage, Elena, Clay and Morgan must find the mysterious threat before it sets its sights on them.

From: Subterranean Press (June 28, 2012)

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The Hunter and the Hunted (anthology) by Kelley Armstrong-a new release review

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The Hunter and the Hunted (anthology) by Kelley Armstrong

THE HUNTER AND THE HUNTED (Women of the Otherworld) Anthology by Kelley Armstrong-release date June 12, 2012

STALKED

STALKED is the first short story in Kelley Armstrong’s anthology THE HUNTER AND THE HUNTED. Originally released in the anthology My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon, written from Clay’s perspective STALKED follows Clay and Elena on their honeymoon in St. Louis.

Clay was hoping that their honeymoon was perfect, but only a couple of days into their vacation, Elena is bored. Not that she told him, but he sensed. Being werewolves, sightseeing wasn’t their usual form of entertainment, but the scent of a mutt (werewolf without a pack) spurred Clay into action. Hoping that Elena did not catch the scent, Clay tracked down the mutt and as usual, the mutt was willing to risk everything for a chance at the only female werewolf in existence. Threatening Clay’s mate would mean death to any wolf.

Fans of Kelley Armstrong will recognize the Cain name from previous storylines. The mutt hunting Elena was the son of Theo Cain and the young Cain was not willing to give up. But to Clay’s surprise it was Elena that eventually responded to Cain’s stalking. Elena was not willing to wait around for an attack. She was going to make sure the mutt never returned. With her usual flair, Kelley takes the reader on a hunt to track down a mutt only to find that there are three wolves willing to risk all for a chance at Elena.

STALKED is a quick read, basically a chapter in length. I had previously read Stalked in My Big Fat Supernatural Honeymoon, but Kelley is re-releasing many of her short stories and novellas for her WOTO fans. With the final book THIRTEEN to be released in July 2012, fans of WOTO will get periodic glimpses into the lives of the many characters throughout the series when Kelley re-releases her stories. Stalked is a welcome addition to the series, and fills in some of the missing timeline between BROKEN and FROSTBITTEN.

OFF-DUTY ANGEL

OFF-DUTY ANGEL is another short story that focuses on Eve Levine-part demon/part witch/sometime ghost/sometime angel-mother of Savannah and the late Nast Cabal heir Kristof Nast’s otherworldly lover. Wow, she has quite the repertoire. Oh and did I forget to mention-The Sword of Judgment. Eve holds life and death in her hands. Living or existing on another plane of existence, Kristof and Eve track down and prosecute the supernatural who have riled the Fates in the afterlife.

Lord Demon Balaam is Eve’s father and through parenting he has gifted Eve with a special ability and combining with her talents as a witch, Eve is called upon when someone needs to be followed. Shaman Lewis Stranz was her current assignment. Under Kristof’s directives Eve follows Lewis to London and the British museum, where she is not surprised to realize that he is probably a pawn in a much larger game. And meeting up with a demi-demon (an Erynis) now put Lewis on the radar because Erynis were known as the goddesses of vengeance.

But along the way, Eve crosses a barrier shift and soon finds herself the object of fear to a group of small demon-like creatures. Thinking she is working for her father, the Oni are under the assumption she has come for the one treasure they do not want to part (with).

Trsiel is a full-blooded angel with a voice that compels the truth. Partnered in the after-life together, Eve calls upon Trsiel to help better understand the treasure that the Oni refuses to give up. But Eve soon realizes that Kristoff has involved Eve in a game that has suddenly taken a serious turn. They had crossed a portal into Hell and retrieving the ‘treasure’ would take a miracle that even Trsiel wasn’t able to manage.

OFF-DUTY ANGEL reunites Eve with Trsiel as she aims to conquer her boredom while Kristof attends to his otherworldly legal duties. Written from Eve’s POV, Off- Duty Angel is another wonderful storyline in the WOTO series of novels and shortstories and imparts some more missing information that will eventually lead to Kelley’s final full length novel-THIRTEEN.

THIRTEEN (preview)

THIRTEEN is the last full-length novel (July 2012 release) in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. The Hunter and the Hunted offers a preview of what is in store for the final entry in a wonderful series from Savannah’s continued POV.

THIRTEEN continues where SPELLBOUND ended. Following the lab explosion that nearly ended Savannah, Adam and Jeremy’s lives, The Supernatural Liberation Movement continues their threat to reveal the existence of ‘otherworldly’ beings, but now someone with vengeance in their plans is calling upon the demons and angels. But when Savannah and Eve find themselves in police custody surrounded by other supernatural beings, they soon realize that their very existence hangs on their ability to call forth an ‘angel’ that only Jaime can see. And the angel is someone Savannah hasn’t seen in 9 years.

Kelley has said that many of her WOTO characters will reunite in THIRTEEN and within the first five chapters, one of the recently departed has returned. I am looking forward to reading THIRTEEN-here’s hoping everyone gets their HEA and Savannah and her family will be reunited for one glorious celebration at the end.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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