laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Nero's Fiddle
4 Stars
Series note:The events of the novella, The Unicorn's Tale occur in parallel to this book, which contains spoilers for it. Nevertheless, the storylines are unrelated and it is possible to skip the novella.
When several seemingly random people become victims of spontaneous human combustion, Inspector Fraser believes that there is more to the deaths than meets the eye. He reluctantly joins forces with Cara and Nate, who soon realize that another deadly artifact is being used as a murder weapon and the next target may just be someone closer to home.
One of the most appealing aspects of this series is the manner in which Exley incorporates actual historical elements within the storyline. In this case, Exley weaves a clever tale around the real-life mystery surrounding the question of hemophilia within the royal bloodline and the suspicion that
The narrative structure in this installment is different from the first two books as it includes several flashback chapters focusing on Cara's grandmother. These episodes provide considerable detail and insight not only into Nan's character but also into Cara's traumatic ordeal (see book #1) as well as the twists and turns of the current plot.
There are also some new developments in Cara and Nate's relationship as Cara learns more about his notorious past and must decide whether or not she can live with it. Although the romance takes a definite back seat to the mystery, it is clear that Nate's past and present are on a collision course and it will be interesting to see where Exley takes this.
Overall, an exciting and entertaining addition to the series and I look forward to listening to the next one.
4 Stars
Series note:The events of the novella, The Unicorn's Tale occur in parallel to this book, which contains spoilers for it. Nevertheless, the storylines are unrelated and it is possible to skip the novella.
When several seemingly random people become victims of spontaneous human combustion, Inspector Fraser believes that there is more to the deaths than meets the eye. He reluctantly joins forces with Cara and Nate, who soon realize that another deadly artifact is being used as a murder weapon and the next target may just be someone closer to home.
One of the most appealing aspects of this series is the manner in which Exley incorporates actual historical elements within the storyline. In this case, Exley weaves a clever tale around the real-life mystery surrounding the question of hemophilia within the royal bloodline and the suspicion that
Spoiler
Queen Victoria was not the biological daughter of Edward of KentSpoiler
- a theory that has been thoroughly debunked.The narrative structure in this installment is different from the first two books as it includes several flashback chapters focusing on Cara's grandmother. These episodes provide considerable detail and insight not only into Nan's character but also into Cara's traumatic ordeal (see book #1) as well as the twists and turns of the current plot.
There are also some new developments in Cara and Nate's relationship as Cara learns more about his notorious past and must decide whether or not she can live with it. Although the romance takes a definite back seat to the mystery, it is clear that Nate's past and present are on a collision course and it will be interesting to see where Exley takes this.
Overall, an exciting and entertaining addition to the series and I look forward to listening to the next one.
diaryofthebookdragon's review against another edition
4.0
Artifact Hunters series and me are good old friends. It has mouthy kick-ass heoine, broody hero who adores her and a lot of fun secondary characters. I was looking forward to read how Cara and Nate will correct the mess made by Nero’s fiddle.
At the start of Nero’s Fiddle, Cara and Nate are living in the Lyons country estate and working hard on storing all dangerous artifacts. And in London, Inspector Fraser is working on a series of murders. At times it seemed like this is a first book in a series. There are a lot of descriptions about character’s past. This maybe did make Nero’s Fiddle slower in pace than it’s predecessors, but I enjoyed learning more about my favorite characters and watching them grow from their experiences.
Cara and Nate are still working on their relationship, but I think finally Cara knows what she wants:
"Acceptance by the ton came at the cost of becoming a decoration. To be seen and admired at the appropriate occasions and never, ever, having a voice. Deep within her, Cara set free the last tiny sliver of desire to ever be accepted by the matrons. She watched the childhood indoctrination disappear out the window and into the winter night, then embraced her new place."
As you can see, I am trying to talk about this series without spoilers. I hope it’s working. :) I will just say that I love A.W. Exley‘s writing style and humor. Even ordinary descriptions are unusual:
"As the internal temperature of the drink dropped, the milk grew a skin and attempted to expand large enough to touch the edges and possibly plot its escape."
A.W. Exley is a queen of quirky side characters. And Brick, Cara’s new bodyguard, just might be my favorite.
She hooked her hand in the crook of his elbow. “I hope you don’t mind too much that we walk? I hate being trapped inside by this gloomy weather.”
He swept his hand down his body. “And hide this in a carriage? I don’t think so.”
I can’t wait to find out what A.W. Exley has in store for us in a sequel – Moseh’s Staff!
IN THE END…
Maybe Nero’s Fiddle had little less excitement and thrilling romance than previous books, but it did a great work in adding new layers to personalities of all our favorite characters and introduced us to some fun new ones. If you are looking for a fun historical fantasy full of romance, steampunk and kick-ass characters – Artifact Hunters series is still highly recommended by me.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from CBB Book Promotions in exchange for a fair and honest review. This text is also posted on my blog Bookworm Dreams in a little bit more styled edition.
At the start of Nero’s Fiddle, Cara and Nate are living in the Lyons country estate and working hard on storing all dangerous artifacts. And in London, Inspector Fraser is working on a series of murders. At times it seemed like this is a first book in a series. There are a lot of descriptions about character’s past. This maybe did make Nero’s Fiddle slower in pace than it’s predecessors, but I enjoyed learning more about my favorite characters and watching them grow from their experiences.
Cara and Nate are still working on their relationship, but I think finally Cara knows what she wants:
"Acceptance by the ton came at the cost of becoming a decoration. To be seen and admired at the appropriate occasions and never, ever, having a voice. Deep within her, Cara set free the last tiny sliver of desire to ever be accepted by the matrons. She watched the childhood indoctrination disappear out the window and into the winter night, then embraced her new place."
As you can see, I am trying to talk about this series without spoilers. I hope it’s working. :) I will just say that I love A.W. Exley‘s writing style and humor. Even ordinary descriptions are unusual:
"As the internal temperature of the drink dropped, the milk grew a skin and attempted to expand large enough to touch the edges and possibly plot its escape."
A.W. Exley is a queen of quirky side characters. And Brick, Cara’s new bodyguard, just might be my favorite.
She hooked her hand in the crook of his elbow. “I hope you don’t mind too much that we walk? I hate being trapped inside by this gloomy weather.”
He swept his hand down his body. “And hide this in a carriage? I don’t think so.”
I can’t wait to find out what A.W. Exley has in store for us in a sequel – Moseh’s Staff!
IN THE END…
Maybe Nero’s Fiddle had little less excitement and thrilling romance than previous books, but it did a great work in adding new layers to personalities of all our favorite characters and introduced us to some fun new ones. If you are looking for a fun historical fantasy full of romance, steampunk and kick-ass characters – Artifact Hunters series is still highly recommended by me.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from CBB Book Promotions in exchange for a fair and honest review. This text is also posted on my blog Bookworm Dreams in a little bit more styled edition.
sunniek's review
5.0
Great chapter in Cara and Nate's life. With this chapter we learn more of the history to Nan and Nessy and why Cara is the heir to the Earl of Morton. Nero's Fiddle causes spontaneous human combustion and is thought to be the hand of God delivering his sentence. Can Cara and Nate stop the user before it directly has an affect on them.
imzadirose's review
2.0
Meh. 2.5 stars maybe. These books are only about 10% about the actual artifact, and the rest is about their petty lives. I didn't like the back and forth nature of this one, I didn't like the story lines. The deaths were about the only good thing about the book.
The last book of 2016, and ending a CRAZY insanity year of books, this being book number 470. I don't plan to top that next year!!
The last book of 2016, and ending a CRAZY insanity year of books, this being book number 470. I don't plan to top that next year!!
cexleybooks's review against another edition
5.0
Another awesome book by this author. Once opened I did not put this book down until I was finished.
There is another mysterious artifact for the Lyon's to track down & the author has come up with an inventive & sinister take on why Nero played the fiddle while Rome burned. Poor Inspector Fraser. It's hard to determine cause of death when all you find is the odd hand or foot. The rest of the bodies have been reduced to ashes. He realizes he must uncover what the victims had in common before he can find the killer. When it becomes apparent some other worldly force may be involved, he asks Cara for help.
Make sure you read the novella, The Unicorn's Tail (book 2.5) so you understand the Jackson/ Amy/ Loki storyline!
Can't wait to read Moseh's Staff (book 4).
There is another mysterious artifact for the Lyon's to track down & the author has come up with an inventive & sinister take on why Nero played the fiddle while Rome burned. Poor Inspector Fraser. It's hard to determine cause of death when all you find is the odd hand or foot. The rest of the bodies have been reduced to ashes. He realizes he must uncover what the victims had in common before he can find the killer. When it becomes apparent some other worldly force may be involved, he asks Cara for help.
Make sure you read the novella, The Unicorn's Tail (book 2.5) so you understand the Jackson/ Amy/ Loki storyline!
Can't wait to read Moseh's Staff (book 4).
tclinrow's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
cexleybooks's review against another edition
5.0
Another awesome book by this author. Once opened I did not put this book down until I was finished.
There is another mysterious artifact for the Lyon's to track down & the author has come up with an inventive & sinister take on why Nero played the fiddle while Rome burned. Poor Inspector Fraser. It's hard to determine cause of death when all you find is the odd hand or foot. The rest of the bodies have been reduced to ashes. He realizes he must uncover what the victims had in common before he can find the killer. When it becomes apparent some other worldly force may be involved, he asks Cara for help.
Make sure you read the novella, The Unicorn's Tail (book 2.5) so you understand the Jackson/ Amy/ Loki storyline!
Can't wait to read Moseh's Staff (book 4).
There is another mysterious artifact for the Lyon's to track down & the author has come up with an inventive & sinister take on why Nero played the fiddle while Rome burned. Poor Inspector Fraser. It's hard to determine cause of death when all you find is the odd hand or foot. The rest of the bodies have been reduced to ashes. He realizes he must uncover what the victims had in common before he can find the killer. When it becomes apparent some other worldly force may be involved, he asks Cara for help.
Make sure you read the novella, The Unicorn's Tail (book 2.5) so you understand the Jackson/ Amy/ Loki storyline!
Can't wait to read Moseh's Staff (book 4).
katrinamarie's review against another edition
3.0
This review was originally posted on Bookish Things & More
Nero's Fiddle picks up shortly after the second book leaves off. Combusted bodies are being found, and the search to find the artifact responsible begins.
I still love Cara and Nate. I love how they work together and are there for each other despite their differences. We also get a little more of the story about why Inspector Fraser hates Nate. Not all of it, but enough to pique my curiosity even more.
We see more of Cara in her official role for the Queen. And some of her friends too.
A great follow-up in this series.
Quickie Review
Nero's Fiddle picks up shortly after the second book leaves off. Combusted bodies are being found, and the search to find the artifact responsible begins.
I still love Cara and Nate. I love how they work together and are there for each other despite their differences. We also get a little more of the story about why Inspector Fraser hates Nate. Not all of it, but enough to pique my curiosity even more.
We see more of Cara in her official role for the Queen. And some of her friends too.
A great follow-up in this series.
corymouse's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
krisrid's review against another edition
4.0
Book 3 and I am still loving this series!
This series combines lots of things almost guaranteed to draw me in: magical/dangerous artifacts, spunky strong female characters, Victorian-era England, dramatic, dangerous heroes, plenty of action and plenty of humour. This book has, as have the first two, all those things and I loved every moment I spent reading it.
This story gives Cara's grandmother, Nan and her dear friend Nessy an opportunity to get into the drama that characterizes Cara and Nate's life. As they investigate a new series of suspicious deaths that may involve an artifact, everyone involved in their lives - including Cara's best friend Amy - get in on the act and it is tons of fun!
This series is just light, fun, funny entertaining stories with a little bit of magic and a little bit of romance to go along with the drama and the action. I have enjoyed all the books so far and look forward to reading book 4 next.
This series combines lots of things almost guaranteed to draw me in: magical/dangerous artifacts, spunky strong female characters, Victorian-era England, dramatic, dangerous heroes, plenty of action and plenty of humour. This book has, as have the first two, all those things and I loved every moment I spent reading it.
This story gives Cara's grandmother, Nan and her dear friend Nessy an opportunity to get into the drama that characterizes Cara and Nate's life. As they investigate a new series of suspicious deaths that may involve an artifact, everyone involved in their lives - including Cara's best friend Amy - get in on the act and it is tons of fun!
This series is just light, fun, funny entertaining stories with a little bit of magic and a little bit of romance to go along with the drama and the action. I have enjoyed all the books so far and look forward to reading book 4 next.