squishies's review against another edition
3.0
I am loving the world this is set in, but unfortunately I'm still not keen on Helena; kind of wish we get to read more about Judy, whom I've fast become attached to.
Pacing and story was great, just wasn't too keen on the romance side of things (this, coming from an avid trashy romance reader).
Not super happy Helena's gone with her libido before checking the Accords first. I don't know why she didn't do that from the start when Judy pointed out the potential risk to Abernathy's impartiality in the previous instalment. When they actually declared their love for each other, it just felt flat to me. Perhaps my disapproval overrode my sense of "romance".
Pacing and story was great, just wasn't too keen on the romance side of things (this, coming from an avid trashy romance reader).
Spoiler
I felt really bad for Jason playing second fiddle to Helena's affections, but glad she finally realised what she was doing was completely unfair to him (even though he took it very ungraciously).Not super happy Helena's gone with her libido before checking the Accords first. I don't know why she didn't do that from the start when Judy pointed out the potential risk to Abernathy's impartiality in the previous instalment. When they actually declared their love for each other, it just felt flat to me. Perhaps my disapproval overrode my sense of "romance".
ebgracie77's review against another edition
I couldn’t keep going. Did not finish at 23%. I understand that characters are human and make mistakes. But I just can’t get behind a character admitting to someone that they care about them romantically and then purposely going out with someone else and starting a serious relationship (including sleeping with) that other character. Plus, the insane family tension in the beginning of this book!? Ugh.
There didn’t need to be a doomed romance. It doesn’t add to the book at all. I loved the first two of this series. Why can’t you just be friends with someone you love and who loves you? And get on with the good bits of the story and world building?
So disappointing. I don’t think I’ll be reading any more of this series. I can deal with human foibles, but I want to like my main characters. This genre of fantasy/romance is one where I expect my heros/ines to be somewhat like able. Especially if I liked them in the first two books.
There didn’t need to be a doomed romance. It doesn’t add to the book at all. I loved the first two of this series. Why can’t you just be friends with someone you love and who loves you? And get on with the good bits of the story and world building?
So disappointing. I don’t think I’ll be reading any more of this series. I can deal with human foibles, but I want to like my main characters. This genre of fantasy/romance is one where I expect my heros/ines to be somewhat like able. Especially if I liked them in the first two books.
davidreyno's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
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
4.5
The series continues to be quite entertaining, with the hero in the thick of it all.
krisrid's review
5.0
I am nuts about this series! Book 3 was the best so far, and I've already ordered books 4 & 5.
Paranormal fiction is a favourite genre for me, and this series has it all. The world-building is creative, clever and well-conceived, the characters are likable but flawed, and the plot has plenty of twists and turns and suspense to keep you reading past your bedtime.
I especially love the Oracle/bookstore and how it deals with Helena and the requests that are brought to it. The Oracle feels like an extra character and it's fun.
The book leaves some loose ends, but the plot of this book is properly resolved by the end, which is always a big plus for me. Even with a continuing series, it's the mark of a talented writer to be able to end a book in the series to give resolution to the reader while still keeping the overall world and storyline going for future books. Melissa McShane does this with this series and I applaud her for it!
I am also enjoying the development of Helena's character as this series progresses. She is a likable character, and watching her come into her own in her role in this weird and wonderful world she's landed in is really enjoyable.
Can't wait to continue with this series. It's a favourite in the paranormal genre and I highly recommend it!
Paranormal fiction is a favourite genre for me, and this series has it all. The world-building is creative, clever and well-conceived, the characters are likable but flawed, and the plot has plenty of twists and turns and suspense to keep you reading past your bedtime.
I especially love the Oracle/bookstore and how it deals with Helena and the requests that are brought to it. The Oracle feels like an extra character and it's fun.
The book leaves some loose ends, but the plot of this book is properly resolved by the end, which is always a big plus for me. Even with a continuing series, it's the mark of a talented writer to be able to end a book in the series to give resolution to the reader while still keeping the overall world and storyline going for future books. Melissa McShane does this with this series and I applaud her for it!
I am also enjoying the development of Helena's character as this series progresses. She is a likable character, and watching her come into her own in her role in this weird and wonderful world she's landed in is really enjoyable.
Can't wait to continue with this series. It's a favourite in the paranormal genre and I highly recommend it!
booksbeyondimagining's review
4.0
This one definitely took a turn I wasn't expecting! Part of me really wants to ship Helena and Malcolm, but another part of me feels like she really doesn't know him as well as she thinks? There seems to be so much about his past and family that he has only hinted at, and I wonder if she should be privy to more information?
I definitely enjoy this series, but there is some "unreliable narrator" issues that keep popping up - especially since it sometimes feels like only half the mystery is ever solved. Or at least, revealed.
Still, I keep getting dragged in and cannot stop listening. Onward to the next one!
I definitely enjoy this series, but there is some "unreliable narrator" issues that keep popping up - especially since it sometimes feels like only half the mystery is ever solved. Or at least, revealed.
Still, I keep getting dragged in and cannot stop listening. Onward to the next one!
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