Book Review: Blood Gamble (Disrupted Magic) by Melissa F. Olson

Blood Gamble is the second book in the Disrupted Magic series by Melissa F. Olson, which is an offshoot of the Scarlett Bernard series. I highly recommend reading all of the two series in order, but to be honest I love the author so I recommend reading all of her books period. 

If there is one city that Scarlett Bernard hates, it’s Las Vegas. But when the cardinal vampire of Los Angeles convinces her to go investigate a new vampire-themed stage show, Scarlett quickly finds herself shoulder-deep in sequins, slot machines, and Old World intrigue. The show’s creators are vampire celebrities Arthur and Lucy Holmwood, who once inspired characters from the original Dracula. Now, however, they have no qualms about announcing their true status to the human world, endangering the secrecy of the Old World and Scarlett’s mission to keep it hidden. But before she can begin untangling the Holmwoods’ motives, Scarlett also discovers that their new production has attracted more than just fans: Las Vegas’s many vampires are suddenly disappearing, and rumors are flying that actual vampire hunters may have followed Arthur and Lucy to town. Now, without her allies, her bargest, or her frequent partner Jesse Cruz, Scarlett must navigate a new underworld of secrets and murders in a city where nothing is ever as it seems. And the stakes have never been higher.

Blood Gamble is a fast and furious addition to Scarlett's story. She is facing huge odds, yet again, and deals with crisis on physical and emotional fronts. Again, I loved her journey of personal and work related discovery, and her drive to protect those around her even if they might not need her protection. I think her drive for information and the conflicts and betrayals that thread through the story kept me turning pages and eager to see how her reunion with another Null goes, and how the story of Lucy and Arthur will play out. I loved the addition of the fact Scarlett is in a city she hates, and that she is trying to guard the secret of her real job while doing it and keeping her family and friends safe.  So much is going on that I think the reader can see what is coming easier than Scarlett, only because we are a step back, but oh what a ride. I enjoyed every agonizing or life and death moment. Oh, and the changing dynamics with Dashnell, and how Jesse gives Scarlett and the readers perspective on the whole thing- so good. I found the final twist to be one I had been holding my breath for, and oddly anticipating. I am eager to see where the series takes us next.

Blood Gamble is another great urban fantasy, and I was left stunned at the end. I cannot wait for what ever comes next. Seriously, I need the next book now. 

Book Review: Just the Thing (The Donnigans) by Marie Harte

Just the Thing is the second book in The Donnigans series by Marie Harte. The first book was A Sure Thing, and while the characters overlap and those that are following the series will have more insight into them, newcomers can also enjoy the read, although it is likely to make you want to go back and see what you missed.

Gavin Donnigan left the Marine Corps a shell of a man, hounded by guilt for deaths he couldn't prevent. But teaching a self-defense class at the local gym brings some stability to his life―along with a gorgeous leggy woman who won't give him the time of day. Zoe York lost her twin sister to a freak car accident a few months ago. She's been struggling to bury her grief, but it isn't until she signs up for a self-defense class with its distracting instructor that she begins to come out of her shell again. With the memory of her sister telling her to live a little, Zoe decides a fling with buns-of-steel Gavin Donnigan might be just the thing. Soon they're sparring both in and out of the gym. And for the first time in a long time, each is looking forward to tomorrow.

Just the Thing is another book from Harte that features characters with real problems, and real support systems. Gavin is dealing with his issues, and moving forward with the help of family, hard work, and therapy. Zoe is doing her best to move on from her own family tragedy while still having a challenging career. I love the interaction between Zoe and Gavin, they tease and bicker in a way I find real as well as entertaining./ At the same time, I love the relationship between Gavin and his family. I found the combination of teasing and support to be so entertaining and oddly charming. Rather like the way my brother and I tease each other but would do anything for each other. I love the honesty and real feel of the characters. They are written so well that I really came to care about the characters and felt like I could see them in the real world. I honestly want to meet the characters from the Donnigan and related series- and love the fact that they are overlapping more and more. 

Just the Thing is another great book from Harte. I am currently gathering all the books she has published, and reading more from her. My only disappointment it that I somehow missed the Netgalley offering of one book, and did not find this author until recently. I will be searching library collections and Amazon to make sure I get my hands on them all.

Book Review: Missing by Kelley Armstrong

Missing by Kelley Armstrong is a young adult thriller. The only thing Winter Crane likes about Reeve’s End is that soon she’ll leave it. Like her best friend did. Like her sister did. Like most of the teens born in town have done. There’s nothing for them there but abandoned mines and empty futures. They’re better off taking a chance elsewhere. The only thing Winter will miss is the woods. Her only refuge. At least it was. Until the day she found Lennon left for dead, bleeding in a tree. But now Lennon is gone too. And he has Winter questioning what she once thought was true. What if nobody left at all? What if they’re all missing?

Missing is a bit of a mystery and very much a thriller. I liked the characters and the mystery surrounding Winter's search for Lennon and the missing teens from Reeve's End. I thought the reality of the hard lives people in Reeve's End face is engaging and makes the larger story and mystery much deeper. Winter's struggle to get a better life, and her willingness to risk it all to do the right thing draws the reader and makes them care so much about her as a character and a person. I found Lennon and Jude, and the personalities and mystery surround them, to be extremely well done. I will admit to being surprised several times with the elements intrinsic to the thriller aspect of the story. I like that the physiological component was high, and that while there was some gore, it was not overwhelming. The balance of character and setting development was pretty much perfect, making the town and characters all very real and multi dimensional rather than flat and boring bits in the background. While I am not a big fan of thrillers, I found myself rather hoping for even more about Winter what might happen next to most of the characters. 

Missing is a young adult thriller, a new direction for Armstrong. I have been a fan of her other works, but I am not usually a big thriller fan, but I recognized the writing style and enjoyed the read very much. I might even continue reading her thrillers because of her character and setting work, despite my general avoidance of the genre.

Book Review: Serafina and the Splintered Heart (Serafina) by Robert Beatty

Serafina and the Splintered Heart is the third (and final) book in the Serafina series by Robert Beatty. Something has happened to Serafina. She has awoken into a darkness she does not understand, scarred from a terrible battle, only to find that life at Biltmore Estate has changed in unimaginable ways. Old friends do unthinkable things and enemies seem all around. A mysterious threat moves towards Biltmore, a force without a name, bringing with it violent storms and flooding that stands to uproot everything in its path. Serafina must uncover the truth about what has happened to her and find a way to harness her strange new powers before it's too late. With only days to achieve the impossible, Serafina fights to reclaim herself as the Guardian of Biltmore, friend of Braeden, daughter of her Pa, and heroine of the Blue Ridge Mountains and all the folk and creatures that call it home. 

Serafina and the Splintered Heart is an emotional and exciting read that wrapped up the adventures of Serafina and characters in and around the Biltmore beautifully. I was nervous picking the book up, that it might not meet my extremely high expectations- but I should not have feared it was beautifully done. Serafina character continued to grow and get even more complex as she faces huge challenges to save Biltmore with those she trusts- and learning to trust someone that could destroy everything. The specifics of Serafina's crisis, and the larger dangers fancing everyone in or near the Biltmore are very well done and kept me so anxious that I serious read the book in a day, because there was no point in which I felt safe walking away. I loved the role perseverance, trust, and friendship all play in the story. The character arcs and struggles they face in their own minds, and against an old enemy make this series conclusion such a must read that I am lacking the right words to recommend this book (and the entire series) enough for middle grade readers through adults. 

Serafina and the Splintered Heart is a book that I put off reading too long. I was so eager to get my hands on it because I loved the previous two books- but I was terrified that it would fall short. Thankfully, the author and his creation more than met my expectations. To make me even happier, the promise of a related series in the near future has me chomping at the bit to get my hands on everything that comes next. 

Book Review: The Brightest Fell (October Daye) by Seanan McGuire

The Brightest Fell is the eleventh book in the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire. I do not recommend reading this series out of order, skipping around, or picking up just one random book and starting. The character and world building is intense, and builds up throughout the series. However, do not be afraid to start this series because of the size. The series has only gotten better as it continues. This might just be the best one yet!

For once, everything in October “Toby” Daye’s life seems to be going right. There have been no murders or declarations of war for her to deal with, and apart from the looming specter of her Fetch planning her bachelorette party, she’s had no real problems for days. Maybe things are getting better. Suddenly Toby’s mother, Amandine the Liar, appears on her doorstep and demands that Toby find her missing sister, August. But August has been missing for over a hundred years and there are no leads to follow. And Toby really doesn’t owe her mother any favors. Then Amandine starts taking hostages, and refusal ceases to be an option

The Brightest Fell is another roller coaster ride for Toby, with her mother taking precious hostages just as Toby was starting to relax. The continued character growth for Toby and Simon in particular is simply fantastic. I loved that many seemingly loose ends from previous books, and some things we thought to be resolved as best they could, came to be extremely important again. It is so hard to gush about this book without dropping spoilers, because I would hate to ruin any part of the ride for anyone else since I enjoyed it so much. There are so many twists and turns, so many surprises, that I think I held my breath through half the read. If you love this series, it is a must read. If you like the other books by McGuire but have not delved into this series- start right now with Rosemary and Rue.

The Brightest Fell is a wonderful addition to the series. This is a must read for McGuire fans, and definitely stick around and read the bonus novella at the end. As a side note- if you enjoy audio books- I listened to the first ten books and the reader is fabulous. My only complaint is that about half way through the series the reader changed the pronunciation of a word- and it drove me crazy. I think I am going to stick to the print format for the rest but don't let my issue be yours, they are still very well done.

Early Book Review: Mighty Jack and the Goblin King by Ben Hatke

Mighty Jack and the Goblin King is the second book in the Mighty Jack series by Ben Hatke. This middle grade graphic novel is currently scheduled for release on September 5 2017. I would highly recommend reading this series in order, as you will have no idea how Maddy was stolen, how the garden grew, or what crazy adventures brought together Jack and Lilly.

Jack's little sister Maddy is gone, carried into another realm by an ogre. When Jack and Lilly follow Maddy’s captor through the portal, they are ready for anything, except what they find waiting for them in the floating crossroads between worlds. Even the power of their magic plants may not be enough to get them back to earth alive. Alone and injured, Jack and Lilly must each face their own monsters—as well as giants who grind the bones of human children to feed their “beast” and a fearsome goblin king in the sewers down below. But when Jack finds himself in a tough spot, help comes from the most unlikely person: the goblin king!

Mighty Jack and the Goblin King is a continuation of the first graphic novel, and carries over even an unexpected character. Maddy has been stolen by and ogre and Jack is willing to do anything to save her, anything. Together Jack and Lilly face huge obstacles, apart the face even bigger challenges. Crazy characters and situations keep the characters and readers guessing, and the story moving at a quick pace. I enjoyed the art style, as usual with Hatke, and the fun twists and turns the story took. The use of different creatures with characteristics that do not always fit expectations made the story engaging. I liked that Lilly continued to be more than expected, as did young Maddy. There is plenty of room for more adventures in this series, but was glad to see a satisfying conclusion to this two part adventure. I look forward to what ever Hatke offers readers next.

Mighty Jack and the Goblin King is another winner from Ben Hatke. He has been a favorite of mine for children's graphic novels for awhile now, and I was glad to see this one reinforce that feeling- especially since  remember being a little disappointed with the ending of the first instalment of Mighty Jack. Fans of adventure and graphic novels will want to explore this series, just read the volumes one right after another and you will find yourself quite satisfied.

Book Review: Dawn Study (Soulfinders) by Maria V. Snyder

Dawn Study is the third book in the Soulfinders series by Maria V. Snyder. It could also be considered the sixth book in the Study series, or the ninth book in the larger Chronicles of Ixia series. You can read each sub series on its own, but I highly recommend reading them all to get the bigger picture. 

Despite the odds, Yelena and Valek have forged an irrevocable bond and a family that transcends borders. Now, when their two homelands stand on the brink of war, they must fight with magic and cunning to thwart an Ixian plot to invade Sitia. Yelena seeks to break the hold of the insidious Theobroma that destroys a person's resistance to magical persuasion. But the Cartel is determined to keep influential citizens and Sitian diplomats in thrall and Yelena at bay. With every bounty hunter after her, Yelena is forced to make a dangerous deal. With might and magic, Valek peels back the layers of betrayal surrounding the Commander. At its rotten core lies a powerful magician and his latest discovery. The fate of all rests upon two unlikely weapons. One may turn the tide. The other could spell the end of everything. 

Dawn Study picks up right where Night Study left off. Yelena and Valek have to deal with the dangers of the political intrigue that has been such a big part of their lives, along with the changes in their magical abilities. They are both also struggling with their need to keep each other, and everyone else safe- while trusting those in their confidence to do what they do best. The book is as much about overcoming the odds and power hunger people as it is about the emotional growth they make. I love the way Snyder keeps everything so well balanced between the physical and emotional danger each character faces. As always, Yelena and Valek and their herd are some of my favorite characters- but I still love seeing those from the Glass and Story storylines all come together in the larger story line. 

Dawn Study is another book that sat in my to read pile much longer than intended. It took me a bit to feel like I remember all that I had read previously, but once I was past the first chapter I was completely lost in the story again, and loving the continued adventures of Valek and Yelena. I did not find it as perfect as some of the Ixia books, but it will still be a must read for fans, and is still a good read. Also, I loved those other books so much that they were a tough act to follow.

Book Review: How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days (The Embraced) by Kerrelyn Sparks

How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days is the first book in The Embraced series by Kerrelyn Sparks. Luciana grew up on the Isle of Moon, hidden away because of her magical powers. But when her father arrives, he offers her a choice: remain on the island or return with him and marry the Beast of Benwick in order to save their legacy—and her father's life.Lord Leofric, the Beast of Benwick, has not been touched since he was a child. Born with the power to harness lightning, he is a danger to everyone he touches. When he meets his betrothed, he expects a loveless, lonely marriage, until he discovers she's vastly more powerful than he realized. But is she strong enough to withstand his touch? If they can survive, their love will alter the future of the kingdom. But will their extraordinary powers cost them everything?

How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days is a wonderful start to a new series. I liked that the majority of he information you need to understand the world was laid out in a quick opening page without a heavy information dump buried in the story. I also really enjoyed the characters. Each of the characters is complex and  has a clear personality. Even the secondary characters were written to be more than background noise, to the point where any or all of them feel like they might be important in the rest of the series. I connected with both Luciana and Leo, and enjoyed watching them dance around each other while they struggled with both the external dangers and their own feelings. I found them both to be intelligent and compassionate- despite the danger and complications that surround them. Even after finishing the book I found myself worried for them and thinking about them. I cannot wait to continue this series- and I assume see the rest of Luciana's sisters from the Isle of Moon find love.

How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days is a great reminder of how much I enjoy Sparks' writing style. The character and world building is extremely well done, and I know I will be following this series, in fact I already have the galley for the second book- So I Married a Sorcerer on my Kindle. 

Book Review: Midnight Curse (Disrupted Magic) by Melissa F. Olson

Midnight Curse is the first book in the Disrupted Magic series by Melissa F. Olson, which is a follow up to the Scarlet Bernard book, so you could think of it as the fourth book in that series if you would like. It also has some characters from the Boundary Magic series. I think I would recommend reading the other series first, before jumping in here. Since I adore the books, I think it would be a pleasure rather than a task. However, if you want to just dive in, there is enough groundwork and explanation in the book that I think newcomers could catch up quickly. 

Scarlett Bernard is used to cleaning up messes. As a human who cancels out any magic around her, Scarlett’s job is to keep the supernatural world hidden—at any cost. But on the eve of the Vampire Trials, a two-day tribunal that allows the otherworldly community to air their grievances, Scarlett receives a blood-soaked message from Molly, her estranged former roommate. Molly, a vampire, had been living with twelve human college students…and in one terrible night, she slaughtered them all. Scarlett believes Molly’s been set up, but no one else in the Old World agrees with her. Meanwhile, the true perpetrator is determined to make sure Molly goes on trial for the massacre—and the penalty is death. With less than two days to prove her friend’s innocence, Scarlett calls on former LAPD detective Jesse Cruz to help her dig into Molly’s past. But no one—Molly included—wants Scarlett and Jesse to bring the terrible truth to light.

Midnight Curse is exactly what fans of Olson are looking for. The first chapter was spent playing catch up and remembering what I had read already, but I think that is the case for more series or related books with good backstories. I think there is a good amount of information so that newer readers to the world will catch up, but I still recommend reading the books in order to get a fuller understanding of the larger relationships and politics involved. I really enjoyed the growth that Scarlet shows, and the realistic personal and interpersonal reactions and feelings. I thought the danger and mystery were well done and pretty perfectly paced. I liked that not everything, and everyone, was perfectly good or bad- but that Olson continued to show how most everyone comes in shades of grey.

I was glad to see Molly back into Scarlet's life- although not in the way anyone was really hoping for. I also like that the book wrapped up the mystery and struggle of the particular story while still leaving plenty of open avenues for future books that will not be a reach or stretch. I was glad to see Jesse back as well, and think this is going to be a great series with the majority of my favorite characters. A must read for fans, and good motivation for urban fantasy fans that have yet to read her work to start from the beginning and become a fan.

Midnight Curse is another great book from Olson. I was disappointed that I took this long to get around to reading this book, but so glad I did. To those that like audiobooks, I highly recommend listening to the series. I binge listened to ALL the previous books from Olson via my library overdrive offerings and Audible. The reader is wonderful, and actually reading this book rather than listening, I still heard the narrator I was used to in my read as I read.

Early Book Review: Where I Need to Be (McKenna) by Jamie Hollins

Where I Need to Be is the third book in the McKenna series by Jamie Hollins. It is currently scheduled for release on July 18 2017. While I have read the previous books and enjoyed them greatly, you can read them each as a stand alone and still enjoy the read. 

When heroin stole James Foley’s wife and destroyed his marriage, he poured all his energy into raising his young son and running his auto garage. There’s no room in his life for anything else until Megan McKenna walks into his shop. He finds it impossible to resist the sexy school teacher. After an ugly divorce, Megan lost her home, her job, and a big chunk of her self-respect. With her posh lifestyle now a memory, she starts over by indulging in an unexpected fling with a hard-bodied mechanic.  What begins as something casual turns into something meaningful. But how can their relationship survive when it’s built on half-truths?  James and Megan soon discover that being honest with themselves is just as important as being honest with each other. Only then will their relationship fire on all cylinders.

Where I Need to Be is a great contemporary romance of people initially unwilling to take another chance at love given no choice once their hearts are involved. James is doing the best he can for his son with the help of his father, but suffers with self doubt and guilt about time spent away from his son at work or socially. Megan is just trying to get her life back in gear after her ex-husband cheated and then took all the money and friends in the divorce. She is just happy to still be teaching and that the marriage is over- however still feels like she failed to make it work. When the pair meet- and their marital statuses and attraction are discovered to be mutual a relationship is formed. I like that they talked things through, like their expectations of the relationship, like adults. However, I was a little annoyed with Megan's reluctance to talk to her family, I honestly expected her to talk to her brother at least (mostly because of the previous books) even if she was not ready to deal with the rest of the family. I thought the situations and realism of the story was engaging and had me turning pages well past my bedtime. I liked the characters, and was glade to see the epilogue which offered a nice glimpse into the future for all three books in this series. 

Where I Need to Be is another winner from Hollins, and I cannot wait to see what they write next. A special thanks to the author, who helped me out why my NetGalley request was initially denied, helping me get the instant gratification I was craving. 

Book Review: The Sacred Hunt by Michelle West

The Sacred Hunt is the first time the duology Hunter's Oath and Hunter's Death, by bestselling author Michelle West, has been available as a single volume. This author has also published under the names Michelle Sagara and Michelle Sagara West.


HUNTER'S OATH: When the covenant was made with the Hunter God, it ensured that the Hunter Lords, their land, and their people would prosper. But in payment, once a year the Sacred Hunt must be called, in which the God's prey would be one of the Lords or his huntbrother. This was the Hunter's Oath, sworn to by each Lord and his huntbrother. It was the Oath taken by Gilliam of Elseth and the orphan boy Stephen--and the fulfillment of their Oath would prove the kind of destiny from which legends were made.
HUNTER'S DEATH: The Hunter Lord Gilliam and his huntbrother Stephen must travel to Averalaan, a city once ruled by the Lord of Hell himself, the Dark Lord who once again seeks to impose his reign over the mortal lands. And only Stephen, Gilliam, Espere, and the seer Evayne stand any chance of saving the world from this most evil of fates.

The Sacred Hunt is a solid and complete story. The world, the characters, and the mythology are all well written and interesting. I enjoyed the personalities, and their imperfection, that made the characters real despite the obvious fact they they are fictional. The relationship between Stephen and Gilliam, and those in similar positions, is well built and described with plenty of growth and change- as real personalities and relationships grow. The only thing that I really did not like were the interludes when Evayne's point of view came through. As the story progressed her importance was clear, but in the beginning I just found it disruptive, bringing me out of the story for a bit. I understand the importance of what readers gained there- but while I was reading the first portion of the doulogy, even though I knew there would be a good reason for it, it just did not help the flow of the book for me. I did find the pacing a little slow, but that could have been my eagerness to get to the action, and to see where West was going to take us.

The Sacred Hunt is a reminder for me of what I enjoy from a favorite author. I am a fan of her books writen as Michelle Sagara, and know that this douolgy was originally written much earlier. I can see the dedicated world and character building, as well as a slower pace and some pitfalls that showed me how much the author has grown. A solid fantasy series, but a less engaging story than I had hoped for.

Book Review: The Search for the Olinguito: Discovering a New Species by Sanda Markle

The Search for the Olinguito: Discovering a New Species by Sanda Markle is a non fiction book for children. In 2013 scientists announced the discovery of the olinguito, an adorable relative of raccoons living among treetops in cloud forests of Central and South America. It was the first new mammal species in the Carnivora order to be discovered in 35 years. Learn how scientists solved the mystery piece by piece over more than ten years, traveling to museums all over the world to look at similar species and eventually scouting cloud forests at night. Large photos bring readers face to face with the olinguito in this real-life science adventure.

The Search for the Olinguito: Discovering a New Species is a well. Told non fiction book for young readers. While some of the words will require sounding out or help from a more experienced reader, I think. That many independent readers will enjoy taklng this one on their own. I had never heard of the Olinguito before seeing this book, and was glad to learn of the research and adventure that was had in proving its existence. It was good to.  See the efforts and work in proper scientific methods how so clearly and understandably to young readers. It just might inspire them to explore their environment and do research. Maybe reading books like this will help inspire a new generation of dedicated scientists. 

The Search for the Olinguito: Discovering a New Species is an or transitional non fiction book great for sharing in a classroom, one on one, or for independent reading. I think the combination of facts, adventure, and beautiful illustrations will make this an enjoyable and interesting read for many. 

Book Review: Every Heart a Doorway (Wayward Children) by Seanan McGuire

Every Heart a Doorway is the first book in the Wayward Children series by Seanan McGuire. This novella length story is a solid introduction to what could be a wonderful series, but since I really adore the author's October Daye series I must admit I am likely a little bit biased.

Children have always disappeared under the right conditions; slipping through the shadows under a bed or at the back of a wardrobe, tumbling down rabbit holes and into old wells, and emerging somewhere else. But magical lands have little need for used-up miracle children. Nancy tumbled once, but now she’s back. The things she’s experienced, they change a person. The children under Miss West’s care understand all too well. And each of them is seeking a way back to their own fantasy world. But Nancy’s arrival marks a change at the Home. There’s a darkness just around each corner, and when tragedy strikes, it’s up to Nancy and her new-found schoolmates to get to the heart of the matter.

Every Heart a Doorway is a mystery, an urban fantasy, and a look at coming to know yourself. Nancy opened a door in her basement and walked into a faerie underworld. She spent years learning to be still and quiet, to please Hades and Persephone. Now struggling to survive in the world she is sent to a special boarding school for those that have had trips to faerie, but every trip is different and like any school there are cliques and bullies. This would not be so bad is Nancy's room was not murdered, and then things manage to get even worse. Nancy and her new group of friends need to solve the mystery, as they also look for the hidden doorways that might take them back to faerie. Self discover and understanding are important to the story, as is acceptance and understanding. I really enjoyed Nancy's character- and the majority of the outcasts that she bonds with. I think the world building here can take the series in a number of interesting directions and I plan on see exactly where McGuire takes us next!

Early Book Review: Cast in Flight (Chronicles of Elantra) by Michelle Sagara

Cast in Flight is the twelfth book in the Chronicles of Elantra series by Michelle Sagara. It is currently scheduled for release on October 26 2016. This is a series that you need to read in order, because the amount of world building and character work that has happened thus far would leave newcomers more than a little lost. However, I do highly recommend this series, with the knowledge that thus far (12 books in) quality has not diminished at all. In my opinion, each book only gets better.

Private Kaylin Neya already has Dragons and Barrani as roommates. Adding one injured, flightless Aerian to her household should be trivial. Sure, the Aerian is Sergeant Moran dar Carafel, but Kaylin’s own sergeant is a Leontine, the definition of growly and fanged. She can handle one Aerian. But when a walk to the Halls of Law becomes a street-shattering magical assassination attempt on the sergeant, Kaylin discovers that it’s not the guest who’s going to be the problem: it’s all of the people who suddenly want Moran dar Carafel dead. And though Moran refuses to tell her why she’s being targeted, Kaylin is determined to discover her secret and protect her at all costs, even if keeping Moran safe means dealing with Aerian politics, angry dragons and something far more sinister.

Cast in Flight offers fans of the series a better look at a number of long standing characters that have not gotten much time previously. We get to learn so much about Moran, more about both the dragons and newly returned Barrani. Again we get to see Kaylin grown, and she puzzles through the connections and politics in a way that brings readers along for the ride without making her appear stupid, or readers feel foolish for not understanding. I love the self deprecating humor and her ability to admit and work on her failings and lack of understanding through the book, and the series in general. My only issue with the book, and the series in general, is that the crisis keep getting bigger and more complicated. I want to see where it will all lead and fully expect that in one of these book to see a huge coming together of all these past problems, and the ripples the left behind, and have a huge grand conclusion. I am both eager for it, because I am so curious, and dreading it because that would mean the story that I have loved so much will be over.

Cast in Flight is another fantastic addition to the series. Do not start reading here, go to the very beginning with Cast in Shadow and make your way through the entire series. The world and character building is complex, and you honestly need the entire picture to fully enjoy the series. It is well worth the effort if you like fantasy with complex characters and conflicts.