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Compared to the first book, not so chaotic on the worldbuilding (so far, in the framework already established). Still enjoying the characters and the story is well on its way.
Compared to the first book, not so chaotic on the worldbuilding (so far, in the framework already established). Still enjoying the characters and the story is well on its way.
This reader's personal opinion, ©2018, all rights reserved, not to be quoted, clipped or used in any way by goodreads, Google Play, amazon.com or other commercial booksellers*
So, random Amazon prime borrow (Kindle Owner's Lending Library) -- a freebie, self-/indie published and a shorter length work that I really wound up enjoying.
Not really sure why beyond liking the heroine. It threw so much at you at once that I'm not sure I have a handle on the story, the series or the worldbuilding. But just go with it; action-packed and full of pretty much everything supernatural, paranormal or fairy-tale-ish.
Not sure yet why series is called Dragon's Gift or Valkyrie. No Valkyries yet. The main character and her sister's powers are still unknown at end of this one.
Probably the best review I can give this is that I plan on reading the next novella in the series.
*©2018. All rights reserved except permission is granted to author or publisher (except Penumbra Publishing) to reprint/quote in whole or in part. I may also have cross-posted on The Reading Room, Libib, LibraryThing, and other sites including retailers like kobo and Barnes and Noble. Posting on any site does not grant that site permission to share with any third parties or indicate release of copyright.
Ratings scale used in absence of a booklikes suggested rating scale:
★★★★★ = All Time Favorite
★★★★½ = Extraordinary Book. Really Loved It.
★★★★☆ = Loved It.
★★★½☆ = Really Liked.
★★★☆☆ = Liked.
★★½☆☆ = Liked parts; parts only okay. Would read more by author.
★★☆☆☆ = Average. Okay.
★½☆☆☆ = Disliked or meh? but kept reading in hopes would improve.
★☆☆☆☆ = Loathed It. Possibly DNF and a torturous read.
½☆☆☆☆ = So vile was a DNF or should have been. Cannot imagine anyone liking. (Might also be just an "uploaded" word spew or collection that should not be dignified by calling itself a "published book." If author is going batshit crazy in the blogosphere over reviews -- I now know why they are getting bad reviews. Or maybe author should take remedial classes for language written in until basic concepts like using sentences sink in. Is author even old enough to sign a publishing contract or do they need a legal guardian to sign for them?)
I started reading this because it was free from Amazon Prime. I was only a little way in and already thinking, "Great, another book where the heroine loses all her brains because the hero it a hottie". Multiple lines talking about how gorgeous he is and how much she's attracted to him did nothing to dispel this. Then I read, "So he liked good music. I didn't want to like that about him, but I did. Of course. Because I was an idiot easily swayed by my hormones." And with that, the whole book flips. I started noticing that she actually talked to people rather than trying to do everything herself in a misguided notion of protecting friends. I saw that people acknowledged and relied on her abilities and she was neither surprised or embarrassed by this. I saw that it wasn't just sexual tension that drives the story or the interaction between the main characters. The plot wasn't complex and the writing was not Tolkien level intensity, but the story was good and the characters engaging. The one thing I had a major issue with was that interspersed in the book were references to the past that made me feel like I was reading the second book in a series and was missing the background of the first book. That was rather jolting but hopefully the episodes are explained more fully in the following books and with a more natural transition during the story.
*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Del learns she has bigger problems than she thought. Not only does she have to learn to control her powers for herself, but also to keep from taking other demon souls. She released one soul in the previous book, and now attracts other demons to her. The Order of Magica has picked up that a demon has died, but it's soul is still on Earth. The man that kissed her once and now is acting strange has an idea. Roarke has an acquaintance at Cambridge, in the magical University of England, who may be able to help her master her powers. Del agrees to go, with Roarke and her sisters, Cass and Nix.
I've grown accustom to listening to Laurel voice this world. I enjoy the voices she gives the men, and all characters. But the men with accents, yes ma'am. lol. There are accents needed for secondary characters as well, and Laurel voices them to give us a feel as we are traveling in those areas of the world.
Now, this book feels more Del than a Cass remake. Sure, there are similar patterns with the guy, learning her new magic, and soul stealing. We even meet a new character - Horatio - who reminds me much of Professor that Cass talks to for help. But the events around all that are very different and very Del like. I like the death magic associated with Del. It's different yet very believable system. Roarke even has his own system of contacts to call when things are needed.
We learn a secret of Roarke's when Del finally shares her big secret. Yes, the one about his brother. Though, it's a big thing for him and makes him who he is, it didn't feel that weighted as it was told to us. It is a terrible feeling he carries with him though and something that affects his thinking on their potential relationship. Roarke is a wonderful companion for Del. He feels to fit her well with the darkness of the Underworld in him, and Del.
I very much enjoyed this story as we learn about Del and her parents. Though we haven't met them we get a feel for how she grew up. This is interesting and I'm curious to learn more about them, and who they are. I really think they are special.
This book leads us to something (or someone) that will be who Del has to fight. There is a reason for the curse on her, yet no one knows it. This book leaves the hints of a possible next adventure for Del to learn about why the curse from who cursed her. And maybe a big battle with that person.
But none of the magic.
I was hoping for a good UF - or PNR. This was so run-of-the-mill with the rich, super-powerful Alpha-guy, who is honorable and decent, and kicks ass and is incredibly beautiful and immediately interested in the kick-ass, super-powerful, quirky heroine...
It was just so immensely boring.
I had to skim a lot.
The world-building was boring, the characters were boring, the story was...
well, you get it.
It was not an awful book. It was just not special in any way.
And I am disappointed.
