Book source ~ Tour

Rune Jenkins and Grey Malteer have crossed over into Eon, a parallel world where all the things fantasy are actually real. They’ve been recruited by the Council because they are Venators, and Tate, a Venshii, is the one who retrieved them. Rune’s twin Ryker has also crossed over, but he’s in the hands of Zio. The Council hates Zio and that hate is mutual. But is one side really good and the other bad? Or is this world just totally fucked up? I’m forming an opinion, but won’t share yet.

Rune and Grey are knee-deep in secrets and politics of a world they have no idea how to navigate. It is nothing, I mean, nothing like Earth. Well, ok, the sneaky politics are the same, but think about if you could add magic and powers and otherworldly beings to our world and then you have an inkling of what Eon is like. Rune and Grey keep thinking they are back in Kansas (metaphorically) and this leads to serious trouble for them.

Ryker is another story. Man, I don’t know that this guy is going to be salvageable after staying with and believing everything Zio says.

When Grey’s dumb ass goes running into enemy territory and becomes the captive of Feena the Fae Queen, well, I can’t say I felt sorry for him. Rune also has me wanting to slap her around because seriously? How stupid do you have to be?

This book is at times frustrating and at others intriguing. I get that the characters are YA and in over their heads AND not by their own choice. But they are supposed to be smart. Not to say smart people don’t do dumb things, but after nearly dying in book 1, you’d think book 2 would see some epiphany billboards being lit up. However, the frustration is rewarded by character growth during the course of this book, so I’ll allow it. Every other character is fabulous. Every single one has an agenda and I don’t know what they are yet. I’m fully invested in finding out how all these pieces are going to fit together. Also? Beltran is perhaps my favorite character so far.

I will end this review with one thing that bugged the shit out of me. There is a moment, when Grey is off doing his stupid thing, that he leaves his boots by a river. Verida and Rune see those boots later. That’s how they know he did the stupid thing. But for the rest of the book, Grey suddenly has his boots on. This is the kind of thing I notice and it drives me nuts.  Other than that, I recommend this book. It has danger, action, sexual attraction, magic, and intrigue. Layer upon layer of intrigue. Bring on the next book!

Book source ~ Tour

14-yr-old Philip Engel has survived relatively unscathed during his time as apprentice to Lucifer. He’s been sent back to Earth with a soul that’s a little less angelic which garners him some actual friends at school. When Death comes knocking though, back he goes to the Underworld. Mortimer’s Die has been stolen and he desperately needs Philip’s help to find it before the natural order of things is completely out of whack. Satina, his devil friend, is there to help while they look for clues and track it down. But they’re having a hard time making any headway. Well, this is Hell after all. Did he think it would be a walk in the park?

Are you looking for an easy read that will keep you guessing and have you rooting for the little guy? Then look no further. This book is a great way to pass the day. Philip is a smart cookie and a wonderful character and side characters aren’t too shabby either. The mystery isn’t easy to solve and there’s drama, humor, and danger along the way. Keep in mind that Philip and Satina are young adult. Very young adult at 14, so adults, at times, might be like, you idiot! Use your brain! But they are young and have no wisdom yet. So, don’t get too upset when they screw up. It’s all a part of growing up. Yes, even in Hell. I look forward to book III!