2026. Here’s where I make the quintessential remark on time and how fast it’s flying by. But we’re all living it, no need to harp on it.

I wasn’t in a reading slump, at least, I don’t think; I just had a hard time getting started. Once I started a book, though, I was in it, whether I loved it or not!

How has the new year been treating you? Any good reads you’re looking forward to cracking open?

I also hated how tragic this story gets. It filled me with so much anger. But that’s part of what makes it so stinkin’ good! It evokes such strong emotions because you are transported into the pages and are living this out with them.

However, one of my absolute biggest pet peeves is the misunderstanding paradigm. If only the character had taken two seconds to open their mouth. No need to play the martyr. Communication is key!  But there is such a balance to this book. Every event took place in a way that made sense, setting the stage for the next phase.

Again, doesn’t mean I have to like the ending. Even though it is arguably an HEA tied in a neat little bow that promises all will be right with the world for future generations. But whatever. Still kinda crushed my soul a little.  

With clear comparisons to stories like The Hunger Games and Lord of the Flies, this has a uniqueness that is all its own. The world-building is efficient but guarded. Usually, that would be a con for me. In this instance, it lent itself to the chaotic feel of everything. The girls are oppressed and sometimes feared. Banished during their 16^th year so they can ‘banish their magic.’ The girls are in a primitive, full-metal jacket fever dream. Knowing the bare minimum about Garner County, its surroundings, and people works in the story’s favor.

I wish this had a sequel. I really want to see the strength these women possess unleashed into society instead of being sequestered away in the middle of nowhere.

Carrion continues to be my favorite. We need at least a short story about him. I want inside his head. There are so many layers there, and we finally got a hint at some of them.  He’s not just there for comic relief.  

Saeris has always been strong. That strength is tested here. So are her loyalties. And let me tell you, she does not disappoint. Can’t wait for the next!

It isn’t until Teo is accompanying a patient, and life-long friend, on a business trip that he runs into Jack again. It’s that trip that changes both their courses.

Teo’s insecurities did get a bit annoying after a while. His relentless pining for Chris is a little too desperate. But he is young, and Chris is his first love. On one hand, I wanted to shake him and tell him to grow up. On the other hand, I’m pretty sure that was the vibe the author was going for. So, well done.

Jack has the patience of a saint. He was made for Teo. The protector and caretaker, ready to guide him in life while also living it with him. Some of the drama did seem forced at times, and placed there just for the sake of drama. But, reading about two souls finding one another and having their full circle moment like this makes me happy.

all end right as rain. Sure, the bitter mob boss with a bruised ego and raging erection is going to understand and merrily go on his way.

Said mob boss, Nero, is the poster child for brooding. He claims to prefer to handle things as the boss, but never once attempts to confront Lily. Ascertain any information about anything until she dangles carrots in front of his face.

The tension created by the situation did not hit as the author possibly intended. More annoying and frustrating than anything. Whiplash-inducing at times. It did nothing to make me feel connected to either character.

If Lily and Nero had communicated from the beginning, they would have been the most amazing power couple taking on the powers that be. Especially since Nero is trying to turn their businesses legit. Lily would have totally been onboard.

While I know this will hit with a lot of mafia dark romance fans, it fell flat with me.

In my opinion, she is nothing special. Rather, she’s fairly annoying and frustrating. Again, another human who thinks she knows better than a near-immortal who has had centuries of experience. Hurray for unrecognized ego and self-importance masked as martyrdom.

The deeper the story goes, the more mundane and cookie-cutter it becomes. The ending feels rushed and lackluster. The most interesting part of the story is Lexi, a waitress we meet in the beginning, who clearly has a ton of secrets. We lose her less than halfway through the story. Sure, she’s the focus of the third book (not even the next one!), but it was awkward. Not the best world-building. Overall, the whole story feels very choppy. Never giving the reader a chance to form a connection with anyone or anything.

I am still going to continue the series. Whether or not I make it through all 11 or 13-12 books is still up in the air.

After one brutal altercation, it is more complicated than them fighting as they had before, but no spoilers, she saves his life. Now they’re head over heels in love, but don’t recognize it as such because what would be the fun in admitting that right off the bat. Instead, let’s spend hundreds of pages totally clueless as to why they can’t stop touching each other, innocently, or crave each other’s company. Complete mystery.

But now that they have turned a complete 180, the truth begins to unravel.  Helen is part Demigod from a line of Greek gods, but no one can tell which (the face is clearly not a dead giveaway yet, but whatever). Then there’s her powers that her very human best friend knew about but just went with it their entire lives, never thinking to mention them.

Fast forward to a huge conspiracy among the different bloodlines, houses, to raise the city of Atlantis and gain immortality, therefore Helen’s life is in danger. It’s simple, really, I promise, but it was made so complex for no reason other than creating mystery and danger that would have been inherent in the plotline anyway. And because of this Swiss Cheese plot, Helen must be protected at all costs.

A story really loses its appeal when it’s clear the author either erroneously believes they are being clever or they think their audience is a group of morons. This is not a middle-grade read. At least I hope not, considering the amount of whining Helen does, begging for sex (don’t worry, other than fully-clothed cuddling and sweet kisses, there’s no spice).

Back to the plot, there is no mystery. Everything is pretty clear from the beginning. A few twists and turns are thrown in that come out of left field, but it all seems a little too ‘because of plot’ for me. Helen is a martyr who just wants to whine the whole time. The only reason I want to continue the series is that I don’t believe Lucas is endgame. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking. It feels like the author wanted us to totally swoon over his feelings and devotion for Helen. Personally, it’s giving some low-key Tamlin vibes just minus the assholery. His level of obsession and need to make Helen the entire reason the universe exists is a bit much.  

The other hints being dropped are about the reason behind the onslaught of abnormal weather patterns. Humans being the number one culprit.

Maybe if the story followed that plot line, other than a ‘maybe that’s it’ and then moving on to Quinn’s self-obsessed thoughts, I would have really liked this.

Quinn comes off as a selfish control freak. Even before the situation with her sister (trying not to give anything away), she was constantly dictating everything her and her older sister should and shouldn’t do. Now that the whole thing with her sister has come about, that is the only thing Quinn is worried about. I get it, she’s the family she has left. But pull your head out of your ass for more than three seconds and take a look around. The fact that everyone else is going through loss, grief, hopelessness, and is scared out of their minds is almost completely lost on her. Going as far as putting others in direct danger and not caring just to accomplish what she wants.

The romance aspect is appropriate for the story, but it really doesn’t add anything. The logical, put-together college boy, Aiden, is constantly torn between placating Quinn and keeping the rest of the group safe. Honestly, I don’t know why he’s drawn to high schooler, Quinn. Maybe because she’s loyal to family at the cost of others?

All the characters are well defined. though. Each sticking to their personality traits in all situations, from the mundane to the life-threatening. That is something I always appreciate. I hate it when a character acts out of character simply because of the plot. None of that here!

Nature’s fury, not surprisingly, is always well timed. But it comes across more as an inconvenience rather than a severely threatening entity against the human race. A poisoned river, a tornado, and a sinkhole. Maybe it’s the lack of mass hysteria. No one’s actions seem particularly rushed until an injury occurs or there is an imminent threat. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, and I am more than happy to let it continue to dangle there.