Book #4 of the Women of the Otherworld Series
Publisher: Bantam (October 2004)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format: Paperback (560 pages)
Source: Personal Bookshelf (Bought)
Purchase: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Book Depository
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 stars)
Meet the smart, sexy—supernatural—Women of the Otherworld. This is not your mother’s coven…
Kelley Armstrong returns with the eagerly awaited follow-up to
Dime Store Magic. Paige Winterbourne, a headstrong young woman haunted by a dark legacy, is now put to the ultimate test as she fights to save innocents from the most insidious evil of all…In the aftermath of her mother’s murder, Paige broke with the elite, ultraconservative American Coven of Witches. Now her goal is to start a new Coven for a new generation. But while Paige pitches her vision to uptight thirty-something witches in business suits, a more urgent matter commands her attention.
Someone is murdering the teenage offspring of the underworld’s most influential Cabals—a circle of families that makes the mob look like amateurs. And none is more powerful than the Cortez Cabal, a faction Paige is intimately acquainted with. Lucas Cortez, the rebel son and unwilling heir, is none other than her boyfriend. But love isn’t blind, and Paige has her eyes wide open as she is drawn into a hunt for an unnatural-born killer. Pitted against shamans, demons, and goons, it’s a battle chilling enough to make a wild young woman grow up in a hurry. If she gets the chance.
~ Add on GoodreadsAt a Glance
My first thought: “This was way better than Dime Store Magic.” I enjoyed the appearance of old characters and introduction of new ones. The action was good and the plot was interesting and fast-paced.
The Good
I was surprised by how much was revealed in this book. We learn a lot more about the Cortez family and why there is such a strain between Lucas and Benicio (his father). Then we get a peek into vampire society and why so many supernaturals hate them. Cassandra was an interesting vampire, cold and creepy. She was pure awesomeness. I never knew what to expect from her…or whether to trust her.
Jaime Vegas was also fascinating. A necromancer with bite. She’s upbeat and entertaining to watch. She doesn’t let people push her around, but she’s not super kickass either. She’s a good mixture of witty, strong, and feminine. I was hooked to every word she said, especially when she was bickering with Cassandra.
Clay and Elena also make an appearance, which I know us fans of the couple appreciate.
This book was really exciting and suspenseful. Definitely a character driven story. Both with Paige and Lucas growing in their relationship and the other characters appearances and their relation to the world Armstrong has created. I found myself laughing and gasping in horror quite often. This was a very emotional story that caught my attention and held it, especially in the second half of the book.
The Bad
Though I liked Paige better this time around, and her bad decision making in Dime Store Magic has lessened, she still isn’t my favorite character. She just bugs me sometimes.
The Snuggly
There is a sexual scene not meant for the youngins but no full-on sex scenes, so it’s pretty mild for adult standards.
I liked Paige and Lucas better as a couple in this book. They realize that this isn’t just a fling, they have true, strong feelings for each other. Of course it takes them forever to figure this out, but it’s still a good progression.
Overall
I enjoyed this book overall. It kept my attention most of the time and the many characters were entertaining. I don’t think I will ever love Paige as a character but Armstrong writes great enough stories for me to keep reading. A recommended read.
“I thought you were all-seeing.”
“All-knowing, not all-seeing!” he snapped. “I’m a God, not Santa Claus!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I can just imagine what the humidity has done to my hair. I’m going to meet your family looking like a poodle with a live wire shoved up its butt.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Last time I was sick, the guy I was seeing brought me a bottle of ginger ale… and expected me to pay him back for it.”
Women of the Otherworld Series:
Book#1: Bitten
Book #2: Stolen
Book #3: Dime Store Magic
Book #4: Industrial Magic
Book #5: Haunted
Book #6: Broken
Book #7: No Humans Involved
Book #8: Personal Demon
Book #9: Living with the Dead
Book #10: Frostbitten
Book #11: Waking the Witch
Book #12: Spell Bound
Book #13: Thirteen
Sarah Elizabeth
Snap! I thought this was better than ‘Dime Store Magic’ too ☺
Think the next book is about Eve, so there should be less from Paige next time.
Glad you’re enjoying the challenge ☺
Jennifer L. Bielman
Yeah, I am ready to get away from Paige’s POV.
Moonlight Gleam
Hi Jennifer! Thank you so much for taking part in the reading challenge! I absolutely loved your thoughts and like you, I agree that Paige will never be my favorite character either. I’m more of a fan of Elena :). (although Savannah comes in close second thanks to Waking the Witch and Spell Bound (books 11 and 12)) but those are far from now lol!
Also, you are one of the winners for Month Four’s reading challenge!!! Congratulations! Please send me an email at moonlightgleam@gmail.com with your book pick (up to $15 from the book depository) and your mailing address! 🙂
Jennifer L. Bielman
I am all about Savannah.
OMG, I can’t believe I won. Thank You. I sent you an email
Brandileigh2003 (Blkosiners Book Blog)
I love character driven books, so glad that you liked it.
Brandi from Blkosiner’s Book Blog