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Shadow City (Horngate Witches #3)

by Diana Pharaoh Francis (Goodreads Author)

4.14 of 5 stars 4.14 · rating details · 686 ratings · 67 reviews

The world is falling apart. The magical apocalypse has come. Now is the time to guard the covenstead against both raiders and refugees. But Max has been stolen by a powerful demi-god who is determined to force her to find a way to use a magical power she never knew she had—even if it kills her. Meanwhile, back in Horngate, a Fury is birthing. When the creature breaks free...more

Paperback, 369 pages

Published December 27th 2011 by Pocket Books

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Jan 12, 2012 Anita rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, post-apocalyptic

If you love urban fantasy and you don't know about this series, you really need to check it out. It's AMAZING. One of the most creative and interesting ones in the marketplace-I can't understand why this series isn't as big as Night Huntress. This is book 3 in Horngate Witches, and it was a perfect book. I loved every page.

In this one we find out what Scooter needed Max for, and it's a doozy. Scooter is dying, and the only way to save him is to travel to another dimension and get 3 things that...more

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Apr 25, 2013 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: horngate-witche

Shadow City is the third book in the Horngate Witches series. It features two different plotlines: Max and Scooter enter another realm to reclaim his stolen parts and the birth of a Fury at Horngate.

Warning, spoilers ahead...

What I Liked:

A Fury rises - The Fury storyline was engrossing and suspenseful. It was so good it actually detracted from my enjoyment of the Max/Scooter storyline because I wanted to read about the Fury. Any fan of Greek mythology knows there is no worse fate than to have a...more

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Dec 26, 2012 Van rated it 5 of 5 stars

It is no secret that the Horngate Witches is one of my favorite urban fantasy series (see ‘favorite series’ tab) , it is by far the most imaginative, dark and gritty written urban fantasy out in the genre. Shadow City is the third book in the Horngate Witches series, which takes place a few weeks after the events in Crimson Wind. Max, our protagonist was captured by the demi-god Scooter at the end of the last book, and finally readers learn the reason why in Shadow City. Scooter ‘Nayan’ is slowl...more It is no secret that the Horngate Witches is one of my favorite urban fantasy series (see ‘favorite series’ tab) , it is by far the most imaginative, dark and gritty written urban fantasy out in the genre. Shadow City is the third book in the Horngate Witches series, which takes place a few weeks after the events in Crimson Wind. Max, our protagonist was captured by the demi-god Scooter at the end of the last book, and finally readers learn the reason why in Shadow City. Scooter ‘Nayan’ is slowly dying, and he needs Max to go with him to Chadaré (shadow city) to retrieve his heart, horn, and silk that was stolen from him long ago. Chadaré is a city through the abyss full of unknown creatures and magic that Max has never seen before, she will have to battle the Korvads and win if she wants to save Scooter and get out alive.

Meanwhile, back at Horngate Alexander, Giselle and the other blades and spears are battling a problem of their own, a fury is being born that threatens the destruction of Horngate and it’s surrounding. Furies are born from the souls of women who have been brutally betrayed, the most powerful-disastrous force of the embodiment of all suffering women. Time is running out as Max searches for Scooter’s missing part and as Alexander and the gang try to keep Horngate from another cataclysmic blow.

This book had two stories going at once, one with Max and Scooter in Chadaré and the other with Alexanader and the entire coven stead at Horngate. The chapters jumps back and forth (sometimes two chapters at a time) between Max in Chadaré and Alexander in Horngate, I love both sides of their stories and how it came together towards the end of the book. Readers are in for a real treat when Max arrives with Scooter in Chadaré, as we get a whole new play ground to explore. Chadaré is different at every turn, one minute you think you’re standing in Arabia, the next a futuristic blue crystal or back in the renaissance era with medieval castles. I was also glad to learn more about Scooter, who before in the previous book was a total mystery...and underneath that disguise of a man lays a demi-god with scales, horn and talons.

The world building is already top-notch and complex all on its own, but the characters is also another reason that makes this series a must read for all urban fantasy fans. While Max and Alexander were separated for most of the book, I still enjoyed the interactions they had with the rest of the cast of characters. Francis introduces a new ally demi-god, Ilanion that helps Max in Chadaré but not without motives of his own and readers also get to see Valery and Holt again from the previous book as they help Alexander with the Fury business. Oh almost forgot! There were also an animal/creature bonding going on which I found funny and fascinating in both worlds for Max and Alexander… a pack of grims, dog-like beast and a tagalong calopus.

Another amazing addition to the series, readers get everything that they love in the previous books plus more. I can’t recommend this series enough, if you haven’t started this series yet…what are you waiting for?! Buy it now, and I highly suggest you read this series in order starting with Bitter Night, Crimson Wind, Shadow City and finally Blood Winter. Superb writing, world and characters that will stay with you long after you finish a book, I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! (less)

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Apr 13, 2012 E. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal

4 1/2 stars.
Max is struggling to help the being known as Scooter after she was used as a bargaining chip by Giselle, the head of Horngate. Alexander is resisting being named as Prime of the Shadowblades while he waits for Max's return but he is struggling to keep Horngate protected while refusing to usurp her place. Scooter is not as all-powerful as Max had previously thought and his methods of training are almost as brutal as Giselle's but ultimately Max throws herself wholeheartedly into atta...more

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Feb 15, 2012 Stacey Brutger rated it 4 of 5 stars

WOULD YOU SURVIVE IF A GOD CHOSE YOU FOR SPECIAL SERVICE?

The world is falling apart. The magical apocalypse has come. Now is the time to guard the covenstead against both raiders and refugees. But Max has been stolen by a powerful demi-god who is determined to force her to find a way to use a magical power she never knew she had—even if it kills her. Meanwhile, back in Horngate, a Fury is birthing. When the creature breaks free of the fragile bonds that enclose her, her rage will scour the coven...more WOULD YOU SURVIVE IF A GOD CHOSE YOU FOR SPECIAL SERVICE?

The world is falling apart. The magical apocalypse has come. Now is the time to guard the covenstead against both raiders and refugees. But Max has been stolen by a powerful demi-god who is determined to force her to find a way to use a magical power she never knew she had—even if it kills her. Meanwhile, back in Horngate, a Fury is birthing. When the creature breaks free of the fragile bonds that enclose her, her rage will scour the covenstead from the earth.

Max finds herself in the Shadow City, a place of mysteries and magic, where she must battle for her freedom or become a slave to creatures of dreadful greed and power. Back in Horngate, Alexander must swallow his anger and pride if he hopes to defeat the Fury, a creature that no one has ever successfully fought before.

In the end, it will be courage, friendship, faith and loyalty that win the day. Or else so one will live to see tomorrow.

REVIEW:

Shadow City is the third book in the Horngate Witches series, starting were the second book left off. What initially drew me into this series was the excellent world-building, not to mention such rough-edge, angst filled characters. The first two books immediately landed on my keeper shelf. This third book departed a little from the series, inviting new characters and a new dimension to the world-building.

I’m a huge fan of Max and Alexander, so I was a little disappointed they spent the majority of the book apart. Despite that, each character was so fascinating, they captured my attention and kept me glued to the pages. I had to know what happened next! The fight scenes were pure, innovative Max and brought back what I loved so much in the first two books. Sadly, the romance, when mentioned at all, was so fleeting that I was disappointed. The ending left a few surprise twists that will keep me anxiously waiting for the next book to see what trouble finds them next and how they will manage to survive. Shadow City is next to the other two books in the series, nestled on my keeper shelf.

I would recommend reading this series in order to get the greatest impact. There are a lot of characters to keep straight and a number of underlining plot strings that might be missed if read as a standalone.

Posted from my site www.StaceyBrutger.com.(less)

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Jan 06, 2012 Mirjam rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

As part of a deal heroine Max accompanies a demigod (Scooter) to a magical city where she functions as his bodyguard. Nothing unusual for the Prime of Giselle's Shadowblades, but this time her opponents are weird, unknown creatures with unpredictable powers. In this race against the clock Max must give it her all to win the battle and her chance to return home. In the meantime Horngate faces its own challenges when a Fury threatens to destroy them all. Without Max there, Alexander has to lead th...more

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Dec 27, 2011 Lacrima rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: must-read, urban-fantasy

Absolutely loved it.
Most of the time, when there are several POV's in a book, I find myself enjoying one and be bored by the other, leafing through it to get to the good part. Not with this series, and especially not with this book.
With every POV change I found myself disappointed that I couldn't follow Max or Alexander any longer, but was giddy to find out what happened to the other. I felt like a kid in a candy store, bouncing from jar to jar, so happy and excited I couldn't pick out my favor...more

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Dec 19, 2011 JenniferJ rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Horngate Witches is one of my favorite Urban Fantasy Series and it seems it only gets better with each book. I loved the back n forth in this particular book with Alexander and Giselle fighting one battle at Horngate while Max and Scooter at the same time were fighting for Scooter's life at Chadare. The interactions were great between them and I enjoyed the growth and sort of respect they all began to feel for each other against the circumstances that put them on the pats they were now on.

G...more

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Dec 19, 2011 Lisarenee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Note: I received a copy of this book before release from the publisher.

"What do you want from me?" she asked carefully. She didn't want to anger it. She didn't know if she could survive another bout with its webs.
"You."
"Me?"
"Yes. You will come to me. You will walk the web roads with me. You will speak to me truth and you will share your fire with me."
Max swallowed. She didn't know what any of that meant. What had Giselle promised this creature? Not that it mattered. At the moment she needed...more

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Feb 28, 2012 ♠ Sharon is an emotional book junkie ♠ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2012

The first half of the book is set in two different places: Max helping Scooter to get back some of his belongings in a magical city called the Chadare or the Shadow City and Alexander and the rest of the coven being forced to deal with a newly born Fury at Horngate.

I wasn't really happy with the first half of the book and really the only reason is because Max and Alexander are separated. Other than that, it's really quite interesting. I enjoyed all the different things Max went through with help...more

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Dec 21, 2011 Tori smexys_sidekick rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, urban-fantasy, review-for-smexybooks

Originally posted at http://www.smexybooks.com/2011/12/rev...

Favorite Quote:
“What is a Max?”
“She is…unique. And she is about to kill you.”

At the end of Crimson Wind, Max found and brought her family back to Horngate and is now fulfilling her obligation to the demi god that Gisele promised her to, Scooter. We open up with him ruthlessly forcing Max to open herself to a magical power she never knew she had. He needs her skills and magic to recover three vital parts of himself or he will die. Once...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Stephanie Collins rated it 5 of 5 stars

We start this book with Max and Alex still in limbo but this book pulls everyone apart… Max is now having to help Scooter get back parts of himself in another realm while Alex is trying to keep it together and save Horngate from a birthing Fury.

This book has it all.. death… destruction… love… angst… action… I swear your head will be turning repeatedly as you try to keep up with all the moving parts but at the core we are still watching Max figure out who she is and what she can do She's also br...more We start this book with Max and Alex still in limbo but this book pulls everyone apart… Max is now having to help Scooter get back parts of himself in another realm while Alex is trying to keep it together and save Horngate from a birthing Fury.

This book has it all.. death… destruction… love… angst… action… I swear your head will be turning repeatedly as you try to keep up with all the moving parts but at the core we are still watching Max figure out who she is and what she can do She's also brought to her knees by realizing what exactly drives her and it isn't what she always thought. She does things without thought but at the core she is driven by a need to protect those who cannot protect themselves either due to being weaker or due to being slaves as she once was. I like her core of strength and in this book she needs it more than before. She is driven to the edge of her own limits and in one case almost permanently removed from the equation. I loved watching her fight to be free and to free Scooter from his chains. She is someone that I would probably want to kill 90% of the time but would want at my back and as my friend due to her loyalty.

Alex… sigh… poor tortured Alex. He gets put through the wringer many times in this series and this book was hard on him from a personal perspective but also from the standpoint of finding his place. He does step up and protect Horngate from a sense of obligation to Max but you also start to sense that this is now his home in more ways than just a place to stay. He's putting down roots and it scares him to his core as he isn't sure exactly what he means to Max or to the others. This is an incredibly strong man who has been through hell but even when he almost goes feral manages to come to peace with his Prime and step in to lead what is now his… I liked watching him get control back and felt that he deserved so much more from Max than he ended up getting. I wanted to just hurt both of them while understanding why we are getting tortured by the author. This one will break your heart quite a few times but man is it worth the ride.(less)

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Jan 25, 2012 Karyogini rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-on-2012

Can't believe I didn't update this... Grrr.

Ok. I have mentioned that I love this series! DPF Is an excellent writer. So when I got this book, I was ultra excited and giddy that I didn't want to read it right away. I read the other books first and this somewhere in the bottom of the list. I did that so I wouldn't ruin the chance of the other books to wow me. :P I know... I manage my reading list that way. :P

Anyway. This is the 3rd book in the series and I like it alot. There is the other world an...more

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Jan 21, 2012 Brandi rated it 2 of 5 stars

Maybe closer to 2.5 than two.

Oh sigh. I wanted to like this book, but I really struggled to get through it, and had to force myself to come and review it. I liked the first one, but I can't really remember the second right now, and somewhere along the line I seem to have just stopped caring about this world.

One of the good parts is Max. Whatever Francis has gelling with her, it's good. I was more engaged when her chapters were on, and I was impatient for her to come back when they weren't.

What...more

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Dec 20, 2011 Vanessa Booke rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shadow City By Diana Pharaoh Francis is the first Horngate Witches Book i've read in the series, but I loved it. Shadow City is a dark, action-packed Urban Fantasy novel. If you like angels, witches and the supernatural in general than you'll love this book. The action starts right off the bat. Max is an awesome heroine, she packs a lot of punch and she is kind of a badass. I enjoyed reading Shadow City because there was never a dull moment. Francis does a wonderful job keeping the reader in sus...more

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Oct 25, 2012 Melissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the third in the series. You really have to have read the second book to really get this one. Mostly because several threads that were left open are finished in this book. So, at least read #2 and #3 in order. Yes, I'm reading in order. Aren't you proud? ;)

In this book we alternate between 2 worlds. One where Max is fighting unusual magical beings in a world full of shadow. This is the main thread that was left open in the first book. The second world we are with her beloved Alexander an...more

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Dec 11, 2011 CH Keyes rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anyone that loves fantasy

COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!

I won't waste your time repeating what has already been said in regards to plot. I will simply say if you want a book that is well crafted, has incredible world building, intense action and deeply conflicted, complex characters that leave you in tears; leave you breathless and feeling as if you are with your best friends, THEN BUY THIS BOOK!
You will love it. I did.
Diana Pharaoh Francis keeps getting better and better as a writer. From her first series she has captured me wi...more

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Jan 14, 2013 Alexia Chantel rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shadow City is the third book of the Horngate Witches series and brings all that you expect from this urban fantasy series...plus some answers and insights!

Scooter! Now this is a character that is well written and puzzling. From his first introduction you knew he was more than he appeared and let on, now you finally get to find out what it was about him that had you scratching the back of your mind.

Scooter needs Max, really needs her. She is to be his champion in the otherworldly Shadow City. L...more

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Mar 03, 2012 Rebecca Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: done

I just love this series! I am so so glad that I was luck enough to receive Diana's 2nd book in the series in the giveaway because otherwise I don't know how long I would have gone before I stubbled upon her books. She is an amazing writer and her characters are so believable and the worlds of the sunspears and shadowblades are so detailed. The 3rd book in this series brings in an alternate world of Chadare' which is so well described that you can almost picture it! The only unfornate thing is th...more

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Feb 11, 2012 Lisa {Silverlight} {Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Reviews} rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own

Amazing, Fascinating, Spellbinding Oasis of Imagination, for Urban Fantasy Readers

In the last book, we found our strong heroine Max giving herself to the formidable Scooter, and with the notion of never being able to return home, to Horngate.
In this book we are in for an action packed treat! Max is holding true to her word and returns to Scooter. Now she must find out what his interest in her is, and if she will ever see her home, Horngate ever again..
Alexander is left with complete and utter...more Amazing, Fascinating, Spellbinding Oasis of Imagination, for Urban Fantasy Readers

In the last book, we found our strong heroine Max giving herself to the formidable Scooter, and with the notion of never being able to return home, to Horngate.
In this book we are in for an action packed treat! Max is holding true to her word and returns to Scooter. Now she must find out what his interest in her is, and if she will ever see her home, Horngate ever again..
Alexander is left with complete and utter loss for his love, Max. He must try to believe she will return to Horngate and must also come to terms that she may never return. Alexander has a prophecy to fill and must protect Horngate in Max's absence. Things are not looking good for Horngate as new unforseen problems have arisen, and all who are left in Horngate must work together at defeating this problem, before all of Horngate is lost forever. Can Alexander fill her shoes and rise to become Prime of Horngate knowing if he accepts, he will then give up on the fact of Max ever returning, or does he turn his back on Horngate and let his beast overcome him and leave Horngate to their own defense and utter destruction.
Meanwhile, Max is having her own problems to deal with. Scooter has taught Max new skills and needs her help. As Scooter is slowly losing his life, Max, being the one to never turn her back on someone's problems, must do all she can to save him before time runs out. Max is thrown into a new world, with new powerful creatures, and many battles she may never come out of this time.

With new characters, friend and foe, new creatures, and action going on at the same time in both, Horngate and in Scooter's world this book play's out as two books intertwined into one.
Francis has a gem of a series in her hands, and this book is top notch action and fantasy rolled into one. Max is a force, not to be reckoned with. A must read series for all Urban Fantasy readers.
Witches, Angels, Magic, and Powerful Creatures, drawn out from Francis mind.
I would love to see this series turned into a movie, as to unleash the creatures and characters in this book come to life onscreen. 5+ Stars (less)

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Feb 14, 2012 Arani rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Jan 02, 2012 Jill Bradley rated it 3 of 5 stars

Predictable, boring, no new developments, and no plot twists. This book should have been longer with just a little more meat to the plot. Im not impressed.

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Aug 05, 2012 Felicia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-paranormal, vaginal-urban-fantasy

I mean, if you've read book 1 or 2 you know what you're getting here, and #3 was even more enjoyable in some ways (not withstanding the venacular speech that sometimes bothers me in the dialogue). This author does NOT concern herself with keeping main characters alive, haha, which I really enjoy. Everyone is vulnerable in this world. Max gets to go to an alt universe that was pretty intriguing, in fact I wish there had been even more exploration there. Alexander back home is challenged in a lot...more

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Jan 29, 2012 Anna (Bobs Her Hair) rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: UF readers

Shelves: urban-fantasy

4.5 Stars or A-

I’m definitely hooked on this urban fantasy series after reading Shadow City. In this story, there are more mystical beasties, more Divine beings, a trip to another dimension, and two major battles. The good guys kick butt! There’s heartache, blood, gore, action, tears, and cheers. I had a hard time putting this book down!

An apocalypse has begun on Earth. Divine and Uncanny magic permeates the earth altering humans and plants into deadly creatures. Horngate has become a haven for...more 4.5 Stars or A-

I’m definitely hooked on this urban fantasy series after reading Shadow City. In this story, there are more mystical beasties, more Divine beings, a trip to another dimension, and two major battles. The good guys kick butt! There’s heartache, blood, gore, action, tears, and cheers. I had a hard time putting this book down!

An apocalypse has begun on Earth. Divine and Uncanny magic permeates the earth altering humans and plants into deadly creatures. Horngate has become a haven for those Max and Alexander helped escape the magical storm. They need to prepare for the impact of food shortages, secure potential breaches in their territory, and eliminate dangerous magical outcroppings.

Alexander and the Shadowblades discover a growing mass. A Fury is about to be born, and she will annihilate Horngate and half the state. Alexander needs to assume a role he refuses to accept. His sense of grief and loss cripple him. It will take some heavy verbal slaps to snap him out of it.

As Alexander struggles at Horngate, Max is trying to fulfill her obligation to Scooter. He needs her help in retrieving a few of his body parts from those who stole them from him. The beings she must fight have ruled for a thousand years in the shadow world Chardare. The Korvad are powerful and she could die. Max taps into a hidden ability, makes new friends, and prepares to win a major battle or die trying.

Two major storylines, two points of view, good beasties, bad beasties, good guys die, bad guys dies, and the Horngate Witches’ world gets richer and bigger. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry. It’ll become a party of you. (Not really).

In my opinion, this series is a blend of Sara Creasy’s Scarabaeus world along with Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniel Series, and maybe Jennifer Estep’s Elemental Assassin series. The first book, Bitter Nights, seemed narrowly focused on Max, her internal workings, motivations, and issues. The second book, Crimson Wind, enriched this world with the cataclysmic eruption of magic, deadly plants, and carnivorous creatures. The world expanded a little more, the characters endeared themselves with their complexity and charm, and the sexual tension between Alexander and Max continued. Shadow City continues those threads and adds texture to the plot and characters.

What I like is that Diana Pharaoh Francis does not seem to hold back. The characters are ruthless when necessary. If a person’s family member has no chance of being rescued then that member is left behind. Good guys that we come to know and care about die. The only characters that seem to have immunity to death are Max, Giselle, and Alexander, and I wouldn’t bet on two of those characters surviving until the end of the series. There’s a pleasant unpredictability that I appreciate as a reader. My one major criticism is that there is some repetition, i.e., I’m aware that Shadowblades and Sunspears need to consume 20,000 to 30,000 calories a day to maintain their strength, but I have to read this again and again book after book, plus several times in each book.

Overall, I’m invested in this series. I like the Max’s snark, the darkness and light within the characters, and watching the world die and rebirth as something other. I like the dark tones interspersed humor and creative world-building. I love the action and fight scenes. I love knowing that the female prime is emotionally stronger than the male prime. There’s love, betrayal, hate, bitterness, camaraderie, loyalties won, character growth, sexual tension, inner strength, despair, community, family, and the will to survive.
(less)

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Sep 12, 2012 Claudia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

I absolutely adore this series. it is one of the best I read this year. The story lines are really perfect and you need definitely to read them in order.
this book has two different story lines: Max story and Alexander story. I have to admit, that I loved Alexanders story a little bit more but maybe only because there were more known characters.

I love the new additions and the twist in the attitude of some ... and I nearly cried when there were losses. but maybe the next book will help with that...more

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Jan 11, 2012 Joe rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Love the series and love Max as a main character. There is growth in the characters even when the world around them is falling apart. It is almost possible to forget this is an apocalyptic setting. It also reminded me why sidekicks are some of my favorite characters in the urban fantasy genre.

Also the book as a whole read as an epic fantasy version of an urban fantasy. There was a grander feel to everything that they were doing, not to mention several plot arcs. It blended much in the same way A...more

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Jan 26, 2012 Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars

At the end of Crimson Wind, Max gave herself up to the demigod Scooter to save Horngate. In Shadow City, we find out what Scooter needs Max for, and also what happens at Horngate while she’s gone. Diana Pharaoh Francis has split the narrative into two points of view from the beginning: Max’s and that of her maybe-lover, Alexander. This split enables her to show both storylines in alternating chapters. Unfortunately, one of these storylines is much more riveting than the other.

Alexander’s chapter...more At the end of Crimson Wind, Max gave herself up to the demigod Scooter to save Horngate. In Shadow City, we find out what Scooter needs Max for, and also what happens at Horngate while she’s gone. Diana Pharaoh Francis has split the narrative into two points of view from the beginning: Max’s and that of her maybe-lover, Alexander. This split enables her to show both storylines in alternating chapters. Unfortunately, one of these storylines is much more riveting than the other.

Alexander’s chapters deal with life at Horngate after Max’s disappearance. Alexander has some self-pity to overcome but is soon thrust into a leadership role when a Fury threatens the covenstead. This is a direct result of an atrocity that happened in Bitter Night and is emotionally compelling, as is the interaction among the denizens of Horngate as they adjust to life without their beloved Max.

Max, meanwhile, has been drafted to travel through a supernatural abyss to a city called Chadaré, where she must help Scooter recover three lost pieces of himself to save him from certain death. Max’s commitment to helping Scooter is admirable. This plotline never grabbed me the way the Horngate events did, however, and I think there are several reasons.

One, Chadaré itself seems a little vague. That’s not to say Francis doesn’t have a strong conception of it in her mind; it’s more that there just isn’t time to show us much of it. A lengthy high fantasy novel could probably be written about its history and politics and the beings who populate it. But urban fantasy is a quicker-moving style and the Chadaré sequences are only a little over half of the book. There’s a lack of a sense that the city “exists” beyond the portions of it that Max sees.

Two, the pace is slower in Max’s chapters. For reasons of plot necessity, the Horngate story reaches its climax long before the Chadaré one, and so (for example) we end up with a brutal end-of-chapter cliffhanger at Horngate where we know people have died and are waiting to find out who — and then we jump to Max doing something much less nerve-wracking and want to shout “Auuugggggh!”

Three, the magical-apocalypse scenario has always felt like the heart of the Horngate Witches series, and so the chapters that deal with it feel like an integral part of the overarching plot while the Chadaré chapters feel like a way to keep Max away for a while so that some other things can happen.

The two threads weave together at the end for a big battle royale with high stakes. If our heroes win, Scooter survives; if they lose, they all die or are enslaved. There’s a strong sense of tension going in, but unfortunately, once battle is joined, it’s not nearly as tense or wrenching as the earlier climactic battle at Horngate.

What does work really well are the emotional aspects of the story. Francis continues to reveal more and more of the bonds among the Shadowblades and Sunspears, and now more people have been added to the Horngate “family” with touching results. Furthermore, there are deeply satisfying developments in both the Max-Alexander and Max-Giselle relationships. These interpersonal developments kept me reading even when aspects of the plot had me frustrated.

In the end, I didn’t find Shadow City as enjoyable as Crimson Wind. I hope the next book features more of Horngate and of the magical apocalypse.

(less)

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Mar 02, 2012 Mandeep rated it 3 of 5 stars

Hmm... not sure why this series misses the mark for me? Maybe I'm being too tough on it right now - maybe I should have reread books 1 and 2 first? I found the book was a fast read - it flipped between Max's and Alex's separate adventures - this part was done well, I found both of the storylines equally interesting.

SPOILER ALERT
The characters and some overused themes themselves are what killed it for me. Max was so great that she was even surprising and saving demi-gods. And single-handedly wit...more

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May 10, 2012 Pam rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: witches

This was the best book yet in the series! We got tasty adventures with all the characters, as Max fought in Chardare with Scooter...and interesting friends. Meanwhile back at the covenstead, the new and old witches, blades, spears and angels sort out loyalties and dominance, while utilizing outside influences like Holt and Valery to fight off a Fury, being born right at the edge of their shields.

This was a rock 'em, sock'em action book with fighting on 2 fronts..oh, and finally (view spoiler)...more

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Nov 18, 2012 Kelly Maybedog Hawkins rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: what-modern-fantasy, what-dogs, what-mythology, what-angels

I love this series and am frustrated that this was published this year and I probably have to wait months for the next one. 

But that’s not the worse part. This was really sad in parts—if you’re a crier, prepare to weep. Parts were absolutely heartbreaking.

But I did love the story. Lots of action, peril, passion and other intense emotions, totally up my alley. I just didn’t like that Alexander and Max were separated through most of the story. Peril is best when the romantic partners are trying...more I love this series and am frustrated that this was published this year and I probably have to wait months for the next one. 

But that’s not the worse part. This was really sad in parts—if you’re a crier, prepare to weep. Parts were absolutely heartbreaking.

But I did love the story. Lots of action, peril, passion and other intense emotions, totally up my alley. I just didn’t like that Alexander and Max were separated through most of the story. Peril is best when the romantic partners are trying to save and/or crying over one another. But this allowed for more relationship-building with other members of the coven and that was good.

Both parts were interesting. For a while I actually preferred Alexander’s story as there was more angst. That’s the one where a Fury is being born. At first the fact that it’s made of a woman’s anger and betrayal seemed sexist, and it bothered me, but the reality is that that kind of thing steeped in lore from more than one mythological tradition and the rest of the book is not sexist in any other way. Max is the strongest of all, and most respected. Both men and women are witches. Both men and women are Blades. There’s only one mage--the really powerful magical practitioners--but he’s an asshole so that kind of makes up for it. I don’t hate him the way the characters do. He’s an ass but there’s something redeeming there.

The book isn’t sexist but still acknowledges sexism. At one point, Holt (the mage) tells Alexander that Alexander should be trying to get his sister away from a brewing battle but Alexander says, “I am her brother, not her keeper. She is a powerful smoke witch. If she wants to risk herself, that is her choice. You will notice she’s not trying to stop me from risking myself. Can I do any less for her?” (Pg 253)

There are two creatures that are possibly powerful mages, or more likely gods or demigods, but Max is able to take one in a fight. The other she is tasked with saving. Here the two are talking after Max steps up to the first in order to protect the second:
(This describes Ilanion as a witch but later he is described otherwise.)

“What is she?” Ilanion asked Scooter, respect coloring his voice.
“She is Max.”
The answer frustrated the winged witch. “What is a Max?”
“Max is … unique. And she is about to kill you.” Pg115

“
The second has no doubts about her abilities.

Like the others in this series, this volume also marks significant changes for Horngate in both good and bad ways. While some plot devices are predictable, there are also twists that were a surprise. The ending was a cliffhanger, of course, but it didn’t relate to the plot of this one, just something that happened during it.

There were a couple of very minor problems I noticed that were inconsequential. But there are two good things I want to point out. First, Max actually had to pee! They actually had her go into a bathroom and pee, and it wasn’t relevant to the plot at all. It’s so unusual in fiction. There were a couple minor things: at one point she goes somewhere without shoes and then suddenly has them.

The last great thing? Dogs. Yes, canines. More than one. I won’t tell you more, but it made me happy.

(less)

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About Diana Pharaoh Francis

I was raised on a cattle ranch in Northern California (outside a town called Lincoln which is now part of an enormous sprawl). I taught myself to ride a horse at the age of six, as no one had the time to teach me—they were all busy learning how to irrigate, how to cajole an angry bull into another field, how to pull a calf… Afraid of heights, and absolutely sure I was going to die, I managed to sc...more I was raised on a cattle ranch in Northern California (outside a town called Lincoln which is now part of an enormous sprawl). I taught myself to ride a horse at the age of six, as no one had the time to teach me—they were all busy learning how to irrigate, how to cajole an angry bull into another field, how to pull a calf… Afraid of heights, and absolutely sure I was going to die, I managed to scramble up on the back of a very patient and lazy strawberry roan destrier, and plod off into the sunset.

Thereafter, I spent much of my early life on horseback, or so far buried into a book that the rest of the world ceased to exist (much to the annoyance of my family—it took several attempts to get my attention). We all had very specific jobs on the ranch and mine was horses and cattle—out rounding up at dawn. And since I rode bareback, my standing request was to wake me up 5 minutes before everyone else headed for the barn—time enough to dress and eat my Wheaties, and no sleep time wasted on saddling.

After high school, I attended college after college, racking up a BA and MA in creative writing and a Ph.D. in literature and theory. My very patient and supportive husband traipsed across the Midwest and back to Montana for me (though my husband insists that he’s been running and hiding and I just keep finding him), where I now teach at the University of Montana-Western. We also a son Q-ball, who in our humbly unbiased opinions, is the most wonderful son ever produced, and a daughter, Princess Caesar, who is the most wonderful daughter ever produced.

I have a fascination for the Victorians, weather, geology, horses, plants and mythology, I like spicy food, chocolate and cheesecake, and I have an odd sense of humor. (Or so I’ve been told. Often.) Incidentally, the Pharaoh is in fact my real name, and oddly enough, is of British origin.

Some of my current favorite sf/f writers are Ilona Andrews, Carol Berg, C.E. Murphy, Patty Briggs, Lynn Flewelling, Rachel Caine, David Coe, and Anne Bishop.(less)

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Quotes from Shadow City

“Niko does seem to have a buzzard's luck, don't he? Thor said after a moment.
Tyler slanted a look at him. "What the hell does that mean?"
Thor looked startled, then grinned. "Means he's been diggin' up more snakes than he can kill."
Tyler looked at Alexander. "Is he even speaking english?"
"Niko has bad luck," Alexander translated.
Tyler looked at Thor. "You couldn't just say that?"
"I did, son, but you just can't seem to spot a goat in a flock of sheep."
Tyler scowled. "I'm pretty sure that was a insult."
"Only because it was," Niko said.
"How the hell am I supposed to get all self-righteous and pissed if I can't understand what the idiot is saying?” — 4 people liked it

“You are very unexpected, do you know that?"
"Is that your way of calling me stupid?" she asked wryly.
"If the glove fits," he said.” — 4 people liked it

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Shadow City (Horngate Witches #3)

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