The Burning Bush (Habitat, #2)

Sep 20, 2012 The Chaotic Reader rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, romance, paranormal, fantasy

My review of The Burning Bush is posted on The Chaotic Reader.

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Oct 13, 2012 Dren rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-sept-release, african-american-pnr-uf-authors, favorite-series

I'm really enjoying this series. I'm glad I only had a couple of weeks to wait to pick this up after reading the first book. Otherwise, I would be a bitter chick :) I hate waiting for books :)

Wright does an excellent job with spinning the story. I had a couple of issues with it - some areas were repetitive for information. But it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.

Keep 'em coming Mrs. Wright. I'll be cranky waiting for book 3. Just letting you know NOW! :)

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Feb 21, 2012 Kassie-Lee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Once again we are thrown into the amazing world of Santeria, where supernatural beings or Sups live out their lives separated from the human population in the caged cities of the Habitat. The story picks up with heroine Lenore in an adrenaline fueled soon to be disaster, immediately pushing you to the edge of your seat. Soon after this however comes the crux of the story, initiated by Rivera, the slimy Habbie cop from Fire Baptized. I found that his proposal to Lenore was a bit obvious a way to...more Once again we are thrown into the amazing world of Santeria, where supernatural beings or Sups live out their lives separated from the human population in the caged cities of the Habitat. The story picks up with heroine Lenore in an adrenaline fueled soon to be disaster, immediately pushing you to the edge of your seat. Soon after this however comes the crux of the story, initiated by Rivera, the slimy Habbie cop from Fire Baptized. I found that his proposal to Lenore was a bit obvious a way to get her onto the main plot line, but that being said had it been done any subtler it would've been time wasted that was better spent getting straight into the main story. However this does seem to set up a convenient pattern that can easily be followed in subsequent books as Rivera continues to collect possible blackmail material.

Lenore is once again putting on her investigators hat, this time seeking the murderer of two girls. However at the same time she is dealing with many a distraction, least of all the continuing steamy love triangle between herself, Zulu and MeShack. While it seemed in the last book she was very resistive to committing herself in any way to either of these men, here she is instead putting her energies into making her relationships with both of them work, fitting the pieces of her life together. Of course that is all set to go to hell in a hand basket.

The thing that I really enjoy about this series is its authenticity. Its obvious in the building of this world and the characters that Wright draws heavily on her own life experiences, resulting in a very rich and relatable stable of personalities. I also enjoy how as more information is revealed about the nature of the Sups and how they came to be discovered that Wright has cemented this in our own reality, intertwining real-life events and people into the history.

The nature of the different breeds of Sups is also well thought out. While seemingly drawing from many traditional sources, each has a spin unique to this series that is complete and fascinating. The Mixbreeds or “Mixies” are especially intriguing, constantly underestimated by the Purebloods and the Humans, and yet offering a never-ending list of possible combinations of powers. I can't wait to discover more new characters in this world, but also to continue to learn more about Lenore and Zulu's mix of powers, particularly in regards to their Fairy heritage. In The Burning Bush more little choice tidbits are let slip, but the full nature of their lineage is still shrouded in mystery.

I really enjoyed the new characters. Zulu's half-sister Cassie is a breath of fresh air, opening Lenore's eyes to more of the world around her than the terror and misery she has seen. Angel seems very lost, but once her true purpose in this world is revealed she is a perfect fit. Graham - Lenore's father – is just plain scary, and yet he could be the ally she needs, no matter how much she doesn't want to need him.

All in all this book kept me riveted from start to finish. The world is captivating in its realism and its characters completely genuine, strictly adhering to who they are, never compromising. The story lines entwine seamlessly, I never found myself lost or bogged down with new information, it flowed easily and the end of every chapter left me desperate to keep reading. Lenore is a beautifully envisioned heroine, coming to terms with the many changes to her everyday life, as well as the changes to the world around her. I am thoroughly enjoying each new discovery on her journey and am already looking forward to revisting Santeria in the next installment Wildfire Gospel.(less)

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Nov 30, 2012 K. Williams rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was given this book as an ARC

You know what I hate, when you're in a good book and it leave you hanging at the end. You know what I love, when that cliffhanger is in a book that's an awesome series like Kenya Wright's Santeria Habitat Series!

The Burning Bush is the second installment of The Habitat series that focuses on Lanore a "mixed breed" supernatural or "Supe" with the power of fire, hey she's the daughter of a demented Demon! In her first book, !!!Fire Baptized, Lanore was thrust into a...more

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Mar 07, 2013 Experiment BL626 rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal, reviewed

Even though I rated book 2, The Burning Bush, the same as book 1, book 2 is hella better than book 1. The surge in the quality amazed me, and that’s not a compliment I give lightly or frequently, if ever. Whether it’s better editing or better writing or both, it’s working~! Not to mention it’s another book written by an author-friend that I actually like; that’s two out of, uh, many now.

The heroine no longer has fits of TSTL. The transition between chapters was smooth, unlike in book 1 where it...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Katherine rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone!

Shelves: if-i-could-give-it-10-stars-i-would

I received an ARC copy of The Burning Bush. I have not been compensated for my review, however, I do undeniably feel intellectually “richer” after reading this book ;)

The book’s description will tell you most of what you need to know about what The Burning Bush is going to be about and I am hesitant to say too much more about what happens in the book because it’s all important and I don’t want to give too much away! So instead, I’m going talk very generally about what makes The Burning Bush a co...more

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Sep 19, 2012 Greta is Erikasbuddy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: indie-author-love, on-the-tabby

Kenya Wright you have done it again!!

You made me fall in love, you made me scream at the top of my lungs, and you made me really really really want a WITCH STORY!!

If you do not deliver on my Witchy story I will be pounting. And no one wants to see that.

Kids! You want this book! It picks up where "Fire Baptized" left off and will keep you hooked until the very end. Also, you'll be wanting a witch story ;)

With well-though out characters (and a kick ass witch) and a plot that will make you flip the...more

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Nov 01, 2012 Tasha C rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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

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Sep 19, 2012 Sarah (SB) ღ marked it as to-read

Today's the day! Yay Kenya!

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Apr 06, 2013 Arlena rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: a-good-book, adult-read, ebooks, my-reviews, mystery, paranormal, part-of-series, romance, roller-coaster-ride, witches, shapeshifters, magic, vampires, fantasy

Author: Kenya Wright
Published by: DragonFairy Press
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4

Review:

"The Burning Bush" by Kenya Wright was second installment of this authors 'The Habitat' series. This novel was about 'Lanore' who was the daughter of the demented Demon. You may need to read the first book by this author..'Fire Baptized,' to really understand parts of this second novel In the "The Burning Bush" that Lanore who had been involved with some 'blowing up of some of Dante...more

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Nov 02, 2012 Priya rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wow, I did not expect to like the book quite so much. I certainly did not expect to almost turn into a desperate fangirl waiting for the next book. Here's what I thought:

What I liked: The book began with a bang. I liked the action and the fact that the author has maintained a fast pace till the very end. This book gives us a much greater insight into the world of Santeria and the work put into creating an intricate world is evident throughout. Not having read much from this genre, I still couldn...more Wow, I did not expect to like the book quite so much. I certainly did not expect to almost turn into a desperate fangirl waiting for the next book. Here's what I thought:

What I liked: The book began with a bang. I liked the action and the fact that the author has maintained a fast pace till the very end. This book gives us a much greater insight into the world of Santeria and the work put into creating an intricate world is evident throughout. Not having read much from this genre, I still couldn't say if the concept of this world, its history and creatures are altogether unique but I do like the way it is written. The idea of Human-Supe Wars and caged cities is fascinating. The traits and behaviour of the old characters are consistent with the first book, though many back-stories are revealed, which I found interesting. The characters that are newly introduced are also well written. I liked the way the author uses this world to draw parallels with ours. There are so many underlying themes in the book, like family, race, abuse, justice. But the message is sent without making it too obvious, unlike in most books and I like the discrete symbols more than anything.

What I didn't like: The love triangle and the throwing around of "I love you"s reminded me of Twilight (in a bad way.) I don't think there was any other purpose of Lanore not being able to choose between MeShack and Zulu other than to attract readers (the kind who like Twilight.) If only the author had cut down on the mushy romance a bit, this book might have been a lot more interesting, but that might just be my opinion. Another thing I absolutely loathed was the cliffhanger ending. It is infuriating to have to wait for an entire new book to release to find out what happens next.

Thanks to that cliffhanger ending, it is no doubt that I'm going to read the next book. If you are a fan of urban fantasy, paranormal romance, I'm sure you'll like this book.

Read full review here: http://peskypiksipesternomi.blogspot....(less)

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Sep 27, 2012 Fangs for the Fantasy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Lanore and Zulu are pushed into retaliating against the Vampire Dante’s brutal slaughtering of Mixies – either they retaliate or their allies, the Rebels, will and they’re much less concerned by the casualties they may cause

Unfortunately doing so escalates into a greater and continued war with the vampire – a war that has casualties close to both of their hearts and it’s a war that could do massive damage to the Habitat

And to make things more complicated, the Habitat police have evidence of her...more Lanore and Zulu are pushed into retaliating against the Vampire Dante’s brutal slaughtering of Mixies – either they retaliate or their allies, the Rebels, will and they’re much less concerned by the casualties they may cause

Unfortunately doing so escalates into a greater and continued war with the vampire – a war that has casualties close to both of their hearts and it’s a war that could do massive damage to the Habitat

And to make things more complicated, the Habitat police have evidence of her inside one of the bombed buildings – more than enough proof to have a Mixie arrested or just killed. Their price for her silence? Her acting as detective again, her untrained skills being vastly superior to that of the inept Habbies. She needs to track down a strange arcane murderer who has killed a Mixie – not that the police care about the Mixie, but by finding her murderer they may find the murderer of a rich, influential Pureblood’s daughter.

But tensions between them and the Rebels flare along with the war against Dante fluctuating – and just when Lanore needs more careful thinking to work her way to who is truly behind the conflicts she has to deal with Zulu’s raging emotions.

I was extremely happy when I saw this book was coming out and when Kenya Wright sent us a copy, I’d been waiting eagerly for this one for some time.

This book is one of the few truly original urban fantasy stories I’ve come across. Its world setting is completely and utterly different from any I have seen before. The supernatural races and humanity fought a war for control soon after the supernatural was discovered and, after initial successes, humanity won. The surviving supernaturals were fenced into massive, enclosed cities, unable to leave and the only humans they interact with are the Habbies, the Habitat Police, who are actually human criminals given the chance to lower their sentences by working in the Habitat. Needless to say, it doesn’t create the most driven, skilled or uncorrupted police force imaginable.

Within the Habitat are all kinds of supernaturals – vampires, fae, elves, shapeshifters, demons, witches and no doubt many more. All of them living under the oppressive control of then humans, with invasive tracking devices and monitoring. There are also the Mixed blood, supernaturals with different supernaturals as parents who are reduced to a heavily oppressed, second class citizen status.

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Sep 24, 2012 Cathy Givans rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Over the last year, I've become a pretty big Kenya Wright fan. The Burning Bush was a prime example of why!
At the end of Fire Baptized, I remember wondering what in the world the author still had to write about: the murderer was behind bars, Lanore had finally decided that she was interested in Zulu...things seemed to be pretty much resolved, at least in my opinion.

Enter The Burning Bush, second book to The Habitat Series. Ms. Wright made it perfectly clear, from the very first page, that I had...more

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Oct 17, 2012 Cleo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Ok so I finally finished reading and it was a really hard finish for me. The book is very well written, some redundancies and contraction issues, the rebel patois isn't really a patois so perhaps didn't need to be included, but none of that is really distracting. The world building blows the mind it's so intricate, I actually love that this seems to be an alternate evolution of human history, where Freud is a Vampire and Sun Tzu is an earth witch. The parallels between the treatment of the mixie...more Ok so I finally finished reading and it was a really hard finish for me. The book is very well written, some redundancies and contraction issues, the rebel patois isn't really a patois so perhaps didn't need to be included, but none of that is really distracting. The world building blows the mind it's so intricate, I actually love that this seems to be an alternate evolution of human history, where Freud is a Vampire and Sun Tzu is an earth witch. The parallels between the treatment of the mixies and various indigenous peoples all over the world is pretty obvious while at the same time managing to be subtle, not preachy and rather surprisingly well done, few authors are able to tackle such a subject without being heavy handed. The inclusion of Santeria as the religious backdrop for this particular habitat is interesting, but could probably be fleshed out a bit more for people that have no familiarity with the Voudon religions. It's even better than the first because we get more detail of the world, the pacing is not as frenetic as the first book and there is a good deal of back story that helps to flesh out the characters.

On to the things I hated. Love triangles, I'm sorry I think they're a played out lame plot device that belong solely in YA fiction, but then people that can't make up their minds irritate me to no end, so that might be the crux of my dislike, although I don't believe that you can love two people at the same time, I belive that you can care about two people a great deal, but one is always going to edge out the other and I'd say that's the person you really love, as evidenced by the ending.

The love triangle in this book is especially trying for a number of reasons. The greatest being that I hated the character of MeShack. He had absolutely no redeeming qualities, I'm sorry all the hotness in the world doesn't make up for the the fact that he's an unapologetic man-wh*re and he's literally a hair's breadth away from being a rapist.

Lanore becomes difficult to like through her interactions with MeShack. Her refusal to set boundaries creates a weird dichotomy where she's supposed to be this billy bada$$, but constantly lets this dude fondle her then ten minutes later she's all over Zulu, which kinda negates the cool and makes you just look like a clueless sket. As many times as he's stormed into the room while she was either, in the middle of sex with Zulu, about to have sex with Zulu or just finished having sex with Zulu, and she never says to him that that wasn't acceptable and in needed to end? Also, if you have to punctuate eveything with fireballs, chances are no one is taking you seriously to begin with.

And speaking of Zulu, why even bother to include him in the story as a love interest when with the way it's written it's obvious that he's NOT the endgame? When she thinks that MeShack is dead she says nothing else matters because all of her just withered and died. Wait....What? Isn't this the same chick that was telling Zulu not long ago that she loved him? Maybe she was mistaken and meant that she liked him and loved MeShack and hey Zulu you're just a filler until MeShack is done with his season. Yeah that must be it. Not to mention she comes down hard on Zulu constantly for his shortcomings, but MeShack only gets told to calm down? Including Zulu was a colossal waste of time and frustrating to boot, because you get to like and respect a character knowing that he's not gonna get what he wants and also have to watch him get cr*pped on. Like seriously, he never had a chance.

I'm not sure if I will be continuing on with this series, because even though it's hinted at that he's dead, it's also hinted at the he might not be, and it seems as if MeShack is the endgame for Lanore, and I'm sorry but I can NOT be convinced that he is the better choice.

All in all it is really a very well written book though, Kenya Wright got skills! I just hate MeShack.

(on a side note to the author if she reads this, I'm a Linguistic Anthropologist and my concentration is Creole languages and Patois' so if you ever need help with that......Oh and please don't hate this review)(less)

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Sep 17, 2012 Jen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-own

Firts of all I want to say that I think Kenya Wright is a genius!!! If there were more than five stars to rate this book I would give it quadruple stars!!!! Kenya blessed me with the ARC of "The Burning Bush" and I am ever so grateful as I fell in love with this series from book #1..I have just finished reading the second book and I am shell shocked at the moment!!! I mean, WOW! This story has had me so up and down in my emotions, I have been glued to it all weekend. Kenya, I can't believe you e...more Firts of all I want to say that I think Kenya Wright is a genius!!! If there were more than five stars to rate this book I would give it quadruple stars!!!! Kenya blessed me with the ARC of "The Burning Bush" and I am ever so grateful as I fell in love with this series from book #1..I have just finished reading the second book and I am shell shocked at the moment!!! I mean, WOW! This story has had me so up and down in my emotions, I have been glued to it all weekend. Kenya, I can't believe you ended it like that!!! I am freaking out right now and I am praying that you will not take long to write #3!!!LOL I don't want to wait!!! I was screaming, "NO" and my family are all seriously thinking I need help right now!!! I am speechless...
In saying that, I am scared to say too much about anything in this story as I don't want to ruin it for anyone. All that I can say is that I think everyone should run out and read this series!!! Kenya has a way of writing that just sucks you right into the world and makes it so you don't want to leave. Her sense of humor is charming, and just hilarious. I often laugh out loud when I am reading her books. This book has the same kind of humor as the first one and I just love it! Her imagination knows no bounds and I have fallen in love with her "pixie pets" I would like some of my own; thank you very much!
The love triangle between MeShak, Zulu, and Lanore continues and at times is frustrating; but it is entertaining to watch the possesiveness and jealousy that goes on between Meshak and Zulu. Even with that though, they accept one anothers relationship with Lanore, because they just love her that much and want her to be happy. They do attempt to get along (begrudginly) when they are not trying to kill or maim one another! I also fell in love with Zulu's sister Cassie in this book. She ended up Lanore's sidekick while trying to find a murderer. Angel, was the other sidekick and at times the interaction between the three again had me in stitches.
I wish I could put my finger on what exactly the magic formula is that has me adoring this series..I think the biggest thing that I love is Kenya's imagination in her writing. The things that she comes up with are just genius and at times I wish I could live inside that intriguing brain of hers!!! She now has a fan for life in me..( Mind you I had said that after "Fire Baptized") These books are truly at the top of my best books list! I love the world of the "Habitat" and the people in it have now become familiar to me and I can hardly wait until I have a chance to be sucked right back into this fabulous, complex world that Kenya writes about.
I will be biting my knuckles until the next installment!!! (I am not kidding!)(less)

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Mar 16, 2013 Laura DeLuca rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: new-age-mama-reviews

I read the first book, Fire Baptized, before I read the Burning Bush. These two books are absolutely awesome! Engaging from the get go. I loved reading and learning about the different “cities” and half human/half animal creatures. The way the author shapes the characters to be so fluid with their powers is amazing. Every time I would read about a character and their powers, you could really believe that the character was fused with certain elements (fire/water etc…) and it showed in the persona...more

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Oct 04, 2012 VampireNovelFan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: demons, fae, arc, love-triangle, mystery, paranormal-romance, review-request, vampires, urban-fantasy, witches

Excellent but…CLIFFHANGER MADNESS!!

I was glad to have the opportunity to review The Burning Bush (Habitat #2) by Kenya Wright after enjoying its predecessor a great deal.

When you’re a mixie, sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands to survive. In Lanore and Zulu’s case, that includes taking down a real mover and shaker, vampire businessman Dante Bottelli. After bombing his production plant, everything goes downhill and Lanore gets roped into a bizarre murder case, the Burning Bush...more Excellent but…CLIFFHANGER MADNESS!!

I was glad to have the opportunity to review The Burning Bush (Habitat #2) by Kenya Wright after enjoying its predecessor a great deal.

When you’re a mixie, sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands to survive. In Lanore and Zulu’s case, that includes taking down a real mover and shaker, vampire businessman Dante Bottelli. After bombing his production plant, everything goes downhill and Lanore gets roped into a bizarre murder case, the Burning Bush Murders to be exact, involving the bodies of young women being tied to burning bushes. There is undoubtedly magic involved, making this not so cut and dry. Solving a murder and managing a turf war…it’s safe to say our heroine’s got her hands full.

There are some of the usual urban fantasy tropes that aren’t my favorite when it comes to this series, particularly the love triangle, but the actual story is engaging enough for me to deal with it. Their vigilante antics raise the stakes immensely, producing rather unpredictable outcomes. The characters themselves have quite a bit of flaws, but it makes them more relatable because of it. While the series is heavy on the drama and grit, there are quite a few laugh out loud moments as well. I can honestly say that I wasn’t bored for even one page.

Though longer than the first book, the Burning Bush is even better. The world building is as solid as ever and you really feel for the mixies being treated as second class citizens. Lanore, Zulu, and MeShack’s hardships take you on an emotional roller coaster that you feel even until the very last page. My jaw dropped to the floor. I wanted to make sure my file wasn’t corrupted and I somehow didn’t get the rest of the book. Think of the series finale of The Sopranos when it cut off suddenly and you stared at who had the remote. The “ending” if you can call it that was just unbelievable and it left me immediately wanting the next novel.

This series is as good as it gets when it comes to this genre, so I highly recommend it.

*ARC provided by Author.
*Review also posted to Amazon.(less)

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Sep 19, 2012 Laura Thomas rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wait until you read the story. It starts out with a bang.

Let me tell you something about it. But before I forget, I should tell you that this is Book Two in the series and may contain some mild spoilers.

Now they’ve really stepped in it. Zulu and Lanore blew up Linderman‘s Blood Factory. It just happens to be owned by Dante, a very powerful vampire that wants them dead.

To complicate matters, the bumbling cop, Rivera, was tracking them with their brands and knows they did it. He uses that knowledg...more

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Sep 19, 2012 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars
I didn't love every single thing about this book. But I still thought it was very, very good. I really like the series. The world building fascinates me. It's dark and disturbing, but very compelling. The main character is a contradiction, but one that makes sense. She is flawed but powerful; maligned yet idolized; loyal but conflicted. I like her. I want her to be happy. I want her to beat the odds. (I want her to be with Zulu. --But we'll get to that later.)

Basically, the story picks...more 4.5 Stars
I didn't love every single thing about this book. But I still thought it was very, very good. I really like the series. The world building fascinates me. It's dark and disturbing, but very compelling. The main character is a contradiction, but one that makes sense. She is flawed but powerful; maligned yet idolized; loyal but conflicted. I like her. I want her to be happy. I want her to beat the odds. (I want her to be with Zulu. --But we'll get to that later.)

Basically, the story picks up where Fire Baptized left off. Lanore is in a relationship with Zulu and helping him with the MFE. MeShack is still a part of her life, as they raise little Ben together. But he opposes how she and Zulu are fighting the war against the vampire Dante. MFE is working with a more radical organization and they've bombed one of Dante's factories.

The bombing gives a crooked cop ammunition against Lanore, to force her to help him solve a murder case. Someone has killed a shifter and a Mixie, and hung each body on a magically burning bush. Either Lanore figures out the identity of the killer or the cop fingers her for the bombing. The story follows Lanore as she works to solve the case.

Of course, there is much more going on. There is the dangerous feud with Dante... a wealth of strong secondary characters. And the love triangle. The damn love triangle is killing me. I am firmly and completely Team Zulu. MeShack is a whore. He is unapologetic. He doesn't hide it. He simply blames the biology of his "season" and expects Lenore to be there waiting for him when he gets tired of humping every female in a 50 mile radius. It bothers me tremendously that even as we see Lanore move forward with Zulu, it feels like a foregone conclusion that MeShack is the endgame. And I DO NOT WANT that. I could go on and on about this, but I'll spare you.

What you can tell about my small rant is that I actually care about these characters a lot. There is no way I could say that this book is "meh." Even when I yelled at it (and I did,) I was completely engrossed in it. Invested. And not just in the relationships --though that part gave me the most angst. I was wrapped up in the murder mystery. And the politics. And the horrible racist (species-ist?) atmosphere in which the story is set. I can see Lenore becoming something so much more than what her society relegates her to. It all just... speaks to me. It affects me.

Then there is the ending. To call it a cliffhanger would be kind. I read the Epilogue and said out loud, "What the actual fuck was that?" I don't know what the hell happened to two of the major characters. I think I would have preferred if there had been no Epilogue at all. We would still have the same questions unanswered, but I wouldn't feel so confused.

That aside, this is a book (and a series) I would wholeheartedly recommend. It's just captivating. And different. Worth a read.

Rating: B+

*ARC provided by author for review(less)

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Jan 16, 2013 Jennifer Bielman (Reading and Writing UF and PNR) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, vampires, shapeshifters, magic, adult, witches, reviewed

http://readingandwritingurbanfantasy....

2.5 stars

At A Glance
Halfway through this book, I just knew it was going to be another 5 star story like the first book, Fire Baptized. Then the second half was like watching puppies being tortured.

The Good
Here's The Story...
Dante Bottelli has slaughtered mixbreeds for years so Lanore and Zulu, mixbreeds themselves, decide to get him back by blowing up one of his companies. But when corrupt cop, Detective Rivera, finds proof of Lanore's involvement, he bla...more

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Mar 27, 2013 Jennifer Zuna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved the first book in this series, Fire Baptized, and I was chomping at the bit to dig into book two! I was not disappointed! There's more super sexy love triangle, more amazing strong characters and more violence, betrayal and death. And blood, lots of blood. Lanore is blackmailed into trying to solve another murder and winds up knee deep in vampires, witches, bombs and mystery. This second book moves just as quickly if not faster than the first book. As quickly as the story moves, the char...more

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Oct 23, 2012 Pat rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, adult, series, series-r-us, favorites, always-worth-re-reading, naughty-bits

4.5stars actually —Aaaarrrgh – why weren’t book 2 & 3 written simultaneously?

Another beautifully rendered cover for this series and a very accurate synopsis that does not need to be rehashed or revised. I’m so glad I decided to continue this series as book two built on the great promise and not so great promise of book one to make this a series to watch. It is also a series to be read in order to get the full experience of this very different and exciting world. My issue from book one was a...more 4.5stars actually —Aaaarrrgh – why weren’t book 2 & 3 written simultaneously?

Another beautifully rendered cover for this series and a very accurate synopsis that does not need to be rehashed or revised. I’m so glad I decided to continue this series as book two built on the great promise and not so great promise of book one to make this a series to watch. It is also a series to be read in order to get the full experience of this very different and exciting world. My issue from book one was addressed and added a great deal to improve my reading experience.

This installment picks up from the conclusion of book one and starts with a great action piece. I loved that the world was expanded and added so many new layers to the original cast. New secondary characters and more world building enhanced an already wonderful environment making it more vivid. An already good and believable love triangle was re-enforced drawing the original main characters of Lanore, MeShack and Zulu into even sharper focus. By adding more facets to all three ( giving Lanore more friends and a more (for me) believable storyline; expanding MeShack’s peripheral, shallow existence in another environment and showing their past and; humanizing Zulu by giving him an issue-filled family life and portraying him as more than a neighborhood bully) their characters were enriched with more depth & desirability. This time around I felt Lanore was a more worthy bone of contention for the very strong male leads. Ms. Wright makes it hard on a shipper!

The plot(s) – make no mistake the threads are huge and are so much more than sub-plots, are each strongly written, easy to follow and do their part to give credence to this world. Friendships, betrayals, suspicions, life, death, violence, love and mixed messages are wonderful ingredients to this spicy dish. Intertwined, very cleverly in the witty sexy banter and the situations presented is a strong and telling commentary that touches some hot topics in today’s society and politics. The action pieces had great build-up and execution smoothly moving you quickly through the next act.

My least favorite part of the book was the end! Cliffhanger! Why weren’t books two and three released simultaneously?!?!?
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Sep 24, 2012 Nada rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The Burning Bush is the second edition to the Habitat series. It is about a new world where humans forced supernaturals to live in cages cities. This book continues the story of what happens to the protagonist Lanore Vesta. Lanore is a mixie that has a sight for equality between mixies and purebloods. With blowing up the vamp blood factory and a habbie detective that is blackmailing her solve the murder cases for him running after her, Lanore has a lot on her plate.

I read the first book and I l...more

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Oct 15, 2012 Alexis Villery rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The Burning Bush picks up where Firebaptized left off. angry at Dante for his horrible and malicious behavior toward the Mixies in his care, Lanore and Zulu manage to strike back with great force and precision . But they don't on the ripple effect of the consequences. It seems that compromise will be necessary but Lanore and Zulu no longer know who their enemies are. Things aren't as they seem. Rivera blackmails Lanore into helping him solve another murder mystery.

I truly enjoyed this book. I lo...more The Burning Bush picks up where Firebaptized left off. angry at Dante for his horrible and malicious behavior toward the Mixies in his care, Lanore and Zulu manage to strike back with great force and precision . But they don't on the ripple effect of the consequences. It seems that compromise will be necessary but Lanore and Zulu no longer know who their enemies are. Things aren't as they seem. Rivera blackmails Lanore into helping him solve another murder mystery.

I truly enjoyed this book. I love how the world has continued to develop. Learning more about the history, class dynamics, and problems drew me into the novel and made me excited to learn more in the books to come. I love how Ms. Wright has expertly crafted a new world with a new set of rules. I'm able to completely disappear the world of the Habitat. Some of my favorite characters returned and there are new interesting ones. There is still a hint of a love triangle. Though many will disagree with me, I prefer Meshack (I know what you are thinking). I know why Lanore isn't with him and he can be kind of gross, but if I have to pick one, I pick him. I can't stand violent, possessive men in the real world or in a book world. It drives me crazy because this is not love! In my world, women in these types of relationships often end up dead...but I digress.

There is much sadness in this installment which surprised me. Oh...and there's a cliffhanger. Pause. Yes. A cliffhanger. Everyone knows how I feel about cliffhangers. It almost diminished my enjoyment quite a bit. I had originally picked a different rating on that alone, but time away and reflection has allowed me to look at the bigger picture. One of the reasons I fell in love with this series is the fact that it stands on good writing and powerful creativity and imagination. If it starts to use some of the gimmicks of typical YA, I think it might start to lose some of its magic. That said, this isn't YA. The romance is hot, hot, HOT! The characters can be described as college age. Though the characters are a little older, it can read like YA sometimes. I really like that. We need more with older young characters.

This review is long for my standards but I still have so much to say! Overall, I loved this book. I didn't want it to end and I'm so excited for the future. I recommend this one to any one who enjoys hot romances, paranormal fun, adventure, and amazing writing. Is that everyone? Okay, I recommend this to everyone.(less)

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Feb 13, 2013 Ghadeer A rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The plot was not that good and I hate how the author writes the men in this series both Lanor's love interest are big ..muscular ..horny...growling ..no depth whatsoever dummies..it is like many PR novels in that aspect .and to top it all they are both similar in charachters ( if you can even call what little they have a charachters ) and their bodys too so I really do not care which one she chooses..

Not to mention her investigating abilities which are none existing ..and you either have her be...more

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Dec 24, 2012 Ken rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, supernatural, paranormal-romance

I read the outstanding Fire Baptized, the first book in the Habitat series, back at the beginning of the year. I was impressed by Wright's ability to weave both mystery and supernatural genre so effortlessly together and was also captivated by the lore and mythology of the world she created. The second book builds on top of this strong foundation and introduces the reader to even more of Santeria's history. What I also liked are the inequalities and struggles of the mixbreeds are brought to the...more I read the outstanding Fire Baptized, the first book in the Habitat series, back at the beginning of the year. I was impressed by Wright's ability to weave both mystery and supernatural genre so effortlessly together and was also captivated by the lore and mythology of the world she created. The second book builds on top of this strong foundation and introduces the reader to even more of Santeria's history. What I also liked are the inequalities and struggles of the mixbreeds are brought to the forefront and are now a focal point of the story.

The Burning Bush begins shortly after the events in Fire Baptized and Lanore is once again caught up in a murder investigation. This time, Detective Rivera has charged her to look into the death of a rich girl who was found stuck to a burning bush in the the middle of the police station forecourt. Little did she know her investigation would dig up the sordid past of one of the most powerful Supenaturals in Santeria. To make matters worse, her relationships with Zulu and Meshack are getting even more complicated and there are elements within the Rebels who want to see her dead.

This was another good read. I really like how Wright incorporates the theme of inequality into her stories. In her world, the Supernaturals lost a war with the humans and are left to live in caged cities known as Habitats. However not all Supernaturals are equal and the lowest of them all are the Mixbreeds who are born without any power and are used as playthings by everyone. The Mixbreeds are looked down upon and deemed not able to achieve anything in their life. When they do work, they have to take on the most unpleasant jobs that no one else would do. No one in the society cares for Mixbreeds except for Lanore, Zulu and their MFE who are demanding fair treatment for the Mixies.

The plot is just as strong as before with a good mystery to keep you hooked from beginning to the end. More of Santeria's background is revealed in the story but you never felt overwhelmed as Wright perfectly balances the pace of the book with just the right amount of world building. The introduction of Zulu's half-sister Cassie was a good choice as her character brings a playfulness to the story and offsets some of the grimness of the world.

The only thing that I thought was a little too much was the romance in this book. In Fire Baptized, the book is primarily urban fantasy with a dash of romance but in The Burning Bush, the love triangle just got way out of hand at times.

All in all, The Burning Bush is a solid follow up to the Habitat series. If you enjoyed the first book then you would not be disappointed by this. It's always a pleasure to read a story where the author has obviously invested much time and effort in creating a world with rich, diverse background and history. I look forward to reading the next chapter in the Habitat series.

(Originally posted at http://www.paperlessreading.com/2012/...)(less)

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Apr 16, 2013 Alexandria rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm so sad. I was expecting so much more out of this installment than I got of it. For some reason I found La La's character to be a little annoying throughout the whole book. She's changed a little from the character I remembered in the first installment, and I just found myself disliking her immensely.

I just don't know where she stands anymore. And her relationship with MeShack and Zulu has agitated me beyond relief now. If she likes Zulu so much, why not just stay with him? She constantly re...more

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Nov 13, 2012 Lily rated it 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Second 5 star review in less than 2 weeks! Guess I am just one lucky reader to have hit the jackpot with yet another fantastic story.

If you have not yet read 'Fire Baptized' by Kenya Wright, think twice about reading this review. I will try not to put in any spoilers, but it will be difficult not to let something slip while reviewing the second in the series.

This second installment just kicked it up a notch with a new murder mystery, that even for me, the queen of lucky accurate guessing,...more

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Sep 24, 2012 Cathy Givans rated it 5 of 5 stars

Over the last year, I've become a pretty big Kenya Wright fan. The Burning Bush was a prime example of why!
At the end of Fire Baptized, I remember wondering what in the world the author still had to write about: the murderer was behind bars, Lanore had finally decided that she was interested in Zulu...things seemed to be pretty much resolved, at least in my opinion.

Enter The Burning Bush, second book to The Habitat Series. Ms. Wright made it perfectly clear, from the very first page, that I had...more

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Sep 17, 2012 Mistik ྉ rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERY UF or PNR lover

Shelves: habitat, pnr-nauba-group-authors, other-pn, dark-pnr-uf

Adult UF/PNR. Dark.

Un-put-down-able! Fantastic writing. Great character development and lively plot
5 stars for the excitement. 3 stars for where it went...

Bad ass cover represents this read in full. I would have preferred her head intact and fire just out of the eyes but hey that's just me. I still like it better than the girl in a dress one.
The world was expanded on in this second installment of the Habitat. It is one of the best PNR worlds out there. The superficial paranormal element i...more

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The Burning Bush (Habitat #2)

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