The Ripple Effect (Rhiannon's Law, #3)

Sep 03, 2012 Michelle, the Bookshelf Stalker rated it 5 of 5 stars

Ok. I seriously feel horrible. This was such an incredible book and I STILL didn't do a review. I loved the book. Isn't that enough? No. Okay, we'll I promise this will be my first review once I return to the world of books and blogs. Until then, go read the series. go..go..go.

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May 02, 2013 Mariana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: saare-ja, july-dec-2012, fav-books, i-wished-this-guy-was-real, vampires, love-triangle, angel-fallen-angel, bad-boy, hell-heaven, im-sad-it-ended, starcrossed-lovers, supernatural, swoon-worthy-cover, tear-jerker

7/31
OMG OMG OMG!
If this is your first time hearing about this book I recommend you to put this down and go read from the beginning of the series!!

I can't believe I read this under a day! I think it was the wait that made me devour this!

This book was amazing! Completely different from what I expected! Oh I didn't know how much I missed Gabriel until I heard from him.
So many emotions! I still can't believe some of the things that happened! Marcus, Paine! Goose! Jenny! Everyone! It was such a great...more

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Aug 30, 2012 Fallon Blake rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal-uf

I'm going to try to review this without spoilers, but I make no promises.

I've been a fan of this series for a long time now. I loved the first two installments and waited patiently for the third. After the roller coaster ride that was The Renfield Syndrome, I wasn't quite sure what I'd be in for with The Ripple Effect.

Holy hell. This book blew me away.

Rhiannon finds her world turned upside down once more as she acclimates to the present day after a harrowing trip a hundred years into the futu...more I'm going to try to review this without spoilers, but I make no promises.

I've been a fan of this series for a long time now. I loved the first two installments and waited patiently for the third. After the roller coaster ride that was The Renfield Syndrome, I wasn't quite sure what I'd be in for with The Ripple Effect.

Holy hell. This book blew me away.

Rhiannon finds her world turned upside down once more as she acclimates to the present day after a harrowing trip a hundred years into the future. She suffered a heart-wrenching betrayal at the end of TRS and I wasn't sure where things would go between her and Disco. Needless to say, she was hurt and finding it very difficult to forgive the vampire she loves. Disco, though tender at times and still deeply in love with Rhiannon, makes no apologies for what happened. After all, he felt betrayed as well, and hello? Vampire. He's not the type to win her back by playing Claire de Lune or sending roses. And wouldn't Rhiannon would laugh her ass off at that? She needs someone who isn't going to take her shit no matter how often she tries to dish it out. Gabriel is that man and then some.

Relationship issues aside, the "Big Bad" has come to town and he has it in for our girl in a big way. Rhiannon has grown powerful and that doesn't sit well with the vamps in charge. On top of that, she has in her possession the only weapon known to kill half-demons. And they want her to just hand it over. If you've read the previous books you know Rhiannon doesn't respond too well to orders. Not to mention, our girl has serious trust issues. She's not just going to hand over the knife simply because they tell her too. I don't blame her a bit. After being hurled a hundred years into a hellish future and dealing with demons face to face, she's understandably reluctant to let go the one weapon she has against their kind. Unfortunately, her actions put those closest to her in jeopardy.

Is she irritatingly stubborn about the knife? Yes, but I look at it this way; with her background and abandonment issues she's never been able to count on anyone but herself. She's not going to overcome that in the space of a year or five even. She's going to have to learn the hard way that the people who say they love her will be there for her. For Rhiannon that's not going to happen until Disco is there to catch her when she's naked with her ass in a sling and swinging over the Grand Canyon without a net.

I don't have to tell you that things get bad in this book. I'm sure you've read other reviews. This book brings new meaning to dark. I love that JA Saare gives us an Urban Fantasy with grit and gore, laughter and tears. I don't cry easily and one scene in this book had me pretty choked up. I won't give it away. You need to read it for yourself.

Ms. Saare has put a shit-kicker firmly in the UF world and declared that she's a force to be reckoned with. I can't wait to read more. (less)

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Aug 01, 2012 Magda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Need this book NOWWWWW!

Writing a note for myself -
Can get this directly from Mundania.com

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Dec 10, 2012 Ellie rated it 5 of 5 stars

JA Saare holds nothing back in the third installment of this amazing series. Fan of Rhiannon have learned never to get too comfortable because things can change drastically in the blink of an eye.
The Ripple Effect is an emotional roller coaster of Holy Crap moments as Rhiannon deals with the consequences of coming back from the future and saving Disco. Rhiannon has still not forgiven Disco and the rift between them has major consequences.
So much happens in this book that it's hard to review wi...more

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Dec 31, 2012 Dahlia (yadkny) rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Urban Fantasy Lovers

Shelves: favorites

'Rhiannon's Law #18: No one asks for their life to change, but it does. The bad things we face are tests created to separate the strong from the weak. Once you've found your place–as the savage lion or the tranquil lamb–it's up to you to take the next step, to decide what comes after. Even if it means destroying everything in your path on the road to deliverance.'

After being brought back from the edge of death, the brink of death, and actual death so many times, I was worried for our girl Rhian...more 'Rhiannon's Law #18: No one asks for their life to change, but it does. The bad things we face are tests created to separate the strong from the weak. Once you've found your place–as the savage lion or the tranquil lamb–it's up to you to take the next step, to decide what comes after. Even if it means destroying everything in your path on the road to deliverance.'

After being brought back from the edge of death, the brink of death, and actual death so many times, I was worried for our girl Rhiannon from the beginning of this story. I knew her emotional state would be a complete disaster with how the last book ended and knew that this wasn't something she could necessarily physically fight out of her system. She tried, God love her, but it once again takes extreme circumstances for her to see the light and realize what really matters. However, no amount of enlightenment comes without a price and Rhiannon wasn't the only one who suffered. I have to warn that if you've been following this series and love certain characters or even if you only have a level of respect for others, this story will crush in ways you didn't think possible. It crushed me, chewed me up, and spat me out leaving me physically drained by the run of high emotions.

In my reading journey, I don't believe I have ever been afraid for or of a heroine so much as I was for/of Rhiannon. There was absolutely no amount of predictability in her moves (or the storyline for that matter) and that made for a tense read. At times, I thought there was no way for her to come back from this or that and she consistently surprised me with her persistence and perseverance. For that she is the most inspirational and admirable character I have ever read. Having said that, her stubbornness and slight selfishness this time around made her a very frustrating character as well, but I can't say I'd have done anything different. To Rhiannon I say - stay the same, don't ever change... unless it's for the ones you love. Then it's ok to be a monster created by monsters or an angel of vengeance.

Gabriel and Paine... what can I really say about them that hasn't already been said or they haven't proven through their actions or words. I knew there wouldn't be an automatic road to happily-ever-after and even after certain events occurred, I remain hopeful. That's just the power these brilliantly realized characters have.

Gritty, raw, dark, poignant, and surprisingly beautiful, this story left me completely broken. I thought Rhiannon had been put through the ringer enough in the first two books, but that was not to be in this one. I won't give any spoilers away, but the end is just the beginning and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!

'I was coming for them and, Heaven or Hell, I was bringing death with me.' (less)

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Aug 06, 2012 Elena R a.k.a. Lunies R rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: pnr-fantasy, favorites, top-fav-2012, tear-jerker

Rhiannon Law #18: No one asks for their life to change,but it does. The bad things we face are tests created to separate the strong from the weak. Once you've found your place-as the savage lion or the tranquil lamb-it's up to you to take the next step,to decide what comes after.Even If it means destroying everything standing in your path on the road to deliverance."

This series is rock solid full of awesomeness!

Rhiannon Murphy,is and never will be the typical Heroine you should expect. If she...more Rhiannon Law #18: No one asks for their life to change,but it does. The bad things we face are tests created to separate the strong from the weak. Once you've found your place-as the savage lion or the tranquil lamb-it's up to you to take the next step,to decide what comes after.Even If it means destroying everything standing in your path on the road to deliverance."

This series is rock solid full of awesomeness!

Rhiannon Murphy,is and never will be the typical Heroine you should expect. If she saids she'll "make you quiver with fear" believe it! She has been through hell and back. Literally, at this point she has absolutely nothing to lose. Giving into the head masters demands and his leader don't quite run as they want it, she'll bow down to no one,and sacrifice herself only for the people she loves and who she's loyal to,no one else. So these vampires can laugh at her tactics, but they'll run like cowards without realizing they're being screwed my a mere human.

There wasn't anything in this novel that was expected. Just the complete opposite. Almost every other chapter was a jaw dropping moment. I've rubbed my chest above my heart a dozen times. Wow! Just Wow! Heartache,betrayals,torture,love between friends and family,and DEATH. These Vampires who thought they could have Rhiannon beg and bow to them,just made themselves the enemy. Revenge, is what Rhia's good at. And boy-oh boy, the irony of it could make her enemies dead in their graves still fear her.

Disco and Paine's involvement with Rhiannon is just the chocolate drizzle on a strawberry. My goodness, will their relationship ever get a rest? I'm afraid it might never. I've never read so much pain,and the lengths of what one would do for someone they love. These men show it with no regrets. *sighs*

My thoughts are still running non-stop. The author put her all into this novel. It was downright perfection! The fourth novel to this series, is still undecided. It would be ashamed not to finish writing the series. But at least with this novel,readers get somewhat of a closure. There's no huge cliffhanger, just a cliffy to make you wonder what will happen in the future. Disco is enraged and is willing to bring the vampiric world to war with everyone and they're creators. Gosh! The thought of Disco taking over makes Rhiannon quiver. Seriously? That is beyond enthralling. I would say "Bring it!" these two as a team could make the world crumble.

"Rhianon: I let go of one final scream,the harsh sound echoing in the morning air,carrying on the breeze as an endless cry that blended with the wind.Only this wasn't a call to the angels. This was a warning to those who would pay,a promise to all enemies. I was coming for the them and,Heaven,or Hell,I will bring death with me."

OH BABY!!! That line gave me the gooseflesh! My Goodness this series is amazing!

I'm holding my breath and crossing my fingers that there will be a fourth book. For those of you,who haven't read this series, give it a go. J.A Saare has brought a whole new meaning to Urban Fantasy and I assure you,you will not be disappointed.

(less)

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Jul 23, 2012 Chelsea [Vampire Book Club] rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: magic, uf-pnr, vampires, demons

This review was originally posted at Vampire Book Club.

Readers of the Rhiannon’s Law series know J.A. Saare never pulls punches. Rhiannon makes massive mistakes, awful things happen to her, the world spins out of control, everyone makes poor choices and the characters just have to deal. It’s what I like so much about the series. Nothing is easy in these books, and you can never take a sweet moment between characters for granted, because it all could change in the next chapter.

We come into The Ri...more This review was originally posted at Vampire Book Club.

Readers of the Rhiannon’s Law series know J.A. Saare never pulls punches. Rhiannon makes massive mistakes, awful things happen to her, the world spins out of control, everyone makes poor choices and the characters just have to deal. It’s what I like so much about the series. Nothing is easy in these books, and you can never take a sweet moment between characters for granted, because it all could change in the next chapter.

We come into The Ripple Effect a few weeks after the horrible misunderstanding (a.k.a. The Awfulness) between Disco and Rhiannon from the end of The Renfield Syndrome. He wants to apologize, wants to make things right and our girl Rhiannon isn’t having it. Their mutual friends are trying to make them get past this. Again, Rhiannon isn’t ready to forgive him.(I wouldn’t be ready either.)

The Ripple Effect is a book about consequences. And that’s a good thing. Every action has meaning, and everyone must endure as the results trickle in. First, turns out our boy Disco was sheltering Rhiannon from the real vampire world. That means his master is coming to visit and expects to see things a bit more violent and the humans much more subjugated. Imagine Rhiannon’s reaction to this. We find a link between demons and vampires and have to spend quality time at their place, which results in scenes horror fans will love and others will cringe at — but you’ll know who the bad guys are immediately.

As a result of the master vampire visiting, Rhiannon has to play dutiful girlfriend while in private still giving Disco the cold shoulder. This forces them — and Paine — to work out their issues, and to accept one another’s faults as best they can in a stressful situation.

Unrelenting and honest. Dark, deep and a touch dirty. If you like your vampires sexy and scary, The Ripple Effect is a must. Since it’s a Saare book, expect big changes in love, death and a heavy dose of violence — the kind that will captivate you early on.

Sexual content: Sex(less)

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Aug 06, 2012 Paula (Romantic Book Affairs Blogspot) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, paranormal-romance, fantabulous-favorites, 2012-release

Rating: A

Before I get started, I want to say this book is NOT a stand-alone. If you start with this book, you will be missing a huge chunk of the plot that begins with the first book, Dead, Undead or Somewhere in Between. I highly recommend starting from the beginning because there is so much that happens with Rhiannon, Disco, Paine, and all the rest of the characters and it’s a wild ride you don’t want to miss.

Rhiannon's Law # 18: No one asks for their life to change, but it does. The bad thi...more

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Jul 26, 2012 Julie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2012

Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Excuse me while I try to collect my thoughts for a moment. This book… Oh boys…

The Urban Fantasy genre is meant to put readers through the ringer. After all, that’s one of its traits. You must keep that in mind while you read The Ripple Effect by JA Saare, the third book in her Rhiannon’s Law series, because if you don’t keep that in mind it would be very easy to get frustrated with this book and very easy to curl up in a ball and repeatedly chant “why? w...more Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks

Excuse me while I try to collect my thoughts for a moment. This book… Oh boys…

The Urban Fantasy genre is meant to put readers through the ringer. After all, that’s one of its traits. You must keep that in mind while you read The Ripple Effect by JA Saare, the third book in her Rhiannon’s Law series, because if you don’t keep that in mind it would be very easy to get frustrated with this book and very easy to curl up in a ball and repeatedly chant “why? why? why? why? why?”. So be sure to keep that UF aspect in your head while you read because people, this is definitely a true Urban Fantasy book.

The Ripple Effect starts just a few weeks after the last book leaves us. Rhiannon is just going about her life, trying to figure out how to accomplish the task she was given in The Renfield Syndrome and trying to avoid Disco. Yes, she saves him then but afterwards he did something truly unspeakable. And because of that, Rhiannon is convinced she must forget about him…but can’t. She is crazy in love with him after all. She has grown closer to Paine too (as friends) and that is something Disco isn’t too fond of…but Disco can suck it *grin*. The beginning of the book grips you right away. Rhiannon is helping out her friend Goose, using her necromancy skills. It’s a heavy and creepy action scene that sets the tone of the book.

Let me advise you that The Ripple Effect is the darkest book to date in this series. And I mean it is dark. I’m talking really gruesome and extra gory. Rhiannon witnesses some really nasty stuff and goes through the ringer in this one. Over and over and over. Every UF series has what I like to call a ‘transition book’: installments where the hero and heroine go through an extra helping of hell but it’s all necessary to keep their characters growing. These installments also tend to set up for the next direction that the series will take. Well, The Ripple Effect is this series transition book. There is a bit of snark in this one but not nearly as much as usual. As I said, this book is dark.

Oh Rhiannon… *shakes head* Yes, she goes through hell this time around but seriously, I wanted to smack her so badly for most of the book. I mean, a good 65% of the book, I wanted to reach into my Kobo and shake her up a little bit. (And I’m not the only one – even the author admits to wanting to smack her lol) She is in possession of a knife that demons fear. Disco’s sire wants the weapon so it can be destroyed, or something, but Rhiannon refuses to hand it over because if she loses it she can’t prevent the future she witnessed in the last book from happening. Everyone is asking her, telling her and finally begging her to let it go but she won’t. Well, that doesn’t go over well. At all. Rhiannon gets punished and pretty much every one she cares about too. No, she doesn’t truly deserve what she goes through but I couldn’t help thinking “yeah, well, you brought this on yourself crazy lady”. Now there’s an amulet that I’m convinced plays a big role in all this too…but still, pretty much all her fault. At the end of it all, we see lights finally go off in Rhiannon’s stubborn little head and I am looking forward to seeing her grow and where JA takes her in the next book.

Disco is…well he’s Disco. He is truly sorry for what he did in the last book but he’s also stuck because his sire, Marius, is around and humans are supposed to be tools for vampires to use. For those of you who have read this series, you are aware that Rhiannon is not treated that way that way. Disco doesn’t treat those under his protection as objects – something his sire does not understand. Disco must please his sire but also wants to win Rhiannon back. Yes, you are right, he is in quite the pickle. We do get a hint as to how powerful Disco really is and man, that was cool. I can’t wait to delve a little deeper into that in the next book.

Bane is a really cool character and he has an interesting story, I just know it. You know there are just some characters out there that, even though they are on the page for only a short time, you just know that there is something special there. Well, that’s how I felt when I read Bane. I hope JA writes more about him because he is an intriguing guy. And Goose, I always like him. He’s awesome.

Paine…oh Paine. I love him. I often think he’s better for Rhiannon than Disco. (Now now members of ‘Team Disco’, please don’t throw things at me. It’s not polite) My heart breaks for this guy and I really want to hug him myself but his little ability of seeing how and when the people he touches are to die would kill the mood I think. Paine, he is awesome and that’s that.

The ending of the book is intriguing. I am very curious to see how everything will play out and how long it will take for Rhiannon and Disco to fix the cluster-f*ck they’ve caused. It seems they will be spending a lot of time together which is nice because I need to see them have some quality time to remind me of why they are so good together. Because maybe I’m hung up on Paine a little bit. *grin*

The Ripple Effect is not for the faint of heart. You will cringe, you will cry, you will want to throw the book across the room on many occasions. But all those things just show that JA has the talent to write a story that will really get her readers’ emotions boiling.(less)

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Aug 11, 2012 Mara rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: UF fans

Shelves: urban-fantasy

Rhiannon's Law is a gripping dark UF series with just one flaw: character coherence. In both the first and again in this book, Rhiannon is both portrayed as kick-ass and prey. One moment she is smug, arrogant, strong, the next she folds on herself. Moreover some of her choices do not rang true when compared to her life. (view spoiler)...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Mithrendiel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, favorites-2012, vampires, intelligent-kick-ass-heroines

Words really can’t describe how much I love the Rhiannon’s Law series. I read Dead, Undead, and Somewhere Inbetween and Renfield Syndrome in early 2012, I still feel like they are some of the best novels I’ve read all year. When I love a series this much, I tend to set my expectations fairly high for future novels. I stress about new releases, worrying they won’t live up to my expectations. But I am thrilled to report that this third installment is not only a fantastic addition to an already gre...more Words really can’t describe how much I love the Rhiannon’s Law series. I read Dead, Undead, and Somewhere Inbetween and Renfield Syndrome in early 2012, I still feel like they are some of the best novels I’ve read all year. When I love a series this much, I tend to set my expectations fairly high for future novels. I stress about new releases, worrying they won’t live up to my expectations. But I am thrilled to report that this third installment is not only a fantastic addition to an already great series, it may even be the best of the series.

“Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we live.”

Ripple Effect opens with this ominous quote, and it sets the stage for everything that is to come. After finishing the Renfield Syndrome, we all knew bad times loomed in Rhiannon’s future. She’d made deals with demons and fallen angels, defied fate, and cheated death on behalf of a loved one. Paine warned us there would be painful consequences, and we all knew we’d see them played out in Ripple Effect.

And so we do.

This novel picks up where the last left off, and immediately drops Rhiannon into a shit storm. The synopsis here says it all. Our girl, Rhiannon, finds herself between a rock and a hard place. Marius is in town demanding she give up Sucker – the only weapon that can kill half demons and prevent the terrible future we saw in Renfield Syndrome. Marigold’s amulet continues to be a source of great power and corruption. And worst of all, Marius’ sadistic half-demon sire is a constant threat. Many characters we love suffer in this book, and a great many things are broken and lost. But through it all, Rhiannon remains determined, consistent, and indomitable.

Rhiannon is, without a doubt, one of my all-time favorite female protagonists. Not since Mercy Thompson have I run into such a self-sufficient, bad ass heroine. My heart really goes out to her for the decisions she’s forced to make in this book. It seems like no one has her back, understands her decisions, or supports her choices. Even the ever loyal Goose abandons her. I can’t really blame them – no one has seen what Rhiannon’s seen. She’s lived through a terrible version of the future, and witnessed the hell on earth the demons will create if given the chance. She is the only one with that clarity of vision, and as such she’s forced to play the role of Cassandra, knowing the future but unable to make anyone believe in her predictions. I’ve never seen Rhiannon so lonely, but she doesn’t balk, or whine. She stands tall, makes the hard decisions, and fights her own battles. I didn’t think it was possible for me to love her more, but I do. She’s magnificent in this book.

Ripple Effect is a darker novel than its predecessors, but it is not a story about hopelessness. Nor is it a story about defeat. J.A. Saare could have easily gone that route. This is a middle book and she’d have the rest of the series to fix everything she broke. What she gives us instead is complete cliff-hanger free story that is heartrending and even terrible at times, but ultimately triumphant. It left me with a huge smile on my face, and an eagerness to read the next book of the series.(less)

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Aug 08, 2012 Marissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, series, vampires, urban-fantasy, favorites, demons, magic

4.5 stars
I am so stunned and upset! I keep thinking that maybe it was all just a dream. A really horrible nightmare. I mean, I must be in some other dimension where my book has the details wrong. Or maybe it’s missing some key parts that let me know my suffering will not be for very long.
This is me after reading---->crying-big-blubbery-wails-of-pain-and-distress.

I don’t give any exact details, but do not click unless you have read the book. Because, I'm almost positive, you would figure out...more

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Aug 20, 2012 Laura *Daddy's Deviant Little Girl* rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: paranormal, alphalicious, tbr-2012, vamp, werewolf-shapeshifter, 2012-july, owned, 5-star-books, authors-to-watch, book-boyfriend, buddy-read-w-susie, demons, favorite-author, favorites, get-the-tissues, ghosts, kick-ass-heroine, tortured-hero-heroine, witches, must-read-chall-read

The best one in the series and that is saying something! This series has proven again and again to be a top in the Urban Fantasy genre. It's dark, gritty and fan-freakin-tastic. There are no hearts and rainbows here. There is heartbreak, tears, blood and betrayal. But beyond that there is an amazing story filled with authentic characters. There is so much emotion evoking material that you feel utterly exhausted when you are done and love every second. I can't get enough. I understand that books...more

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Apr 07, 2013 Alicia rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, did-not-finish, tstl

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

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Mar 13, 2013 SirenBookReviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Ripple Effect by J.A. Saare is not, in my opinion, a standalone book. I would call this a bridge story. In this portion of the tale, we continue the theme that Disco is still angry with Paine and Rhiannon for things that occurred in a future time-line but have not actually happened in this current time. We deal with the arrival of Disco and Paine's maker and his coterie of demon and half demon friends. And finally, we get a view of what life on Earth would be like with demon masters in compl...more

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Mar 01, 2013 Christyn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, ghost, paranormal, series, urban-fantasy, vampires, dark, demons

This is a DARK urban fantasy/paranormal series, and there are graphic violent scenes, so it won't appeal to everyone. Now that's out of the way, I have to give credit where credit is due, and Saare packs one hell of a punch. I'm not sure if I can put into words the way I feel about this series, but I feel strongly enough that I had to write at least one review. Saare is a talented writer, with the ability to bring people to the edge of their seats and push the boundaries of human nature. I could...more This is a DARK urban fantasy/paranormal series, and there are graphic violent scenes, so it won't appeal to everyone. Now that's out of the way, I have to give credit where credit is due, and Saare packs one hell of a punch. I'm not sure if I can put into words the way I feel about this series, but I feel strongly enough that I had to write at least one review. Saare is a talented writer, with the ability to bring people to the edge of their seats and push the boundaries of human nature. I could say I love these books but that wouldn't be enough because they don't inspire fluffy feelings of love, they have their moments definitely, but these are gritty and raw with real emotion, pain, blood, tears and heartbreak. I read (in order) all three of the series books currently published in a marathon today, the first two books were excellent, this one absolutely blew me away, it wrenched me apart emotionally.

This installment makes the other two look tame, almost fluffy in comparison. I cried and raged right along with Rhiannon. Rhiannon is a character that has continued to evolve along with the series, while still having some major hang ups about her past, while I understood some of her motivation, I will admit sometimes during the story she frustrated me. Things get Bad (with a capital B) in this book, it's intense, wrenching and I have a feeling, a turning point in the series, it's going to be a rough ride (even more so than what we've seen) from here on out for our heroes. There are a great many things left unsettled and unresolved that I look forward to seeing wrapped up in subsequent book(s) not just with Rhiannon and Gabriel but other characters, such as the role Marigold and Bane will play, as well as others like Goose, Marius, Revenald, and even Paine (if he does show up again…).

A truly intense, emotional read that will stay with me for a long time, the characters visited some very dark places in this book, but it ended on a charged note of change and determination. I eagerly await what Ms. Saare has in store for this series. (less)

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Dec 02, 2012 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary, paranormal, non-erotic

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

When things get out of control for Rhiannon, she must do some seriously dangerous things to get out of trouble. But they’re only temporary solutions. Her situation escalates, and not on your everyday level for problems. No, her issues are grand, and paranormal.

This book starts out right in the thick of it. The scene is scary, demons not being the typical antagonist. Vampires and a zombie cat, supernatural ceremonies and peril on an ep...more

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Nov 19, 2012 Jenny rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Ripple Effect is one of those stories that sends a shudder of unease through us from the opening chapter, a sense of foreboding entering through our fingertips where they touch the pages and traveling like liquid lightening through our bloodstream until our entire bodies feel a darkly anticipatory weight settle in. It's with nerves on edge that we continue Rhiannon's story, subtle and not-so subtle hints of bad things to come causing us to shift uncomfortably in our seats, waiting with breat...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Vivian rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-2012

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Spoilers present. Turned into a slight rant.

It took me a while to decide how I wanted to rate this. Though I finished the book and enjoyed the last half, the first half had me more than a little angry at what happened. To sum it up, Rhiannon was basically mind-raped by her Disco at the end of book 2 and decides she needs out of that situation. Good for her.

My issues in book 3:
1. Her supposed friend is trying to convince her that she is over-reacting by avoiding the guy and needs to let it go an...more

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Sep 25, 2012 Yajaira rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-that-rocked-my-world, favorites

OH.EM.GEE!

I'm going to make this review short and sweet...THIS SERIES FUCKING ROCKS!

Again, I have my buddy Rhonda Welborn to thank for recommmending this series. Rhonda, buddy, love, I know I've said this before, but thank you for introducing me to these wonderful books. The day we finally meet in person I'm going to give you a big kiss...with tongue and everything, I love you THAT much! lol!

I read, Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between, The Renfield Syndrome and The Ripple Effect back to bac...more

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Sep 11, 2012 Ghadeer A rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. It is the third book and I am still not impressed with Rhiannon ..and I have my reasons now..she talks ALOT of shit while having no power behind her words..it is one thing to talk tough while acting tough but it is another when you talk tough and you are weak ..as the saying goes ..actions speak louder than words..

As for the whole forgiveness ..yeah I can not buy it ...I have been wronged by people I trusted and it took YEARS to even start to forgive them because the betrayle of those you truste...more It is the third book and I am still not impressed with Rhiannon ..and I have my reasons now..she talks ALOT of shit while having no power behind her words..it is one thing to talk tough while acting tough but it is another when you talk tough and you are weak ..as the saying goes ..actions speak louder than words..

As for the whole forgiveness ..yeah I can not buy it ...I have been wronged by people I trusted and it took YEARS to even start to forgive them because the betrayle of those you trusted the most hurts the most also..so if someone mind raped me ...I would make them work for my forgiveness especially if I was as damaged as Rhiannon..

I did enjoy the adventures more than the drama and while many people see her decesion ( keeping the knife ) was wrong ..I would do the same if I was her..she could not give them more power than they already have and leave herself with no way out..

Now to Disco...*sigh* I hate when the love interest is weak..he was the damsel in distress ..crying...yelling..threatening...moping...saying things like ...(I can not help you if you don't give them what they want..and please stop being stubborn and give them what they want and I promise they will leave you alone after they break your spirit ..it will be okay ...I have to follow the rules and treat you like shit in front of them )I mean WTF I could not believe she is actually in love with this asshole..this whimp ..grow a pair and be a man..
But oh wait ..I forgot he actually acted as a man right in the end when she saved his ass and almost got herself killed and killed her sister and let us not forget that Paine died also so that the author can end the love triangle ...THEN he said I will not follow the rules anymore...!! Really REALLY...now you say it...

Please forgive me but the amount of frustration I had while reading was huge ..it always makes me sad when the author have so much talent yet can not write or at least convince me to love the main characters in the story ..but I see a lot of people love Rhiannon and Disco ..so it is just me maybe...still .i had to say it ..I do not hate Rhiannon but I am not her fan either...

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Sep 17, 2012 Katyana rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: abuse, angels-demons, dark, demons, ebook, fantasy, ghosts-spirits, series, uf, time-travel, vampires, fuuuuuck, w-t-f, why-am-i-reading-this

"Forgive me for taking things too far."

I brought my hands up and cupped his face. "I already have."

And that was when I deleted this from my kindle. 57% in.

(Note: there are spoilers in the below... mostly about book 2, so... don't read if you want to not spoil yourself.)

Here's the deal. If Saare wanted Disco to be forgivable, then she shouldn't have painted his invasion of her mind at the end of book 2 as a rape. But she did. I know rape. I have first-hand knowledge of it. And I have worked as a...more

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Aug 18, 2012 Carla rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-favorites, urban-fantasy, 2012-read

Wow! Just wow! Damm! I don’t know how to review this book.
First of all, if the first book was good, and the second better, let me just tell you that this one blew my mind. My emotions were all over the place. One moment I was angry, then I was broken, then I was scared… the list is endless. By the end I was so angry and broken, that I just wanted to get in inside the book and take control over things. Hahaha
This book was different from the others. Everything was intensified. Anything you felt i...more Wow! Just wow! Damm! I don’t know how to review this book.
First of all, if the first book was good, and the second better, let me just tell you that this one blew my mind. My emotions were all over the place. One moment I was angry, then I was broken, then I was scared… the list is endless. By the end I was so angry and broken, that I just wanted to get in inside the book and take control over things. Hahaha
This book was different from the others. Everything was intensified. Anything you felt in the others were nothing compared to this one. I’m glad you know, because I found in this book what I was looking for in the others. It was even better then what I expected.

This book is about consequences.
Remember what Paine said to her when she came back from the future and changed Disco’s fate? There would be consequences of her actions for everybody and add to this list stupid things she did in this book. Got the picture? It’s really bad.

At this point Rhiannon have been through so much in her life. Lost, death, dark magic, betrayals, heartache, love, torture, endless fights… name it! But she isn’t just a survivor, she’s a fighter. She doesn’t run, she never did. And she goes to extremes to protect her loved ones, even if she has to bow her head or take huge pain, just don’t mess up with who she loves, because she’ll fight back and it’s not pretty. But Rhiannon has changed; she’s not the same girl anymore. She’s been forced to became something more dark, life was never easy on her, but she’s strong and doesn’t give up. And she has strong allies by her side: Disco and Paine are able to do anything for her.

Disco/Gabriel made mistakes, sure, but in this book he proved to me how much he loves her. And I also had no idea how powerful he is. Disco was really holding back. He made me remember why I like him so much.

Paine… oh Paine! *cry* I don’t know what to say about him. If I could get inside this book and take him with me I would. LOL God he broke my heart in this book. Actually, he made me cry and I had to put it down for a few minutes so I could catch my breath. He’s just so amazing. I feel so bad for him, I wanted him to be happy so much, to find his special one. Although I still don’t know who I would choose for myself, I can understand there’s no choice for Rhiannon in this subject matter. She loves Paine, but Disco is something totally different. He’s a huge part of her, she can live without him. But God this is all so unfair. Why things had to be like this for Paine. Christ! I never felt so torn. In these love triangles I always know who I want the girl to end up with, even when I like the guys equally, I just know who I think is the best for her, but in this case I don’t have idea. This never happened to me. I hate love triangles; they make me feel bad and angry. But not this one.

Well the thing is, Saare took this book to another level. There are beautiful and heartbreaking moments, but there are also scare ones. At some point I kind of was bracing myself for the worst. So prepare yourself for this and also for new surprises, like new people and betrayals. But apart from one specific thing, I like how it ended. It was eating me up all that submission thing. I couldn’t handle that, I loved how the author worked things out. And now things will start to get interesting. ;) I can wait! This will be hard. I’m so hooked now.
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Jan 31, 2013 Tammy rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was another excellent installation into the Rhiannon’s law series. The Story moved at a good pace, in all honesty this one was a little slower moving than the other two. I think its because of where she ends up going with the tale however, so all in all it moved along ok. The characters were interesting , The established characters were as always wonderful, the new ones were pretty good. There could have been a little more time spent fleshing out the bad guys but overall like I said this wa...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Ferdy rated it 2 of 5 stars

Spoilers

Trapped 101 years in the future Rhiannon had little choice but to strike a bargain with fallen angel Marigold Vesta to return to her own time. As repayment Rhiannon must find Marigold's body and restore her soul within a year, if Rhiannon fails to repay the debt owed then she must forfeit her own body. Rhiannon's desperate plans to find Marigold are halted though when Disco's sadistic sires visit intent on punishing Rhiannon for the drama she's caused since becoming a member of Disco's f...more Spoilers

Trapped 101 years in the future Rhiannon had little choice but to strike a bargain with fallen angel Marigold Vesta to return to her own time. As repayment Rhiannon must find Marigold's body and restore her soul within a year, if Rhiannon fails to repay the debt owed then she must forfeit her own body. Rhiannon's desperate plans to find Marigold are halted though when Disco's sadistic sires visit intent on punishing Rhiannon for the drama she's caused since becoming a member of Disco's family.

-Rhiannon was still as douchey and bitchy as ever though she didn't bother me as much as the previous books, probably because I've gotten used to her. Rhiannon was too crass for my liking - I don't mind characters swearing but when they swear ALL the time for no reason it gets really irritating.

-I don't know why Rhiannon puts up with Disco and his vampire 'family' when most of them treat her like dirt. Rhiannon's so called 'family' including Paine, Disco and Goose stood back and watched Rhiannon get attacked and beaten by their sires over and over. The whole point of joining Disco's family was so she'd be protected instead its put her in more danger. And she also has to act submissive and obey the orders of demons and vampires she doesn't even know — what was the point of her even joining Disco's family when she's worse off and has to constantly do degrading things.
Rhiannon had only been Disco's family all of 5 minutes and everyone expected her to know the ins and outs and politics of vampire hierarchy — it was ridiculous. I don't know why they all blamed her for everything that occurred — it was up to them to teach her and not just give her useless warnings about how to behave minutes before things went down. I also don't know why they thought Rhiannon could become obedient and slave like just because they told her to — people can't just turn their personality on and off like a switch.
I refuse to believe that Disco loves her after he practically forced her to be in his family and consequently introduced her to far more dangerous people and deadly situations than what she dealt with before. If he had really cared about her he should have protected her from afar — he had the means to do it but he didn't care because he wanted to control her..ugh

-I hated that Rhiannon forgave Disco so easily after he raped her mind and I was pissed that she blamed herself — no matter what she did, Disco had no right to rape her mind. It was disturbing that she got back together with Disco a few days after comparing him to her pedophile foster father. There's something fundamentally wrong in a relationship when the heroine is repulsed by the hero and compares them to the pedophile that tried to rape them as a child.

-I was disgusted that Rhiannon referred to Disco as her master. It pisses me off that an alpha female who claims to be her own person was bowing down to Disco and acknowledging him as her master.

-I'm so disappointed that Paine died — he's the best character in the series and he's far more appealing than Disco. I hope he somehow comes back in future books.

-Rhiannon's relationship with Jennifer and Paine bought out the best in her, now that they're gone I suspect Rhiannon is going to become even more insufferable.

-The showdown at the end was pretty great. I loved that Rhiannon got revenge on so many of her enemies.

Overall a so-so book. Rhiannon wasn't a likeable character but I've gotten used to her so she wasn't really as much of an issue for me this time around. I would have rated this higher if the first half of the book hadn't been so slow. The latter half was pretty entertaining but it didn't make up for the first half or the cringey romance between Disco and Rhiannon. I do want to read the next book but I'll probably borrow it of a friend/library — it's just not good enough for me to justify buying any future installments.(less)

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Jan 07, 2013 Thenia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2013, paranormal, series, vampires

A roller-coaster ride of a book! Intense action, desperate situations and heart-wrenching events in constant succession.

Rhiannon's life gets extra complicated when Gabriel's sire is coming to visit and demand she hands over the demon-killing knife. Rhiannon is expected to play the role of servant and keep in line, something she's not very good at and gets her into lots of trouble. Things are still unresolved between herself, Gabriel and Paine, with Rhiannon clinging to her pain and refusing to m...more

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Nov 19, 2012 Michelle(Chelle) aka Nightshade - Cake Whisperer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

I desperately NEED the next book in this series. Ms. Saare, please write quickly. I love Rhiannon and I honestly think she may rival Cat from Night Huntress for most kick-ass heroine. She is such a bad ass and yet so vulnerable at the same time. Parts of this book had me in tears and I love both Disco & Paine. *sighs*

So Book 3 picks up with a visit from Gabriel(Disco) & Paine's sire Marius(aka dickhead). Word has spread through the vampire and half demon community about the way Rhiannon...more

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Aug 01, 2012 Sue Alcantara rated it 5 of 5 stars

I want to kiss J.A. SAARE on the mouth and punch Goose in the throat. I love this series so much I have no freaking clue what to do until the next book comes out. Rhiannon is the best heroine ever to be created as far as I'm concerned.

Ladies if any of you are looking for a new book to get hooked on and aren't yet a Saare/ Aline Hunter fan I can not stress enough how much you should definitely read all the books in this series!

I must say though, This author has ruined me for anyone else...lol

*D...more

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Mar 16, 2013 Cindy rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of UF

Shelves: necromancy, demons, e-book, ghost-haunting, own, rom-suspense-mystery, same-narrator-series, scarydarkbits-uf-pnr, uf, vampires, favorites

Wow! The only real complaint I have is that I have no idea when the next book, Edge of Darkness, is coming out! Cuz I reallllly wanna read it now :).
Anywho... This was a great addition to the series. A real emotional rollercoaster. Fair warning, though, it has parts that are pretty damn dark. Rhiannon (and the reader) has been shielded a good bit from the ways of the majority of vampires and their makers up until this point. It gets pretty rough. But to me that makes for a more realistic experie...more

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The Ripple Effect (Rhiannon's Law #3)

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