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Shadow Guild: The Rebel #3
Dark Secrets
Some secrets change the world
The good I have a new life in a crazy city full of actual magic. Wild, right? The bad I still don’t have a guild, which means I’m halfway to being an outlaw. My days here are numbered.
When an enchanted book reveals dark secrets from Guild City’s past, a dangerous threat rises. Worse, it has stained my friend Mac with a deadly curse.
It’s up to me to save her—and maybe even the city itself—but the only person who knows about the city’s hidden past is the Devil of Darkvale, my Cursed Mate. The immortal vampire could be my downfall. But if I want any chance of saving Mac and the city I love, I must go to him for answers.
The good I have a new life in a crazy city full of actual magic. Wild, right? The bad I still don’t have a guild, which means I’m halfway to being an outlaw. My days here are numbered.
When an enchanted book reveals dark secrets from Guild City’s past, a dangerous threat rises. Worse, it has stained my friend Mac with a deadly curse.
It’s up to me to save her—and maybe even the city itself—but the only person who knows about the city’s hidden past is the Devil of Darkvale, my Cursed Mate. The immortal vampire could be my downfall. But if I want any chance of saving Mac and the city I love, I must go to him for answers.
250 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2020
2420 people are currently reading
1053 people want to read
About the author
Linsey Hall
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Before becoming a writer, Linsey was an archaeologist who studied shipwrecks in all kinds of water, from the tropics to muddy rivers (and she has a distinct preference for one over the other). After a decade of tromping around in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down to start penning her own adventure novels and is freaking delighted that people seem to like them. Since life is better with a little (or a lot of) magic, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
For giveaways, contests and book discussion join my Facebook group
here!
Before becoming a writer, Linsey was an archaeologist who studied shipwrecks in all kinds of water, from the tropics to muddy rivers (and she has a distinct preference for one over the other). After a decade of tromping around in search of old bits of stuff, she settled down to start penning her own adventure novels and is freaking delighted that people seem to like them. Since life is better with a little (or a lot of) magic, she writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
May 16, 2021
This is third in a UF series. Don't even think of reading them out of order.
So you know what you're getting from having read the others already. This one is the strongest so far, with a spanking pace and lots of lovely developments in both the romance and the series setup. And I don't mean just the sex, though that was lovely, too.
It's still four stars because I still feel like it's a guilty pleasure. I know it's essentially entertaining popcorn. But I'm in the mood and will likely binge a bunch in the next couple of days.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene, though a short one. So it's the low end of my steam tolerance. I thought it fit the story and pace pretty well, though I didn't like the nearly immediate walk-back by both protagonists (however expected it was).
So you know what you're getting from having read the others already. This one is the strongest so far, with a spanking pace and lots of lovely developments in both the romance and the series setup. And I don't mean just the sex, though that was lovely, too.
It's still four stars because I still feel like it's a guilty pleasure. I know it's essentially entertaining popcorn. But I'm in the mood and will likely binge a bunch in the next couple of days.
A note about Steamy: There's a single explicit sex scene, though a short one. So it's the low end of my steam tolerance. I thought it fit the story and pace pretty well, though I didn't like the nearly immediate walk-back by both protagonists (however expected it was).
June 27, 2020
Okay.
For the first 2 books, I gave them both 4 stars.
This one I am only giving 2.5.
Reasons:
◙ Wasn't anything to do with the writing itself.
◙ Wayyyy too short.
◙ The plot in this one lacked substance. Not as exciting or interesting as the first two.
◙ We're making NO developments in the romance in the third book.
◙ 'Cursed mates'. Such an amazing idea!!! So why is nothing happening about it in this book?????
I felt like this one was bridge for a more complete book and I was eagerly waiting and was just expecting more. However I do still love the series and will be waiting for book 4.
→2.5 stars
For the first 2 books, I gave them both 4 stars.
This one I am only giving 2.5.
Reasons:
◙ Wasn't anything to do with the writing itself.
◙ Wayyyy too short.
◙ The plot in this one lacked substance. Not as exciting or interesting as the first two.
◙ We're making NO developments in the romance in the third book.
◙ 'Cursed mates'. Such an amazing idea!!! So why is nothing happening about it in this book?????
I felt like this one was bridge for a more complete book and I was eagerly waiting and was just expecting more. However I do still love the series and will be waiting for book 4.
→2.5 stars
July 5, 2022
2.5/5.0
Everything was putzing along just fine in this third installment with the same pros and cons as in previous books (good stories and action but absolutely nothing underneath) and I was enjoying the light escape. Then the big ugly hit. The one trope twist that will drive me absolutely insane, ruin every ounce of enjoyment, make me throw the book at the (proverbial) wall, never to pick the series up again… the “I’m dying and there is no cure” trope between lovers.
You know the ones… all those incurable curses or disease stories that hit way to close to home and end up with you crying your eyes out. And AFTER you have yearned and suffered through all that they will miss, and had your heart ripped out for pages, chapters and books worth with the love of their life doing everything in their power to save them? Then SOMETIMES, at the very end, they finally do? BUT, that doesn’t change the fact that the dark cloud of misery with no hope has hovered over the entire story and ruined the reading experience in the meantime. So, nope. Think I’d rather get a root canal. I’m tapping out.
Everything was putzing along just fine in this third installment with the same pros and cons as in previous books (good stories and action but absolutely nothing underneath) and I was enjoying the light escape. Then the big ugly hit. The one trope twist that will drive me absolutely insane, ruin every ounce of enjoyment, make me throw the book at the (proverbial) wall, never to pick the series up again… the “I’m dying and there is no cure” trope between lovers.
You know the ones… all those incurable curses or disease stories that hit way to close to home and end up with you crying your eyes out. And AFTER you have yearned and suffered through all that they will miss, and had your heart ripped out for pages, chapters and books worth with the love of their life doing everything in their power to save them? Then SOMETIMES, at the very end, they finally do? BUT, that doesn’t change the fact that the dark cloud of misery with no hope has hovered over the entire story and ruined the reading experience in the meantime. So, nope. Think I’d rather get a root canal. I’m tapping out.
January 11, 2021
Great series
This continues to be a fun, light but fast paced series with a great bunch of characters and a cool but mysterious magical raccoon. I'm enjoying these very much!!
This continues to be a fun, light but fast paced series with a great bunch of characters and a cool but mysterious magical raccoon. I'm enjoying these very much!!
May 31, 2024
2,9/5
June 25, 2020
This the third book in this series just kept me on the edge of my seat because I honestly had no idea how this would end. Carrow is still without a Guild and still has no idea what she actually is but that doesn't stop her setting up shop in her own unique investigation business. Her first client is librarian with a very mysterious book that sadly leads Carrow and her new friends on a journey to discover that the past isn't exactly what everyone believes !
As much as I've enjoyed other series by this author I do feel I prefer this couple as they feel more grown up. Carrow bravely steps up time and time again but her newly discovered cursed Mate the Devil of Darkvale has secrets of his own and I love that the author spends time from his perspective. Perhaps not as action packed as some stories I've read by this author but it was a thoroughly enjoyable read with a rather surprising ending.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
As much as I've enjoyed other series by this author I do feel I prefer this couple as they feel more grown up. Carrow bravely steps up time and time again but her newly discovered cursed Mate the Devil of Darkvale has secrets of his own and I love that the author spends time from his perspective. Perhaps not as action packed as some stories I've read by this author but it was a thoroughly enjoyable read with a rather surprising ending.
This voluntary take is of an advanced copy and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
July 23, 2025
C'était bon.
June 27, 2020
This is the third book in this series and each book is better than the last. Carrow is approached by a librarian about an ancient book. This leads to the discovery of a hidden tower. When an ancient curse spreads from that tower to her friends, Carrow, Grey and their friends work to break the curse. I so enjoy the continuing development of Carrrow's relationships with her new friends and with Grey. This book is full of action and adventure that kept me on the edge of my seat, right to the end. I'm looking forward to the next book.
August 17, 2020
The Good: It's an interesting bit of worldbuilding, and definitely the highlight of this series. I like the world of Guild City, and seeing Magic Side was fun. You can see it's a passion of the author to develop the locations with a deft hand, which I wish translated to the romance, because....
The Bad: The romance isn't working for me. There are elements tossed in to try to build a connection between Grey and Carrow, but there's very little time building chemistry. It has a significant progression to the relationship in this book, and yet it left me feeling mostly meh.
The Bottom Line: I really want to like this series, but I'm three books deep and I don't believe that Carrow cares that deeply for Grey or that they have a deep, emotional connection beyond knowing that they're "Cursed Mates." I'm going to give the last book a shot because I'm this pot-committed, but if you care more about location/worldbuilding that has that Harry Potter vibe, you may dig it more than I do at this point.
The Bad: The romance isn't working for me. There are elements tossed in to try to build a connection between Grey and Carrow, but there's very little time building chemistry. It has a significant progression to the relationship in this book, and yet it left me feeling mostly meh.
The Bottom Line: I really want to like this series, but I'm three books deep and I don't believe that Carrow cares that deeply for Grey or that they have a deep, emotional connection beyond knowing that they're "Cursed Mates." I'm going to give the last book a shot because I'm this pot-committed, but if you care more about location/worldbuilding that has that Harry Potter vibe, you may dig it more than I do at this point.
June 26, 2020
I cannot rave enough about Lindsey Hall. Everything I’ve read of hers (20 books or so) is fabulous for a paranormal mystery lover like me, and I eagerly await her books. I carefully wait to start a series until the second book is ready and the third near release date so I can read the whole series together. And I’ve re-read several series!
Please tell me there are more Shadow Guild books on the way! I have to know about Carrow and Grey (aka “The Devil”) and Guild City! Then the new series in Chicago, and crossovers with all the Magic’s Bend & Dragon’s Gift crews. And more Connor, please.
Please tell me there are more Shadow Guild books on the way! I have to know about Carrow and Grey (aka “The Devil”) and Guild City! Then the new series in Chicago, and crossovers with all the Magic’s Bend & Dragon’s Gift crews. And more Connor, please.
July 25, 2020
This just felt a little...lackluster.
I was intrigued by the world building and the potential for a good slow burn with Grey on the first two books, but this book just seemed to be missing its spark.
I'm not feeling much chemistry between her and Grey and not particularly drawn to any of the characters emotionally. The whole cursed mates thing is just a bit annoying.
Depending on the reviews when it comes out, I might read the next book.
I was intrigued by the world building and the potential for a good slow burn with Grey on the first two books, but this book just seemed to be missing its spark.
I'm not feeling much chemistry between her and Grey and not particularly drawn to any of the characters emotionally. The whole cursed mates thing is just a bit annoying.
Depending on the reviews when it comes out, I might read the next book.
August 3, 2020
Carrow, Grey and the gang are back for another, supernatural, Hugh-stakes adventure that had me on the edge of my seat.
I love guild city talk about a magical world a therapist would love diving into...lol the weirdest, wackiest, and totally nuts live here and I just love it.
Secrets are unveiled, and cursed mates can’t stay away from each other...
I love guild city talk about a magical world a therapist would love diving into...lol the weirdest, wackiest, and totally nuts live here and I just love it.
Secrets are unveiled, and cursed mates can’t stay away from each other...
June 24, 2020
I’ve been reading this author for a while and this is my favorite series by her. Not that I didn’t love the others one, I just love this one the best. Carrow is such an interesting character, and I love her relationship with Grey. Not only that, I love the side characters as well. I’m even deciding that most of them need their own series, too. LOL! In this one, we learn about some secrets, we make new discoveries, and we are teased about the future. This is a well-written urban fantasy adventure with a dash of romance, and I highly recommend it! I was provided a complimentary copy with I voluntarily reviewed.
July 11, 2020
I love these books so much. I know this because I’m gutted when they end, I love the relationship between Carrow and Grey, how it’s building up and not rushed into. I need more Cordelia, so much more, I love her. I loved the way Carries guild is settled and she has a place and how she won’t give up, because you know she will find the cure. I’ve used love a lot here , but that’s because I do.
May 20, 2021
Ma to nejake mouchy a krapet mi vadi jak mezi dily ubehne max 14dni ale bavi me to.
Porad cekam na rozuzleni cele te romantiky 🥰
Porad cekam na rozuzleni cele te romantiky 🥰
April 21, 2024
ahhhh!
I loved this book!
Seeing all the ladies come together was amazing!
I’m so worried about Carrow and Greg and can’t wait to see what happens next!
I loved this book!
Seeing all the ladies come together was amazing!
I’m so worried about Carrow and Greg and can’t wait to see what happens next!
December 25, 2021
3,5 stars - this feels repetitive. the plot was a little more interesting but still nothing great, too fast paced and shallow to be really good which is why I still miss the romance. I just don’t feel the development in their relationship enough. If these weren’t over kindle unlimited I would have stopped reader them already but now I will finish the series even though it’s just medicore so far.
December 30, 2022
La vie de Carrow a totalement changé depuis son entrée dans le monde surnaturel ! Petit souci : elle n’a toujours pas de guilde, et elle risque d’être expulsée de Guild City ! Sauf qu’un jour, elle tombe sur un livre étrange, qui semble contenir de nombreux secrets sur la ville magique. Guild City est en danger, et une malédiction semble s’abattre sur l’une de ses amies. Carrow n’a pas d’autre choix que de chercher une solution, et pour connaître l’histoire de cette ville, elle aura besoin de l’aide du Diable de Valléesombre, Grey. Car lui seul était là au commencement. Mais il est aussi son âme sœur maudite. La vie de Carrow n’est décidément pas simple !
Première chose que je tiens à faire remarquer, c’est l’évolution de l’auteure ! Si le premier tome était mitigé, plus ça passe et plus j’adore ! Ce troisième tome est totalement réussi, je n’ai pas vu le temps passer, l’intrigue est prenante, on se pose de nombreuses questions, on mène l’enquête aux côtés des personnages. L’humour est là, mais il y a aussi d’autres sentiments, la joie, la peur, la tristesse, l’amour, on en ressent beaucoup dans cette suite ! Bon, je dois avouer qu’il y a un point qui m’a fait lever les yeux au ciel, c’est le nombre de fois où l’héroïne répète que les événements précédents l’ont peut-être changé, alors qu’elle ne sait pas grand-chose sur elle-même de base, ce qui fait qu’elle ne peut pas savoir clairement si ce sont des changements ou tout simplement des parties d’elle qu’elle ignorait avoir.
Parlons-en, de l’héroïne. Carrow évolue beaucoup dans ce tome et franchement, j’en suis contente ! Elle qui prend habituellement tout à la légère a pris plus de maturité, elle réfléchit plus, comprend la gravité de certaines choses, et j’ai eu envie de dire « enfin ! » ! Ce qui fait que je l’ai encore plus apprécié qu’avant. On voit beaucoup de liens se tisser avec les autres personnages, elle s’intéresse bien plus à ce qui l’entoure, et c’est vraiment génial !
Et puis, nous avons le Diable de Valléesombre. Grey, mais seulement pour les privilégiés ! J’ai adoré ce personnage dès le départ, et je l’aime de plus en plus au fur et à mesure que j’en apprends à son sujet. C’est ici que, de mon point de vue, on plonge le plus dans sa personnalité. Fort et fragile à la fois, surtout depuis que Carrow a réveillé une partie de lui si longtemps en sommeil. Il m’a beaucoup touché, ému, et je veux absolument la suite le concernant !
Les personnages secondaires sont ceux dont on a l’habitude, Mac, Ève, mais il y a aussi Seraphia qui fait son entrée et que j’ai beaucoup aimé ! Et d’autres encore, que je vous laisse découvrir !
En conclusion, un troisième tome génial qui relève le niveau ! L’auteure s’améliore et du coup, augmente notre attachement à son histoire. Les personnages avancent énormément, pour mon plus grand plaisir, et l’intrigue est totalement passionnante ! La fin me donne envie de me rouler en boule tellement j’en veux plus, je veux avoir les réponses à propos de certains trucs et je vais attendre le prochain tome avec impatience et peur !
Première chose que je tiens à faire remarquer, c’est l’évolution de l’auteure ! Si le premier tome était mitigé, plus ça passe et plus j’adore ! Ce troisième tome est totalement réussi, je n’ai pas vu le temps passer, l’intrigue est prenante, on se pose de nombreuses questions, on mène l’enquête aux côtés des personnages. L’humour est là, mais il y a aussi d’autres sentiments, la joie, la peur, la tristesse, l’amour, on en ressent beaucoup dans cette suite ! Bon, je dois avouer qu’il y a un point qui m’a fait lever les yeux au ciel, c’est le nombre de fois où l’héroïne répète que les événements précédents l’ont peut-être changé, alors qu’elle ne sait pas grand-chose sur elle-même de base, ce qui fait qu’elle ne peut pas savoir clairement si ce sont des changements ou tout simplement des parties d’elle qu’elle ignorait avoir.
Parlons-en, de l’héroïne. Carrow évolue beaucoup dans ce tome et franchement, j’en suis contente ! Elle qui prend habituellement tout à la légère a pris plus de maturité, elle réfléchit plus, comprend la gravité de certaines choses, et j’ai eu envie de dire « enfin ! » ! Ce qui fait que je l’ai encore plus apprécié qu’avant. On voit beaucoup de liens se tisser avec les autres personnages, elle s’intéresse bien plus à ce qui l’entoure, et c’est vraiment génial !
Et puis, nous avons le Diable de Valléesombre. Grey, mais seulement pour les privilégiés ! J’ai adoré ce personnage dès le départ, et je l’aime de plus en plus au fur et à mesure que j’en apprends à son sujet. C’est ici que, de mon point de vue, on plonge le plus dans sa personnalité. Fort et fragile à la fois, surtout depuis que Carrow a réveillé une partie de lui si longtemps en sommeil. Il m’a beaucoup touché, ému, et je veux absolument la suite le concernant !
Les personnages secondaires sont ceux dont on a l’habitude, Mac, Ève, mais il y a aussi Seraphia qui fait son entrée et que j’ai beaucoup aimé ! Et d’autres encore, que je vous laisse découvrir !
En conclusion, un troisième tome génial qui relève le niveau ! L’auteure s’améliore et du coup, augmente notre attachement à son histoire. Les personnages avancent énormément, pour mon plus grand plaisir, et l’intrigue est totalement passionnante ! La fin me donne envie de me rouler en boule tellement j’en veux plus, je veux avoir les réponses à propos de certains trucs et je vais attendre le prochain tome avec impatience et peur !
June 27, 2020
Shadows Revealed
Carrow, Grey and friends are back in the third installment of Linsey Hall's Shadow Guild.
Time is running out for Carrow to find herself a guild to join when she is hired to find the missing pages from a magical book. Using her powers, Carrow and her friends are led to a long forgotten party of Guild City. As soon as they arrive, Mac, Eve and the librarian who hired her are cursed by the wall blocking their way.
Knowing Grey knows every inch of Guild City, Carrow goes to him only to find that his memories of this area have been blocked as well.
This is where things get interesting as the search begins. They travel to Chicago's hidden magical city in search of answers only to come home with the clock ticking down.
Carrow and Grey are just acknowledging their feelings for each other to themselves. Grey holds himself in check knowing his Beast wants nothing more than to drink Carrow dry. But this curse, and Carrow herself, have changed the nature of Grey. And things will only get worse.
I really enjoy Grey. To me he's Rochester and Heathcliff rolled into one, dark, forlorn, broodalicious, enigmatic antihero. And Carrow is his light, his reason even though he knows and accepts what fate awaits.
I complained in the last Shadow Guild book that Hall had just dumped some irrelevant historical items on us without real relation to the story. Here, she gives us classic Linsey Hall with gardens and coffee shops, all incorporated into the story. This makes me a happy reader when the details are tied up nicely.
We do get quite a big reveal after a classic battle. Some issues are settled. And for some, time is running out.
I completely enjoyed this outing, new friends, new homes, new feelings. Here's to Shadow Guild 4.
Carrow, Grey and friends are back in the third installment of Linsey Hall's Shadow Guild.
Time is running out for Carrow to find herself a guild to join when she is hired to find the missing pages from a magical book. Using her powers, Carrow and her friends are led to a long forgotten party of Guild City. As soon as they arrive, Mac, Eve and the librarian who hired her are cursed by the wall blocking their way.
Knowing Grey knows every inch of Guild City, Carrow goes to him only to find that his memories of this area have been blocked as well.
This is where things get interesting as the search begins. They travel to Chicago's hidden magical city in search of answers only to come home with the clock ticking down.
Carrow and Grey are just acknowledging their feelings for each other to themselves. Grey holds himself in check knowing his Beast wants nothing more than to drink Carrow dry. But this curse, and Carrow herself, have changed the nature of Grey. And things will only get worse.
I really enjoy Grey. To me he's Rochester and Heathcliff rolled into one, dark, forlorn, broodalicious, enigmatic antihero. And Carrow is his light, his reason even though he knows and accepts what fate awaits.
I complained in the last Shadow Guild book that Hall had just dumped some irrelevant historical items on us without real relation to the story. Here, she gives us classic Linsey Hall with gardens and coffee shops, all incorporated into the story. This makes me a happy reader when the details are tied up nicely.
We do get quite a big reveal after a classic battle. Some issues are settled. And for some, time is running out.
I completely enjoyed this outing, new friends, new homes, new feelings. Here's to Shadow Guild 4.
September 9, 2022
Chronique de Diana :
https://followthereader2016.wordpress...
Je continue de prendre plaisir à voir Carrow évoluer à Guild City et notre héroïne est pleine de surprise. C’est une lecture légère mais on y retourne sans aucun problème.
Carrow a donc décidé d’ouvrir son agence de détective privé au sein de Guild City, elle ne sait pas trop où est sa place dans cette ville mais elle compte bien la trouver et surtout comprendre plus le problème d’âmes sœurs maudites.
Cette fois elle est en quête d’une malédiction sur un livre qui semble caché les secrets de la construction même de Guild City et même le Diable ne se souvient pas.
Ce tome est vraiment sympa à lire car on en apprend plus sur la ville et comment certaines règles ont été instaurées. Notre héroïne va bouger et partir trouver un début de réponse à Chicago. Elle va aussi prendre conscience qu’elle ne veut pas d’une vie sans Grey alors que notre Diable préféré est résigné à ne plus l’approcher. Il y a de nombreuses autres informations sur la condition de Grey dans ce tome mais je vous laisse jouir de la découverte.
Je me suis régalée et j’ai trouvé l’intrigue intéressante et originale. Je suis à présent curieuse de voir comment notre duo va progresser et surtout qu’elles sont les épreuves qui les attendent encore. Car oui, même si les choses progressent pour Carrow dans le bon sens, elle a encore beaucoup à faire.
Pour une fois l’intrigue est un peu moins prévisible et l’on tourne les pages sans s’en rendre compte. En résumé, une série fluide, facile qui permet un très bon moment de détente.
https://followthereader2016.wordpress...
Je continue de prendre plaisir à voir Carrow évoluer à Guild City et notre héroïne est pleine de surprise. C’est une lecture légère mais on y retourne sans aucun problème.
Carrow a donc décidé d’ouvrir son agence de détective privé au sein de Guild City, elle ne sait pas trop où est sa place dans cette ville mais elle compte bien la trouver et surtout comprendre plus le problème d’âmes sœurs maudites.
Cette fois elle est en quête d’une malédiction sur un livre qui semble caché les secrets de la construction même de Guild City et même le Diable ne se souvient pas.
Ce tome est vraiment sympa à lire car on en apprend plus sur la ville et comment certaines règles ont été instaurées. Notre héroïne va bouger et partir trouver un début de réponse à Chicago. Elle va aussi prendre conscience qu’elle ne veut pas d’une vie sans Grey alors que notre Diable préféré est résigné à ne plus l’approcher. Il y a de nombreuses autres informations sur la condition de Grey dans ce tome mais je vous laisse jouir de la découverte.
Je me suis régalée et j’ai trouvé l’intrigue intéressante et originale. Je suis à présent curieuse de voir comment notre duo va progresser et surtout qu’elles sont les épreuves qui les attendent encore. Car oui, même si les choses progressent pour Carrow dans le bon sens, elle a encore beaucoup à faire.
Pour une fois l’intrigue est un peu moins prévisible et l’on tourne les pages sans s’en rendre compte. En résumé, une série fluide, facile qui permet un très bon moment de détente.
June 25, 2020
Carrow has finally opened her business with the help of her friends. She has a her first client, a woman from the library. Carrow has Serphina come in and go over what the problem is. She informs Carrow that she found this book, it feels evil. Carrow doesn't get much from touching the book but somewhere on the wall. The book also has pages missing. She is able to follow the magical signature to the wall location. Carrow is completely drawn to it. Mac and Serphina stop her further, but somehow they become cursed.
Carrow knows she has to go see Grey as he was here when the Guild was built. She hasn't seen him in days due to their situation. She knows being with him is not good, with them being cursed mates. They don't even know the details of the curse. Carrow brings Grey to the location of the wall. He doesn't remember anything about it, he decides to go to a minder reader. Some one has taken his memories with a curse.
With time running out for Mac and Serphina, Grey and Carrow will go to London for the answers that they need. They will also find out more about what they are facing themselves. What they uncover at the Guild will change everything.
This book is well written, fast paced with action. You will read non stop until you reach the end. What is going on with Carrow and Grey, why is the magic on the wall calling her and not effecting her. What is the deal with her magic. This book was so good, I really enjoy Carrow and Grey together. Can't wait for the next book, I highly recommend reading this.
I received an ARC copy of this book, this is my honest review.
Carrow knows she has to go see Grey as he was here when the Guild was built. She hasn't seen him in days due to their situation. She knows being with him is not good, with them being cursed mates. They don't even know the details of the curse. Carrow brings Grey to the location of the wall. He doesn't remember anything about it, he decides to go to a minder reader. Some one has taken his memories with a curse.
With time running out for Mac and Serphina, Grey and Carrow will go to London for the answers that they need. They will also find out more about what they are facing themselves. What they uncover at the Guild will change everything.
This book is well written, fast paced with action. You will read non stop until you reach the end. What is going on with Carrow and Grey, why is the magic on the wall calling her and not effecting her. What is the deal with her magic. This book was so good, I really enjoy Carrow and Grey together. Can't wait for the next book, I highly recommend reading this.
I received an ARC copy of this book, this is my honest review.
July 30, 2020
“Dark Secrets” opens up a new future/Fate for Carrow. She has opened up a private investigator office and her first client is Seraphia, a librarian. She brings a book that appears to have dark magic and has pages torn out. She needs Carrow to help discover what the book means and locate the missing pages. However, there is a powerful clocking charm that is refusing to allow more than minimal access to the book’s secrets. It does show Carrow a location.
As Mac, Seraphia and Carrow go to the location they discover a wall. When Mac and Seraphia touch it they become ill. Carrow seems to be immune and enlists Eve’s help in trying to stave off the sickness until she can find a cure. Carrow knows that one person, Grey, is old enough to know the history of Guild City and help her unravel the mystery. Yet, it seems someone has tampered with his memory.
As the Scooby gang work together to get to the bottom of the curse we meet some new and interesting characters. Also, the Oracle appears and reveals a truth that no one saw coming. Before you ask, no, I will not reveal what it is. Let me just say that Grey and Carrow don’t have a lot of time.
This was a much better read than the last book but I am still haunted by the authors lack of world building more specifically Carrow’s past. She just doesn’t address it yet she has Carrow wonder about the past if others. It is ridiculous to believe that her friends wouldn’t inquire whether or not she has siblings or who her parents are. I keep hoping that future installments will reveal it all. Well, here’s to hope!
As Mac, Seraphia and Carrow go to the location they discover a wall. When Mac and Seraphia touch it they become ill. Carrow seems to be immune and enlists Eve’s help in trying to stave off the sickness until she can find a cure. Carrow knows that one person, Grey, is old enough to know the history of Guild City and help her unravel the mystery. Yet, it seems someone has tampered with his memory.
As the Scooby gang work together to get to the bottom of the curse we meet some new and interesting characters. Also, the Oracle appears and reveals a truth that no one saw coming. Before you ask, no, I will not reveal what it is. Let me just say that Grey and Carrow don’t have a lot of time.
This was a much better read than the last book but I am still haunted by the authors lack of world building more specifically Carrow’s past. She just doesn’t address it yet she has Carrow wonder about the past if others. It is ridiculous to believe that her friends wouldn’t inquire whether or not she has siblings or who her parents are. I keep hoping that future installments will reveal it all. Well, here’s to hope!
January 22, 2021
I really enjoyed this third book in this series, but I do wish the books were a bit longer. Still thoroughly enjoyable though.
Carrow is still without a guild in Guild City, the hidden magical city within London and to keep herself busy and earn a few pennies, she decides to start her own sleuthing agency. Within minutes of hanging up the sign, she has a client who wants her to find out about a mysterious history book. This book is no ordinary book though and has a strange sort of magic surrounding it, which drags the gang to a rundown part of the city, where they trigger something. This sends Carrow off to the other side of the world, with Grey, aka The Devil, to solve the mystery and get some much needed help.
The mystery element was great and I love what it revealed. However, the romance side of things between Carrow and Grey is not really working for me yet. They know they are Cursed Mates and Carrow believes she has had a vision of what that entails for them both, but there's not much there in the sense of romance yet. Yes they are attracted to each other, but that same attraction may prove to be deadly, so there's not much they can actually do about it at the minute. Hopefully there will be more in the next book!
Looking forward to reading how the rest of this series finishes off!
Carrow is still without a guild in Guild City, the hidden magical city within London and to keep herself busy and earn a few pennies, she decides to start her own sleuthing agency. Within minutes of hanging up the sign, she has a client who wants her to find out about a mysterious history book. This book is no ordinary book though and has a strange sort of magic surrounding it, which drags the gang to a rundown part of the city, where they trigger something. This sends Carrow off to the other side of the world, with Grey, aka The Devil, to solve the mystery and get some much needed help.
The mystery element was great and I love what it revealed. However, the romance side of things between Carrow and Grey is not really working for me yet. They know they are Cursed Mates and Carrow believes she has had a vision of what that entails for them both, but there's not much there in the sense of romance yet. Yes they are attracted to each other, but that same attraction may prove to be deadly, so there's not much they can actually do about it at the minute. Hopefully there will be more in the next book!
Looking forward to reading how the rest of this series finishes off!
September 1, 2022
Une saga que j’aime beaucoup pour son univers original toujours en expansion, son héroïne différente, et son slow burn. Un troisième tome à la hauteur, mais une chronique courte pour ne rien dévoiler.
Carrow ouvre les portes de son agence de détective privé et dès le premier jour, une nouvelle affaire lui est proposée : comprendre la malédiction d’un livre. Mais celui-ci va lui ouvrir des portes importantes pour son avenir. Si seulement, tout se passe comme prévu.
Quel plaisir de retrouver Carrow et sa troupe. L’amitié est une notion importante dans cette saga et qu’est-ce que j’aime leurs relations. Mon binôme préféré reste celui avec Cordélia et dans ce tome, ce petit raton laveur est juste hilarant.
La romance avec le Diable, avance pour mieux reculer. Une malédiction, un amour maudit. Bref, vous connaissez mon amour pour les histoires compliquées, je ne peux qu’être accro à ces deux-là.
Une intrigue qui apporte beaucoup d’éléments et qui offre beaucoup à la trame de fond. La magie, les guildes et tout simplement l’avenir de Carrow. Je n’ai qu’une hâte : poursuivre l’aventure.
Sans surprise, je vous recommande cette lecture. Mais attention, une saga urban fantasy à lire dans l’ordre.
Carrow ouvre les portes de son agence de détective privé et dès le premier jour, une nouvelle affaire lui est proposée : comprendre la malédiction d’un livre. Mais celui-ci va lui ouvrir des portes importantes pour son avenir. Si seulement, tout se passe comme prévu.
Quel plaisir de retrouver Carrow et sa troupe. L’amitié est une notion importante dans cette saga et qu’est-ce que j’aime leurs relations. Mon binôme préféré reste celui avec Cordélia et dans ce tome, ce petit raton laveur est juste hilarant.
La romance avec le Diable, avance pour mieux reculer. Une malédiction, un amour maudit. Bref, vous connaissez mon amour pour les histoires compliquées, je ne peux qu’être accro à ces deux-là.
Une intrigue qui apporte beaucoup d’éléments et qui offre beaucoup à la trame de fond. La magie, les guildes et tout simplement l’avenir de Carrow. Je n’ai qu’une hâte : poursuivre l’aventure.
Sans surprise, je vous recommande cette lecture. Mais attention, une saga urban fantasy à lire dans l’ordre.
May 26, 2021
2.5 stars. By book 3 I know what to expect. The characters, writing, and plot are sort of predictable and shallow. The rules of magic are very haphazard, where basically anything goes. People randomly show up right when you need them, characters randomly have the exact magical ability or potion that is needed to save the day, and Carrow stumbles upon best friends like they grow on trees. Just stuff like that is all over the place. The novelty of the Devil, and his mysterious persona, has worn off a little which makes the book a little less interesting.
Content:
Language- yes, a lot of swearing, especially low level curses. There was one f-word. :(
Sex- yes, there is one explicit sex scene. I skipped through it, which was easy since it was relatively short. They do talk about protection, which I know some people appreciate.
Violence- some fighting, stabbing, etc.
Substance Abuse- none. There is only some social drinking
Cover- okay
I read this on Kindle Unlimited
How I rated the series:
Once Bitten - 3.5 stars
Wicked Deal - 3 stars
Dark Secrets - 2.5 stars
Devilish Game - skimmed
Cursed Mate - skimmed
Content:
Language- yes, a lot of swearing, especially low level curses. There was one f-word. :(
Sex- yes, there is one explicit sex scene. I skipped through it, which was easy since it was relatively short. They do talk about protection, which I know some people appreciate.
Violence- some fighting, stabbing, etc.
Substance Abuse- none. There is only some social drinking
Cover- okay
I read this on Kindle Unlimited
How I rated the series:
Once Bitten - 3.5 stars
Wicked Deal - 3 stars
Dark Secrets - 2.5 stars
Devilish Game - skimmed
Cursed Mate - skimmed
August 28, 2020
2.5?
These books are so easy to ready but they leave me feeling so...confused? Disjointed? Like there's nothing really there. They all feel more like a video game than books in a sense, and each one follows the exact same formula: Follow the main character to go collect clues from unimportant secondary characters who are just there to exposition drop and add filler. Go to that level's "Big Bad" (some oddly easy to beat shadowy figure with lackluster/no motivations). Grab that level's special magic object in hand in that level's special magic building. Explosion. Save the day.
I also don't understand why the author felt the need to RUSH the timeline so much. These first three books have happened in the space of two weeks. TWO WEEKS. Why? It seemingly serves no purpose. So this town was getting by just fine enough until Carrow shows up, then they now face world-ending stakes ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK? What? Silly.
We also know next to nothing about either of the main characters, which is...odd. I don't know. I want to root for Grey and Carrow but the author is losing me.
These books are so easy to ready but they leave me feeling so...confused? Disjointed? Like there's nothing really there. They all feel more like a video game than books in a sense, and each one follows the exact same formula: Follow the main character to go collect clues from unimportant secondary characters who are just there to exposition drop and add filler. Go to that level's "Big Bad" (some oddly easy to beat shadowy figure with lackluster/no motivations). Grab that level's special magic object in hand in that level's special magic building. Explosion. Save the day.
I also don't understand why the author felt the need to RUSH the timeline so much. These first three books have happened in the space of two weeks. TWO WEEKS. Why? It seemingly serves no purpose. So this town was getting by just fine enough until Carrow shows up, then they now face world-ending stakes ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK? What? Silly.
We also know next to nothing about either of the main characters, which is...odd. I don't know. I want to root for Grey and Carrow but the author is losing me.
June 27, 2020
I can't believe I read it in less than a day and now I have to wait at least another month for the next one. I hate it when I don't wait to read these but they're so good. Having one of these books and not reading it is like knowing there's a fresh carton of chocolate ice cream in the freezer and it's calling your name. I lasted exactly one day. And now I've read this incredible book. It's another 5 star winner but that's what I've come to expect from Linsey Hall. Her books suck me in and don't let go until the page has been read. Then that little childlike voice says "that's the end?" The bottom lip comes out and the tiny tears start to well. Okay, maybe not that bad.
I loved this book. I love the characters. I love the slow burning love story between Carrow and Grey. I love what's happening to hi and how she's coming into her own. I love the friendships. And I love how nothing is easy. Linsey Hall is a master storyteller.
I loved this book. I love the characters. I love the slow burning love story between Carrow and Grey. I love what's happening to hi and how she's coming into her own. I love the friendships. And I love how nothing is easy. Linsey Hall is a master storyteller.
April 22, 2021
Still loving this series. I don’t have much to say on it since I’m just anxious to read more! That’s a good thing right! I REALLY enjoy the suspense, friendships and growing relationships. The supporting characters are just as important as Carrow and Grey and I constantly find myself wondering which of them gets their own series. In this book Carrow finds her own Guild, she learns so much more about the Cursed Mate. I could feel the despair from Carrow. It comes down to only one of them will live. She fights this saying it can’t be it while Grey, he’s resigned. He doesn’t want to feel hope and lose it. At one point this is what he tells her
“I’m not doing it,” he said. “I don’t want immortality. Not if it steals your life from you.”
He’s willing to die in order for her to live. He doesn’t come out and say he loves her but it’s obvious in what he does, how he acts. His character had grown so much from the first book and in such a good way.
“I’m not doing it,” he said. “I don’t want immortality. Not if it steals your life from you.”
He’s willing to die in order for her to live. He doesn’t come out and say he loves her but it’s obvious in what he does, how he acts. His character had grown so much from the first book and in such a good way.
June 27, 2020
SUCH an AMAZING BOOK!!!! I'm already reading it AGAIN!!! I LOVE the world that the author created!! it is extraordinary!! I feel like I'm walking in the main characters shoes the entire time!! This is the 3rd book in the series and there is NO WAY to predict what is going to happen from one book to the next. Each is as amazing, awesome and incredible as the last, maybe more so.
Dark Secrets has the beloved characters from the previous books and a very tense encounter with a NOT at all beloved character!! That encounter was both tense and FUN eventually. I love it when the a && gets what is coming to him. OH my then the MYSTERIOUS part!!! it's so so sooooo very incredible!! I have no words for it !! you just have to read the book and EXPERIENCE it for yourself.
The entire book is an AMAZING ADVENTURE!!!
Dark Secrets has the beloved characters from the previous books and a very tense encounter with a NOT at all beloved character!! That encounter was both tense and FUN eventually. I love it when the a && gets what is coming to him. OH my then the MYSTERIOUS part!!! it's so so sooooo very incredible!! I have no words for it !! you just have to read the book and EXPERIENCE it for yourself.
The entire book is an AMAZING ADVENTURE!!!
December 1, 2020
This is a very low 4 star for me. I enjoyed the new characters introduced in this book, and I can appreciate the plot for revealing something that would have been great had I not already known due to me reading the spin-off series first. So my biggest issues with this one are entirely unique due to reading the other series first. However, I also both enjoyed and disliked the scene in here where the romance develops more between Carrow and Grey, and what happens after. Without including spoilers I just want to say that it was initially satisfying, and then a letdown. I can only hope I enjoy the rest of the series a bit more, but it feels like it is getting stagnant for me. Especially because I have an idea as to what the major twists are. So my advice to everyone would be do not read the Hades and Persephone books before this series.
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