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Persephone Alcmedi #5
Wicked Circle
The fifth in the exciting urban fantasy series featuring Persephone Alcmedi, a modern-day witch with a sexy werewolf boyfriend.
Persephone Alcmedi has helped her waerewolf lover Johnny unlock his powers. Now she must come to the aid of Menessos, the vampire overlord she has secretly marked. Beset by a trio of truth-seeking vampire sisters so dangerous their own kind keep them confined in stone, he now needs her more than ever...and she realizes her need for him. Seph has magical promises to fulfill for the waeres, multiple mundane family challenges to meet, vampire politics to confront, both the supernatural males in her life to balance, a dragon to deal with...and then a government investigator shows up to complicate matters.
Persephone Alcmedi has helped her waerewolf lover Johnny unlock his powers. Now she must come to the aid of Menessos, the vampire overlord she has secretly marked. Beset by a trio of truth-seeking vampire sisters so dangerous their own kind keep them confined in stone, he now needs her more than ever...and she realizes her need for him. Seph has magical promises to fulfill for the waeres, multiple mundane family challenges to meet, vampire politics to confront, both the supernatural males in her life to balance, a dragon to deal with...and then a government investigator shows up to complicate matters.
413 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 27, 2011
About the author
Linda Robertson
14 books380 followersLinda Robertson (who as of late 2022 has begun writing as Linda Robertson Reinhardt) is an internationally published novelist and her short stories have appeared in several anthologies. In addition to writing fantasy and urban fantasy, she is also a musician and award-winning composer. She has written and produced full orchestral scores to accompany her novels as well as a few short, independent films. Her music is available on most streaming channels. She’s also a graphic artist, a painter, and she dabbles in screenwriting. A mother of four boys, Linda is married and lives in Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
January 13, 2012
(This isn't super spoiler-ish, but I do talk a little about some of the developments in the book, and even keeping it vague, it is a bit of a giveaway of how things turn out, so screw it, putting the whole thing in spoiler tags. Read at your own risk.)
August 22, 2015
Another great installment to the series. I'm on a bit of an urban fantasy kick at the moment and this series is a lot of fun.
I find myself liking the vampire more and more each book and Jonny's attitude just rubs me up the wrong way. I'd be quite happy is Seph and the vamp flew off into the sunset and lived happily ever after. I'm probbaly not gonna get my way but I can dream.
I find myself liking the vampire more and more each book and Jonny's attitude just rubs me up the wrong way. I'd be quite happy is Seph and the vamp flew off into the sunset and lived happily ever after. I'm probbaly not gonna get my way but I can dream.
January 19, 2012
**4.5 stars**
Several things are starting to come to a head in this installment of the series. Johnny's powers have been unlocked and he's become the Domn Lup and those two things are causing him to have a major inner power struggle. News has gotten to the Excelsior that Menessos has been twice marked by Persephone and they are sending the Shabbubitum to find out the truth. And Persephone is still trying to deal with everything ... her powers, her mother, Menessos and Johnny.
WOW ... this was a very emotional book for me and I actually had to put it down and not dwell on it! LR spins things a bit differently in this book as we get a few different POV's ~ one of them being Johnny's. Since Eris undid the magic tied to Johnny's tattoos, his beast has been fighting for control. We get to know a "Johnny" that is different from what we knew before. It's hard to hear how much Johnny wants sex with different women although I'm sure the old Johnny thought of sex all. the. time. but with Persephone! Several things happen between Seph and Johnny that may break the relationship. And I fear his new "assistant" may be stepping in but with who's orders?
And then we have Menessos, charming, suave and manipulative Menessos. Yes, he comes to the rescue but he almost always causes the problems. I was a bit bored with all the information regarding the Shabbubitum and the Excelsior and his advisors but I liked the old friendships. I fear that what happened between Johnny and Persephone may sway Seph in Menessos direction. Ugh! I just don't want to like him! Again, this has the whole Anita Blake feel to it but unlike Jean-Claude, I'm unsure of Menessos true feelings.
There is a POV from Kurt Miller (undercover government agent) and I wasn't too sure where the story was going with it except that it was about Johnny. Play close attention to the details because what comes out of it is shocking. I don't know how this will factor into what's going on with Johnny and Seph.
And let's not forget "Creepy" ... WTH?? The whole part in the container was a major creepy moment. I can't even fathom how he is fitting into the story but I fear we haven't heard the last of him.
And of course ... the cliffhanger! Although I do have to say, what a perfect ending even though I did not want it to end. Waiting for the next book will definitely be torture especially if we have to wait a whole year!!
Favorite line:
"The rest of the day, you're gonna know I did."
Several things are starting to come to a head in this installment of the series. Johnny's powers have been unlocked and he's become the Domn Lup and those two things are causing him to have a major inner power struggle. News has gotten to the Excelsior that Menessos has been twice marked by Persephone and they are sending the Shabbubitum to find out the truth. And Persephone is still trying to deal with everything ... her powers, her mother, Menessos and Johnny.
WOW ... this was a very emotional book for me and I actually had to put it down and not dwell on it! LR spins things a bit differently in this book as we get a few different POV's ~ one of them being Johnny's. Since Eris undid the magic tied to Johnny's tattoos, his beast has been fighting for control. We get to know a "Johnny" that is different from what we knew before. It's hard to hear how much Johnny wants sex with different women although I'm sure the old Johnny thought of sex all. the. time. but with Persephone! Several things happen between Seph and Johnny that may break the relationship. And I fear his new "assistant" may be stepping in but with who's orders?
And then we have Menessos, charming, suave and manipulative Menessos. Yes, he comes to the rescue but he almost always causes the problems. I was a bit bored with all the information regarding the Shabbubitum and the Excelsior and his advisors but I liked the old friendships. I fear that what happened between Johnny and Persephone may sway Seph in Menessos direction. Ugh! I just don't want to like him! Again, this has the whole Anita Blake feel to it but unlike Jean-Claude, I'm unsure of Menessos true feelings.
There is a POV from Kurt Miller (undercover government agent) and I wasn't too sure where the story was going with it except that it was about Johnny. Play close attention to the details because what comes out of it is shocking. I don't know how this will factor into what's going on with Johnny and Seph.
And let's not forget "Creepy" ... WTH?? The whole part in the container was a major creepy moment. I can't even fathom how he is fitting into the story but I fear we haven't heard the last of him.
And of course ... the cliffhanger! Although I do have to say, what a perfect ending even though I did not want it to end. Waiting for the next book will definitely be torture especially if we have to wait a whole year!!
Favorite line:
"The rest of the day, you're gonna know I did."
April 14, 2012
Enjoyed the story of the book, but 1 point I want to talk about, Shifting narrators, this series has been told purely via 1 persons perspective. Now in the 5th book we have shifted to 4+ narrators. This was really jarring to me.
I believe the author decided to make this book more of a writing challenge for herself as it really didn't need to be done. Most of the vampires thoughts seem to be very modern, they all behave and talk the same. The only real difference is there names and objectives. Johnny’s view seems slightly different in that he has his wolf "feelings", but his character is completely different to the previous books (magic in the last book unlocked more of his power, Not his memories though) yet he has completely lost his previous demeanour.
The Carpathians series might not be perfect at this, (most of the main male/female chars in the series are similar) However the way the author writes the vampire mind seems to be more in keeping to how an ancient being would act.
I honestly do not think the author thought this book through and should have stuck with just Sephs view. If the author felt the need to give other peoples thoughts on a situation perhaps she should of put out separate books telling their view/tale (could give it a bit more of a back story, maybe they had a little side crisis while the main Seph story was going on, EG - Vamps building problems, Wolfs moon/pack problems) The Kate Danels series did this and seems that people who read them enjoyed the side books.
I believe the author decided to make this book more of a writing challenge for herself as it really didn't need to be done. Most of the vampires thoughts seem to be very modern, they all behave and talk the same. The only real difference is there names and objectives. Johnny’s view seems slightly different in that he has his wolf "feelings", but his character is completely different to the previous books (magic in the last book unlocked more of his power, Not his memories though) yet he has completely lost his previous demeanour.
The Carpathians series might not be perfect at this, (most of the main male/female chars in the series are similar) However the way the author writes the vampire mind seems to be more in keeping to how an ancient being would act.
I honestly do not think the author thought this book through and should have stuck with just Sephs view. If the author felt the need to give other peoples thoughts on a situation perhaps she should of put out separate books telling their view/tale (could give it a bit more of a back story, maybe they had a little side crisis while the main Seph story was going on, EG - Vamps building problems, Wolfs moon/pack problems) The Kate Danels series did this and seems that people who read them enjoyed the side books.
March 10, 2012
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 3 1/2
*Review*
*Synopsis/Storyline*
In this story, Persephone ends up having to deal with not only her mother Eris who has come back into her life after being gone for most of her life, but, problems facing Johnny and Menessos as well.
On the home front, Eris demands that Seph show more affection than she’s capable of. Think about it, her mother left her behind, and didn’t bother telling her where she went, or why she left in the first place. Then, on top of everything, she was responsible for the tattoos which Johnny has all over his body which contained his memories, and she has a teenaged son named Lance who wants nothing to do with Seph.
It has become apparent that Persephone must also help Menessos against accusations by Heldridge Ellington that he is under her control. VEIN (Vampire Executive International Network) decides to investigate using the Shabbubitum (3 vampire harpies) who have been hidden away and bound for their own good.
The Shabbubitum are able to dig deep and discover the hidden truth that Menessos is hiding from everyone, including his own coven which may lead to his downfall of leader of his own coven.
*The POV*
-Persephone Alcmedi, Lustrata of the Witches, is said to be the one to reunite the supernatural races together. Hecate is her goddess and her goddess has some awesome powers to help Seph out of troubling situations.
Seph has helped waerewolf Johnny Newman unlock his powers and become the Dom Lupe at the expense of being called an betrayer to her own race of witches who believe that she’s nothing more than a whore of Babylon with two men she can’t seem to make a choice between. They also believe that she’s under the control of the master vampire leader Menessos, which is far from the truth.
Seph is also part of a triumvirate with wolf king Johnny and Vamp leader Menessos after helping defeat the Fey.
-Johnny Newman, the Dom Lupe waerewolf, finally gets the approval to rise to the position of king after proving his worth over the previous books. Newman’s own background is a steeped in mystery. He lost 8 ½ years of his life after being attacked by a ware and changed and then tattooed by a mysterious person who has not yet been revealed.
Robertson explorers more of Newman’s past and what actually happened to him and what he left behind thanks to a surprise visitor. This was actually interesting to me. Of course, now that Johnny’s secret is out, there will be trouble ahead from those not fully happy with Johnny’s ascension to the top. Also, Seph and Johnny’s relationship has hit rock bottom after he attacked her while in his ware facade.
-Menessos is the first vampire with the abilities of a witch. Seph and he have a rocky history together over the first 4 books but it appears that the relationship has actually grown closer.
He was the one who made the Shabbubitum thousands of years ago and now they want revenge against him. Menessos started out as the bad guy who has found a place in Seph’s heart and life. His position as leader of his own coven comes crashing down after it is discovered that Seph bound him not once, but twice.
-One of the other points of view is from Kurt Miller who is an investigator for the Specialized Squadron for Tactical Investigations of Venocrime. Without spoiling anything, Johnny and Millers paths cross since they are both from Saranac Lake, New York where Johnny was bitten and changed.
Wicked Circle is not a standalone book. It’s the fifth book in the Persephone Alcmedi series by Linda Robertson. Unfortunately, it has one too many points of views for my taste. I don’t mind a few points of views, but when you end up with four, that’s too much and it kind of takes away from the overall storyline.
My tastes, of course, are subjective and I hope that nobody takes offense to my dislike for them. It’s also my profound dislike for 3-way love triangles that has caused my rating not to be any higher than it is.
There is an introduction of a character who Seph and others call the Creepy dude. I think his story was the most appealing and yes, scarier than hell. I’m still wondering who he is, and what sort of deal Menessos made with him to protect Seph. Plus, he continued to claim that he was there to help HER know her ultimate powers as well.
*Rating* 3 1/2
*Review*
*Synopsis/Storyline*
In this story, Persephone ends up having to deal with not only her mother Eris who has come back into her life after being gone for most of her life, but, problems facing Johnny and Menessos as well.
On the home front, Eris demands that Seph show more affection than she’s capable of. Think about it, her mother left her behind, and didn’t bother telling her where she went, or why she left in the first place. Then, on top of everything, she was responsible for the tattoos which Johnny has all over his body which contained his memories, and she has a teenaged son named Lance who wants nothing to do with Seph.
It has become apparent that Persephone must also help Menessos against accusations by Heldridge Ellington that he is under her control. VEIN (Vampire Executive International Network) decides to investigate using the Shabbubitum (3 vampire harpies) who have been hidden away and bound for their own good.
The Shabbubitum are able to dig deep and discover the hidden truth that Menessos is hiding from everyone, including his own coven which may lead to his downfall of leader of his own coven.
*The POV*
-Persephone Alcmedi, Lustrata of the Witches, is said to be the one to reunite the supernatural races together. Hecate is her goddess and her goddess has some awesome powers to help Seph out of troubling situations.
Seph has helped waerewolf Johnny Newman unlock his powers and become the Dom Lupe at the expense of being called an betrayer to her own race of witches who believe that she’s nothing more than a whore of Babylon with two men she can’t seem to make a choice between. They also believe that she’s under the control of the master vampire leader Menessos, which is far from the truth.
Seph is also part of a triumvirate with wolf king Johnny and Vamp leader Menessos after helping defeat the Fey.
-Johnny Newman, the Dom Lupe waerewolf, finally gets the approval to rise to the position of king after proving his worth over the previous books. Newman’s own background is a steeped in mystery. He lost 8 ½ years of his life after being attacked by a ware and changed and then tattooed by a mysterious person who has not yet been revealed.
Robertson explorers more of Newman’s past and what actually happened to him and what he left behind thanks to a surprise visitor. This was actually interesting to me. Of course, now that Johnny’s secret is out, there will be trouble ahead from those not fully happy with Johnny’s ascension to the top. Also, Seph and Johnny’s relationship has hit rock bottom after he attacked her while in his ware facade.
-Menessos is the first vampire with the abilities of a witch. Seph and he have a rocky history together over the first 4 books but it appears that the relationship has actually grown closer.
He was the one who made the Shabbubitum thousands of years ago and now they want revenge against him. Menessos started out as the bad guy who has found a place in Seph’s heart and life. His position as leader of his own coven comes crashing down after it is discovered that Seph bound him not once, but twice.
-One of the other points of view is from Kurt Miller who is an investigator for the Specialized Squadron for Tactical Investigations of Venocrime. Without spoiling anything, Johnny and Millers paths cross since they are both from Saranac Lake, New York where Johnny was bitten and changed.
Wicked Circle is not a standalone book. It’s the fifth book in the Persephone Alcmedi series by Linda Robertson. Unfortunately, it has one too many points of views for my taste. I don’t mind a few points of views, but when you end up with four, that’s too much and it kind of takes away from the overall storyline.
My tastes, of course, are subjective and I hope that nobody takes offense to my dislike for them. It’s also my profound dislike for 3-way love triangles that has caused my rating not to be any higher than it is.
There is an introduction of a character who Seph and others call the Creepy dude. I think his story was the most appealing and yes, scarier than hell. I’m still wondering who he is, and what sort of deal Menessos made with him to protect Seph. Plus, he continued to claim that he was there to help HER know her ultimate powers as well.
January 13, 2012
Generic Urban Fantasy with little to distinguish it from all the rest. Too much artificial relationship tension that feels like it has been manufactured to draw out the series. The whole witch, vampire, wolf-king love triangle is so over-used and does not in any way make for interesting reading. It even ends on a "Days of Our Lives" relationship cliff-hanger. Blah.
March 18, 2012
This was the fifth book in the Persephone Alcmedi series. I thought it was the weakest book in the series so far. Robertson did some strange things in this latest addition to the Persephone series; the story is told from many points of view and this really made the book long and was really weird. Additionally Persephone is straying from her monogamous relationship into some very Anita Blake like territory.
In the last book Persephone helped Johnny unlock his marks and become the Dom Lupe. This book is more about Menessos. The head vampire honcho has heard the rumors that Menessos is marked and can be controlled by Persephone. As a result he has agreed to release some truth-seeking vampires so evil that they have been locked in stone for ages; these vampires will be sent to dig through Menessos mind and prove whether or not Menessos is under Persephone's control.
The change in POV in this story is really jarring; all of the previous books have been from Persephone's POV. Now we are seeing things from Persephone's, Menessos's, Johnny's, and many other POVs. It really drags out the story and makes the book long.
This also makes the story a bit scattered. Persephone is trying to deal with Johnny's change into Dom Lupe; Johnny is struggling with his aggression. Persephone is also dealing with Menessos and the threat that is coming towards him. Meanwhile we also hear from some strange investigator's point of view; this ends up tying in with Johnny discovering some things about his past. But the story is pretty much going a billion directions at once.
Persephone is changing into something I hoped she wouldn't change into...I really didn't want this book to degenerate into a Anita/Jean-Calude/Richard love triangle and that's where it is going. Johnny is a jerk for most of the book and so Persephone is naturally drawn to Menessos and ends up spending more and more time with him (why does the were in a love triangle always turn into the jerk?). Then another unnamed mysterious dark stranger enters the story and Persephone thinks he is pretty hot too. I really liked Persephone and Johnny's nice steamy monogamous relationship and was disappointed with the path Persephone starts down in this book.
There were still some good things about this book. I still do like reading about these characters; they are intriguing and complicated. I enjoy Robertson's writing style; she balances action scenes and drama well. I also enjoy all of the details she puts into the spell scenes and the witchcraft; you can tell she put a lot of thought, time, and research into this. Learning more about Menessos's past was another fun thing.
Overall this was an okay addition to the series, but definitely my least favorite book of the series. The multiple POVs are jarring and drag the story out too long. The storyline is going in so many different directions that it felt scattered. Lastly Persephone is going the Anita Blake route with her lusting after and making out with multiple guys and I hated seeing that. I still did enjoying reading about these characters, I also enjoyed all of the witchcraft details that Robertson adds into the story, and I enjoyed the writing style. Will I keep reading this series? I am not sure at this point; I will probably read the next book but if the story continues down its current path then I am done with it.
In the last book Persephone helped Johnny unlock his marks and become the Dom Lupe. This book is more about Menessos. The head vampire honcho has heard the rumors that Menessos is marked and can be controlled by Persephone. As a result he has agreed to release some truth-seeking vampires so evil that they have been locked in stone for ages; these vampires will be sent to dig through Menessos mind and prove whether or not Menessos is under Persephone's control.
The change in POV in this story is really jarring; all of the previous books have been from Persephone's POV. Now we are seeing things from Persephone's, Menessos's, Johnny's, and many other POVs. It really drags out the story and makes the book long.
This also makes the story a bit scattered. Persephone is trying to deal with Johnny's change into Dom Lupe; Johnny is struggling with his aggression. Persephone is also dealing with Menessos and the threat that is coming towards him. Meanwhile we also hear from some strange investigator's point of view; this ends up tying in with Johnny discovering some things about his past. But the story is pretty much going a billion directions at once.
Persephone is changing into something I hoped she wouldn't change into...I really didn't want this book to degenerate into a Anita/Jean-Calude/Richard love triangle and that's where it is going. Johnny is a jerk for most of the book and so Persephone is naturally drawn to Menessos and ends up spending more and more time with him (why does the were in a love triangle always turn into the jerk?). Then another unnamed mysterious dark stranger enters the story and Persephone thinks he is pretty hot too. I really liked Persephone and Johnny's nice steamy monogamous relationship and was disappointed with the path Persephone starts down in this book.
There were still some good things about this book. I still do like reading about these characters; they are intriguing and complicated. I enjoy Robertson's writing style; she balances action scenes and drama well. I also enjoy all of the details she puts into the spell scenes and the witchcraft; you can tell she put a lot of thought, time, and research into this. Learning more about Menessos's past was another fun thing.
Overall this was an okay addition to the series, but definitely my least favorite book of the series. The multiple POVs are jarring and drag the story out too long. The storyline is going in so many different directions that it felt scattered. Lastly Persephone is going the Anita Blake route with her lusting after and making out with multiple guys and I hated seeing that. I still did enjoying reading about these characters, I also enjoyed all of the witchcraft details that Robertson adds into the story, and I enjoyed the writing style. Will I keep reading this series? I am not sure at this point; I will probably read the next book but if the story continues down its current path then I am done with it.
January 26, 2013
3 1/2 Stars
In the previous book Heldrige, one of the vampire lord sired by Menessos was on his way to VEIN to report a crime against Menessos. At the start of Wicked Circle, Heldrige succeeds in obtaining an audience with the big vampire honcho, Excelsior. Heldrige reports that the Quarterlord Menessos was mastered by his EV witch, and not the other way around like many believed. The Excelsior sends his father Mero and a trio of of truth-seeking vampire witches (more like harpies/owls…they can change their appearance from beautiful women to grotesque owl-bat with wings) to question Menessos, and to see if Seph is really a threat. A lot of new characters are introduced again (like the previous book) but this time they’re vampires, and poor Seph…she never catches a break.
The author mixes things up in this installment by writing from multiple view-points, unlike the previous four books which were all told from Seph’s POV. In the beginning the multiple view points were a little confusing but after awhile I got in the rhythm of things. The multiple view points were all written in third-person and it switches back and forth to first person with Seph. Johnny and Seph’s relationship takes its toll in Wicked Circle as being Domn Lup takes most of Johnny’s time. To make matter worst, whenever they found the time for one another…Johnny’s inner beast rears its head, dominating his man-mind. In one scene after performing a ritual for Johnny and his pack…Johnny’s beast takes over and tries to kill Seph. While that is a red flag in all/any relationship, ever since Johnny unlocked his power ...his attitude sucks! He is cocky and arrogant, two qualities no one likes…thankfully we don’t have to add cheater to the list. And talking about cheaters, the whole Seph-Menessos-Johnny being bound to one another was already...ehh. I was happy that the relationship between Seph and Menessos stayed the way it was, just flirtatious. Nope, everything changes in this book and toward the end we have a love-triangle going on…WHY GOSH, WHY?! I don’t know if people count kissing as ‘cheating’ but I do…especially when it isn’t a peck on the cheek!
While there were some obvious downer scenes, there were also some highlights of the book! Readers finally get to learn about what happened to Johnny 8 ½ years ago, the life he had before he was inked and turned. I found this part of the story fascinating/heart-breaking at the same time. There was a twist involving his past that I didn’t expect, and it will definitely impact him in the next book. We also got to learn more about Menessos and his involvement with the truth-seeking vampire witches.
Regardless of all the things I didn’t really like in this installment, it was still a well-written addition to the series. I like Seph for most of the series, but making out with Menessos is a big no-no, and Johnny’s attitude for most of the book didn’t make him endearing either. It’s like the two most important characters did 180….well except Menessos but I was always whatever about him. Overall I did enjoy this book, it didn’t suffer from middle book syndrome like book #2-#3…I just wasn’t happy with the choices the characters made. I hope things will fare better in Shattered Circle, and I can’t wait to see how things play out for Johnny and that twist I mentioned earlier.
In the previous book Heldrige, one of the vampire lord sired by Menessos was on his way to VEIN to report a crime against Menessos. At the start of Wicked Circle, Heldrige succeeds in obtaining an audience with the big vampire honcho, Excelsior. Heldrige reports that the Quarterlord Menessos was mastered by his EV witch, and not the other way around like many believed. The Excelsior sends his father Mero and a trio of of truth-seeking vampire witches (more like harpies/owls…they can change their appearance from beautiful women to grotesque owl-bat with wings) to question Menessos, and to see if Seph is really a threat. A lot of new characters are introduced again (like the previous book) but this time they’re vampires, and poor Seph…she never catches a break.
The author mixes things up in this installment by writing from multiple view-points, unlike the previous four books which were all told from Seph’s POV. In the beginning the multiple view points were a little confusing but after awhile I got in the rhythm of things. The multiple view points were all written in third-person and it switches back and forth to first person with Seph. Johnny and Seph’s relationship takes its toll in Wicked Circle as being Domn Lup takes most of Johnny’s time. To make matter worst, whenever they found the time for one another…Johnny’s inner beast rears its head, dominating his man-mind. In one scene after performing a ritual for Johnny and his pack…Johnny’s beast takes over and tries to kill Seph. While that is a red flag in all/any relationship, ever since Johnny unlocked his power ...his attitude sucks! He is cocky and arrogant, two qualities no one likes…thankfully we don’t have to add cheater to the list. And talking about cheaters, the whole Seph-Menessos-Johnny being bound to one another was already...ehh. I was happy that the relationship between Seph and Menessos stayed the way it was, just flirtatious. Nope, everything changes in this book and toward the end we have a love-triangle going on…WHY GOSH, WHY?! I don’t know if people count kissing as ‘cheating’ but I do…especially when it isn’t a peck on the cheek!
While there were some obvious downer scenes, there were also some highlights of the book! Readers finally get to learn about what happened to Johnny 8 ½ years ago, the life he had before he was inked and turned. I found this part of the story fascinating/heart-breaking at the same time. There was a twist involving his past that I didn’t expect, and it will definitely impact him in the next book. We also got to learn more about Menessos and his involvement with the truth-seeking vampire witches.
Regardless of all the things I didn’t really like in this installment, it was still a well-written addition to the series. I like Seph for most of the series, but making out with Menessos is a big no-no, and Johnny’s attitude for most of the book didn’t make him endearing either. It’s like the two most important characters did 180….well except Menessos but I was always whatever about him. Overall I did enjoy this book, it didn’t suffer from middle book syndrome like book #2-#3…I just wasn’t happy with the choices the characters made. I hope things will fare better in Shattered Circle, and I can’t wait to see how things play out for Johnny and that twist I mentioned earlier.
December 22, 2011
Wow- best book of the series so far.
So much is changing and it's changing fast for Persephone.
Johnny has become the Domn Lup, Menessos is under attack by the vampire council who worry that Persephone is in control of him, and Persephone is the Lustrata and struggling with everything that means while still dealing with her mundane life and family.
Toss in "help" from the Goddess and a magickal stranger she dubs "Creepy" and her life has become more complicated than ever.
Menessos has a dream of Persephone, Johnny and he being a trio of strength, power and love but will his dream come true with the changes that are coming. Will everyone around them let his dream come to fruition if they find out what his goals are?
Wicked Circle was a fast paced read I just couldn't put down. I've loved all the books in this series so far but this one totally rocked. I tore through it in two nights.
I couldn't believe how quickly things are changing- and they don't even see it.
Johnny is more wolf than ever now that he's the Domn Lup and his power has come back to him after Persephone's mother removed part of the spells on him. The changes he is going through make him treat Persephone differently (that's putting it mildly but I can't give too much away) and that's going to come back and bite him in the ass. Plus he gets some news that no one seen coming- and this will surely change everything for him.
Menessos always has a few tricks up his sleeve so things come out how he wants them to. Does that make him a bad guy? Honestly I haven't decided yet.
That's the hard thing about this series, both guys are very flawed so it's hard to decide which one you want to root for, to pick one that Persephone should be with.
Does the vampire always get the girl? In almost every series I've read where there's a triangle- it is the vampire that wins. I wonder if that's how this will end up.
I have to admit I've never been a Johnny fan. I've always found him too crass but Menessos I've been unsure about but in this book, well that's changed a lot. I'm pretty sure I'm rooting for the vampire now.
We'll just have to see where the next story takes everything.
So much is changing and it's changing fast for Persephone.
Johnny has become the Domn Lup, Menessos is under attack by the vampire council who worry that Persephone is in control of him, and Persephone is the Lustrata and struggling with everything that means while still dealing with her mundane life and family.
Toss in "help" from the Goddess and a magickal stranger she dubs "Creepy" and her life has become more complicated than ever.
Menessos has a dream of Persephone, Johnny and he being a trio of strength, power and love but will his dream come true with the changes that are coming. Will everyone around them let his dream come to fruition if they find out what his goals are?
Wicked Circle was a fast paced read I just couldn't put down. I've loved all the books in this series so far but this one totally rocked. I tore through it in two nights.
I couldn't believe how quickly things are changing- and they don't even see it.
Johnny is more wolf than ever now that he's the Domn Lup and his power has come back to him after Persephone's mother removed part of the spells on him. The changes he is going through make him treat Persephone differently (that's putting it mildly but I can't give too much away) and that's going to come back and bite him in the ass. Plus he gets some news that no one seen coming- and this will surely change everything for him.
Menessos always has a few tricks up his sleeve so things come out how he wants them to. Does that make him a bad guy? Honestly I haven't decided yet.
That's the hard thing about this series, both guys are very flawed so it's hard to decide which one you want to root for, to pick one that Persephone should be with.
Does the vampire always get the girl? In almost every series I've read where there's a triangle- it is the vampire that wins. I wonder if that's how this will end up.
I have to admit I've never been a Johnny fan. I've always found him too crass but Menessos I've been unsure about but in this book, well that's changed a lot. I'm pretty sure I'm rooting for the vampire now.
We'll just have to see where the next story takes everything.
January 21, 2012
I don't know what it is about this book, but it seemed to be missing things for me. Part of it might be that I really missed Demeter and Beverly, who weren't around alot, another part is because our 3 lead characters seemed to be on their own in this one.
I liked that Johnny finally learned about his past, and I have to say that I was surprised by quite a bit of it. It will make a big difference in his future and for this reason alone I wonder about his relationship with Seph. There are other reason that put their relationship in danger and for some reason I can see Sepph avoiding him and not dealing with their issues.
I haven't every really liked Menssos and this book solidified that line of thought. He is a master manipulator, he doesn't really care what others want, only what he wants and will do whatever it takes to get that.
In the past books Seph has always seemed strong, yes she muddled her way through, but the strength was there. This time around it seemed like all she did was react and react in ways that I didn't care for.
I will be interested to see where all these big changes lead all the characters.
I liked that Johnny finally learned about his past, and I have to say that I was surprised by quite a bit of it. It will make a big difference in his future and for this reason alone I wonder about his relationship with Seph. There are other reason that put their relationship in danger and for some reason I can see Sepph avoiding him and not dealing with their issues.
I haven't every really liked Menssos and this book solidified that line of thought. He is a master manipulator, he doesn't really care what others want, only what he wants and will do whatever it takes to get that.
In the past books Seph has always seemed strong, yes she muddled her way through, but the strength was there. This time around it seemed like all she did was react and react in ways that I didn't care for.
I will be interested to see where all these big changes lead all the characters.
January 27, 2012
Ceritanya seharusnya bagus, cuma karena terlalu banyak PoV jadi ga enak gw bacanya. ga kyk sebelumnya yg cuma Seph doang.Ceritanya lebih complicated, Seph kehilangan kepercayaan sama Johnny. belum lagi masalah2 nya sendiri dengan Manessos...
bete banget sama Johnny, udah nyerang Seph habis itu gampang banget tergoda dengan perempuan yg cuma dengan belahan dadanya. (dasar laki2)udah tau padahal hubungannya sama Seph lagi di ujung tanduk... udah tiba2 dia punya anak di kehidupan yang dia ga inget....tanpa sepengathuannya ada orang yg mo ngadaopsi anak, yg baru saja di temuinya.
cuma satu kata untuk Johhny. Kacau.
Poor Persephone
bete banget sama Johnny, udah nyerang Seph habis itu gampang banget tergoda dengan perempuan yg cuma dengan belahan dadanya. (dasar laki2)udah tau padahal hubungannya sama Seph lagi di ujung tanduk... udah tiba2 dia punya anak di kehidupan yang dia ga inget....tanpa sepengathuannya ada orang yg mo ngadaopsi anak, yg baru saja di temuinya.
cuma satu kata untuk Johhny. Kacau.
Poor Persephone
January 16, 2012
I love this series, but this was not my favorite at all. I found myself reading it just to finish it. It didn't really get good for me until the very end and then only with Johnny. I will definetly read the next one though. I just thought it was missing the character interaction of the previous ones, and I have never liked the character of Menessos.
January 6, 2012
I love this series, but I think this book was my least favorite. It was a good story and I do like how the events are unfolding but it just didn't wow me like the other books. I am looking forward to the next book to see how everything plays out with Persephone, Messenos and Johnny.
March 13, 2017
reread 3/2017
February 26, 2013
My synopsis:
Power
Some are born into it.
Some aim to achieve it.
Some will kill for it.
And some will let it go to their head.
Johnny Newman is now one of the most powerful men in the world. A mere weeks ago the binding that held his power in check was broken. He's come into his full power and his full wolf, something he's never had to contend with before. The power's heady and heightens all his senses both human and beast. He's more aware of the link he shares with his pack mates and of the beast he harbors within. For he's not the only who's come into his power, the wolf that lurks inside him has also gotten a boost and it's threatening to take control.
The Excelsior is the leader of VEIN, the Vampire Executive International Network. It is a position which wields power and was once offered to Menessos, but he refused it. When Heldridge Ellington reveals to the current Excelsior his suspicions that Menessos' Erus Veneficus is the Lustrata and is not being controlled by Menessos, but is, in fact, his Master, the Excelsior sees this as the perfect opportunity to try to acquire the Lustrata as his own personal pet. If he can control her he'll be able to use her power. Now Menessos' position is called into question. He may loose all, but if Seph is made to be the Excelsior's slave, even more will be lost. To get what he wants, however, the Excelsior will unleash three ancient vampires, the shabbubitum, that have been locked away for centuries to force Menessos to tell what he knows.
My Thoughts:
Wicked Circle is the fourth book in the Persephone Alcmedi series. I highly recommend reading the previous books prior to this one. We learn more about each of the three main characters and their world with each new book. New powers are discovered, political structures revealed, and secrets are uncovered as the series unfolds.
In the Arcane Circle, Johnny got his powers back. Unfortunately his memories were lost. Magic has a price and yet to be revealed man who requested the binding of his powers sacrificed Johnny's memories to sustain the binding. With all the media attention given to Johnny being declared the Domn Lup someone from his past has finally come forward. We will finally find out about Johnny's past and his real name.
With Johnny coming into his powers and position and Seph still coming into her own the two are being torn in two different directions. Johnny has to deal with his pack and all the political maneuvering associated with being the Domn Lup while Seph is just attempting to figure out where she belongs and how to utilize her powers to their fullest. Additionally, Johnny will do something that will cause Seph to question whether she can truly trust him. Things may never be the same. Will their relationship be able to survive or will circumstances pull them apart? Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, Menessos has made it quite clear he wants Seph and has been slowly worming his way into her life. While Johnny seems to be gone most of the time, Menessos always seems to be around when she needs him. Granted a lot of the reasons she needs his aid can be traced back to him. Seph, however, still doesn't fully trust Menessos. He's a secretive and manipulative man and every time she starts warming to him she learns of something new which keeps her from fully trusting him. I'm not sure if it's just his nature or if there is something we still as yet don't know about him. Could he be the man behind Johnny's binding? I wonder....
The shabbubitum were pretty cool yet creepy and I love how Ms. Robertson created her own creature instead trying to redefine one to meet her requirements. I wish more authors did this. The redefining of supernatural beings is getting a little old. I won't go into too much detail about them because I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but I personally thought they were wickedly cool. :)
This book seems to mark a change of tone for the series. Things are getting more serious and intense and with it so do the responsibilities of each of the main characters. I can't help but wonder if that's why the book is written in alternating points of view between Persephone's and a third person narrative. I'm curious if this was done by the author to emphasize that Persephone is starting grow into her position and stand more on her own, or if it's a hint that there will be a divide among the three in the future?
Overall, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. I once again don't know what to make of Menessos. He's such a confusing character, but he is definitely growing on me. I find it interesting that whereas Johnny and Seph seem to be gaining power and responsibility Menessos seems to be prepared to relinquish it. I can't help but wonder if that's some sort of smoke screen for something up Menessos sleeve. He always seems to have a hidden agenda and never does anything that doesn't somehow gain him something in return. There is a lot of drama and restructuring of relationships in this book that I have to wonder if Seph and Johnny will be able to work things out. Especially since we keep seeing the following:
'Lustrata walks,
unspoiled into the light.
Sickle in hand,
she stalks through the night
Wearing naught but her mark and silver blade.
The moonchild of ruin, she becomes Wolfsbane.'
Wolfsbane? You've go to wonder.
I'm not going to give this one a romance rating because there was just so little of it.
Power
Some are born into it.
Some aim to achieve it.
Some will kill for it.
And some will let it go to their head.
Johnny Newman is now one of the most powerful men in the world. A mere weeks ago the binding that held his power in check was broken. He's come into his full power and his full wolf, something he's never had to contend with before. The power's heady and heightens all his senses both human and beast. He's more aware of the link he shares with his pack mates and of the beast he harbors within. For he's not the only who's come into his power, the wolf that lurks inside him has also gotten a boost and it's threatening to take control.
The Excelsior is the leader of VEIN, the Vampire Executive International Network. It is a position which wields power and was once offered to Menessos, but he refused it. When Heldridge Ellington reveals to the current Excelsior his suspicions that Menessos' Erus Veneficus is the Lustrata and is not being controlled by Menessos, but is, in fact, his Master, the Excelsior sees this as the perfect opportunity to try to acquire the Lustrata as his own personal pet. If he can control her he'll be able to use her power. Now Menessos' position is called into question. He may loose all, but if Seph is made to be the Excelsior's slave, even more will be lost. To get what he wants, however, the Excelsior will unleash three ancient vampires, the shabbubitum, that have been locked away for centuries to force Menessos to tell what he knows.
My Thoughts:
Wicked Circle is the fourth book in the Persephone Alcmedi series. I highly recommend reading the previous books prior to this one. We learn more about each of the three main characters and their world with each new book. New powers are discovered, political structures revealed, and secrets are uncovered as the series unfolds.
In the Arcane Circle, Johnny got his powers back. Unfortunately his memories were lost. Magic has a price and yet to be revealed man who requested the binding of his powers sacrificed Johnny's memories to sustain the binding. With all the media attention given to Johnny being declared the Domn Lup someone from his past has finally come forward. We will finally find out about Johnny's past and his real name.
With Johnny coming into his powers and position and Seph still coming into her own the two are being torn in two different directions. Johnny has to deal with his pack and all the political maneuvering associated with being the Domn Lup while Seph is just attempting to figure out where she belongs and how to utilize her powers to their fullest. Additionally, Johnny will do something that will cause Seph to question whether she can truly trust him. Things may never be the same. Will their relationship be able to survive or will circumstances pull them apart? Only time will tell.
Meanwhile, Menessos has made it quite clear he wants Seph and has been slowly worming his way into her life. While Johnny seems to be gone most of the time, Menessos always seems to be around when she needs him. Granted a lot of the reasons she needs his aid can be traced back to him. Seph, however, still doesn't fully trust Menessos. He's a secretive and manipulative man and every time she starts warming to him she learns of something new which keeps her from fully trusting him. I'm not sure if it's just his nature or if there is something we still as yet don't know about him. Could he be the man behind Johnny's binding? I wonder....
The shabbubitum were pretty cool yet creepy and I love how Ms. Robertson created her own creature instead trying to redefine one to meet her requirements. I wish more authors did this. The redefining of supernatural beings is getting a little old. I won't go into too much detail about them because I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but I personally thought they were wickedly cool. :)
This book seems to mark a change of tone for the series. Things are getting more serious and intense and with it so do the responsibilities of each of the main characters. I can't help but wonder if that's why the book is written in alternating points of view between Persephone's and a third person narrative. I'm curious if this was done by the author to emphasize that Persephone is starting grow into her position and stand more on her own, or if it's a hint that there will be a divide among the three in the future?
Overall, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. I once again don't know what to make of Menessos. He's such a confusing character, but he is definitely growing on me. I find it interesting that whereas Johnny and Seph seem to be gaining power and responsibility Menessos seems to be prepared to relinquish it. I can't help but wonder if that's some sort of smoke screen for something up Menessos sleeve. He always seems to have a hidden agenda and never does anything that doesn't somehow gain him something in return. There is a lot of drama and restructuring of relationships in this book that I have to wonder if Seph and Johnny will be able to work things out. Especially since we keep seeing the following:
'Lustrata walks,
unspoiled into the light.
Sickle in hand,
she stalks through the night
Wearing naught but her mark and silver blade.
The moonchild of ruin, she becomes Wolfsbane.'
Wolfsbane? You've go to wonder.
I'm not going to give this one a romance rating because there was just so little of it.
June 4, 2018
there was way too much going on to keep up with. Nothing got resolved. I am going to read the next one see if it helps.
March 6, 2014
I've come to this series a bit late in the running, so I sped through the first four books, and when I got to the fifth, I expected that it would be as amazing as the previous books had been. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
Wicked Circle suffers from a very badly-done portrayal of multiple POVs. Some books can pull that kind of writing style off with grace, but this is far from being one of them. Instead of helping the plot along, the constant switching of viewpoints only seems to make the book drag on. I found myself wanting to skip (forced myself to skim instead) through entire scenes because I simply did. not. care. about what certain characters had to say. This writing is so vastly different from the previous books (which were all from Persephone's POV) that it completely ruined the enjoyment of it for me. Some characters only had a few paragraphs at a time - or total, in the case of one female waere - of narration, and I found myself asking, "What the hell was the point?" It started to feel like Robertson was throwing different viewpoints at us just to show that she could, rather than out of any real necessity for it. The earlier books handled a single POV just fine, so I don't understand why she made such a radical change here. The new style is an utter failure, in my opinion.
Seeing from Johnny's POV made me like him much less. In fact, I now think he's an ass. Johnny seems to have little to no qualms with pondering screwing other women all the time, even though he's with Persephone. It really rubbed me the wrong way, and if this is the way the author has viewed his character from the start, I kind of feel a bit like I was tricked in the first four books, because he's always been shown to be the devoted, faithful boyfriend. He wouldn't even consider going after other waeres when they all mated during the full moons before, yet now he does it at all hours of the day. His personality is radically different - no longer the sweet, boyishly addictive waere we've come to love - and while I get that he's supposed to have changed with the release of his dormant powers, the way he acts is just so far from what we've come to expect from Johnny that I'm really put off by him now.
Aside from the potential infidelity, Johnny seems to not care for Persephone all that much anymore. I mean, yes, he shows that he cares in how he thinks of her (you know, in between all the ogling of other womens' breasts and legs), but... I was so disappointed in him with this book, I honestly am a bit scared to try reading the next one, because I don't want them to reconcile at all.
Last thing that kind of irked me was how sexual this book was. I mean, it's aggressively sexual, in a way that the previous books haven't been. I don't mind sex in books, but after the series being pretty tame the first four books, it was a little jarring to suddenly see almost every character making some sexual observation about someone, or having sex, or wanting to have sex, or thinking about wanting to have sex but oh wait, as an afterthought I do have a girlfriend. It's nowhere near as bad as the Anita Blake books, but it was still unlike the Persephone Alcmedi series, so it threw me off a bit.
Overall, the plot was alright, albeit it felt like there really wasn't that much plot involved, even though the book is over 300 pages. It did move the series forward, and I guess I would recommend it, as it's not...a horrid book. The constant POV switching was incredibly distracting, though, and along with Johnny's lobotomy, kept me from really becoming engrossed in the story as I have with previous books.
Wicked Circle suffers from a very badly-done portrayal of multiple POVs. Some books can pull that kind of writing style off with grace, but this is far from being one of them. Instead of helping the plot along, the constant switching of viewpoints only seems to make the book drag on. I found myself wanting to skip (forced myself to skim instead) through entire scenes because I simply did. not. care. about what certain characters had to say. This writing is so vastly different from the previous books (which were all from Persephone's POV) that it completely ruined the enjoyment of it for me. Some characters only had a few paragraphs at a time - or total, in the case of one female waere - of narration, and I found myself asking, "What the hell was the point?" It started to feel like Robertson was throwing different viewpoints at us just to show that she could, rather than out of any real necessity for it. The earlier books handled a single POV just fine, so I don't understand why she made such a radical change here. The new style is an utter failure, in my opinion.
Seeing from Johnny's POV made me like him much less. In fact, I now think he's an ass. Johnny seems to have little to no qualms with pondering screwing other women all the time, even though he's with Persephone. It really rubbed me the wrong way, and if this is the way the author has viewed his character from the start, I kind of feel a bit like I was tricked in the first four books, because he's always been shown to be the devoted, faithful boyfriend. He wouldn't even consider going after other waeres when they all mated during the full moons before, yet now he does it at all hours of the day. His personality is radically different - no longer the sweet, boyishly addictive waere we've come to love - and while I get that he's supposed to have changed with the release of his dormant powers, the way he acts is just so far from what we've come to expect from Johnny that I'm really put off by him now.
Aside from the potential infidelity, Johnny seems to not care for Persephone all that much anymore. I mean, yes, he shows that he cares in how he thinks of her (you know, in between all the ogling of other womens' breasts and legs), but... I was so disappointed in him with this book, I honestly am a bit scared to try reading the next one, because I don't want them to reconcile at all.
Last thing that kind of irked me was how sexual this book was. I mean, it's aggressively sexual, in a way that the previous books haven't been. I don't mind sex in books, but after the series being pretty tame the first four books, it was a little jarring to suddenly see almost every character making some sexual observation about someone, or having sex, or wanting to have sex, or thinking about wanting to have sex but oh wait, as an afterthought I do have a girlfriend. It's nowhere near as bad as the Anita Blake books, but it was still unlike the Persephone Alcmedi series, so it threw me off a bit.
Overall, the plot was alright, albeit it felt like there really wasn't that much plot involved, even though the book is over 300 pages. It did move the series forward, and I guess I would recommend it, as it's not...a horrid book. The constant POV switching was incredibly distracting, though, and along with Johnny's lobotomy, kept me from really becoming engrossed in the story as I have with previous books.
February 28, 2012
This was the fifth book in the Persephone Alcmedi series. I thought it was the weakest book in the series so far. Robertson did some strange things in this latest addition to the Persephone series; the story is told from many points of view and this really made the book long and was really weird. Additionally Persephone is straying from her monogamous relationship into some very Anita Blake like territory.
In the last book Persephone helped Johnny unlock his marks and become the Dom Lupe. This book is more about Menessos. The head vampire honcho has heard the rumors that Menessos is marked and can be controlled by Persephone. As a result he has agreed to release some truth-seeking vampires so evil that they have been locked in stone for ages; these vampires will be sent to dig through Menessos mind and prove whether or not Menessos is under Persephone's control.
The change in POV in this story is really jarring; all of the previous books have been from Persephone's POV. Now we are seeing things from Persephone's, Menessos's, Johnny's, and many other POVs. It really drags out the story and makes the book long.
This also makes the story a bit scattered. Persephone is trying to deal with Johnny's change into Dom Lupe; Johnny is struggling with his aggression. Persephone is also dealing with Menessos and the threat that is coming towards him. Meanwhile we also hear from some strange investigator's point of view; this ends up tying in with Johnny discovering some things about his past. But the story is pretty much going a billion directions at once.
Persephone is changing into something I hoped she wouldn't change into...I really didn't want this book to degenerate into a Anita/Jean-Calude/Richard love triangle and that's where it is going. Johnny is a jerk for most of the book and so Persephone is naturally drawn to Menessos and ends up spending more and more time with him (why does the were in a love triangle always turn into the jerk?). Then another unnamed mysterious dark stranger enters the story and Persephone thinks he is pretty hot too. I really liked Persephone and Johnny's nice steamy monogamous relationship and was disappointed with the path Persephone starts down in this book.
There were still some good things about this book. I still do like reading about these characters; they are intriguing and complicated. I enjoy Robertson's writing style; she balances action scenes and drama well. I also enjoy all of the details she puts into the spell scenes and the witchcraft; you can tell she put a lot of thought, time, and research into this. Learning more about Menessos's past was another fun thing.
Overall this was an okay addition to the series, but definitely my least favorite book of the series. The multiple POVs are jarring and drag the story out too long. The storyline is going in so many different directions that it felt scattered. Lastly Persephone is going the Anita Blake route with her lusting after and making out with multiple guys and I hated seeing that. I still did enjoying reading about these characters, I also enjoyed all of the witchcraft details that Robertson adds into the story, and I enjoyed the writing style. Will I keep reading this series? I am not sure at this point; I will probably read the next book but if the story continues down its current path then I am done with it.
In the last book Persephone helped Johnny unlock his marks and become the Dom Lupe. This book is more about Menessos. The head vampire honcho has heard the rumors that Menessos is marked and can be controlled by Persephone. As a result he has agreed to release some truth-seeking vampires so evil that they have been locked in stone for ages; these vampires will be sent to dig through Menessos mind and prove whether or not Menessos is under Persephone's control.
The change in POV in this story is really jarring; all of the previous books have been from Persephone's POV. Now we are seeing things from Persephone's, Menessos's, Johnny's, and many other POVs. It really drags out the story and makes the book long.
This also makes the story a bit scattered. Persephone is trying to deal with Johnny's change into Dom Lupe; Johnny is struggling with his aggression. Persephone is also dealing with Menessos and the threat that is coming towards him. Meanwhile we also hear from some strange investigator's point of view; this ends up tying in with Johnny discovering some things about his past. But the story is pretty much going a billion directions at once.
Persephone is changing into something I hoped she wouldn't change into...I really didn't want this book to degenerate into a Anita/Jean-Calude/Richard love triangle and that's where it is going. Johnny is a jerk for most of the book and so Persephone is naturally drawn to Menessos and ends up spending more and more time with him (why does the were in a love triangle always turn into the jerk?). Then another unnamed mysterious dark stranger enters the story and Persephone thinks he is pretty hot too. I really liked Persephone and Johnny's nice steamy monogamous relationship and was disappointed with the path Persephone starts down in this book.
There were still some good things about this book. I still do like reading about these characters; they are intriguing and complicated. I enjoy Robertson's writing style; she balances action scenes and drama well. I also enjoy all of the details she puts into the spell scenes and the witchcraft; you can tell she put a lot of thought, time, and research into this. Learning more about Menessos's past was another fun thing.
Overall this was an okay addition to the series, but definitely my least favorite book of the series. The multiple POVs are jarring and drag the story out too long. The storyline is going in so many different directions that it felt scattered. Lastly Persephone is going the Anita Blake route with her lusting after and making out with multiple guys and I hated seeing that. I still did enjoying reading about these characters, I also enjoyed all of the witchcraft details that Robertson adds into the story, and I enjoyed the writing style. Will I keep reading this series? I am not sure at this point; I will probably read the next book but if the story continues down its current path then I am done with it.
April 29, 2015
This book is the first in the series written in multiple viewpoints. Written in first person when it's Seph, as usual, but also in third person when someone else is in control of the PoV. Seph and Johnny have unlocked his tattoos, at a high cost. Now he has to learn to deal with the full power of the Domn Lup as well as all the posturing and corporate crap that goes with it. Seph also has alot on her plate, starting with her mother . Now a new problem is on the horizon. The vampires have found out that Menessos is hexed, rather than Seph being bound. And this is a problem for them, whether she's the Lustrata or not. To find the truth they release a trio of evil memory reading harpies, who have a personal grudge against Menessos. And a desire not to be locked away again.
Once again, Menessos really bothered me in this book. He's again proven that he can't do anything without manipulating the situation with the In signum amoris spell as revealed by Hecate in her test for the 3rd element.
This time however, I have to admit I was also disappointed in Seph. Not so much for her fear when Johnny lost control of his wolf. More for her lack of understanding. He's a Waerwolf. More - He's the King of Waerwolves. He'd essentially been working with a neutered beast - She couldn't figure out that the full beast might be harder for him to control? Hell I figured it out before it was ever unbound. So to be so intolerant? Worse, to make him feel even worse than he already did? And finally, to my thoughts, using that as an excuse to run to Menessos and kiss him. She owed Johnny alot more than that. Hell she owes Menessos better than that, even if he's willing to take what he can get. If she and the two of them end up with the kind of relationship that Una had with her original lovers, that's one thing. This is something else. It's wrong and her guilt over that should tell her something.
All in all, this was one of my least favorite to date... in spite of the fact that I still thought the action and the story itself was good. It's still a 3 star book, but only because I couldn't give it 2 1/2.
Once again, Menessos really bothered me in this book. He's again proven that he can't do anything without manipulating the situation with the In signum amoris spell as revealed by Hecate in her test for the 3rd element.
This time however, I have to admit I was also disappointed in Seph. Not so much for her fear when Johnny lost control of his wolf. More for her lack of understanding. He's a Waerwolf. More - He's the King of Waerwolves. He'd essentially been working with a neutered beast - She couldn't figure out that the full beast might be harder for him to control? Hell I figured it out before it was ever unbound. So to be so intolerant? Worse, to make him feel even worse than he already did? And finally, to my thoughts, using that as an excuse to run to Menessos and kiss him. She owed Johnny alot more than that. Hell she owes Menessos better than that, even if he's willing to take what he can get. If she and the two of them end up with the kind of relationship that Una had with her original lovers, that's one thing. This is something else. It's wrong and her guilt over that should tell her something.
All in all, this was one of my least favorite to date... in spite of the fact that I still thought the action and the story itself was good. It's still a 3 star book, but only because I couldn't give it 2 1/2.
March 20, 2013
This book was filled with a lot of action and introduction to a few new characters. It also felt more like a crossover novel. It is attention grabbing as the others, but it also has a lot to deal with in terms of family, professional and internal strife, and every day living. It is almost overwhelming, but does not become too much to take. It is not the best book to start with in this series and, in fact, this is one series I would suggest you read in order. Mostly because of Seph's growth expounds on the lessons learned in the last book.
We also get Johnny's POV in this book. Previously it was only Persephone's POV we were privy. I'm glad we get a glimpse into Johnny because it helps me not want to totally kick his arse. Na, still want to kick it... besides it's supposed to be a nice one and it might be... uh... nevermind... *clears throat* Yes, Johnny isn't the complete swoony guy we have known in the previous books. *sigh* I also have to blame that for swinging me more toward Menessos's camp and that may not be forgiven. That vamp would give you whiplash trying to figure out if he is good for Seph or not.
Yes, there is a triangle, but there is a set reason for one. So even though I don't love triangles, there is purpose to it in this one.
There is also some danger Persephone is going to get into. Secrets start to come out about the trio's relationship, but not all the details. This will lead to some very bad conclusions and you can already see how it is going to affect our heroine. Oh yea, that does put you on edge knowing where things are heading. Can't wait to see the twists in that plot!
I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed myself here, but it is more of a crossover novel as I had previously stated. It is a necessary book for the series but really shouldn't be read as a stand- alone. I think you would be confused by it if you did read it that way. So glad I have the next here so I can read on and see where this series is heading.
We also get Johnny's POV in this book. Previously it was only Persephone's POV we were privy. I'm glad we get a glimpse into Johnny because it helps me not want to totally kick his arse. Na, still want to kick it... besides it's supposed to be a nice one and it might be... uh... nevermind... *clears throat* Yes, Johnny isn't the complete swoony guy we have known in the previous books. *sigh* I also have to blame that for swinging me more toward Menessos's camp and that may not be forgiven. That vamp would give you whiplash trying to figure out if he is good for Seph or not.
Yes, there is a triangle, but there is a set reason for one. So even though I don't love triangles, there is purpose to it in this one.
There is also some danger Persephone is going to get into. Secrets start to come out about the trio's relationship, but not all the details. This will lead to some very bad conclusions and you can already see how it is going to affect our heroine. Oh yea, that does put you on edge knowing where things are heading. Can't wait to see the twists in that plot!
I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I enjoyed myself here, but it is more of a crossover novel as I had previously stated. It is a necessary book for the series but really shouldn't be read as a stand- alone. I think you would be confused by it if you did read it that way. So glad I have the next here so I can read on and see where this series is heading.
January 13, 2012
Favorite Line: “He had held me all the way here, and ushered me quickly to my rooms so I could shower and change–two things I’d been eager to do.” (p. 411)
Things are definitely changing in Seph, Johnny and Menessos’ lives. By the final page turn of the book I wondered where the author was taking the story. Everything had changed and it felt like little was resolved. Thoughts, emotions and lifestyles were all thrown for a loop. I want to know though, so I’ll be sticking it out.
Wicked Circle is not a standalone book. It’s book five in Linda Robertson’s Persephone Alcmedi series. It is also a vital book in the series which felt a lot like filler. I wonder how the prophesy about the triumvirate is going to work out after the events of this book. Hmmm?
If you don’t know I’m here to tell you that Wicked Circle is an urban fantasy told from Seph’s first person POV. At times it jumps into the third person to follow other key players. I was slightly confused at one point when another secondary character’s POV was thrown into the mix. I don’t think it was too important, but it led credibility to a plot twist.
What I really think: The story was good and the pacing kept everything moving. My problem is that despite the constant movement and action it felt a lot like a person running on a treadmill. You know moving, but not actually getting anywhere. I liked most of the twists. I was shocked by many of the mental thoughts. I was sucked back into a series that doesn’t really get talked about much. In the end, I’ve got a feeling that in order to understand the events in the next book, readers will need to have read and retained the events in Wicked Circle.
Scooper Speaks
Things are definitely changing in Seph, Johnny and Menessos’ lives. By the final page turn of the book I wondered where the author was taking the story. Everything had changed and it felt like little was resolved. Thoughts, emotions and lifestyles were all thrown for a loop. I want to know though, so I’ll be sticking it out.
Wicked Circle is not a standalone book. It’s book five in Linda Robertson’s Persephone Alcmedi series. It is also a vital book in the series which felt a lot like filler. I wonder how the prophesy about the triumvirate is going to work out after the events of this book. Hmmm?
If you don’t know I’m here to tell you that Wicked Circle is an urban fantasy told from Seph’s first person POV. At times it jumps into the third person to follow other key players. I was slightly confused at one point when another secondary character’s POV was thrown into the mix. I don’t think it was too important, but it led credibility to a plot twist.
What I really think: The story was good and the pacing kept everything moving. My problem is that despite the constant movement and action it felt a lot like a person running on a treadmill. You know moving, but not actually getting anywhere. I liked most of the twists. I was shocked by many of the mental thoughts. I was sucked back into a series that doesn’t really get talked about much. In the end, I’ve got a feeling that in order to understand the events in the next book, readers will need to have read and retained the events in Wicked Circle.
Scooper Speaks
January 2, 2012
Seph and her grandmother are still staying with and taking care of her mother when she gets a call saying she needs to come back because a large problem is coming right to Menossos' doorstep which of course includes Seph. His first stop home is to see Johnny but she notices that along with his newfound power and mantle has come some changes that are not so great, in general and for their relationship. When she goes home she is appointed some new guards and gets some supposed help from a mysterious man who is helping out Menossos for a price of course. The shabbubitum is coming to town to find out the truth behind Seph and Menossos relationship and to see if he is under her control. The three women who make up the shabbubitum hate menossos so the visit will not be pleasant and includes a lot of political motives as well. Johnny is being announced to the world as the domn lup and he is having to change whether he wants to or not to deal with it. Unfortunately this might mean Seph is no longer part of his life, disappointing. But the upside of him being in the public eye is his being recognized by someone from his past who can fill him in on a little bit of who he used to be before the last 8 years.
Had a little bit of a cliff hanger and vague ending. Curious about what's going on between her and M., and what the magic he did on the sisters and how it will affect Seph like I think it will. Im sadly thinking Johnny is bailing on Seph, or kind of already has. Have a feeling that new assistant of his will soon be his new girlfriend who also works for his kind of bosses. Enjoyed it, just wish there was a little more of an ending, nothing got resolved at all.
Had a little bit of a cliff hanger and vague ending. Curious about what's going on between her and M., and what the magic he did on the sisters and how it will affect Seph like I think it will. Im sadly thinking Johnny is bailing on Seph, or kind of already has. Have a feeling that new assistant of his will soon be his new girlfriend who also works for his kind of bosses. Enjoyed it, just wish there was a little more of an ending, nothing got resolved at all.
February 21, 2012
Linda Robertson's latest, Wicked Circle, picks up where we left off with Seph and her many troubles! That poor girl has is tough and it only gets tougher. In the beginning she's dealing with a magical ceremony with her grandmother and mother, when things go awry nearly right away. And trouble is soon to follow when she is summoned back home to help Menessos out. Which is where the bulk of the story lies.
Menessos is being hunted by three vampire women who plan to get the truth out of him regarding his plans. But it is likely that he won't survive the matter for the sisters are vicious. Seph has to do what she can to prove Menessos innocence. But at the same time she promised Johnny she wold do the spell that allows the weres to keep their man-minds while in wolf form. She's just a busy girl!
I believe that this is the first time we get multiple points of view throughout the novel and it made for quite a busy read! Going from Persephone, Johnny, Menessos, and other characters kind of discombobulated me a bit! It made it hard to keep track of every little thing going on. And a lot does go on!! Especially with Johnny and his past and his present as the Domn Lup and quite possibly his future with Seph!
That being said, the book isn't without his romantic parts with Johnny and Seph, that happens early on, then other events occur that threaten their stable relationship. And yeah, I can't go on! But the action was seemingly non-stop! It was happening everywhere and there were so many new developments into the storyline that I was left breathless with all the shocks! I sooooo hope the next installment in the series is soon!
Overall rating 4/5 stars
Menessos is being hunted by three vampire women who plan to get the truth out of him regarding his plans. But it is likely that he won't survive the matter for the sisters are vicious. Seph has to do what she can to prove Menessos innocence. But at the same time she promised Johnny she wold do the spell that allows the weres to keep their man-minds while in wolf form. She's just a busy girl!
I believe that this is the first time we get multiple points of view throughout the novel and it made for quite a busy read! Going from Persephone, Johnny, Menessos, and other characters kind of discombobulated me a bit! It made it hard to keep track of every little thing going on. And a lot does go on!! Especially with Johnny and his past and his present as the Domn Lup and quite possibly his future with Seph!
That being said, the book isn't without his romantic parts with Johnny and Seph, that happens early on, then other events occur that threaten their stable relationship. And yeah, I can't go on! But the action was seemingly non-stop! It was happening everywhere and there were so many new developments into the storyline that I was left breathless with all the shocks! I sooooo hope the next installment in the series is soon!
Overall rating 4/5 stars
February 20, 2013
4.5 Stars!
Oh the trouble that follows Seph, the heroine of the Persephone Alcmedi series, around. Just when you think it can’t get worse, Robertson finds a way. Wicked Circle, book five, brings more challenges and emotional strain for Seph. Can she rely on Johnny and Menessos?
The Domn Lup is here, and he is bigger and badder than you had imagined. Along with the title comes lots of responsibilities, some he knew were coming...and some blindside him. All of which which leave very little time for Johnny to see Seph, and she sure could use him around.
Despite Johnny not being there for her Seph fulfilles her promise to the weres and does the ceremony, the one that will leave them in charge of their wolf when in wolf form. Only something happens to Johnny in the process, when he crosses a line Seph is left wondering if it can be fixed.
Menessos has people coming for him as well, three powerful sisters he locked away in stone ages ago. This can’t be good...
Seph is stretching herself thin trying to be there for all of her friends and loved ones. When the magnifying glass trained on Menessos encompasses Seph as well some powerful vamps take notice. To top it all off Menessos sends ‘Creepy’ her way, he says he is there to protect her. But you have to wonder who this eccentric character is, and what he is really after.
The best of the series yet! What else is there to say? Oh yeah, if you love UF you need to pick up this series!
*copy cortesy of publisher
Separate review posted at Reading Between the Wines:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
Oh the trouble that follows Seph, the heroine of the Persephone Alcmedi series, around. Just when you think it can’t get worse, Robertson finds a way. Wicked Circle, book five, brings more challenges and emotional strain for Seph. Can she rely on Johnny and Menessos?
The Domn Lup is here, and he is bigger and badder than you had imagined. Along with the title comes lots of responsibilities, some he knew were coming...and some blindside him. All of which which leave very little time for Johnny to see Seph, and she sure could use him around.
Despite Johnny not being there for her Seph fulfilles her promise to the weres and does the ceremony, the one that will leave them in charge of their wolf when in wolf form. Only something happens to Johnny in the process, when he crosses a line Seph is left wondering if it can be fixed.
Menessos has people coming for him as well, three powerful sisters he locked away in stone ages ago. This can’t be good...
Seph is stretching herself thin trying to be there for all of her friends and loved ones. When the magnifying glass trained on Menessos encompasses Seph as well some powerful vamps take notice. To top it all off Menessos sends ‘Creepy’ her way, he says he is there to protect her. But you have to wonder who this eccentric character is, and what he is really after.
The best of the series yet! What else is there to say? Oh yeah, if you love UF you need to pick up this series!
*copy cortesy of publisher
Separate review posted at Reading Between the Wines:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...
February 3, 2017
We start this book, with Persephone, her grandmother and mom performing a ceremony. Then Persephone is called home because something big is going on home, and she is much needed. Besides the fact that Johnny is coming out as the Dom Lup, but Menessos is being investigate by VEIN, because of Hildridge. This book is basically a bulding block for other books, not a whole lot happened in this book that deemed very exciting, except it looks like the direction this series is going is that Seph and Johnny will be moving apart which I hope doesn't happen because I really like Johnny, and bringin Menessos and Seph closer together, which even though I adore Menessos, I don't want him and Seph becoming closer romantically. But we shall see how things play out, it may just be a book to throw you off so when whatever happens you will be amazed. But basically this book was just about Seph doubting herself, her feelings, and her powers. Menessos taking a different direction in his life, whether or not it's a good decision is still to be determined, and then Johnny and becoming the Dom lup, and what he finds out in the end of the book will shock and amaze you and leaves you wondering where his story is going.
December 22, 2011
This is a great series!! It is one of my favorite "witchy" book series. The storyline always wraps me around its finger and holds on to me until the book is over. There wasn't a lot of action like there is in the other books in the series, WICKED CIRCLE was more about information than anything else. There is a little bit of danger but not on the scale that other installments brought. We get new shocking details about Johnny's past, Seph re-evaluates her relationships. Characters do some changing. More people are out to kill the power trio and Seph ends up saving herself from a pretty crappy situation.
There is a new interesting character introduced "Creepy", he is as you imagine creepy and I cant even begin to guess who he really is. There are a lot of secrets surrounding him, who he is, what he is, etc and his relationship to Menessos. I definitely think his involvement in the next book will be huge and I will be super shocked when more is revealed. Oh my the ending, as if there wasn't enough drama between Johnny and Menessos before I cant imagine what they will be like after that ending. It seems like WICKED CIRCLE is the changing point for a lot of things and I wish the next book was scheduled already as it was more of a teaser and I want more.
There is a new interesting character introduced "Creepy", he is as you imagine creepy and I cant even begin to guess who he really is. There are a lot of secrets surrounding him, who he is, what he is, etc and his relationship to Menessos. I definitely think his involvement in the next book will be huge and I will be super shocked when more is revealed. Oh my the ending, as if there wasn't enough drama between Johnny and Menessos before I cant imagine what they will be like after that ending. It seems like WICKED CIRCLE is the changing point for a lot of things and I wish the next book was scheduled already as it was more of a teaser and I want more.
December 11, 2013
This is a great series!! It is one of my favorite "witchy" book series. The storyline always wraps me around its finger and holds on to me until the book is over. There wasn't a lot of action like there is in the other books in the series, WICKED CIRCLE was more about information than anything else. There is a little bit of danger but not on the scale that other installments brought. We get new shocking details about Johnny's past, Seph re-evaluates her relationships. Characters do some changing. More people are out to kill the power trio and Seph ends up saving herself from a pretty crappy situation.
There is a new interesting character introduced "Creepy", he is as you imagine creepy and I cant even begin to guess who he really is. There are a lot of secrets surrounding him, who he is, what he is, etc and his relationship to Menessos. I definitely think his involvement in the next book will be huge and I will be super shocked when more is revealed. Oh my the ending, as if there wasn't enough drama between Johnny and Menessos before I cant imagine what they will be like after that ending. It seems like WICKED CIRCLE is the changing point for a lot of things and I wish the next book was scheduled already as it was more of a teaser and I want more.
There is a new interesting character introduced "Creepy", he is as you imagine creepy and I cant even begin to guess who he really is. There are a lot of secrets surrounding him, who he is, what he is, etc and his relationship to Menessos. I definitely think his involvement in the next book will be huge and I will be super shocked when more is revealed. Oh my the ending, as if there wasn't enough drama between Johnny and Menessos before I cant imagine what they will be like after that ending. It seems like WICKED CIRCLE is the changing point for a lot of things and I wish the next book was scheduled already as it was more of a teaser and I want more.
March 3, 2012
I read the first 4 books in this series in January of last year one after the other, they were that good. I liked the gritty witch/vamp/waere combination so I've had Wicked Circle on my "I must buy the minute it comes out" list for a whole year.
It took me a while to get back into the storyline again, I got a bit confused about the minor characters however, by about a third of the way through I was back in business again and wrapped up in Seph's world.
What really stood out for me in this instalment was the internal power struggle waere Johnny was going through. With Johnny's power being unlocked and as he stars to take up his rightful position of Domn Lup, or head waere guy, his wolfyness has become much more dominant and he has to battle hard to reign his wolf in. Inevitably his scary mean side frightens the life out of Seph and puts their relationship in real jeopardy. And Menessos? I still don't quite trust him. He always seems a couple of steps ahead and I could see Seph's feeling towards him change and I didn't like it. I'm still firmly on team Johnny.
The ending of Wicked Circle had me immediately wanting more, I love this kind of gritty urban fantasy.
It took me a while to get back into the storyline again, I got a bit confused about the minor characters however, by about a third of the way through I was back in business again and wrapped up in Seph's world.
What really stood out for me in this instalment was the internal power struggle waere Johnny was going through. With Johnny's power being unlocked and as he stars to take up his rightful position of Domn Lup, or head waere guy, his wolfyness has become much more dominant and he has to battle hard to reign his wolf in. Inevitably his scary mean side frightens the life out of Seph and puts their relationship in real jeopardy. And Menessos? I still don't quite trust him. He always seems a couple of steps ahead and I could see Seph's feeling towards him change and I didn't like it. I'm still firmly on team Johnny.
The ending of Wicked Circle had me immediately wanting more, I love this kind of gritty urban fantasy.
July 24, 2013
We’ve had a few books focused on Seph, one on Johnny, and this one features Menessos, the oldest of the trio. Trouble is brewing again, and this time it’s because of a vampire snubbed. You know, hell hath no fury and all that. But now Seph has to figure out how to hide the fact that she’s the one in charge of their link, not Menessos – and from a trio of awfully scary, truth-finding vampire-harpies. Yeah, “ick” was my first reaction, too.
Of course, trouble always comes with company. Seph has mother issues, half-brother issues, vampire issues, and now she’s not sure if Johnny can manage his wolf with all the Domn Lup powers he’s gained. Then she gets caught up in Menessos’ troubles, and boy do I mean caught up. Those harpies are certifiable.
There’s a lot of plot and character development in this installment — no, it’s not just about Menessos. We also get some of Johnny’s past, and Seph still has to deal with her long-lost mother. And we all know she’ll have to go looking for her father, right? Right. I cannot wait for Shattered Circle to arrive at my doorstep… But then what will I do when that’s been inhaled, too?
drey’s rating: Pick it up!
Of course, trouble always comes with company. Seph has mother issues, half-brother issues, vampire issues, and now she’s not sure if Johnny can manage his wolf with all the Domn Lup powers he’s gained. Then she gets caught up in Menessos’ troubles, and boy do I mean caught up. Those harpies are certifiable.
There’s a lot of plot and character development in this installment — no, it’s not just about Menessos. We also get some of Johnny’s past, and Seph still has to deal with her long-lost mother. And we all know she’ll have to go looking for her father, right? Right. I cannot wait for Shattered Circle to arrive at my doorstep… But then what will I do when that’s been inhaled, too?
drey’s rating: Pick it up!
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