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Black Wings #3
Black Howl
Madeline Black is an Agent of death, meaning she escorts the souls of people who have died to the afterlife. But lately, some spirits don't feel like crossing over...
Something is wrong with the souls of Chicago's dead. Ghosts are walking the streets, and Maddy's boss wants her to figure out why. At the same time, the pact that Maddy unwittingly made with the local werewolves comes back to bite her when their alpha is kidnapped. As Lucifer's heir, she should be able to discover who—or what—is responsible for both occurrences, but the fallen haven't been too happy with her since she agreed to harbor Gabriel's half brother, Samiel.
And while work is bad enough, Maddy has a plethora of personal problems, too. Now that Gabriel has been assigned as her thrall, their relationship has hit an impasse. At least her sleazy ex-fiancé, Nathaniel, is out of the picture—or so she thinks...
Something is wrong with the souls of Chicago's dead. Ghosts are walking the streets, and Maddy's boss wants her to figure out why. At the same time, the pact that Maddy unwittingly made with the local werewolves comes back to bite her when their alpha is kidnapped. As Lucifer's heir, she should be able to discover who—or what—is responsible for both occurrences, but the fallen haven't been too happy with her since she agreed to harbor Gabriel's half brother, Samiel.
And while work is bad enough, Maddy has a plethora of personal problems, too. Now that Gabriel has been assigned as her thrall, their relationship has hit an impasse. At least her sleazy ex-fiancé, Nathaniel, is out of the picture—or so she thinks...
274 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 2012
63 people are currently reading
2892 people want to read
About the author
Christina Henry
63 books8,570 followersChristina Henry is a horror and dark fantasy author whose works include GOOD GIRLS DON'T DIE, HORSEMAN, NEAR THE BONE, THE GHOST TREE, LOOKING GLASS, THE GIRL IN RED, THE MERMAID, LOST BOY, RED QUEEN, ALICE, and the seven book urban fantasy BLACK WINGS series.
Her short stories have been featured in the anthologies ELEMENTAL FORCES, CURSED, TWICE CURSED, GIVING THE DEVIL HIS DUE and KICKING IT.
She enjoys running long distances, reading anything she can get her hands on and watching movies with samurai, zombies and/or subtitles in her spare time. She lives in Chicago with her husband and son.
You can visit her on the web at
www.christinahenry.net
Facebook: authorChristinaHenry
Threads: authorChristinaHenry
Instagram: authorChristinaHenry
Goodreads: goodreads.com/CHenryAuthor
Her short stories have been featured in the anthologies ELEMENTAL FORCES, CURSED, TWICE CURSED, GIVING THE DEVIL HIS DUE and KICKING IT.
She enjoys running long distances, reading anything she can get her hands on and watching movies with samurai, zombies and/or subtitles in her spare time. She lives in Chicago with her husband and son.
You can visit her on the web at
www.christinahenry.net
Facebook: authorChristinaHenry
Threads: authorChristinaHenry
Instagram: authorChristinaHenry
Goodreads: goodreads.com/CHenryAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
May 14, 2013
There was a time when I believed I couldn't possible be torn into microscopic pieces by a book.
That I was immune to the death of well-loved characters.
Needless to say I was indescribably, horribly, wrong.
I have cried my eyes out so much (no joke!) that they are red-rimmed and puffy like Cocoa Puffs. I've got a case of the sniffles and a pile of discarded, scrunched up tissues beside me. Hell - I feel like I'm the one who lost someone they loved!! And maybe I did. The grief the characters experienced was so raw, so well-written, that I couldn't stop the tears and the heartache. It was kinda like Augustus Waters all over again. Remus and Tonks. Finnick.
Great. Just great. Now I'm crying again!
So unless you've stocked the house with boxes of Kleenex and double-chocolate brownies, I would not recommend reading this book. Or listening to Perhaps Love by John Denver. Or John Denver's albums on repeat on ITunes. Which I did and am now regretting, because each one is sadder than the last!!
That I was immune to the death of well-loved characters.
Needless to say I was indescribably, horribly, wrong.
I have cried my eyes out so much (no joke!) that they are red-rimmed and puffy like Cocoa Puffs. I've got a case of the sniffles and a pile of discarded, scrunched up tissues beside me. Hell - I feel like I'm the one who lost someone they loved!! And maybe I did. The grief the characters experienced was so raw, so well-written, that I couldn't stop the tears and the heartache. It was kinda like Augustus Waters all over again. Remus and Tonks. Finnick.
Great. Just great. Now I'm crying again!
So unless you've stocked the house with boxes of Kleenex and double-chocolate brownies, I would not recommend reading this book. Or listening to Perhaps Love by John Denver. Or John Denver's albums on repeat on ITunes. Which I did and am now regretting, because each one is sadder than the last!!
March 27, 2012
Christina Henry - Black Howl (Madeline Black series #3) Review
As a fan of the series, I wa really looking forward to reading the latest instalment and seeing what fresh hell of unfulfilled lust the author had imagined for the reader. While the book was full of new developments and remained a quick read, I was, unfortunately, disappointed at the end. Why, you ask? For a few significant readings, not least of which was that TERRIBLE, OUT OF NOWHERE, and quite frankly RAGE-INDUCING ending.
First of all, I felt that there was absolutely zero character development. In fact, Maddie felt like she was a robot on repeat - look for trouble --> be surprised at finding trouble --> get fed up by it --> unleash all powerful magic that decimates everyone --> rinse and repeat. There hardly seemed to be any struggle at all. Everything was solved fairly quickly and there wasn't really any event that you couldn't see coming a mile away. Hence why even though a lot happened, I wasn't at all satisfied with how the events were portrayed.
Secondary characters didn't really get much screen time either which was a bit disappointing. I did like the scenes with Lucifer and Samiel in them though. J.B. was definitely not up to par this time though.
Then there are the events themselves - really just two in particular.
I think the two events raged about above seriously hampered my enjoyment of this novel. Nevertheless, I'm certain I'll be reading the next instalment, if only in the hope the author somehow redeems herself.
P.S. Please excuse the excessive use of the word 'freaking'. It was the tamest expletive I could think of.
As a fan of the series, I wa really looking forward to reading the latest instalment and seeing what fresh hell of unfulfilled lust the author had imagined for the reader. While the book was full of new developments and remained a quick read, I was, unfortunately, disappointed at the end. Why, you ask? For a few significant readings, not least of which was that TERRIBLE, OUT OF NOWHERE, and quite frankly RAGE-INDUCING ending.
First of all, I felt that there was absolutely zero character development. In fact, Maddie felt like she was a robot on repeat - look for trouble --> be surprised at finding trouble --> get fed up by it --> unleash all powerful magic that decimates everyone --> rinse and repeat. There hardly seemed to be any struggle at all. Everything was solved fairly quickly and there wasn't really any event that you couldn't see coming a mile away. Hence why even though a lot happened, I wasn't at all satisfied with how the events were portrayed.
Secondary characters didn't really get much screen time either which was a bit disappointing. I did like the scenes with Lucifer and Samiel in them though. J.B. was definitely not up to par this time though.
Then there are the events themselves - really just two in particular.
I think the two events raged about above seriously hampered my enjoyment of this novel. Nevertheless, I'm certain I'll be reading the next instalment, if only in the hope the author somehow redeems herself.
P.S. Please excuse the excessive use of the word 'freaking'. It was the tamest expletive I could think of.
March 19, 2012
This series is truly a one woman show..usually that is something I like ..IF the heroine is lovable and smart which in this case she was most defenitly not..
She was like a kid who just keeps eating sweets and jumping into danger with only her stupidity and a team of men who are only there to look good and follow her with no good reason even though they are supposedly powerful and the youngest one is a few hundred years old!!..yeah that is SO believable and sweet...NOT
And Gabriel is just....how do I say this nicely ....a booty call who wants to be more but failed miserably ...
Yes he has no character and spoke only a few lines throughout the book and maybe the whole series ..how am I supposed to like him when I don't even know him and I diffenitly don't respect him..he does not impress me at all ...none of the men does..and now even madeline is on my s**t list..
The plot was weak to say the least ...the characters were blah..and don't even get me started on beezle..ugh..
Oh how this series keeps getting worse..I only gave it 2 stars because of the somewhat interesting lucifer ..
P.S. Please writers I don't read UF for the romance so don't force it . It is OK if there was no love story actualy it is better than having a crappy one..so if you don't know how to write a good and strong male character don't try..please...pretty please!
She was like a kid who just keeps eating sweets and jumping into danger with only her stupidity and a team of men who are only there to look good and follow her with no good reason even though they are supposedly powerful and the youngest one is a few hundred years old!!..yeah that is SO believable and sweet...NOT
And Gabriel is just....how do I say this nicely ....a booty call who wants to be more but failed miserably ...
Yes he has no character and spoke only a few lines throughout the book and maybe the whole series ..how am I supposed to like him when I don't even know him and I diffenitly don't respect him..he does not impress me at all ...none of the men does..and now even madeline is on my s**t list..
The plot was weak to say the least ...the characters were blah..and don't even get me started on beezle..ugh..
Oh how this series keeps getting worse..I only gave it 2 stars because of the somewhat interesting lucifer ..
P.S. Please writers I don't read UF for the romance so don't force it . It is OK if there was no love story actualy it is better than having a crappy one..so if you don't know how to write a good and strong male character don't try..please...pretty please!
May 6, 2012
I'm going to try not to go on and on about this one. It's just not as good as it should be, again. It has a lot of the right elements, but it's still not coming together. Maddy is still a big know-it-all for an extremely inexperienced woman. For men who are thousands of years old to look to her as a strategic leader, and a battle leader, is just silly. And she's bullheaded and stupidly impulsive. Plus she almost dies and get healed by one fallen angel or another over and over again, it could be a drinking game. And I'm supposed to believe that she's suddenly so powerful at one point that if Lucifer himself chose to fight her he would lose? Not the Lucifer that's been written in this series, it doesn't make sense. And the Jude background story was completely unnecessary, it was overly complicated and again, silly. And there was a too much going on in this one, it's frantic. But I did actually like the twist in the end that a lot of people will probably hate, the series needs to be shaken up; when you start off from book one with a storyline that's too predictable it puts a series in a rut. Sorry, that was my attempt to keep this short! Anyway, it's just a series that I want to like much more than I do.
January 7, 2015
No!!!!!! Gabriel!!!!!! I wonder what will happen now that Maddy is now pregnant with Gabriel's child. I also what will happen with the rebellion and if Lucifer will kill Azazel. Yay!! J.B. is now king of the Faerie.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2012
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Review*
There’s never a dull moment when you’re Madeline Black, Agent of Death who escorts souls to the afterlife. Maddy just happens to be the daughter of a fallen angel named Azazel who still wants her to marry Nathaniel and is Lucifer’s second in command. Her mother was also an Agent of Death before she died; a position which Maddy now holds.
Maddy is also the granddaughter of the Morningstar himself Lucifer, and carries his sword as well as a henna tattoo of a snake on her right palm that gives her some awesome new abilities. Lucifer has tried hard to get Maddy to be his heir and be in his inner circle. Something she has strongly refused to be lured into.
She now has Samiel, Gabriel’s half-brother, staying with her, Beezle and Gabriel, after coming to an agreement with him after he took her left pink and ring finger in a battle to the death. *See Black Night for more information*. Gabriel has agreed to train his brother in the ways that matter so that Maddy has yet another protective shield from those who want to kill her.
The most painful aspect of Maddy’s life for the first part of this story may be her relationship with Gabriel who is considered to be Maddy’s thrall or slave now that she saved his life in the previously referenced death match. Gabriel used to be Maddy’s bodyguard and unrequited love of her life.
*~Plot~*
It appears that something really hinky is going on in Maddy's native Chicago. According to her boss J.B, who still harbors a crush on her, there have been more than a dozen unscheduled deaths in one week, and it appears the ghosts are wandering around without any desire to move onto to the afterlife.
If that weren’t enough, Jude shows up at Maddy’s door reluctantly asking for her help after Wade, the werewolves pack Alpha, goes missing along with the wolf cubs of the pack. Like I said, it’s never a dull moment when you’re Madeline Black.
Christina Henry’s Black Howl is the third installment in the Black Wings Series and Madeline is as stubborn as ever. She is completely hard headed, naive in some ways and loyal to a fault to her friends. She walks into situations without thinking and ends up making decisions by the seat of her pants.
*Favorite Moments/Quotes from the story*
"“Enough!” I shouted, rubbing my eyes. “Gods above and below. I know too many men. I need to get some girlfriends.” Beezle snorted. “Yeah. I can totally see you drinking cosmos and talking shoes with a bunch of chicks.” Okay. So maybe that was absurd. But the fact remained that there was far too much testosterone in my life."
“As I am the Morningstar, you shall be my dark start, the hand of my will, my bringer of justice. All rise and say hail to my Hound of the Hunt.” After Maddy kills the Hound of the Hunt sent to retrieve Samiel and Lucifer finally gets his wish to have Maddy in his inner circle.
“Sometimes I wonder if J.B’s right about me Three-Stooging my way through life,” I said out loud.
*Characters*
Gabriel is as stoic as ever in the beginning of this book. He is trying to distance himself from Maddy since they can never have a relationship. It also doesn't help that his status is nothing but a slave in their realm. By the end of the book, things have taken a radical turn to the right when Lucifer steps in with a surprise announcement in regards to Maddy’s relationship with Gabriel.
J.B. becomes a part of Team Maddy now that the love spell has worn off that his own mother put on him in order to have a child with Maddy. J.B. is a very good friend to Maddy and goes above and beyond in order to help rescue Wade. He is also very un-Wade-like in this story when he actually breaks his own rules and helps Maddy find out who is responsible for stealing people’s souls.
Beezle is the comic relief in these books. There is a point to being sarcastic and funny. There were points in the book I wanted to choke Beezle or tell him to shut his pie hole for 5 minutes. I’m sure it was meant as a way to keep things from being too serious as Maddy and crew are running around trying to save Wade and the cubs and find out who is responsible for Chicago’s new ghosts.
Jude is the surprise of this book. Jude has made it extremely clear that he does not like Maddy or anyone of Lucifer's ilk in any way and we learn the truth about how old he actually is, and what happened to him to cause him to have these opinions. By the end of the book, Jude has earned my respect, and he now respects Maddy as well.
There are several surprises that are revealed along the way. Of course, it is no surprise to find out it is Amarantha and Focalor are once again at the forefront of Maddy’s troubles. What shocked me is who else was involved in the plot to overthrow Lucifer. I guess those who have read this series from the start, shouldn’t have been surprised at the revelation or the fact that Maddy’s half-brother is also part of the conspiracy.
The ending broke my heart and I can only hope that Ms. Henry fixes what happened so that Maddy isn’t left to her own vices. Yes, Maddy makes some stupid and silly mistakes. Yes, she is rash and judgmental at times. But, she is also fiercely loyal and protective of her little family and friends and would do anything to help them and keep them from being hurt because of her.
Next Installment:
Black Lament releases October 30, 2012
*Rating* 4.0
*Review*
There’s never a dull moment when you’re Madeline Black, Agent of Death who escorts souls to the afterlife. Maddy just happens to be the daughter of a fallen angel named Azazel who still wants her to marry Nathaniel and is Lucifer’s second in command. Her mother was also an Agent of Death before she died; a position which Maddy now holds.
Maddy is also the granddaughter of the Morningstar himself Lucifer, and carries his sword as well as a henna tattoo of a snake on her right palm that gives her some awesome new abilities. Lucifer has tried hard to get Maddy to be his heir and be in his inner circle. Something she has strongly refused to be lured into.
She now has Samiel, Gabriel’s half-brother, staying with her, Beezle and Gabriel, after coming to an agreement with him after he took her left pink and ring finger in a battle to the death. *See Black Night for more information*. Gabriel has agreed to train his brother in the ways that matter so that Maddy has yet another protective shield from those who want to kill her.
The most painful aspect of Maddy’s life for the first part of this story may be her relationship with Gabriel who is considered to be Maddy’s thrall or slave now that she saved his life in the previously referenced death match. Gabriel used to be Maddy’s bodyguard and unrequited love of her life.
*~Plot~*
It appears that something really hinky is going on in Maddy's native Chicago. According to her boss J.B, who still harbors a crush on her, there have been more than a dozen unscheduled deaths in one week, and it appears the ghosts are wandering around without any desire to move onto to the afterlife.
If that weren’t enough, Jude shows up at Maddy’s door reluctantly asking for her help after Wade, the werewolves pack Alpha, goes missing along with the wolf cubs of the pack. Like I said, it’s never a dull moment when you’re Madeline Black.
Christina Henry’s Black Howl is the third installment in the Black Wings Series and Madeline is as stubborn as ever. She is completely hard headed, naive in some ways and loyal to a fault to her friends. She walks into situations without thinking and ends up making decisions by the seat of her pants.
*Favorite Moments/Quotes from the story*
"“Enough!” I shouted, rubbing my eyes. “Gods above and below. I know too many men. I need to get some girlfriends.” Beezle snorted. “Yeah. I can totally see you drinking cosmos and talking shoes with a bunch of chicks.” Okay. So maybe that was absurd. But the fact remained that there was far too much testosterone in my life."
“As I am the Morningstar, you shall be my dark start, the hand of my will, my bringer of justice. All rise and say hail to my Hound of the Hunt.” After Maddy kills the Hound of the Hunt sent to retrieve Samiel and Lucifer finally gets his wish to have Maddy in his inner circle.
“Sometimes I wonder if J.B’s right about me Three-Stooging my way through life,” I said out loud.
*Characters*
Gabriel is as stoic as ever in the beginning of this book. He is trying to distance himself from Maddy since they can never have a relationship. It also doesn't help that his status is nothing but a slave in their realm. By the end of the book, things have taken a radical turn to the right when Lucifer steps in with a surprise announcement in regards to Maddy’s relationship with Gabriel.
J.B. becomes a part of Team Maddy now that the love spell has worn off that his own mother put on him in order to have a child with Maddy. J.B. is a very good friend to Maddy and goes above and beyond in order to help rescue Wade. He is also very un-Wade-like in this story when he actually breaks his own rules and helps Maddy find out who is responsible for stealing people’s souls.
Beezle is the comic relief in these books. There is a point to being sarcastic and funny. There were points in the book I wanted to choke Beezle or tell him to shut his pie hole for 5 minutes. I’m sure it was meant as a way to keep things from being too serious as Maddy and crew are running around trying to save Wade and the cubs and find out who is responsible for Chicago’s new ghosts.
Jude is the surprise of this book. Jude has made it extremely clear that he does not like Maddy or anyone of Lucifer's ilk in any way and we learn the truth about how old he actually is, and what happened to him to cause him to have these opinions. By the end of the book, Jude has earned my respect, and he now respects Maddy as well.
There are several surprises that are revealed along the way. Of course, it is no surprise to find out it is Amarantha and Focalor are once again at the forefront of Maddy’s troubles. What shocked me is who else was involved in the plot to overthrow Lucifer. I guess those who have read this series from the start, shouldn’t have been surprised at the revelation or the fact that Maddy’s half-brother is also part of the conspiracy.
The ending broke my heart and I can only hope that Ms. Henry fixes what happened so that Maddy isn’t left to her own vices. Yes, Maddy makes some stupid and silly mistakes. Yes, she is rash and judgmental at times. But, she is also fiercely loyal and protective of her little family and friends and would do anything to help them and keep them from being hurt because of her.
Next Installment:
Black Lament releases October 30, 2012
February 15, 2012
I received this book from the publisher, Ace Books, for review
I was so glad to return to Chicago! I have my vampires (Neill) and my angels (Henry), and Christina writes an amazing book this time around! Black Howl went far beyond any expectations that I had!
Maddy is just starting to think that things are going to be a little normal for awhile, despite having to have Gabriel as her thrall. She tries her best, tries to make him not feel like a slave, but his attitude is ever changing and it really drives her a bit nuts. But she still loves him and doesn't regret her choices.
Soon Jude comes knocking on her door and that is where the trouble really begins. Wade, his alpha is missing, along with the pack's children. Jude is going crazy mad trying to find them all and he needs Maddy's help, however much he may loath the idea. So they set out to find the kids, when who should they stumble across along the way? Nathaniel. Yeah, he's back, ugh.
His character always befuddles me. Once I think I know what he's about, I am taken sideways to see another angle. He's just mind-boggling!
What soon started as a presumed simple kidnapping transforms into something bigger...involving demons and technology. Two things that do not belong together. The children, when they find them, are nothing but mindless beings. They are walking into walls and screaming their heads off, they don't seem to respond to anything, except for Maddy.
This stretches farther than Maddy knows. Things are getting bad, real bad. Yet, never fear, there are plenty of light-hearted moments! Beezle is always the life of the party, bringing in the laughs when you least expect it. And there's still some romance brewing between Maddy and Gabriel. Their love is still growing and it's a tender and sweet kind! I was totally turning into mush at particular points.
Other characters really start to surprise me as well. Lucifer for one. He's always seems to be conniving, trying to twist logic and get Maddy to do his bidding. But the guy has some serious depth that shows at the most opportune moments. Jude was another! I can't recall how I felt towards him last time, probably some dislike, and that was still true at the the beginning. But we get a whole new light on his background that really changed my perception of him. I will be really glad to see what he does in future books!
The ending was epic! I mean truly and totally epic! Soooo many emotions were riling inside of me, all trying to take control! My heart was racing and before the end I am taken completely by surprise! And that is all I will say! The ending does leave some things hanging and it's really going to make waiting til next year a challenge, but it will have to be done!
Overall rating 5/5 stars
Black Howl releases February 28, 2012
I was so glad to return to Chicago! I have my vampires (Neill) and my angels (Henry), and Christina writes an amazing book this time around! Black Howl went far beyond any expectations that I had!
Maddy is just starting to think that things are going to be a little normal for awhile, despite having to have Gabriel as her thrall. She tries her best, tries to make him not feel like a slave, but his attitude is ever changing and it really drives her a bit nuts. But she still loves him and doesn't regret her choices.
Soon Jude comes knocking on her door and that is where the trouble really begins. Wade, his alpha is missing, along with the pack's children. Jude is going crazy mad trying to find them all and he needs Maddy's help, however much he may loath the idea. So they set out to find the kids, when who should they stumble across along the way? Nathaniel. Yeah, he's back, ugh.
His character always befuddles me. Once I think I know what he's about, I am taken sideways to see another angle. He's just mind-boggling!
What soon started as a presumed simple kidnapping transforms into something bigger...involving demons and technology. Two things that do not belong together. The children, when they find them, are nothing but mindless beings. They are walking into walls and screaming their heads off, they don't seem to respond to anything, except for Maddy.
This stretches farther than Maddy knows. Things are getting bad, real bad. Yet, never fear, there are plenty of light-hearted moments! Beezle is always the life of the party, bringing in the laughs when you least expect it. And there's still some romance brewing between Maddy and Gabriel. Their love is still growing and it's a tender and sweet kind! I was totally turning into mush at particular points.
Other characters really start to surprise me as well. Lucifer for one. He's always seems to be conniving, trying to twist logic and get Maddy to do his bidding. But the guy has some serious depth that shows at the most opportune moments. Jude was another! I can't recall how I felt towards him last time, probably some dislike, and that was still true at the the beginning. But we get a whole new light on his background that really changed my perception of him. I will be really glad to see what he does in future books!
The ending was epic! I mean truly and totally epic! Soooo many emotions were riling inside of me, all trying to take control! My heart was racing and before the end I am taken completely by surprise! And that is all I will say! The ending does leave some things hanging and it's really going to make waiting til next year a challenge, but it will have to be done!
Overall rating 5/5 stars
Black Howl releases February 28, 2012
March 23, 2012
"I shoved Beezle back inside my jacket. “Why can we not do anything without a running commentary?”"
OMG THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
I fuckin hate Beezle! I never hated a mythical creature or thought they were deadly annoying as much as I did this wretched Beezle!
I mean, I’m not sure if the author wanted us to hate her story or what, but if she was aware that she was creating a morbidly irritating character, why was she doing it? Did she honestly think he was cute, or even remotely funny?
I also got tired of counting all the "I'm hungry, feed me" and the "I deserve a doughnut" , "I want to eat", "I'm hungry" lines. As if the only reason he's in the book is to whine about food!
“I pulled my sweater over my head and glared at him. “Haven’t you ever heard of privacy?”
“That is a concept with which I am unfamiliar,” Beezle said.
“Newlyweds usually enjoy being alone,” I said pointedly.
“Gargoyles usually enjoy being fed in a timely manner,” he replied
Uh, do I need to comment on that???!!!
I wanted to stop reading this book MANY, MANY times, but I tried to ignore this “Beezle” lines and made it through -almost- without developing a case of hypertension!
And to be honest, even our heroine is not funny either! No one thinks about food and weight and find time to practice WITH A TRAINER while the world is falling apart, that’s just…… stupid! Plus, she keeps a string of useless commentary like ALL the time. I really do not want to give examples but I feel I ought to.
“Are you kidding? I thought J.B. said that you were bound by magic and all that,” I said to the wall. Then I rolled my eyes. “I am losing my mind. It’s all those spiders. That would put anybody over the edge. Nobody should ever have to see one giant spider, much less dozens of them over and over.”
Are you kidding me? She is talking to a freakin’ wall!
“We need some kind of magical IM-ing,” I said
To herself, and no, not funny.
Plus she is petty. She relishes her powers way too much and likes to brag about how she hurts her enemies. Even when she scarred her father she kept reminding him about it as if it was a taunting notion. Real heroines do what they have to do not because they like it but because they are noble and good.
*Spoiler*
And just how convenient it is that Lucifer freed Gabriel. Since book one we were told over and over how impossible this relationship is, and now in one smooth motion… voila: not only is he a free ma, they are married! I'm finally celebrating because he's dead though!
I'm not sure I'll keep reading these books. All they do is make me itch to stop reading them.
P.S
I feel very generous giving this book 2 stars. Only cause I've read worse.
OMG THANK YOU!!!!!!!!
I fuckin hate Beezle! I never hated a mythical creature or thought they were deadly annoying as much as I did this wretched Beezle!
I mean, I’m not sure if the author wanted us to hate her story or what, but if she was aware that she was creating a morbidly irritating character, why was she doing it? Did she honestly think he was cute, or even remotely funny?
I also got tired of counting all the "I'm hungry, feed me" and the "I deserve a doughnut" , "I want to eat", "I'm hungry" lines. As if the only reason he's in the book is to whine about food!
“I pulled my sweater over my head and glared at him. “Haven’t you ever heard of privacy?”
“That is a concept with which I am unfamiliar,” Beezle said.
“Newlyweds usually enjoy being alone,” I said pointedly.
“Gargoyles usually enjoy being fed in a timely manner,” he replied
Uh, do I need to comment on that???!!!
I wanted to stop reading this book MANY, MANY times, but I tried to ignore this “Beezle” lines and made it through -almost- without developing a case of hypertension!
And to be honest, even our heroine is not funny either! No one thinks about food and weight and find time to practice WITH A TRAINER while the world is falling apart, that’s just…… stupid! Plus, she keeps a string of useless commentary like ALL the time. I really do not want to give examples but I feel I ought to.
“Are you kidding? I thought J.B. said that you were bound by magic and all that,” I said to the wall. Then I rolled my eyes. “I am losing my mind. It’s all those spiders. That would put anybody over the edge. Nobody should ever have to see one giant spider, much less dozens of them over and over.”
Are you kidding me? She is talking to a freakin’ wall!
“We need some kind of magical IM-ing,” I said
To herself, and no, not funny.
Plus she is petty. She relishes her powers way too much and likes to brag about how she hurts her enemies. Even when she scarred her father she kept reminding him about it as if it was a taunting notion. Real heroines do what they have to do not because they like it but because they are noble and good.
*Spoiler*
And just how convenient it is that Lucifer freed Gabriel. Since book one we were told over and over how impossible this relationship is, and now in one smooth motion… voila: not only is he a free ma, they are married! I'm finally celebrating because he's dead though!
I'm not sure I'll keep reading these books. All they do is make me itch to stop reading them.
P.S
I feel very generous giving this book 2 stars. Only cause I've read worse.
April 20, 2012
Plot: 5 Stars
This series just keeps getting better and better. The storyline that involved the wandering ghosts was very unique, and of course, Maddy ended up in the middle of it without even trying. The plot was an emotional rollercoaster with all of its twists and turns, and was heartbreaking at times. I really enjoyed how the different plotlines twisted together more and more as the story progressed. I wouldn't describe the ending as a cliffhanger, but there was definitely a detail that has left me anxious for the next installment.
Pace: 5 Stars
There was never a dull moment during this novel. Maddy had more than enough on her plate. Between tracking down the missing werewolves, trying to figure out what was making certain ghosts act so strangely, trips to both Amarantha's and Lucifer's court, and hopping through numerous portals, there was barely time to breathe. And get Beezle more junk food.
Characters: 5 Stars
Maddy has gained a bit of confidence as this novel progressed and started commanding a bit more attention from those who had previous waved her off. This novel had even more Beezle. He went everywhere with Maddy, instead of staying home to guard the place. He complained for junk food and warned against falling into horror movie tropes constantly, and I loved it. Gabriel and Maddy's relationship continued down its complicated, hot and cold path. JB grew on me a little more, even if he was still a bit insufferable when it came to paperwork.
Cover: 4.5 Stars
The covers for this series have also gotten better and better. I like that there's still a vague reference to Maddy's wings, but it's not as noticable. Instead, your attention is drawn to the abstract shapes in the background, which are very intriguing. They blend into the background enough not to draw too much attention from the background, but stand out enough to catch the eye. The cover is a bit more purple than blue, when compared to the previous installments, but the blue titles draws the three together. The cover model is standing with more and more confidence with each cover, and she really looks like she could kick your ass on this cover. The sword comes across as more of an extension of her arm, which is reminiscent with the novel.
Overall: 5 Stars
Disclosure: I received a copy of this novel for review.
This series just keeps getting better and better. The storyline that involved the wandering ghosts was very unique, and of course, Maddy ended up in the middle of it without even trying. The plot was an emotional rollercoaster with all of its twists and turns, and was heartbreaking at times. I really enjoyed how the different plotlines twisted together more and more as the story progressed. I wouldn't describe the ending as a cliffhanger, but there was definitely a detail that has left me anxious for the next installment.
Pace: 5 Stars
There was never a dull moment during this novel. Maddy had more than enough on her plate. Between tracking down the missing werewolves, trying to figure out what was making certain ghosts act so strangely, trips to both Amarantha's and Lucifer's court, and hopping through numerous portals, there was barely time to breathe. And get Beezle more junk food.
Characters: 5 Stars
Maddy has gained a bit of confidence as this novel progressed and started commanding a bit more attention from those who had previous waved her off. This novel had even more Beezle. He went everywhere with Maddy, instead of staying home to guard the place. He complained for junk food and warned against falling into horror movie tropes constantly, and I loved it. Gabriel and Maddy's relationship continued down its complicated, hot and cold path. JB grew on me a little more, even if he was still a bit insufferable when it came to paperwork.
Cover: 4.5 Stars
The covers for this series have also gotten better and better. I like that there's still a vague reference to Maddy's wings, but it's not as noticable. Instead, your attention is drawn to the abstract shapes in the background, which are very intriguing. They blend into the background enough not to draw too much attention from the background, but stand out enough to catch the eye. The cover is a bit more purple than blue, when compared to the previous installments, but the blue titles draws the three together. The cover model is standing with more and more confidence with each cover, and she really looks like she could kick your ass on this cover. The sword comes across as more of an extension of her arm, which is reminiscent with the novel.
Overall: 5 Stars
Disclosure: I received a copy of this novel for review.
March 8, 2012
Posted on Under the Covers
BLACK HOWL is the third book in the Madeline Black series by Christina Henry. Madeline is an Agent of death. This means that she gets a list of names, dates and times as foreseen by the Agency prophets. It’s her job to be there when the person dies to take their soul to the Door.
This book starts off with Madeline working out in the gym with her trainer. She plans on losing 30 lbs. So while she is complaining about the number of repetitions her trainer is making her do, a fellow gym member nearby starts to have a heart attack. In moments, he is dead and Madeline must now do her scheduled job. Pretty cool, huh?
I found this book to be a quick read. There are lots of laughs along the way so it’s pretty light and entertaining. A lot of this has to do with Beezle, Madeline’s gargoyle BFF. He kinds of reminds me of Gighul, the demon sidekick from the Sabina Kane series by Jaye Wells. Both of them have terrific one-liners that are sure to make you smile or even laugh out loud.
There is a mystery throughout this book about the cubs and though I thought this was a good idea, I didn’t think it was executed as well as I thought it could be. Some parts were very interesting, but then there were areas that faltered. I did like the twists and turns though, that made for some interesting reading.
Henry has lots of secondary characters in this series, so much so that sometimes it was hard to keep track. For some characters, we see a different side of them. For example, Jude has some of his background revealed and I thought it was good in enhancing his character and making him stand out from the pack.
Overall, this book was a light, funny read. If you’re looking for something similar to the Chicagoland Vampires series by Chloe Neill, then this series has the same style, the same quick-witted humor.
I feel like readers who enjoy lighter, funny urban fantasy would love this more. I just have a preference for a more darker style in UF. But this isn’t to say that readers wouldn’t enjoy the laughs that are in this one.
* ARC provided by publisher
BLACK HOWL is the third book in the Madeline Black series by Christina Henry. Madeline is an Agent of death. This means that she gets a list of names, dates and times as foreseen by the Agency prophets. It’s her job to be there when the person dies to take their soul to the Door.
This book starts off with Madeline working out in the gym with her trainer. She plans on losing 30 lbs. So while she is complaining about the number of repetitions her trainer is making her do, a fellow gym member nearby starts to have a heart attack. In moments, he is dead and Madeline must now do her scheduled job. Pretty cool, huh?
I found this book to be a quick read. There are lots of laughs along the way so it’s pretty light and entertaining. A lot of this has to do with Beezle, Madeline’s gargoyle BFF. He kinds of reminds me of Gighul, the demon sidekick from the Sabina Kane series by Jaye Wells. Both of them have terrific one-liners that are sure to make you smile or even laugh out loud.
There is a mystery throughout this book about the cubs and though I thought this was a good idea, I didn’t think it was executed as well as I thought it could be. Some parts were very interesting, but then there were areas that faltered. I did like the twists and turns though, that made for some interesting reading.
Henry has lots of secondary characters in this series, so much so that sometimes it was hard to keep track. For some characters, we see a different side of them. For example, Jude has some of his background revealed and I thought it was good in enhancing his character and making him stand out from the pack.
Overall, this book was a light, funny read. If you’re looking for something similar to the Chicagoland Vampires series by Chloe Neill, then this series has the same style, the same quick-witted humor.
I feel like readers who enjoy lighter, funny urban fantasy would love this more. I just have a preference for a more darker style in UF. But this isn’t to say that readers wouldn’t enjoy the laughs that are in this one.
* ARC provided by publisher
January 15, 2018
This book, like the two before it, proceeds at an insane pace. So insane in fact, that our main character has managed by book three to meet a man, fall in love of the first sight kind (gag), be engaged to another man, get married to Mr. Insta-Love and ok major spoilera here
That's all a bit too much to have happened in 3 books. Because now i don't care about who dies and whether they can come back or if they do. I don't even think Gabriel is crush worthy, and that's mostly because he barely says two sentences per book.
On top of that Maddy has this group of men who help and support and protect her. They're all supernatural creatures, all powerful and all of them are at least a 1000 years old. But who's the leader of this group? The 32 year old woman with anger issues who strings her best friend along because she can't have him but doesn't want anyone else to either and doesn't take any of their advise and whines about how she doesn't need their help.
The only reason I gave this book 2 stars instead of 1 is because and I was happy about it because he was like eating paint.
That's all a bit too much to have happened in 3 books. Because now i don't care about who dies and whether they can come back or if they do. I don't even think Gabriel is crush worthy, and that's mostly because he barely says two sentences per book.
On top of that Maddy has this group of men who help and support and protect her. They're all supernatural creatures, all powerful and all of them are at least a 1000 years old. But who's the leader of this group? The 32 year old woman with anger issues who strings her best friend along because she can't have him but doesn't want anyone else to either and doesn't take any of their advise and whines about how she doesn't need their help.
The only reason I gave this book 2 stars instead of 1 is because and I was happy about it because he was like eating paint.
April 6, 2018
It's been a while since I read books 1 & 2, but Christina gives just enough comments throughout the storytelling to remind readers of past events.
In this installment, Maddy stumbles upon a ghost that is wandering and out of sorts. She finds out that there have been several unscheduled deaths. She is also enlisted to help the wolves when their alpha & cubs are taken by demons.
This is a solid story, the ending is a bit of a brutal tear jerker so be ready.
In this installment, Maddy stumbles upon a ghost that is wandering and out of sorts. She finds out that there have been several unscheduled deaths. She is also enlisted to help the wolves when their alpha & cubs are taken by demons.
This is a solid story, the ending is a bit of a brutal tear jerker so be ready.
April 26, 2012
“Black Howl” by Christina Henry is a ‘Black Wings’ novel which continues the complicated tale of Madeline (Maddy) Black, as she continues to juggle her job as an Agent of Death and the complications of her heritage. An uncomfortable relationship with the Angel/Nephilim Gabriel, who, like his half-brother, is resented by the denizens of the various courts, awkwardness with her boss J.B., conflict with J.B.’s mother Amarantha (Queen of the Faerie court), an unwanted fiance who refuses to believe that their association is ended, ghosts who act erratically and kidnapped werewolves are among the things complicating her life. The reluctant request by the werewolf Jude who is desperate to discover what has happened to his alpha and the cubs of the pack thrusts Maddy into a frantic hunt which may end up exposing hidden alliances that will imperil all whom she values, including the insatiably hungry gargoyle Beezle. Maddy’s love-life is in a snarl and just when it seems that things are about to go her way, even more burdens are heaped upon her shoulders. Once again it seems that death and destruction trail her and it is questionable whether her allies will be strong enough to repel the forces which seek to destroy her.
An imaginative tale that blends multiple beliefs into a complex tale of struggling factions and adds a blend of magic and technology to give a new twist to the concept of parasitism and addiction. Madeline is an odd combination of semi-clumsy hybrid and extremely powerful scion of omnipotent beings and her life reflects the disconnect between the two halves of her nature. The plethora of beings who seem to resent Maddy and her accomplishments and the intricate ties to the denizens of multiple courts are a little overwhelming at times as the action seems to trend toward comic book-like farce with insufficient transitional background. A guide to the courts and the ties between the various individuals would be helpful but is unfortunately impossible given the fluidic nature of some of the alliances. A horrific loss in this tale is only somewhat leavened by subsequent events but certainly will invest the reader with a desire to see more works in the series.
© Night Owl Reviews
An imaginative tale that blends multiple beliefs into a complex tale of struggling factions and adds a blend of magic and technology to give a new twist to the concept of parasitism and addiction. Madeline is an odd combination of semi-clumsy hybrid and extremely powerful scion of omnipotent beings and her life reflects the disconnect between the two halves of her nature. The plethora of beings who seem to resent Maddy and her accomplishments and the intricate ties to the denizens of multiple courts are a little overwhelming at times as the action seems to trend toward comic book-like farce with insufficient transitional background. A guide to the courts and the ties between the various individuals would be helpful but is unfortunately impossible given the fluidic nature of some of the alliances. A horrific loss in this tale is only somewhat leavened by subsequent events but certainly will invest the reader with a desire to see more works in the series.
© Night Owl Reviews
May 19, 2012
If I had to choose one word to describe this instalment, I think I'd choose, wow. I can't tell you how happy and sad I am after reading 'Black Howl.' Since I picked up 'Black Wings', I've been sucked into this world of Demons, Angels, Gargoyals, Fairies and everything else. I couldn't stop thinking of what was happening and what was going to happen next. It's safe to say this is a new favorite series of mine, but I did have a broken heart after reading this.
I have to admit, I'm liking J.B more and more. He's stern and kind of annoying, but he's loyal, funny and a fun character to read along with. He's always got something up his sleve and he's always there for Maddie. I want to read more J.B!
Although I can't give much away to those of you who don't want spoilers. I will say that, what happens at the end of the book that makes your emotions take a roller coaster ride is going to make Maddie stronger and I know 'Black Night' will be kick a** and full of revenge. I can't wait.
I have to admit, I'm liking J.B more and more. He's stern and kind of annoying, but he's loyal, funny and a fun character to read along with. He's always got something up his sleve and he's always there for Maddie. I want to read more J.B!
Although I can't give much away to those of you who don't want spoilers. I will say that, what happens at the end of the book that makes your emotions take a roller coaster ride is going to make Maddie stronger and I know 'Black Night' will be kick a** and full of revenge. I can't wait.
March 11, 2012
I think that I am done with this series. I thought that the first couple were just meh. At this point I am tired of Gabriel and his sulkiness, JB and his sulkiness, and Maddie being the center of everyone's desires, I don't see it. I love Beezle, but I can't justify to keep reading this series for one interesting secondary character.
July 30, 2019
Pas mal. Il y a de l'action, je ne me suis pas ennuyée et la fin de ce tome m'a surprise. Je suis curieuse de lire la suite.
March 13, 2012
Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: A cautionary be-careful-what-you-wish-for tale. And undeniable proof that luck does eventually run out.
Opening Sentence: “Legs in the air, heels toward the ceiling. Crunch, quick!”
The Review:
The phrase “Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it” is good advice. This book, the third in the Madeline Black urban fantasy series, embodies this old adage well. It’s full of intentional and unintentional consequences for our heroine, Madeline Black. You would think that her past actions have taught her caution, but it was not meant to be. She is as rash and unapologetic as ever. Her reactions to problems are going to end up costing her, and those she holds dear.
Madeline Black is complicated. She is an Agent of Death, escorting souls to the Door so that they may pass in peace from this world. She is considered a friend of the Red Pack of Wisconsin, a group of werewolves that she met in the last book. She is also the great-granddaughter of Lucifer, the Morningstar, and therefore a big player in the fallen community. Not that she wants to be, but we don’t get to choose our family. Speaking of family…
Her father, Lord Azazel, is constantly trying to use Madeline for his own gains, both political and personal. He demands respect and obedience even though he has yet to earn it from his daughter. Nathaniel, her unwanted fiancé, is just one of the many reasons Madeline and Azazel don’t get along. He demands she marry Nathaniel even though she has given her heart to another, Gabriel. In Azazel’s eyes, Gabriel is unsuitable as a prospective suitor because he is considered a servant and therefore below Madeline.
And when she’s not being maneuvered by her father, Lucifer is trying to do the same. He wants Madeline to be by his side, working for him, and eventually succeeding him as his heir. She just wants to be left alone to care for her loved ones. That includes: Beezle, her household gargoyle, Samiel, Gabriel’s half brother and nephilim, and of course Gabriel himself, her one and only love. Unfortunately, Madeline is not meant for quiet nights with friends and loved ones. Will her choice to protect Samiel from Grigori justice (see last book for details on that) doom them all? Will her love for Gabriel finally bear fruit? When will Gabriel learn that Madeline doesn’t care about his station in the fallen’s caste system, that she just loves him for himself? Will they be allowed to stay together or will the fallen decide to take Gabriel away from her, damn the consequences? Will Beezle ever get his promised doughnuts?
Wade, alpha of the Red Pack of Wisconsin, has been kidnapped along with dozens of werewolf children. Jude, Wade’s second-in-command, goes to Madeline for help. There is no love lost between Jude and Madeline, but they work together to find his missing pack mates. Is her involvement in werewolf business going to end up killing Madeline or someone close to her? Will she take that chance?
Not only is Madeline playing sleuth to find werewolf kidnappers, she is also trying to discover the reason so many ghosts are turning up around Chicago. Yes, ghosts are ALWAYS around but none of these were scheduled deaths. And death is nothing, if not neat and orderly. These poor souls were not meant to go before their scheduled time and Madeline wants to know why it’s happening. J.B., her former boss and sometimes friend, gets involved in the investigation. Why? There is a chance that his mother, Queen Amarantha of the local faerie court, is connected and he wants to find out the truth. Can J.B. stand up to his mother if she is involved with the deaths of so many humans? What will happen if mother and son take opposing sides? Will they truly try to destroy one another for what they believe is right? Can Madeline do anything to stop it?
Madeline Black is constantly running from one problem to the next. There is always another crisis to address just when the last one is taken care of. She keeps piling up the enemies while not gaining enough support to back her up. She has not given much thought to all of this. This series reminds me of the Harry Dresden series by Jim Butcher or Rachel in the Hallows series by Kim Harrison. Harry and Rachel also run around making enemies left and right, without thinking about repercussions. This is the book where Madeline’s recklessness catches up to her. This is the book where Madeline loses someone important.
I really like this series to date. It has enough action, suspense, and sarcasm to keep my attention. I look forward to seeing where Christina Henry takes us next. Waiting for the next book is going to make me want to “howl”!
Notable Scene:
“Don’t even think about giving me that passive-aggressive I-am-your-thrall shit,” I said. “I am not in the mood.”
“But I am your thrall,” Gabriel said tightly.
“Then follow my freaking orders and go home!” I shouted. “And stay there, so that we can have a proper argument about this later!”
Gabriel gave me a stony stare, then wordlessly opened a portal and went through it.
Beezle flew from my shoulder to Samiel’s. “Well, you just stepped in a giant pile of dragon dung. Have fun cleaning that up.”
I’m so glad that I’m not you, Samiel signed.
“You two are so supportive. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” I muttered.
The Madeline Black Series:
1. Black Wings
2. Black Night
3. Black Howl
FTC Advisory: Penguin/Ace Books provided me with a copy of Black Howl. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. I get paid only in hugs and kisses from my little boys.
Quick & Dirty: A cautionary be-careful-what-you-wish-for tale. And undeniable proof that luck does eventually run out.
Opening Sentence: “Legs in the air, heels toward the ceiling. Crunch, quick!”
The Review:
The phrase “Be careful what you wish for because you just might get it” is good advice. This book, the third in the Madeline Black urban fantasy series, embodies this old adage well. It’s full of intentional and unintentional consequences for our heroine, Madeline Black. You would think that her past actions have taught her caution, but it was not meant to be. She is as rash and unapologetic as ever. Her reactions to problems are going to end up costing her, and those she holds dear.
Madeline Black is complicated. She is an Agent of Death, escorting souls to the Door so that they may pass in peace from this world. She is considered a friend of the Red Pack of Wisconsin, a group of werewolves that she met in the last book. She is also the great-granddaughter of Lucifer, the Morningstar, and therefore a big player in the fallen community. Not that she wants to be, but we don’t get to choose our family. Speaking of family…
Her father, Lord Azazel, is constantly trying to use Madeline for his own gains, both political and personal. He demands respect and obedience even though he has yet to earn it from his daughter. Nathaniel, her unwanted fiancé, is just one of the many reasons Madeline and Azazel don’t get along. He demands she marry Nathaniel even though she has given her heart to another, Gabriel. In Azazel’s eyes, Gabriel is unsuitable as a prospective suitor because he is considered a servant and therefore below Madeline.
And when she’s not being maneuvered by her father, Lucifer is trying to do the same. He wants Madeline to be by his side, working for him, and eventually succeeding him as his heir. She just wants to be left alone to care for her loved ones. That includes: Beezle, her household gargoyle, Samiel, Gabriel’s half brother and nephilim, and of course Gabriel himself, her one and only love. Unfortunately, Madeline is not meant for quiet nights with friends and loved ones. Will her choice to protect Samiel from Grigori justice (see last book for details on that) doom them all? Will her love for Gabriel finally bear fruit? When will Gabriel learn that Madeline doesn’t care about his station in the fallen’s caste system, that she just loves him for himself? Will they be allowed to stay together or will the fallen decide to take Gabriel away from her, damn the consequences? Will Beezle ever get his promised doughnuts?
Wade, alpha of the Red Pack of Wisconsin, has been kidnapped along with dozens of werewolf children. Jude, Wade’s second-in-command, goes to Madeline for help. There is no love lost between Jude and Madeline, but they work together to find his missing pack mates. Is her involvement in werewolf business going to end up killing Madeline or someone close to her? Will she take that chance?
Not only is Madeline playing sleuth to find werewolf kidnappers, she is also trying to discover the reason so many ghosts are turning up around Chicago. Yes, ghosts are ALWAYS around but none of these were scheduled deaths. And death is nothing, if not neat and orderly. These poor souls were not meant to go before their scheduled time and Madeline wants to know why it’s happening. J.B., her former boss and sometimes friend, gets involved in the investigation. Why? There is a chance that his mother, Queen Amarantha of the local faerie court, is connected and he wants to find out the truth. Can J.B. stand up to his mother if she is involved with the deaths of so many humans? What will happen if mother and son take opposing sides? Will they truly try to destroy one another for what they believe is right? Can Madeline do anything to stop it?
Madeline Black is constantly running from one problem to the next. There is always another crisis to address just when the last one is taken care of. She keeps piling up the enemies while not gaining enough support to back her up. She has not given much thought to all of this. This series reminds me of the Harry Dresden series by Jim Butcher or Rachel in the Hallows series by Kim Harrison. Harry and Rachel also run around making enemies left and right, without thinking about repercussions. This is the book where Madeline’s recklessness catches up to her. This is the book where Madeline loses someone important.
I really like this series to date. It has enough action, suspense, and sarcasm to keep my attention. I look forward to seeing where Christina Henry takes us next. Waiting for the next book is going to make me want to “howl”!
Notable Scene:
“Don’t even think about giving me that passive-aggressive I-am-your-thrall shit,” I said. “I am not in the mood.”
“But I am your thrall,” Gabriel said tightly.
“Then follow my freaking orders and go home!” I shouted. “And stay there, so that we can have a proper argument about this later!”
Gabriel gave me a stony stare, then wordlessly opened a portal and went through it.
Beezle flew from my shoulder to Samiel’s. “Well, you just stepped in a giant pile of dragon dung. Have fun cleaning that up.”
I’m so glad that I’m not you, Samiel signed.
“You two are so supportive. I don’t know what I’d do without you,” I muttered.
The Madeline Black Series:
1. Black Wings
2. Black Night
3. Black Howl
FTC Advisory: Penguin/Ace Books provided me with a copy of Black Howl. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. I get paid only in hugs and kisses from my little boys.
June 17, 2020
Beaucoup d’action et une Maddy qui veut sauver le monde entier toute seule. J’adore Beezle qui le fait bien rire. Par contre côté émotion, tout va trop vite, c’est dommage parce qu’il y avait tellement mieux à faire.
January 8, 2018
Well, the romance didn't go my way in this one, but it was really good all the same. I'm enjoying this series a lot more than I thought I would based on the first book.
April 25, 2019
I read it in one day, I love this series
May 20, 2021
A fun read.
June 4, 2020
Book 27 complete.
June 28, 2017
Gabriel: "Why? I thought you, too, were bound by the laws of your own kingdom."
Lucifer: *Grins* "Nah, I can pretty much do whatever I want."
Pretty much when I SHOULD have realized Lucifer could never be trusted.
Lucifer: *Grins* "Nah, I can pretty much do whatever I want."
Pretty much when I SHOULD have realized Lucifer could never be trusted.
February 26, 2012
Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews
Madeline is an Agent of death. She gets a list of names, times and places and the names are souls whose deaths have been foreseen by Agency prophets. Her job is to be at the right place at the right time to take the soul to the Door. The soul has a choice of where they want to go beyond that Door.
Gabriel used to be Madeline’s bodyguard, at the behest of her father, but after having won him in a magical contest she was not supposed to survive, he is now her thrall. The laws of Lucifer’s kingdom are that once you’re a thrall, you’re always a thrall and now that Madeline owns him… well, that’s a little bit of a f*cked up foundation to build a relationship on. She doesn’t want to own him, but she also doesn’t want him at the hands of another being that might abuse him, so as painful as it is, she mostly leaves him alone. Samiel, Gabriel’s half-brother is now living with them, as well. Quite an odd household. Madeline receives notice from Lucifer that Samiel is to be brought in for a trial for injuring Maddy during events in the previous book, and the Gregori’s Hound of the Hunt shows up to take him in. In addition, Wade is missing and ghosts have been popping up all over town that have not been foreseen by the Agency prophets.
One issue that caused a disconnect this round for me with Madeline was her journey to lose 30 pounds. It was never really explained why and I guess maybe if it had been 5-10 or something realistic it could have been whimsical and humorous, but 30? That is an awful lot of weight. Was the heroine that overweight and just striving to be healthyt? It was never mentioned before in the previous books she had a “weight issue”… I couldn’t figure it out! Now, Beezle we already knew had food indulgence issues and he made me giggle…
“Got any fitness tips for an overweight gargoyle?”
I love Beezle, her overweight gargoyle, and his endless journey to eat donuts while Maddy makes him diet and exercise. He serves as great comedic entertainment. Additionally, what started out as a really annoying-to-me character, Jude, whom I thought I would never ever understand, I ended up … understanding. We are given quite a big revelation about his background and I really liked the twist. I couldn’t understand why he was just so angry all the time and once some background is revealed, it made more sense. I admit that about a third way through the book I was ready to not finish it. But somewhere around the middle when we started getting more backstory on the wolves and the Gregori came in to the story, I was sucked back in and finished it.
I enjoyed this book more than I did the last one, Black Night and more than Nat enjoyed the first book, Black Wings… but sadly not significantly more. I still have many of the same issues I did with the last book when it comes to the constant male attention and love attraction-slash-weirdness going on with almost every male in the series. Nathaniel has somewhat been ousted and you feel kinda sorry for him since she has dejected his marriage ambitions. Gabriel is still acting like a thrall and being kinda a big baby about it. The other guys… eh. You get the point. You can’t accuse me of not giving this series a fair chance, since this is the third book in the series. It was a fast, quick read and mostly satisfying. While I’m done with the series, that’s not to say that someone else out there won’t love it.
Madeline is an Agent of death. She gets a list of names, times and places and the names are souls whose deaths have been foreseen by Agency prophets. Her job is to be at the right place at the right time to take the soul to the Door. The soul has a choice of where they want to go beyond that Door.
Gabriel used to be Madeline’s bodyguard, at the behest of her father, but after having won him in a magical contest she was not supposed to survive, he is now her thrall. The laws of Lucifer’s kingdom are that once you’re a thrall, you’re always a thrall and now that Madeline owns him… well, that’s a little bit of a f*cked up foundation to build a relationship on. She doesn’t want to own him, but she also doesn’t want him at the hands of another being that might abuse him, so as painful as it is, she mostly leaves him alone. Samiel, Gabriel’s half-brother is now living with them, as well. Quite an odd household. Madeline receives notice from Lucifer that Samiel is to be brought in for a trial for injuring Maddy during events in the previous book, and the Gregori’s Hound of the Hunt shows up to take him in. In addition, Wade is missing and ghosts have been popping up all over town that have not been foreseen by the Agency prophets.
One issue that caused a disconnect this round for me with Madeline was her journey to lose 30 pounds. It was never really explained why and I guess maybe if it had been 5-10 or something realistic it could have been whimsical and humorous, but 30? That is an awful lot of weight. Was the heroine that overweight and just striving to be healthyt? It was never mentioned before in the previous books she had a “weight issue”… I couldn’t figure it out! Now, Beezle we already knew had food indulgence issues and he made me giggle…
“Got any fitness tips for an overweight gargoyle?”
I love Beezle, her overweight gargoyle, and his endless journey to eat donuts while Maddy makes him diet and exercise. He serves as great comedic entertainment. Additionally, what started out as a really annoying-to-me character, Jude, whom I thought I would never ever understand, I ended up … understanding. We are given quite a big revelation about his background and I really liked the twist. I couldn’t understand why he was just so angry all the time and once some background is revealed, it made more sense. I admit that about a third way through the book I was ready to not finish it. But somewhere around the middle when we started getting more backstory on the wolves and the Gregori came in to the story, I was sucked back in and finished it.
I enjoyed this book more than I did the last one, Black Night and more than Nat enjoyed the first book, Black Wings… but sadly not significantly more. I still have many of the same issues I did with the last book when it comes to the constant male attention and love attraction-slash-weirdness going on with almost every male in the series. Nathaniel has somewhat been ousted and you feel kinda sorry for him since she has dejected his marriage ambitions. Gabriel is still acting like a thrall and being kinda a big baby about it. The other guys… eh. You get the point. You can’t accuse me of not giving this series a fair chance, since this is the third book in the series. It was a fast, quick read and mostly satisfying. While I’m done with the series, that’s not to say that someone else out there won’t love it.
March 6, 2012
I wasn't as thrilled with this one as the first two in the series although it was still a decent book. I found that the Maddy was starting to get TSTL and was making decisions in anger and/or haste without any thought for hte consequences and wasn't listening to those around her who were trying to both protect and ehlp her. While I get the part of Maddy's character that feels like she is not only being underestimated by everyone and feels like the protectiveness of her friends (all male and all alpha) is a "shot" at her abilities and what they think of her, it really is more about tempering her emotional responses and trying to teach her to think before she acts and to pay attention to her instincts (and her new sentinent tattoo). Because Maddy doesn't listen or pay attention she ends up in few situations that really could have been avoided or at least changed to something more in her favor. Her rashness and emotional responses, while normal in some situations, seem to be her new modus operandi and it feels like her character has been changed in order to force a few situations in the the story line (it never felt to me in the first two books like this was her normal behavior so I'm having issues with it now). Naturally, Maddy's unthinking responses bring on a really bad situation with really bad results - and those results are the main reason I'm not sure that I really liked this book. I don't like where the story went or where it ended up (note I did not say how it ended, there was no cliffhanger. My dislike is for the overall plot development and turn in the story).
I do like the male characters Maddy "hangs with" (Gabriel, Samiel, JB, and even Beezle), although the bickering between Maddy and Beezle does get a little old and seems more childish than it should be. Even the bad guys and the not-sure-if-they-are-good-or-bad guys are all well done and it is easy to route against them and/or to wonder which side they really are on or iwll end up on. Wade and Jude get a lot more development and they both (yes, even Jude) are quite likable (at the end of the book, Jude shows a heart that had been really well hidden).
I'll check out the next one in the series when it comes out to see if the author addresses this new plot direction to my satisfaction. I can see one or two possible ways the situation can be corrected without a complete loss of believablity, but I can also see how the situation will not be resolved favorably and how that can move the story forward in its own way - and which way this goes and how it is handled will make all the difference for me on whether or not I'll continue the series after the next book. I don't much care if the series has an HEA in each book, but I do want to at least see the possibility of one by the end of the series - and I'm not sure that I can see that right now.... If you don't like books with unhappy endings (again, the series may correct the situation) then this is probably not a book you are going ot want to read until the next one comes out and we see if the situation is corrected or not.
I do like the male characters Maddy "hangs with" (Gabriel, Samiel, JB, and even Beezle), although the bickering between Maddy and Beezle does get a little old and seems more childish than it should be. Even the bad guys and the not-sure-if-they-are-good-or-bad guys are all well done and it is easy to route against them and/or to wonder which side they really are on or iwll end up on. Wade and Jude get a lot more development and they both (yes, even Jude) are quite likable (at the end of the book, Jude shows a heart that had been really well hidden).
I'll check out the next one in the series when it comes out to see if the author addresses this new plot direction to my satisfaction. I can see one or two possible ways the situation can be corrected without a complete loss of believablity, but I can also see how the situation will not be resolved favorably and how that can move the story forward in its own way - and which way this goes and how it is handled will make all the difference for me on whether or not I'll continue the series after the next book. I don't much care if the series has an HEA in each book, but I do want to at least see the possibility of one by the end of the series - and I'm not sure that I can see that right now.... If you don't like books with unhappy endings (again, the series may correct the situation) then this is probably not a book you are going ot want to read until the next one comes out and we see if the situation is corrected or not.
March 5, 2012
In BLACK NIGHT Maddy’s band of stalwart hunks seemed like little more than a gloomy flock of crows, predicting doom and gloom while Maddy kicks butt. The chemistry in BLACK HOWL was infinitely more satisfying, as the machismo and banter added slap-stick spice to the action. And oh what action, as Maddy takes on the world of stuffy, entitled Grigori and continues to grow into her own.
Even better than chemistry on the battlefield, BLACK HOWL provided forward momentum for Maddy’s love life as well (though with an ending that prompted me to add some howls of my own). While this series definitely weaves in some of my less favorite tropes (star-crossed lovers, triangles, and save-the-day magic to name a few), Henry has definitely put her own spin on these themes. Romance moves forward, new friendships gel, and of all the characters I didn’t expect to redeem themselves, J.B. and Lucifer are definitely growing on me. This is made all the more satisfying by the contrast of the characters who didn’t redeem themselves (and get their just desserts).
While the violence in BLACK HOWL still seems a bit cartoony, if only because magic usually does save the day, it can’t be said that the battles don’t have consequences. Whether it be Maddy’s missing fingers or the greater losses suffered in this book, this series is on the cusp of taking on a more emotionally valid feel. Color me skeptical, however, as this genre has it’s share of last minute saves and resurrections. I think I’ll believe the sadness and finality of this ending when I see how it plays out next book... and that uncertainty will be enough to get me to tune in for at least one more installment.
Sexual Content: References to sex and attempted rape.
Even better than chemistry on the battlefield, BLACK HOWL provided forward momentum for Maddy’s love life as well (though with an ending that prompted me to add some howls of my own). While this series definitely weaves in some of my less favorite tropes (star-crossed lovers, triangles, and save-the-day magic to name a few), Henry has definitely put her own spin on these themes. Romance moves forward, new friendships gel, and of all the characters I didn’t expect to redeem themselves, J.B. and Lucifer are definitely growing on me. This is made all the more satisfying by the contrast of the characters who didn’t redeem themselves (and get their just desserts).
While the violence in BLACK HOWL still seems a bit cartoony, if only because magic usually does save the day, it can’t be said that the battles don’t have consequences. Whether it be Maddy’s missing fingers or the greater losses suffered in this book, this series is on the cusp of taking on a more emotionally valid feel. Color me skeptical, however, as this genre has it’s share of last minute saves and resurrections. I think I’ll believe the sadness and finality of this ending when I see how it plays out next book... and that uncertainty will be enough to get me to tune in for at least one more installment.
Sexual Content: References to sex and attempted rape.
April 2, 2012
Bu seriye ne oluyor bilmiyorum!
Konuya karakterlere bayılıyorum ama şöyle bir sorun var ki her kitap bir öncekiden daha zayıf, daha güçsüz bir kurgu ile karşıma çıkıyor. Genede okumaya devam edeceğim. Öncelikle sürekli bir aksiyon var, Melanie'nin aynı gücü defalarca kullanması sıkıcı hale geliyor, olayların aniden olup bitmesi kitabın değerini düşürüyor. Özellikle Gabriel ile Madeline'nin 5 dakika içinde evlenemsi ve kitabın sonunda, o büyük aşkın tadına varamadan Gabrielin ölmesi ile sonuçlanması da neydi? Vampir Akademisi bu kadar bu büyük etki yaratmış, Dimitriye mi özenmiş yazar?
Sağda solda Lucifer'ın çıkması Azazel'in kötü adam olması bunlar kitabın kurgusunu çok basitleştiren şeyler. Yazar güzel bir hikaye bulmuş ama her geçen kitap ile hikaye öyle sıradan bir hal alıyor ki bırakın gelecek kitabı okumayı, başladığınıza pişman oluyorsunuz. Çünkü kitapta kurgu dışında her şey çok güzel, hikayenin temasıi, karakterler, konu, doğaüstü yaratıklar...
Bu kitapta bir hayal kırıklığı oldu neden diye sorarsanız, iki kitaptır çıkmaz olan Madeline- Rafael aşkı en sonunda çok saçma bir anda evlilikle sonuçlandı ve sonra Rafael kitabın sonunda ölüyor, bilin bakalım ne, Madeline HAMİLE!! Bu kadar güzel bir seri sanırım en fazla bu kadar batırılabilir. Halay kırıklığı.
Chicagoda ölülerin ruhlarında bir sorun var. Hayaletler sokaklarda geziniyor Ölüm ajanı Madeline'nin patronu bu işin çözülmsinin istiyor. Sorun şu ki Madeline'in peşinden bewla eksik olmuyor. Kurtadamların lideri Wade ve yavru kurtlar kaçırılınca işler sarpa sarıyor Peri sarayı için işin içinde ayrıca Nathaniel ve Azazel de öyle. Madeline sana kolay gelsin!
Konuya karakterlere bayılıyorum ama şöyle bir sorun var ki her kitap bir öncekiden daha zayıf, daha güçsüz bir kurgu ile karşıma çıkıyor. Genede okumaya devam edeceğim. Öncelikle sürekli bir aksiyon var, Melanie'nin aynı gücü defalarca kullanması sıkıcı hale geliyor, olayların aniden olup bitmesi kitabın değerini düşürüyor. Özellikle Gabriel ile Madeline'nin 5 dakika içinde evlenemsi ve kitabın sonunda, o büyük aşkın tadına varamadan Gabrielin ölmesi ile sonuçlanması da neydi? Vampir Akademisi bu kadar bu büyük etki yaratmış, Dimitriye mi özenmiş yazar?
Sağda solda Lucifer'ın çıkması Azazel'in kötü adam olması bunlar kitabın kurgusunu çok basitleştiren şeyler. Yazar güzel bir hikaye bulmuş ama her geçen kitap ile hikaye öyle sıradan bir hal alıyor ki bırakın gelecek kitabı okumayı, başladığınıza pişman oluyorsunuz. Çünkü kitapta kurgu dışında her şey çok güzel, hikayenin temasıi, karakterler, konu, doğaüstü yaratıklar...
Bu kitapta bir hayal kırıklığı oldu neden diye sorarsanız, iki kitaptır çıkmaz olan Madeline- Rafael aşkı en sonunda çok saçma bir anda evlilikle sonuçlandı ve sonra Rafael kitabın sonunda ölüyor, bilin bakalım ne, Madeline HAMİLE!! Bu kadar güzel bir seri sanırım en fazla bu kadar batırılabilir. Halay kırıklığı.
Chicagoda ölülerin ruhlarında bir sorun var. Hayaletler sokaklarda geziniyor Ölüm ajanı Madeline'nin patronu bu işin çözülmsinin istiyor. Sorun şu ki Madeline'in peşinden bewla eksik olmuyor. Kurtadamların lideri Wade ve yavru kurtlar kaçırılınca işler sarpa sarıyor Peri sarayı için işin içinde ayrıca Nathaniel ve Azazel de öyle. Madeline sana kolay gelsin!
April 19, 2012
Best Book in the Series!
I strongly recommend you read this series in order (Black Wings and Black Night) prior to reading this installment.
What a spectacular read! The intensity of the storyline was so fierce, it kept me glued to every page. This fast paced story moved quickly from one tragedy to the next. Contrary to the tragedy, the story also had lots of humor and fun.
Lucifer is definitely my favorite character. His twisted grandfatherly interaction with Maddy was a welcomed treat. The more Lucifer ushers Maddy into his inner circle and the more knowledge Maddy gains in Lucifer’s world, the more pain is bestowed on her.
Maddy’s life has always been in a state of flux and this installment completely shatters her whole world. The author handled Maddy’s misery elegantly and respectfully. Just when you think you’ve figured everything out, the author goes and throws the biggest curveball! The huge cliffhanger had me on the edge of my seat and left me salivating for more!
Fans of the series, this installment is a must read! This particular book, IMO, is the catalyst that will fuel all future books. With the ending done as it was, this altered path, plunges Maddy’s life past her precipice and into a new phase of untethered wrath.
I strongly recommend this book to fellow dark urban fantasy readers and I can’t wait for next book Black Lament due out 10/30/2012.
I also recommend:
A Perfect Blood (The Hollows, Book 10)
Kissed by Darkness (Sunwalker Saga book 3)
Shadow City (Horngate Witches, book 3)
Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance, Book 2)
Sins of the Demon (Kara Gillian series, book 4)
I strongly recommend you read this series in order (Black Wings and Black Night) prior to reading this installment.
What a spectacular read! The intensity of the storyline was so fierce, it kept me glued to every page. This fast paced story moved quickly from one tragedy to the next. Contrary to the tragedy, the story also had lots of humor and fun.
Lucifer is definitely my favorite character. His twisted grandfatherly interaction with Maddy was a welcomed treat. The more Lucifer ushers Maddy into his inner circle and the more knowledge Maddy gains in Lucifer’s world, the more pain is bestowed on her.
Maddy’s life has always been in a state of flux and this installment completely shatters her whole world. The author handled Maddy’s misery elegantly and respectfully. Just when you think you’ve figured everything out, the author goes and throws the biggest curveball! The huge cliffhanger had me on the edge of my seat and left me salivating for more!
Fans of the series, this installment is a must read! This particular book, IMO, is the catalyst that will fuel all future books. With the ending done as it was, this altered path, plunges Maddy’s life past her precipice and into a new phase of untethered wrath.
I strongly recommend this book to fellow dark urban fantasy readers and I can’t wait for next book Black Lament due out 10/30/2012.
I also recommend:
A Perfect Blood (The Hollows, Book 10)
Kissed by Darkness (Sunwalker Saga book 3)
Shadow City (Horngate Witches, book 3)
Immortal Rider (Lords of Deliverance, Book 2)
Sins of the Demon (Kara Gillian series, book 4)
March 9, 2012
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
First, this was a great installment. It had ups and downs and I was tearing up by the end. Speaking of, Ms. Henry, please don't let it be the end! you know of which I speak of. .
I can't wait for the next book. I have a feeling that Maddy is going to be harder.
First, this was a great installment. It had ups and downs and I was tearing up by the end. Speaking of, Ms. Henry, please don't let it be the end! you know of which I speak of. .
I can't wait for the next book. I have a feeling that Maddy is going to be harder.
March 5, 2012
3.5 stars
Madeline black, daughter of Azazel, distant granddaughter to Lucifer and agent of death has chaos wherever she goes. It’s not that she asks for it, it just seems to find her.
With all the power she wields, and the allies she keeps, there are several forces that demand her death. So you can only imagine what hell comes knocking on her door.
Well this book is no different, Maddy and her team of friends and allies must find the local wolf pack and their alpha and find out who's behind the unplanned deaths of several humans. Unknowing the answer for both will be in the same place. As always this is not going to be easy and there may be casualties. But that never stopped Maddy before. She will stop at nothing or no one when she has a goal in mind.
Black Howl is action packed. You are sucked it from page one and set on a rollercoaster ride of action till the end. There are very important events that happen in this installment. I can't give them away, but some are good and some may cause you to hurl the book at the wall! Either way this was a good intense book. Lots of smart ass humor from my favorite gargoyle Beezle. I will of course read the next one but the ending was not at all what I was wanting for this book.
-Athenna
Madeline black, daughter of Azazel, distant granddaughter to Lucifer and agent of death has chaos wherever she goes. It’s not that she asks for it, it just seems to find her.
With all the power she wields, and the allies she keeps, there are several forces that demand her death. So you can only imagine what hell comes knocking on her door.
Well this book is no different, Maddy and her team of friends and allies must find the local wolf pack and their alpha and find out who's behind the unplanned deaths of several humans. Unknowing the answer for both will be in the same place. As always this is not going to be easy and there may be casualties. But that never stopped Maddy before. She will stop at nothing or no one when she has a goal in mind.
Black Howl is action packed. You are sucked it from page one and set on a rollercoaster ride of action till the end. There are very important events that happen in this installment. I can't give them away, but some are good and some may cause you to hurl the book at the wall! Either way this was a good intense book. Lots of smart ass humor from my favorite gargoyle Beezle. I will of course read the next one but the ending was not at all what I was wanting for this book.
-Athenna
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