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Monster Haven #3
Fairies in My Fireplace
A migration of mythical creatures has begun, and more and more of them are landing on Zoey Donovan's doorstep. As the only Aegis left in the country, it falls to her to protect the Hidden and keep them safe—and her house has become a sanctuary for water sprites, goblins, harpies, djinn and more.
Keeping track of her boarders is a full-time job, and Zoey's already got her hands full trying to run her wedding planning business. Good thing she has a resident closet monster to keep her organized, and a hot Reaper boyfriend to help her relax every once in a while.
But she can't keep up monster-triage indefinitely, and as more Hidden arrive, it becomes clear that someone—or something—is hunting them. In the midst of planning an event for a notoriously difficult client, Zoey's got to figure out who's behind the hunt…and she's got to stop them before there are no Hidden left.
86,000 words
Keeping track of her boarders is a full-time job, and Zoey's already got her hands full trying to run her wedding planning business. Good thing she has a resident closet monster to keep her organized, and a hot Reaper boyfriend to help her relax every once in a while.
But she can't keep up monster-triage indefinitely, and as more Hidden arrive, it becomes clear that someone—or something—is hunting them. In the midst of planning an event for a notoriously difficult client, Zoey's got to figure out who's behind the hunt…and she's got to stop them before there are no Hidden left.
86,000 words
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
About the author
R.L. Naquin
32 books279 followersRachel is the author of the urban fantasy Monster Haven series from Carina Press. She believes in magic, the power of love, good cheese, lucky socks, and putting things off until stress gets them done faster at the last minute. Her home is Disneyland, despite her current location in Kansas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 14, 2013
Find the full review with fun links at my MLE and my blog.
Warning: This review will contain spoilers.
First off I want to say that I am trying my hardest not to just squeeee and gush about this book. I will probably fail cause this book was just that good, I just want to point out that I am trying.
This series has easily become one of my top ten favorites, it's a series that I drop all other titles I am reading to pick up the new installment. Possibly to read the whole series again.
These books make me happy, and I just want to shout out to the book world that you really need to read them...really...please...I want people to talk about them with!
Okaaaay, to the book at hand...Fairies in My Fireplace is book three in the Monster Haven series. We start off not too long after Pooka ended. Zoey and the gang are exhausted with the hidden coming to her in droves. Something, or someone in the world is hunting the hidden, and Zoey as the last Aegis is the only refuge.
That is until it comes to town and strikes in her backyard.
There is a ring of Hidden trafficking, and they have one of her own.
This is all I want to say about the main plot like cause it was just so well done, so connected to the first two books that it was pure joy to read.
There were a few new characters in this, and I hope a few stick around for the novels to follow. Kam, how I love you, with your Pat Benatar outfit, exuberant nature, and constant failures to do housework. (Poor, poor Maurice).
The prom dress scene was just so much awesome, it had me giggling like a fool.
Now I want to warn you about the ending. My heart, it was just so much. The feels. There were many. So, so many.
I loved it, and I really hope my friends with too!
Warning: This review will contain spoilers.
First off I want to say that I am trying my hardest not to just squeeee and gush about this book. I will probably fail cause this book was just that good, I just want to point out that I am trying.
This series has easily become one of my top ten favorites, it's a series that I drop all other titles I am reading to pick up the new installment. Possibly to read the whole series again.
These books make me happy, and I just want to shout out to the book world that you really need to read them...really...please...I want people to talk about them with!
Okaaaay, to the book at hand...Fairies in My Fireplace is book three in the Monster Haven series. We start off not too long after Pooka ended. Zoey and the gang are exhausted with the hidden coming to her in droves. Something, or someone in the world is hunting the hidden, and Zoey as the last Aegis is the only refuge.
That is until it comes to town and strikes in her backyard.
There is a ring of Hidden trafficking, and they have one of her own.
This is all I want to say about the main plot like cause it was just so well done, so connected to the first two books that it was pure joy to read.
There were a few new characters in this, and I hope a few stick around for the novels to follow. Kam, how I love you, with your Pat Benatar outfit, exuberant nature, and constant failures to do housework. (Poor, poor Maurice).
The prom dress scene was just so much awesome, it had me giggling like a fool.
Now I want to warn you about the ending. My heart, it was just so much. The feels. There were many. So, so many.
I loved it, and I really hope my friends with too!
May 18, 2017
This might have broken me. :( Loved it though! Full review to come.
*Edited to add review*
I adore this series, it is so much fun with a huge cast of monsters and humans alike that are bound to make you laugh, make you smile, and steal your heart.
It's easy for it to get lost in the huge genre that is urban fantasy but this is one series that truly does need to be seen and read. It stands out with it's lighter moments, humor, friendship, and mystical creatures that sometimes steal the limelight as Zoey goes on adventure after adventure to save the day and of course, the wonderful world that Naquin has created.
With heart felt moments that had me teary eyed and grabbed at the heart strings as well as a slow burning romance and many laugh out loud moments, this continues to be a series that I can't get enough of and will be sad to see it end.
*Edited to add review*
I adore this series, it is so much fun with a huge cast of monsters and humans alike that are bound to make you laugh, make you smile, and steal your heart.
It's easy for it to get lost in the huge genre that is urban fantasy but this is one series that truly does need to be seen and read. It stands out with it's lighter moments, humor, friendship, and mystical creatures that sometimes steal the limelight as Zoey goes on adventure after adventure to save the day and of course, the wonderful world that Naquin has created.
With heart felt moments that had me teary eyed and grabbed at the heart strings as well as a slow burning romance and many laugh out loud moments, this continues to be a series that I can't get enough of and will be sad to see it end.
September 5, 2015
Fairies in My Fireplace is the best book in the Monster Haven series so far. Naquin proves that she has developed from the cute fluff of Monster in My Closet and that she can write a wider emotional range.
Zoey is the last Aegis left, which means that every Hidden comes knocking on her door when they need help. Right now she has her hands full with a harpy on her roof and the goblin children in the living room, but just taking care of them is not enough. Something or someone is hunting the Hidden, and Zoey has to stop it.
Zoey is one of those fun quirky characters that seem to inhabit many chicklit books. She has a weird fashion sense, acts on impulse some times, and is clumsy enough to trip over her own feet. Additionally, she feels obligated to help anyone that comes in her path. Throughout the second book but mainly the third, we're starting to see the downside of Zoey's personality - helping everyone around her means that she stops taking care of herself. In Fairies in My Fireplace she gets exhausted from the increased stream of Hidden coming to her home, and she needs all the help from her friends that she can use.
The shiny, happy world of Monster Haven gained a darker edge in the second book, Pooka in My Pantry. While it didn't completely sit comfortably in that book, the darkness is well-integrated in Fairies in My Fireplace. Some very sad but well-placed things happen in this book. The stakes are raised for the main characters as they find out that they aren't immune to the bad guys.
What's great about these books is that while each book has it's own closed storyline, they all tie in to the greater story arch. In every book we learn more about the world and underlying questions like "what happened to Zoey's mom?" are slowly revealed and answered. I like knowing that by the end of this six-part series, all of these questions will be answered.
Fairies in My Fireplace defies multiple genre conventions for the best - the relationship between Riley and Zoey has very few dramatic hurdles and develops at a realistic pace. Zoey's "non-magical" best friend actually knows about what Zoey does for the Hidden and helps whenever she can. There is rarely any unnecessary drama, which I find incredibly refreshing.
The Monster Haven books keep getting better and better. I have high hopes for the other three books in the series.
Zoey is the last Aegis left, which means that every Hidden comes knocking on her door when they need help. Right now she has her hands full with a harpy on her roof and the goblin children in the living room, but just taking care of them is not enough. Something or someone is hunting the Hidden, and Zoey has to stop it.
Zoey is one of those fun quirky characters that seem to inhabit many chicklit books. She has a weird fashion sense, acts on impulse some times, and is clumsy enough to trip over her own feet. Additionally, she feels obligated to help anyone that comes in her path. Throughout the second book but mainly the third, we're starting to see the downside of Zoey's personality - helping everyone around her means that she stops taking care of herself. In Fairies in My Fireplace she gets exhausted from the increased stream of Hidden coming to her home, and she needs all the help from her friends that she can use.
The shiny, happy world of Monster Haven gained a darker edge in the second book, Pooka in My Pantry. While it didn't completely sit comfortably in that book, the darkness is well-integrated in Fairies in My Fireplace. Some very sad but well-placed things happen in this book. The stakes are raised for the main characters as they find out that they aren't immune to the bad guys.
What's great about these books is that while each book has it's own closed storyline, they all tie in to the greater story arch. In every book we learn more about the world and underlying questions like "what happened to Zoey's mom?" are slowly revealed and answered. I like knowing that by the end of this six-part series, all of these questions will be answered.
Fairies in My Fireplace defies multiple genre conventions for the best - the relationship between Riley and Zoey has very few dramatic hurdles and develops at a realistic pace. Zoey's "non-magical" best friend actually knows about what Zoey does for the Hidden and helps whenever she can. There is rarely any unnecessary drama, which I find incredibly refreshing.
The Monster Haven books keep getting better and better. I have high hopes for the other three books in the series.
January 24, 2018
Fairies is more of everything I've been enjoying about the Monster Haven series so far, light, fun, and engaging with all the characters we've come to love. If you've been reading Zoey's story up until now there's nothing in this third book that will disappoint you.
I'm not personally happy with how one of the end pieces played out, though I know it was done to try and keep you reading into the next book it felt contrived and unnecessary, that particular plot point could have played out either way and I still would have been engaged enough to pick up the next book. While I'm not loving this bit, it's not enough to dampen my overall enjoyment of the story and the world of the Hidden, so on to book 4!
I'm not personally happy with how one of the end pieces played out, though I know it was done to try and keep you reading into the next book it felt contrived and unnecessary, that particular plot point could have played out either way and I still would have been engaged enough to pick up the next book. While I'm not loving this bit, it's not enough to dampen my overall enjoyment of the story and the world of the Hidden, so on to book 4!
August 26, 2013
We first met the wonderful, charming and quirky wedding planner Zoey in Monster in My Closet, where she was dealing with a lot in her life. Not only did she and her business partner (and BFF) have to plan The Wedding of the year – Councilwoman Alma Dickson daughter was getting married – but Zoey got a visit from a Monster Closet; Maurice. And to make matters worse… An incubus is in town, hunting. His ultimate target? Zoey. But not until he’s gone after each and every woman close to Zoey.
In Pooka in My Pantry, Zoey got her hands full… again. A Pooka comes waltzing into Zoey’s house, acts like it’s a Hotel – and forgets to wear pants (o.O) A Leprechaun Mafia is in Town targeting everyone with a hint of Hidden Blood in them, creatures starts to come to Zoey for help, secrets is being spilled and Zoey’s worst nightmare comes into reality when she realizes her mother’s disappearance years ago wasn’t what anyone thought it was.
Now in Fairies in My Fireplace, Zoey is back, with all of her friends; Maurice – the Closet Monster who loves to cook and clean (and is really, really good at it – can’t you persuade him to come by my home Rachel? Pretty Please?), Andrew and Milo – Zoey’s good friend, herbalist and his little fox, Sara – Zoey’s BFF and business Partner, Iris – Zoey’s bodyguard and a skunkape, not to forget Riley – a Reaper and Zoey’s boyfriend. And how can I forget all the new ones? A yeti, Djinn, Merman and a Mothman!
Things are looking more dire this time. The Hidden(magical creatures) are being targeted, they are disappearing. Nobody knows why. Not even Bernice who is the head of the Hidden Board (well, the only one LEFT) knows what is happening. All they know is that Hidden from all over the US is disappearing, including the Aegis. (The Aegis is a… well, kinda of a caretaker for the Hidden. It’s where all the Hidden go when they need help.) Right now, Zoey is the ONLY functioning Aegis in the ENTIRE US. Can you guess what happens? Yup. Every Hidden creature that needs help in one way or another finds their way to Zoey’s soon very crowded home. But where do the Aegis go for help when she is attacked and her friends are kidnapped? Time is running short and Zoey is desperate to find her friends before it’s too late.
I fell in love with Rachel’s Monster Haven Series from the first book; Monster in My Closet. I fell even harder when I read the sequel; Pooka in My Pantry. Having just finished the third book in the series; Fairies in My Fireplace… I’m finding myself utterly engulfed by this amazing tale. I’m addicted, and PROUD of it. Opening a book written by Rachel is like stepping into a world you know and love, and yet nothing is the same. Something new is always happening, something different, and Rachel is sooo damn good at delivering everything you wanted and what you didn’t know you were looking for.
I have no words to describe Fairies in My Fireplace. I loved it. It broke my f*cking heart, and I still wouldn’t want it any other way. Each and every time I open a Monster Haven Series Book, I’m getting a new, a wonderful and absolutely amazing adventure. Fairies in My Fireplace is no different than the rest of the series, although this one is more emotional, more heartbreaking than the previous two. I still love it. It made me cry, made me smile, made my heart jump and made me want to reach into the book and hug them all… it was an amazing read. I loved Monster in My Closet, I really did, Pooka in My Pantry made me so furious (on the bad guys), made me laugh out loud several times, and I loved it even more than Monster in My Closet, and now… Fairies in My Fireplace is even better than Monster in MY Closet and Pooka in My Pantry. Believe it or not. I loved every second of this book and couldn’t put it down.
If you haven’t read this series, then you’re seriously missing out on a wonderful, amazing, freaking awesome adventure – and you really should get yourself a copy… like NOW!
In Pooka in My Pantry, Zoey got her hands full… again. A Pooka comes waltzing into Zoey’s house, acts like it’s a Hotel – and forgets to wear pants (o.O) A Leprechaun Mafia is in Town targeting everyone with a hint of Hidden Blood in them, creatures starts to come to Zoey for help, secrets is being spilled and Zoey’s worst nightmare comes into reality when she realizes her mother’s disappearance years ago wasn’t what anyone thought it was.
Now in Fairies in My Fireplace, Zoey is back, with all of her friends; Maurice – the Closet Monster who loves to cook and clean (and is really, really good at it – can’t you persuade him to come by my home Rachel? Pretty Please?), Andrew and Milo – Zoey’s good friend, herbalist and his little fox, Sara – Zoey’s BFF and business Partner, Iris – Zoey’s bodyguard and a skunkape, not to forget Riley – a Reaper and Zoey’s boyfriend. And how can I forget all the new ones? A yeti, Djinn, Merman and a Mothman!
Things are looking more dire this time. The Hidden(magical creatures) are being targeted, they are disappearing. Nobody knows why. Not even Bernice who is the head of the Hidden Board (well, the only one LEFT) knows what is happening. All they know is that Hidden from all over the US is disappearing, including the Aegis. (The Aegis is a… well, kinda of a caretaker for the Hidden. It’s where all the Hidden go when they need help.) Right now, Zoey is the ONLY functioning Aegis in the ENTIRE US. Can you guess what happens? Yup. Every Hidden creature that needs help in one way or another finds their way to Zoey’s soon very crowded home. But where do the Aegis go for help when she is attacked and her friends are kidnapped? Time is running short and Zoey is desperate to find her friends before it’s too late.
I fell in love with Rachel’s Monster Haven Series from the first book; Monster in My Closet. I fell even harder when I read the sequel; Pooka in My Pantry. Having just finished the third book in the series; Fairies in My Fireplace… I’m finding myself utterly engulfed by this amazing tale. I’m addicted, and PROUD of it. Opening a book written by Rachel is like stepping into a world you know and love, and yet nothing is the same. Something new is always happening, something different, and Rachel is sooo damn good at delivering everything you wanted and what you didn’t know you were looking for.
I have no words to describe Fairies in My Fireplace. I loved it. It broke my f*cking heart, and I still wouldn’t want it any other way. Each and every time I open a Monster Haven Series Book, I’m getting a new, a wonderful and absolutely amazing adventure. Fairies in My Fireplace is no different than the rest of the series, although this one is more emotional, more heartbreaking than the previous two. I still love it. It made me cry, made me smile, made my heart jump and made me want to reach into the book and hug them all… it was an amazing read. I loved Monster in My Closet, I really did, Pooka in My Pantry made me so furious (on the bad guys), made me laugh out loud several times, and I loved it even more than Monster in My Closet, and now… Fairies in My Fireplace is even better than Monster in MY Closet and Pooka in My Pantry. Believe it or not. I loved every second of this book and couldn’t put it down.
If you haven’t read this series, then you’re seriously missing out on a wonderful, amazing, freaking awesome adventure – and you really should get yourself a copy… like NOW!
October 8, 2013
I received Fairies in My Fireplace in return for an honest review from the publisher Carina Press via Netgalley. This is the third installment in the Monster Haven series. Even though Zoey is learning to be a better Aegis she still has her moments when she loses her shields and is smothered by the Hidden around hers emotions. As a Aegis it is Zoey’s job to protect the Hidden but now they are showing up in waves with loved ones being kidnapped. As if finding the missing Hidden isn't enough she also has to set up another event for the evil Mrs. Alma Dickenson.
Thankfully Zoey won’t have to go it alone she has the help of her closet monster, best friend, boyfriend and even a few new Hidden friends. When a stranger shows up in town a Mothman who’s the one who sent her the Pooka he knows more then he’s telling but isn't willing to share. When Iris her skunk-ape bodyguard is taken they learn that a collector is going to have an auction. It just so happen’s that Alma happens to be also hosting The Collectors Auction which will give the group the chance to save everyone or be captured.
Zoey is a protector of the Hidden she’s just new to it so it’s been a learning process. Zoey has always been one of my favorite characters. She stole my heart in the first book and just keeps getting better with age. She’s a kick-ass-character who Is willing to risk it all for the Hidden and her friends. I love all the characters in the story, they enhance the story is such a positive way.
When I saw Fairies in My Fireplace I just knew I couldn't wait and had to request a copy right away. I love the unique concept for of Zoey as protector for the supernatural. I’m an addict for the supernatural and this book is loaded with all kinds of Hidden that go bump in the night. I keep looking in my closet hoping to find my own special closet monster. So far no luck yet but maybe one day I will find one who cooks as good as Maurice. I was instantly captivated by the book I had a hard time putting it down but sleep overtook me so I finished first thing this morning. From start to finish a emotional roller coaster filled with action, romance, danger, humor and bad guys. The characters are engaging; they steal your heart, mess with your emotions and you can’t help falling in love with them. The story is well written filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing till the end only to leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book I want to know what’s going to happen next. I can’t even begin to imagine what she has living in her house next. One of my top 5 must read series.
Thankfully Zoey won’t have to go it alone she has the help of her closet monster, best friend, boyfriend and even a few new Hidden friends. When a stranger shows up in town a Mothman who’s the one who sent her the Pooka he knows more then he’s telling but isn't willing to share. When Iris her skunk-ape bodyguard is taken they learn that a collector is going to have an auction. It just so happen’s that Alma happens to be also hosting The Collectors Auction which will give the group the chance to save everyone or be captured.
Zoey is a protector of the Hidden she’s just new to it so it’s been a learning process. Zoey has always been one of my favorite characters. She stole my heart in the first book and just keeps getting better with age. She’s a kick-ass-character who Is willing to risk it all for the Hidden and her friends. I love all the characters in the story, they enhance the story is such a positive way.
When I saw Fairies in My Fireplace I just knew I couldn't wait and had to request a copy right away. I love the unique concept for of Zoey as protector for the supernatural. I’m an addict for the supernatural and this book is loaded with all kinds of Hidden that go bump in the night. I keep looking in my closet hoping to find my own special closet monster. So far no luck yet but maybe one day I will find one who cooks as good as Maurice. I was instantly captivated by the book I had a hard time putting it down but sleep overtook me so I finished first thing this morning. From start to finish a emotional roller coaster filled with action, romance, danger, humor and bad guys. The characters are engaging; they steal your heart, mess with your emotions and you can’t help falling in love with them. The story is well written filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing till the end only to leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book I want to know what’s going to happen next. I can’t even begin to imagine what she has living in her house next. One of my top 5 must read series.
September 2, 2013
Review from Backchatting Books
I’m going to start this review by confessing that I’m biased. I love this series. It’s underlying sweetness radiates outwards and gives you the warm and fuzzies. Zoey Donovan is having a wee bit of trouble at home. The Hidden have invaded her house in large numbers with tales of friends and family that have gone missing. As Zoey’s the only Aegis left, they are looking to her for guidance and protection. Someone is hunting them and Zoey’s determined to put a stop to it.
Zoey may have absolutely no fashion sense (just look at the cover for proof) but she is tough, resourceful and caring. She has empathic abilities which makes it easy for her to connect with humans, animals and the Hidden. Managing her real life job and role as the Aegis is much tougher and something will have to give soon. Thank goodness her relationship with Riley the Reaper continues to evolve as she spends so much time helping others, she needs a hot guy in her quarter that just wants her because she’s Zoey and not because of her Aegis abilities.
The zany Hidden characters continue to delight in their quirky mannerisms and they provide the majority of the humour. Naquin takes the time to round out their back stories which makes them truly come to life. Molly the brownie is a prime example as over the last three novels we have watched her leave her husband Walter because he was abusive, reunite with him once he gave up alcohol and become pregnant. It might be a simple tale but when you multiply that with other Hidden creatures, you have a very robust world. This time round we have Kam whose a djinn and Darius, a mothman. Yep, that’s right. The latter’s abilities are just a little freaky and I hope he sticks around in future novels. Maurice the closet monster remains an absolute delight.
The pace of this novel is frenetic and like Zoey, I was exhausted by the end. "Fairies in My Fireplace" is also slightly darker in tone as the stakes have been raised. There was a particular scene where a beloved character exits stage left that brought tears to my eyes. Sniff. The climax and denouement were executed well. I appreciate that Naquin has slowly expanded her world, exposing us to bigger issues than a sea serpent going into labour.
"Fairies in My Fireplace" is an absolute delight but please start with the first, "Monster in My Closet", so you can track Zoey’s journey and don’t miss out on any of the good stuff.
I’m going to start this review by confessing that I’m biased. I love this series. It’s underlying sweetness radiates outwards and gives you the warm and fuzzies. Zoey Donovan is having a wee bit of trouble at home. The Hidden have invaded her house in large numbers with tales of friends and family that have gone missing. As Zoey’s the only Aegis left, they are looking to her for guidance and protection. Someone is hunting them and Zoey’s determined to put a stop to it.
Zoey may have absolutely no fashion sense (just look at the cover for proof) but she is tough, resourceful and caring. She has empathic abilities which makes it easy for her to connect with humans, animals and the Hidden. Managing her real life job and role as the Aegis is much tougher and something will have to give soon. Thank goodness her relationship with Riley the Reaper continues to evolve as she spends so much time helping others, she needs a hot guy in her quarter that just wants her because she’s Zoey and not because of her Aegis abilities.
The zany Hidden characters continue to delight in their quirky mannerisms and they provide the majority of the humour. Naquin takes the time to round out their back stories which makes them truly come to life. Molly the brownie is a prime example as over the last three novels we have watched her leave her husband Walter because he was abusive, reunite with him once he gave up alcohol and become pregnant. It might be a simple tale but when you multiply that with other Hidden creatures, you have a very robust world. This time round we have Kam whose a djinn and Darius, a mothman. Yep, that’s right. The latter’s abilities are just a little freaky and I hope he sticks around in future novels. Maurice the closet monster remains an absolute delight.
The pace of this novel is frenetic and like Zoey, I was exhausted by the end. "Fairies in My Fireplace" is also slightly darker in tone as the stakes have been raised. There was a particular scene where a beloved character exits stage left that brought tears to my eyes. Sniff. The climax and denouement were executed well. I appreciate that Naquin has slowly expanded her world, exposing us to bigger issues than a sea serpent going into labour.
"Fairies in My Fireplace" is an absolute delight but please start with the first, "Monster in My Closet", so you can track Zoey’s journey and don’t miss out on any of the good stuff.
August 31, 2016
Questa serie non delude.
Come i precedenti, anche questo romanzo è carico di brio, sarcasmo e avventura. Ok, forse per quanto riguarda l’azione non è stato altrettanto brillante, ma in compenso è pieno, ma proprio pieno zeppo di creature di ogni sorta.
Anche la trama mi è piaciuta molto.
Questa volta Zoey deve vedersela con qualcosa di molto pericoloso e, dato che è l’unica Aegis rimasta in circolazione, solo lei può aiutare i Nascosti e indagare sulle recenti sparizioni che stanno portando scompiglio nel loro mondo.
Ma non sarà sola.
A darle man forte ci sarà il leale Maurice, pronto a sfornare quintali di torte per i momenti di crisi; Sara, la sua migliore amica e Riley, nonché sexy Mietitore e suo boyfriend. Non dimentichiamoci di Andrew, che ormai è diventato il dottore delle fate, e anche Milo sta bene. Ogni volta che compare mi viene voglia di spupazzare qualcosa.
A completare la squadra, ci saranno due new entry. La prima è Kam, una Djinn scappata dal suo padrone. Anche se non è in grado di usare i suoi poteri, farà di tutto per dare una mano, portando anche un bel po' di scompiglio a casa di Zoey. Sarà anche la prima a toccare un tasto dolente, ovvero la vita sessuale della padrona di casa. E indovinate un po'? Suonino le trombe, finalmente è accaduto! Meglio tardi che mai o a Riley venivano i complessi. L’ultimo a comparire è Darius. Quest’omone non è solo un cacciatore di anime freelance e un uomo falena, ma è stato colui che ha spedito il Puka a Zoey nel precedente volume con l’intento di proteggerla. Eh sì, anche se i suoi modi sono sgarbati, Darius ci tiene a lei perché è…
L’amante della mammina scomparsa.
Penso che a Zoey si sia slogata la mascella quando l’ha saputo.
Comunque, queste sparizioni non sono causali e sembrano legate alla scomparsa degli Aegis e… alla sfilata di beneficenza organizzata da quell’odiosa di Alma.
A quanto sembra, c’è una figura misteriosa in circolazione conosciuta come la Banditrice, che vende ai ricchi annoiati i Nascosti in aste private. Zoey e gli altri metteranno in atto un piano per imbucarsi all’asta di cui Alma è responsabile per salvare i loro amici scomparsi, ma le sorprese e i sacrifici non mancheranno.
La fine di questo romanzo è una stretta al cuore, un pugno di feels e spero che il prossimo non sia da meno. Non con la cara madre sbucata fuori all’improvviso e subito persa.
Quello che è certo, è che ne vedremo delle belle.
Pollici in su per Zoey che minaccia e dà dell’idiota ad Alma.
Come i precedenti, anche questo romanzo è carico di brio, sarcasmo e avventura. Ok, forse per quanto riguarda l’azione non è stato altrettanto brillante, ma in compenso è pieno, ma proprio pieno zeppo di creature di ogni sorta.
Anche la trama mi è piaciuta molto.
Questa volta Zoey deve vedersela con qualcosa di molto pericoloso e, dato che è l’unica Aegis rimasta in circolazione, solo lei può aiutare i Nascosti e indagare sulle recenti sparizioni che stanno portando scompiglio nel loro mondo.
Ma non sarà sola.
A darle man forte ci sarà il leale Maurice, pronto a sfornare quintali di torte per i momenti di crisi; Sara, la sua migliore amica e Riley, nonché sexy Mietitore e suo boyfriend. Non dimentichiamoci di Andrew, che ormai è diventato il dottore delle fate, e anche Milo sta bene. Ogni volta che compare mi viene voglia di spupazzare qualcosa.
A completare la squadra, ci saranno due new entry. La prima è Kam, una Djinn scappata dal suo padrone. Anche se non è in grado di usare i suoi poteri, farà di tutto per dare una mano, portando anche un bel po' di scompiglio a casa di Zoey. Sarà anche la prima a toccare un tasto dolente, ovvero la vita sessuale della padrona di casa. E indovinate un po'? Suonino le trombe, finalmente è accaduto! Meglio tardi che mai o a Riley venivano i complessi. L’ultimo a comparire è Darius. Quest’omone non è solo un cacciatore di anime freelance e un uomo falena, ma è stato colui che ha spedito il Puka a Zoey nel precedente volume con l’intento di proteggerla. Eh sì, anche se i suoi modi sono sgarbati, Darius ci tiene a lei perché è…
L’amante della mammina scomparsa.
Penso che a Zoey si sia slogata la mascella quando l’ha saputo.
Comunque, queste sparizioni non sono causali e sembrano legate alla scomparsa degli Aegis e… alla sfilata di beneficenza organizzata da quell’odiosa di Alma.
A quanto sembra, c’è una figura misteriosa in circolazione conosciuta come la Banditrice, che vende ai ricchi annoiati i Nascosti in aste private. Zoey e gli altri metteranno in atto un piano per imbucarsi all’asta di cui Alma è responsabile per salvare i loro amici scomparsi, ma le sorprese e i sacrifici non mancheranno.
La fine di questo romanzo è una stretta al cuore, un pugno di feels e spero che il prossimo non sia da meno. Non con la cara madre sbucata fuori all’improvviso e subito persa.
Quello che è certo, è che ne vedremo delle belle.
Pollici in su per Zoey che minaccia e dà dell’idiota ad Alma.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 3, 2013
I just love the world R. L. Naquin creates in her Monster Haven series. So many series lose their luster after the first or second book; however, this is not the case with this series. "Fairies in My Fireplace" is proof that this series just keeps getting better and better.
Zoey has been adjusting fairly well to her new life as Aegis, protector of monsters. However, when a large influx of monsters enters her home seeking asylum everyone knows that something wicked this way comes. Soon it is quite clear that monsters are being kidnapped; but, the question is by whom?
Our favorite evil City Counsel woman, Alma,is back in all her glory. This time she wants Zoey and Sara to plan a charity fashion show benefiting a shelter for women and children. Additionally, Sara has another job for the girls, planning a auction of a different sort. After meeting with Alma at her pretentious home, Zoey realizes that there are fairies being keep hostage in her garden dying slowly due to iron poisoning. Zoey talks Alma into removing the iron cages and she vows to come back and release them.
Riley, Zoey's EMT/reaper boyfriend is back from visiting the Council and proves that he missed her. He cannot believe all of the harpies, Djinn, hell hounds and dust devils living at Zoey's house. One of the members of the Aegis council, Darius shows up and Zoey discovers he is a mothman. He informs her that she is the only remaining Aegis who has not been kidnapped. He demands she goes with him but Riley is having none of that! Soon, Riley and Zoey are doing the horizontal mumbo much to everyone's relief.
This installment has a mucho action, humor and of course our favorite chef, Maurice, the closet monster. I have to tell you though, my heart almost broke at the loss of one of my other favorite characters. For every loss, there is a new opportunity, right? So, the future gleams bright for the next book in the series. I for one cannot wait.
If I had a criticism, it would be that the love between Riley and Zoey was a little too sweet. After making us wait for them to hook up, I was expecting a really "hot" love fest. All we got was a sweet sizzle. It was nice but it could have been great! With that said, do not wait a minute, pick up this series starting with the first book, "Monster in My Closet." You will absolutely fall in love with it.
Zoey has been adjusting fairly well to her new life as Aegis, protector of monsters. However, when a large influx of monsters enters her home seeking asylum everyone knows that something wicked this way comes. Soon it is quite clear that monsters are being kidnapped; but, the question is by whom?
Our favorite evil City Counsel woman, Alma,is back in all her glory. This time she wants Zoey and Sara to plan a charity fashion show benefiting a shelter for women and children. Additionally, Sara has another job for the girls, planning a auction of a different sort. After meeting with Alma at her pretentious home, Zoey realizes that there are fairies being keep hostage in her garden dying slowly due to iron poisoning. Zoey talks Alma into removing the iron cages and she vows to come back and release them.
Riley, Zoey's EMT/reaper boyfriend is back from visiting the Council and proves that he missed her. He cannot believe all of the harpies, Djinn, hell hounds and dust devils living at Zoey's house. One of the members of the Aegis council, Darius shows up and Zoey discovers he is a mothman. He informs her that she is the only remaining Aegis who has not been kidnapped. He demands she goes with him but Riley is having none of that! Soon, Riley and Zoey are doing the horizontal mumbo much to everyone's relief.
This installment has a mucho action, humor and of course our favorite chef, Maurice, the closet monster. I have to tell you though, my heart almost broke at the loss of one of my other favorite characters. For every loss, there is a new opportunity, right? So, the future gleams bright for the next book in the series. I for one cannot wait.
If I had a criticism, it would be that the love between Riley and Zoey was a little too sweet. After making us wait for them to hook up, I was expecting a really "hot" love fest. All we got was a sweet sizzle. It was nice but it could have been great! With that said, do not wait a minute, pick up this series starting with the first book, "Monster in My Closet." You will absolutely fall in love with it.
September 16, 2013
Review Courtesy of All Things Urban Fantasy
Every time I open up a Monster Haven book I fall in love again with these quirky, loveable characters and this exciting crazy world. FAIRIES IN MY FIREPLACE comes with more fast paced action, humorous dialogue and dangerous new bad guys. Zoey continues to be a brilliant and hilarious heroine with a very questionable dress sense. Basically, she’s someone I would become fast friends with if she were real.
In FAIRIES IN MY FIRERPLACE, Zoey has a lot more on her plate with more mythological creatures coming to her house for her Aegis protection. This creates a more frenetically paced story that had me feeling just as tired as Zoey at times. I liked that there was no lull in the action or character antics as it really helped to amp up the tension and keep the story from getting too stale.
Along with more characters helping to deepen the worldbuilding, is the expansion of the overarching storyline which has slowly become even more dire and serious for everyone. FAIRIES IN MY FIREPLACE definately adds some creepiness to the plot with the revelation of the antagonist’s methods for capturing and using monsters. While the plot has gotten a little darker there is an excellent balance of lightness and darkness in FAIRIES IN MY FIREPLACE that I was found myself laughing and then tearing up a few pages later. Yes, there is some heartbreak in this story and I was shocked at what happened and kept on hoping against hope it wasn’t true.
Aside from the roller coaster of emotions I felt reading this book there is a lot of hope and great adventure awaiting Zoey and her friends in the future. I continue to absolutely unabashedly gush over the Monster Haven series and impatiently look forward to GOLEM IN MY GLOVEBOX coming out in 2014 by Carina Press.
Sexual Content: mildly graphic sex scene
Every time I open up a Monster Haven book I fall in love again with these quirky, loveable characters and this exciting crazy world. FAIRIES IN MY FIREPLACE comes with more fast paced action, humorous dialogue and dangerous new bad guys. Zoey continues to be a brilliant and hilarious heroine with a very questionable dress sense. Basically, she’s someone I would become fast friends with if she were real.
In FAIRIES IN MY FIRERPLACE, Zoey has a lot more on her plate with more mythological creatures coming to her house for her Aegis protection. This creates a more frenetically paced story that had me feeling just as tired as Zoey at times. I liked that there was no lull in the action or character antics as it really helped to amp up the tension and keep the story from getting too stale.
Along with more characters helping to deepen the worldbuilding, is the expansion of the overarching storyline which has slowly become even more dire and serious for everyone. FAIRIES IN MY FIREPLACE definately adds some creepiness to the plot with the revelation of the antagonist’s methods for capturing and using monsters. While the plot has gotten a little darker there is an excellent balance of lightness and darkness in FAIRIES IN MY FIREPLACE that I was found myself laughing and then tearing up a few pages later. Yes, there is some heartbreak in this story and I was shocked at what happened and kept on hoping against hope it wasn’t true.
Aside from the roller coaster of emotions I felt reading this book there is a lot of hope and great adventure awaiting Zoey and her friends in the future. I continue to absolutely unabashedly gush over the Monster Haven series and impatiently look forward to GOLEM IN MY GLOVEBOX coming out in 2014 by Carina Press.
Sexual Content: mildly graphic sex scene
September 2, 2013
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
When I read the synopsis of the book and saw the cover, there was no doubt in my mind that I was reading it. I haven't read the first two books in the Monster Haven series, but you can bet that I will after how much I enjoyed this one. Make me cry and I may remember a book for a little while; make me laugh repeatedly, and I'm a devoted fan for life. I love the whole premise behind the Monster Haven series. Fairies in My Fireplace is exciting and so much fun to read.
Zoey is an Aegis, a protector of the Hidden - monsters and mythological creatures of all shapes and sizes. I love Zoey's character. She's a strong female protagonist, with a great sense of humor, and fashion sense I can totally get behind. Zoey is a breath of fresh air in a world where so many protagonists take themselves a little too seriously. Romantic interest Riley is a reaper and a paramedic. I suppose the two could go hand in hand. I love Riley, he's such a great character: handsome, sweet, intelligent, and completely devoted to Zoey.
The secondary characters are many and are really what moves the book from good to great. Maurice, the closet monster, is fantastic...I wish he'd move in with me to manage my household. Iris, a skunk-ape, guards Zoey's property. Kam, an escaped Djinn, seeks sanctuary with Zoey after she escapes her cruel master. Sara, Zoey's best friend and business partner, is a perfect foil for Zoey's more over the top ways. Darius, a mothman but not the Mothman, is creepy and cool at the same time. These characters are not just thrown in; they come with backstory and personalities that leap off the pages.
Fairies in My Fireplace is difficult to put down once started. The pacing just keeps the reader turning the pages. I recommend this book to everyone 17+ that enjoys an endearing urban fantasy with memorable characters and an exciting plot.
When I read the synopsis of the book and saw the cover, there was no doubt in my mind that I was reading it. I haven't read the first two books in the Monster Haven series, but you can bet that I will after how much I enjoyed this one. Make me cry and I may remember a book for a little while; make me laugh repeatedly, and I'm a devoted fan for life. I love the whole premise behind the Monster Haven series. Fairies in My Fireplace is exciting and so much fun to read.
Zoey is an Aegis, a protector of the Hidden - monsters and mythological creatures of all shapes and sizes. I love Zoey's character. She's a strong female protagonist, with a great sense of humor, and fashion sense I can totally get behind. Zoey is a breath of fresh air in a world where so many protagonists take themselves a little too seriously. Romantic interest Riley is a reaper and a paramedic. I suppose the two could go hand in hand. I love Riley, he's such a great character: handsome, sweet, intelligent, and completely devoted to Zoey.
The secondary characters are many and are really what moves the book from good to great. Maurice, the closet monster, is fantastic...I wish he'd move in with me to manage my household. Iris, a skunk-ape, guards Zoey's property. Kam, an escaped Djinn, seeks sanctuary with Zoey after she escapes her cruel master. Sara, Zoey's best friend and business partner, is a perfect foil for Zoey's more over the top ways. Darius, a mothman but not the Mothman, is creepy and cool at the same time. These characters are not just thrown in; they come with backstory and personalities that leap off the pages.
Fairies in My Fireplace is difficult to put down once started. The pacing just keeps the reader turning the pages. I recommend this book to everyone 17+ that enjoys an endearing urban fantasy with memorable characters and an exciting plot.
September 3, 2013
*NO SPOILERS
Zoey is back! The Monster Haven series is so great and R.L. Naquin has created such a compelling and interesting world that I can't help to look forward to the next adventure.
On my Pooka In My Pantry review I mentioned how well balanced the lighter and darker side of these novels. That is specially true with Fairies in My Fireplace, where I found myself laughing and crying throughout the novel.
I love the Hidden Monsters R.L. Naquin has added to this incredible world and I utterly enjoyed how much Zoey has evolved ever since Monster In My Closet, She is a great heroine.
In Fairies in My Fireplace Zoey has a great support system in her friends, bue something strange is going on in the Hidden World and because Zoey is an Aegis, it's in her hand and her friends' to figure out what is going on.
I really enjoyed the plot in Fairies in My Fireplace it was fun and creepy all at the same time. What more could I have asked for in an Urban Fantasy novel?
If you enjoy UF novels with a lighter vein but full of heart, this is deffinitely the series for you!
Zoey is back! The Monster Haven series is so great and R.L. Naquin has created such a compelling and interesting world that I can't help to look forward to the next adventure.
On my Pooka In My Pantry review I mentioned how well balanced the lighter and darker side of these novels. That is specially true with Fairies in My Fireplace, where I found myself laughing and crying throughout the novel.
I love the Hidden Monsters R.L. Naquin has added to this incredible world and I utterly enjoyed how much Zoey has evolved ever since Monster In My Closet, She is a great heroine.
In Fairies in My Fireplace Zoey has a great support system in her friends, bue something strange is going on in the Hidden World and because Zoey is an Aegis, it's in her hand and her friends' to figure out what is going on.
I really enjoyed the plot in Fairies in My Fireplace it was fun and creepy all at the same time. What more could I have asked for in an Urban Fantasy novel?
If you enjoy UF novels with a lighter vein but full of heart, this is deffinitely the series for you!
September 3, 2013
Cross posted to Amazon, spoilerish items ahead.
This series starts with Monster in my Closet - I'd bet Fairies could be read as a stand alone, but I'd recommend starting with the first book just because they're THAT GOOD.
This installment sees Zoey growing in confidence and ability as an Aegis, even as she's overwhelmed with all the baggage that comes with her role in life. Cool characters reappear, cool characters pass out of the story and new friends emerge and despite the sheer amount of world building, it's impossible not to love every single character.
This series is a perpetual favourite/reread, can't recommend enough.
This series starts with Monster in my Closet - I'd bet Fairies could be read as a stand alone, but I'd recommend starting with the first book just because they're THAT GOOD.
This installment sees Zoey growing in confidence and ability as an Aegis, even as she's overwhelmed with all the baggage that comes with her role in life. Cool characters reappear, cool characters pass out of the story and new friends emerge and despite the sheer amount of world building, it's impossible not to love every single character.
This series is a perpetual favourite/reread, can't recommend enough.
September 4, 2015
I'd got up to 4½♥ on this, and can I get a 'hell, yeah!' on the steamy reaper action!?! I've been thoroughlly enchanted by this series, and can't wait until they get book #4 on audio. I'm really excited about the series-long story that is still going on, and the individual book stories. It was nice to learn more about the hidden, and though it was bittersweet, I liked how 'real' the story played out. It wasn't all happiness, rainbows, and light... even in the world of fae and jinn and closet monsters, there can be dark times, troubles, and sorrows.
Also, I totally dig Zoey's snark. It's one of the best things about this series!
Also, I totally dig Zoey's snark. It's one of the best things about this series!
January 27, 2016
Bello bello bello, sempre divertente, capace di rubarti una risata e al tempo stesso una lacrimuccia.
Zoey sta crescendo, sta prendendo consapevolezza del suo ruolo e confidenza coi suoi poteri, sperimentando e andando un po' a tentoni.
Consiglio veramente di dare una chance a questa serie se si ha un minimo di interesse per l'urban fantasy, dopotutto non ci sono melense scene d'amore o trombate ogni 3 x 2 (anzi, direi che siamo sul casto spinto ed era ora!!!), in compenso ci sono un sacco di mostri, anche non familiari...
Zoey sta crescendo, sta prendendo consapevolezza del suo ruolo e confidenza coi suoi poteri, sperimentando e andando un po' a tentoni.
Consiglio veramente di dare una chance a questa serie se si ha un minimo di interesse per l'urban fantasy, dopotutto non ci sono melense scene d'amore o trombate ogni 3 x 2 (anzi, direi che siamo sul casto spinto ed era ora!!!), in compenso ci sono un sacco di mostri, anche non familiari...
January 2, 2015
As a previous reviewer said, every book in this series so far has been delightful, pure escapism! In fact, I have to admit, I cried a bit at the end of this one.
I'm looking forward to reading whatever else this author writes.
I'm looking forward to reading whatever else this author writes.
September 21, 2013
I am so in love with this series. What's next?
March 8, 2016
Questa saga non delude!
Divertente e folle, eppure a tratti e' capace di spezzarti il cuore.
Consigliatissimo
Divertente e folle, eppure a tratti e' capace di spezzarti il cuore.
Consigliatissimo
August 19, 2018
3.5/5. I didn't like this book as much as the others though it did have a good story. Things are starting to get a bit bogged down though by the end of this book things had decluttered a fair bit. I'm surprise that a character had been killed off considering that character had been in a part of the story since the very first book. I'm still planning to keep reading the series for now.
September 1, 2017
I am too tearful and warmed simultaneously to properly review this one but, suffice to say, these books get better and better and more intricate as they go. And, let's face it, I don't really do proper reviews anyway.
August 17, 2019
Wonderful series!
Fabulous characters that follow through out the series and great plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this series and author.
Fabulous characters that follow through out the series and great plot twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this series and author.
July 30, 2017
Probably the one I enjoyed most so far. I like the Hidden universe!
November 3, 2013
~* 3.5 Stars *~
Fun Times with Zoey's Friends
Inveterate wedding planner by day and sole Aegis in the whole of the country by night...and day...and, well, every moment in between, Zoey Donovan is feeling the strain of the growing needs of the Hidden who are showing up at her door. The influx of magical, mystical, and beastly traffic has gotten so bad that even with the help of her closet monster Maurice and several other good friends of both the human and Hidden variety she's just barely squeaking by.
With a dire message about impending doom looming on the horizon and refugees with tales of Hidden loved ones being abducted, it's quite clear that things are just going to get worse. Something is coming. Something bad. And if the pattern of the mass exodus of Hidden and reports of the missing bear out, that something is heading right for the only Aegis left who can do anything at all to stop it...if it doesn't stop her first.
~*~
I'm a huge fan of this series. I love the world and I couldn't be happier with the wide array of wildly colorful and eminently lovable characters. Zoey is quirky and fun and one of the more unique heroines I've read in urban fantasy, but it's really the secondary characters who have stolen my heart. Closet monster Maurice in particular and the rest of Zoey's crazy coterie of friends in general elevate each book and make almost every single moment of each one of them a real good time to read.
I can't say this was my favorite of the three books, though. It started a little slow for me. Despite my rabid adoration of the veritable cornucopia of Hidden misfits who find their way to Zoey's home, I felt the development and execution of the story's main plot conflict got off to a rocky and anemic start in the first half of the book. For the first time in the series, I felt my attention waning more than once, wondering when the meat of the plot was going to really get going.
Fortunately it does get going, and when it does, there are several intense, action-packed, emotional moments (one of which broke my heart) and a couple of big developments that helped broaden and deepen the series plot arc. There's some very solid and highly entertaining storytelling going on in this book, for sure. I just I felt like the story tread water for too long before all that goodness really started.
I also can't say I cared for the return of a character we met in the first book. I wouldn't call Councilwoman Alma Dickson a Big Bad, really. She wasn't the story's main antagonist in this book any more than she was in the first, but she was just as big a tertiary source of conflict in this one as she was before. That felt a little too much like double-dipping into the character pool for me to really appreciate the conflict with her here.
On a brighter note, this is the first time in the series that I didn't have issues with Riley, Zoey's main squeeze. I haven't been impressed with him in the series to date, and still can't say he thrills me as Zoey's romantic interest, but he played a larger role in this one than in either of the previous books and I didn't mind having him around at all. He just seemed to have more of a presence in this book, and I liked it. His relationship with Zoey also gets some much-needed evolution in this one and I liked that, as well. I just wish they had more chemistry.
Naquin keeps surprising me, too. Zoey's wacky life and the wonderful weirdness that comes from the Hidden lend a lighter, more humorous tone to the series than the grittier, more dystopian urban fantasy series out there. That said, in each book there have been elements that remind me that Zoey's world isn't all fun and games by any stretch. There are Bad Things that happen to and around her characters. Very Bad Things. I won't discuss any spoilery stuff here, but the Bad Thing that happens in this one hit me hard and left me reeling.
This wasn't a perfect book for me, but I think it was an important one for Zoey's continued development and the evolution of the series. The issues I had with the external conflict were a bit more serious than they were in the previous book, and I'm a little worried that neither one was quite up to the fun level of the series debut. I love this world and the characters so much that I want to love everything else, too. I hope to get another chance to try soon, because I really can't wait to spend more time with Zoey and her fabulous friends.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Carina Press via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Fun Times with Zoey's Friends
Inveterate wedding planner by day and sole Aegis in the whole of the country by night...and day...and, well, every moment in between, Zoey Donovan is feeling the strain of the growing needs of the Hidden who are showing up at her door. The influx of magical, mystical, and beastly traffic has gotten so bad that even with the help of her closet monster Maurice and several other good friends of both the human and Hidden variety she's just barely squeaking by.
With a dire message about impending doom looming on the horizon and refugees with tales of Hidden loved ones being abducted, it's quite clear that things are just going to get worse. Something is coming. Something bad. And if the pattern of the mass exodus of Hidden and reports of the missing bear out, that something is heading right for the only Aegis left who can do anything at all to stop it...if it doesn't stop her first.
~*~
I'm a huge fan of this series. I love the world and I couldn't be happier with the wide array of wildly colorful and eminently lovable characters. Zoey is quirky and fun and one of the more unique heroines I've read in urban fantasy, but it's really the secondary characters who have stolen my heart. Closet monster Maurice in particular and the rest of Zoey's crazy coterie of friends in general elevate each book and make almost every single moment of each one of them a real good time to read.
I can't say this was my favorite of the three books, though. It started a little slow for me. Despite my rabid adoration of the veritable cornucopia of Hidden misfits who find their way to Zoey's home, I felt the development and execution of the story's main plot conflict got off to a rocky and anemic start in the first half of the book. For the first time in the series, I felt my attention waning more than once, wondering when the meat of the plot was going to really get going.
Fortunately it does get going, and when it does, there are several intense, action-packed, emotional moments (one of which broke my heart) and a couple of big developments that helped broaden and deepen the series plot arc. There's some very solid and highly entertaining storytelling going on in this book, for sure. I just I felt like the story tread water for too long before all that goodness really started.
I also can't say I cared for the return of a character we met in the first book. I wouldn't call Councilwoman Alma Dickson a Big Bad, really. She wasn't the story's main antagonist in this book any more than she was in the first, but she was just as big a tertiary source of conflict in this one as she was before. That felt a little too much like double-dipping into the character pool for me to really appreciate the conflict with her here.
On a brighter note, this is the first time in the series that I didn't have issues with Riley, Zoey's main squeeze. I haven't been impressed with him in the series to date, and still can't say he thrills me as Zoey's romantic interest, but he played a larger role in this one than in either of the previous books and I didn't mind having him around at all. He just seemed to have more of a presence in this book, and I liked it. His relationship with Zoey also gets some much-needed evolution in this one and I liked that, as well. I just wish they had more chemistry.
Naquin keeps surprising me, too. Zoey's wacky life and the wonderful weirdness that comes from the Hidden lend a lighter, more humorous tone to the series than the grittier, more dystopian urban fantasy series out there. That said, in each book there have been elements that remind me that Zoey's world isn't all fun and games by any stretch. There are Bad Things that happen to and around her characters. Very Bad Things. I won't discuss any spoilery stuff here, but the Bad Thing that happens in this one hit me hard and left me reeling.
This wasn't a perfect book for me, but I think it was an important one for Zoey's continued development and the evolution of the series. The issues I had with the external conflict were a bit more serious than they were in the previous book, and I'm a little worried that neither one was quite up to the fun level of the series debut. I love this world and the characters so much that I want to love everything else, too. I hope to get another chance to try soon, because I really can't wait to spend more time with Zoey and her fabulous friends.
Disclosure: An ARC of this book was provided to me by Carina Press via NetGalley. This rating, review, and all included thoughts and comments are my own.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
January 30, 2015
Seriously, the more I read in this series the more I love it! I'm so attached to all the characters and anxious for their wellbeing, which shows that the author is doing a great job of making you care about them and drawing you into their world.
Zoey is recovering from her bad luck Pooka and her run in with the Board but she and Maurice are suddenly being overwhelmed by the number of Hidden creatures that are coming to her for help. Her garden is like the tent city in a refugee disaster zone-thunderbirds, harpies, djinn to name a few-and many are telling stories of being hunted or having family members go missing. It is a worrying time and the gang try to work out if there is a pattern to the problems they are facing while working to expand the safe zone. It is then that the hunters arrive in the woods beside Zoey's protected home and start grabbing her friends.
I was in a real state of fear when the attack happened. Darius, the boss of Silas the Pooka arrives in time to stop Zoey running into the battle, but my heart was in my mouth when Maurice ran into the woods. I was so scared that he would get grabbed. Despite their best efforts, Iris is taken by the hunters as he tries to stop them taking the fairies. Poor Iris! After Maurice, he is my favourite character and the thought of the big guy in prison was horrible.
The plot thickens when Zoey finds out that the missing creatures are going to be sold to rich humans at an auction, an event that Sara and Zoey have been hired to plan. Now they have to run two events back to back and find a way to rescue all the captured creatures during it. The Collector is in charge of things and she becomes aware that there is an Aegis is town, making the task more difficult. Things get tougher for Zoey when she finds out that the missing Aegis agents are being held by the Collector to look after the Hidden-and could perhaps include Zoey's mother.
This book is darker than the other books, which is to be expected with the plot. I was worried constantly by what was happening to Iris and the others, and as the auction gets nearer, the tension rises. Maurice and his friends are determined to do anything they can to rescue their comrades, making Zoey (and me) fear for his safety. There are a few tension filled scenes ie the warehouse that the gang go to search, where the creatures were held. The night of the auction was full of tension and trauma as events spin out of control.
There were a few lighter moments that I enjoyed. Iris with his Yeti girlfriend. Maurice pretending to be a slave closet monster belonging to Sara during the search for his friends. There were also some touching moments where a couple of kids were reunited with their rescued mother, Zoey seeing her mother and Molly's husband redeeming himself in defence of his family. And Alma gets a right dose from Zoey...YEA!
***SPOILER***
This is a BIG plot spoiler so if you don't want to know what happens at the auction, look away NOW! Don't look back until you see the spoiler end!
There was a horrific scene for me during the auction. It looks as if the Hidden have been successfully rescued and everyone is starting to relax, and then it happens. The bad guy with the gun points it right at Maurice and pulls the trigger. I was screaming 'noooo' in my head at the thought of a dead Maurice and then poor big brave Iris throws himself in the way to save his best friend. I was distraught. Not Maurice, but please not Iris either! I prayed that Zoey could help him, like she did with Milo. I was running with her as she sought to find her mother, who has the power to hold off death. I so wanted there to be a magical loophole...but Iris was gone. I sobbed from then until after they buried the big guy. I could not stop and I'm not sure I can forgive the author for this!
***SPOILER END***
OK you can look back now. Yes I promise, it's safe! This was a really emotional book with danger around every corner, but with the right blend of tension, humour, sweet scenes and the disturbing. It was beautifully written and I was swept along for the ride. I did not put this book down from start to finish and I can't wait to read what comes next. This is one of the best new series that I've discovered and I need my next Monster fix!
Zoey is recovering from her bad luck Pooka and her run in with the Board but she and Maurice are suddenly being overwhelmed by the number of Hidden creatures that are coming to her for help. Her garden is like the tent city in a refugee disaster zone-thunderbirds, harpies, djinn to name a few-and many are telling stories of being hunted or having family members go missing. It is a worrying time and the gang try to work out if there is a pattern to the problems they are facing while working to expand the safe zone. It is then that the hunters arrive in the woods beside Zoey's protected home and start grabbing her friends.
I was in a real state of fear when the attack happened. Darius, the boss of Silas the Pooka arrives in time to stop Zoey running into the battle, but my heart was in my mouth when Maurice ran into the woods. I was so scared that he would get grabbed. Despite their best efforts, Iris is taken by the hunters as he tries to stop them taking the fairies. Poor Iris! After Maurice, he is my favourite character and the thought of the big guy in prison was horrible.
The plot thickens when Zoey finds out that the missing creatures are going to be sold to rich humans at an auction, an event that Sara and Zoey have been hired to plan. Now they have to run two events back to back and find a way to rescue all the captured creatures during it. The Collector is in charge of things and she becomes aware that there is an Aegis is town, making the task more difficult. Things get tougher for Zoey when she finds out that the missing Aegis agents are being held by the Collector to look after the Hidden-and could perhaps include Zoey's mother.
This book is darker than the other books, which is to be expected with the plot. I was worried constantly by what was happening to Iris and the others, and as the auction gets nearer, the tension rises. Maurice and his friends are determined to do anything they can to rescue their comrades, making Zoey (and me) fear for his safety. There are a few tension filled scenes ie the warehouse that the gang go to search, where the creatures were held. The night of the auction was full of tension and trauma as events spin out of control.
There were a few lighter moments that I enjoyed. Iris with his Yeti girlfriend. Maurice pretending to be a slave closet monster belonging to Sara during the search for his friends. There were also some touching moments where a couple of kids were reunited with their rescued mother, Zoey seeing her mother and Molly's husband redeeming himself in defence of his family. And Alma gets a right dose from Zoey...YEA!
***SPOILER***
This is a BIG plot spoiler so if you don't want to know what happens at the auction, look away NOW! Don't look back until you see the spoiler end!
There was a horrific scene for me during the auction. It looks as if the Hidden have been successfully rescued and everyone is starting to relax, and then it happens. The bad guy with the gun points it right at Maurice and pulls the trigger. I was screaming 'noooo' in my head at the thought of a dead Maurice and then poor big brave Iris throws himself in the way to save his best friend. I was distraught. Not Maurice, but please not Iris either! I prayed that Zoey could help him, like she did with Milo. I was running with her as she sought to find her mother, who has the power to hold off death. I so wanted there to be a magical loophole...but Iris was gone. I sobbed from then until after they buried the big guy. I could not stop and I'm not sure I can forgive the author for this!
***SPOILER END***
OK you can look back now. Yes I promise, it's safe! This was a really emotional book with danger around every corner, but with the right blend of tension, humour, sweet scenes and the disturbing. It was beautifully written and I was swept along for the ride. I did not put this book down from start to finish and I can't wait to read what comes next. This is one of the best new series that I've discovered and I need my next Monster fix!
September 2, 2013
SYNOPSIS:
" A migration of mythical creatures has begun, and more and more of them are landing on Zoey Donovan's doorstep. As the only Aegis left in the country, it falls to her to protect the Hidden and keep them safe—and her house has become a sanctuary for water sprites, goblins, harpies, djinn and more.
Keeping track of her boarders is a full-time job, and Zoey's already got her hands full trying to run her wedding planning business. Good thing she has a resident closet monster to keep her organized, and a hot Reaper boyfriend to help her relax every once in a while.
But she can't keep up monster-triage indefinitely, and as more Hidden arrive, it becomes clear that someone—or something—is hunting them. In the midst of planning an event for a notoriously difficult client, Zoey's got to figure out who's behind the hunt…and she's got to stop them before there are no Hidden left."
I was enchanted by the latest book in the "Monster Haven" series by R.L. Naquin. "Fairies in My Fireplace " was a blast to read. I must admit I am a HUGE fan off all things fae. This book didn't just have fairies oh no, there was a slew of supernatural awesome from an 80's enthusiast Djinn ( Kam) to a pregnant brownie, a would make Martha Stewart proud closet monster, a romantic reaper, voluptuous Harpie, adorable goblin children, chimera's, dust devils , the list goes on and on! With all these beings being protected by a young wedding planner who is searching for her mother .
The story is told from Zoey Donovan's p.o.v. Zoey is a "Aegis". Unfortunately for her she seems to be the ONLY Aegis around. The job of an Aegis is to help and protect "the Hidden". Problems arise when an enormous amount if the Hidden start showing up at once.
Zoey is put to the test when she is warned by a elderly seer / hag/ witch / long time friend and advisor to Zoey's mother & now Zoey herself warns (while dropping off 3 flaming salamanders) that she saw in her stones that "something big is coming, and all the Hidden need to get to safety".
With nothing more than the obvious overflowing house of Hidden in distress, the bits and pieces off information she can glean from their tales she has to juggle her daytime job, an awful client, finding her mother all the while keeping the Hidden from being seen by the rest if the world.
With Riley, her Reaper boyfriend and her trusty faithful closet monster Maurice , Aggie the hag and her business partner and best friend Sara, Zoey is on the job.
I thought this book was great. I gave it 4 stars. R.L. Naquin's imagination never ceases to amaze . The description of characters makes you sure that the Hidden are real. I was walking in the world that she created and really enjoying it.
The characters are well written. Zoey is emotional, unique, and I found myself rooting for her to succeed at every turn.
This is the third book in the Monster Haven series. I've enjoyed each book and will defiantly be keeping my eye out for more!
" A migration of mythical creatures has begun, and more and more of them are landing on Zoey Donovan's doorstep. As the only Aegis left in the country, it falls to her to protect the Hidden and keep them safe—and her house has become a sanctuary for water sprites, goblins, harpies, djinn and more.
Keeping track of her boarders is a full-time job, and Zoey's already got her hands full trying to run her wedding planning business. Good thing she has a resident closet monster to keep her organized, and a hot Reaper boyfriend to help her relax every once in a while.
But she can't keep up monster-triage indefinitely, and as more Hidden arrive, it becomes clear that someone—or something—is hunting them. In the midst of planning an event for a notoriously difficult client, Zoey's got to figure out who's behind the hunt…and she's got to stop them before there are no Hidden left."
I was enchanted by the latest book in the "Monster Haven" series by R.L. Naquin. "Fairies in My Fireplace " was a blast to read. I must admit I am a HUGE fan off all things fae. This book didn't just have fairies oh no, there was a slew of supernatural awesome from an 80's enthusiast Djinn ( Kam) to a pregnant brownie, a would make Martha Stewart proud closet monster, a romantic reaper, voluptuous Harpie, adorable goblin children, chimera's, dust devils , the list goes on and on! With all these beings being protected by a young wedding planner who is searching for her mother .
The story is told from Zoey Donovan's p.o.v. Zoey is a "Aegis". Unfortunately for her she seems to be the ONLY Aegis around. The job of an Aegis is to help and protect "the Hidden". Problems arise when an enormous amount if the Hidden start showing up at once.
Zoey is put to the test when she is warned by a elderly seer / hag/ witch / long time friend and advisor to Zoey's mother & now Zoey herself warns (while dropping off 3 flaming salamanders) that she saw in her stones that "something big is coming, and all the Hidden need to get to safety".
With nothing more than the obvious overflowing house of Hidden in distress, the bits and pieces off information she can glean from their tales she has to juggle her daytime job, an awful client, finding her mother all the while keeping the Hidden from being seen by the rest if the world.
With Riley, her Reaper boyfriend and her trusty faithful closet monster Maurice , Aggie the hag and her business partner and best friend Sara, Zoey is on the job.
I thought this book was great. I gave it 4 stars. R.L. Naquin's imagination never ceases to amaze . The description of characters makes you sure that the Hidden are real. I was walking in the world that she created and really enjoying it.
The characters are well written. Zoey is emotional, unique, and I found myself rooting for her to succeed at every turn.
This is the third book in the Monster Haven series. I've enjoyed each book and will defiantly be keeping my eye out for more!
September 20, 2013
Fairies in my Fireplace, book three of the Monster Haven series by R.L. Naquin, is sheer supernatural fun. Naquin’s pace is quick, the dialogue witty, and the tone is light. Zoey Donovan is an aegis, a protector of the supernatural, of the Hidden (monsters and mythological creatures hidden from mortal eyes). As the novel opens her home becomes packed with supernatural creatures, running from an unseen evil, and as the book unfolds, the tension builds as a danger looms, in the form of the Collector, trying to snatch up creatures to sell into slavery. All the while Zoey has to balance her work life, her hot reaper boyfriend (he’s human--his job is to reap souls), and the chaos brought by the creatures seeking asylum.
Balancing the characters is one of Naquin’s strongpoint. This book is popping with bizarre monsters, and it would be easy for a reader to get lost in them, but Naquin paces the action so it is easy for a reader to keep track of the goblins, sprites and djinns that come at the reader quickly, each of them adding to the humor and pathos of Zoey’s complicated life. Naquin’s tone reminds me of the Stephanie Plum books, by Janet Evanovich. The heroine is plucky, smart, but bad luck with hair, clothes, cars, and men follow her like a cloud. Poor Zoey can’t seem to catch a break, which is part of the fun. She’s relatable even though she has the powers of an empath. Zoey and her BFF Sara, as well as her circle of witty, well-groomed, and hot friends, chat food and fashion, dish on the gossip of the underworld and tease each other with inside jokes, jabs to the proverbial rib, and the like as the action swirls, looms, and breaks over them like the Pacific.
The action takes place is Sausalito, CA, and sunny California’s laid-back attitude shines through Naquin’s prose. Zoey is always promising to help. Promising that everything and everyone, monsters or no, will be safe. As a protector, her mothering skills are sharp, and her heart is big and large. And what Naquin’s story really boils down to is family. The theme runs like a swamp monster’s spine through the novel. With goblin orphans, lost and lonely creatures, and even her own mother missing, Zoey’s heart is burdened with broken families. And as the novel builds to a climax, the theme of family becomes bigger in the spotlight. It doesn’t matter that Naquin is talking about the wreckage of alcoholism on a brownies household, or Zoey’s pain of not having seen her own aegis mother in decades; strip the supernatural from the novel and Naquin’s got an old fashioned tale of a family of misfits trying to make it against the big bad world.
I have not read the other two in the series, and I had no problem locking into the storyline. Naquin is easy on first time readers, making sure the stones in the path are laid one after another. Part chick-lit, part Supernatural mystery, part satire, Naquin’s Fairies in My Fireplace cooks up a formula for fun.
Balancing the characters is one of Naquin’s strongpoint. This book is popping with bizarre monsters, and it would be easy for a reader to get lost in them, but Naquin paces the action so it is easy for a reader to keep track of the goblins, sprites and djinns that come at the reader quickly, each of them adding to the humor and pathos of Zoey’s complicated life. Naquin’s tone reminds me of the Stephanie Plum books, by Janet Evanovich. The heroine is plucky, smart, but bad luck with hair, clothes, cars, and men follow her like a cloud. Poor Zoey can’t seem to catch a break, which is part of the fun. She’s relatable even though she has the powers of an empath. Zoey and her BFF Sara, as well as her circle of witty, well-groomed, and hot friends, chat food and fashion, dish on the gossip of the underworld and tease each other with inside jokes, jabs to the proverbial rib, and the like as the action swirls, looms, and breaks over them like the Pacific.
The action takes place is Sausalito, CA, and sunny California’s laid-back attitude shines through Naquin’s prose. Zoey is always promising to help. Promising that everything and everyone, monsters or no, will be safe. As a protector, her mothering skills are sharp, and her heart is big and large. And what Naquin’s story really boils down to is family. The theme runs like a swamp monster’s spine through the novel. With goblin orphans, lost and lonely creatures, and even her own mother missing, Zoey’s heart is burdened with broken families. And as the novel builds to a climax, the theme of family becomes bigger in the spotlight. It doesn’t matter that Naquin is talking about the wreckage of alcoholism on a brownies household, or Zoey’s pain of not having seen her own aegis mother in decades; strip the supernatural from the novel and Naquin’s got an old fashioned tale of a family of misfits trying to make it against the big bad world.
I have not read the other two in the series, and I had no problem locking into the storyline. Naquin is easy on first time readers, making sure the stones in the path are laid one after another. Part chick-lit, part Supernatural mystery, part satire, Naquin’s Fairies in My Fireplace cooks up a formula for fun.
August 31, 2014
Zoey should be finding life easier now that she's no longer having to keep the Hidden a secret from her best friend Sara but with more and more of them coming to her for help every day she soon realises that something major is going on. Something that is effecting Hidden everywhere and Zoey is the only one left who can help them. She soon finds herself caught in a dangerous battle with enemies who are more powerful than she could ever have guessed. It's a good job she has her friends to support her but even with their help the odds are not looking good.
I have become a huge fan of the Monster Haven series since I first discovered it, these books are just so much fun to read and I LOVE the humour and the huge range of weird and wonderful supernatural creatures they contain. With each new book R.L. Naquin manages to come up with new surprises for us and Fairies in My Fireplace is my favourite instalment of the series so far. Although I spend a lot of time laughing out loud as I read these books they do have a darker side and this book had one particularly heartbreaking moment towards the end that brought tears to my eyes. I have become so invested in all of these characters that I hate to see them hurting and Zoey is in a whole world of hurt here.
I love seeing how much Zoey has grown since the beginning of the series, she has really come into her own when it comes to taking care of the various different types of Hidden creatures and she is the kind of woman who always makes time for everyone. She has strong principles and wants to help everyone but she also knows that she doesn't have to do it alone and is willing to accept advice and assistance from her friends. Zoey has built up a very unusual family what with her reaper boyfriend Riley, her human best friends Sara and Andrew, the closet monster Maurice, brownie Molly and Iris the skunk monster but they are all very close knit and would do anything for each other. It's great that Zoey has such a positive support network and I've enjoyed getting to know all of the side characters and seeing their circumstances change throughout the books.
I'm so glad that I discovered this series! When I'm in the mood for something fun I know I can rely on R.L. Naquin to provide plenty of laughs along the way but she has also captured me with her wonderful world building and range of fantastic characters. I don't think I'm ever going to get bored of spending time with them.
I have become a huge fan of the Monster Haven series since I first discovered it, these books are just so much fun to read and I LOVE the humour and the huge range of weird and wonderful supernatural creatures they contain. With each new book R.L. Naquin manages to come up with new surprises for us and Fairies in My Fireplace is my favourite instalment of the series so far. Although I spend a lot of time laughing out loud as I read these books they do have a darker side and this book had one particularly heartbreaking moment towards the end that brought tears to my eyes. I have become so invested in all of these characters that I hate to see them hurting and Zoey is in a whole world of hurt here.
I love seeing how much Zoey has grown since the beginning of the series, she has really come into her own when it comes to taking care of the various different types of Hidden creatures and she is the kind of woman who always makes time for everyone. She has strong principles and wants to help everyone but she also knows that she doesn't have to do it alone and is willing to accept advice and assistance from her friends. Zoey has built up a very unusual family what with her reaper boyfriend Riley, her human best friends Sara and Andrew, the closet monster Maurice, brownie Molly and Iris the skunk monster but they are all very close knit and would do anything for each other. It's great that Zoey has such a positive support network and I've enjoyed getting to know all of the side characters and seeing their circumstances change throughout the books.
I'm so glad that I discovered this series! When I'm in the mood for something fun I know I can rely on R.L. Naquin to provide plenty of laughs along the way but she has also captured me with her wonderful world building and range of fantastic characters. I don't think I'm ever going to get bored of spending time with them.
September 10, 2016
I was attracted to the first book in this series when it first came out because it sounded so original. Once I read it I was hooked and each succeeding book has cemented my love for this series. I think this was the best one yet. One reason I love it is that RL Naquin manages to blend lighthearted moments with really serious ones so effectively. I also love all of the characters, especially quirky Zoey, the heroine. Zoey, is an Aegis, or protector of the Hidden (which consists of pretty much any creature from myth and legend that you could think of including fairies, brownies, trolls, harpies, hellhounds, etc.). She's also an empath and is able to feel others' emotions. In the first book she discovered her role as Aegis and has been on a wild ride ever since as she gets pulled deeper into this hidden in plain sight world. She's currently the only functioning Aegis left. The others have all disappeared and the overarching story arc of the series is her attempt to figure out what has happened to them (her mother is one of the disappeared ones).
At the beginning of the book, Zoey is a bit overwhelmed by all of her new responsibilities, but she continues to rise to every challenge and gain friends and allies. I love that although she's stubborn and doesn't want anyone to protect her, she also is smart enough to know when to back off and wait rather than rushing into a bad situation, and she's willing to accept help from her circle of friends and family rather than trying to do it all herself. Her relationships with Maurice, her closet monster, Sara, her best friend, and Riley, her Reaper boyfriend, are strong and a source of strength and comfort for her. The danger keeps ramping up in each successive book, and the author is not afraid to include real consequences for some of the characters.
It's hard for me to say whether this book would stand on its own without having read the previous ones. Like all good UF series, it's always best to start at the beginning, but I think you could probably pick it up here and not be too confused (you'd miss out on two other good books though). I'll be eagerly looking forward to the next book in April.
At the beginning of the book, Zoey is a bit overwhelmed by all of her new responsibilities, but she continues to rise to every challenge and gain friends and allies. I love that although she's stubborn and doesn't want anyone to protect her, she also is smart enough to know when to back off and wait rather than rushing into a bad situation, and she's willing to accept help from her circle of friends and family rather than trying to do it all herself. Her relationships with Maurice, her closet monster, Sara, her best friend, and Riley, her Reaper boyfriend, are strong and a source of strength and comfort for her. The danger keeps ramping up in each successive book, and the author is not afraid to include real consequences for some of the characters.
It's hard for me to say whether this book would stand on its own without having read the previous ones. Like all good UF series, it's always best to start at the beginning, but I think you could probably pick it up here and not be too confused (you'd miss out on two other good books though). I'll be eagerly looking forward to the next book in April.
April 21, 2014
Fairies in my fireplace is the third book in the Monster Haven series. In the stories, Zoey Donovan has discovered that she is an "Aegis," a human who provides care and shelter for non-human beings ("the Hidden") in need, and is now learning all of the nuances of both her powers and responsibilities.
Fairies in my fireplace focuses on a gradual but noticeable influx of Hidden into Zoey's life, house, backyard, etc. Most of these Hidden seem to have separate and good reasons for being there, but the numbers are adding up. When two goblin kids start a census of the new population, Zoey discovers both that there are far more Hidden in her yard than she thought, and that there is a migration of the Hidden westward to California.
While working on figuring the root cause for this migration (and giving a mangey hellhound a bath), a tranq'ed-up thunderbird crashes the party and Zoey's car. With the tranquilizer dart as a direct clue, Zoey suddenly now has a possible motive, and the action begins. She is a woman on a mission to discover and thwart the bad guys, save the Hidden, and maybe figure out where her long-disappeared mother has gone, as well. Zoey relies on Riley, her boyfriend and Grim Reaper, to be her back-up muscle and arm candy disguise as they infiltrate the high society of Sausalito. Her best friend and co-worker Sara helps keep her organized, Andrew the herbalist helps heal the wounded, and Maurice the closet monster keeps everyone fed.
As Naquin matures as an author, I find the moods and pacing in her third book much more well-measured. Where book 1 (Monsters in my closet) was two thirds a beach book and one third frantic, and Pooka in My Pantry vacillated between whodunit and pulpy slapstick, this one was a classic shape that crested nicely. The book opened lightly but with concern, deepened into mystery, built to the chase and fight, and closed with triumph and tragedy back where Zoey started: with solid focus on care taking of her creatures.
I picked it up because I'm following the series and I adore Maurice. I recommend it to my sister for all of the mashed-up tropes of characters.
Fairies in my fireplace focuses on a gradual but noticeable influx of Hidden into Zoey's life, house, backyard, etc. Most of these Hidden seem to have separate and good reasons for being there, but the numbers are adding up. When two goblin kids start a census of the new population, Zoey discovers both that there are far more Hidden in her yard than she thought, and that there is a migration of the Hidden westward to California.
While working on figuring the root cause for this migration (and giving a mangey hellhound a bath), a tranq'ed-up thunderbird crashes the party and Zoey's car. With the tranquilizer dart as a direct clue, Zoey suddenly now has a possible motive, and the action begins. She is a woman on a mission to discover and thwart the bad guys, save the Hidden, and maybe figure out where her long-disappeared mother has gone, as well. Zoey relies on Riley, her boyfriend and Grim Reaper, to be her back-up muscle and arm candy disguise as they infiltrate the high society of Sausalito. Her best friend and co-worker Sara helps keep her organized, Andrew the herbalist helps heal the wounded, and Maurice the closet monster keeps everyone fed.
As Naquin matures as an author, I find the moods and pacing in her third book much more well-measured. Where book 1 (Monsters in my closet) was two thirds a beach book and one third frantic, and Pooka in My Pantry vacillated between whodunit and pulpy slapstick, this one was a classic shape that crested nicely. The book opened lightly but with concern, deepened into mystery, built to the chase and fight, and closed with triumph and tragedy back where Zoey started: with solid focus on care taking of her creatures.
I picked it up because I'm following the series and I adore Maurice. I recommend it to my sister for all of the mashed-up tropes of characters.
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