The Secret Haven Inn is doing better after a rocky start, but still the tension with the vampires is amping up. Brigid and her friends thought they'd destroyed the threat, but the vampires have the police force of Kilchis on their side, and maybe more.
To make matters worse, Brigid has sworn to help Brightfeather protect her chicks from abduction by their royal grandparents. Will this cause an additional war with the griffins? Can Brigid protect that secret so she doesn't have to fight a war on two fronts?
Whoever said running a B&B was easy should be shot. Of course, it might just be all the extras going on. Luckily she has Mr. Mittens to help, and new allies in the gargoyles. Truth is, she'd just like one day to go smoothly.
Jilleen Dolbeare is the author of the Shadow Winged Chronicles, an urban fantasy series about a shape-shifting bush pilot in Alaska.
She loves riding horses, warm ocean beaches, and long walks in the mountains, none of which she can do in the Arctic, so she writes.
Her activities are riding her four-wheeler on cold ocean beaches (often frozen or covered with ice), and long walks to and from work when it’s 40 below—in the dark. She does keep her stakes sharp for those vamps that show up during the 67 days of night.
Jilleen lives with her husband and two hungry cats in Barrow, Alaska where she also discovered her love and admiration of the Inupiaq people and their folklore.
Exacerbated the MC lack of developing her abilities and being responsibility for supernatural friends and guests without taking a proactive approached to further her abilities. Not even aware of her missing grandma's grimoire(s) and procrastinating in resolving the issue led to her losing her capabilities.
Finally got back to finishing the book and book 6 before starting the Megan spinoff series
I really felt that the author was just repeating the story she did in the first 1 or 2 books. Cute not worth it to me. I did finish the series because I caught the last books on sale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Brigid keeps thinking things will get better and her problems are ending but unfortunately they aren’t. The vampires aren’t gone, griffins are looking for their son, the kitsune guests have children running wild and there is something suspicious about the psychic guest. Megan is getting better at fighting, Gabe is still great and Mr. Mittens is still fantastic. All of her regular allies are there as well as some new ones. And some interesting guests at the barn. There is a fair amount of action and some interesting things happening as well as some surprises. I love the way these are written, easy to follow, quick enjoyable reads. I am just breezing through these. I also love the little references throughout the books to other fantasy series – Tolkien (elves in the first couple of books) and McCaffrey – dragonriders beware.
Normally I wouldn't leave a critical review but I feel I must warn animal lovers that there are a lot of 'cringe' moments throughout. I'm so disappointed that I was unable to continue with this series, but there was so much blasé killing of animals. Yes I know it goes on but I really don't need it repeatedly mentioned in the fantasy books I read. I read for escapism and relaxation. So unfortunately this series has come to an abrupt end for me.
These books just keep getting better and better! The writing is tighter, and the stories are getting richer and more complex with each new book. Brigid has a lot more courage and endurance than I would in her situation. She really gets some problematic tenants, as well as having to fight continued attacks from the vampires who want her gone. And now Brightfeather’s in-laws are coming around looking for their missing son, and possibly wanting to take away her chicks. Personally, I think it’s only Chef Jack’s cooking, and the presence of some really good friends that keep her from fleeing town! I really enjoyed seeing more about the stables and the “creature guests”, and I LOVE Megan's 'Dragonriders of Pern' fantasies! When she brought out her leather harnesses, I cracked up. And although there are, of course, constant emergencies, I appreciated that this time many of them were smaller problems, instead of wars, so we got a chance to see the characters interact and talk more. Brigid is a better Inn owner than I am - I would have thrown out half the guests within a day, and here she is being all accommodating and polite. I can’t wait for my next visit to the Inn!
Not a dull moment! A fun and exciting urban fantasy. Audiobook version: 5 stars overall, 5 stars story, 5 stars narration
I absolutely loved this book! It was really fun and entertaining from start to finish. I love returning to this series, and the excellent narration increases the entertainment value. The narrator is marvelous at the wide mix of accents and voices needed for the characters; she’s also great at action scenes.
Bridget and her supernatural friends are all loveable and interesting, and the enemies keep everyone on their toes. In this book I even laughed out loud a few times. The supernatural inn business is cozy and fascinating, and I wish I could book a stay there. This series is a marvelous escape from reality, and I really appreciate that no character whom we know well dies. The series and this book are a great mix of coziness and high energy action with some blood. I can’t wait to listen to the next book!
I requested and received a free audiobook copy from the publisher, and I voluntarily wrote this honest review. #TheFlockVIPReviewTeam #NorthernLakeAudio
...there was a *slight* issue with continuity with the soldier "centaurs". In Splintered Fate, Brigid called Sorcha a centaur and Sorcha educated her about being a *Baincapall" but in this book it was randomly changed to Baincallan?? Every time I would see the word my brain wouldn't let it go and I would have to shake it off, which threw me from the story. Other than that, it was good! I was so annoyed by the kitsunes. I cackled when I read that Megan had her hand in her pocket playing with her magic balls. I yelled at Brigid for letting "human" Bella go. I cried for Jim when I read about his trauma but quickly filled with joy when he was healed. Now I have to wait (im)patiently for the next book to be released in February 2024. Will Brigid ask Dana for a portable ball for Mr. Mittens to travel off her land? What happened to Brigid's magic when the witch performed her spell? (I was honestly surprised Dana didn't catch that when Brigid released a flame thrower in her lab) Will the gargoyles come back for the final battle?? Can't wait!
Do check out Jilleen Dobeare's books. She writes the neatest books in the Splintered series starring Mr Mittens, a ragdoll cat protector. I just finished Splintered Secret and loved it. Following the characters from the 1st book in the Splintered Magic series - this one is back in the fight with the vampires. The boarding house is still leading to some strange guests that just add to the drama. I love Mr Mittens so much he makes the books. Sad for Brightfeather and her babies. You have to read the books to find out about all the wonderful characters. Vampires feature but they aren't very nice. They have way too many tricks up their sleeves. This set has to be the best series out there. I wish I had the full paper back collection. Don't miss this book or any of the others full of love and friendship, they are super hard to put down.
OMG I love this series and it just keeps getting better and better with each book. We hit the ground running in this latest addition and it does not let up as once again Brigid finds herself preparing for a fight as well as helping some friends. There’s vampires, there’s Griffins and there’s unruly guests to contend with but our fmc does an incredible job handling it all with help from Gabe and Megan. It’s exciting, it’s entertaining and there’s twists and turns that will have you spinning on a six pence. The author does an incredible job weaving her tale and drawing you in and introducing us to new characters as well as growing and developing old friends and i am very much enjoying this series.
A good read, better than the last book, although a couple proofreading errors.
I wish the author would tell us more about the species that come to the Inn instead of glossing over them. Also we don't need the back story every single time, this is book 5. Why would a new reader read a book in the middle of the series. And if it's someone in the series, the info being given is just regular stuff not even something that was obscure you would forget.
The side stories being woven into the series are good and I am kind of sad that the next book is probably the last.
I also wish that Brigid would have gotten more time with her grandfather, there interactions are always so short.
Baby griffins have to be one of the cutest critters ever! I've wanted one ever since I read about them in The Shadow Atlas series by Jenny Sandiford.
Anyway, on with my review. This was a fun installment, and with all the vampires, it was a great book to read so close to Halloween.
I love the ideas behind these books, and they would be 5-star reads if I could turn off the critical thinking part of my brain. Unfortunately, I don't know how to, so the typos and plot holes pull me out of the story, but not so much as to stop me from reading them.
I want to see how this series ends... so on to book 6.
Another fantastic book in the series. There seems to be a little 'less' getting ready for the big fight and more of 'little' things Brigid has to deal with. Which is wonderful because this is a whole other angle from which we can see this character and all the ways she has to find in order to get out of certain situations and to get things going as smoothly as possible in these scenarios. I enjoyed reading it and would recommend reading everything from the start if you haven't, and if you have happy reading.
Splintered Secret(Splintered Magic #5) by Jilleen Dolbeare is another great book in the series and I definitely recommend. Though the Secret Haven Inn is doing better after a rocky start the tension with the vampires is still amping up. They had thought the thread was destroyed but the vamps have the police force on their side. To make matters worse Brigid has sworn to protect Brightfeather and her chicks. Will this cause an additional ware with the griffins or can she protect the secret so she doesn't have to fight the war on two fronts?
I thought is was fiery before but this chapter in the Splintered Magic series sees a convergence of issues at the bed-and-breakfast. The vampires are back and looking for trouble. Rowdy guest, witches in disguise, griffins and more make life at the Inn anything but boring. The novel races along quickly and we find out more about brigid’s resolve as her friends and family rally around her. Can’t wait for the next one!
What a Great Series! Fae and witches, vampires, shifters and dragons? Add in griffins and I’m hooked on this action packed, intriguing storyline. If you love paranormal stories with great friendships, some romance and action packed… this is a must read! Lighthearted, easy to read, great story line, fantastic worlds… I could go on… please check it out!
I’ve read all books so far, I’m afraid to say I won’t be reading anymore as I found they got quite boring. The FMC was annoying considering she’s powerful she still needs the help of anyone she can. She’s been in her power now for some time and should be able to control it better by now. Sorry for the lame review book 1-3 were really good but I started to lose interest after that.
An excellent addition to the series. The characters have been developed nicely by now. There is plenty of action and suspense. The story line is well thought out and believable. The entire series is highly recommended. A strong suggestion is to read the books in order. They build on the previous book.
They were going to have griffin babies! Well, Brightfeather, the griffin who sought sanctuary on Brigid's land. The father's patents may prove to be a problem, but with more vampire attacks, and losing two of the Fairie King's guards taking precedence, how bad could griffin in-laws be?
Megan ends up being taken by vamps not cops and Brigid has to get her back. Thank goodness for her time walking ability. And then it gets worse. This on top of unruly guests and Brigid is unsure what to do. Plus, Umber's parents come looking for him and Brightfeather wants to hide their babies. Our hero has more on her plate than most can handle!
So much happened in this book! But also each time I thought something was going to be a huge deal it ended up getting resolved pretty quickly, feeling very similar to vampire diaries 😂 how every episode feels like a season finale (and we love the show for it). Excited to see what the next book brings. :)
Unpredictable magical adventure! What a crazy life Brigid leads, makes for a great story. Very unpredictable with all sorts of magical beings, wonderful characters and world building. Looking forward to the next adventure with Brigid and her friends.
Loved it loved it loved it Did I tell you I loved it? How Jilleen continues to amaze me. Brigid and Mr Mittens never seem to get it easy. But with their extended family at their back they go from strength to strength. You have to read this series! I can't wait for the next book.
So much happens in this book; battles, loss, sadness and grief, yet still there is a strong feeling that all things can be overcome. I look forward to finding out how that happens.
Megan is my favourite character , glad she got live her dream and the references to riders of Pern. Trying not give away . more battles with nasty blood suckers just not a fan of vampires .
I enjoyed this book very much. I've been quite picky as of late and have tired completely of vulgarity and unreal sex acts. But this series has been a much needed breath of fresh air. Thank you.
Love the characters and their relationships with each other. Love Mr. Mittens! Totally fun read. More fun if you read the others in order but would be good as a stand alone.
Another excellent instalment. It appears witches are evil, at least the ones we’ve been meeting. The action just keeps on coming, I just couldn’t put the book down. I need more.
Those darn vampires are coming from all angles and won't give up. If she's not busy trying to sort out guests, she's dealing with witches and persistent vampires. There's got to be a solution coming.
This was so exciting and intriguing . Some the guests are causing problems with their kids. Unlocked doors and missing items are a mystery. And the vampires are still causing trouble.
I am not much for giving reviews but.... I am really enjoying this series. The books are simple to read and do not have a bunch of convoluted clues that are sometimes easy to miss. I also love the references to other Sci-fi / fantasy books. Read. Enjoy. Relax.