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Dreg City #5
Requiem For The Dead
She's died twice while protecting her city…and she'd do it again to save the people she loves.
After a deadly, artificial infection forces the vampire Families into a self-imposed isolation, the city's protective Watchtower forces are depleted by one third, leaving humans and shifters to shoulder the burden. Human enforcer Evangeline Stone is determined to find a way to help her vampire allies, but she already has her hands full—investigating an escalating series of goblin attacks, dealing with her half-werewolf lover, locating three missing werewolf teenagers, and learning to trust her non-human coworkers.
When a potential cure for the vampires' infection is given to her by an unlikely source, it's just as quickly stolen—collateral damage in a power play within the were-cat Clan that leaves one human ally dead and another horribly injured. With Wyatt Truman still adjusting to his new life as a half-werewolf, Phineas missing in action, and her shifter allies crippled by internal anarchy, Evy has to rely on her own strength and instincts to steal back the cure, stop a murderer, and to save the Watchtower before it's destroyed from the inside out.
After a deadly, artificial infection forces the vampire Families into a self-imposed isolation, the city's protective Watchtower forces are depleted by one third, leaving humans and shifters to shoulder the burden. Human enforcer Evangeline Stone is determined to find a way to help her vampire allies, but she already has her hands full—investigating an escalating series of goblin attacks, dealing with her half-werewolf lover, locating three missing werewolf teenagers, and learning to trust her non-human coworkers.
When a potential cure for the vampires' infection is given to her by an unlikely source, it's just as quickly stolen—collateral damage in a power play within the were-cat Clan that leaves one human ally dead and another horribly injured. With Wyatt Truman still adjusting to his new life as a half-werewolf, Phineas missing in action, and her shifter allies crippled by internal anarchy, Evy has to rely on her own strength and instincts to steal back the cure, stop a murderer, and to save the Watchtower before it's destroyed from the inside out.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 14, 2013
About the author
Kelly Meding
27 books698 followersAlso writes as Kelly Meade: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 1, 2013
As usual Evy has her hands full in this book...the goblins are after her, the Fey are still causing problems, the vampires are sick, there are clan wars among the shifters, Phineas is still missing and things are changing with Wyatt. And on top of that Chalice's parents show up!
I was really happy when KM decided to self publish after being dropped by her publisher. (Shame on them!) I actually expected a wrap up book but was glad that KM seems to want to keep the story going...and I'm all for that.
The story kicks right off with Wyatt, Evy, Milo and Marcus looking for the Lupa pups and goblins. Don't worry about being confused, KM does a good job of bringing you up to speed and recapping things.
I just have to say that I love everything Wyatt and Evy. I was thrilled that they finally got some "them" time. Things have really come to a good place for the two of them. "Operation: Trust Me" was genius and I was happy that things finally went that way. But...what is up with Other than that, I loved the whole matriarchal rule and how Evy can boss around Wyatt even though she doesn't...well, maybe she does a little!
Besides that, this wouldn't be a Dreg City book without everything going to hell in a hand basket! As usual so much is going on and so much happens. Unfortunately, some things are not good and it was really sad.
I did enjoy getting to know a lot of the group better. The clan politics were quite dynamic and lead to a lot of trouble especially with the "bad" guy. It also lead to some curious things for Milo and Marcus. It will be interesting to see where things go from here.
The relationship between Evy and Gina has really grown. I think it's great how they are relying on each other and Evy is able to have some relationships that she's never had before.
I also like that Evy is really growing as a person. Besides one MAJOR episode of spontaneous un-thought-out planning, she actually did think things out for the most part or at least went along with the plans and followed orders. She just happened to develop a case of eavesdropping instead.
There was some intriguing information at the end that puts a whole new spin on things and definitely leaves you wanting the next book sooner! Can't wait to see how things work out.
I was really happy when KM decided to self publish after being dropped by her publisher. (Shame on them!) I actually expected a wrap up book but was glad that KM seems to want to keep the story going...and I'm all for that.
The story kicks right off with Wyatt, Evy, Milo and Marcus looking for the Lupa pups and goblins. Don't worry about being confused, KM does a good job of bringing you up to speed and recapping things.
I just have to say that I love everything Wyatt and Evy. I was thrilled that they finally got some "them" time. Things have really come to a good place for the two of them. "Operation: Trust Me" was genius and I was happy that things finally went that way. But...what is up with Other than that, I loved the whole matriarchal rule and how Evy can boss around Wyatt even though she doesn't...well, maybe she does a little!
Besides that, this wouldn't be a Dreg City book without everything going to hell in a hand basket! As usual so much is going on and so much happens. Unfortunately, some things are not good and it was really sad.
I did enjoy getting to know a lot of the group better. The clan politics were quite dynamic and lead to a lot of trouble especially with the "bad" guy. It also lead to some curious things for Milo and Marcus. It will be interesting to see where things go from here.
The relationship between Evy and Gina has really grown. I think it's great how they are relying on each other and Evy is able to have some relationships that she's never had before.
I also like that Evy is really growing as a person. Besides one MAJOR episode of spontaneous un-thought-out planning, she actually did think things out for the most part or at least went along with the plans and followed orders. She just happened to develop a case of eavesdropping instead.
There was some intriguing information at the end that puts a whole new spin on things and definitely leaves you wanting the next book sooner! Can't wait to see how things work out.
September 19, 2013
The story continued not long after book 4 -- with vampires infected by an unknown virus that was slowly killing them, the Watchtower forces are cut down by nearly a third, leaving humans and Therians (shifters) struggling to protect the city from the rise of Goblins attack. On top of that, the Therians are dealing with Assembly politics, as one of the Elders is dying and he is stepping down from his position and giving it to his grand nephew instead of to one of his grandchildren. And ... Chalice Frost's parents (the woman whose body is now Evy Stone) are stepping forward asking for information about their daughter.
---------------------------
I learned that this book was self-published because the publisher decided to terminate the series in book #4. After I finished reading, I was so glad that Kelly Meding decided to take the self-published road. The series was still going strong with plot developments that -- at times -- left me reeling with shock.
There were so many things happened in this book:
1) Assembly politics: which gave me one of my most hated villains: Vale, a Bengal tiger who was challenging the position as Elder. What a cunning bastard, throughout the book I just wanted him killed -- but at the same time gave more scene time for Marcus Dane, a Jaguar shifter, which I ended up loving.
2) Wyatt taking care of the three Lupa teenagers, because they're 'family' now. Even if one of their brothers was the cause of Wyatt being turn into werewolf.
3) Evy stepping up to Chalice Frost's parents and told them what really happened with their daughter.
The first one was taking the most in plot sense but everything worked together really well. I must say, Ms. Meding didn't pull any punches when it came to casualties of the war. Two characters met their demise here. One made my jaw dropped because it was so sudden and unexpected. The other one, well, we were given hope near the end, only to have that taken away, which of course, drove me to tears. I seriously hope that no more characters I like ends up dead in the next book *sigh*
One thing that I constantly whined about from the previous books was how Ms. Meding rarely gave Cliff Notes about what had happened. I didn't get any problems here though. There were gentle reminders about what had been going on and I was sucked into the story pretty fast, getting reacquainted with familiar faces. The story just kicked ass.
One of my most beloved sub-plots would be related to Evy's best friend, Milo, and his relationship with Marcus. What can I say, male/male romance is another genre I love the most, and I welcome any male/male relationship in an mainstream urban fantasy series. Milo breaks my heart and I love him dearly -- and he is better NOT be killed in any way, Ms. Meding! Marcus too!!
Considering this is a self-published book, I did notice tiny editing issues (typos, missing words) but it didn't distract me enough from the story. It's quality was on-par with the previous ones. From the ending, it's clear that Ms. Meding still has a lot of ideas about the story arc. I am seriously glad that she went self-published because I don't have to worry about it being unfinished. I am definitely IN for the next adventure.
EDITED TO ADD: November 17th 2013
Kelly Meding posted missing scenes from this book, from Milo's point of view: Right Here . So I finally got to read that first kiss between Milo and Marcus. Although of course, reading the last part of this short story just broke my head all over again...
---------------------------
I learned that this book was self-published because the publisher decided to terminate the series in book #4. After I finished reading, I was so glad that Kelly Meding decided to take the self-published road. The series was still going strong with plot developments that -- at times -- left me reeling with shock.
There were so many things happened in this book:
1) Assembly politics: which gave me one of my most hated villains: Vale, a Bengal tiger who was challenging the position as Elder. What a cunning bastard, throughout the book I just wanted him killed -- but at the same time gave more scene time for Marcus Dane, a Jaguar shifter, which I ended up loving.
2) Wyatt taking care of the three Lupa teenagers, because they're 'family' now. Even if one of their brothers was the cause of Wyatt being turn into werewolf.
3) Evy stepping up to Chalice Frost's parents and told them what really happened with their daughter.
The first one was taking the most in plot sense but everything worked together really well. I must say, Ms. Meding didn't pull any punches when it came to casualties of the war. Two characters met their demise here. One made my jaw dropped because it was so sudden and unexpected. The other one, well, we were given hope near the end, only to have that taken away, which of course, drove me to tears. I seriously hope that no more characters I like ends up dead in the next book *sigh*
One thing that I constantly whined about from the previous books was how Ms. Meding rarely gave Cliff Notes about what had happened. I didn't get any problems here though. There were gentle reminders about what had been going on and I was sucked into the story pretty fast, getting reacquainted with familiar faces. The story just kicked ass.
One of my most beloved sub-plots would be related to Evy's best friend, Milo, and his relationship with Marcus. What can I say, male/male romance is another genre I love the most, and I welcome any male/male relationship in an mainstream urban fantasy series. Milo breaks my heart and I love him dearly -- and he is better NOT be killed in any way, Ms. Meding! Marcus too!!
Considering this is a self-published book, I did notice tiny editing issues (typos, missing words) but it didn't distract me enough from the story. It's quality was on-par with the previous ones. From the ending, it's clear that Ms. Meding still has a lot of ideas about the story arc. I am seriously glad that she went self-published because I don't have to worry about it being unfinished. I am definitely IN for the next adventure.
EDITED TO ADD: November 17th 2013
Kelly Meding posted missing scenes from this book, from Milo's point of view: Right Here . So I finally got to read that first kiss between Milo and Marcus. Although of course, reading the last part of this short story just broke my head all over again...
September 19, 2013
Originally posted at http://smexybooks.com/2013/09/review-...
Favorite Quote: She’s died twice while protecting her city…and she’d do it again to save the people she loves.
Many fans including myself were not sure this particular book would come into existence after we were informed the series had been dropped by Meding’s publisher. I was pleased to see Meding decided to publish on her own and bring her fans book five-Requiem Of The Dead. Meding does a fabulous job of bringing readers up to speed with brief recaps from throughout the series and especially, book four, Wrong Side Of Dead.
Requiem Of The Dead picks up not long after Wrong Side Of Dead. One important aspect to remember about this series is that everything takes place in a relatively short time period. Only a few months go by between book one and now. Insane scientist William Thackery is dead though his experiments, Halfies (the goblin half breeds) are alive and well, multiplying at an unheard of rate. The Watchtower (an alliance group formed of supernatural clans and the hunters) is severely understaffed due to the vampire’s withdrawal of their support and the Assembly’s internal strife. Evy and Wyatt, along with various other enforcers and certain human allies are now responsible for protecting the entire city. When a rash of vicious goblin attacks begin to cripple the city, all clues circle back to Evy and her killing of the Goblin Queen in retaliation for her part in Evy’s torture and death.
As if Evy didn’t have enough on her plate, she is also trying to help Wyatt deal with his new half breed status, find some missing werewolf teens, and discover who has the cure for the vampire infection that is eradicating their race. Politics play hard and loose as Evy finds herself once again having to place her life on the line to save everything and everyone she loves.
I am a huge fan of Ms. Meding’s Dreg City series. A dark edgy Urban Fantasy filled with nail biting action, suspense, and intrigue. The originality of the world and it’s characters is what keeps me hooked in this series. The lines between good and evil are blurred; giving credence to knowledge that sometimes heroes and villains are only separated by a single action. Smooth writing, fast pacing, and engaging dialogue keeps you on your toes to the very end. A convoluted storyline engages us as we learn of the many supernatural factions and the human warriors who stand between them and us. Betrayal and redemption continue to be underlying themes as we watch our heroine navigate through her convoluted life.
Evy is a force to be reckoned with. She has learned the hard way what blind obedience can do and that colors every decision she makes from here on out. Ms. Meding has allowed her to grow within the storyline at a steady comfortable pace. Evy has accepted the body she now inhabits and her love for her former handler, Wyatt. Ms. Meding does a wonderful job of voicing Evy’s emotions for her boyfriend and the friends she had made along the way. Harsh betrayals by those she thought were friends left a vulnerability in Evy that she is still struggling to come to terms with. They were her family and she misses that security though she has begun to build another family unit filled with various human and supernatural entities. Courage and loyalty are her strongest points as she continuously tries to save a world that has done nothing but throw her to the wolves from day one. She’s not completely forgiving though. She will never trust those who betrayed her again and will show no mercy should they get in her way.
Wyatt, Evy’s ex-handler and current lover, has dealt admirably with the blows that continually strike Evy and him. Though their relationship is still feeling it’s way due to past events, they reach a sense of peace in here that offers a much needed break. They have more than earned it. Throughout the series Wyatt and Evy have both sacrificed much to be together. We see in here how Wyatt’s life has become much more complicated after being infected by a lupa-werewolf. Now considered a half breed, he finds himself an anomaly in a unknown long game. Regardless of his own issues though, he is a constant presence and we are left with no doubt where his loyalties lie.
There is a deep emotional aspect in here that began with book four and continues on in here. Evy is once again tested in ways that would destroy a lessor person yet she triumphs, not through supernatural means but through her strength and courageousness. One aspect of this series that never fails to astound me is the lack of fear Ms.Meding has in choosing to show the violence of an unsteady world and the huge risks she takes in regards to her characters. Chances are taken and while some bets pay off (within the story), others don’t and we are left to bear witness to the outcome. Some scenes in here take an emotional toil on your heart yet there is a ray of hope that lets you know things will continue to get better. I will say I missed Phin tremendously. He is such a large part of the series and Evy’s life. I’m looking forward to seeing him again soon.
The main conflict and events leading up to it’s climactic resolution are a stomach dropping rollercoaster ride of thrills and chills. There are some rough spots in here that had me jittery with nerves as I tried to figure out exactly how this would resolve itself. But Ms. Meding wondrous sleight of hand tricks allows us an acceptable outcome while leaving some issues open to ensure more exciting adventures for Evy and us are on the way.
Action, suspense, intrigue, and just the right amount of humor and romance makes Ms. Meding’s Dreg City series a must read for all noir urban fantasy aficionados.
Rating: B+
Favorite Quote: She’s died twice while protecting her city…and she’d do it again to save the people she loves.
Many fans including myself were not sure this particular book would come into existence after we were informed the series had been dropped by Meding’s publisher. I was pleased to see Meding decided to publish on her own and bring her fans book five-Requiem Of The Dead. Meding does a fabulous job of bringing readers up to speed with brief recaps from throughout the series and especially, book four, Wrong Side Of Dead.
Requiem Of The Dead picks up not long after Wrong Side Of Dead. One important aspect to remember about this series is that everything takes place in a relatively short time period. Only a few months go by between book one and now. Insane scientist William Thackery is dead though his experiments, Halfies (the goblin half breeds) are alive and well, multiplying at an unheard of rate. The Watchtower (an alliance group formed of supernatural clans and the hunters) is severely understaffed due to the vampire’s withdrawal of their support and the Assembly’s internal strife. Evy and Wyatt, along with various other enforcers and certain human allies are now responsible for protecting the entire city. When a rash of vicious goblin attacks begin to cripple the city, all clues circle back to Evy and her killing of the Goblin Queen in retaliation for her part in Evy’s torture and death.
As if Evy didn’t have enough on her plate, she is also trying to help Wyatt deal with his new half breed status, find some missing werewolf teens, and discover who has the cure for the vampire infection that is eradicating their race. Politics play hard and loose as Evy finds herself once again having to place her life on the line to save everything and everyone she loves.
I am a huge fan of Ms. Meding’s Dreg City series. A dark edgy Urban Fantasy filled with nail biting action, suspense, and intrigue. The originality of the world and it’s characters is what keeps me hooked in this series. The lines between good and evil are blurred; giving credence to knowledge that sometimes heroes and villains are only separated by a single action. Smooth writing, fast pacing, and engaging dialogue keeps you on your toes to the very end. A convoluted storyline engages us as we learn of the many supernatural factions and the human warriors who stand between them and us. Betrayal and redemption continue to be underlying themes as we watch our heroine navigate through her convoluted life.
Evy is a force to be reckoned with. She has learned the hard way what blind obedience can do and that colors every decision she makes from here on out. Ms. Meding has allowed her to grow within the storyline at a steady comfortable pace. Evy has accepted the body she now inhabits and her love for her former handler, Wyatt. Ms. Meding does a wonderful job of voicing Evy’s emotions for her boyfriend and the friends she had made along the way. Harsh betrayals by those she thought were friends left a vulnerability in Evy that she is still struggling to come to terms with. They were her family and she misses that security though she has begun to build another family unit filled with various human and supernatural entities. Courage and loyalty are her strongest points as she continuously tries to save a world that has done nothing but throw her to the wolves from day one. She’s not completely forgiving though. She will never trust those who betrayed her again and will show no mercy should they get in her way.
Wyatt, Evy’s ex-handler and current lover, has dealt admirably with the blows that continually strike Evy and him. Though their relationship is still feeling it’s way due to past events, they reach a sense of peace in here that offers a much needed break. They have more than earned it. Throughout the series Wyatt and Evy have both sacrificed much to be together. We see in here how Wyatt’s life has become much more complicated after being infected by a lupa-werewolf. Now considered a half breed, he finds himself an anomaly in a unknown long game. Regardless of his own issues though, he is a constant presence and we are left with no doubt where his loyalties lie.
There is a deep emotional aspect in here that began with book four and continues on in here. Evy is once again tested in ways that would destroy a lessor person yet she triumphs, not through supernatural means but through her strength and courageousness. One aspect of this series that never fails to astound me is the lack of fear Ms.Meding has in choosing to show the violence of an unsteady world and the huge risks she takes in regards to her characters. Chances are taken and while some bets pay off (within the story), others don’t and we are left to bear witness to the outcome. Some scenes in here take an emotional toil on your heart yet there is a ray of hope that lets you know things will continue to get better. I will say I missed Phin tremendously. He is such a large part of the series and Evy’s life. I’m looking forward to seeing him again soon.
The main conflict and events leading up to it’s climactic resolution are a stomach dropping rollercoaster ride of thrills and chills. There are some rough spots in here that had me jittery with nerves as I tried to figure out exactly how this would resolve itself. But Ms. Meding wondrous sleight of hand tricks allows us an acceptable outcome while leaving some issues open to ensure more exciting adventures for Evy and us are on the way.
Action, suspense, intrigue, and just the right amount of humor and romance makes Ms. Meding’s Dreg City series a must read for all noir urban fantasy aficionados.
Rating: B+
September 21, 2013
Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks
Requiem for the Dead is the fifth book in Kelly Meding’s Dreg City series. You cannot just jump in with this book. You really have to read this series in order because there is just so much going on! And even though Kelly does a good job recapping things, you will still feel lost if this is your first experience with the Dreg world. Besides, this series is phenomenal, filled with stories and events that will leave you speechless and exhilarated. Why wouldn’t you want to read starting at book one, Three Days to Dead?
Okay, now that I have gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about Requiem for the Dead. First, let’s do the ‘how I felt immediately after finishing this book’ quickie review. I felt something like this: “OMG there is so much more to come! So many more things I need to know! Please please PLEASE Kelly write faster so I can read the next book!!!”
Now I will go into more detail.
This is a series that tends to take you one way then another then back again all while raising your heart rate to probably dangerous rates and this latest installment is no exception. There are a few storylines developing in this book. Some are plots that were started in previous books and other are new to this one. In Requiem, the story takes one direction and then another until finally it sticks to one story and goes with that. That left me curious as heck to know where things were going in the beginning and at the end it left me curious as heck to know what plot was going to be the focus of the next book. I was pleased with the plotline that Kelly decided to follow through this time around though.
Wyatt and Evy’s relationship is in a very comfortable place and I love seeing them together. They are a wonderful match and it’s great to finally see them in a place where they can actually be a couple, even though they are still battling evil beings and trying to stay alive and/or in one piece. Wyatt is transitioning well after his transformation in the last book and I look forward to seeing how that will affect things in books to come. I also really enjoyed watching Wyatt becoming a father figure to some werewolf pups we met in the last book. The role suits him.
You also see a lot of interaction with Evy and Wyatt and their co-workers (for lack of a better word). The secondary characters are as interesting as the primary ones in this series so I was happy to see where everyone was at. New and interesting relationships are forming and I quite liked that.
One of my favorite parts of this series is how Kelly lets her imagination run wild when it comes to her paranormal beings. They are creepy and nasty and unlike anything you’ve read before. It’s great to read creatures you’ve read a thousand times before but in a completely different way. I find that shows how much the author is willing to stretch and it makes for fabulous reading.
Kelly’s books always take you on one hell of a ride. Just when you think things can’t get anymore ‘omgomgomg’, they do. And just when you think you can put down your emotional guard, she whaps you with something that at you didn’t expect. This happened quite a few times in this book and especially near the end of the book. Seriously, I made the mistake of thinking Kelly was done messing with us because there were just a few pages left to go but nope, wrong wrong wrong. A word of warning, do not let your guard down in this book at all because otherwise you will be left a blubbering mess. In the very best of ways.
Overall Requiem for the Dead was a wonderful continuation to the series. And it leaves things open for more wonderful continuations to the series. As always, I can’t wait to see where Kelly takes us next. I will just be sure to take my own advice and prepare for the worst and hope for the best. In other words, be ready for one hell of an urban fantasy read.
4.5 stars
Requiem for the Dead is the fifth book in Kelly Meding’s Dreg City series. You cannot just jump in with this book. You really have to read this series in order because there is just so much going on! And even though Kelly does a good job recapping things, you will still feel lost if this is your first experience with the Dreg world. Besides, this series is phenomenal, filled with stories and events that will leave you speechless and exhilarated. Why wouldn’t you want to read starting at book one, Three Days to Dead?
Okay, now that I have gotten that out of the way, let’s talk about Requiem for the Dead. First, let’s do the ‘how I felt immediately after finishing this book’ quickie review. I felt something like this: “OMG there is so much more to come! So many more things I need to know! Please please PLEASE Kelly write faster so I can read the next book!!!”
Now I will go into more detail.
This is a series that tends to take you one way then another then back again all while raising your heart rate to probably dangerous rates and this latest installment is no exception. There are a few storylines developing in this book. Some are plots that were started in previous books and other are new to this one. In Requiem, the story takes one direction and then another until finally it sticks to one story and goes with that. That left me curious as heck to know where things were going in the beginning and at the end it left me curious as heck to know what plot was going to be the focus of the next book. I was pleased with the plotline that Kelly decided to follow through this time around though.
Wyatt and Evy’s relationship is in a very comfortable place and I love seeing them together. They are a wonderful match and it’s great to finally see them in a place where they can actually be a couple, even though they are still battling evil beings and trying to stay alive and/or in one piece. Wyatt is transitioning well after his transformation in the last book and I look forward to seeing how that will affect things in books to come. I also really enjoyed watching Wyatt becoming a father figure to some werewolf pups we met in the last book. The role suits him.
You also see a lot of interaction with Evy and Wyatt and their co-workers (for lack of a better word). The secondary characters are as interesting as the primary ones in this series so I was happy to see where everyone was at. New and interesting relationships are forming and I quite liked that.
One of my favorite parts of this series is how Kelly lets her imagination run wild when it comes to her paranormal beings. They are creepy and nasty and unlike anything you’ve read before. It’s great to read creatures you’ve read a thousand times before but in a completely different way. I find that shows how much the author is willing to stretch and it makes for fabulous reading.
Kelly’s books always take you on one hell of a ride. Just when you think things can’t get anymore ‘omgomgomg’, they do. And just when you think you can put down your emotional guard, she whaps you with something that at you didn’t expect. This happened quite a few times in this book and especially near the end of the book. Seriously, I made the mistake of thinking Kelly was done messing with us because there were just a few pages left to go but nope, wrong wrong wrong. A word of warning, do not let your guard down in this book at all because otherwise you will be left a blubbering mess. In the very best of ways.
Overall Requiem for the Dead was a wonderful continuation to the series. And it leaves things open for more wonderful continuations to the series. As always, I can’t wait to see where Kelly takes us next. I will just be sure to take my own advice and prepare for the worst and hope for the best. In other words, be ready for one hell of an urban fantasy read.
4.5 stars
October 13, 2013
It’s been awhile since the last Dreg City release, but this one brought me right back into the world and made me feel like I never left. With this book, Kelly Meding takes the series from traditional to self-published, and I assure you that you cannot tell the difference. At all. I reread Wrong Side of Dead immediately before I began this one, and tone and quality were completely the same. It’s dark and action packed, with rich characters and equal parts heartbreak and hope.
As the story begins, it’s been 5 weeks since the events of the last book and Evy is dealing with the aftermath. Phin is still gone. Wyatt is trying to come to grips with being a werewolf and he’s searching for the missing pups who were raised by Thackery. The vampires are fighting that terrible infection and they have pulled out of the Watchtower, reducing the ranks by a third. And the Goblins are stepping up their attacks on the city.
All of those issues play into the development of the story, but the main conflict is a new one. There’s about to be a change in leadership for the Felia shifters. At first, Marcus’ grandfather is in charge. When he finds out he has (the shifter equivalent of) cancer, he names his successor. But the tiger shifters aren’t happy and plot to grab the power for themselves. There’s a fair way to make a challenge, but that’s not the way they want to go. They’re doing it down and dirty, which ends up putting Evy and her friends right in the middle of it all.
One of the hallmarks of the series is how the main character is put through the wringer. This book is no exception, though the days of purely physical torture are behind her. Don’t get me wrong, she faces serious danger and takes some licks, but there’s more emphasis on her emotional turmoil, internal conflicts, and loss. I was completely engrossed in watching it unfold. I didn’t agree with every decision she made –and at least one made me want to shake some sense into her– but it was all in keeping with her character and her need to fix everything.
I loved seeing Evy and Wyatt trying to make a go of this… and that we didn’t miss much of their relationship development between books. Wyatt is growing into this werewolf thing and I kind of like it. I also really liked the secondary romance that developed between Milo and Marcus. (I so saw this coming!!) Meding has me so invested in these characters!! I just wish she would stop killing people I have grown to care for.
There is advancement on all of the outstanding conflicts, but the story is not over yet. That’s right, the story ends on a big fat cliffhanger. But look on the bright side… that guarantees another book, right? RIGHT???
Rating: B+
*ARC Provided by author for review
As the story begins, it’s been 5 weeks since the events of the last book and Evy is dealing with the aftermath. Phin is still gone. Wyatt is trying to come to grips with being a werewolf and he’s searching for the missing pups who were raised by Thackery. The vampires are fighting that terrible infection and they have pulled out of the Watchtower, reducing the ranks by a third. And the Goblins are stepping up their attacks on the city.
All of those issues play into the development of the story, but the main conflict is a new one. There’s about to be a change in leadership for the Felia shifters. At first, Marcus’ grandfather is in charge. When he finds out he has (the shifter equivalent of) cancer, he names his successor. But the tiger shifters aren’t happy and plot to grab the power for themselves. There’s a fair way to make a challenge, but that’s not the way they want to go. They’re doing it down and dirty, which ends up putting Evy and her friends right in the middle of it all.
One of the hallmarks of the series is how the main character is put through the wringer. This book is no exception, though the days of purely physical torture are behind her. Don’t get me wrong, she faces serious danger and takes some licks, but there’s more emphasis on her emotional turmoil, internal conflicts, and loss. I was completely engrossed in watching it unfold. I didn’t agree with every decision she made –and at least one made me want to shake some sense into her– but it was all in keeping with her character and her need to fix everything.
I loved seeing Evy and Wyatt trying to make a go of this… and that we didn’t miss much of their relationship development between books. Wyatt is growing into this werewolf thing and I kind of like it. I also really liked the secondary romance that developed between Milo and Marcus. (I so saw this coming!!) Meding has me so invested in these characters!! I just wish she would stop killing people I have grown to care for.
There is advancement on all of the outstanding conflicts, but the story is not over yet. That’s right, the story ends on a big fat cliffhanger. But look on the bright side… that guarantees another book, right? RIGHT???
Rating: B+
*ARC Provided by author for review
September 3, 2013
Last January, Meding’s publisher for the Dreg City series decided not to continue publishing novels in that line. So Kelly decided to go her own way and publish the fifth installment on her own in e-book only format. Now, it had been a long time since I read book 4 in the series but I was quite happy to find Meding dropped reminders throughout this installment to bring readers up to speed on things they may have forgotten from prior books. I have to say that is probably one of the hardest things to do as an author of a long-running series. You have to know how much to put in to trigger a reader’s memory but not enough to overload and detract from the current plot line. I think Meding did quite well on that front.
The latest Evy Stone adventure picks up only a short time after the events of book 4. The Watchtower is understaffed and the unfriendly races of the city are making trouble for our ex-Hunter and her crew. We have a lot of familiar faces taking part in this adventure and I thought that when things took dark turns, they weren’t just for show. They were meant to propel the story forward, even if they were rather shocking and sad. But that’s the sign of a good storyteller. I* always love the way Meding can paint such a vivid picture of her world. I suspect she’s got a detailed map of her fictional city laid out somewhere for easy reference.
Since this is a self-publishing venture, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the product (It can’t be easy to do all of the editing and copy-editing by oneself). I have to give props to Meding for finding a cover artist who captured the essence of the cover style from the previous books. It looks as though it fits right in. I will say I thought some of Evy’s internal narrative was a little repetitive (as was Evy and Wyatt’s declarations of emotion) but I also understand that it was an important milestone for the characters. But it did distract me a little as I was reading. I was also impressed with the way Meding handled the storyline, setting up numerous problems which needed to be resolved but only resolving one part, eaving the rest to be hashed out later. It reminded me of the way a lot of the plot in the Dresden Files was laid out and later revisited (and anyone who can even remotely get close to Dresden plotting is a good person to read for urban fantasy in my book). It is very clear from the book’s ending that Meding has more planned for Evy and company. And I will definitely be looking forward to what comes next.
The latest Evy Stone adventure picks up only a short time after the events of book 4. The Watchtower is understaffed and the unfriendly races of the city are making trouble for our ex-Hunter and her crew. We have a lot of familiar faces taking part in this adventure and I thought that when things took dark turns, they weren’t just for show. They were meant to propel the story forward, even if they were rather shocking and sad. But that’s the sign of a good storyteller. I* always love the way Meding can paint such a vivid picture of her world. I suspect she’s got a detailed map of her fictional city laid out somewhere for easy reference.
Since this is a self-publishing venture, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the product (It can’t be easy to do all of the editing and copy-editing by oneself). I have to give props to Meding for finding a cover artist who captured the essence of the cover style from the previous books. It looks as though it fits right in. I will say I thought some of Evy’s internal narrative was a little repetitive (as was Evy and Wyatt’s declarations of emotion) but I also understand that it was an important milestone for the characters. But it did distract me a little as I was reading. I was also impressed with the way Meding handled the storyline, setting up numerous problems which needed to be resolved but only resolving one part, eaving the rest to be hashed out later. It reminded me of the way a lot of the plot in the Dresden Files was laid out and later revisited (and anyone who can even remotely get close to Dresden plotting is a good person to read for urban fantasy in my book). It is very clear from the book’s ending that Meding has more planned for Evy and company. And I will definitely be looking forward to what comes next.
October 1, 2013
Requiem for the Dead is the fifth book in Kelly Meding’s Dreg City series and it’s a turning point in the series as that Kelly Meding brought us more Evy through self-publishing. And believe me there is no difference in the quality. Whether it’s self-published or not you’re going to get a high quality piece of work when it comes to Kelly Meding’s novels. It just goes to show that what’s important and what keeps the readers coming back, is an awesome author that can write a kick ass story.
Requiem for the Dead takes place about a month after Wrong Side of Dead and many things have changed in Evy Stone’s life. One thing that I’m happy to see with the change is that her relationship with Wyatt could not be stronger. They are finally in a place that I truly believe they will have a HEA and can take on anything that comes their way.
Wyatt is rolling with the punches when it comes to his transformation into his new life as a Half-Werewolf and Evy has a huge role in helping him keep his wolf in control. Now that Wyatt is part Lupa he is taking on the responsibility of keeping three teen Lupa pups safe from the Assembly. Wyatt is not only a protector to the teens but he is becoming a father to them and it’s great to see that side of him. And with Evy being Wyatt’s “mate”, I’m sure she will only become a large part in the boys’ lives as well.
As usual, Evy has to juggle so much crap in her life. She’s dealing with goblins that are killing humans in the city to send her a personal message from their new Queen. A group of vampire friends are very sick and need a cure, and a political battle between the Therians. Everyone that Evy loves is in danger from something and it’s up to Evy to save them all. Just another day in the life of Evy Stone.
But Evy has a personal conflict with someone from Chalice’s past. Yeah I wondered when/if that crap storm was going to hit.
Kelly Meding answered some questions from previous story ARCS in the Dreg City series and open up new ones and I can’t wait to see where she take Evy, Wyatt and the rest of the gang.
Requiem for the Dead takes place about a month after Wrong Side of Dead and many things have changed in Evy Stone’s life. One thing that I’m happy to see with the change is that her relationship with Wyatt could not be stronger. They are finally in a place that I truly believe they will have a HEA and can take on anything that comes their way.
Wyatt is rolling with the punches when it comes to his transformation into his new life as a Half-Werewolf and Evy has a huge role in helping him keep his wolf in control. Now that Wyatt is part Lupa he is taking on the responsibility of keeping three teen Lupa pups safe from the Assembly. Wyatt is not only a protector to the teens but he is becoming a father to them and it’s great to see that side of him. And with Evy being Wyatt’s “mate”, I’m sure she will only become a large part in the boys’ lives as well.
As usual, Evy has to juggle so much crap in her life. She’s dealing with goblins that are killing humans in the city to send her a personal message from their new Queen. A group of vampire friends are very sick and need a cure, and a political battle between the Therians. Everyone that Evy loves is in danger from something and it’s up to Evy to save them all. Just another day in the life of Evy Stone.
But Evy has a personal conflict with someone from Chalice’s past. Yeah I wondered when/if that crap storm was going to hit.
Kelly Meding answered some questions from previous story ARCS in the Dreg City series and open up new ones and I can’t wait to see where she take Evy, Wyatt and the rest of the gang.
September 21, 2013
3.5 stars. I'm glad Kelly Meding decided to continue self-publishing this series, and I had been waiting anxiously for the release of this installment. While the plot was action-packed and the writing was fluid, it felt a little like more of the same.
But before you read this one, it helps to read the free "Pride Before Fall" for some backstory - http://paranormal.suvudu.com/2009/11/....
There's a bad guy--this time a Bengal tiger--who has something that the Watchtower desperately needs. And the goblins are still there, having the occasional skirmish with the team. Close friends get hurt and/or die. (The latter socked me in my stomach.) But very little happened to move the plot along to the next phase. Is this what Evy's story will always be about - a race against a new bad guy?
I'm glad Evy and Wyatt were strong and together again, and Milo, Marcus, Tybalt, and Gina were also around. But I really missed Phinneas, who was absent until the very end.
I did see a few editing errors, but for a self-published book, this was pretty well done. I hope we get enough interest in this series to continue the story!
But before you read this one, it helps to read the free "Pride Before Fall" for some backstory - http://paranormal.suvudu.com/2009/11/....
There's a bad guy--this time a Bengal tiger--who has something that the Watchtower desperately needs. And the goblins are still there, having the occasional skirmish with the team. Close friends get hurt and/or die. (The latter socked me in my stomach.) But very little happened to move the plot along to the next phase. Is this what Evy's story will always be about - a race against a new bad guy?
I'm glad Evy and Wyatt were strong and together again, and Milo, Marcus, Tybalt, and Gina were also around. But I really missed Phinneas, who was absent until the very end.
I did see a few editing errors, but for a self-published book, this was pretty well done. I hope we get enough interest in this series to continue the story!
October 13, 2014
The latest but hopefully far from last book in what I can safely say has become one of my favourite UF series is another action-packed thrillride that had me turning pages at record speed to see what new twists Kelly Meding had in store for characters and readers alike. With the vampires still suffering from the infection they received at the hands of Thackery, Wyatt struggling with his new half-werewolf side and worrying about the three Lupa teenagers that are still missing, the members of the Felia clan having to deal with Assembly politics and backstabbing, and Chalice Frost's parents in town as an additional complication, Evy and her remaining allies face a number of high stakes challenges that not all of their number will survive - Meding is ruthless as ever when it comes to killing off characters we have come to care about, delivering more well-placed gut punches in an intense, emotional, fast-paced story that as always leaves me eagerly awaiting news of the next book. There'll be a next book, right?!
September 2, 2013
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Requiem for The Dead is the fifth installment in the Dreg City series and will be self published by author Kelly Meding on September 16, 2013. If you've read the series already, you won't have any problems transitioning from what happened in Wrong Side of Dead to this novel. If you haven't, I would highly recommend that you start with Three Days to Dead and read forward. As a supporter of this series, I definitely would like to see a sixth book and maybe even a seventh novel to ensure that Evy's story gets wrapped up in way benefiting her trials and tribulations.
**See more on my Blog!!**
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd from author 07/20/2013! Expected publication: September 16, 2013 per author's web page!
*Rating* 4.0
*My Thoughts*
Requiem for The Dead is the fifth installment in the Dreg City series and will be self published by author Kelly Meding on September 16, 2013. If you've read the series already, you won't have any problems transitioning from what happened in Wrong Side of Dead to this novel. If you haven't, I would highly recommend that you start with Three Days to Dead and read forward. As a supporter of this series, I definitely would like to see a sixth book and maybe even a seventh novel to ensure that Evy's story gets wrapped up in way benefiting her trials and tribulations.
**See more on my Blog!!**
http://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/201...
*Recvd from author 07/20/2013! Expected publication: September 16, 2013 per author's web page!
September 28, 2013
I love this series and I enjoyed this book. But there is rarely any happy moments, and if there are, it is totally ruined one page later with some awful news. It's kinda depressing (especially in the end) and that sometimes ruins the book for you. It's thrilling, harsh and written really well. I love Evy and Wyatt- such a sweet and likeable couple, with a lot of hardships to overcome. Most of the secondary characters are great too.
I didn't read this series since the 4th book was released, which was over a year and a half ago, so I was a bit lost with what was going on with some of the characters. Despite this, it was a good, dark and sad story. I hope there will be a sixth book and I hope it will be amazing, with less heartache.
I didn't read this series since the 4th book was released, which was over a year and a half ago, so I was a bit lost with what was going on with some of the characters. Despite this, it was a good, dark and sad story. I hope there will be a sixth book and I hope it will be amazing, with less heartache.
September 1, 2017
So damn good. She weaves such a story that keeps one on the edge of their seat the entire read. Emotional one too... freakin' tear jerker that got me crying in public ... Anyone know if the 6th is the last book? I tried to google but found no answer.
January 2, 2023
So damn good. She weaves such a story that keeps one on the edge of their seat the entire read. Emotional one too... freakin' tear jerker that got me crying in public ... Anyone know if the 6th is the last book? I tried to google but found no answer.
August 27, 2021
I feel like this one got a bit muddled in the middle... Need some clarity, need more movement/answers in the overall picture... but I'm still reading this series. 3.5
October 6, 2013
The announcement soon after I'd finished Kelly Meding's terrific fourth book in the Dreg City series that the publisher had dropped the series felt like a blow to me, I was truly shocked. The series kept getting better and better and the fourth book was the best one yet, and suddenly we were being told that we were just cut off. It made no sense to me, with so many urban fantasy series seeming to flourish (some of which had lost their plots and momentum long ago, but apparently people were buying the dreck so there was no pressure to improve it). I just hated that the characters and their story would just be left out there forever unfinished, I hated not knowing what was going to happen to them and how the outstanding situations where going to be resolved. But thank goodness Kelly stepped up and rescued all of us from the predicament. She self-published the fifth book and did a very fine job of it. I'm not always a huge fan of authors going the self-pub route, mostly because I must get most my books from the library and it can be difficult to get them to buy ebook only self-pubbed books. (I am working on them to add this one to their collection though. It belongs there.) But this situation demanded action and I'm so glad Kelly took it. The book is fully professional, edited beautifully, and feels seamless with the other books in the series. And the low price for this book was a nice treat, only $4 for a full size novel, I don't expect that break on future books.
If you haven't read Pride Before Fall a free short story that Kelly published on Suvudu, you may want to check it out before this book. It will give you insight into Tybalt, Marcus, Astrid, and the Pride, and you'll enjoy the book more if you take a few minutes to read the short story before getting too far into the novel. It frames some of the issues for this book. Plus it's just a good story.
As for this book. It was just what it was supposed to be. There was a lot of fighting for their lives, but it was much more focused and less frantic to a certain degree than in the past. Evy is developing a level of maturity, understanding her priorities and responsibilities in new ways, and that adds a lot of depth to the storytelling. She still a crazy girl sometimes, but her heart is always in the right place and she at least is trying hard to do what's right for everyone around her. It just isn't always so clear what that is, especially when the needs of the many, as she sees it, might outweigh the needs of the few when those few might be the people who love her most. People get hurt and there's no going back. It isn't a light and fluffy book, that's for sure. But it has enough heart and soul to give the fantasy story a sense of realism. The human, and Therian (shifter), emotions in the book ground it firmly in reality and make it work beautifully.
The only thing I had to nitpick about was the length of a couple of people's hair. People who fight hand-to-hand for their lives should want short hair so it can't be grabbed to use as a hand hold, vanity be damned. Evy and Marcus would certainly know that. There were probably some other long-haired people too, but those two stuck out. Everyone does it, they cast for romance not for practicality, but it isn't TV, you can be more practical in a book. Nitpicky, I know.
Other than that It was just an all-around strong book. It balanced excitement and emotions. It wrapped up or moved old issues forward, and introduced new concerns to be explored. There was a lot of growth from Evy and from Wayne, I'm finally liking them together and I like the man he's becoming. And the Watchtower has been shaken up once again, so we'll see what becomes of that in the next book. I do think there will be one now. If enough of us buy and enjoy (the easy part) this one. So go grab a copy. Kindle, B&N, Smashwords has whatever format you like, or Sony. And if you haven't started the series yet and you're an urban fantasy fan, give the first book, Three Days to Dead, a try. Then keep reading because they just get better and better.
If you haven't read Pride Before Fall a free short story that Kelly published on Suvudu, you may want to check it out before this book. It will give you insight into Tybalt, Marcus, Astrid, and the Pride, and you'll enjoy the book more if you take a few minutes to read the short story before getting too far into the novel. It frames some of the issues for this book. Plus it's just a good story.
As for this book. It was just what it was supposed to be. There was a lot of fighting for their lives, but it was much more focused and less frantic to a certain degree than in the past. Evy is developing a level of maturity, understanding her priorities and responsibilities in new ways, and that adds a lot of depth to the storytelling. She still a crazy girl sometimes, but her heart is always in the right place and she at least is trying hard to do what's right for everyone around her. It just isn't always so clear what that is, especially when the needs of the many, as she sees it, might outweigh the needs of the few when those few might be the people who love her most. People get hurt and there's no going back. It isn't a light and fluffy book, that's for sure. But it has enough heart and soul to give the fantasy story a sense of realism. The human, and Therian (shifter), emotions in the book ground it firmly in reality and make it work beautifully.
The only thing I had to nitpick about was the length of a couple of people's hair. People who fight hand-to-hand for their lives should want short hair so it can't be grabbed to use as a hand hold, vanity be damned. Evy and Marcus would certainly know that. There were probably some other long-haired people too, but those two stuck out. Everyone does it, they cast for romance not for practicality, but it isn't TV, you can be more practical in a book. Nitpicky, I know.
Other than that It was just an all-around strong book. It balanced excitement and emotions. It wrapped up or moved old issues forward, and introduced new concerns to be explored. There was a lot of growth from Evy and from Wayne, I'm finally liking them together and I like the man he's becoming. And the Watchtower has been shaken up once again, so we'll see what becomes of that in the next book. I do think there will be one now. If enough of us buy and enjoy (the easy part) this one. So go grab a copy. Kindle, B&N, Smashwords has whatever format you like, or Sony. And if you haven't started the series yet and you're an urban fantasy fan, give the first book, Three Days to Dead, a try. Then keep reading because they just get better and better.
November 8, 2013
I am happy to say that Kelly Meding's Dreg City series is still rolling, this time self-publishing style! Requiem for the Dead is the continuance of the series and I don't think--at least hopefully--it ends here! The ending of this one definitely leaves Evy and her friends with a few more problems still.
In this one Evy has a lot on her plate. And while that can be said of nearly any book, but in this one it's true. Evy has a LOT on her plate! First she must find Vale, a Therian who is hellbent on causing war and destruction, so likely she's going to have to prevent that from happening too. She has to stop the vampires from dying since many of them are her friends, finding a cure turns out to be easier than she thought when she is literally handed one, but then she loses it during a kidnapping of herself and then she has to fight to get it back. She has to stop the goblin Queen as well, who also happens to want Evy dead. Then she has to help Wyatt find the missing teen wolves, who are responsible for Wyatt being turned as well, but they're still teenagers and Wyatt wants to help them, so she's Team Wyatt and decides to help out as well. And then, yes there's still more, she has to deal with Chalice's--the body she is inhabiting or basically living in now--parents who want to find their missing daughter.
Whew! So yeah, Evy's got a lot on her plate this time around. It was a very busy few days for her. Because all this and more literally happens in under a week. Kelly has the amazing talent to write a book that takes place in just a few days that are always filled with tons of action, suspense, bits of humor and sprinklings of romance! We even get a nice romance scene fairly early on. Like in the first day, if memory serves.
I enjoy Evy as a heroine. She's a human pretty much surrounded by paranormals. True, there are more humans on the Watchtower team, but she has a lot of contact with nonhumans too. And yet, she stays so strong. She is constantly fighting bad guys left and right, trying to protect her friends...it's amazing what this woman can do!
I was a little upset to see Phineas missing for nearly the entire novel. He doesn't pop up until the very last page and presents what is to be a new problem for Evy, hence my reasoning that Kelly's got to have at least one more book for us!
Requiem for the Dead had quite a few surprises thrown at us. We're told through the description already that Evy will lose someone and it happens faster than I thought. But there were still more losses and betrayals to come that were just shocking! I was not expecting to have so much heartache in one book. I really felt for Evy's pain in this one.
The romance as I said was nice! We get a nice romantic interlude with Evy and Wyatt early on and then after that, things pretty much get chaotic and there's no longer any time for that. Wyatt is still dealing with being a wolf. It's hard for him and he feels he might hurt Evy if he lets her too close, so Evy has to show him otherwise that that is not likely to happen. It was a pretty tender and endearing moment that made me melt just a little!
The Dreg City novels have been a fave of mine ever since that wonderful day when I won a signed copy from Kelly. The series has always been intense and fast paced, for most of the novels have a time limit of some sort. But all of them have had the day and time posted in each chapter, which lets you know that not much time is passing, but there's a helluva lot going down! I am so looking forward to the next one that I hoping will be in existence next year!
Overall Rating 4/5 stars
In this one Evy has a lot on her plate. And while that can be said of nearly any book, but in this one it's true. Evy has a LOT on her plate! First she must find Vale, a Therian who is hellbent on causing war and destruction, so likely she's going to have to prevent that from happening too. She has to stop the vampires from dying since many of them are her friends, finding a cure turns out to be easier than she thought when she is literally handed one, but then she loses it during a kidnapping of herself and then she has to fight to get it back. She has to stop the goblin Queen as well, who also happens to want Evy dead. Then she has to help Wyatt find the missing teen wolves, who are responsible for Wyatt being turned as well, but they're still teenagers and Wyatt wants to help them, so she's Team Wyatt and decides to help out as well. And then, yes there's still more, she has to deal with Chalice's--the body she is inhabiting or basically living in now--parents who want to find their missing daughter.
Whew! So yeah, Evy's got a lot on her plate this time around. It was a very busy few days for her. Because all this and more literally happens in under a week. Kelly has the amazing talent to write a book that takes place in just a few days that are always filled with tons of action, suspense, bits of humor and sprinklings of romance! We even get a nice romance scene fairly early on. Like in the first day, if memory serves.
I enjoy Evy as a heroine. She's a human pretty much surrounded by paranormals. True, there are more humans on the Watchtower team, but she has a lot of contact with nonhumans too. And yet, she stays so strong. She is constantly fighting bad guys left and right, trying to protect her friends...it's amazing what this woman can do!
I was a little upset to see Phineas missing for nearly the entire novel. He doesn't pop up until the very last page and presents what is to be a new problem for Evy, hence my reasoning that Kelly's got to have at least one more book for us!
Requiem for the Dead had quite a few surprises thrown at us. We're told through the description already that Evy will lose someone and it happens faster than I thought. But there were still more losses and betrayals to come that were just shocking! I was not expecting to have so much heartache in one book. I really felt for Evy's pain in this one.
The romance as I said was nice! We get a nice romantic interlude with Evy and Wyatt early on and then after that, things pretty much get chaotic and there's no longer any time for that. Wyatt is still dealing with being a wolf. It's hard for him and he feels he might hurt Evy if he lets her too close, so Evy has to show him otherwise that that is not likely to happen. It was a pretty tender and endearing moment that made me melt just a little!
The Dreg City novels have been a fave of mine ever since that wonderful day when I won a signed copy from Kelly. The series has always been intense and fast paced, for most of the novels have a time limit of some sort. But all of them have had the day and time posted in each chapter, which lets you know that not much time is passing, but there's a helluva lot going down! I am so looking forward to the next one that I hoping will be in existence next year!
Overall Rating 4/5 stars
October 8, 2013
Summary: The new ruling organization, the people of the watchtower are already falling apart. Vampires have pulled out due to illness, and the were's are in the midst of a power struggle. Evy wants to help Wyatt adjust to being a half werewolf and find the lost werewolf teens, along with finding the cure for the vampires. But, she is being pulled into everyone else's drama. Does she need to die again to save the world... again?
Review: I'm really glad Meding decided to self-publish the 5th installment of the Dreg City series since her publisher decided to drop the series. And like previous installments, this novel did not disappoint.
A major plot point in this novel revolved around were politics. With Phin being noticeably absent, the weres focused on in this book were the werecats and the werewolves. The werecats amused me, their politics brutal and, well, catty. It was a perfect medley of their human and feline natures. The werewolf teenagers broke my heart. In the last book I really felt their plight, children dragged into murder. But these 3 are now Wyatt's responsibility, and they are not different from many other teenage boys.
Evy and Wyatt's romantic relationship, unfortunately, is getting a bit boring. I find their relationship too much like teenage angst. I get they are settling into a stable relationship and therefore have huge bumps, but I still expect more out of grown adults. And when I think Wyatt should have been more upset at Evy, he was a lot more lax about it than I think he should have been.
I enjoyed learning about the other characters. Milo and Marcus made me swoon. They are made for each other. And I totally called that Marcus was gay. Astrid, Tybalt, Kismet, and etc. we all learned more about. I missed Phin; he was off on some search through most of the book. Phin is my FAVORITE character, and his insight always helps Evy grow. In this book, Evy didn't grow, and I think it was due to Phin's absence. Without giving spoilers, one death made me especially sad. I felt his loved ones had been through enough, as had he. I will miss him in future installments.
Overall, This series is fun, and I think it's sad the publisher has dropped the series. But I hope it is to Meding's benefit because I will definitely catch the next installment if she self publishes again!
Sex: sex and kissing
Violence: Some violent descriptions and murder
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Series rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Quote: "Unless you lived in our city. Then there was a good chance your neighbor could shift into an animal, that the tall, pale-skinned woman with the white-blond hair was actually a vampire, and that a gremlin really did screw up your wireless internet last night."
Review: I'm really glad Meding decided to self-publish the 5th installment of the Dreg City series since her publisher decided to drop the series. And like previous installments, this novel did not disappoint.
A major plot point in this novel revolved around were politics. With Phin being noticeably absent, the weres focused on in this book were the werecats and the werewolves. The werecats amused me, their politics brutal and, well, catty. It was a perfect medley of their human and feline natures. The werewolf teenagers broke my heart. In the last book I really felt their plight, children dragged into murder. But these 3 are now Wyatt's responsibility, and they are not different from many other teenage boys.
Evy and Wyatt's romantic relationship, unfortunately, is getting a bit boring. I find their relationship too much like teenage angst. I get they are settling into a stable relationship and therefore have huge bumps, but I still expect more out of grown adults. And when I think Wyatt should have been more upset at Evy, he was a lot more lax about it than I think he should have been.
I enjoyed learning about the other characters. Milo and Marcus made me swoon. They are made for each other. And I totally called that Marcus was gay. Astrid, Tybalt, Kismet, and etc. we all learned more about. I missed Phin; he was off on some search through most of the book. Phin is my FAVORITE character, and his insight always helps Evy grow. In this book, Evy didn't grow, and I think it was due to Phin's absence. Without giving spoilers, one death made me especially sad. I felt his loved ones had been through enough, as had he. I will miss him in future installments.
Overall, This series is fun, and I think it's sad the publisher has dropped the series. But I hope it is to Meding's benefit because I will definitely catch the next installment if she self publishes again!
Sex: sex and kissing
Violence: Some violent descriptions and murder
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Series rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Quote: "Unless you lived in our city. Then there was a good chance your neighbor could shift into an animal, that the tall, pale-skinned woman with the white-blond hair was actually a vampire, and that a gremlin really did screw up your wireless internet last night."
February 23, 2014
Words cannot describe my excitement when I stumbled upon Requiem For The Dead. My heart broke a bit when I heard Kelly Meding’s publisher was dropping the series. From the first book I had been completely drawn into the world Meding created. Plus a world without more of Evy Stone’s quick wit just seems cruel. I am beyond thrilled Kelly decided to go the self-publishing route.
Picking up shortly after where the previous book left off, I was worried I’d forget what happened in Evy’s world. However, Kelly did a great job dropping bread crumb reminders of what has happened in the previous books. Watchtower still has problems to deal with and many new ones arise throughout the story.
This book gives a little more humanity to Evy. We see how the events of all of the past books have affected her. Sure, when it comes to goblins she’s out for revenge, but now she’s a bit more emotional and has a lot more experience under her belt. We also see hers and Wyatt’s relationship grow more and more while they deal with all of their struggles.
Many familiar faces return throughout the book which had me thinking it was the end. But once again Kelly surprises me with an ‘ending’ that is on the ending of a book not a series. We also get a look at more of the inner workings of the clans, which I found rather fascinating. Secondary characters get a chance to shine a bit more than in the other books as well.
Overall, this book is fantastic. This series definitely is going onto my ‘all time favorites’ list. I find myself now imagining characters in the Dreg City world. I really hope a sixth book happens, at the very least letting it be the final book. That and I just need more!
Picking up shortly after where the previous book left off, I was worried I’d forget what happened in Evy’s world. However, Kelly did a great job dropping bread crumb reminders of what has happened in the previous books. Watchtower still has problems to deal with and many new ones arise throughout the story.
This book gives a little more humanity to Evy. We see how the events of all of the past books have affected her. Sure, when it comes to goblins she’s out for revenge, but now she’s a bit more emotional and has a lot more experience under her belt. We also see hers and Wyatt’s relationship grow more and more while they deal with all of their struggles.
Many familiar faces return throughout the book which had me thinking it was the end. But once again Kelly surprises me with an ‘ending’ that is on the ending of a book not a series. We also get a look at more of the inner workings of the clans, which I found rather fascinating. Secondary characters get a chance to shine a bit more than in the other books as well.
Overall, this book is fantastic. This series definitely is going onto my ‘all time favorites’ list. I find myself now imagining characters in the Dreg City world. I really hope a sixth book happens, at the very least letting it be the final book. That and I just need more!
September 16, 2013
This is one of those series that you can not help but want to read more of after you have started it. Make sure to start from book 1. There is way to much back story that you would miss starting anywhere else. Some of the books have been better than others but put them all together and they all make for a great read. REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD will be the first in the series to be self-published by Kelly Meding.
It is hard to imagine the Evy that woke from the dead in book 1. She has changed and grown so much since then. The events that have made her who she is are pretty gruesome and so unfair but she is still fighting strong for herself and those she cares about. Wyatt and Evy continue to grow in their ever-changing relationship. They always seem to have something on one of their ends that makes them pause but they managed to push through everything and arrive at the same place during book 5. This series always brings death, I was saddened by those we lost. Some members were hit harder than others with lost loved ones but everyone grieved just the same. Phineas is still gone searching for others of his kind. I miss him, he is needed and I hope he comes back soon.
I have lots of questions that I need answered after reading REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD. I am glad that Kelly has decided to keep the series going by self-publishing and I look forwards to reading what comes next because this series is far from done in my mind.
It is hard to imagine the Evy that woke from the dead in book 1. She has changed and grown so much since then. The events that have made her who she is are pretty gruesome and so unfair but she is still fighting strong for herself and those she cares about. Wyatt and Evy continue to grow in their ever-changing relationship. They always seem to have something on one of their ends that makes them pause but they managed to push through everything and arrive at the same place during book 5. This series always brings death, I was saddened by those we lost. Some members were hit harder than others with lost loved ones but everyone grieved just the same. Phineas is still gone searching for others of his kind. I miss him, he is needed and I hope he comes back soon.
I have lots of questions that I need answered after reading REQUIEM FOR THE DEAD. I am glad that Kelly has decided to keep the series going by self-publishing and I look forwards to reading what comes next because this series is far from done in my mind.
July 26, 2016
How can an animal bite be too small to be a dogs but big enough to, you know, measure? I have a chihuahua and they're vicious little beasts and mine isn't even a miniature. But they are saying the teeth belong to a goblin who they've fought and they aren't the size of mice.
And before you say they're too short to mail someone, if just a couple of chihuahuas attacked you, you could trip and fall, definitely if there were several biting you and you were trying to step away and once you were on the ground it would all over. Small dogs account for more bites than big dogs, one breed (I don't remember but it was probably those damn chihuahuas) have more reported bites (and most are probably not reported--picture going into the ER, "I was bitten by a yorkie,") than pit bulls who have an average number of bites per capita, there are just so many of them and big dogs do more damage with their big mouths. But a pack of chihuahuas could take you down. They're vicious, I tell you, vicious.*
Wyatt is sooo sweet.
*Somehow I ended up with a mix who's barky and standoffish until he gets to know you and then he is beyond clingy, won't let you put him down. The worst of both worlds (not the "worse of the two" because each half is the worst of their typical behaviors and together they are still the worst of their behaviors).
Enough run on sentences for you?
And before you say they're too short to mail someone, if just a couple of chihuahuas attacked you, you could trip and fall, definitely if there were several biting you and you were trying to step away and once you were on the ground it would all over. Small dogs account for more bites than big dogs, one breed (I don't remember but it was probably those damn chihuahuas) have more reported bites (and most are probably not reported--picture going into the ER, "I was bitten by a yorkie,") than pit bulls who have an average number of bites per capita, there are just so many of them and big dogs do more damage with their big mouths. But a pack of chihuahuas could take you down. They're vicious, I tell you, vicious.*
Wyatt is sooo sweet.
*Somehow I ended up with a mix who's barky and standoffish until he gets to know you and then he is beyond clingy, won't let you put him down. The worst of both worlds (not the "worse of the two" because each half is the worst of their typical behaviors and together they are still the worst of their behaviors).
Enough run on sentences for you?
September 20, 2013
This was one of my very first UF series that I started reading and I absolutely love the world that the author has created. I like reading about some of the characters - Wyatt (yum), Marcus, Milo, Phin, Kismet, and co. This book's villain(s) didn't have any redeeming qualities in my opinion.
Because I never give any synopsis of the storyline, I guess I'll get down to my normal questions and responses.
Is this a standalone book? No, I would never recommend this book to someone who has not read the previous books. The story continues after the last one so you would more than likely be completely confused.
Would I recommend this book to someone? Yes, I would, but only after they read the other books in the series and only if they like urban fantasy. :) And yes, I would recommend the other books! If you have to have a happy ever-after, then person you might not like this series, specially this book.
Can't wait for the next book!
Because I never give any synopsis of the storyline, I guess I'll get down to my normal questions and responses.
Is this a standalone book? No, I would never recommend this book to someone who has not read the previous books. The story continues after the last one so you would more than likely be completely confused.
Would I recommend this book to someone? Yes, I would, but only after they read the other books in the series and only if they like urban fantasy. :) And yes, I would recommend the other books! If you have to have a happy ever-after, then person you might not like this series, specially this book.
Can't wait for the next book!
October 9, 2013
This book was filled with action, but I hated that with each engagement it seemed like one of my favorite characters was hurt. There were few down times, but the few that were there usually ended up with a sweet scene for Evy and Wyatt, something that they needed. I hated some of the choices that Evy made, one in particular seemed to have big consequences until the truth could come out, but it needed to be done. I was surprised that Evy didn't see what her action would cause. The last battle at the end was done in a that allowed them to have the most success, it is just too bad that the good intentions couldn't come through all the way.
With the news that Evy got at the end I look forward to seeing where things go from here.
With the news that Evy got at the end I look forward to seeing where things go from here.
December 12, 2013
I'm sure I'm one of many, many happy readers that are grateful for Ms. Meding's decision to opt for the self publishing route. Why her publisher decided not to renew the Dreg City series is ridiculous. On to the book. Evy is back, and fully immersed as an enforcer, and keeping the Watchtower intact, whose numbers have dwindled down due to the deadly infection released upon the vampires in book four. Politics, war, and death are a a consistent theme in Dreg City, with book five bringing forth some bit of hope for the future. Tiny spoiler..don't hold your breath for all characters to make it to book six, and of course the book ends with a hell of a climactic cliff hanger.
September 29, 2013
I was very excited when I heard that Ms. Meding decided to self publish the next book in the Dreg City Series. This series is always fast paced and contains lots of action and this book was no exception. What I really love about the last the couple of books is the introduction of old/new characters and how the reader gets to know them through their relationship with Evy. I also like how the characters have expanded their perspectives and how what they always believe to be black and white issues aren't necessarily so. I feel that there is still more of Evy's story to tell and I sincerely hope that this series will continue.
July 26, 2016
Evy and Wyatt
Read September 2013
Loved getting back into this world Kelly Meding has created. I liked that Evy and Wyatt's relationship has finally settled. Loved them together.
This book was full of action. People being killed. I don't think that between this series and the Metawars series that a book goes by without characters being killed.
It ends on a cliffhanger, so there has to be another book, right?
Read September 2013
Loved getting back into this world Kelly Meding has created. I liked that Evy and Wyatt's relationship has finally settled. Loved them together.
This book was full of action. People being killed. I don't think that between this series and the Metawars series that a book goes by without characters being killed.
It ends on a cliffhanger, so there has to be another book, right?
October 31, 2013
Well it took me a bit to realize I won't be able to get the paperback of this book so I went with the download on my Kindle. :)
I've sure been missing Evangeline and the rest of the team! This book didn't disappoint...lots of twists and turns and sadly a death or two. :( Chalice's parents showing up was definitely unexpected and I'm not sure if it's just me but I don't remember things with them being wrapped up at all. Regardless, I always look forward to the next book in the series. :)
I've sure been missing Evangeline and the rest of the team! This book didn't disappoint...lots of twists and turns and sadly a death or two. :( Chalice's parents showing up was definitely unexpected and I'm not sure if it's just me but I don't remember things with them being wrapped up at all. Regardless, I always look forward to the next book in the series. :)
December 26, 2016
Such a great series, so glad the author came back to these amazing characters. While it took me a few chapters to reacquaint myself with the world, it all slid back into place quickly, and the story took off like a rocketship.
The set up for book 6 was great, and I'm having a very hard time not starting it back to back. Must savor my wonderful Christmas present.
The set up for book 6 was great, and I'm having a very hard time not starting it back to back. Must savor my wonderful Christmas present.
October 5, 2013
Slow start with some weaknesses in the writing, but strong second half sets this as a solid 3 star rating. The author obviously disagrees with the book How Not to Write a Novel. And a few typos are distracting. But yes, I'll read the next in the series.
October 22, 2013
I couldn't wait for book #5 and even better - glad to see I will have to eagerly wait for #6! A few heart wrenching places in the story but I don't want to give anything away. All more proof how you get sucked into these stories & get attached to the characters. Nice job, Kelly & Thanks!
August 23, 2014
There is certainly more story to tell, please let this not be the end! I'll beg if I have to. I love the dark world Meding created, and she doesn't pull her punches when it comes to the shit she puts her characters through. Oy. O_O
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