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Blood Gamble
(Disrupted Magic #2)
by
If there is one city that Scarlett Bernard hates, it’s Las Vegas. But when the cardinal vampire of Los Angeles convinces her to go investigate a new vampire-themed stage show, Scarlett quickly finds herself shoulder-deep in sequins, slot machines, and Old World intrigue.
The show’s creators are vampire celebrities Arthur and Lucy Holmwood, who once inspired characters from ...more
The show’s creators are vampire celebrities Arthur and Lucy Holmwood, who once inspired characters from ...more
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Start your review of Blood Gamble (Disrupted Magic, #2)
Blood Gamble by Melissa F Olson and narrated by Amy McFadden is a terrific fantasy book in a series I am hooked on! Vampires, werewolves, witches and Nulls which are rare but are people that cause magic from the other supernatural beings to be cancelled out when the Null is around. Scarlet is tricked into going to Vegas and spying on a pair of showman Vamps. While there she meets a friend who is a Null too. She also pokes around into the disappearance of almost 40 missing vampires. This causes t
...more
I loved the first book in this series but was terribly disappointed in this. All of the growth and maturity Scarlett gained in the last book up and disappeared in a flash about halfway through. She has the shittiest taste in men. Does she have something against mature responsible men? Why does she keep going for these douchebags when it’s clear it’ll never work in the long run?
This took place in Las Vegas. It had a different vibe since none of the regular side characters were around frequently. ...more
This took place in Las Vegas. It had a different vibe since none of the regular side characters were around frequently. ...more
I started this series at book 3, Shadow Hunt as an ARC review requested by the publisher. After finishing Shadow Hunt I instantly went back and purchased book 1, Midnight Curse, and book 2, Blood Gamble because I knew Olson's writing is something that would be added to must read shelf.
The Disrupted Magic series did NOT disappoint. Blood Gamble continues Scarlett's story but is told from both Scarlett's and Jesse's perspectives, although mostly Scarlett's. I do know what happens next because, li ...more
The Disrupted Magic series did NOT disappoint. Blood Gamble continues Scarlett's story but is told from both Scarlett's and Jesse's perspectives, although mostly Scarlett's. I do know what happens next because, li ...more
Another instalment in the chaotic life that Scarlet lives. Scarlet may be human but she's also a powerful null meaning that her life is anything but ordinary. Still she's somehow accepted who and what she is and has even trained hard to protect herself and those she cares for and that is unfortunately her weak spot. Scarlet is adamant that she's not going to Las Vegas no matter what Dashiel decrees but who said vampires play fair? Dashiel might not be warm and fluffy but as the cardinal vampire
...more
Spectacular
KU
This was amazing, and debatebly, the best Scarlett Bernard book yet. There is plenty of the same essential characters with some fresh characters added, which really enhanced the flavour of the novel as a whole. One of my favourite things about this book is it’s constant element of surprise.
I had plenty of sniffles and together with the complex plotline this was an amazing read. A wonderful dose of fast paced kicking and screaming and a fine element of Scarlett’s special kind of hum ...more
KU
This was amazing, and debatebly, the best Scarlett Bernard book yet. There is plenty of the same essential characters with some fresh characters added, which really enhanced the flavour of the novel as a whole. One of my favourite things about this book is it’s constant element of surprise.
I had plenty of sniffles and together with the complex plotline this was an amazing read. A wonderful dose of fast paced kicking and screaming and a fine element of Scarlett’s special kind of hum ...more
My favorite of the series so far
I contemplated skipping this book because it was set somewhere other than where it normally is and had a whole new cast of characters. I'm glad I didn't though. It turned out to be my favorite of the series. There was so much more depth and emotion in this book. I can't wait to read the next one. ...more
I contemplated skipping this book because it was set somewhere other than where it normally is and had a whole new cast of characters. I'm glad I didn't though. It turned out to be my favorite of the series. There was so much more depth and emotion in this book. I can't wait to read the next one. ...more
More reviews at TheBibliophage.com
Like Midnight Curse, Melissa F. Olson’s Blood Gamble is a “popcorn book.” It’s fun in a paranormal sort of way. Our heroine, Scarlett Bernard, is a flawed but lovable character. And the action has good pacing and innovative twists.
But … you knew there was a “but” coming next, right? It’s still just a 3-star read for me. But to me, three stars is a decent if not wildly memorable book. I have no complaints about that.
In Blood Gamble, Scarlett goes to Vegas to chec ...more
Like Midnight Curse, Melissa F. Olson’s Blood Gamble is a “popcorn book.” It’s fun in a paranormal sort of way. Our heroine, Scarlett Bernard, is a flawed but lovable character. And the action has good pacing and innovative twists.
But … you knew there was a “but” coming next, right? It’s still just a 3-star read for me. But to me, three stars is a decent if not wildly memorable book. I have no complaints about that.
In Blood Gamble, Scarlett goes to Vegas to chec ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
In which we are confirmed in the belief that Scarlett will never get to have the nice things. For values of things = a romantic relationship.
Also in which an author's note added even more emotional punch to a twist-in-the-tail that I never saw coming, and in fact would doubt anyone could have foreseen.
And while I didn't love this (for the first point), I'm also wondering after the note if in some barely imaginable future, Scarlett's life will contain a solid, permanent relationship? Because it ...more
Also in which an author's note added even more emotional punch to a twist-in-the-tail that I never saw coming, and in fact would doubt anyone could have foreseen.
And while I didn't love this (for the first point), I'm also wondering after the note if in some barely imaginable future, Scarlett's life will contain a solid, permanent relationship? Because it ...more
*Source* NetGalley
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Full Review Pending*
As this is actually the FIFTH installment in Scarlett's series, things really, really take a holy shite turn once you reach the last page. As the author states, she has seen this particular issue coming since the first book in the series. One could say that Olson jumps the shark on the ending. Especially after her character explicitly said one thing, and that thing apparently is BULLSHARK. I enjoyed this story nonetheless. I ...more
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Full Review Pending*
As this is actually the FIFTH installment in Scarlett's series, things really, really take a holy shite turn once you reach the last page. As the author states, she has seen this particular issue coming since the first book in the series. One could say that Olson jumps the shark on the ending. Especially after her character explicitly said one thing, and that thing apparently is BULLSHARK. I enjoyed this story nonetheless. I ...more
Another instalment in the chaotic life that Scarlet lives. Scarlet may be human but she's also a powerful null meaning that her life is anything but ordinary. Still she's somehow accepted who and what she is and has even trained hard to protect herself and those she cares for and that is unfortunately her weak spot. Scarlet is adamant that she's not going to Las Vegas no matter what Dashiel decrees but who said vampires play fair? Dashiel might not be warm and fluffy but as the cardinal vampire
...more
Dashiell convinces Scarlett to travel to Las Vegas to view a show created by the original vampires from the Dracula story, to determine if it is exposing the Old World - which it definitely is. While she is there, she learns that a bunch of vampires have gone missing and takes a side job to find out what happened to one of them. There are rumors of "skinners" (Old World assassins) being in town, but there is little evidence. She also knows her friend, Jameson, a null from NYC, is somehow wrapped
...more
Borrowed via Unlimited
If it's not a massively patronising thing to say, I'm really impressed with this series. I love urban fantasy but usually I like a bit more creature variety. Olsen's writing just really works for me though and I've got really fond of Scarlett and a few other characters. Clearly I started in the wrong place and should have begun with the first trilogy but I'm going to go back and read that when I've finished this trilogy. Especially after that ending! Omg normally a trope th ...more
If it's not a massively patronising thing to say, I'm really impressed with this series. I love urban fantasy but usually I like a bit more creature variety. Olsen's writing just really works for me though and I've got really fond of Scarlett and a few other characters. Clearly I started in the wrong place and should have begun with the first trilogy but I'm going to go back and read that when I've finished this trilogy. Especially after that ending! Omg normally a trope th ...more
Scarlet Bernard travels to Las Vegas to investigate a vampire couple who are getting close to letting the cat out of the bag about vampires. While there she discovers that vampires have been going missing.
I never quite got Scarlet Bernard and the LA vampires. I didn't connect with the characters and the stories left me feeling unsatisfied. I think I walked away from the series after book 2. But I've been giving it another try with the Disrupted Magic series which also features Scarlet Bernard a ...more
I never quite got Scarlet Bernard and the LA vampires. I didn't connect with the characters and the stories left me feeling unsatisfied. I think I walked away from the series after book 2. But I've been giving it another try with the Disrupted Magic series which also features Scarlet Bernard a ...more
I freaking love these books. Olson is not kind to her characters, they go through some sh*t, but they grow for it. I enjoy all the characters, the story races along, and I don't have to "set it down" half way through. I really enjoy the whole thing. So, this is one series I want to read as soon as the book comes out. If you like paranormal / urban fantasy, these are a great addition to the genre.
Anyway, don't start with this one, read them all in order...and the two series intertwine a tiny bit, ...more
Anyway, don't start with this one, read them all in order...and the two series intertwine a tiny bit, ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
The Melissa Olson books are always a good time. Quick reads, but highly entertaining. There is plenty of action, a good bit of humor, and always an air of mystery. The protagonists are compelling and well-drawn. Another solid book from a solid author
The book is a 4 but I have a policy of always knocking off a point for cliffhangers. Tacky, the author should have more faith you'd like to keep reading her work.
...more
3-1/2 ***
Love the narrator.
Love the narrator.
Blood Gamble will make you laugh (a lot), cry, and bring you to the edge of your seat with a startled gasp, at the end. I loved Scarlett’s Vegas adventure. As always all books with snarky, female leads are my favorite books!! Ms. Olson the reference to Dracula was a nice touch.
Scarlett does not want to go to Las Vegas. No, not even if there are two vampires putting on a show that may reveal the old world. No not even if Dashiel is paying her a huge sum of money. She’s not going
But Vampires don’t take no for an answer and with Dashiel manipulating her sister-in-law into going she has to try and protect them. But there she encounters something far more deadly than Dashiel expected… she could come home, but who but Scarlett will stop the death toll rising?
I would descri ...more
But Vampires don’t take no for an answer and with Dashiel manipulating her sister-in-law into going she has to try and protect them. But there she encounters something far more deadly than Dashiel expected… she could come home, but who but Scarlett will stop the death toll rising?
I would descri ...more
In this adventure, Scarlett is pressured to go to Las Vegas to investigate a new stage show that seems to be outing vampires and their abilities. Her cover is a girls' weekend with her new sister-in-law and the other women of the bridal party. Scarlett isn't at all in favor of putting her sister-in-law and the other women in danger. Now she not only has to investigate but keep the humans safe too.
When she arrives in Las Vegas she finds that the show is being set up by two vampires - Arthur and L ...more
When she arrives in Las Vegas she finds that the show is being set up by two vampires - Arthur and L ...more
From my reading progress notes (audio):
20.0% ""Null" Scarlett is leaving her hound behind to check out a vampire show in Las Vegas. Again, we are meeting people with a history that is unknown to me :(
Other than that good story telling and I even got used to the bitchy narrator voice ;)"
70.0% "Wow - I do like action, but these people sure survive a lot of attacks, even if they are supernatural. And I could sooooo do without the awkward romance!"
99.0% "*hm* there is more chemistry between the huma ...more
20.0% ""Null" Scarlett is leaving her hound behind to check out a vampire show in Las Vegas. Again, we are meeting people with a history that is unknown to me :(
Other than that good story telling and I even got used to the bitchy narrator voice ;)"
70.0% "Wow - I do like action, but these people sure survive a lot of attacks, even if they are supernatural. And I could sooooo do without the awkward romance!"
99.0% "*hm* there is more chemistry between the huma ...more
A little slow off the blocks but once you get in it's really good. I like the characters, world building and the plot works although it's going to be awfully interesting to see where it goes from here.
...more
This book was just as great as Midnight Curse, but had a faster pace. I still love that Scarlett because she’s snarky and a strong heroine, but she just has the worst taste in guys. I didn’t see the ending until a few chapters away, but I’m just glad that the third book is already released so I don’t have to wait to know what happens next!
I'm not as invested in Scarlett as I am in Lex. I wonder if this would have been the same if I would have read Disrupted Magic before I read Boundary Magic or just a reflection of the characters' personalities.
...more
Game changer
I was losing patience with this book. I felt Scarlett was taking stupid risks and putting people in danger unnecessarily. Then I found the book was a bit slow with so much information about Vegas and Dracula, I was in overload ...until the end . Wow, did things change! Great ending!
I was losing patience with this book. I felt Scarlett was taking stupid risks and putting people in danger unnecessarily. Then I found the book was a bit slow with so much information about Vegas and Dracula, I was in overload ...until the end . Wow, did things change! Great ending!
I love Melissa Olson's universe she's created. The characters and types of paranormal groups she's created are great. I always read her new books and they're super enjoyable.
...more
4+ stars. This series is SO much stronger than Scarlet's first. I enjoyed this trip to Vegas.
...more
Gosh, I really did like this story but there were a few parts that were slower than I would have liked with all the action taking place. I do like this world though :D.
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Melissa Olson was born and raised in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, and studied film and literature at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. After graduation, and a brief stint bouncing around the Hollywood studio system, Melissa landed in Madison, WI, where she eventually acquired a master's degree from UW-Milwaukee, a husband, a mortgage, a teaching gig, two kids, and two comically o
...more
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Disrupted Magic
(5 books)
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