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Chronicles of Arcana #4
City of War
Triumph always comes at a price, but paying it is a bitch.
With the Voice finally by her side Wila must take the final steps to claiming back what is rightfully hers--a kingdom, a man, and possibly a throne. Now, if only the obstacles in her path would make nice and step out of the way.
The Triumph Games are looming, and only the Arcana Institute can help her forge the final path she needs to liberate her Kindred and all the people trapped under Elora's false rule.
All the pieces are almost in place. All the planning is ready to come to fruition, but hurdles have away of springing up at the last minute, and a trip right now could be fatal.
War may be coming, whether Wila wants it, or not...
A kick-ass urban fantasy with a slow burn Whychoose romance
With the Voice finally by her side Wila must take the final steps to claiming back what is rightfully hers--a kingdom, a man, and possibly a throne. Now, if only the obstacles in her path would make nice and step out of the way.
The Triumph Games are looming, and only the Arcana Institute can help her forge the final path she needs to liberate her Kindred and all the people trapped under Elora's false rule.
All the pieces are almost in place. All the planning is ready to come to fruition, but hurdles have away of springing up at the last minute, and a trip right now could be fatal.
War may be coming, whether Wila wants it, or not...
A kick-ass urban fantasy with a slow burn Whychoose romance
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2018
222 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Cassidy
129 books2,586 followersDebbie Cassidy lives in England, Bedfordshire, with her three kids and very supportive husband. Coffee and chocolate biscuits are her writing fuels of choice, and she is still working on getting that perfect tower of solitude built in her back garden. Obsessed with building new worlds and reading about them, she spends her spare time daydreaming and conversing with the characters in her head. She writes Urban Fantasy, Romance, Fantasy and Reverse Harem Fantasy. All her books contain plenty of action, romance and twisty plots.
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
Connect with Debbie via her website at https://debbiecassidyauthor.com, email her at debbiecassidyauthor@gmail.com or check her out on twitter https://twitter.com/authordcassidy Sign up to her newsletter to grab a free short story, and stay up to date on new releases: http://www.subscribepage.com/f6u2k8 Or join her reader group on Facebook to stay in the know: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17595...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
February 22, 2020
Love this series!
Debbie Cassidy is brilliant. This series was so good. The world building, the characters, the plot, just all of it...
Debbie Cassidy is brilliant. This series was so good. The world building, the characters, the plot, just all of it...
November 6, 2018
Everything I wanted in the finale
Thank you Debbie for a seriously entertaining 5 star series. And thank you for not dragging it out over 100 books.
I feel like I was holding out on the 5 stars waiting for that something special and thank heavens this didn't disappoint
Ok so I maybe am lying in that there is one little extra thing I really would have loved to see happen that didn't...but I can't tell you without spoiling so *shrug*
It's no secret I'm pretty much in love with Seb
I lurvvv those psychopaths and Seb toed the line between psychotic and sweet so perfectly I would love him to have a book all for himself
but alas....he only had 2 books and therefore I must be satisfied. So much happens in this book, it is action packed and Wila seems to have to save everyone at some point but somehow she still had time to do the sweet (ok I mean hot) stuff too. Which made it a really great mix for me.
If you've read the other 3 books then I really don't need to convince you. Do I?
And if you haven't Then Jaysus why have you not? Do I need to remind you Wila drinks tea! TEA NOT COFFEE therefore she is awesome and needs to be appreciated
go appreciate it already!
Thank you Debbie for a seriously entertaining 5 star series. And thank you for not dragging it out over 100 books.
I feel like I was holding out on the 5 stars waiting for that something special and thank heavens this didn't disappoint
Ok so I maybe am lying in that there is one little extra thing I really would have loved to see happen that didn't...but I can't tell you without spoiling so *shrug*
It's no secret I'm pretty much in love with Seb
I lurvvv those psychopaths and Seb toed the line between psychotic and sweet so perfectly I would love him to have a book all for himself
but alas....he only had 2 books and therefore I must be satisfied. So much happens in this book, it is action packed and Wila seems to have to save everyone at some point but somehow she still had time to do the sweet (ok I mean hot) stuff too. Which made it a really great mix for me.
If you've read the other 3 books then I really don't need to convince you. Do I?
And if you haven't Then Jaysus why have you not? Do I need to remind you Wila drinks tea! TEA NOT COFFEE therefore she is awesome and needs to be appreciated
go appreciate it already!
January 4, 2019
So...this was all
and then she opened the basement door. Behold the secret is revealed.
and so, I moved on to book four. Yeah....
Too incestual for me. No Thank you.
Between this series and the other books I read of hers. I'm done.
and then she opened the basement door. Behold the secret is revealed.
and so, I moved on to book four. Yeah....
Too incestual for me. No Thank you.
Between this series and the other books I read of hers. I'm done.
June 2, 2019
FTC 2.5 on the rating.
There's something about the characters that just feels play by the numbers and not real anymore. Not sure if the author was forcing herself to write more of the series and her heart wasn't into it, or if it just went in an odd direction. Even Tay, who I previously liked and who had personality, seems different. The nickname Babe used all the time gets annoying. The Seb thing is just icky, weird, and their intimate tie is more disturbing than anything. It goes from a reverse harem emotional feel to where it feels she's super special where everyones world revolves around her, almost like a mary sue type deal. And now we get swapping chapter points of view just to show different perspective of sex that has become pretty stale and unreal feeling to me. These POvs are very short and brief at least.
I do still love all these tea rituals, though. And the troll cup, awww!
There's something about the characters that just feels play by the numbers and not real anymore. Not sure if the author was forcing herself to write more of the series and her heart wasn't into it, or if it just went in an odd direction. Even Tay, who I previously liked and who had personality, seems different. The nickname Babe used all the time gets annoying. The Seb thing is just icky, weird, and their intimate tie is more disturbing than anything. It goes from a reverse harem emotional feel to where it feels she's super special where everyones world revolves around her, almost like a mary sue type deal. And now we get swapping chapter points of view just to show different perspective of sex that has become pretty stale and unreal feeling to me. These POvs are very short and brief at least.
I do still love all these tea rituals, though. And the troll cup, awww!
December 5, 2018
Somewhere between the last book and this one I stopped caring about the characters as much, I didn't feel the connection between any of them or at least enough to really get involved. And the main character Wila annoyed me so much in this one some how she came across as TSL. In some ways and it felt like the guys were just pleading with her to get on with it.
I mean don't get me wrong I still liked it enough to finish it, and there seems to be another series coming up with new characters I think so I will give that a chance. Maybe it was just the wrong time to read it.
I mean don't get me wrong I still liked it enough to finish it, and there seems to be another series coming up with new characters I think so I will give that a chance. Maybe it was just the wrong time to read it.
March 16, 2020
I am reading this as part of my mission to read more kickass heroines and I am glad that it was not a let down, Wila made my list of badass book chicks.
I started this journey with The Chronicles of Midnight as suggested reading sequence for The Chronicles World Series and I been looking for the connection between Midnight and Arcana and I am glad I finally got to it. I am just a little worried as it says the next book, which is the first in Chronicles of Deadworld Series, is set 100 years late. I hope the cliffhanger in this book doesn't wait 100 years to be dealt with.
So far, I really love the way Cassidy writes her heroines and how she develops the harems. I can't wait to see what The Chronicles of Deadworld Series has to offer.
I started this journey with The Chronicles of Midnight as suggested reading sequence for The Chronicles World Series and I been looking for the connection between Midnight and Arcana and I am glad I finally got to it. I am just a little worried as it says the next book, which is the first in Chronicles of Deadworld Series, is set 100 years late. I hope the cliffhanger in this book doesn't wait 100 years to be dealt with.
So far, I really love the way Cassidy writes her heroines and how she develops the harems. I can't wait to see what The Chronicles of Deadworld Series has to offer.
December 13, 2020
2.5*
The voice....is straight up creepy and threw me off
The voice....is straight up creepy and threw me off
June 29, 2021
Nice ending
Decent ending to the series. Has lots of emotional punches but I just wish the author would stop having such great characters in her books die. I’m not a fan of all the close proximity death. I know it has to happen but in reading it doesn’t always.
Overall this was a decent end to the series I like where Wila and her men ended up. I am however confused on how each of the chronicle books lines up in each universe since they kinda all overlap. I’m having trouble figuring out how it all nests or works together. I did read the Nightwatch Academy series but I don’t remember that ending.
Still enjoyable.
Decent ending to the series. Has lots of emotional punches but I just wish the author would stop having such great characters in her books die. I’m not a fan of all the close proximity death. I know it has to happen but in reading it doesn’t always.
Overall this was a decent end to the series I like where Wila and her men ended up. I am however confused on how each of the chronicle books lines up in each universe since they kinda all overlap. I’m having trouble figuring out how it all nests or works together. I did read the Nightwatch Academy series but I don’t remember that ending.
Still enjoyable.
October 2, 2021
Still good, but disappointed that the end seemed a bit hurried.
There's still stuff left unresolved, such as the . I'm not convinced that was the easiest or best distraction (it actually seems like the most costly, as well as laborious to organize and fund. You also don't get to see the aftermath .
The payoff also seems a bit short after all the struggles for 4 books--less than 10% of this last book.
There's still stuff left unresolved, such as the . I'm not convinced that was the easiest or best distraction (it actually seems like the most costly, as well as laborious to organize and fund. You also don't get to see the aftermath .
The payoff also seems a bit short after all the struggles for 4 books--less than 10% of this last book.
June 2, 2021
We've reached the end of Wila's story. She and her mates need to fight back against the dragon liege who is planning to take away everyone's memories, but first she needs to save her Kindred. She also finds out more truths about her mother and father, while someone close to her passes away.
It was an interesting journey for Wila, and I'm glad I got to read about her. There were things that didn't make complete sense at times, but I liked the series overall.
It was an interesting journey for Wila, and I'm glad I got to read about her. There were things that didn't make complete sense at times, but I liked the series overall.
November 28, 2018
This was a really great conclusion to the series! Seb is totally my favorite character. The romance was wrapped up sweetly (and hotly, don't worry). The action was fast paced and exciting. I had a hard time putting City of War down! 4.5 stars.
October 25, 2019
A little sad this one is over. What a series, loved it and the characters. Poor Trevor and Gilbert. This one had everything, romance, action and the decent ending. Not to mention the multiple POVs that started in the previous book. So happy the harem stuck to the originals this time around. Favourite character was Seb, although I’m still curious about Lex.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2018
Review to come nearer release, but this was an awesome final book and did not disappoint!!!
January 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this series.
October 14, 2020
I was just a little disappointed about the closure of the story. I expected a little more for "the end" .
June 13, 2019
Probably about a 3.5 star. Not bad but not great. I’ll try to summarize some of my issues here (some are series issues):
1: I had high hopes after the first book—the world felt fresh and while Wila was basically every other UF heroine (down to the spoofed-Buffy leather duster), it was done in a cheeky way.
2: The energy and to a certain extent also the humor went downhill after book 1. Yes, I was still excited about the books, but the plot seemed to grow and grow and felt unwieldy to me. I found myself wondering how she’d pull it all together in just a few more books.
....and that leads me to 3: it felt rushed. I’ll admit, I got hyped by a tea drinking, lemon cake eating heroine with a dog and ghost for a sidekick. Add in the voice in the basement and I was SOLD on this series. Then book 3 came along. Literally every mystery was solved in maybe a chapter? One character is introduced, she explained almost everything we were curious about, and my interest deflated like a flaccid...balloon.
4: the RH aspect of this book felt like a bit of a bait and switch. The harem more or less sat on the outside of the plot. Yeeesssss it was *important* but not really integral to Wila’s overall development/arc. Plus, the dynamics of the harem weren’t explored at all, apart from some pesky troll troubles. The end sort of matter/of-factly states that everyone just keeps to themselves and all get with Wila separately. SNOOZE. Serious snooze. We didn’t even get a real scene for Seb and Wila, Which I realize might be a little incestuous to some, but if the author goes there with the plot, she’s gotta commit to it (imho).
5: plot holes—Barnaby—where did you go and what’s your deal with the blood? I read chronicles of midnight and I forget if he’s in it. There were also a lot of convenient uses of magic which—I get it—author can do what she wants. But all of a sudden Ivan remembers everything? What about Treyvor? Is he really dead now? Didn’t Seb explode?
Overall, series was a strong 3.75, but the last two books kind of let me down, as the author seemed to struggle to reign in the plot while keeping up the romance and overall character development. Nothing was particularly *great* in the later books.
1: I had high hopes after the first book—the world felt fresh and while Wila was basically every other UF heroine (down to the spoofed-Buffy leather duster), it was done in a cheeky way.
2: The energy and to a certain extent also the humor went downhill after book 1. Yes, I was still excited about the books, but the plot seemed to grow and grow and felt unwieldy to me. I found myself wondering how she’d pull it all together in just a few more books.
....and that leads me to 3: it felt rushed. I’ll admit, I got hyped by a tea drinking, lemon cake eating heroine with a dog and ghost for a sidekick. Add in the voice in the basement and I was SOLD on this series. Then book 3 came along. Literally every mystery was solved in maybe a chapter? One character is introduced, she explained almost everything we were curious about, and my interest deflated like a flaccid...balloon.
4: the RH aspect of this book felt like a bit of a bait and switch. The harem more or less sat on the outside of the plot. Yeeesssss it was *important* but not really integral to Wila’s overall development/arc. Plus, the dynamics of the harem weren’t explored at all, apart from some pesky troll troubles. The end sort of matter/of-factly states that everyone just keeps to themselves and all get with Wila separately. SNOOZE. Serious snooze. We didn’t even get a real scene for Seb and Wila, Which I realize might be a little incestuous to some, but if the author goes there with the plot, she’s gotta commit to it (imho).
5: plot holes—Barnaby—where did you go and what’s your deal with the blood? I read chronicles of midnight and I forget if he’s in it. There were also a lot of convenient uses of magic which—I get it—author can do what she wants. But all of a sudden Ivan remembers everything? What about Treyvor? Is he really dead now? Didn’t Seb explode?
Overall, series was a strong 3.75, but the last two books kind of let me down, as the author seemed to struggle to reign in the plot while keeping up the romance and overall character development. Nothing was particularly *great* in the later books.
November 30, 2018
CITY OF WAR tied the Chronicles of Acana series up in a pretty little bow.
CITY OF WAR was fast paced with a nice battle that ended the major conflict of the series. I enjoyed the twists and revelations the last book brought forth.
It's a good thing that this series was geared more towards urban fantasy than reverse harem because the romance really didn't do much for me. It's not that I didn't like the guys, it's that the romance portions of the book just didn't make me swoon. And if I'm being honest. I found the romantic relationship between Wila and Sebastian kinda creepy. I mean, they were born together like twins—and I know they technically aren't— and he called Willa's mom mother. It just felt icky to me and I didn't get it and definitely wasn't feeling it.
I wish we would have gotten more from the epilogue. We see that the cast of characters got their happily ever after, but I still kinda wanted to see more of how they got there. Wanting more = a win in my book.
I gave it 3.5 stars
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
CITY OF WAR was fast paced with a nice battle that ended the major conflict of the series. I enjoyed the twists and revelations the last book brought forth.
It's a good thing that this series was geared more towards urban fantasy than reverse harem because the romance really didn't do much for me. It's not that I didn't like the guys, it's that the romance portions of the book just didn't make me swoon. And if I'm being honest. I found the romantic relationship between Wila and Sebastian kinda creepy. I mean, they were born together like twins—and I know they technically aren't— and he called Willa's mom mother. It just felt icky to me and I didn't get it and definitely wasn't feeling it.
I wish we would have gotten more from the epilogue. We see that the cast of characters got their happily ever after, but I still kinda wanted to see more of how they got there. Wanting more = a win in my book.
I gave it 3.5 stars
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
December 1, 2023
2 ⭐
Book #4 of 4 (complete)
🆗 Dystopian society, Arcana city, divided in 4 areas: North, East, South & West
🆗 Different beings & groups: dragons, demons, nephs (descendants of black wings and humans), the Sanguinata (+- vampires), the Lupin (+-werewolves),...
🆗 Unknown heritage/powers
🆗 RH romance: slow going
🆗 Several potential love interests
🔥 Smut: a little
🆗⬇️ Powerful, bad*ss, alpha males
🆗 Strong FMC
🆗⬇️ Forbidden relationship
⬇️ Separated/Taken lovers
⬇️ Special one
‼️Mentions: killings, monsters, kidnappings/abductions, torture, sexual abuse, dictatorship, power over others, control over others, relationship with siblings-incest vibes
***
The revelations and shocks don't stop coming.
The Voice is free and by her side. Love and hate mixed together.
Her dragon prince is finally back to her but she still needs to rescue her kindred.
And the dragon liege is not someone who willingly lets go of what she believes its hers.
Not power.
Not prisoners.
And certainly not her throne.
But maybe there is a way.
With the help of her family, the guys and the friends they picked up on the way, they can have a shot.
The Triumph Games.
Nowadays a farse used by the dragon liege to promote herself but the prize remains the same: whoever wins against her can ask for something.
And Willa knows exactly what she wants back.
But more revelations just prove getting rid of the Queen may not be enough.
They have to stop her and the plan she is quickly putting in motion.
Everyone's future depends on it.
***
Notes:
🔸Plot: over complicated, over dramatic & with simple/impossible resolutions
- many characters
Some are quite irrelevant but maybe they exist in order to give the idea of complexity?? It just appears over dramatic at times
- too many different types of beings
- several (unnecessary) minor plot lines & abandoned ideas
Just complicates everything. It gives the appearance of complexity but it is just disappointing because the problems are resolved quite easily and instinctively.
And some of these minor plots are used for dramatic purposes and part of the story for a moment but then they are simply abandoned, ex.: the sanguinata, the Genisi, the girl.
- Climax: simple, instinctively resolved
Every problem, with all the build up, is resolved quite easily and without much preparation.
- incoherent
All the drama, the subplot, the many characters, the chance for everything to end well and that easily and without major consequences...almost impossible.
That's it: an impossible plot resolved by amateurs who don't know things nor their power against trained villains who have practiced their power and navigated politics and schemes for a long time.
-only at the end of the fourth book of this series is it possible to get an idea of the timeline in regards to the previous series, Chronicles of Midnight.
🔸Beings
- Arcana(?): the only humans are the ones with access to Arcana(?) magic. All regular humans were exiled or died.
- Nephs: very diverse
They range in types and strength of powers.
They could be classified as one of several beings or simply as having some short of power.
Ex: empaths, strength, kelpie, the Lupin (+- werewolves), the Sanguinata (+- vampire, that here in this world have been very weakened from lack of humans), troll-descendant, ...
- Dragons: they can shift forms, have appetites for sex, some like to eat humans, some can eat one's soul by looking into their eyes
- Shedim: demons, guards of the dragons, in servitude.
They have very sharp teeth, claws, they are able to shift between their demonic form and a more human camouflage. It is mentioned they are known for their huge sexual appetites. They are given a single soulmate.
🔸Romance
A lot of potential love interests.
But at least in this series the FMC is more constant in her affections.
Not the most romantic.
There is possiveness, a bond and attraction due to what she is but it lacks the romance, the falling in love. It's a tell and no show.
I do have to mention that I did get quite a few sibling-incest vibes. It was strange and unclear (like most of the story).
🔸Serious issues brushed aside
Torture, incarceration, sexual abuse, abandonment, mutilation,...
These are just some of the issues that were mentioned but then they were mostly forgotten. Forgotten, not dealt with, not discussed, nor healed.
One day almost giving in to the pain and the next everything is fine.
These issues need awareness, not being brushed aside or ignored.
***
As always my complete respect for the author and their work.
No hate nor hurt intended with this review.
Book #4 of 4 (complete)
🆗 Dystopian society, Arcana city, divided in 4 areas: North, East, South & West
🆗 Different beings & groups: dragons, demons, nephs (descendants of black wings and humans), the Sanguinata (+- vampires), the Lupin (+-werewolves),...
🆗 Unknown heritage/powers
🆗 RH romance: slow going
🆗 Several potential love interests
🔥 Smut: a little
🆗⬇️ Powerful, bad*ss, alpha males
🆗 Strong FMC
🆗⬇️ Forbidden relationship
⬇️ Separated/Taken lovers
⬇️ Special one
‼️Mentions: killings, monsters, kidnappings/abductions, torture, sexual abuse, dictatorship, power over others, control over others, relationship with siblings-incest vibes
***
The revelations and shocks don't stop coming.
The Voice is free and by her side. Love and hate mixed together.
Her dragon prince is finally back to her but she still needs to rescue her kindred.
And the dragon liege is not someone who willingly lets go of what she believes its hers.
Not power.
Not prisoners.
And certainly not her throne.
But maybe there is a way.
With the help of her family, the guys and the friends they picked up on the way, they can have a shot.
The Triumph Games.
Nowadays a farse used by the dragon liege to promote herself but the prize remains the same: whoever wins against her can ask for something.
And Willa knows exactly what she wants back.
But more revelations just prove getting rid of the Queen may not be enough.
They have to stop her and the plan she is quickly putting in motion.
Everyone's future depends on it.
***
Notes:
🔸Plot: over complicated, over dramatic & with simple/impossible resolutions
- many characters
Some are quite irrelevant but maybe they exist in order to give the idea of complexity?? It just appears over dramatic at times
- too many different types of beings
- several (unnecessary) minor plot lines & abandoned ideas
Just complicates everything. It gives the appearance of complexity but it is just disappointing because the problems are resolved quite easily and instinctively.
And some of these minor plots are used for dramatic purposes and part of the story for a moment but then they are simply abandoned, ex.: the sanguinata, the Genisi, the girl.
- Climax: simple, instinctively resolved
Every problem, with all the build up, is resolved quite easily and without much preparation.
- incoherent
All the drama, the subplot, the many characters, the chance for everything to end well and that easily and without major consequences...almost impossible.
That's it: an impossible plot resolved by amateurs who don't know things nor their power against trained villains who have practiced their power and navigated politics and schemes for a long time.
-only at the end of the fourth book of this series is it possible to get an idea of the timeline in regards to the previous series, Chronicles of Midnight.
🔸Beings
- Arcana(?): the only humans are the ones with access to Arcana(?) magic. All regular humans were exiled or died.
- Nephs: very diverse
They range in types and strength of powers.
They could be classified as one of several beings or simply as having some short of power.
Ex: empaths, strength, kelpie, the Lupin (+- werewolves), the Sanguinata (+- vampire, that here in this world have been very weakened from lack of humans), troll-descendant, ...
- Dragons: they can shift forms, have appetites for sex, some like to eat humans, some can eat one's soul by looking into their eyes
- Shedim: demons, guards of the dragons, in servitude.
They have very sharp teeth, claws, they are able to shift between their demonic form and a more human camouflage. It is mentioned they are known for their huge sexual appetites. They are given a single soulmate.
🔸Romance
A lot of potential love interests.
But at least in this series the FMC is more constant in her affections.
Not the most romantic.
There is possiveness, a bond and attraction due to what she is but it lacks the romance, the falling in love. It's a tell and no show.
I do have to mention that I did get quite a few sibling-incest vibes. It was strange and unclear (like most of the story).
🔸Serious issues brushed aside
Torture, incarceration, sexual abuse, abandonment, mutilation,...
These are just some of the issues that were mentioned but then they were mostly forgotten. Forgotten, not dealt with, not discussed, nor healed.
One day almost giving in to the pain and the next everything is fine.
These issues need awareness, not being brushed aside or ignored.
***
As always my complete respect for the author and their work.
No hate nor hurt intended with this review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2018
This was a great series to introduce me to this author, one that has me excited to check out her backlist and all future books. I know I mentioned this in my reviews for the other books in this series but I have to say again that part of the reason I really connected with this series so much was because of my great love of TV shows like Buffy/Angel. The cast of characters is large and their teamwork to battle the villains is a lot of fun. The first book started out with a very slow burn for the various relationships and I loved that, but things amped up fairly quickly after that and I probably would have preferred it stayed slow burn in terms of more emotional development on page (I was fine with the physical development) but that is a pretty small quibble because really, the romances were more woven into the overall story rather than being the entire story - if what I mean by that even makes sense. The writing and editing is very good quality, and I love the humor that is peppered here and there throughout the series, though less so in the last couple books due to the gravity of the situations they were in. I would have been happy to keep reading about these characters for a while, but based on the way it ended I think was the last book for this group, so I'll be off to discover her other characters now.
November 27, 2018
City of War is a bit bittersweet for me. It marks the end of the Chronicles of Arcana. Having said that, it was a very fast paced and everything I was looking for it to be. We join Wila along with her group to rescue her kindred and stop the evil queen. This journey of discovery for Wila is one I will thoroughly miss, but I know that Ms. Cassidy has a new series coming that sounds just as good!! She has a great knack for writing these stories that transport you for a time to a place full of dark things that go bump in the night, and kick a@@ heroines that silence them.
In City of War Wila has a lot to deal with. She has to rescue Tay from his slumber. Oh and then save Azren from the evil queen. I really enjoyed that Wila gets some one on one time with all of her guys, which hot steamy sex scenes do happen as well. I have enjoyed the evolution with all of her guys from the beginning to this fantastic ending. I was very happy with the ending. City of War is fast paced with a lot happening but easy to follow. There are scenes that are sweet, and on the other hand a few that will leave you with a tear or two. Overall I would recommend this series, and definitely in reading order.
In City of War Wila has a lot to deal with. She has to rescue Tay from his slumber. Oh and then save Azren from the evil queen. I really enjoyed that Wila gets some one on one time with all of her guys, which hot steamy sex scenes do happen as well. I have enjoyed the evolution with all of her guys from the beginning to this fantastic ending. I was very happy with the ending. City of War is fast paced with a lot happening but easy to follow. There are scenes that are sweet, and on the other hand a few that will leave you with a tear or two. Overall I would recommend this series, and definitely in reading order.
December 9, 2018
I can't believe this is the end. I have thoroughly enjoyed this entire series and I have to say that Willa the FMC has been a huge factor in that, though the story itself kept me enthralled as well.
In this the last book of the Chronicles of Arcana series, Willa and her entourage take on the evil queen to save her kindred and to save the world. It was crazy to see everything culminating. All of Willa's relationships being solidified as Willa finally figures out how to take her mates, and watching her growing relationship with Seb. Yea hes my favorite. I did wonder why she didn't also take him as a mate though... was that explained and I just missed it? I mean the mark is already there soooo....
We got so may reveals really, it honestly brought the story together cohesively though I have to say the ending was a tad anticlimactic, there was so much action in the whole series that I don't really feel cheated and the ending made sense to me. I even like how the author opened up the final moments for some sequels... All in all this series has been my favorite of the author's so far!
In this the last book of the Chronicles of Arcana series, Willa and her entourage take on the evil queen to save her kindred and to save the world. It was crazy to see everything culminating. All of Willa's relationships being solidified as Willa finally figures out how to take her mates, and watching her growing relationship with Seb. Yea hes my favorite. I did wonder why she didn't also take him as a mate though... was that explained and I just missed it? I mean the mark is already there soooo....
We got so may reveals really, it honestly brought the story together cohesively though I have to say the ending was a tad anticlimactic, there was so much action in the whole series that I don't really feel cheated and the ending made sense to me. I even like how the author opened up the final moments for some sequels... All in all this series has been my favorite of the author's so far!
February 7, 2019
I really hate that I've already Chronicles of Midnight!! Don't start reading this series unless you have actual control over your reading addiction...I do not and I just want sleep dammit. Anyways this series was amazing. At first it was only 3.5 stars but I said f it and just rated the whole series as one and slapped 5 on. It deserves it your arguments are invalid just accept it. I cried when a certain guy died not even gonna lie that shit hit me, or it could of just been lack of sleep. I hate that he didn't make it until close to the end at least....or long enough to find out Wil was preggers cause in the final thingy it said 4 years later, her son is 4 years old....so yuuuup she was preggers when she went into battler so not only did her mummy save her and Seb she also saved her grandson. I do not like how Amber kind of reminded me as a nurse maid in the end, even though I know she isn't and I know she was just being a big sister I suppose but still the way it was written even if we know that's not how it was meant sorta irked me. I am so happy Gilbert was left though out of everything him, Seb and Tay were my faves.
November 22, 2019
This is a review for all the books in the CoA, because I've read them back to back and can't, for the love of all that is holy, disassemble the plot into books.
Wila and her guys fight a war like no other, surviving the Everdark, strange familial connection, death defying acts and the possible future (which, after reading the blurb for the CoD, still obviously comes into play).
Wila's relationship with Sebastian did raise my eyebrows, but I swept the concerns under the rug with the key thought being "they are adults in a paranormal world, I do not really care".
I like the fact that the ending merges CoM and CoA into a single universe, but I would have liked to have a book that tells the story immediately after the merge and not 100 years into the post-apocalyptic world that somehow came to be. But, oh well, what we got is what we have. And now I'm off to read Chronicles of Deadworld to see the murky future that came to be.
P.S. I still want to know who Lex was actually. If we did not have the Lucifer reveal in CoM, I would have thought that Lex was Lucifer, but he is not.... Hopefully we will meet some of the characters from CoM and CoA in CoD.
Wila and her guys fight a war like no other, surviving the Everdark, strange familial connection, death defying acts and the possible future (which, after reading the blurb for the CoD, still obviously comes into play).
Wila's relationship with Sebastian did raise my eyebrows, but I swept the concerns under the rug with the key thought being "they are adults in a paranormal world, I do not really care".
I like the fact that the ending merges CoM and CoA into a single universe, but I would have liked to have a book that tells the story immediately after the merge and not 100 years into the post-apocalyptic world that somehow came to be. But, oh well, what we got is what we have. And now I'm off to read Chronicles of Deadworld to see the murky future that came to be.
P.S. I still want to know who Lex was actually. If we did not have the Lucifer reveal in CoM, I would have thought that Lex was Lucifer, but he is not.... Hopefully we will meet some of the characters from CoM and CoA in CoD.
January 8, 2019
Ugh... so good, but...
I really wish there was more to it. It was a good quick read. Funny, heartfelt, and emotionally moving. (Can I say, I wish it were more graphic with the intimate scenes? *wink*)
Although, the last few chapters were anticlimactic =/ The epilogue? Sigh, I wish it was part of the story and not just a summary of moments with her mates.
I did get a bit confused with some scenes. Like, how they ended up places or people just appearing or disappearing. I think it just got lost in the shuffle of lots of things going on all the time.
Spoiler Alert!
I have a general dislike of "pop" this happened, or "surprise" here's a child 4 years later that is 4 years old. I find more enjoyment in the finding out, the first experiences of motherhood, and the like. But nope, we got a "tada!" now let's make a strong moral or character point that encapsulates the whole premise of the story using the kids that are just mentioned. Sigh.
I really wish there was more to it. It was a good quick read. Funny, heartfelt, and emotionally moving. (Can I say, I wish it were more graphic with the intimate scenes? *wink*)
Although, the last few chapters were anticlimactic =/ The epilogue? Sigh, I wish it was part of the story and not just a summary of moments with her mates.
I did get a bit confused with some scenes. Like, how they ended up places or people just appearing or disappearing. I think it just got lost in the shuffle of lots of things going on all the time.
Spoiler Alert!
I have a general dislike of "pop" this happened, or "surprise" here's a child 4 years later that is 4 years old. I find more enjoyment in the finding out, the first experiences of motherhood, and the like. But nope, we got a "tada!" now let's make a strong moral or character point that encapsulates the whole premise of the story using the kids that are just mentioned. Sigh.
May 28, 2019
Time is coming short for Wila, if she wants to save her beloved Azren from Elora and avoid the war leading to annihilation of whole races.
Thankfully, she now has her mates to support her. But on the other side she is losing other constants in her life, and is forced to fight or make decisions against her nature - to save the many, some need to be sacrificed..
Breathtaking finale of the Chronicles of Arcana, full of action and tension. Heart-stopping moments interlaced with steamy romance that cuts deep on raw emotional level makes this RH series definitely worth reading. Brilliant characters and polished writing add to the great reading experience, and the slight opening at the end allows for a follow up series year after the events of this series.
Thankfully, she now has her mates to support her. But on the other side she is losing other constants in her life, and is forced to fight or make decisions against her nature - to save the many, some need to be sacrificed..
Breathtaking finale of the Chronicles of Arcana, full of action and tension. Heart-stopping moments interlaced with steamy romance that cuts deep on raw emotional level makes this RH series definitely worth reading. Brilliant characters and polished writing add to the great reading experience, and the slight opening at the end allows for a follow up series year after the events of this series.
October 2, 2020
Well done series
The writing was once again spot on. I didn’t have as many issues as I thought I would because of the reverse harem nature of the series. I think this series was well done that even if you didn’t like it before you can appreciate the story. It’s not like it’s all just sex scenes and no story (my reason for not having liked other series). There is a rich story here that I’m glad I read despite my reservations.
I was relieved the back and forth Tay drama was finally over for this book. I was also so glad for the twist with Noir! Out of all the males he and Azren were my favourites. The ending of the battle was brilliant.
I think if you’ve read the series up to this point then there is no reason not to finish.
The writing was once again spot on. I didn’t have as many issues as I thought I would because of the reverse harem nature of the series. I think this series was well done that even if you didn’t like it before you can appreciate the story. It’s not like it’s all just sex scenes and no story (my reason for not having liked other series). There is a rich story here that I’m glad I read despite my reservations.
I was relieved the back and forth Tay drama was finally over for this book. I was also so glad for the twist with Noir! Out of all the males he and Azren were my favourites. The ending of the battle was brilliant.
I think if you’ve read the series up to this point then there is no reason not to finish.
February 12, 2019
For the final book in this series, I wasn’t as entertained as I was with the first three books. Honestly, the dynamic annoyed between Sebastian and Wila; however, I appreciate the notion of “communication is key if we want this team to coexist.”
Overall, I didn’t care for the characters anymore. I finished the third book yesterday, and I was really excited to read the fourth and final one today.... Thus, my apathy for the characters is strange. In the grand scheme of things, I still enjoyed “City of War,” so I’m not gonna lose sleep over my feelings for the final book. If anything, I will continue raging about Trevor. :(
Overall, I didn’t care for the characters anymore. I finished the third book yesterday, and I was really excited to read the fourth and final one today.... Thus, my apathy for the characters is strange. In the grand scheme of things, I still enjoyed “City of War,” so I’m not gonna lose sleep over my feelings for the final book. If anything, I will continue raging about Trevor. :(
November 30, 2018
Fabulous conclusion to a thrilling Urban Fantasy series. All the books in this series have this epic heroine and her harem of wonderfully sexy cohorts. This is a fast-paced, action-packed, steamy, intriguing, engaging and entertaining series. Wonderful reading, excellent world-building, great character development and a storyline that has this overworked heroine racing around saving her guys and the world while also having her chemistry filled interactions. I loved it. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
March 9, 2022
I liked this series in general, although the last book felt a bit rushed. I think that the concept of Seb as Wila's ether-kindred was poorly explained as I see other reviewers complaining about the incest implications. It seems more like he's her twin flame (with all the toxicity associated with that) but perhaps he should not have been gestated in the same shell. Also the question for me is why does she have an ether-kindred to begin with? I understand that she's the first hybrid of that type, but nothing about the combination implies that this should be the case.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2022
Amazing!!!
If any of you read my reviews you're probably sick of seeing 'another' amazing series but...yeah you got it.
One of the best things about many of Debbie Cassidy's series is that ultimately they are linked somehow.
I'd read each new series and be like.."oh this is connected to Midnight" but seriously I don't believe I read them in series order but it didn't detract from the story.
This series goes back to a reverse harem scenario which Debbie always does so well.
If any of you read my reviews you're probably sick of seeing 'another' amazing series but...yeah you got it.
One of the best things about many of Debbie Cassidy's series is that ultimately they are linked somehow.
I'd read each new series and be like.."oh this is connected to Midnight" but seriously I don't believe I read them in series order but it didn't detract from the story.
This series goes back to a reverse harem scenario which Debbie always does so well.
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