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Dark Streets #3
Witches' Brew
Washington, D.C., has never been boring, but this is ridiculous.
Warring witch covens. Werewolf packs fighting for territory. Rumors of Human sacrifice. Minor problems leading up to Beltane, when the portents say the veils between worlds will shred. Did I mention the blood mage conspiracy using Troll shock troops to take over the world?
With a jaguar shifter, a handsome Nephilim, and a nest of feisty Fairies watching my back, things should be fine. Right?
Warring witch covens. Werewolf packs fighting for territory. Rumors of Human sacrifice. Minor problems leading up to Beltane, when the portents say the veils between worlds will shred. Did I mention the blood mage conspiracy using Troll shock troops to take over the world?
With a jaguar shifter, a handsome Nephilim, and a nest of feisty Fairies watching my back, things should be fine. Right?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 28, 2018
687 people are currently reading
205 people want to read
About the author
B.R. Kingsolver
40 books942 followersI made silver and turquoise jewelry for almost a decade, ended up in nursing school, then took a master’s in business. Along the way I worked in construction, as a newspaper editor, a teacher, and somehow found a career working with computers.
As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.
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As to my other interests, I love the outdoors, especially the Rocky Mountains. I’ve skied since high school, with one broken leg and one torn ACL to show for it. I’ve hiked and camped all my life. I love to travel, though I haven’t done enough of it. I’ve seen a lot of Russia and Mexico, not enough of England. Amsterdam is amazing, and the Romanian Alps are breathtaking. Lake Tahoe is a favorite, and someday I’d like to see Banff.
For special deals and news about new books, sign up for my newsletter.
http://brkingsolver.us1.list-manage.c...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
April 23, 2019
This is third in the series and as with most UF, characters and plot elements build with each. I highly recommend reading the others first.
Having read the others first, you know about what to expect with this one. I liked being back in Washington DC. I liked the new developments in the political landscape (even though Kingsolver's tendency towards the shallow end of the characterization pool extends there, as well). And I even liked the new boyfriend she hauled back with her from her foreign travels in book 2.
So I'm giving this one four stars even though it isn't much better than the others I gave three. I knew what to expect and it delivered the action I wanted with the heroine I've come to enjoy.
A note about Chaste: Kellana and Cassiel are together "in that way" in this story. They're explicitly sleeping together, but Kingsolver doesn't show any explicit details. There's a kiss or two, but there's mostly just comfortable snuggling going on on-page. So I consider this very chaste given that the main character is in a committed, sexual relationship.
Having read the others first, you know about what to expect with this one. I liked being back in Washington DC. I liked the new developments in the political landscape (even though Kingsolver's tendency towards the shallow end of the characterization pool extends there, as well). And I even liked the new boyfriend she hauled back with her from her foreign travels in book 2.
So I'm giving this one four stars even though it isn't much better than the others I gave three. I knew what to expect and it delivered the action I wanted with the heroine I've come to enjoy.
A note about Chaste: Kellana and Cassiel are together "in that way" in this story. They're explicitly sleeping together, but Kingsolver doesn't show any explicit details. There's a kiss or two, but there's mostly just comfortable snuggling going on on-page. So I consider this very chaste given that the main character is in a committed, sexual relationship.
August 17, 2019
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like if a computer wrote a book, look no further. This series reads like an urban fantasy manual, with all the right elements in place but no emotion, no realness. It’s just one action after another being told to us, never shown, with not much background or underlying feelings to give some perspective. The narration is cold, clinical, boring. Add to that the cardinal sin of snarking on real-world politics, ugh. I get enough of that from social media, I don’t need it in my casual reading. It’s too bad, because this is a fun idea, just poorly executed.
March 8, 2021
Looking forward to the next in the series.
October 3, 2023
That was a cruddy ending. I mean all that action, all that build up and then splattt, like the author ran out of words, time, energy 🤔😒. I think it did a disservice to the books and to the characters and left me as a reader wholly dissatisfied especially since that was the last book.
December 31, 2018
Great book and series.
This was a great action packed book that could be believable. It also had tones of romance as well that balanced it out. I hope the author writes more books featuring this heroine and crew.
This was a great action packed book that could be believable. It also had tones of romance as well that balanced it out. I hope the author writes more books featuring this heroine and crew.
December 19, 2020
The reason I keep coming back to this author is she creates great characters and has really interesting ideas for stories. However although they start well, for me they always seem to get away from her. She seems to work to the adage that ‘more is better’ and it always seems to turn into a Hollywood blockbuster. This makes for a lot of action, but for me it’s at the expense of the core characters and story.
November 24, 2022
Another serie from B.R. Kingsolver that I really liked, her books are fast paced, with a great set of characters and I never want to put them down :)
I do have to admit that this serie doesn't feel like it ended, it seems like their still could be more stories, so fingers crossed maybe it could happen ;)
I do have to admit that this serie doesn't feel like it ended, it seems like their still could be more stories, so fingers crossed maybe it could happen ;)
June 3, 2019
Loved the whole series.
I found it to be a believable world of fiction. Imaginative and lots of action to keep the pace moving.
I found it to be a believable world of fiction. Imaginative and lots of action to keep the pace moving.
May 14, 2019
I particularly enjoy that this book takes place in DC
December 10, 2018
Elf based realm-jumping fun!
This is the third book in a fabulous Urban Fantasy series and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s of the same high standard as the first books in the series and I enjoyed every paragraph!
One of my favourite things about this book were the little details that illustrated the differences between the different cultures across the different realms. For instance, Kellana our elf heroine, still struggles to understand the concept of ‘beauty’ despite living on earth for 75 years.
As Beltane approaches there is a further thinning of the veils that divide the many realms. It makes it much easier for beings to punch through to earth when the veils are thinner. Everyone is expected trouble, especially as the humans still haven’t quite got a grip on the whole paranormal thing after they were faced with graphic evidence three years previous when there was a major breach of the veils and creatures from other realms came pouring through.
What is making it worse for Kellana is the shifters that are hassling her and the witches that are trying to get her to join their covens and the existing paranormal power structure in Washington seems to be up in the air. Everyone either wants her on their side or eliminated.
Once again the plot is well constructed, the magical universe well explained without having it hammered home and the characters are great.
I enjoyed this book so much and I can’t wait for the next one!
This is the third book in a fabulous Urban Fantasy series and it doesn’t disappoint. It’s of the same high standard as the first books in the series and I enjoyed every paragraph!
One of my favourite things about this book were the little details that illustrated the differences between the different cultures across the different realms. For instance, Kellana our elf heroine, still struggles to understand the concept of ‘beauty’ despite living on earth for 75 years.
As Beltane approaches there is a further thinning of the veils that divide the many realms. It makes it much easier for beings to punch through to earth when the veils are thinner. Everyone is expected trouble, especially as the humans still haven’t quite got a grip on the whole paranormal thing after they were faced with graphic evidence three years previous when there was a major breach of the veils and creatures from other realms came pouring through.
What is making it worse for Kellana is the shifters that are hassling her and the witches that are trying to get her to join their covens and the existing paranormal power structure in Washington seems to be up in the air. Everyone either wants her on their side or eliminated.
Once again the plot is well constructed, the magical universe well explained without having it hammered home and the characters are great.
I enjoyed this book so much and I can’t wait for the next one!
February 24, 2020
Excellent series
3 dimensional characters, well-thought-out Fantasy universe, a most enjoyable blend of protagonists and A female lead character that is entirely relatable. Can't wait to read the next one!
3 dimensional characters, well-thought-out Fantasy universe, a most enjoyable blend of protagonists and A female lead character that is entirely relatable. Can't wait to read the next one!
April 19, 2019
Another good read
A few story inconsistencies like she couldn't make a true serum potion in book 3 but made one just fine in book 2. Now maybe because she had her friends grimore but why wouldn't she call him or recall it? I realize I find mistakes like these because I have a tendency to read books start to finish in a few hours and sometimes series like this one in a single day. And honestly compared to other authors stories inconsistencies they're really nothing. I can only imagine how hard it is to write multiple series at the same time.
A few story inconsistencies like she couldn't make a true serum potion in book 3 but made one just fine in book 2. Now maybe because she had her friends grimore but why wouldn't she call him or recall it? I realize I find mistakes like these because I have a tendency to read books start to finish in a few hours and sometimes series like this one in a single day. And honestly compared to other authors stories inconsistencies they're really nothing. I can only imagine how hard it is to write multiple series at the same time.
January 9, 2019
I love Kellana! I really love this crazy out of control, action filled world, with some really great characters. This one took me a few days longer to read, only because getting free time to actually sit and read is not easy. I haven't gotten much sleep the last couple of nights... So hard to put down. I listened to the first to in Audio and loved them. Can't wait till this one is in audio. I have to say, with this being the 3rd book in, I am very excited with the possibilities this author comes up with to keep this series moving.
December 11, 2018
A delightful mix
This series is such a mix of genres that it doesn’t fit into just one. I love Kellana and her group of paranormals that she is attached to. This story was full and complex and a delight.
This series is such a mix of genres that it doesn’t fit into just one. I love Kellana and her group of paranormals that she is attached to. This story was full and complex and a delight.
January 27, 2019
Very entertaining.
I am really enjoying this series and the plots and characters . The Pacing is good and the dialogue is in character with those involved. I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to the next in the series.
I am really enjoying this series and the plots and characters . The Pacing is good and the dialogue is in character with those involved. I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to the next in the series.
January 28, 2019
This book is the culmination of all the previous ones. You cannot read this book without having read the two previous stories, the supernatural is out and invading Earth, and Kellana is right in the middle of it.
You should read this, the series is awesome.
You should read this, the series is awesome.
January 24, 2021
I’ve only recently discovered BR Kingsolver and found a new favorite. I’ve addictively read through all of her urban fantasies sci-fi series, as well as the only sci-fi story story of hers I could find (Border Patrol, in the Bellator collection). Here’s my review of all of them in one clump - the bottom line being that they are all easily 5 star books.
Rosie O'Grady's Paranormal Bar and Grill Series
This was the first series by this author that I read, trying it in a whim as it was free on KU and looked like fun. Oh Dear Lord was it ever. Perfect world-building with Fae, elves, vampires, mages, et. al. Perfect backstory with the world’s best assassin (our lead) funding out that she’s been lied to most of her life by the Order of the Illuminati who are actually evil and not the force for good she thought, followed by her lopping off the top tier of the Order and ending up in hiding at the eponymous Rosie O'Grady's Bar and Grill. That’s the short version. The long one is much more complex and the series itself is filled with great plot lines and a perfect story arc (though each book stands alone sequentially, ie, the work fine and end well so long as you read them in order. Addictive fun and a perfect series ender.
The Telepathic Clans Saga
This was my second Kingsolver series. It evolves around telepathic clans (no shocker there) filled with people with different sets of telepathic “Gifts” (like mind shielding) made up of a series of “Talents” (different ways to do it). There are initially 25 known Gifts. At the top are the Succubi, all female, who have a series of Gifts including the Succubus Gift (drain energy from sex, etc). Known as Druids in the Irish clans, these ladies are bad-a**. The lead here is a Druid named Brenna, but she’s so much more. While the average telepath has only a few gifts, abs the extraordinary ones have 12-15 (Druids all have a base set of 8), Brenna has all of the gifts, unheard of. Anyway, she gets into a series of adventures with action, infra and inter-clan politics, and do much more. Incredible stuff really, all set in a world very different (but equally imaginative) as the prior series I’d read, and filled with a growing cast of perfectly crafted supporting characters. Once again you can read each book sequentially stand-alone, and they end with a perfect series ender.
Chameleon Assassin
I had initially avoided this series because I tend not to like a post-apocalypse setting. In this case the apocalypse in question (atomic wars leading to massive population loss and mutations) was so far in the past that society has more or less recovered and has now passed the pre-war tech levels. Our hero here, Libby, is the coolest kick-a** dame in fiction. An assassin and thief, among other things, who has two primary mutations: she’s a chameleon (she can look like anyone or pretty much blend into the background) plus a sort of electrokenisis, and a pretty fantastic set of physical skills (don’t mess with her in a fight) and computer hacking talents. Add in another perfect supporting cast and, well, just wow. I adored this series.
Dark Streets
This is the last of the series that I read, currently on book 2 (and ending with a perfectly good “Happily Enough For Now” though I’m drooling for the next book). It’s set in a world that’s very similar to that of The Telepathic Clans (though there are some differences - Washington DC is nuked in this one) but society is different as the Magi, who beat back (to a draw) the demons who invaded once rifts between worlds opened, now pretty much rule everything. Our lead here is another kick-a** dame, a police detective who is a magitek (a rare form of magic that enables one to do magic with machinery - including computers), potential heir to one of the Ten (the ten most powerful Magi clans who basically rule the world) but also the granddaughter of the man who accidentally opened the rifts and let all the monsters, demons and fantasy beings in. The perspective is very different, part gritty detective tale, part politics and warfare on the global scale, pure urban fantasy. Fantastic stuff, really.
Border Patrol (in the Bellator collection)
This was the only pure sci-fi story I’ve read by BR Kingsolver and was frustratingly perfect. Military sci-fi, the heroine here is the commander of an assault troop unit, it was an absolute total blast (and I’ve been reading this stuff since Robert A. Heinlein’s Starship Troopers was first published, so I should know). Perfect characters and storyline. The frustration is that while it ends in a very satisfying manner, I’m massively frustrated that this was only a short story. I’m truly hoping the author turns it into the first book in a new series.
Frankly, I’m hoping that BR Kingsolver expands every series she’s written, even though most have ended with great HEAs. That’s the sign, I know, of works that are fantastic and easy to highly recommend.
Rosie O'Grady's Paranormal Bar and Grill Series
This was the first series by this author that I read, trying it in a whim as it was free on KU and looked like fun. Oh Dear Lord was it ever. Perfect world-building with Fae, elves, vampires, mages, et. al. Perfect backstory with the world’s best assassin (our lead) funding out that she’s been lied to most of her life by the Order of the Illuminati who are actually evil and not the force for good she thought, followed by her lopping off the top tier of the Order and ending up in hiding at the eponymous Rosie O'Grady's Bar and Grill. That’s the short version. The long one is much more complex and the series itself is filled with great plot lines and a perfect story arc (though each book stands alone sequentially, ie, the work fine and end well so long as you read them in order. Addictive fun and a perfect series ender.
The Telepathic Clans Saga
This was my second Kingsolver series. It evolves around telepathic clans (no shocker there) filled with people with different sets of telepathic “Gifts” (like mind shielding) made up of a series of “Talents” (different ways to do it). There are initially 25 known Gifts. At the top are the Succubi, all female, who have a series of Gifts including the Succubus Gift (drain energy from sex, etc). Known as Druids in the Irish clans, these ladies are bad-a**. The lead here is a Druid named Brenna, but she’s so much more. While the average telepath has only a few gifts, abs the extraordinary ones have 12-15 (Druids all have a base set of 8), Brenna has all of the gifts, unheard of. Anyway, she gets into a series of adventures with action, infra and inter-clan politics, and do much more. Incredible stuff really, all set in a world very different (but equally imaginative) as the prior series I’d read, and filled with a growing cast of perfectly crafted supporting characters. Once again you can read each book sequentially stand-alone, and they end with a perfect series ender.
Chameleon Assassin
I had initially avoided this series because I tend not to like a post-apocalypse setting. In this case the apocalypse in question (atomic wars leading to massive population loss and mutations) was so far in the past that society has more or less recovered and has now passed the pre-war tech levels. Our hero here, Libby, is the coolest kick-a** dame in fiction. An assassin and thief, among other things, who has two primary mutations: she’s a chameleon (she can look like anyone or pretty much blend into the background) plus a sort of electrokenisis, and a pretty fantastic set of physical skills (don’t mess with her in a fight) and computer hacking talents. Add in another perfect supporting cast and, well, just wow. I adored this series.
Dark Streets
This is the last of the series that I read, currently on book 2 (and ending with a perfectly good “Happily Enough For Now” though I’m drooling for the next book). It’s set in a world that’s very similar to that of The Telepathic Clans (though there are some differences - Washington DC is nuked in this one) but society is different as the Magi, who beat back (to a draw) the demons who invaded once rifts between worlds opened, now pretty much rule everything. Our lead here is another kick-a** dame, a police detective who is a magitek (a rare form of magic that enables one to do magic with machinery - including computers), potential heir to one of the Ten (the ten most powerful Magi clans who basically rule the world) but also the granddaughter of the man who accidentally opened the rifts and let all the monsters, demons and fantasy beings in. The perspective is very different, part gritty detective tale, part politics and warfare on the global scale, pure urban fantasy. Fantastic stuff, really.
Border Patrol (in the Bellator collection)
This was the only pure sci-fi story I’ve read by BR Kingsolver and was frustratingly perfect. Military sci-fi, the heroine here is the commander of an assault troop unit, it was an absolute total blast (and I’ve been reading this stuff since Robert A. Heinlein’s Starship Troopers was first published, so I should know). Perfect characters and storyline. The frustration is that while it ends in a very satisfying manner, I’m massively frustrated that this was only a short story. I’m truly hoping the author turns it into the first book in a new series.
Frankly, I’m hoping that BR Kingsolver expands every series she’s written, even though most have ended with great HEAs. That’s the sign, I know, of works that are fantastic and easy to highly recommend.
June 4, 2019
Elves can rock
The battles were energetic and seeing the bad guys get squashed was incredibly satisfying. There's some great Casablanca-like friendships involving one of my favorite elves (the enemy of my enemy is my ally and "Here's looking at you , kid"). It added spice to the interactions, and made the factional warfare that much more interesting.
The Elf-Angel relationship turned out fine. Nobody got goofy stupid and they had what seems to be a good relationship. The number of her (MC's) friendships is increasing, which left me with a good feeling. Inter-universe tourism is a nice side trip in interspecies-interdimensional intersections.
The ending was strange in that it's not clear whether the invasion of earth, which was scheduled to kick off in two days occurred by the time (six days later) that the heroine shows up at the gate to earth. If it has not happened, why not, if it has why are earth soldiers still holding the gate. Who is Doris Sanger and what happened to her and the attempt by the evil mage to raise a major demon. Her fate is left hanging and the demon raising, I had to presume (Its not mentioned) had failed.
Aside from those odd points, the book was fun and the adventure seems to add more detail to her relationships both old and new. I am hoping there are more volumes to come.
The battles were energetic and seeing the bad guys get squashed was incredibly satisfying. There's some great Casablanca-like friendships involving one of my favorite elves (the enemy of my enemy is my ally and "Here's looking at you , kid"). It added spice to the interactions, and made the factional warfare that much more interesting.
The Elf-Angel relationship turned out fine. Nobody got goofy stupid and they had what seems to be a good relationship. The number of her (MC's) friendships is increasing, which left me with a good feeling. Inter-universe tourism is a nice side trip in interspecies-interdimensional intersections.
The ending was strange in that it's not clear whether the invasion of earth, which was scheduled to kick off in two days occurred by the time (six days later) that the heroine shows up at the gate to earth. If it has not happened, why not, if it has why are earth soldiers still holding the gate. Who is Doris Sanger and what happened to her and the attempt by the evil mage to raise a major demon. Her fate is left hanging and the demon raising, I had to presume (Its not mentioned) had failed.
Aside from those odd points, the book was fun and the adventure seems to add more detail to her relationships both old and new. I am hoping there are more volumes to come.
December 15, 2020
This is the third book in this series and I enjoyed the heck out of it. The audio version is wonderful because I really enjoy the accent of the female MC. It is a European accent - British, maybe Scottish? Isn't that awful that I do not know the difference? I just know it sounds very melodic and I like it.
So, this book is like the first two in that each book is its own story arc - with the arc being completed by the end of the book. Each book can honestly be read as a standalone and you won't feel lost at all. Now we have Kellana finding herself in the middle of the action when the veil is at its thinnest and there are breaches from other dimensions into the Earth realm. I really enjoy all of the supernatural aspects of this series. There are elves, witches, werewolves, vampires, Nephilim, demons...and I could continue on even more.... Cass is in this book, but he does not have much page time - much to my disappointment. We see Kellana and Isabel's friendship becoming stronger and we see lots of things happening with the US government in the wake of all of the chaos.
As I mentioned before, I enjoyed this book and I have enjoyed this series. It is a quick read and also pretty light - by that I mean it is not a heavy read. It is one that is entertaining, fun and full of non stop action.
So, this book is like the first two in that each book is its own story arc - with the arc being completed by the end of the book. Each book can honestly be read as a standalone and you won't feel lost at all. Now we have Kellana finding herself in the middle of the action when the veil is at its thinnest and there are breaches from other dimensions into the Earth realm. I really enjoy all of the supernatural aspects of this series. There are elves, witches, werewolves, vampires, Nephilim, demons...and I could continue on even more.... Cass is in this book, but he does not have much page time - much to my disappointment. We see Kellana and Isabel's friendship becoming stronger and we see lots of things happening with the US government in the wake of all of the chaos.
As I mentioned before, I enjoyed this book and I have enjoyed this series. It is a quick read and also pretty light - by that I mean it is not a heavy read. It is one that is entertaining, fun and full of non stop action.
October 22, 2019
Sad to see this series end!
I’m sad to see the end of this series. Kellana was my kind of hero- a tree-hugging environmentalist who can (and will) throw down when needed. She is smart and strong and aware of her abilities, both good and bad.
If you’re looking for romance, you’re not really going to find much. The romance story arc is presented in the second book but it really progressed outside the parameters of the book and was just - there. No chemistry, and no tangible feelings of connection, but don’t let that distract you from the amazing storyline.
The story was well-developed with some twists and turns that weren’t completely unsuspected, but the whole arc was thoroughly engrossing. Have I mentioned how much I love Kellana? There is room for continuation in this series if the author wanted to tell more of Kellana’s story, but it was also tied up nicely with the world fully developed and more of Kellana’s skill set explained and clarified. All in all I feel the ending is complete, but I am definitely sad to see it go.
I’m sad to see the end of this series. Kellana was my kind of hero- a tree-hugging environmentalist who can (and will) throw down when needed. She is smart and strong and aware of her abilities, both good and bad.
If you’re looking for romance, you’re not really going to find much. The romance story arc is presented in the second book but it really progressed outside the parameters of the book and was just - there. No chemistry, and no tangible feelings of connection, but don’t let that distract you from the amazing storyline.
The story was well-developed with some twists and turns that weren’t completely unsuspected, but the whole arc was thoroughly engrossing. Have I mentioned how much I love Kellana? There is room for continuation in this series if the author wanted to tell more of Kellana’s story, but it was also tied up nicely with the world fully developed and more of Kellana’s skill set explained and clarified. All in all I feel the ending is complete, but I am definitely sad to see it go.
August 18, 2019
Kellana rides the realms again
Kellana comes back to the US and finds three witches covens opening stores with charms and potions, and a werewolf Senator and a vampire Representative putting together different bills for paranormal rights. Then, the fighting starts, and for some reason, Kellana is the target of one of the covens, which turns out is practicing black magic and is allied with the Senator's pack. The Paranormal Crime Unit (PCU) of the FBI pulls Kellana in for advice before Beltane, which is when all realms break loose and who knows what will happen. And that's just the first few chapters. Great series, I don't know how the author keeps the different ones apart. Rosie O'Gradys Bar was my first, but Dark Streets goes to more locations, and just getting going on Chameleon.
Kellana comes back to the US and finds three witches covens opening stores with charms and potions, and a werewolf Senator and a vampire Representative putting together different bills for paranormal rights. Then, the fighting starts, and for some reason, Kellana is the target of one of the covens, which turns out is practicing black magic and is allied with the Senator's pack. The Paranormal Crime Unit (PCU) of the FBI pulls Kellana in for advice before Beltane, which is when all realms break loose and who knows what will happen. And that's just the first few chapters. Great series, I don't know how the author keeps the different ones apart. Rosie O'Gradys Bar was my first, but Dark Streets goes to more locations, and just getting going on Chameleon.
March 26, 2020
I've enjoyed the first two books in this series and the third one was just as good. Kellana gets dragged into helping to avert a megalomaniac's plan to take over the US Government. We visit a new realm, some enjoyable new characters are added and we learn more about some past characters (like the romantic interest who wasn't mentioned in book 2!) The story is fast paced and tense. Kellana is a likable and unusual main character. It's interesting to read how she's adapted to living among humans, yet remains very much an elf in her actions and beliefs. Things do happen kind of fast in some sections, but the story and world are so good that I can overlook it. This is the second series by BR Kingsolver that I've read and I'm pleased to see that she has more out there to read. If you are an urban fantasy fan, don't pass this one up!
January 15, 2022
After her sojourn to Europe, Kellana back in Washington with Cassiel, they’re soon joined by Isabella, who’s relocating and house-hunting. Things aren’t even relatively quiet as human witches have decided its time they took charge and it becomes known they’ve made an alliance with a vicious werewolf pack in the area.
As Beltane dawns, the veil thins enough to allow more blood mages, trolls, hellhounds, greater demons, realm walkers and paladins, among others to cross into this realm. With a hole ripped into reality at the nation’s capital it quickly becomes apparent to everyone if they want to survive, they all have a dog in the witch’s fight since they’re definitely not fighting alone.
Rating: 4.25stars
As Beltane dawns, the veil thins enough to allow more blood mages, trolls, hellhounds, greater demons, realm walkers and paladins, among others to cross into this realm. With a hole ripped into reality at the nation’s capital it quickly becomes apparent to everyone if they want to survive, they all have a dog in the witch’s fight since they’re definitely not fighting alone.
Rating: 4.25stars
October 16, 2024
Hard to put down
I loved this book. Differen than than the first two in the series, this one took a deeper look at making things work between a mundane and paranormal society and what that blending might require legislatively. Some tough questions there were raised that really come down to self-policing within the factions to maintain some kind of status quo. I read this book in two readings instead of my normal chapter by chapter approach because it compelled me to find out where the story was going next- I couldn't guess. I think that's what I love best about Kingsolver books. They always leave me hungry for the next morsel.
I loved this book. Differen than than the first two in the series, this one took a deeper look at making things work between a mundane and paranormal society and what that blending might require legislatively. Some tough questions there were raised that really come down to self-policing within the factions to maintain some kind of status quo. I read this book in two readings instead of my normal chapter by chapter approach because it compelled me to find out where the story was going next- I couldn't guess. I think that's what I love best about Kingsolver books. They always leave me hungry for the next morsel.
June 24, 2024
A fast-paced story
At least you can say there's a lot of action in this installment, but it still doesn't rate higher than a 3 star for me. While a good story that rolls along well, everything feels fairly superficial - you don't really get invested in the characters because enough time hasn't been spent in the books to GET the reader invested. Characters are introduced, motivations superficially sketched out, and then thrown into scene & action. The reader doesn't feel or intuit anything about a character because the narrator just feeds everything to them.
At least you can say there's a lot of action in this installment, but it still doesn't rate higher than a 3 star for me. While a good story that rolls along well, everything feels fairly superficial - you don't really get invested in the characters because enough time hasn't been spent in the books to GET the reader invested. Characters are introduced, motivations superficially sketched out, and then thrown into scene & action. The reader doesn't feel or intuit anything about a character because the narrator just feeds everything to them.
November 8, 2019
The Dark Streets Trilogy
This was the second trilogy I have finished by BR Kingsolver. This is definitely an author to follow. Great characters developed nicely, plenty of action, some suspense. The nice thing too is that you care about the characters. Some I would enjoy having as friends, such as Kellana and Isabella. My only complaint is that it was just a trilogy. I want more. Highly recommended.
This was the second trilogy I have finished by BR Kingsolver. This is definitely an author to follow. Great characters developed nicely, plenty of action, some suspense. The nice thing too is that you care about the characters. Some I would enjoy having as friends, such as Kellana and Isabella. My only complaint is that it was just a trilogy. I want more. Highly recommended.
February 9, 2021
A very well written series
The series is consistantly well written with great characters. There is more of a story throughout each book. I was shocked to have read the mention of an area that I was born in. More shocking the mention of the beautiful Seneca Rocks area of West Virginia. The author takes you on an adventure through realms, throughout Europe as well as your own back yard, in my instance. Enjoy!
The series is consistantly well written with great characters. There is more of a story throughout each book. I was shocked to have read the mention of an area that I was born in. More shocking the mention of the beautiful Seneca Rocks area of West Virginia. The author takes you on an adventure through realms, throughout Europe as well as your own back yard, in my instance. Enjoy!
September 12, 2022
Fun Series
I enjoyed this series. Kellana was a fun protagonist to follow and the side characters were great. I thought the plot of each book was interesting and the pacing kept me engaged. My only critiques were a couple of inconsistencies and that the ending felt just a bit unfinished. I really wish there had been an epilogue for a bit more closure. Overall, I had a good time reading this series.
I enjoyed this series. Kellana was a fun protagonist to follow and the side characters were great. I thought the plot of each book was interesting and the pacing kept me engaged. My only critiques were a couple of inconsistencies and that the ending felt just a bit unfinished. I really wish there had been an epilogue for a bit more closure. Overall, I had a good time reading this series.
July 18, 2019
I loved these books, and it turns out I’m a big fan of this author. I like that the heroines are mature, there’s no mushy/lusty love weirdness, and the universe/characters are fun and well developed. The plots are exciting and engaging, and you really find yourself in the edge of your seat, reveling in the characters and the cool adventures.
August 20, 2019
Kellana and friends travel to another realm to save the Earth realm from a blood mage, crazy witches, and a West Virginia werewolf pack. Another great book in the series. I hope there will be more. The sign of a great series to me is when I find myself wondering about the characters, as if they were real people. Kingsolver definitely achieves that.
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