What do you think?
Rate this book
Mistress of None
No Rest for the Wicked
Other people just think they’re “haunted by the past.” In Vi’s case, it’s true.
Clairvoyant Viola Thorne wants to forget about her days of grifting and running errands for ghosts. The problem? Playing it safe is dull. So when a dead stranger begs for her help, Vi jumps at the chance to dust off her hustling skills. The unlikely companions are soon tangling with bandits, cheating at cards, and loving every minute.
Then she finds out who referred him, and Vi has to face both a past and ex-partner that refuse to stay buried. Though she betrayed Peter, his spirit warns her of the plot that cost him his life. Vi’s guilty conscience won’t let her rest until she solves his murder. Though she’s spent her whole life fighting the pull of the paranormal, it holds the key to atoning for the only deception she’s ever regretted—breaking Peter’s heart.
Clairvoyant Viola Thorne wants to forget about her days of grifting and running errands for ghosts. The problem? Playing it safe is dull. So when a dead stranger begs for her help, Vi jumps at the chance to dust off her hustling skills. The unlikely companions are soon tangling with bandits, cheating at cards, and loving every minute.
Then she finds out who referred him, and Vi has to face both a past and ex-partner that refuse to stay buried. Though she betrayed Peter, his spirit warns her of the plot that cost him his life. Vi’s guilty conscience won’t let her rest until she solves his murder. Though she’s spent her whole life fighting the pull of the paranormal, it holds the key to atoning for the only deception she’s ever regretted—breaking Peter’s heart.
294 pages, Paperback
Published March 28, 2019
56 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 23, 2019
JUST ONE OF THOSE BOOKS THAT DID NOT SPEAK TO ME AT ALL
Sorry, but this one just didn't do anything for me. Most of the time I just found myself being annoyed with pretty much every part of it. Come to think of it, I can't think of a single thing, that I liked. This is one of those books that I won't remember a week from today.
WHAT I DISLIKED
Rushed: This book got off to a terrible start in my opinion because it was so rushed! So many things happened all at ones without explanation, and with a paranormal (or fantasy) novel you have to give the reader a good introduction to your world. That was definitely not accomplished here.
On repeat: If there is one thing I dislike it is repetition. Come on, why do I have to read the same thing over and over again? In this case it was the author constantly referring to the main character, Vi, as either "the reluctant medium" or "the relapsed grifter. Once it was sort of fun/clever. Twice was too much.
Build up: Or, actually, the total opposite. This book was, in a way, backward. It started off at 100 and at the halfway point hit 0. It never recovered from there.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
FOLLOW MY BLOG FOR MORE BOOK GOODNESS
Sorry, but this one just didn't do anything for me. Most of the time I just found myself being annoyed with pretty much every part of it. Come to think of it, I can't think of a single thing, that I liked. This is one of those books that I won't remember a week from today.
WHAT I DISLIKED
Rushed: This book got off to a terrible start in my opinion because it was so rushed! So many things happened all at ones without explanation, and with a paranormal (or fantasy) novel you have to give the reader a good introduction to your world. That was definitely not accomplished here.
On repeat: If there is one thing I dislike it is repetition. Come on, why do I have to read the same thing over and over again? In this case it was the author constantly referring to the main character, Vi, as either "the reluctant medium" or "the relapsed grifter. Once it was sort of fun/clever. Twice was too much.
Build up: Or, actually, the total opposite. This book was, in a way, backward. It started off at 100 and at the halfway point hit 0. It never recovered from there.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
FOLLOW MY BLOG FOR MORE BOOK GOODNESS
September 19, 2019
Led by a feisty, brave con woman you can't help but love, No Rest for the Wicked is a rollicking dose of supernatural fun across a wild frontier. Readers of paranormal, historical and western tales will love this seamless blend of genres that results in an action-packed, spectacular good time.
May 23, 2019
[I received a free copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review]
This book was a nice surprise. Sure, there are som things I didn't like, but overall I liked the story and the characters. It had a bit of slow start, but it certainly picked up the pace with fights with outlaws, poker bets and horse racing. I love a good ghost story, so I was intrigued by the ghosts in this story. I do feel that some of the plot lines were a bit rushed though, for example both when it comes to Tobias and to the ghost on the train. I would also have loved to get more scenes with the forces behind Mary and those wanting Vi to return to New Orleans. Also maybe a bit more depth to some of the characters. But overall I really liked this book and would definitely read the next one.
This book was a nice surprise. Sure, there are som things I didn't like, but overall I liked the story and the characters. It had a bit of slow start, but it certainly picked up the pace with fights with outlaws, poker bets and horse racing. I love a good ghost story, so I was intrigued by the ghosts in this story. I do feel that some of the plot lines were a bit rushed though, for example both when it comes to Tobias and to the ghost on the train. I would also have loved to get more scenes with the forces behind Mary and those wanting Vi to return to New Orleans. Also maybe a bit more depth to some of the characters. But overall I really liked this book and would definitely read the next one.
July 14, 2019
So, I knew this was the first book in a series before I read it, but I didn't realise it was one of those series where each book isn't a stand-alone story. I find that immensely frustrating.
The book starts strong – good characters, good writing – but lost steam for me as it went along. There are a few irritating typos ("arm and arm" instead of "arm in arm", "heals" instead of "heels" etc), and the main character gets whiny and stroppy in a way that isn't endearing.
Not sure I'll be back for book two, although I'm not discounting it completely.
(Received a free copy as part of the Librarything Early Review programme.)
The book starts strong – good characters, good writing – but lost steam for me as it went along. There are a few irritating typos ("arm and arm" instead of "arm in arm", "heals" instead of "heels" etc), and the main character gets whiny and stroppy in a way that isn't endearing.
Not sure I'll be back for book two, although I'm not discounting it completely.
(Received a free copy as part of the Librarything Early Review programme.)
September 9, 2020
You can find this review and all of my others over at www.readbookrepeat.wordpress.com
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Black Rose Writing, and the author via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating of 3.5
Viola Thorn isn't your normal Saloon owner. She's a grifter from way back and she can also see and talk to ghosts. She thinks that she's put her past behind her when a spirit shows up during a relaxing, hot spring bath, to prove her wrong. Curiosity gets the better of her when the ghost speaks a quote that could only come from one person - her ex-partner, Peter. When she discovers that Peter is in fact trying to warn her of the plot that lead to his demise, she can't help but jump at the chance to right the wrongs of yesteryear and atone for breaking Peter's heart, even if that means having to embrace the gift that she has being trying to hard to forget.
This took me two starts to get into it. I remember choosing it in my kindle earlier this year, I started reading it but something about it just put me off. When I picked it up the second time, last week, as I've been slowly whittling down my Netgalley TBR list to something that is more normal, I almost put it down again, but I figured it deserved a bit more of a chance. So what I'm going to say straight off the bat is, if you pick this book up and the first chapter or two are a bit of a struggle, push through because the story does get better and more flowy. I feel that the first chapter odd, for some reason that I can't even pinpoint, reads quite clunky and unnatural. I can't even tell you why, because I honestly don't know, this is just the feel that I've gotten both times that I've picked it up. The opening of a book can really set the scene for the remainder, however, I feel that the rest of the story is so much better in this case.
It's not entirely what I was expecting, but I still enjoyed the story. It's set in the 1800s (I think? I've just had a major brain fart), so that kinda threw me off, and it's got a real spaghetti western feel about it at first. Vi is a clairvoyant and she owns a saloon in town. She is interrupted by a ghost who wants her to finish a job in order to protect his wife. What follows is another thing I was expecting, it's just a segue into how the ghost's wife becomes a main player in the story. She ends up tagging along with Vi, when the story picks up the pace a little and something actually starts to happen. Before this point, it felt very slice of lifey to me. Like Vi is just going about her day then BAM! Quote from a former partner appears and the story unfolds.
The characters were well written and I enjoyed the character of Viola, she reminded me a little of myself, she doesn't really give a damn what others think about her, she just enjoys being herself. Her new found friend is enjoyable and I absolutely adore her little valet. I loved the authenticity of the time period the story is based in as well. It isn't shy about showing the racism that was still rife in the 1800s and we get to have the satisfaction of a well off woman defending those that, at the time, are less fortunate than herself.
The story itself, as said above is pretty slow to get going. Nothing is really solved in this instalment, but it sets the story up quite nicely and there is still a closure of sorts, just not a big one. It looks like this will be a story that is going to be an overarching plot that may be weaved into smaller stories in future instalments. Which is honestly something I enjoy. Not everything has to be wrapped up in the one book, but I like at least SOMETHING to be wrapped up, otherwise I'm left with way more questions that answers and I end up not enjoying the story as much because nothing was resolved.
I enjoyed the paranormal aspect to the story and I'm looking forward to seeing how it pans out in future instalments. At first I wasn't sure if this would a series I would continue, but I feel like it's definitely something that I'd like to read the next book of. The pacing could be a bit slow at times, but then, I know that this was the 'set up' book, so to speak. So I'm looking forward to even more fun times ahead. As said in the beginning, if you feel like giving up in the first chapter, try and push through because the story does get better, and the characters are quite endearing.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Black Rose Writing, and the author via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Actual rating of 3.5
Viola Thorn isn't your normal Saloon owner. She's a grifter from way back and she can also see and talk to ghosts. She thinks that she's put her past behind her when a spirit shows up during a relaxing, hot spring bath, to prove her wrong. Curiosity gets the better of her when the ghost speaks a quote that could only come from one person - her ex-partner, Peter. When she discovers that Peter is in fact trying to warn her of the plot that lead to his demise, she can't help but jump at the chance to right the wrongs of yesteryear and atone for breaking Peter's heart, even if that means having to embrace the gift that she has being trying to hard to forget.
This took me two starts to get into it. I remember choosing it in my kindle earlier this year, I started reading it but something about it just put me off. When I picked it up the second time, last week, as I've been slowly whittling down my Netgalley TBR list to something that is more normal, I almost put it down again, but I figured it deserved a bit more of a chance. So what I'm going to say straight off the bat is, if you pick this book up and the first chapter or two are a bit of a struggle, push through because the story does get better and more flowy. I feel that the first chapter odd, for some reason that I can't even pinpoint, reads quite clunky and unnatural. I can't even tell you why, because I honestly don't know, this is just the feel that I've gotten both times that I've picked it up. The opening of a book can really set the scene for the remainder, however, I feel that the rest of the story is so much better in this case.
It's not entirely what I was expecting, but I still enjoyed the story. It's set in the 1800s (I think? I've just had a major brain fart), so that kinda threw me off, and it's got a real spaghetti western feel about it at first. Vi is a clairvoyant and she owns a saloon in town. She is interrupted by a ghost who wants her to finish a job in order to protect his wife. What follows is another thing I was expecting, it's just a segue into how the ghost's wife becomes a main player in the story. She ends up tagging along with Vi, when the story picks up the pace a little and something actually starts to happen. Before this point, it felt very slice of lifey to me. Like Vi is just going about her day then BAM! Quote from a former partner appears and the story unfolds.
The characters were well written and I enjoyed the character of Viola, she reminded me a little of myself, she doesn't really give a damn what others think about her, she just enjoys being herself. Her new found friend is enjoyable and I absolutely adore her little valet. I loved the authenticity of the time period the story is based in as well. It isn't shy about showing the racism that was still rife in the 1800s and we get to have the satisfaction of a well off woman defending those that, at the time, are less fortunate than herself.
The story itself, as said above is pretty slow to get going. Nothing is really solved in this instalment, but it sets the story up quite nicely and there is still a closure of sorts, just not a big one. It looks like this will be a story that is going to be an overarching plot that may be weaved into smaller stories in future instalments. Which is honestly something I enjoy. Not everything has to be wrapped up in the one book, but I like at least SOMETHING to be wrapped up, otherwise I'm left with way more questions that answers and I end up not enjoying the story as much because nothing was resolved.
I enjoyed the paranormal aspect to the story and I'm looking forward to seeing how it pans out in future instalments. At first I wasn't sure if this would a series I would continue, but I feel like it's definitely something that I'd like to read the next book of. The pacing could be a bit slow at times, but then, I know that this was the 'set up' book, so to speak. So I'm looking forward to even more fun times ahead. As said in the beginning, if you feel like giving up in the first chapter, try and push through because the story does get better, and the characters are quite endearing.
May 16, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Viola or Vi, is a former grifter clairvoyant turned reclusive saloon owner, keeping her head down low. A ghost asks for her help. She reluctantly agrees when she finds out gold is involved. After a run-in with two groups of bad guys, her partner from the past shows up to warn her of danger, only her partner is now a ghost. The people who killed him are after her. He wants her to lie low but she decides to go after them instead and along the way helps some ghosts and their loved ones move on. Being a grifter, Vi is not always a nice person but she stands up for herself and others. I really liked this story but there is one main error in that Vi doesn’t have the attitude of a woman from the 1800’s, she has more of a modern demeanor. Other than that I liked this a lot and look forward to the next book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
October 25, 2019
delightfully written 19th century urban fantasy with shades of steampunk
May 9, 2019
***3.5 STARS***
[I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
This is a new author for me and, as such, I wasn’t sure what to expect other than what the cover and blurb referenced. Bottom line – the book delivers a fun paranormal edge to a historical adventure.
Characters always drive a book for me and there’s no shortage of fun characters (alive and dead). The plot features gambling, horse races, ghostly attacks, and past mistakes. It flows well and rather smoothly with character and plot development. However, this is book 1 in the series so while smaller issues are resolved, larger ones remain.
The author’s take on the paranormal was particularly fun for me (esp the shared energy and growing powers). It is set up to explore more in this area too as part of the plot and character development.
Overall, I enjoyed this story! I think the author has a great start to her series and expect the next books will include even more fun.
If historical fiction or the paranormal are your thing, I’d suggest you give this one a try. If you need more info, check out my full review and book spotlight on my website (https://writerRSJ.com].
[I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
[I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
This is a new author for me and, as such, I wasn’t sure what to expect other than what the cover and blurb referenced. Bottom line – the book delivers a fun paranormal edge to a historical adventure.
Characters always drive a book for me and there’s no shortage of fun characters (alive and dead). The plot features gambling, horse races, ghostly attacks, and past mistakes. It flows well and rather smoothly with character and plot development. However, this is book 1 in the series so while smaller issues are resolved, larger ones remain.
The author’s take on the paranormal was particularly fun for me (esp the shared energy and growing powers). It is set up to explore more in this area too as part of the plot and character development.
Overall, I enjoyed this story! I think the author has a great start to her series and expect the next books will include even more fun.
If historical fiction or the paranormal are your thing, I’d suggest you give this one a try. If you need more info, check out my full review and book spotlight on my website (https://writerRSJ.com].
[I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.]
March 28, 2019
A page or two into chapter 1 and I knew this would be a very entertaining book. Clairvoyance aside, heroine Viola Thorne is a larger-than-life character. As one would need to be to survive as an unattached woman in 1871 Sacremento. Vi is the owner of a bar and takes no crap from any of her customers. She is smart and brave, brazen and impulsive, and she has a heart of gold.
This does not mean she is completely in charge of her life. Her clairvoyant abilities tend to overtake her, as happens in the very first chapter when a ghost shows up asking for help. Vi really does not want to help. Really, all she wants to do is live a normal ghostless life. That is not to be.
No Rest for the Wicked has some truly great characters. In addition to Vi, there is Bonnie, the widow, who has the same adventurous streak as Vi, but has a bit more common sense. Peter is a ghost with issues. And George, the young boy that Vi has sort of adopted, is sweet and maybe a bit ornery.
The story line, although it took a while to get to it, revolves around Vi, Peter, George and Bonnie going back to New Orleans to help Peter resolve his ghostly issues so he can move on. They got sidetracked a few times, dealing with a rich, snooty, bigoted woman, a ghost on the train, and also explaining the great Chicago fire of 1871. While the fire was tied to more closely to the story, I thought it unnecessary.
The bad guys remained named throughout the story. There is a ghost who wants to haunt in a really big, bad way and manages to bring a trainload full of trouble to Vi and her friends. The ghost is under the control (sort of) of someone who seems to be even more wicked than the ghost.
Vi has the help of her Aunt Prudence, the wise relative whose advice will likely save Vi’s life. And Vi will have to grudgingly admit it. The dynamic between Aunt Pru and Viola was delightful, shedding some light on Vi’s past, present and probably her future.
After No Rest For the Wicked, there is a lot more of the paranormal coming. The story ends on a cliffhanger. In fact, they never even get close to the bad guys. The unnamed evil one does his “MwaHaHa” at the end. Which a great portent of things to come, but also irritating. Cliffhangers – don’t need them! Of course, not everyone has the same opinion of cliffhangers. And, with any luck, the next installment will not be too many months down the line.
This old west adenture/ghost story is PG rated. So no excessive violence and no sex. No Rest for the Wicked will entertain and delight readers who enjoy paranormal and historical fiction.
Thanks to the publisher who provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This does not mean she is completely in charge of her life. Her clairvoyant abilities tend to overtake her, as happens in the very first chapter when a ghost shows up asking for help. Vi really does not want to help. Really, all she wants to do is live a normal ghostless life. That is not to be.
No Rest for the Wicked has some truly great characters. In addition to Vi, there is Bonnie, the widow, who has the same adventurous streak as Vi, but has a bit more common sense. Peter is a ghost with issues. And George, the young boy that Vi has sort of adopted, is sweet and maybe a bit ornery.
The story line, although it took a while to get to it, revolves around Vi, Peter, George and Bonnie going back to New Orleans to help Peter resolve his ghostly issues so he can move on. They got sidetracked a few times, dealing with a rich, snooty, bigoted woman, a ghost on the train, and also explaining the great Chicago fire of 1871. While the fire was tied to more closely to the story, I thought it unnecessary.
The bad guys remained named throughout the story. There is a ghost who wants to haunt in a really big, bad way and manages to bring a trainload full of trouble to Vi and her friends. The ghost is under the control (sort of) of someone who seems to be even more wicked than the ghost.
Vi has the help of her Aunt Prudence, the wise relative whose advice will likely save Vi’s life. And Vi will have to grudgingly admit it. The dynamic between Aunt Pru and Viola was delightful, shedding some light on Vi’s past, present and probably her future.
After No Rest For the Wicked, there is a lot more of the paranormal coming. The story ends on a cliffhanger. In fact, they never even get close to the bad guys. The unnamed evil one does his “MwaHaHa” at the end. Which a great portent of things to come, but also irritating. Cliffhangers – don’t need them! Of course, not everyone has the same opinion of cliffhangers. And, with any luck, the next installment will not be too many months down the line.
This old west adenture/ghost story is PG rated. So no excessive violence and no sex. No Rest for the Wicked will entertain and delight readers who enjoy paranormal and historical fiction.
Thanks to the publisher who provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 22, 2019
This delightful paranormal adventure set in the Old West is about a reluctant Medium named Viola who runs away from her problems only to find those same problems (and more) have hunted her down. A former grifter, she abandoned her partner, Peter, to take up a new life in Sacramento as a saloon owner. When Peter shows as a ghost, Vi realizes that she must not only discover how he died, but help him pass on.
A fun and entertaining read, I enjoyed the world building and Viola's slow arc to realizing that she must accept her paranormal abilities and learn how to use them better. The supporting characters were well-developed and the conflict organic. I would rate the book 3.5 for it did seem a bit rushed at times and there were a number of editorial issues that could be fixed with another pass. Also, I know this book is the first in a series, but it would have been nice to have more resolution in the first book.
However, the story held my attention and I wanted to know how it ended!! I can see a lot of potential in this series.
A fun and entertaining read, I enjoyed the world building and Viola's slow arc to realizing that she must accept her paranormal abilities and learn how to use them better. The supporting characters were well-developed and the conflict organic. I would rate the book 3.5 for it did seem a bit rushed at times and there were a number of editorial issues that could be fixed with another pass. Also, I know this book is the first in a series, but it would have been nice to have more resolution in the first book.
However, the story held my attention and I wanted to know how it ended!! I can see a lot of potential in this series.
April 17, 2019
Viola Thorne, Vi can see and hear ghosts she has been trying to ignore them for a long time. The ghosts needs Vi’s help with whatever unfinished business they may have here so they can cross over to the other side or wherever they may go. Vi ignores all the ghost until one day when a ghost Tobias shows up needing her help to save his wife Bonnie from some evil men.
Then one day someone from her past shows up to haunt her. Vi’s friend and ex-partner Peter turns up as a ghost to warn Vi about the death of her husband and to advise her not to return home. But Vi thinks that it is best to return home and face the music.
Everywhere she turns ghosts seem to pop up needing her help even on trip to New Orleans. Vi, Bonnie and Peter all take a train to New Orleans to take care of a little business. Vi runs into more ghosts on the train who need her help to cross over. To help the ghosts cross over Vi must do a little investigation to learn the ghosts unfinished business. Danger is lurking on the train for Vi. Someone or is it a ghost that is trying to harm Vi? Why would anyone want to hurt Vi?
I really enjoyed reading No Rest for the Wicked and getting to know all the characters and the ghost. I loved reading about someone being able to talk to ghost. There is action and suspense to keep you hooked from beginning to end. I really felt bad for some of the ghost. Their stories was heart breaking.
I would recommend No Rest for the Wicked to anyone who likes a good ghost story with action and suspense.
Then one day someone from her past shows up to haunt her. Vi’s friend and ex-partner Peter turns up as a ghost to warn Vi about the death of her husband and to advise her not to return home. But Vi thinks that it is best to return home and face the music.
Everywhere she turns ghosts seem to pop up needing her help even on trip to New Orleans. Vi, Bonnie and Peter all take a train to New Orleans to take care of a little business. Vi runs into more ghosts on the train who need her help to cross over. To help the ghosts cross over Vi must do a little investigation to learn the ghosts unfinished business. Danger is lurking on the train for Vi. Someone or is it a ghost that is trying to harm Vi? Why would anyone want to hurt Vi?
I really enjoyed reading No Rest for the Wicked and getting to know all the characters and the ghost. I loved reading about someone being able to talk to ghost. There is action and suspense to keep you hooked from beginning to end. I really felt bad for some of the ghost. Their stories was heart breaking.
I would recommend No Rest for the Wicked to anyone who likes a good ghost story with action and suspense.
April 17, 2019
No Rest for the Wicked is a great introduction to a series that I am excited to read. Vi is a larger than life character that has the ability to see and speak to ghosts. Historical fiction with a supernatural flare, this follows VI's journey into figuring out what her true abilities are. The writing is fantastic and the imagery Darqueling provides paints a clear picture of everything taking place. I am giving this 4 stars. It is a solid introduction to the Mistress of None series. I look forward to reading more of Phoebe Darqueling's book as I really enjoyed her style of writing.
April 13, 2019
This book had so much potential. I love books that include the paranormal in some way or another, whether it be in the background details or a major piece of the plot. But this one really fell short for me. I had a hard time sticking with it and I nearly didn't finish it. But I did stick with it and in the end it wasn't bad, just poorly executed. I say this in no way to be harsh, it just could have been so much better.
Viola or 'Vi" is a shockingly independent woman for her day, she lives alone and even owns her own saloon following the goldrush in California. She is also clairvoyant. There's a lot going on with Vi to be honest.
And frankly, I didn't care for her at all. I found her obstinate and combative to the point of being a nuissance. I didn't find her strong or admirably independent, all her personality served to do was annoy me. The people around her were so unfailingly loyal to her, even when most the time she didn't deserve it.
I also found it strange that we were introduced to her character as 'Vi' and in descriptive paragraphs and scenes of action she is referred to as 'Vi,' but in lines of dialogue the other characters will address her as 'Viola.' The reverse would have made more sense. There is nothing wrong with this and its a small thing to quibble over, but it felt clunky as I was reading. But anyway, not a big deal.
She solves her every problem by gambling for the first half of the book. Even though she insinuates that this is a thing from her past that she has now distanced herself from, but it sure does seem to be her go to. And I was annoyed that after gambling over her horse and the deal isn't honored, she is annoyed with Bonnie for committing her to a rematch over cards and is ready to leave town, even though she has already shown she is adept at manipulating a game of cards and Bonnie was trying to help. This felt incredibly inconsistent with her character's personality. Her willingness to flee felt very cowardly for her character.
Her frienship with Bonnie was very instantaneous. Suddenly they're inseperable and reliant on one another. Which again, I profess that I don't find Viola as worthy of such regard.
My biggest complaint is the modern voice that is present throughout the entirety of the book. It removes any sense of realism from the story and therefore I cannot feel that I am immersed in it. This book takes place in the late 1800's, but despite a few terms and lingo from the day thrown in for flavor, this reads in a very modern voice. The mystery is handled as I would expect of a book written for a younger audience and was honestly reminiscent of an episode of Scooby Doo. The villians were very cartoonish in regards to their anger and misdeeds.
The dialouge between characters often came across as choppy and forced, not flowing like natural conversation. And there were so many typos and forgotten words through out the book that it detracted from the flow even further. However this is not so much a reflction on the story itself as it is a reflection of the editing thay went into it.
One of my biggest hanging points in any book is the action of giggling being used too much or when it isn't befitting to a situation. Characters giggle far too much in this book for my taste. SO MUCH giggling. The number of times a character is described as giggling throughout the book reaches to at least one hundred. I will give credit that the giggling wasn't limited to only female characters as many authors will do. But no, I believe every important character was decribed as giggling at least once, except for her aunt and the villians. It drove me absolutely crazy and is likely the thing the bothered more than anything else.
Essentially none of the conflict is resolved after having been drawn out through the entirety of the book and then we have an unnecessary quasi cliffhanger to top it all off. Being only the first in the series, I can hope that the conflict will finally be resloved in the second book.
To wrap this up, this book had the ability to be so much more. Some parts of it were executed far better than others and it is still a decent read. It is occassionally amusing and there a lot of speculation over what ghosts are capable of, which is always fun. It is definitely an adventure. I would say this book would likely do better for a younger audience and I would certainly recommend it to one such a reader if they were a fan of paranormal mysteries.
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Viola or 'Vi" is a shockingly independent woman for her day, she lives alone and even owns her own saloon following the goldrush in California. She is also clairvoyant. There's a lot going on with Vi to be honest.
And frankly, I didn't care for her at all. I found her obstinate and combative to the point of being a nuissance. I didn't find her strong or admirably independent, all her personality served to do was annoy me. The people around her were so unfailingly loyal to her, even when most the time she didn't deserve it.
I also found it strange that we were introduced to her character as 'Vi' and in descriptive paragraphs and scenes of action she is referred to as 'Vi,' but in lines of dialogue the other characters will address her as 'Viola.' The reverse would have made more sense. There is nothing wrong with this and its a small thing to quibble over, but it felt clunky as I was reading. But anyway, not a big deal.
She solves her every problem by gambling for the first half of the book. Even though she insinuates that this is a thing from her past that she has now distanced herself from, but it sure does seem to be her go to. And I was annoyed that after gambling over her horse and the deal isn't honored, she is annoyed with Bonnie for committing her to a rematch over cards and is ready to leave town, even though she has already shown she is adept at manipulating a game of cards and Bonnie was trying to help. This felt incredibly inconsistent with her character's personality. Her willingness to flee felt very cowardly for her character.
Her frienship with Bonnie was very instantaneous. Suddenly they're inseperable and reliant on one another. Which again, I profess that I don't find Viola as worthy of such regard.
My biggest complaint is the modern voice that is present throughout the entirety of the book. It removes any sense of realism from the story and therefore I cannot feel that I am immersed in it. This book takes place in the late 1800's, but despite a few terms and lingo from the day thrown in for flavor, this reads in a very modern voice. The mystery is handled as I would expect of a book written for a younger audience and was honestly reminiscent of an episode of Scooby Doo. The villians were very cartoonish in regards to their anger and misdeeds.
The dialouge between characters often came across as choppy and forced, not flowing like natural conversation. And there were so many typos and forgotten words through out the book that it detracted from the flow even further. However this is not so much a reflction on the story itself as it is a reflection of the editing thay went into it.
One of my biggest hanging points in any book is the action of giggling being used too much or when it isn't befitting to a situation. Characters giggle far too much in this book for my taste. SO MUCH giggling. The number of times a character is described as giggling throughout the book reaches to at least one hundred. I will give credit that the giggling wasn't limited to only female characters as many authors will do. But no, I believe every important character was decribed as giggling at least once, except for her aunt and the villians. It drove me absolutely crazy and is likely the thing the bothered more than anything else.
Essentially none of the conflict is resolved after having been drawn out through the entirety of the book and then we have an unnecessary quasi cliffhanger to top it all off. Being only the first in the series, I can hope that the conflict will finally be resloved in the second book.
To wrap this up, this book had the ability to be so much more. Some parts of it were executed far better than others and it is still a decent read. It is occassionally amusing and there a lot of speculation over what ghosts are capable of, which is always fun. It is definitely an adventure. I would say this book would likely do better for a younger audience and I would certainly recommend it to one such a reader if they were a fan of paranormal mysteries.
*A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2020
This is one of those I wish I could give half stars to. 3.5 would be about right. Viola "Vi" Thorne can see spirits even if she doesn't want to. One finds her and begs her to help him and his young bridge. Tobias had come west to California (just a few years after the Civil war) to strike it rich. While he did get some gold, he also got dead. He wanted Vi to help retrieve the gold and give it to his wife, Bonnie.
Against her better judgement, Vi does and ends up meshed up with outlaws, loan sharks and something far worse: her own past. Her good friend and partner (they were con men), Peter's ghost has showed up along with news of her husband's death. Peter has given his life to save hers and Vi heads back toward New Orleans to find his killer even as her unwanted supernatural abilities begin to ramp up. She takes Bonnie, now her fast friend, and a young African American boy, George, who she feels responsible for with her on the train back east.
I liked Vi and her friends. I did have some problems with the plot, nothing major, like the poker game against the bad guys in the beginning because it went on a bit long. I really wanted a bigger reaction from Vi to Peter's death. It seems stronger in the blurb than we actually see on page. This was a friend she done dirty (and I was never really sure why) who died protecting her but it doesn't seem to have that big of an affect on her other than for her to go back east to figure out why he was killed. I just wanted something more I guess. Vi coming into her powers was good though.
I knew when I bought this it was a series but I'm the type who wants book one to be mostly wrapped up before we get to book two. This just ends. We don't even get to New Orleans. Oh she runs into Peter's killer but not there. So the second half of the book is the train ride east but we don't even make it to our destination. We take a side trip to Chicago where Vi is originally from and her family, whose help she needs, still lives. I was fine with that but I really wanted more closer. That's a big thing for me.
Being just a few years post Civil War, you can imagine there is going to be some racism directed at Vi's companions, well George. Peter is also African American but he's a ghost... Also if you don't like epithets, you might be annoyed. You're going to see 'the reluctant medium' 'the relapsed grifter' multiple times. I do want to see what happens next however.
Against her better judgement, Vi does and ends up meshed up with outlaws, loan sharks and something far worse: her own past. Her good friend and partner (they were con men), Peter's ghost has showed up along with news of her husband's death. Peter has given his life to save hers and Vi heads back toward New Orleans to find his killer even as her unwanted supernatural abilities begin to ramp up. She takes Bonnie, now her fast friend, and a young African American boy, George, who she feels responsible for with her on the train back east.
I liked Vi and her friends. I did have some problems with the plot, nothing major, like the poker game against the bad guys in the beginning because it went on a bit long. I really wanted a bigger reaction from Vi to Peter's death. It seems stronger in the blurb than we actually see on page. This was a friend she done dirty (and I was never really sure why) who died protecting her but it doesn't seem to have that big of an affect on her other than for her to go back east to figure out why he was killed. I just wanted something more I guess. Vi coming into her powers was good though.
I knew when I bought this it was a series but I'm the type who wants book one to be mostly wrapped up before we get to book two. This just ends. We don't even get to New Orleans. Oh she runs into Peter's killer but not there. So the second half of the book is the train ride east but we don't even make it to our destination. We take a side trip to Chicago where Vi is originally from and her family, whose help she needs, still lives. I was fine with that but I really wanted more closer. That's a big thing for me.
Being just a few years post Civil War, you can imagine there is going to be some racism directed at Vi's companions, well George. Peter is also African American but he's a ghost... Also if you don't like epithets, you might be annoyed. You're going to see 'the reluctant medium' 'the relapsed grifter' multiple times. I do want to see what happens next however.
December 31, 2022
I picked this book up a while ago and read it last year as I love supporting indie authors. So, yeah, I’m way behind on this review.
No Rest for the Wicked by Phoebe Darqueling is part western, part ghost story, and a few shades of steampunk added in. Viola Thorne is a saloon owner with a secret. She is clairvoyant and the dead just won’t leave her alone. And when one particular ghost comes around, it triggers a series of events that turn Vi’s life upside down.
Likes
I appreciated how Darqueling set this story as a western without it being a super In-Your-Face type western. It simply was there, no different from a city is for an urban fantasy. The details felt realistic and well researched, which added to that ambiance without overwhelming it.
I also loved the way Darqueling developed the ghosts. The way they evolved, what they could and could not do, their personalities, and more, felt fresh and different. Darqueling didn’t rely on standard ghost tropes to drive these characters.
As mentioned above, I love the details. Not only were the details that made the western setting feel well done, but things like the various character quirks, the weaving in of Vi’s clairvoyance, and the stuff around what happened to Vi’s former partner. It all felt thought out and purposeful, adding a richness to each of the layers.
Dislikes
One thing I struggled with in this book is that the part where Vi is working with her aunt to learn more about her clairvoyant talent felt rushed and glossed over. I would love to have learned more about this ability, and that part of the story provided the perfect opportunity to do so.
The other thing that stuck out to me in this book is also about Vi’s clairvoyance. She seemed to know an awful lot about her abilities for someone who pretty much ran away from them for years and had no training. A major plot point in the book was going back to the aunt to learn, yet it also left me questioning what it was she needed to still learn.
Conclusion
I think this was a fun read that provided a great twist on ghosts and showcased what a story with a western setting could do without being blatantly w-e-s-t-e-r-n. The shadows of steampunk woven throughout felt like the final touches that added a richness to the story I appreciated. For me, this is a solid 3 star book.
No Rest for the Wicked by Phoebe Darqueling is part western, part ghost story, and a few shades of steampunk added in. Viola Thorne is a saloon owner with a secret. She is clairvoyant and the dead just won’t leave her alone. And when one particular ghost comes around, it triggers a series of events that turn Vi’s life upside down.
Likes
I appreciated how Darqueling set this story as a western without it being a super In-Your-Face type western. It simply was there, no different from a city is for an urban fantasy. The details felt realistic and well researched, which added to that ambiance without overwhelming it.
I also loved the way Darqueling developed the ghosts. The way they evolved, what they could and could not do, their personalities, and more, felt fresh and different. Darqueling didn’t rely on standard ghost tropes to drive these characters.
As mentioned above, I love the details. Not only were the details that made the western setting feel well done, but things like the various character quirks, the weaving in of Vi’s clairvoyance, and the stuff around what happened to Vi’s former partner. It all felt thought out and purposeful, adding a richness to each of the layers.
Dislikes
One thing I struggled with in this book is that the part where Vi is working with her aunt to learn more about her clairvoyant talent felt rushed and glossed over. I would love to have learned more about this ability, and that part of the story provided the perfect opportunity to do so.
The other thing that stuck out to me in this book is also about Vi’s clairvoyance. She seemed to know an awful lot about her abilities for someone who pretty much ran away from them for years and had no training. A major plot point in the book was going back to the aunt to learn, yet it also left me questioning what it was she needed to still learn.
Conclusion
I think this was a fun read that provided a great twist on ghosts and showcased what a story with a western setting could do without being blatantly w-e-s-t-e-r-n. The shadows of steampunk woven throughout felt like the final touches that added a richness to the story I appreciated. For me, this is a solid 3 star book.
July 19, 2019
This ebook was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed reading No Rest for the Wicked, by Phoebe Darqueling. It's a fun romantic adventure, or maybe an adventure with some romance. If you're looking for something light and kinda mindless, this is a good option.
I say mindless, because there are some odd inconsistencies. The one that bothers me the most is that this isn't one complete book, it's a part one. To be fair, it does bill itself as book one. However, I expect a book one to have some sort of closure, to wrap up some threads even while leaving tantalizing crumbs to lead to book two. No Rest for the Wicked doesn't wrap up much of anything.
Without giving any spoilers, I can say that I find it frustrating for a character to regret a past mistake, then repeat that same mistake a couple chapters later. "But," you might say, "people do that all the time. It's totally believable." You would be entirely correct. However, in my literature, especially in a fun romp of a book, I like the characters to do better than human average. It is possible that my standards are too high, but I'm at peace with that :)
I give this one 4 stars as a pleasant distraction, 2 stars for being part 1 instead of book 1. It might be best read once the series is further along.
I enjoyed reading No Rest for the Wicked, by Phoebe Darqueling. It's a fun romantic adventure, or maybe an adventure with some romance. If you're looking for something light and kinda mindless, this is a good option.
I say mindless, because there are some odd inconsistencies. The one that bothers me the most is that this isn't one complete book, it's a part one. To be fair, it does bill itself as book one. However, I expect a book one to have some sort of closure, to wrap up some threads even while leaving tantalizing crumbs to lead to book two. No Rest for the Wicked doesn't wrap up much of anything.
Without giving any spoilers, I can say that I find it frustrating for a character to regret a past mistake, then repeat that same mistake a couple chapters later. "But," you might say, "people do that all the time. It's totally believable." You would be entirely correct. However, in my literature, especially in a fun romp of a book, I like the characters to do better than human average. It is possible that my standards are too high, but I'm at peace with that :)
I give this one 4 stars as a pleasant distraction, 2 stars for being part 1 instead of book 1. It might be best read once the series is further along.
May 12, 2019
Viola Thorne is a clairvoyant with the ability to speak to the dead. She has left her past behind her and is content running her saloon and escaping to her farm when the mood strikes. When a ghost seeks her out on the recommendation of an old friend Viola finds herself being dragged back into a life she thought she had left behind.
I love both fantasy and historical books, and I thought this book would be a sure hit with me as it combines both genres, but I found this book disappointing. Viola was an unlikeable character she comes across as ungrateful, and even though she has somehow created deep ties with the people around her, she is ready to flee at the first sign of trouble. The main issue I had with this book was that it just didn't keep my interest. I am a fast reader, and I found myself taking a long time to read this book, I only continued with it because I hate not to finish a book I have agreed to review.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love both fantasy and historical books, and I thought this book would be a sure hit with me as it combines both genres, but I found this book disappointing. Viola was an unlikeable character she comes across as ungrateful, and even though she has somehow created deep ties with the people around her, she is ready to flee at the first sign of trouble. The main issue I had with this book was that it just didn't keep my interest. I am a fast reader, and I found myself taking a long time to read this book, I only continued with it because I hate not to finish a book I have agreed to review.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Currently reading
May 8, 2020I am not reviewing my own book, but I wanted to give readers some insight into what they can expect beyond the blurb. The main character, Viola "Vi" Thorne, is both the protagonist and antagonist of this story - in short, she is her own worst enemy. There are lesser antagonists along the way, but the main crux of this first book in the series is to explore Vi's struggle with herself, her past, and her abilities. The journey to New Orleans to solve the mystery of her partner's murder is the arc of the entire series, not the conclusion of the first book. (I think of it like Frodo going to Mordor.) The second book in the series, Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained (coming Aug 2020) is more of a traditional mystery that she encounters on her way south, and only in the third book (which I am currently writing) does she actually spend time in New Orleans itself. So, if you are the type of reader that needs everything all tied up to feel satisfied, you may want to wait until the whole series is published before you begin.
June 6, 2019
"No rest for the wicked" is a fantasy/western cross. It follows Viola, a medium turned tavernowner who actually just doesn't want to not deal with ghosts. However, things changes when her friend is murdered. She decides to investigate and helps other people along the way.
After a bit of a slow start, I was drawn into the story and I could not let this book go. The characters are reasonably developed, there is a lot of interesting things happening in the books, a tad bit of history. I am normally not for the ghost stories but this one had me pleasantly suprised.
However, the worst part for me was that this is the first part in a series! I do not have patience to wait for the second part. Sometimes I think the fantasy genre has forgotten that you can also write one book and not have to write a big epos every time.
After a bit of a slow start, I was drawn into the story and I could not let this book go. The characters are reasonably developed, there is a lot of interesting things happening in the books, a tad bit of history. I am normally not for the ghost stories but this one had me pleasantly suprised.
However, the worst part for me was that this is the first part in a series! I do not have patience to wait for the second part. Sometimes I think the fantasy genre has forgotten that you can also write one book and not have to write a big epos every time.
September 25, 2019
Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over
No Rest for the Wicked begins Phoebe Darqueling’s new series Mistress of None by introducing a mixed cast led by Viola Thorne–cardsharp, con artist, and runaway scam bride. As you might guess from that description, Viola is far from the traditional hero. She sees nothing heroic about herself, though if you pay attention, she fails to live up to her negative self-image as a cynical, hard-bitten grifter on an hourly basis.
Not quite true.
She lives up to it in her sarcastic, biting tongue, especially with villains on the receiving end…at least when she’s not playing the “sweet little thing” card to trick them out of harming the true innocents.
The series starts with a shy but determined ghost interrupting Viola’s bath in an isolated hot spring on an isolated farm in the middle of nowhere. So much for her attempts to begin life anew without the shadow of her schemes or her unearthly ability to talk to ghosts to haunt her.
She tries everything from a surly attitude to shocking Tobias with her nudity, but ultimately gives in when he promises a large share of gold. You’d never guess she came from a well-off family (as we later learn) with the way she believes wealth, and more importantly more wealth, is endlessly valuable. She is the owner of a bar/gambling hall down in 1871’s Sacramento, California, as well as this farm, thanks to slipping out the door on her new groom with his deeds of property.
Seems awfully simple. She’s not a nice person. Everyone should hate her, right?
Viola is far from what she appears. Her snarky humor both amuses and offers a shield to hide her soft heart, but actions speak better than words. Not only does she risk life and limb to help the ghost protect his blushing bride, but then fails to mention the gold she was promised. The widow needs it more.
Then there’s her indulgent amusement where her newly wed employees are concerned, her casual adoption of George when his parents both died, and a side mention of how she is known to accept mirrors as partial payment on bills due. She’s much more complex than she believes, and that’s before we learn the mystery of who sent Tobias in the first place, the reason she turned to swindles, or what haunts her more than any ghost ever managed.
I’m a sucker for complicated characters, but ones who have a split between self-perception and reality are the best for the simple reason that they never try to be a good person, they just are. If her actions weren’t clue enough, there’s the way people turn to her, befriend her often against her will, and stick with her despite many attempts to shed them for their own protection. This is the mixed cast I was talking about.
George is a black kid in Post-Civil War America when slavery might be outlawed, but the generations of indoctrination that allowed for it in the first place are still firmly rooted. Bonnie, Tobias’ widow with no business in the Wild West, is a sweet, innocent, young woman with a good heart and unwavering loyalty along with a sharp tongue to keep people in line. Then you have the ghosts, some short-term visitors and others there to stay. We even get to meet Viola’s last remaining family and are present for a lovely bit of sarcastic bickering seeped in layers upon layers of history and misunderstandings. The characters are dynamic and the relationships far from conflict-free.
Clearly the people are a big draw for me, but the story, or should I say stories, is intriguing and enjoyable. It’s written as a series of ghostly encounters while we learn more about Viola and glimpse the villain behind the scenes. Each episode is resolved, and the final resolution is directly tied to the overall series plot, so you get not one but several conclusions. These “side quests” offer the chance for character growth and discovery. There is no shortage of action while the mysteries deepen instead of coming to light.
Oh, and speaking of the overall plot, neither the bandits nor the loan shark, who deserve the title but are part of the smaller tales, hold a candle to the true villain. He is a shadowy mastermind with goals hidden from view except for half-understood glimpses that prove he’s willing to use this world and the next in his schemes. This advances but does not resolve in the first book, offering questions to send us tumbling into the arms of the second book in Mistress of None as soon as it’s available.
The villain’s plan is not the only lingering question, either. Going back to how the characters and their snarky interactions amuse me, there are some not so lighthearted elements to the interactions as well. I want to understand Viola’s history with her former partner, Peter. That it’s complicated is obvious. What I’m looking forward to (though that’s not quite the right description) is learning the why behind how they ended up separated. Viola’s relationship with her ghostly powers is another source of growth and discovery both in re-evaluating her history with her aunt (who also has a gift) and how what she thought established is still changing.
There were several points where I laughed aloud while others provoked sorrow, showing just how engaged I was in the characters’ lives. It’s a wild ride that kept me reading whether wrangling the ghostly world or struggling with the complexity of the human one. This is only the beginning, but it offers a solid bridge into a world and a story I’m looking forward to seeing play out.
P.S. I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
No Rest for the Wicked begins Phoebe Darqueling’s new series Mistress of None by introducing a mixed cast led by Viola Thorne–cardsharp, con artist, and runaway scam bride. As you might guess from that description, Viola is far from the traditional hero. She sees nothing heroic about herself, though if you pay attention, she fails to live up to her negative self-image as a cynical, hard-bitten grifter on an hourly basis.
Not quite true.
She lives up to it in her sarcastic, biting tongue, especially with villains on the receiving end…at least when she’s not playing the “sweet little thing” card to trick them out of harming the true innocents.
The series starts with a shy but determined ghost interrupting Viola’s bath in an isolated hot spring on an isolated farm in the middle of nowhere. So much for her attempts to begin life anew without the shadow of her schemes or her unearthly ability to talk to ghosts to haunt her.
She tries everything from a surly attitude to shocking Tobias with her nudity, but ultimately gives in when he promises a large share of gold. You’d never guess she came from a well-off family (as we later learn) with the way she believes wealth, and more importantly more wealth, is endlessly valuable. She is the owner of a bar/gambling hall down in 1871’s Sacramento, California, as well as this farm, thanks to slipping out the door on her new groom with his deeds of property.
Seems awfully simple. She’s not a nice person. Everyone should hate her, right?
Viola is far from what she appears. Her snarky humor both amuses and offers a shield to hide her soft heart, but actions speak better than words. Not only does she risk life and limb to help the ghost protect his blushing bride, but then fails to mention the gold she was promised. The widow needs it more.
Then there’s her indulgent amusement where her newly wed employees are concerned, her casual adoption of George when his parents both died, and a side mention of how she is known to accept mirrors as partial payment on bills due. She’s much more complex than she believes, and that’s before we learn the mystery of who sent Tobias in the first place, the reason she turned to swindles, or what haunts her more than any ghost ever managed.
I’m a sucker for complicated characters, but ones who have a split between self-perception and reality are the best for the simple reason that they never try to be a good person, they just are. If her actions weren’t clue enough, there’s the way people turn to her, befriend her often against her will, and stick with her despite many attempts to shed them for their own protection. This is the mixed cast I was talking about.
George is a black kid in Post-Civil War America when slavery might be outlawed, but the generations of indoctrination that allowed for it in the first place are still firmly rooted. Bonnie, Tobias’ widow with no business in the Wild West, is a sweet, innocent, young woman with a good heart and unwavering loyalty along with a sharp tongue to keep people in line. Then you have the ghosts, some short-term visitors and others there to stay. We even get to meet Viola’s last remaining family and are present for a lovely bit of sarcastic bickering seeped in layers upon layers of history and misunderstandings. The characters are dynamic and the relationships far from conflict-free.
Clearly the people are a big draw for me, but the story, or should I say stories, is intriguing and enjoyable. It’s written as a series of ghostly encounters while we learn more about Viola and glimpse the villain behind the scenes. Each episode is resolved, and the final resolution is directly tied to the overall series plot, so you get not one but several conclusions. These “side quests” offer the chance for character growth and discovery. There is no shortage of action while the mysteries deepen instead of coming to light.
Oh, and speaking of the overall plot, neither the bandits nor the loan shark, who deserve the title but are part of the smaller tales, hold a candle to the true villain. He is a shadowy mastermind with goals hidden from view except for half-understood glimpses that prove he’s willing to use this world and the next in his schemes. This advances but does not resolve in the first book, offering questions to send us tumbling into the arms of the second book in Mistress of None as soon as it’s available.
The villain’s plan is not the only lingering question, either. Going back to how the characters and their snarky interactions amuse me, there are some not so lighthearted elements to the interactions as well. I want to understand Viola’s history with her former partner, Peter. That it’s complicated is obvious. What I’m looking forward to (though that’s not quite the right description) is learning the why behind how they ended up separated. Viola’s relationship with her ghostly powers is another source of growth and discovery both in re-evaluating her history with her aunt (who also has a gift) and how what she thought established is still changing.
There were several points where I laughed aloud while others provoked sorrow, showing just how engaged I was in the characters’ lives. It’s a wild ride that kept me reading whether wrangling the ghostly world or struggling with the complexity of the human one. This is only the beginning, but it offers a solid bridge into a world and a story I’m looking forward to seeing play out.
P.S. I received this ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review.
August 4, 2019
Ready for the sequel
This is a ghost-riddled adventure tale. Viola can see ghosts. When her partner is killed-- and reappears in ghostly form-- Vi sets off from he California escape home to avenge Peter. Adventures ensue. This is a book for people who love lots of events and hair-raising escapes.
This is a ghost-riddled adventure tale. Viola can see ghosts. When her partner is killed-- and reappears in ghostly form-- Vi sets off from he California escape home to avenge Peter. Adventures ensue. This is a book for people who love lots of events and hair-raising escapes.
June 2, 2020
I purchased this book directly from the author at a Steampunk convention, and am glad I took a risk, not knowing much about it! It was a fun, wild west read with some interesting supernatural twists, and I'm looking forward to more!
June 10, 2022
Hmmmm
Well, of course you have to read book 2 to find out the rest. Fortunately, they sold as a set. It's o.k. I can't say it's really captured me and if I didn't already have the next book,I might not bother.
Well, of course you have to read book 2 to find out the rest. Fortunately, they sold as a set. It's o.k. I can't say it's really captured me and if I didn't already have the next book,I might not bother.
June 14, 2019
So much fun! I can't wait for the next one!
February 17, 2020
These characters are unforgettable.
August 6, 2020
Juvenile, clumsy, and about as good as you'd expect from a writer who chose such a ridiculous nom de plume.
June 9, 2022
very interesting
Very appealing and intriguing story. Enjoyable and complex characters. Interesting storyline and timeline. Some fun twists and turns. Looking forward to book 2.
Very appealing and intriguing story. Enjoyable and complex characters. Interesting storyline and timeline. Some fun twists and turns. Looking forward to book 2.
February 28, 2020
This review is also featured at Behind the Pages: No Rest for the Wicked
Thank you to Black Rose Writing for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review!
Viola is quite the con woman. She's moved cross country to California with the wealth she earned from her last deception. All she wants is to live her life with a great glass of alcohol in hand, away from the ghosts of her past. As a clairvoyant, she can see and commune with the dead. An ability she has repressed and tried to leave behind for good. And for a while it works, until a ghost by the name of Tobias tracks her down to demand help. Tobias claims a friend from the past sent him to Vi's doorstep, but who? As Vi grudgingly helps Tobias with his unfinished business, she will be pulled back into the world of ghosts and forced to face the consequences of her last con. And this time her power will refuse to remain repressed.
No Rest for the Wicked was a light fun read. It was a pretty straight forward story. Nothing lurking in dark corners to surprise the reader. Vi was quite the character to read, as she tried to avoid her responsibilities as a clairvoyant. She is a strong female character to follow. Watching her use her wit to talk herself out of situations and pull fast ones over her opposition reinforced the fact she was a great con woman.
Bonnie, however, was a bit unbelievable. She seemed to latch on to Vi rather quickly. Granted, I can see how she would be grateful to Viola. Touching Vi allows other people to see spirits, and Bonnie was allowed to speak with her husband. But she attached herself to Vi and just refused to not follow her. The woman would do just about anything for Vi within a matter of days meeting her. Watching Bonnie go through a bit more of the grieving process with Vi's help would have round out the friendship better.
Phoebe Darqueling does a great job putting the characters into historic California during the gold rush. At one point you'll find yourself caught up in a good old saloon brawl caused by rivals over a game of poker. Vi is quite comical as her establishment is ruined and she runs away with the money from the poker game. Darqueling doesn't shy away from the political aspects of the time either. You'll witness the harsh reality of prejudice as Vi's little friend George is looked down upon and insulted by certain members of society due to the color of his skin. If you're a fan of historical fiction you might just enjoy this one even with the supernatural elements added in.
Unfortunately, there were a lot of errors in this book. I think the most common word missing from a sentence was "to". It was a bit jarring to be reading and stumble over the writing due to a lack of words. There were a few misspellings as well. But, even with typos, I would be willing to read the next in the series.
Thank you to Black Rose Writing for providing me with a copy of this book in return for an honest review!
Viola is quite the con woman. She's moved cross country to California with the wealth she earned from her last deception. All she wants is to live her life with a great glass of alcohol in hand, away from the ghosts of her past. As a clairvoyant, she can see and commune with the dead. An ability she has repressed and tried to leave behind for good. And for a while it works, until a ghost by the name of Tobias tracks her down to demand help. Tobias claims a friend from the past sent him to Vi's doorstep, but who? As Vi grudgingly helps Tobias with his unfinished business, she will be pulled back into the world of ghosts and forced to face the consequences of her last con. And this time her power will refuse to remain repressed.
No Rest for the Wicked was a light fun read. It was a pretty straight forward story. Nothing lurking in dark corners to surprise the reader. Vi was quite the character to read, as she tried to avoid her responsibilities as a clairvoyant. She is a strong female character to follow. Watching her use her wit to talk herself out of situations and pull fast ones over her opposition reinforced the fact she was a great con woman.
Bonnie, however, was a bit unbelievable. She seemed to latch on to Vi rather quickly. Granted, I can see how she would be grateful to Viola. Touching Vi allows other people to see spirits, and Bonnie was allowed to speak with her husband. But she attached herself to Vi and just refused to not follow her. The woman would do just about anything for Vi within a matter of days meeting her. Watching Bonnie go through a bit more of the grieving process with Vi's help would have round out the friendship better.
Phoebe Darqueling does a great job putting the characters into historic California during the gold rush. At one point you'll find yourself caught up in a good old saloon brawl caused by rivals over a game of poker. Vi is quite comical as her establishment is ruined and she runs away with the money from the poker game. Darqueling doesn't shy away from the political aspects of the time either. You'll witness the harsh reality of prejudice as Vi's little friend George is looked down upon and insulted by certain members of society due to the color of his skin. If you're a fan of historical fiction you might just enjoy this one even with the supernatural elements added in.
Unfortunately, there were a lot of errors in this book. I think the most common word missing from a sentence was "to". It was a bit jarring to be reading and stumble over the writing due to a lack of words. There were a few misspellings as well. But, even with typos, I would be willing to read the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews