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SPI Files #7
The Solstice Countdown
As an agent of Supernatural Protection & Investigations (SPI), I know that evil doesn’t take a vacation, but this time it made an exception and followed me on mine.
I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI, and I’m taking my boyfriend, goblin dark mage Rake Danescu, home for the holidays to meet my family. Weird Sisters is a small town in the North Carolina mountains that was built on a network of ley lines that magnify psychic and paranormal energies. It doesn’t show up on Google Maps, was named after the three witches in Macbeth, and the first word of the town name perfectly describes most of its human and supernatural citizens.
A stranger has come to town, bringing with him a dormant source of primordial evil. Soon, magically gifted locals start vanishing, and the power of the ley lines is turned against us, cutting us off from the outside world and any source of help.
For a town and its people steeped in magic, and my family sworn to protect both, it’s a race against time to use a local winter solstice phenomenon to free the town from its prison.
But first, I must trust a father I’ve never known to fight and defeat an awakening evil that’s existed since the beginning of time. If we fail, and it is unleashed, the world will not survive.
I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI, and I’m taking my boyfriend, goblin dark mage Rake Danescu, home for the holidays to meet my family. Weird Sisters is a small town in the North Carolina mountains that was built on a network of ley lines that magnify psychic and paranormal energies. It doesn’t show up on Google Maps, was named after the three witches in Macbeth, and the first word of the town name perfectly describes most of its human and supernatural citizens.
A stranger has come to town, bringing with him a dormant source of primordial evil. Soon, magically gifted locals start vanishing, and the power of the ley lines is turned against us, cutting us off from the outside world and any source of help.
For a town and its people steeped in magic, and my family sworn to protect both, it’s a race against time to use a local winter solstice phenomenon to free the town from its prison.
But first, I must trust a father I’ve never known to fight and defeat an awakening evil that’s existed since the beginning of time. If we fail, and it is unleashed, the world will not survive.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 9, 2021
53 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Shearin
24 books1,104 followersLisa is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Raine Benares novels and The SPI Files.
Lisa is a voracious collector of fountain pens, teapots & teacups both vintage and modern. She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her husband, four spoiled-rotten retired racing greyhounds, and enough deer and woodland creatures to fill a Disney movie.
Lisa is a voracious collector of fountain pens, teapots & teacups both vintage and modern. She lives on a small farm in North Carolina with her husband, four spoiled-rotten retired racing greyhounds, and enough deer and woodland creatures to fill a Disney movie.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
March 14, 2025
Look what came in the mail yesterday! These books are fun and I will read them as long as Lisa Shearin continues to write them.
This is the first book where Makenna doesn't have her SPI partner Ian backing her up. But she has returned to her home in North Carolina and is surrounded by her community. There are big surprises waiting for her there, one good, most in the regrettable category. Once she comes to terms with her mother's revelations, she realizes where some of her supernatural talents come from.
This is Rake's introduction to the Frazer clan and he passes muster, as we knew he would. A dark battle mage is always handy to have around and he earns his place in the family. Now it remains necessary for Makenna to go to Regor to meet the goblin family that she is joining. Maybe the next book?
I hope that Shearin will make enough dough from these self published volumes to continue on. My only regret is that my only source to purchase them is through the behemoth bookseller who shall remain unnamed. Don't draw the evil one's attention by speaking their name, you know the drill, fantasy readers!
Cross posted at my blog:
https://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.c...
This is the first book where Makenna doesn't have her SPI partner Ian backing her up. But she has returned to her home in North Carolina and is surrounded by her community. There are big surprises waiting for her there, one good, most in the regrettable category. Once she comes to terms with her mother's revelations, she realizes where some of her supernatural talents come from.
This is Rake's introduction to the Frazer clan and he passes muster, as we knew he would. A dark battle mage is always handy to have around and he earns his place in the family. Now it remains necessary for Makenna to go to Regor to meet the goblin family that she is joining. Maybe the next book?
I hope that Shearin will make enough dough from these self published volumes to continue on. My only regret is that my only source to purchase them is through the behemoth bookseller who shall remain unnamed. Don't draw the evil one's attention by speaking their name, you know the drill, fantasy readers!
Cross posted at my blog:
https://wanda-thenextfifty.blogspot.c...
May 26, 2024
Stars: 4 out of 5.
When Mac finally brings Rake home to meet the family... and nothing goes as planned. Featuring a surprise visit from Daddy Dearest that Mac didn't even know what still alive. Fun times were has by all, except the villain.
Longer review to come.
When Mac finally brings Rake home to meet the family... and nothing goes as planned. Featuring a surprise visit from Daddy Dearest that Mac didn't even know what still alive. Fun times were has by all, except the villain.
Longer review to come.
March 14, 2021
SPOILER HEAVY; YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
Makenna Fraser is going home to Weird Sisters to visit her family for Christmas; and she is bringing his boyfriend, goblin extraordinaire Rake Danescu with her. Of course, it will not be a peaceful Christmas for Mac. No siree. On the way into town, she and Rake are ambushed, meet Cernunnos, Master of the Wild Hunt -- whom Mac later finds out is HER FATHER!!! -- and well, discovers that old foe has kept the whole town hostage.
First thing first... this book has Mac and Rake with Mac's family, including her mother, grandmother, aunts, and several other people from Weird Sisters. However, as much as I LOVE Mac's family (they all kick ass!) but I also missed the camaraderie of the SPI agents.
Since Weird Sisters was closed off from outer world, all other SPI agents, including Mac's partner Ian, couldn't work alongside them to fight Janus. I would love to read about Gethen (Rake's head of security) with Mac's Uncle Mike. Or Jimmy the werewolf having fun with Yasha. Yeah, I missed those weirdos 😄
Other than that, this was another fast-paced and entertaining new installment of the SPI Files series. It was GREAT to finally get a full picture about Mac's ancestry. That she's a direct descendant of Celtic god of fertility and death ... that she gets her green eyes from him. I also enjoyed reading about Mac's family members, especially her grandma, assessing Rake as her boyfriend. It was fun!
And I was happy that they also FINALLY managed to kill one of the big bad villains. Because in the previous books, some of them managed to escape. But this time, with the help from Cernunnos, Janus was annihilated. He was threat no more. That was one relief.
Now, I hope in the next book there will be a scene of Mac joining Dr. Tierney's Descendants of Demigods and Superheroes Support Group 😆
Makenna Fraser is going home to Weird Sisters to visit her family for Christmas; and she is bringing his boyfriend, goblin extraordinaire Rake Danescu with her. Of course, it will not be a peaceful Christmas for Mac. No siree. On the way into town, she and Rake are ambushed, meet Cernunnos, Master of the Wild Hunt -- whom Mac later finds out is HER FATHER!!! -- and well, discovers that old foe has kept the whole town hostage.
First thing first... this book has Mac and Rake with Mac's family, including her mother, grandmother, aunts, and several other people from Weird Sisters. However, as much as I LOVE Mac's family (they all kick ass!) but I also missed the camaraderie of the SPI agents.
Since Weird Sisters was closed off from outer world, all other SPI agents, including Mac's partner Ian, couldn't work alongside them to fight Janus. I would love to read about Gethen (Rake's head of security) with Mac's Uncle Mike. Or Jimmy the werewolf having fun with Yasha. Yeah, I missed those weirdos 😄
Other than that, this was another fast-paced and entertaining new installment of the SPI Files series. It was GREAT to finally get a full picture about Mac's ancestry. That she's a direct descendant of Celtic god of fertility and death ... that she gets her green eyes from him. I also enjoyed reading about Mac's family members, especially her grandma, assessing Rake as her boyfriend. It was fun!
And I was happy that they also FINALLY managed to kill one of the big bad villains. Because in the previous books, some of them managed to escape. But this time, with the help from Cernunnos, Janus was annihilated. He was threat no more. That was one relief.
Now, I hope in the next book there will be a scene of Mac joining Dr. Tierney's Descendants of Demigods and Superheroes Support Group 😆
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2021
It’s Christmas time and Mak is taking boyfriend Rake home for the holidays. It’s been over a year since she last visited her hometown of Weird Sisters, in the remote mountains of North Carolina, and it’s the first time she’s ever brought someone home to meet the family. On the way into town, the couple nearly dies in a mysterious fog and then is confronted by Cernunnos and the Wild Hunt. Soon the town discovers that they are trapped in a pocket dimension and cut off completely from the outside world.
The Solstice Countdown is another action-packed adventure for SPI Seer Makenna Fraser and goblin boyfriend, Rake. I love how close the pair has become; they team well together whether in romance or when solving a case. Not only can they actually read each other’s thoughts, but they are intuitive and sees to each other’s needs.
The primary storyline is different from previous tales, yet there are a lot of familiarities. With the action set in Mak’s home town, we get a whole new cast of characters. The change in scenery and additional characters adds a wonderful dynamic to the familiar actions of a well-known bad guy. Seeing Mak work with her family is a lot of fun, and I love how they get to see SPI Mak in action. Additionally, there is a WONDERFUL twist that has major implications for Mak.
Mak has grown in confidence, no longer hesitant. She’s embraced her abilities and is comfortable giving orders, but she also recognizes her limits and is content when others sit in the driver’s seat. While the author continues to add unnecessary repetitive thoughts and phrases to Mak’s internal dialogue, I’m recognizing it as part of Mak’s personality, and it doesn’t bother me quite as much.
The Solstice Countdown has the usual battles and magic, but also new mythology and fun twists. I love how personal the stories are getting; I’m vested in Mak and her life because I witness more of her personal side rather than just work. The story provides some closure on part of the past as well as some new beginnings. I look forward to following Mak on more adventures!
My Rating: B+ Liked it a lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by author.
The Solstice Countdown is another action-packed adventure for SPI Seer Makenna Fraser and goblin boyfriend, Rake. I love how close the pair has become; they team well together whether in romance or when solving a case. Not only can they actually read each other’s thoughts, but they are intuitive and sees to each other’s needs.
The primary storyline is different from previous tales, yet there are a lot of familiarities. With the action set in Mak’s home town, we get a whole new cast of characters. The change in scenery and additional characters adds a wonderful dynamic to the familiar actions of a well-known bad guy. Seeing Mak work with her family is a lot of fun, and I love how they get to see SPI Mak in action. Additionally, there is a WONDERFUL twist that has major implications for Mak.
Mak has grown in confidence, no longer hesitant. She’s embraced her abilities and is comfortable giving orders, but she also recognizes her limits and is content when others sit in the driver’s seat. While the author continues to add unnecessary repetitive thoughts and phrases to Mak’s internal dialogue, I’m recognizing it as part of Mak’s personality, and it doesn’t bother me quite as much.
The Solstice Countdown has the usual battles and magic, but also new mythology and fun twists. I love how personal the stories are getting; I’m vested in Mak and her life because I witness more of her personal side rather than just work. The story provides some closure on part of the past as well as some new beginnings. I look forward to following Mak on more adventures!
My Rating: B+ Liked it a lot
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by author.
March 13, 2021
Review posted at Smexy Books.
Reading the latest SPI Files novel is like visiting old friends. I have been reading Lisa Shearin’s books for over a decade now – starting with her Raine Benares novels, and then the SPI Files. I can probably count on one hand the number of other authors who I have stuck with for that length of time. Her books are just consistently fun, and The Solstice Countdown is no exception.
The most recent SPI Files novel prior to The Solstice Countdown was published in 2018, so it’s been a few years since we’ve hung out with Mac. With that much of a gap, I was a bit concerned about being able to jump back into the story. Similarly, something I try to keep in mind as I’m reading a later book in a series is whether or not a reader can start the series with that book. I do think that an unfamiliar reader has a much better chance of enjoying this book than the past few installments in the SPI Files since those relied on not only SPI Files world-building, but Raine Benares series world-building as well. However, because the basic plot of The Solstice Countdown is “Mac takes Rake home to meet her family for Christmas,” it feels removed from both series and more able to stand on its own. There are certainly references to characters from the other books, but it shouldn’t bring down your enjoyment of this book if you haven’t read the others.
I consider the SPI Files series to be mostly urban fantasy, with a drop of romance, and The Solstice Countdown follows this trend, even if it’s maybe not as “urban” as the previous books in the series (which mostly take place in New York City), being that Mac is visiting her small hometown. Shearin brings in different mythologies to create her supernatural world, while still putting her own twist on everything, resulting in a world that is unique, but somehow still just a little bit familiar. I would also classify this on the more “light-hearted” side of urban fantasy. There is some violence, but most of the destruction is to property and ghouls, not humans, and though we know the end results of a fight (mostly ghouls = dead), the actual fighting is rarely described in much detail.
One thing that is consistent with the other books is Mac’s distinctive voice. I’ve previously noted that Mac’s inner monologue can be repetitive, but this time it doesn’t feel as annoyingly obvious – which likely has to do with the fact that it has been a while since I’ve read an SPI Files book, and also, a lot of the characters are new, so it is helpful to me as a reader to have Mac give me explanations. And the new characters are great! Mac’s mother and grandmother are spectacular. Shearin does a great job of creating multi-dimensional side characters that tend to be amusing as well, and it is exciting to get a bunch of new faces all at once.
Other things you can expect from The Solstice Countdown: non-stop action, a bit of romance, witty dialogue (see above snippet between Mac and Rake), a big evil bad guy, multiple family secrets revealed, and an appearance by the town Santa Claus. I don’t ever doubt that Mac and company will find a way to come out at the end of the book successful, it’s the how they do it that makes the reading enjoyable. And to be perfectly honest, I don’t need a book where I’m anxious about the outcome right now, I need books that are fun little escapes from reality, and The Solstice Countdown fits that bill.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
Reading the latest SPI Files novel is like visiting old friends. I have been reading Lisa Shearin’s books for over a decade now – starting with her Raine Benares novels, and then the SPI Files. I can probably count on one hand the number of other authors who I have stuck with for that length of time. Her books are just consistently fun, and The Solstice Countdown is no exception.
The most recent SPI Files novel prior to The Solstice Countdown was published in 2018, so it’s been a few years since we’ve hung out with Mac. With that much of a gap, I was a bit concerned about being able to jump back into the story. Similarly, something I try to keep in mind as I’m reading a later book in a series is whether or not a reader can start the series with that book. I do think that an unfamiliar reader has a much better chance of enjoying this book than the past few installments in the SPI Files since those relied on not only SPI Files world-building, but Raine Benares series world-building as well. However, because the basic plot of The Solstice Countdown is “Mac takes Rake home to meet her family for Christmas,” it feels removed from both series and more able to stand on its own. There are certainly references to characters from the other books, but it shouldn’t bring down your enjoyment of this book if you haven’t read the others.
I consider the SPI Files series to be mostly urban fantasy, with a drop of romance, and The Solstice Countdown follows this trend, even if it’s maybe not as “urban” as the previous books in the series (which mostly take place in New York City), being that Mac is visiting her small hometown. Shearin brings in different mythologies to create her supernatural world, while still putting her own twist on everything, resulting in a world that is unique, but somehow still just a little bit familiar. I would also classify this on the more “light-hearted” side of urban fantasy. There is some violence, but most of the destruction is to property and ghouls, not humans, and though we know the end results of a fight (mostly ghouls = dead), the actual fighting is rarely described in much detail.
One thing that is consistent with the other books is Mac’s distinctive voice. I’ve previously noted that Mac’s inner monologue can be repetitive, but this time it doesn’t feel as annoyingly obvious – which likely has to do with the fact that it has been a while since I’ve read an SPI Files book, and also, a lot of the characters are new, so it is helpful to me as a reader to have Mac give me explanations. And the new characters are great! Mac’s mother and grandmother are spectacular. Shearin does a great job of creating multi-dimensional side characters that tend to be amusing as well, and it is exciting to get a bunch of new faces all at once.
Other things you can expect from The Solstice Countdown: non-stop action, a bit of romance, witty dialogue (see above snippet between Mac and Rake), a big evil bad guy, multiple family secrets revealed, and an appearance by the town Santa Claus. I don’t ever doubt that Mac and company will find a way to come out at the end of the book successful, it’s the how they do it that makes the reading enjoyable. And to be perfectly honest, I don’t need a book where I’m anxious about the outcome right now, I need books that are fun little escapes from reality, and The Solstice Countdown fits that bill.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
March 7, 2021
The Solstice Countdown
SPI Files Book 7
Author: Lisa Shearin
Publisher: Murwood Media, LLC
Page count: 258pp
Release date: 9th March 21
This top-notch urban fantasy will appeal to fans of Buffy and Seanan McGuire.
Makenna (Mac) Fraser, a seer for SPI (Supernatural Protection and Investigations), had proved her worth so far in many battles, but taking her boyfriend - goblin dark mage Rake Danescu - home for Christmas to meet the family, could be the biggest battle of all.
Rake, now governer of Earth’s goblin colony is literally a reformed rake; a deliciously dashing bad boy gone - good. But he still has that dark mage, sexy edge and an air of danger about him, never mind the ability to heat up the page. He’s just the kind of man Mac’s mom had warned her against (and her mom should know).
At the moment Mac’s SPI partner Ian Byrne and his girlfriend Kylie O’Hara are away recovering from the last battle, in Bora Bora.
Meanwhile Mac and Rake are headed to Weird Sisters for the Winter Solstice. The town is occupied by werewolves, oracles, witches and all sorts.
Of course, anyone with family knows that seasonal plans can sometimes go awry; there’s going awry, then there’s going bang.
As soon as Mac and Rake have reached her hometown, it’s danger, adventure, mysteries to solve and lives to save; all whilst Rake has to pass the in-law tests.
I love the larger settings of the previous books, but making this more insular and introducing the townsfolk of Weird Sisters and Mac’s extended family gifts the series an extra dimension and we see how much Rake actually cares for her as well. Her family is a hoot, especially the Gramdma, and some family members are much more intriguing than you’d’ve thought possible.
All manner of supernatural creatures inhabit this Hallmark picture perfect town and it adds to the charm of this book. In fact surprisingly, it brims with the magic of Christmas despite the death and mayhem. I love the inhabitants so much it would be great to see a Weird Sister’s spin off.
Shearin is adept at building tension and moving the story along, whilst also creating believable characters.
As normal, there’s a respectable amount of violence and blood, lots of humour and a fight against a ‘big bad’, twists, turns, magic, romance and so much more.
Once you turn the page, you’ll be hooked.
SPI Files Book 7
Author: Lisa Shearin
Publisher: Murwood Media, LLC
Page count: 258pp
Release date: 9th March 21
This top-notch urban fantasy will appeal to fans of Buffy and Seanan McGuire.
Makenna (Mac) Fraser, a seer for SPI (Supernatural Protection and Investigations), had proved her worth so far in many battles, but taking her boyfriend - goblin dark mage Rake Danescu - home for Christmas to meet the family, could be the biggest battle of all.
Rake, now governer of Earth’s goblin colony is literally a reformed rake; a deliciously dashing bad boy gone - good. But he still has that dark mage, sexy edge and an air of danger about him, never mind the ability to heat up the page. He’s just the kind of man Mac’s mom had warned her against (and her mom should know).
At the moment Mac’s SPI partner Ian Byrne and his girlfriend Kylie O’Hara are away recovering from the last battle, in Bora Bora.
Meanwhile Mac and Rake are headed to Weird Sisters for the Winter Solstice. The town is occupied by werewolves, oracles, witches and all sorts.
Of course, anyone with family knows that seasonal plans can sometimes go awry; there’s going awry, then there’s going bang.
As soon as Mac and Rake have reached her hometown, it’s danger, adventure, mysteries to solve and lives to save; all whilst Rake has to pass the in-law tests.
I love the larger settings of the previous books, but making this more insular and introducing the townsfolk of Weird Sisters and Mac’s extended family gifts the series an extra dimension and we see how much Rake actually cares for her as well. Her family is a hoot, especially the Gramdma, and some family members are much more intriguing than you’d’ve thought possible.
All manner of supernatural creatures inhabit this Hallmark picture perfect town and it adds to the charm of this book. In fact surprisingly, it brims with the magic of Christmas despite the death and mayhem. I love the inhabitants so much it would be great to see a Weird Sister’s spin off.
Shearin is adept at building tension and moving the story along, whilst also creating believable characters.
As normal, there’s a respectable amount of violence and blood, lots of humour and a fight against a ‘big bad’, twists, turns, magic, romance and so much more.
Once you turn the page, you’ll be hooked.
April 2, 2021
I am so ridiculously happy that Lisa Shearin has continued to self-publish books for the SPI Files series, because I absolutely love her worldbuild and have a strong investment in Mac and Rake. However, with self-publishing comes less editing, and while The Solstice Countdown was as amazing and action packed and fun as ever, there was some excessive/duplicative statements that I skimmed through, mostly with Mac talking about how amazing her family is or strengthening her resolve to save the world again. I say this out of love because I really did love this book, and wish the publishers saw how amazing Lisa Shearin's books are. I also admire her for continuing the series for people like me to devour.
May 6, 2021
FINALLY A STORY ABOUT HER FAMILY! 🤗 There were a few things that happened that did not disappoint me such as how loving and weird her family is-which I love by the way. The book did feel a bit rushed though such as the big secret that came out and all the dramatics felt fake and just really rushed to me- I wished it had progressed to the secret because it was as if someone decided to put a pink teddy bear on an alligators back and I only say that as an example for how odd and random this secret had felt. Did anyone else feel like this or was it just me? I am still really happy with the book but it still had a few unnecessary ramblings of too many details (describing someone's whole life story). I appreciate being reminded of things that have happened in previous books but I just think at this point that this series needs its own glossary/dictionary or a yearbook for its characters. I am excited to see if Mackenna meets Rake's family though! Still so happy Lisa is continuing with this series!
March 16, 2021
Who would have thought that a trip home for Christmas would have gone so wrong so fast for Makenna and Rake. It was fun to see how they initially reacted and then explained things to Makenna's family as they met Rake for the first time. It was quickly apparent things were seriously wrong and the Fraser clan worked together with the town to get things back under control. During the process many things came out, like who Makenna's father was, who the woman in the cave was. It really made Makenna and others do a double take. Happily they came out on top, were able to have a great Christmas.
April 18, 2025
So cute! McKenna goes home for the holidays with her boyfriend Rake, a dark mage goblin. On the way home they are attacked. They find out that a tourist has gone missing and that magically gifted locals have disappeared. And the dad that her mom told her was dead? Well, mom may have been fibbing. If you like clean romantasy with a touch of humor, this is a series you will enjoy.
March 12, 2021
Wow. I am IMPRESSED! The plot line was so interesting and well-paced. Not to mention, tons of laugh out loud commentary. Every character added to the intrigue with their unique abilities and quirks. 10/10 🙌🏻 If you like urban fantasy, you will devour this one. Super fun read 👌🏻
January 12, 2024
5 Stars:)
March 15, 2021
This book was a long time coming but definitely worth the wait. Lisa Shearin is a brilliant author. Can’t wait for the next book.
March 28, 2021
This book was officially awesome and was much better than the sixth book which I still have a hate-on for.
Thanks to some advance spying techniques (aka: GoodReads reviews), I knew that Cernnunos was Makenna’s father. Even though I knew, I was still surprised and that’s a good thing.
The Wild Hunt. Wow. There are so many different interpretations of this very mysterious legend that no one really knows much about. C.E. Murphy introduced us to a very interesting Cernnunos and Wild Hunt, too.
But boy did this latest SPI pack a wallop. Makenna took Rake to Weird Sisters where mortal and supernatural mix and mingle in harmony to meet her family and to enjoy the Christmas holiday. Janus makes a return with a new plan to get rid of his curse using the First Master of the Hunt and the key lines beneath Weird Sisters. The only that stands in his way are the townspeople of Weird Sister’s, Makenna’s family, Rake, and The Wild Hunt. Oh, and Mother Nature.
Yeah, this book was much better than the crossover book six.
Thanks to some advance spying techniques (aka: GoodReads reviews), I knew that Cernnunos was Makenna’s father. Even though I knew, I was still surprised and that’s a good thing.
The Wild Hunt. Wow. There are so many different interpretations of this very mysterious legend that no one really knows much about. C.E. Murphy introduced us to a very interesting Cernnunos and Wild Hunt, too.
But boy did this latest SPI pack a wallop. Makenna took Rake to Weird Sisters where mortal and supernatural mix and mingle in harmony to meet her family and to enjoy the Christmas holiday. Janus makes a return with a new plan to get rid of his curse using the First Master of the Hunt and the key lines beneath Weird Sisters. The only that stands in his way are the townspeople of Weird Sister’s, Makenna’s family, Rake, and The Wild Hunt. Oh, and Mother Nature.
Yeah, this book was much better than the crossover book six.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2021
This is a great book. The annoyances from previous books were done so much better here (intro characters and back story). Rake is visiting Macs family, we get to see him outside of his normal environment. I ❤️ Rake. I want a Rake.
And I love Macs family!! Strong, independent women fighting for their town. And the *spoiler* is so awesome, great to see the story head that way.
And I love Macs family!! Strong, independent women fighting for their town. And the *spoiler* is so awesome, great to see the story head that way.
January 31, 2023
Light fun and satisfying
This was a fun and light entry in the SPI library. Lots of action, great backstory on Mac and a nice wrap on a dangling arc. The only downside to this book is knowing we have to wait a year to visit Rake's family.
This was a fun and light entry in the SPI library. Lots of action, great backstory on Mac and a nice wrap on a dangling arc. The only downside to this book is knowing we have to wait a year to visit Rake's family.
March 28, 2021
https://klishis.com/reading/archives/...
TLDR: Not my favorite entry in the series, but still fun.
TLDR: Not my favorite entry in the series, but still fun.
November 22, 2022
BRILLIANT
Lisa always thrills me with the SPI Files series. It is like a soft quilt, wrapping around me, snuggling in to allow me to enjoy my favorite people in the bookverse.
Lisa always thrills me with the SPI Files series. It is like a soft quilt, wrapping around me, snuggling in to allow me to enjoy my favorite people in the bookverse.
June 24, 2022
Outstanding and amazing!
July 22, 2022
Makenna Fraser is taking her boyfriend, dark mage goblin Rake Danescu, to meet her family for Christmas. However, the entire town ends up being isolated from the rest of the world.
I understand that in a fantasy novel there has to be some suspension of disbelief, and I am OK with that. However, at some level, you have to be able to relate to the main character. Makenna started off as a seer, new to the job, awkward, and in need of a bodyguard. Soon after, she finds out that not only is she a seer, but she can also see all the weird reality through camera and videos. She can communicate with dragons telepathically. She can see veils and portals. Oh, and her boyfriend is an extremely handsome, very powerful dark mage, who also happens to be a billionaire superspy and a rising politician. He is so rich that he just throws money around to solve problems, which is more than a little irritating. And he loves her more than life. And they can read each other's minds. And now, it turns out that she is also a demigod. Good grief!
Speaking of gods, I actually do love reading mythologies and religion-related stories, so this series should've felt a lot more interesting to me. We've had Babylonian goddess, Norse hero, Tuatha Dé Danann vs. Fomorians, and now a Celtic god. I got really excited about the Tuatha Dé Danann, but the mythology was covered very briefly and artificially, before being used as a plot device on Ian. Unfortunately it was probably the one mythology covered the most. Honestly I forgot that Tiaman was a goddess. (Doesn't that make Ms. Sagadraco a goddess as well?) The guy who is a descendant of Sigurd, well...he got the weapon, but there is not much Norse-related story mentioned. In this book, all the book says is that Cernunnos is very powerful. His godliness is then cheapened by the whole relationship with . The problem is that it really doesn't matter in the story whether they're gods or ancient heroes or anything. The series just want something very powerful, and the gods/heroes just happen to be very powerful.
The cover is actually the best in the series, although Rake's picture is not very flattering.
As far as the story itself, it starts to drag right around the time Mac is "formally" introduced to Cernunnos, which is odd, because this is when the plot should get more intriguing. Honestly, I kept distracting myself to avoid reading. After the bad guy is defeated, the story keeps going, and we have a bunch of sob stories, which also do not add anything.
I understand that in a fantasy novel there has to be some suspension of disbelief, and I am OK with that. However, at some level, you have to be able to relate to the main character. Makenna started off as a seer, new to the job, awkward, and in need of a bodyguard. Soon after, she finds out that not only is she a seer, but she can also see all the weird reality through camera and videos. She can communicate with dragons telepathically. She can see veils and portals. Oh, and her boyfriend is an extremely handsome, very powerful dark mage, who also happens to be a billionaire superspy and a rising politician. He is so rich that he just throws money around to solve problems, which is more than a little irritating. And he loves her more than life. And they can read each other's minds. And now, it turns out that she is also a demigod. Good grief!
Speaking of gods, I actually do love reading mythologies and religion-related stories, so this series should've felt a lot more interesting to me. We've had Babylonian goddess, Norse hero, Tuatha Dé Danann vs. Fomorians, and now a Celtic god. I got really excited about the Tuatha Dé Danann, but the mythology was covered very briefly and artificially, before being used as a plot device on Ian. Unfortunately it was probably the one mythology covered the most. Honestly I forgot that Tiaman was a goddess. (Doesn't that make Ms. Sagadraco a goddess as well?) The guy who is a descendant of Sigurd, well...he got the weapon, but there is not much Norse-related story mentioned. In this book, all the book says is that Cernunnos is very powerful. His godliness is then cheapened by the whole relationship with . The problem is that it really doesn't matter in the story whether they're gods or ancient heroes or anything. The series just want something very powerful, and the gods/heroes just happen to be very powerful.
The cover is actually the best in the series, although Rake's picture is not very flattering.
As far as the story itself, it starts to drag right around the time Mac is "formally" introduced to Cernunnos, which is odd, because this is when the plot should get more intriguing. Honestly, I kept distracting myself to avoid reading. After the bad guy is defeated, the story keeps going, and we have a bunch of sob stories, which also do not add anything.
September 13, 2024
As an agent of Supernatural Protection & Investigations (SPI), I know that evil doesn’t take a vacation, but this time it made an exception and followed me on mine.
I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI, and I’m taking my boyfriend, goblin dark mage Rake Danescu, home for the holidays to meet my family. Weird Sisters is a small town in the North Carolina mountains that was built on a network of ley lines that magnify psychic and paranormal energies. It doesn’t show up on Google Maps, was named after the three witches in Macbeth, and the first word of the town name perfectly describes most of its human and supernatural citizens.
A stranger has come to town, bringing with him a dormant source of primordial evil. Soon, magically gifted locals start vanishing, and the power of the ley lines is turned against us, cutting us off from the outside world and any source of help.
For a town and its people steeped in magic, and my family sworn to protect both, it’s a race against time to use a local winter solstice phenomenon to free the town from its prison.
But first, I must trust a father I’ve never known to fight and defeat an awakening evil that’s existed since the beginning of time. If we fail, and it is unleashed, the world will not survive.
Heather's Notes
It has taken me a while to finish this book. It is not that it wasn't good, I just kept getting distracted or pulled away by RL. I liked Makenna more in this book. I feel like she really came into her own. I also liked the dynamic's between her and Rafe. I really hope we get to see her met his family. That would be so awesome. The next book is the last book currently out. Not sure if the series ends or if she just hasn't written anymore. I do hope we get to see the meeting regardless of which it is. I like this series a lot and will be sorry to get to the end.
I’m Makenna Fraser, seer for SPI, and I’m taking my boyfriend, goblin dark mage Rake Danescu, home for the holidays to meet my family. Weird Sisters is a small town in the North Carolina mountains that was built on a network of ley lines that magnify psychic and paranormal energies. It doesn’t show up on Google Maps, was named after the three witches in Macbeth, and the first word of the town name perfectly describes most of its human and supernatural citizens.
A stranger has come to town, bringing with him a dormant source of primordial evil. Soon, magically gifted locals start vanishing, and the power of the ley lines is turned against us, cutting us off from the outside world and any source of help.
For a town and its people steeped in magic, and my family sworn to protect both, it’s a race against time to use a local winter solstice phenomenon to free the town from its prison.
But first, I must trust a father I’ve never known to fight and defeat an awakening evil that’s existed since the beginning of time. If we fail, and it is unleashed, the world will not survive.
Heather's Notes
It has taken me a while to finish this book. It is not that it wasn't good, I just kept getting distracted or pulled away by RL. I liked Makenna more in this book. I feel like she really came into her own. I also liked the dynamic's between her and Rafe. I really hope we get to see her met his family. That would be so awesome. The next book is the last book currently out. Not sure if the series ends or if she just hasn't written anymore. I do hope we get to see the meeting regardless of which it is. I like this series a lot and will be sorry to get to the end.
April 1, 2021
This was so much fun! I'm very happy to return to this world again and continue to love it. I really enjoyed that this particular installment takes place in North Carolina! There are fun nods to things like typical weather patterns and more that I just found highly entertaining and relatable since I live in NC. The family house and the town in general seem really cozy, especially around the winter solstice!
The plot was so exciting, and the conclusion was immensely satisfying. It obviously kept me very interested the entire time! We have some bigger players here that I definitely didn't expect (like the Wild Hunt). It's so cool to see what all they do and who they all are. The trademark wit and humor of this series is back as well! There are so many things that just make me laugh here.
It was super fun to see Rake meet the family and for Makenna to meet her father for the first time! There were lots of really sweet moments that show off just how much they care for each other and the importance of family. Makenna continues to be fabulous! I find her to be so hilarious. It seems like she's even more capable of things than she knows, so I can't wait to see where her journey goes! The chemistry with Rake is very well done and believable. I also really enjoy him as a character. He's very powerful, and it's nice to see how he uses his power to protect Makenna and generally be useful. I absolutely adored meeting Makenna's family! Her grandmother in particular is very spunky, hilarious, and badass. I did miss seeing characters like Ian and Yasha, but it's super fun to have these new characters introduced.
This is such a great series, and I definitely recommend it!
I received a copy of this for review from the author - thank you! All opinions are my own.
The plot was so exciting, and the conclusion was immensely satisfying. It obviously kept me very interested the entire time! We have some bigger players here that I definitely didn't expect (like the Wild Hunt). It's so cool to see what all they do and who they all are. The trademark wit and humor of this series is back as well! There are so many things that just make me laugh here.
It was super fun to see Rake meet the family and for Makenna to meet her father for the first time! There were lots of really sweet moments that show off just how much they care for each other and the importance of family. Makenna continues to be fabulous! I find her to be so hilarious. It seems like she's even more capable of things than she knows, so I can't wait to see where her journey goes! The chemistry with Rake is very well done and believable. I also really enjoy him as a character. He's very powerful, and it's nice to see how he uses his power to protect Makenna and generally be useful. I absolutely adored meeting Makenna's family! Her grandmother in particular is very spunky, hilarious, and badass. I did miss seeing characters like Ian and Yasha, but it's super fun to have these new characters introduced.
This is such a great series, and I definitely recommend it!
I received a copy of this for review from the author - thank you! All opinions are my own.
March 12, 2021
What a thoroughly enjoyable read!
I particularly sf police procedurals, especially the paranormal kind. Our protagonist Makenna Fraser is a seer, which means she can see through glamours (worn so as to not spook the mundanes ["normal" folk]). If it is not human, Makenna can see exactly which kind of supernatural being it is, pointed ears and all.
I also really enjoy urban fantasy. The best of both worlds: tech and magic-users.
This is book 7 of the SPI Files [Supernatural Protection & Investigations]. I like that Makenna's boyfriend is not her partner, which makes the relationship even more interesting. In fact, Rake is a dark mage goblin. [In this series, not all goblins are evil. Just as not all humans are evil.]
Makenna has brought Rake home to meet the family for Christmas. This is the first time we've seen Makenna's hometown. Of course, there is evil afoot but a goodly percentage of the folks in Makenna's hometown are also magic users.
Highly recommended for urban fantasy readers and SPI Files series readers for plenty of character-driven action and suspense!
I particularly sf police procedurals, especially the paranormal kind. Our protagonist Makenna Fraser is a seer, which means she can see through glamours (worn so as to not spook the mundanes ["normal" folk]). If it is not human, Makenna can see exactly which kind of supernatural being it is, pointed ears and all.
I also really enjoy urban fantasy. The best of both worlds: tech and magic-users.
This is book 7 of the SPI Files [Supernatural Protection & Investigations]. I like that Makenna's boyfriend is not her partner, which makes the relationship even more interesting. In fact, Rake is a dark mage goblin. [In this series, not all goblins are evil. Just as not all humans are evil.]
Makenna has brought Rake home to meet the family for Christmas. This is the first time we've seen Makenna's hometown. Of course, there is evil afoot but a goodly percentage of the folks in Makenna's hometown are also magic users.
Highly recommended for urban fantasy readers and SPI Files series readers for plenty of character-driven action and suspense!
September 11, 2021
I have enjoyed this series overall but this book was just amazing!
Makenna is taking Rake back home for Christmas to meet her family in the backwoods of North Carolina. Her town is a haven for the supernatural and those who are just a little bit different from everyone else. What they find is an old enemy with big plans and Mckenna meets family she didn't even know she had.
This book had a totally different setting and feel to it. Makenna felt more confident in her abilities and sure of herself. Maybe that is why I like this book so much. In previous entries she has been the, seemingly, weakest supernatural present and deferred to others repeatedly. Here, she steps up and I like it. Big reveals in this book that set up interesting potential in future books that I am very much looking forward to!
Makenna is taking Rake back home for Christmas to meet her family in the backwoods of North Carolina. Her town is a haven for the supernatural and those who are just a little bit different from everyone else. What they find is an old enemy with big plans and Mckenna meets family she didn't even know she had.
This book had a totally different setting and feel to it. Makenna felt more confident in her abilities and sure of herself. Maybe that is why I like this book so much. In previous entries she has been the, seemingly, weakest supernatural present and deferred to others repeatedly. Here, she steps up and I like it. Big reveals in this book that set up interesting potential in future books that I am very much looking forward to!
December 26, 2021
SPI Files is one of the few urban fantasy series I love and I'm always excited to get my hands on a new one.
This series avoids the usual pitfall (IMO) of focusing too much on romance at the expense of plot development. This book does a great job of including Mac's relationship and how she feels introducing Rake to her loved ones without harping on it to the point it overshadowed the central conflict. The action scenes were fun and I enjoyed the unique spin on the Wild Hunt. The new characters were entertaining enough that I didn't miss the usual secondary characters. All in all, exactly what I've come to expect and love from this series. My only real criticism is "my man" and "my honey" were over-used to the point I started contemplating a drinking game.... just call Rake by his name!
This series avoids the usual pitfall (IMO) of focusing too much on romance at the expense of plot development. This book does a great job of including Mac's relationship and how she feels introducing Rake to her loved ones without harping on it to the point it overshadowed the central conflict. The action scenes were fun and I enjoyed the unique spin on the Wild Hunt. The new characters were entertaining enough that I didn't miss the usual secondary characters. All in all, exactly what I've come to expect and love from this series. My only real criticism is "my man" and "my honey" were over-used to the point I started contemplating a drinking game.... just call Rake by his name!
Read
March 12, 2021Ok stayed up late to finish the book and I really enjoyed the trip to Weird Sisters, NC to meet Mac's clan. A girl just wants to take her guy to meet her family; how hard can that be? Well, if you are Makenna and Rake even the drive creates problems. Yup, something bad is loose and the entire town is cut off from the outside and they are attacked by none other than the Wild Hunt. What else can go wrong? Well mom has a secret, grandma knows some pretty interesting people and someone very bad is out and about with Makenna being the one caught in the eye of the storm. It really does help to have a goblin dark mage as your honey. He loves her and will defend her. So come along for a trip to a place call Weird Sisters for the holidays; what could possibly go wrong?!
March 13, 2021
The Solstice Countdown was another excellent addition to the SPI Files.
This has been such a great urban fantasy series and, just like the previous installments, this book definitely brought the laughs, along with lots of action and life-or-death moments. It was just an all-around great read.
I loved visiting Mac's hometown of Weird Sisters, meeting the residents, and getting to know Mac's family. They were such an amusing set of characters. I'd love a spin-off series featuring them. I imagine it would be so much fun!
There were some very exciting, and game-changing, events that happened here and I'm eager to see where things go in the next one. If you're a fan of urban fantasy, I highly recommend this series. Start with the first one and you'll be hooked.
This has been such a great urban fantasy series and, just like the previous installments, this book definitely brought the laughs, along with lots of action and life-or-death moments. It was just an all-around great read.
I loved visiting Mac's hometown of Weird Sisters, meeting the residents, and getting to know Mac's family. They were such an amusing set of characters. I'd love a spin-off series featuring them. I imagine it would be so much fun!
There were some very exciting, and game-changing, events that happened here and I'm eager to see where things go in the next one. If you're a fan of urban fantasy, I highly recommend this series. Start with the first one and you'll be hooked.
October 21, 2021
I finally finished this! Its taken me a couple months because I know the next one hasn't even been announced. *sighs
Makenna and Rake - I love them. I love that he is so powerful and that he loves Mackenna so much.
The story surrounding finally introducing her man to her family is great! The new characters, especially the introduction of the Wild Hunt, amazing plot twist. In fact, there are a few characters that we are introduced to whose identities cause quite a bit of incredulity. The title is so apropos. There is so much at stake and so much more that everyone initially thinks. A formidable foe is back, but this time Makenna's family (not the SPI family) is there to meet the challenge.
Makenna and Rake - I love them. I love that he is so powerful and that he loves Mackenna so much.
The story surrounding finally introducing her man to her family is great! The new characters, especially the introduction of the Wild Hunt, amazing plot twist. In fact, there are a few characters that we are introduced to whose identities cause quite a bit of incredulity. The title is so apropos. There is so much at stake and so much more that everyone initially thinks. A formidable foe is back, but this time Makenna's family (not the SPI family) is there to meet the challenge.
November 8, 2021
I completely by accident discovered that there was a new SPI novel while re-reading the series (immediately checked if there was any news of more Raine Benares books, but unfortunately not;)). I downloaded and devoured it.
Rake is meeting the family! So much fun. I loved learning more about Makenna's family and having the Hunt brought into the story was a lot of fun. Great action and suspense definitely kept me on the edge of the seat. Having the women in her family accept Rake was awesome.
I cannot wait to read more in this series and I am keeping everything crossed that at one point Makenna and Raine will meet.
Rake is meeting the family! So much fun. I loved learning more about Makenna's family and having the Hunt brought into the story was a lot of fun. Great action and suspense definitely kept me on the edge of the seat. Having the women in her family accept Rake was awesome.
I cannot wait to read more in this series and I am keeping everything crossed that at one point Makenna and Raine will meet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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