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City of Wishes #2

The Vampire Trap

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Elle and Dex concoct a plan to lure in the Allegiant vampires responsible for the recent spate of human abductions, but a surprising revelation threatens to change everything.

While Elle works hard to keep the ugly truth of who she really is from Dex, it turns out Dex is keeping a secret of his own.

~ ~ ~

CITY OF WISHES is an urban fantasy serialized retelling of Cinderella. This episode is approximately 100 print pages.

~ ~ ~

In a world of fae, vampires and shifters, where wishes can be bought and bargained for, Elle is human, bound to her stepmother by a slave charm. Her only hope at freedom is to wish for it. But the Godmother rules the illegal wish trade, and the price she demands is steep. Is Elle willing to pay it?

110 pages, ebook

Published May 10, 2019

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About the author

Rachel Morgan

50 books1,695 followers
Rachel Morgan spent a good deal of her childhood living in a fantasy land of her own making, crafting endless stories of make-believe and occasionally writing some of them down. After completing a degree in genetics and discovering she still wasn’t grown-up enough for a ‘real’ job, she decided to return to those story worlds still spinning around her imagination.

These days she spends much of her time immersed in fantasy land once more, writing fiction for young adults and those young at heart.

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5 stars
373 (40%)
4 stars
335 (36%)
3 stars
177 (19%)
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31 (3%)
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3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
Profile Image for Vanessa (bookfairy95).
791 reviews104 followers
September 25, 2019
Read this in one sitting and I have absolutely no negative remarks.

The episodes are short, yes, but still so much happened!!! Definitely a fast paced book.

I wish we got to know Xander and Olly better, as they seem like very interesting characters.

I love the development with Dex and Elle and I am excited to see where this is going, even though there was this rude interruption and I do have some idea about Dex's identity...

For Meredith, I do have more respect now, because she went against her mother's wishes and this was pretty cool. Generally though? I still can't stand her. lol

I think I might even read episode three tonight or in the coming days... certainly soon! I need to know what happens next! (This is the reason I waited for all of the episodes to be released bevor starting this series!!! XD)
Profile Image for Maria✨.
186 reviews49 followers
June 22, 2021
In this fast sequel, Elle is working together with Dex to unravel part of her past and to win her future. It is amazing how fast the pages go by, yet it does feel as if you have read more than what it was.

Elle is a good protagonist who appreciates family and who knows how to prioritise her goals. Despite that, she is also a teenager and this is Cinderella, so of course she starts getting more conscious about boys. For the most part, this is done subtly and probably realistic enough, judging by how isolated and overworked Elle is, however there are scenes that the cheese romance has to get all the focus so the characters do not seem to ne in character.

This books expands a bit more on the enemy and also slowly gives more information about Dex and his secrets. Unfortunately, it does make Salvia, the stepmother, not as bright as she should be, but it is of no big consequence. The cast gets bigger and finally, it seems we have all the main pawns on the chessboard to get the story going.

It ends in another delicious cliffhanger and we all can more or less predict how it is going to go.
Profile Image for Lizzie Rhoades.
380 reviews6 followers
January 12, 2021
Another fun one! Elle's attitude is snarky and great. And I haven't guessed the ending yet, so I'm a big fan of that!
Profile Image for Megan.
1,591 reviews192 followers
July 23, 2023
This installment was even more enjoyable than the first. Elle deals with even more dire situations and makes a tough decision at the end. I have a strong suspicion Excited to start the next one!
Profile Image for Janine.
355 reviews61 followers
January 3, 2023
The second installment of City of Wishes, The Vampire Trap puts Elle in a worse predicament considering what happened at the end of the first episode, forcing her to go to desperate measures and work with Dex. The start of this part was a bit slow, detailing the new situation, but my goodness, the last few chapters and the ending was quite intense! Especially when . Plus the last line of got to me. I can tell the structure isn’t 1:1 the Cinderella story as some key events have happened out of the typical order and I like that lack of predictability.

Elle continues to be determined and we can tell what’s most important to her here. I like her actions here, especially when it comes to Dex. Dex himself continues to be mysterious, though one aspect of his character gets revealed and I can’t wait to see more of it. Also, seems like the romance is budding and isn’t rushed.

The world building’s been expanded, with more details about the vampires and the ruling class, which is the other intriguing factor for me at least.

I’m so glad I’m listening to this series all in one go, it would have been impossible to be itching to wait for the next installment with last line cliffhangers and the danger ramping up.
Profile Image for Siobhan.
236 reviews12 followers
May 30, 2019
Thank goodness part 3 is out already! Need to read what happens next!

I forgot how this series draws you in, making you want more, ending with such a cliffhanger that you need to know about the next episode (thank goodness the 3rd installment is out).

I am enjoying the Cinderella inspiration for this series, especially since it's a lil more kick butt and sassy for today's times.
Profile Image for J.M..
Author 18 books32 followers
May 24, 2019
Great for busy mums with little kids who like a easy to read series.
Worthy of a binge read.
Highly addictive
Thank you for sharing you’re mini adventures with you’re readers Rachel
Love being able to arc review you’re books
💕💕💕💕 #Dex
Profile Image for Coco.V.
50k reviews4 followers
Want to read
July 14, 2020
🎁 Books 1-3 in the Series are FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (7/14/2020)! 🎁
Profile Image for Lucy-Jane Burns.
157 reviews
September 5, 2023
What a book!! This is such an interesting retelling of Cinderella!!

I do keep reading Salvia as Saliva tho😂😭
Profile Image for Jamie Lee Zonneveld.
1,361 reviews34 followers
May 23, 2019
The Vampire Trap is the second episode in Rachel Morgan's City of Wishes series. City Of Wishes is a Cinderella retelling. I love fairytale retellings and this one isn't a disappointment. I loved it and it's very well written. I love Elle, Dex and Sienna. Can't wait to continue this series!
Profile Image for Reader's  Show.
15 reviews8 followers
June 14, 2019
WOW the twist and turns!!!
Though it has a Cliffhanger... Its only makes me want to read more..
I really like the chemistry Dex and Elle have.. Though I did miss Dex's friends... I really want them to play a good part in future episodes
Definitely worth the wait for👍😍
Profile Image for Caitlin.
272 reviews9 followers
August 24, 2021
Okay. This? This is amazing. And the end? Phenomenal. How in the heck am I supposed to wait for the next one??

This next installment in the City of Wishes serial is even better than the first and so addicting. The plot thickens, things are revealed, characters come together but are then pushed apart. How did all of this happen in so few pages? I'm impressed.

I can't wait for this serial to be complete and the physical copy is in my greedy hands, so I can stand it in a place of honor on my bookshelf. I definitely smell a new favorite in the making.
Profile Image for Jenna Vaughn.
342 reviews1 follower
September 27, 2021
The Vampire trap is more like the next chapter or story arc. Elle agrees to work with Dex to help her to get what she needs to leave her stepmother's home. Unfortunately, this seems to be a dangerous game as she and Dex are nearly caught by the vampire. Elle continues to keep her slave status from Dex but it turns out that he has secrets of his own and that honesty blood vow is difficulty to get around! This was a quick read and I will likely jump through this series quickly.
October 30, 2020
Second volume of City of Wishes, "The vampire trap" was not as good as the first one. However, I have to admit I set the bar pretty high with the first one. In this one the development is more slow, I didn't felt as immersed in the universe as I did in the first one, but I still want to read the rest of it.
Profile Image for Vanessa Eccles.
Author 13 books71 followers
May 21, 2019
That ending, y,all! The second episode is even better than the first, which I didn’t think was possible. I love this series and can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Erika.
2,158 reviews71 followers
August 6, 2021
I’m starting to feel bored.
Even though I like the urban fantasy aspect, it feels like the book is stretching the story.
Or maybe I should be reading this instead of listening to it.
Profile Image for Jeanna Smith.
296 reviews27 followers
October 2, 2021
These are short little books that make up 1 larger story. I don't love this tactic but I'm enjoying this different take on Cinderella with Fae, Shifters and Vamps.
Profile Image for Rachel (The Rest Is Still Unwritten).
1,601 reviews203 followers
June 2, 2019
Thank you to Rachel Morgan for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Find this review and more on my blog The Rest Is Still Unwritten!

The Vampire Trap is the second instalment in the City of Wishes series by Rachel Morgan and is another fast paced and exciting adventure full of magic, danger and character connections.

Elle Winter is desperate for her freedom, so much so that she has agreed to be the bait while Dex and his friends attempt to track down a dangerous vampire faction in exchange for three vials of Essence each day. As she gets closer to her goal of having enough Essence for a wish, Elle must continue to keep her secret from Dex who appears to have more than enough secrets of his own. It’s simple; get her wish, gain her freedom…..but unfortunately for Elle nothing is ever simple when magic and fae are involved.

The Vampire Trap is another quick and effortless read that picks up not long after the first instalment left off and is filled with all the aspects I loved so much about the first novel. Rachel Morgan once again brings the City of Wishes series to life with a forward moving storyline that is sharp and entertaining as she offers her take on the classic Cinderella tale.

Heroine Elle continues to feature in each chapter with an occasional one thrown in through Dex’s perspective for good measure. Elle is sweet, likable and easy to follow and it’s impossible not to genuinely want the best outcome for her. Anyone who has read or seen a Cinderella tale will know the basic premise and timeline it follows but that doesn’t mean you wish any less for Elle to escape the clutches of her evil step family and find her “prince”.

Rachel Morgan’s vision of Elle’s journey is fraught with danger as she remains the target of a group of vampires who will stop at nothing to find her. There is a lot of questions and mystery surrounding why Elle is being hunted, why she has the ability to erase memories and who, and what, Dex is exactly. I’m really keen to see these questions explored and answered down the track and hope Rachel Morgan doesn’t make us wait too long for the next instalment.

The Vampire Trap truly is an easy story to find yourself lost in and one that I highly recommend for those who love fairy-tale retellings with magic and supernatural and full of likable characters and blossoming romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Chris.
184 reviews
May 10, 2019
The Vampire Trap is incredible. The Vampires are up to no good, dealing in Magic but vampires aren't suppose to be able to do magic. And what does Elle have to do with this and what is this secret about her Mom? These are questions still unanswered but the journey to those answers so far is an awful lot of fun.

In this part of the story Dex and Elle work together to set a trap for Azriel, the Vampire who initially tried to capture her. As they spend time together, their attraction to one another grows. There is a moment towards the beginning where they are riding in the car and there is that cute "boy and girl like each other but try to pretend they don't" awkwardness and there is a joke about talking of the weather and then they talk about the weather. It seems a simple moment but it really struck me and made them feel so genuine and relatable.

We meet new Vamps in this book and learn of their magic experiments. We also learn that not only is Elle holding on to some secrets of herself but so is Dex. After some harrowing moments, failed attempts to capture Azriel and learn the all important secrets of Elle's Mom and Dex finding out Elle is a slave, things really take a turn for the worse as Elle misses her curfew. Her stepmother drags her home where Meredith is waiting to show the Essence she found in Elle's attic room. This causes her stepmother to lock her permanently in her room and punish Sienna. Desperate, Elle, calls upon The Godmother and the price she'll need to pay for freedom is steep...very steep.

I can't wait to find out what happens next. The story is so good and has me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what's really going on. One thing I love about this version of Cinderella is the importance placed on Elle's biological parents. In all of the books I've read and movies I've seen, her parents are not important to the plot of the story at all, especially her Mother. Usually it's only her father that is mentioned because of marrying the step-mother. In this story, things seem to stem from her Mother. I find that such a refreshing and unique change. This is quickly becoming my favorite "Cinderella".
Profile Image for Nisareen.
454 reviews11 followers
October 7, 2019
Following the vampire attack on her home, Elle makes a deal with Salvia. She will lure the vampires away in return for her stepmother reinstating her midnight curfew. Hoping to learn answers about her mother’s connection with The Allegiant, Elle agrees to act as bait for Dex in return for three vials of Fae Essence a day. With her goal of obtaining enough Essence to buy a third tier wish to gain her freedom close to being realised, she desperately tries to keep her slave status a secret from Dex, little realising that Dex has a few secrets of his own...

The Vampire Trap is the second episode of the City Of Wishes series and picks up right after the events of The Memory Thief. While the latter focused on the world building, this episode expanded on the plot and character development. We are given insight into the machinations of The Allegiant, who it transpires are experimenting on vampires by infusing them with Fae Essence which is enhancing their abilities. Who is the leader of the Allegiant and what is his connection to Elle’s mother? We also learn that Dex has an illness of sorts which is being treated with a special potion concocted by Cress, a dragon shifter and friend. It’s hinted that he has lost a brother to the same condition. We are also given a taste of the consequences when Elle goes over her curfew time. The Godmother finally makes an appearance but unfortunately it’s not for the reasons that we want.

Elle and Dex grow closer in this episode until a secret is uncovered leading to a misunderstanding. When Salvia discovers the reason behind Elle’s secret nightly excursions, Elle is forced to make a devastating choice that will have far reaching consequences.

All in all, this was a well executed and compelling addition to the series. The plot moved along fluidly, the character development was exceptional and that devastating cliffhanger has ensured that this reader will be highly anticipating the follow up. This is a unique twist on the Cinderella tale and I recommend it to fans of fairytale retellings, Fae, vampires, dragon shifters and paranormal/urban fantasy.
Profile Image for Tonja Drecker.
Author 3 books191 followers
May 9, 2019
This book takes off where the first one in the series left off. So, it should be read as a series and not a stand-alone.

After the vampire attack on her step-sister at the house, Elle knows she needs to do something to stop the vampires...and figure out what they know about her mother. With Dex's and his friend's help, a plan is woven to captured one of the vampires and figure out what is going on. But catching a vampire, even with the assistance of fae magic, isn't a simple task. Not only must Elle play live bait, but somehow she has to do this all while escaping the ever-watching eye and hold of her step-mother and master.

I was excited to read this one and learn what happens to Elle next. In this installment, Elle is up to a dangerous task. She's determined and a strong character but is so bound that she's not really capable of too much. Her concern for her family make her easy to cheer for, and it's hard not to feel for her when things go array. And they most definitely do that.

Dex's secrets begin to trickle to light. While most are still not revealed, enough are to make him that much more intriguing. It's not clear yet why he's helping Elle, outside of the fact that he likes her. And I'm hoping the deeper sense of this will be revealed soon. His friends, unfortunately, take a back seat and make dabbled appearances, but then, they aren't as much of the story line in this book.

The tension remains high and there are lots of twists at the end, which make it difficult to wait for the next book in the series to be released. My biggest criticism is simply that the tale is too short this time and felt too segmented. A little more depth could have been given in some areas, especially where the other characters are concerned. Still, I will be looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received an ARC and enjoyed the tale very much. So, I'm leaving my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Caroline.
26 reviews
May 23, 2019
To start with I’d just like to warn fellow readers that this is the second part in a serialized story, so you should have read Part 1 first, and this part ends in a cliffhanger. Okay, with that out of the way, let’s get on with the review.
In the second installment of the City of Wishes story, The Vampire Trap, the plot of the Cinderella retelling thickens. In this part of the story, as the title suggests, we see Elle, Dex, and his friends trying to trap one of the vampires by using Elle as bait. We find out a little bit more about the mysterious fae prince, as well as the social hierarchy of this new world created by Rachel Morgan. We also meet more vampires, a shifter and the infamous Godmother.
I have to say that the stepmother in this story is the most hateful I’ve experienced in any Cinderella story I’ve ever read or watched (and I’ve read/watched a lot of them!). She not only keeps Elle as a literal slave (through a spell) but also makes her use her memory stealing power on people in order to pull off elaborate cons to support the family’s lifestyle.
What I like most about this story are the interactions between Elle & Dex and Elle & Sienna (the good stepsister).
Part 2 was a great continuation to Part 1 and I can’t wait to read Part 3!
Profile Image for Kim - Inside the Wong Mind.
349 reviews27 followers
June 19, 2019
City of Wishes 2: The Vampire Trap
By Rachel Morgan

Warning: highly addictive! This story is a continuation of the first book, The Memory Thief, and would not be understood without having read the first book. The first book is currently free, so please go there first. This story will have 6 different parts that all pretty much end in a cliffhanger – so be prepared to need to keep reading once you’ve finished one book. These are more like episodes due to their shorter length – this second episode is only 118 pages. Elle, who desperately wants to be free from her stepmother’s cruel enslavement, turns to Dex, a mysterious fae, who offers her a way to earn her freedom if she helps them trap the vampire that attacked her. Dex is investing these vampires who have been abducting humans and promises to keep Elle safe if she plays the bait. Secrets abound and will the truth be revealed? This story is nonstop action and fast-paced entertainment. Highly recommend.

My thanks to the author for an ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own. No positive review was expected and no compensation received.
Profile Image for Jan farnworth.
1,355 reviews89 followers
May 10, 2019
This is the second installment in Rachel Morgan serial City of Wishes. What i love about this is each one is just a small short and sweet taste that keeps you checking to see if the next one out yet. So to set this up for you we have Ella who is a slave to her step-mom and step-sisters. She has a tattoo that is on her ankle that entrap her to whatever rules or curfews her step-mothers doles out. Ella has the ability to erase memories, which her step-mother knowing uses in cons. Ella uses it to save up essence to someday wish for her freedom. In this world we have fae and vampires and in this installment the story centers around vampires.

Ella is being hunted by them, and they hold a secret about her mother. As we come to end of this installment Ella is desperate as her step-mother has unraveled all her plans for escape. She now forbidden to ever leave the attic unless she useful in a con. In her last desperate attempt she calls the only fae she knows that can help. I excited to see how and if Ella will be able to pull off the impossible task set before her in The Moonlight Masquerade due out May 24,
June 23, 2019
*Spoiler freeish review*

I finished The Memory Thief and had to dive straight in to book 2 the first chance I got.
We pick up right where we left off in book 1 and there's not messing around with unnecessary drawn out recaps, you're right into the story.
The story continues to progress at a satisfying rate in book 2 and adds more layers and depth to the already outline plot for the narrative. We begin to meet new characters and form stronger bonds with characters we've already gotten familiar with.
There's some shipping beginning to appear, though if you're like me you'd have been shipping from book 1 just because, and due to having chapters from both Elle and Dex's POV we can see how they are coping with the situations arising around them.
We begin to get more information about the evil vampire plot to kidnap Elle, finding ourselves with a set 'villain'(asides from the wicked, see also B*tch, Stepmother Salvia) to focus all our energy on and attention on.

I'm highly enjoying this series and would definitely recommend to anyone who may be interested.
Profile Image for Kaye.
6,918 reviews61 followers
July 1, 2019
ONE AMAZING JOURNEY!!!
Wow! Man, oh man! You are not going to believe how this installment plays out. A churning eddy of startling circumstances and a bevy of perplexing mishaps launch all those entangled emotions into play smoothly. So much perilous drama, danger and electrifying suspense really take you on one wild rollercoaster ride. No, I'm not complaining. With all the confusion, uncertainty, desperation along with a few revelations blow this baby wide open. You have all the action, heart pounding, pulse racing, nerve racking and the gut wretching knowledge that nothings as it appears. You're held captive by choice just watching as Rachel wields her words as skillfully and precise as a surgeon with his scalpel. The characters and their personalities are original, tangible and well developed with just enough flaws to add spice to the mix. Spinning a incredible storyline and strong plot Rachel lays it out scene by scene in graphic detail with such colorful descriptions its easy to interpret each scenario as they flow forward fluidly.
May 8, 2019
The Vampire Trap follows Dex and Ella as they try to lure in the vampires with Elle as bait. Elle is desperate to know how the vampires know her mother while Dex wants more knowledge on the "Allegiant" vampires.
Meanwhile, Elle's step-mother just becomes more and more awful.
This chapter is far more action-packed than I expected. There are several plot twists and I loved seeing more of this world.
These characters are witty and well-written. It is such a delight watching Elle go out with Dex and his friends. I would love to see more of Dex and his world.
If you're a fan of fantasy then I definitely recommend you give this a try. This is a unique twist on the Cinderella fairytale which I enjoyed immensely.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews

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