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Artifact Hunters #2

Reign of Monsters

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Shatter Cage has everything he wants. He’s convinced his billionaire boss that he’s a phoenix shifter—not a were-squirrel—and he’s working his dream job as a professional thief. But just when everything is going to plan, his home falls apart. Literally. The barriers protecting his lower-class neighborhood from toxic fog have fallen.

Luckily, his new boss is powerful. Less luckily, his new boss doesn’t care to help.

Cage can help his hometown if he doesn’t mind stealing from his boss, risking his dream job…and if he can survive the resentful ex-girlfriend on his heels, hellbent on murdering him.

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First published March 31, 2020

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87 people want to read

About the author

S.M. Reine

114 books2,007 followers
Hi everyone! My name is Sara, and I write urban fantasy and paranormal novels as SM Reine. I collect swords, cat hair, and typewriters (which I do use for writing!). It's a good day when those three things have nothing to do with each other.

If you would like to know the instant my next book is available, you should enlist in my Army of Evil! We have a wicked cool secret handshake, but you'll have to sign up to learn it. ;) Check it out -- http://smarturl.it/armyofevil

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5 stars
36 (63%)
4 stars
16 (28%)
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2 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Shirley .
1,944 reviews58 followers
April 9, 2020
My first response when I finished Reign of Monsters was - REALLY?!? Was that absolutely necessary?!? There were tears readers! Honest to Gods tears! THAT I was not expecting from Shatter Cage. Let's just say that SM Reine's #EvilAuthor status is in good standing. *Glares at said author*

Well, now that you know how I really feel... There were a lot of surprises in this one - well, except for the bad guy. It was blatantly obvious to everyone EXCEPT for Cage who the real bad guy was, but that's part of his charm. He is passionate about everything, which gets him into more than one tight spot and exasperates those who love him, but it's also what keeps him surrounded, supported and protected by those same people.

As for the rest of the surprises? My feelings about a few key characters changed in Reign of Monsters. I thought I had Brigid figured out in Race of Thieves and my feelings weren't flattering. She really started growing on me in this book, which was mainly because of her true feelings about Cage trying to sneak through. The other character that took me by surprise was Marion - my feelings toward her fluctuate depending on the book or series she shows up in the Descentverse. I actually kind of almost liked her in Reign of Monsters. ;)

One of the hardest parts about reviewing any book in this world is not giving anything away. Trust me, Reign of Monsters is no exception. I kept hoping that things would end differently, but... *sigh* I haven't given up hope though, because there is definitely more to come and I can't wait.

I received Reign of Monsters in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,792 reviews231 followers
April 9, 2020
I feel like Cage always has the best intentions when he sets out to do something. Yeah, he might be stealing from people and procuring items better left undisturbed, but he doesn't do it maliciously. It's just that things always seem to...I dunno, fall apart in a gloriously spectacular manner when he puts his actual plan into action.

The guy has a gift. You might think his alpha shifter-ness is his gift, but no. His gift is the gift of controlled chaos. Things might end up working out when he puts things in motion, but they work out because of luck and Cage's inability to let things go when he gets something in his head. (He kind of reminds me of pre-Genesis Cesar, come to think of it. I would like to go on record as saying Cesar and Cage should never be left in a room alone together. They might accidentally summon some Old Gods and send the world back to the Stone Age so that everyone has to go through Genesis again. And again. And again.)

That said, when Cage gets something in his head, he DOESN'T LET IT GO. Like his fanboy crush on Silverclaw. Or his desire to be the next Hero. Or Brigid. (I'll admit Brigid's growing on me. The fact she's finally starting to see beneath Cage's exterior to the beating heart of the shifter underneath makes me think of her in a slightly softer light. Plus, the lady has her reasons for doing what she does and I respect that.)

A whole lot of danger (more than a little of it caused by Cage himself), the bonds of family and community, a dastardly plot that must be stopped, and one were-squirrel successfully masquerading as a phoenix. *thumbs up*

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Courtenay Bennett.
Author 1 book
April 4, 2020
Question: Is Sara from the future/psychic? I know she said at the start that this book was written BEFORE current events, and is therefore NOT a social commentary as such... but man!!
I loved jumping back into Cage’s world. I always worry that with months between books, I’ll forget characters/plot points, and sometimes I do, but not with this one. It was like bumping into an old friend and falling straight back into old habits.
Once again, the world-building is just phenomenal. There are so many brilliant elements to Sara’s storytelling, but the one that always blows my mind most is the world-building. It’s always vivid, and my mind has no problem conjuring visuals.
I loved the Cage through Brigid’s eyes aspect of this story. I guess, as always with multi-part series’, we never get a full character immediately, and seeing the evolution of characters over the course of several books is often more satisfying. So we got a much deeper look at both Brigid and Cage, and even Silverclaw. And yet, we still don’t have the entire picture, but that’s okay, because it’s coming, and it’s always a fun, wild ride.
Plus, Cage is funny. And quirky. And Vex is so vulnerable and lovable, and honestly, this whole cast of extra characters was a lot of fun and heart. And there was also a really cool cameo by a previous character.
All in all, it was a fantastic follow up, and I can’t wait for more!
Profile Image for C. Erani Kole.
1,712 reviews51 followers
December 13, 2020
*voluntarily and honestly reviewed the ARC I received from the author*

Cage is one of Reine's more playful characters with a freshness I don't always see. He's a goofy guy, full of charisma and 'realness' in the sense that he has his own insecurities and despite ironically 'faking it til he makes it', he constantly proves that I'd rather have an honest thief like him at my back than the prettiest face with a silver tongue. Cage isn't the typical bad-A hero with brooding tendencies and a mysterious demeanor. He's the guy you can't not smile around and his loyalty is possibly his purest virtue. It was a real stickler in this installment, and I seriously felt bad for this baby and what he would soon realize about loyalty. On a happy note, I love the way the author dropped a foreshadow/hint about one of the characters and it made me super excited for the next book.

Aside from Cage, a few of the other characters were cool and nicely planned out too, but Cage is bae. For life. I don't think I like anyone more, except Vex, his assistant. Ugh he's so adorable. T_T The Verse she's created is, again, amazing. I just love reading books after Genesis because I'm either trying to figure out if I've met them already, or if they're new people with stories just waiting to be told. So many possibilities of adventures await and it's only a small part of the reason I consider Reine one of my favorite story-weavers. It's a definite recommend if you haven't checked her out yet.
Profile Image for Carrie.
2,542 reviews19 followers
April 9, 2020
Shatter Cage is the hero I didn't realize I needed. He is such a good guy!

We join this world, already in progress. If you didn't read book #1 - what are you doing here? Go back and start there (or, better yet, at the beginning of this whole universe, because it's awesome). He and his ex had... a misunderstanding... that left Cage off with the hero cult that adopted him and his ex with some super shady characters. Cage is clearly the star of the show, in that he is completely delusional but you can't stop yourself from rooting for him.

The overall story this time revolves around Cage and who he can/cannot trust. There's bad stuff happening to the less wealthy citizens of this post-apocalyptic world, and, of course, Cage is trying to help them. There's also bad stuff happening to magical artifacts that sometimes involve Cage stealing them. This ends up biting Cage in the end, but not before there are oodles of twists, turns, and betrayal along the way. Throughout, the gel that holds the goo of this world together, is the characters. Vex in particular are shining examples of the awesomeness that is Cage's magnetism for great people. Sure, they're all flawed, but great none the less. In the end, here, I'm even more committed to Team Cage and cannot wait to see where he takes us next time.
Profile Image for Vannessa.
1,230 reviews26 followers
April 3, 2020
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and publisher with no obligation. This review is all mine though!

This was a fantastic sequel to Race of Thieves. We get to meet shifter thief Shatter Cage again on the hunt for a priceless artifact as part of his new job for the Silverclaw Cult. Planeswalker Brigid Byrne is also on the hunt for the same artifact as part of her new job for a different person. Now it is a race against time as to who will claim it first and who will end up stealing it for good!

The sexual tension between these two is just fabulous - Cage and Brigid have the perfect love-hate relationship, but there were a few twists and turns in it that were not wholly expected! I got to see a side to Brigid that I never thought she would show. Shatter, sorry Cage, is just adorable. Yes he's a thief, but there's just something about him that is utterly lovable too! He's not just a thief - there's a really good side to him as well and this book really showed that side of him in a great light.

Without giving anything away all I have to say is Oh Vex! I did cry out loud when I read his dramatic scene!

Thank you Sara and Angie for sending me an ARC copy of this book to review. I loved it and cannot wait to read the next one in the series!

Profile Image for Nereid.
1,466 reviews21 followers
April 19, 2020
This was a fun and light-hearted read. Cage is not your typical thief, he is loyal to a fault, falls in love with the wrong people, lies about who is really is and and steals things for a living. He is not beyond redemption and deep down there is a hero waiting to be let loose. Vex was one of my favorite characters despite being a demon, quirky, handy to have with you in a crisis and a great sidekick for Cage. Brigid is not so warm and fuzzy and I am definitely not a huge fan but she has her moments in this book and even Marion thaws out a little which is surprising as she is as cold hearted as they come. The solid character development kept me reading and turning the pages. I was disappointed by the ending and would have liked a different result although it may have garnered the sympathy and direction that the story required.
I a huge fan of this author but I have to point out this series is not my favourite hence the four stars. I lean more towards the author's other darker Descent series but this is just a personal preference of mine.
Profile Image for Darlene.
1,970 reviews221 followers
April 14, 2020
Who doesn't enjoy a were-squirrel? Shatter Cage is one of the most fun characters in Sara Reine's worlds. He is determined. His heart seems in the right place, for a thief. And he seems to have more energy than most folks.

With all that is going on, it was a nice fantasy to get lost in. We visit other places and characters from Reine universes. The setting of this one wasn't Reno like a lot of them but it is a place we recognize. I don't want to give much away but I think many will love the world-making and character depth that Ms. Reine puts into all of her beings. Again, she is the most prolific author I know of!

If you like fantasy especially urban fantasy that uses real places and remade to her characters' purposes. Though this is the second book with Shatter, I find that by having read all the books from the beginning, Seasons of the Moon series starting with Six Moon Summer. In fact, this book gave us a nod or two to that beginning. Please enjoy!
Profile Image for Natalia.
52 reviews1 follower
May 9, 2021
Shatter Cage and his sometimes gal Brigid definitely bring some interesting drama and excitement to the Decentverse world. I still can't call them my favorite characters (I will always hold that spot in my heart for James and Elise), but the character dynamics are compelling, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of them!

Shatter has built his world around thieving and deception, but in all, he has good intentions. He sets about to keep himself and those he cares about safe. Mostly this book revolves around Shatter trying to determine who he can and cannot trust, he even goes about tricking everyone into believing he is a phoenix shifter and not a were-squirrel to keep those important to him safe. He is interesting, tricky, funny, quirky, and all around an entertaining guy.

I would recommend delving into the Artifact Hunters series if you are a fan of SM Reine's works.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Megb.
504 reviews9 followers
June 19, 2020
Shatter Cage is at it again. I love him, he is hilarious and always up to no good. You never know what kind of tricks he has up his sleeve.

He is always getting into some kind of trouble and this time is no different. I mean seriously he has everybody believing he's a phoenix shifter!

I feel bad for Brigid, she is always falling right into his trap, but she is slowly learning the true Cage, and seeing there is more to him than what's on the surface. He's a very passionate guy and he's determined.

This book was ridiculously good, yet still had me asking WTF was that! I mean seriously, Sara kills me with her writing! She throws twists and turns at you and completely upends everything you thought you knew and I love every bit of it.

If you thought book one of the Artifact Hunters was good then you are in for a real treat with this one!
Profile Image for Jo.
1,491 reviews13 followers
April 9, 2020
Shatter Cage is a dichotomy. On the one hand, he's a thief. He's a liar. But he's good to his mum. Loyal. And surprisingly, deeply naive in some areas. On the whole, I think I like him.

This volume lays his character bare on the page. From his dealings with his friends, to his enemies and all in between. For me, this was more of a character driven tale than some of the other, more complex tales from this author. I enjoyed it all the more for that.

Of course, there is intrigue and double crossing and all the other stuff that you'd expect from this author. So don't worry that you might not get your fix - you will. It just might be served up with a slightly different taste.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Chelsea.
234 reviews2 followers
May 7, 2021
This was a very sexy book and not too terribly graphic for the mature but not overly into sex scenes kind of reader. This one had it's ups (SEX) and downs (good characters dieing) and interesting commentary on socio-economic differences that resulted out of chaos in years past. I have enjoyed S.M. Reine's series for a number of years now. I really like the world growth that she has done with this book and what will be a trilogy (I think) that takes place years after the timeline of some of her previous series. You don't need to have read the previous series to enjoy these books, however, but yes you should read Artifact Hunters #1.
Profile Image for Stacy Van cise.
102 reviews
April 11, 2020
Heros. So Cage nags some premo loot for his first nap for his new job. He stole it out from under Brigid's nose. Dodging a Frost Giant, meeting his hero, a toxic fog and the destruction of his world. Cage is on one wild and not necessarily enjoyable ride.

Don't get me wrong this is a fantastic book. I adore Cage and this book really makes you feel this character. Your on this very physical feeling ride with Cage all through this book. I recommend you find the first book and get to know the characters from the beginning if you haven't already
Profile Image for Tina Pegar.
284 reviews1 follower
April 7, 2020
I am so happy to be back exploring with Shatter Cage. This one is a little bit sexier and also includes his Mam what a combination. I was fascinated to learn more about Cage and you really get some if his heart in this story as he works to help people who are hurting due to a toxic fog that isn't getting the attention it needs to.

I receive a free copy in exchange for a fair review.
28 reviews
April 5, 2020
Ethics and decency are what hero' s are are made of or are they,

As Cage completes another heist and annoys Brigid yet again a sinister backdrop might just shatter his world and not in a good way, be prepared for an emotional ride to the stars and back in this awesome story.
Profile Image for Meryl Markowitz.
690 reviews6 followers
April 16, 2020
I love this series

This is the next adventure of Shatter Cage.
We learn a bit about his history with his on again off again girlfriend.
We see if he can get out of his latest predicament.
Buckle up. You're in for a ride.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
5,743 reviews49 followers
April 16, 2020
I received a copy of this for free in exchange of a review. I'm really enjoying the story so far. I like Cage still on the fence about Brigid. I like heist books and can't wait for more of this story to unfold.
2,647 reviews
April 2, 2020
Absolutely brilliant!!
Cage continues with the trials and tribulations that are his life - there are some highlights and successes but also some out and out biblical proportion disasters which he faces with his usual charm and wit!!!
Love this character so so much!!!
Bring on book three!!!
Highly recommended
Profile Image for Rachel Joi Maples.
3,114 reviews35 followers
April 8, 2020
oh, Shatter Cage, how i missed you! ... love that Sara brought these characters back, especially with the current worldwide situation ... eagerly awaiting your next masterpiece!!
Profile Image for Noxwitchbooklife.
869 reviews12 followers
April 30, 2021
So freaking good.

I had to quickly re-read Race of Thieves as it had been a while since book one was released and I'm glad I did.
I'd forgotten just how funny Cage and his shifter squirrelness was as well as his love/hate relationship with his on off girlfriend.

It's an excellent reminder just how bad idolising someone and putting them on a pedastel only sets yourself up for disappointment when they eventually do something wrong - in the context of the crazy the Descentverse gets to in this series.

Well written as always, it is never a moment wasted reading Sara's books.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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