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Roaring
Colt Clemmons is an agent in a specialized division within the Bureau of Investigation—one that hunts down not just mobsters, but also monsters.
For reasons that are kept top secret, Colt is the only person who can resist a siren's voice. But he's never had a chance to test this ability. The last siren left in the world mysteriously disappeared years ago.
Then one night, with a single word, she reveals herself. It seems too good to be true.
And it is. Because nothing about this siren—her past, her powers, or her purpose—is what it seems...
For reasons that are kept top secret, Colt is the only person who can resist a siren's voice. But he's never had a chance to test this ability. The last siren left in the world mysteriously disappeared years ago.
Then one night, with a single word, she reveals herself. It seems too good to be true.
And it is. Because nothing about this siren—her past, her powers, or her purpose—is what it seems...
422 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2020
About the author
Lindsey Duga
8 books304 followersLindsey Duga is a middle grade and young adult writer with a passion for fantasy, science fiction, and basically any genre that takes you away from the real world. She wrote her first novel in college while she was getting her bachelor’s in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University.
Other than writing and cuddling with her morkie puppy, Delphi, Lindsey loves catching up on the latest superhero TV show and practicing yoga.
Other than writing and cuddling with her morkie puppy, Delphi, Lindsey loves catching up on the latest superhero TV show and practicing yoga.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
July 31, 2021
Roaring by Lindsey Duga is a historical young adult fantasy standalone read. The story is set in the 1920s which were of course known as the roaring twenties. This one is about a siren which one would think water setting but instead it takes readers to the big city in a time of gangsters and speakeasies.
Eris is the last of the sirens but she isn’t aware of that fact as she works in a speakeasy waiting on customers. While Eris doesn’t know exactly what she is she does know that her voice has powers making someone do as she says so she just doesn’t use her voice. Eris remembers a time she was on the run with the owner of the speakeasy and now thinks of her as sort of a mother so she doesn’t want anything to jeopardize them.
Colt Clemmons is an agent in the Bureau of Investigation and is the only one left that would not be affected by a sirens voice. Colt takes his job of chasing monsters seriously so when one night the last siren does use her voice Colt is immediately on the chase. After catching up with Eris though Colt begins to see that the world around him isn’t so black and white as he thought it to be.
I have to say I don’t know if I’ve ever come across another young adult fantasy taking place in this time period so sitting down with this one that alone won some points in the creativity department. It took a little time to warm up to the characters and story for me but once involved in their world I really liked it. There ended up being so much more going on in the story other than what I expected so that was a nice surprise to go along with the romance between the hunter and his hunted. I shouldn’t have been surprised with liking this one though having read the author before and I will certainly be interested in reading her work again in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Eris is the last of the sirens but she isn’t aware of that fact as she works in a speakeasy waiting on customers. While Eris doesn’t know exactly what she is she does know that her voice has powers making someone do as she says so she just doesn’t use her voice. Eris remembers a time she was on the run with the owner of the speakeasy and now thinks of her as sort of a mother so she doesn’t want anything to jeopardize them.
Colt Clemmons is an agent in the Bureau of Investigation and is the only one left that would not be affected by a sirens voice. Colt takes his job of chasing monsters seriously so when one night the last siren does use her voice Colt is immediately on the chase. After catching up with Eris though Colt begins to see that the world around him isn’t so black and white as he thought it to be.
I have to say I don’t know if I’ve ever come across another young adult fantasy taking place in this time period so sitting down with this one that alone won some points in the creativity department. It took a little time to warm up to the characters and story for me but once involved in their world I really liked it. There ended up being so much more going on in the story other than what I expected so that was a nice surprise to go along with the romance between the hunter and his hunted. I shouldn’t have been surprised with liking this one though having read the author before and I will certainly be interested in reading her work again in the future.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
August 2, 2020
Roaring is a really interesting concept and a different kind of siren story. For a start, our setting is the 1920’s and we aren’t in the sea. Instead, we have hunters, gangster and speakeasies. This is a mystery suspense novel with romance and all kinds of monsters. The story is told from multiple points of views and rather than giving the characters name we get their roles.
Eris knows there is something special about her but also knows it comes with great danger. When a Hunter discovers her it’s time to start using the gift she’s always hidden from.
Colt is an agent in a specialised division. When he discovers Eris he doesn’t realise how much his life is about to change.
Can the monster save the hunter? Can the hunter love a monster?
I really enjoyed this because it wasn’t what I was expecting. This is my second book by this author and I like her style.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Eris knows there is something special about her but also knows it comes with great danger. When a Hunter discovers her it’s time to start using the gift she’s always hidden from.
Colt is an agent in a specialised division. When he discovers Eris he doesn’t realise how much his life is about to change.
Can the monster save the hunter? Can the hunter love a monster?
I really enjoyed this because it wasn’t what I was expecting. This is my second book by this author and I like her style.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2020
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Roaring is the exact level of unique I'm in love with. Set across america in 1929, Roaring Fantasy is an enemies to lovers historical fantasy. One of our dual protagonist's, Eris works as a singer in a speakeasy. Though she's known for her songs, she never speaks. Until Colt, a monster hunter, shows up and her life goes off the rails when she finds out she's a siren. And that he's immune to her siren song.
The premise of mob bosses in the 20s altering human DNA to create human monster-hybrids was incredible. My main issue with this book was that to help our leads get from enemies to lovers, the book does the whole 'someone's in danger and the other person has to save them' multiple times. Especially near the beginning of the characters interacting it almost felt like "oh no someone's been attacked! I need to save them! Phew that was close let me leave you alone for half a second. Oh no someone's been attacked!..." and then the cycle continues. Other than that, this was a really enjoyable read!
Roaring is the exact level of unique I'm in love with. Set across america in 1929, Roaring Fantasy is an enemies to lovers historical fantasy. One of our dual protagonist's, Eris works as a singer in a speakeasy. Though she's known for her songs, she never speaks. Until Colt, a monster hunter, shows up and her life goes off the rails when she finds out she's a siren. And that he's immune to her siren song.
The premise of mob bosses in the 20s altering human DNA to create human monster-hybrids was incredible. My main issue with this book was that to help our leads get from enemies to lovers, the book does the whole 'someone's in danger and the other person has to save them' multiple times. Especially near the beginning of the characters interacting it almost felt like "oh no someone's been attacked! I need to save them! Phew that was close let me leave you alone for half a second. Oh no someone's been attacked!..." and then the cycle continues. Other than that, this was a really enjoyable read!
Shelved as 'dnf'
October 4, 2020DNF at 45%
I feel pretty bad for putting this arc down. Look at that cover! That premise! It's not something I encounter that much. However, those were not enough for me to keep going. The romance aspect of this book ruined the whole thing for me. Every chapter, there seems to be a paragraph that is dedicated for our characters to lust over at each other. I mean, I GET IT, you guys are attracted to each other. This is undeniably an insta-love and not something that I can get over with, sadly.
I would definitely read more from Lindsey Duga, I really like her writing plus if she can come up with a world like this, I'm sure there are more amazing stuff she can write in the future and I'm excited!
I feel pretty bad for putting this arc down. Look at that cover! That premise! It's not something I encounter that much. However, those were not enough for me to keep going. The romance aspect of this book ruined the whole thing for me. Every chapter, there seems to be a paragraph that is dedicated for our characters to lust over at each other. I mean, I GET IT, you guys are attracted to each other. This is undeniably an insta-love and not something that I can get over with, sadly.
I would definitely read more from Lindsey Duga, I really like her writing plus if she can come up with a world like this, I'm sure there are more amazing stuff she can write in the future and I'm excited!
August 17, 2020
3.75/5 stars
This book is such a fun, unique, and romantic read! I really enjoyed reading it!
It’s 1929 - the age of speakeasies, crime lords, and… monsters.
Eris has been told her whole life she must never speak. For her words have a sort of magic, can make anyone do anything. Thus, she spends her days waitressing and singing in The Blind Dragon, a speakeasy owned by the woman who saved her when she was little and hid her away from those wanting to use her for her power. But no matter what, she must not speak.
Colt Clemmons is a special agent for the BOI - specifically, for the SOCD: Special Organized Crime Division. By that, they mean they hunt monsters. Because monsters are real: manticores, vampires, basilisks, gorgons, werewolves… even sirens. The SOCD has been hunting for the lost siren, and they finally found her. Colt, put on the job immediately, has trained all his life for this hunt, but what he discovers is not the evil monster he anticipates. To what lengths will he go to obey his orders? And at what cost?
SOOO I enjoyed reading this book a lot!! I’m not sure what I was expecting, exactly, but this book is thrilling, romantic, and unique. I loved the combination of 1920s glamour and crime with the idea that monsters are real and created with monster parts. It’s a super interesting take on history and monsters, one I thought Duga executed really well; the elements of crime and monsters are interconnected so that the actual existence of monsters in the 1920s doesn’t seem so bizarre. The concept is so unique and took the story to the next level.
I also felt connected to the characters, Eris and Colt, from the beginning, and I love their dynamic together. It is clear they were meant to meet each other; they show each other forgiveness and worth, and I really loved that. The goodness in Eris lights up the darkness in Colt, and Colt’s experience in darkness helps Eris stay in the light. It’s a really beautiful relationship actually, and they have some really sweet moments in the novel.
Personally, it bothered me a little how God and religion is treated in this book, which affects the romance as well. Eris believes in the existence of God and mentions that a couple of times, but she obviously doesn’t really care that much. Colt actively denies God, and if Eris says something like, “Thank God,” Colt would make a point of saying, “God has nothing to do with this,” or “Don’t bring God into this,” or something to that effect. At one point, they stay at a church, so God is obviously brought a few times in those scenes as well. But it rubbed me the wrong way whenever He was brought up, as if Duga was pushing some sort of agenda (though if she was, it wasn’t super clear). Again, I appreciated Colt and Eris’s relationship, how they fit together well in their respective walks of life, but it was clear they needed each other to feel as if they earned redemption, and often pointed out when they thought things were sins yet embraced them (e.g. when they kissed pretty… steamily, they kept referring to it as sin and that they didn’t care). It wasn’t the things they did that bothered me (I love Jesus but I don’t think kissing passionately is a sin 😂, and I can read books with characters who don’t believe in God, because that’s the reality of the world), it was how they were addressed; every time, there was always something said about sin or God or something, as if the author believes some would consider it a sin and wanted to bring awareness to it?? I’m not sure if I’m explaining this well, but the constant bringing it up felt blatant, like Duga was trying to push some sort of agenda about God, maybe that His so-called “rules” and “sins” are not real and that those shouldn’t be a judge on right and wrong… except it wasn’t thought-provoking, it just rubbed me the wrong way sometimes. Anyways, at this point I’m just rambling, so I need to move on 😂 But that was my main (and really only) problem with this book; it gave me icky vibes haha. I just wanted to be upfront that this was something that bothered me a little while reading.
Other than that, I really did enjoy this book. The plot is quick and dramatic - the characters are constantly testing allegiances and trying not to get caught. The romance is slow-burn and sweet (except that they can’t kiss without their tongues down each other’s throats, but whateva), and I really enjoyed the take on monsters and learning how the monsters of mythology and stories exist in the world of humans in 1920s America.
I think if you’ve read fewer YA books, you may enjoy this one even more than I did, because tone-wise it felt pretty similar to a lot of other YA books out there. However, I still enjoyed it, and I recommend it to readers looking for a unique and fun tale about a siren and a monster hunter against the world.
HUGE thanks to the Favorite Pages Book Club (@favoritepagesclub) over on Instagram for providing me with an advanced copy of Roaring in exchange for an honest review! Today was my posting day for the tour, so you can check that out on my bookstagram @ashton_reads! As always, have a good day, lovely readers :))
He lowered his mouth to my neck and gave me a lingering kiss. Soft, warm, tender.
“You won’t run from me again, will you?” he whispered against my skin.
I opened my eyes and turned around in his arms to look up into his face, half shielded by the low brim of his hat. “No, only towards you.”
This book is such a fun, unique, and romantic read! I really enjoyed reading it!
It’s 1929 - the age of speakeasies, crime lords, and… monsters.
Eris has been told her whole life she must never speak. For her words have a sort of magic, can make anyone do anything. Thus, she spends her days waitressing and singing in The Blind Dragon, a speakeasy owned by the woman who saved her when she was little and hid her away from those wanting to use her for her power. But no matter what, she must not speak.
Colt Clemmons is a special agent for the BOI - specifically, for the SOCD: Special Organized Crime Division. By that, they mean they hunt monsters. Because monsters are real: manticores, vampires, basilisks, gorgons, werewolves… even sirens. The SOCD has been hunting for the lost siren, and they finally found her. Colt, put on the job immediately, has trained all his life for this hunt, but what he discovers is not the evil monster he anticipates. To what lengths will he go to obey his orders? And at what cost?
SOOO I enjoyed reading this book a lot!! I’m not sure what I was expecting, exactly, but this book is thrilling, romantic, and unique. I loved the combination of 1920s glamour and crime with the idea that monsters are real and created with monster parts. It’s a super interesting take on history and monsters, one I thought Duga executed really well; the elements of crime and monsters are interconnected so that the actual existence of monsters in the 1920s doesn’t seem so bizarre. The concept is so unique and took the story to the next level.
I also felt connected to the characters, Eris and Colt, from the beginning, and I love their dynamic together. It is clear they were meant to meet each other; they show each other forgiveness and worth, and I really loved that. The goodness in Eris lights up the darkness in Colt, and Colt’s experience in darkness helps Eris stay in the light. It’s a really beautiful relationship actually, and they have some really sweet moments in the novel.
Personally, it bothered me a little how God and religion is treated in this book, which affects the romance as well. Eris believes in the existence of God and mentions that a couple of times, but she obviously doesn’t really care that much. Colt actively denies God, and if Eris says something like, “Thank God,” Colt would make a point of saying, “God has nothing to do with this,” or “Don’t bring God into this,” or something to that effect. At one point, they stay at a church, so God is obviously brought a few times in those scenes as well. But it rubbed me the wrong way whenever He was brought up, as if Duga was pushing some sort of agenda (though if she was, it wasn’t super clear). Again, I appreciated Colt and Eris’s relationship, how they fit together well in their respective walks of life, but it was clear they needed each other to feel as if they earned redemption, and often pointed out when they thought things were sins yet embraced them (e.g. when they kissed pretty… steamily, they kept referring to it as sin and that they didn’t care). It wasn’t the things they did that bothered me (I love Jesus but I don’t think kissing passionately is a sin 😂, and I can read books with characters who don’t believe in God, because that’s the reality of the world), it was how they were addressed; every time, there was always something said about sin or God or something, as if the author believes some would consider it a sin and wanted to bring awareness to it?? I’m not sure if I’m explaining this well, but the constant bringing it up felt blatant, like Duga was trying to push some sort of agenda about God, maybe that His so-called “rules” and “sins” are not real and that those shouldn’t be a judge on right and wrong… except it wasn’t thought-provoking, it just rubbed me the wrong way sometimes. Anyways, at this point I’m just rambling, so I need to move on 😂 But that was my main (and really only) problem with this book; it gave me icky vibes haha. I just wanted to be upfront that this was something that bothered me a little while reading.
Other than that, I really did enjoy this book. The plot is quick and dramatic - the characters are constantly testing allegiances and trying not to get caught. The romance is slow-burn and sweet (except that they can’t kiss without their tongues down each other’s throats, but whateva), and I really enjoyed the take on monsters and learning how the monsters of mythology and stories exist in the world of humans in 1920s America.
I think if you’ve read fewer YA books, you may enjoy this one even more than I did, because tone-wise it felt pretty similar to a lot of other YA books out there. However, I still enjoyed it, and I recommend it to readers looking for a unique and fun tale about a siren and a monster hunter against the world.
HUGE thanks to the Favorite Pages Book Club (@favoritepagesclub) over on Instagram for providing me with an advanced copy of Roaring in exchange for an honest review! Today was my posting day for the tour, so you can check that out on my bookstagram @ashton_reads! As always, have a good day, lovely readers :))
October 20, 2020
“People believe what they want to believe.”
Eris is a siren who spent her life either in hiding or moving from one place to one place. She doesn’t know what she is but she knows that her power is not normal. The only thing she knows is that she is not allowed to talk.
Colt, is an agent of the Bureau of Investigation(BOI). BOI hunts monsters and been doing it for years. Lost Siren is their only project which remains incomplete. Colt with his own baggage is assigned on Lost Siren project.
“Being scared doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re human.”
I don’t like to read books with sea creature but surprisingly this book wasn’t set in the sea and I loved the Siren *Irony*. This book is set in the 1920s and the world-building was so beautiful. It took me only 10 pages to found myself in that world. Gang wars, speakeasies, gentlemen in hats and ladies in dresses. I just loved the vibes.
This world is full of monsters. All the characters are some greek mythological creature in the disguise of human, Minotaur to Manticore, Siren to Basilisk, You’ll find all. It was fun to guess who is whom.
“The law didn’t seem to exist for the ones that enforced it.”
One more interesting thing was the vocabulary. Three pages of 1920s terminology were included at the start of the book. It took me some time to get these after that it was fun and It added new flavour in the story.
The writing style was simple yet effective. The pace of the story was perfect. The relations and chemistry among characters were fun. I loved the ending. Except for a few cliches and the way they treated religion in a few places, I really enjoyed the book.
Eris is a siren who spent her life either in hiding or moving from one place to one place. She doesn’t know what she is but she knows that her power is not normal. The only thing she knows is that she is not allowed to talk.
Colt, is an agent of the Bureau of Investigation(BOI). BOI hunts monsters and been doing it for years. Lost Siren is their only project which remains incomplete. Colt with his own baggage is assigned on Lost Siren project.
“Being scared doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you’re human.”
I don’t like to read books with sea creature but surprisingly this book wasn’t set in the sea and I loved the Siren *Irony*. This book is set in the 1920s and the world-building was so beautiful. It took me only 10 pages to found myself in that world. Gang wars, speakeasies, gentlemen in hats and ladies in dresses. I just loved the vibes.
This world is full of monsters. All the characters are some greek mythological creature in the disguise of human, Minotaur to Manticore, Siren to Basilisk, You’ll find all. It was fun to guess who is whom.
“The law didn’t seem to exist for the ones that enforced it.”
One more interesting thing was the vocabulary. Three pages of 1920s terminology were included at the start of the book. It took me some time to get these after that it was fun and It added new flavour in the story.
The writing style was simple yet effective. The pace of the story was perfect. The relations and chemistry among characters were fun. I loved the ending. Except for a few cliches and the way they treated religion in a few places, I really enjoyed the book.
October 26, 2022
roaringly unique!
4 Stars ✨
“Strength is acceptance. It’s forgiveness. It’s doing what’s right. It’s sacrifice.“
Roaring is a unique and atmospheric historical fiction YA story that takes In the 1920s. Colt is a special agent of the BOI- Bureau of Investigation. He not only hunts down mobsters, but also monsters. He is tasked with his biggest hunt yet to find the last remaining Siren. He’s trained and with a secret of his own, is the only one who has become immune to the Sirens voice, making him the only man for the job.
Eris unbeknownst to her, is the last of the sirens, working in a Speakeasy as a waitress and singer. She was taken in as a child by a madam of the establishment and warned never to speak because her voice will make her a target to many bad people. The only time she can she can utter a word is when she sings on stage. She dreams of California and one day being able to see the country. But she never thinks that will be possible until one night, a mysterious monster hunter shows up and her life is turned upside down.
The premise of this book was so different than anything I’ve read in a while. Enemies to lovers, 1920s mob bosses, special investigation units and humans with altered monster DNA- this sounded intriguing! I’m glad I picked it up and gave it a go. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the Roaring 20s with a romance Sci-fi element. It held my attention and was a really enjoyable read! I liked both the main characters and loved the unique feel to it.
** content warning
a couple instances of language and a few angsty kisses
4 Stars ✨
“Strength is acceptance. It’s forgiveness. It’s doing what’s right. It’s sacrifice.“
Roaring is a unique and atmospheric historical fiction YA story that takes In the 1920s. Colt is a special agent of the BOI- Bureau of Investigation. He not only hunts down mobsters, but also monsters. He is tasked with his biggest hunt yet to find the last remaining Siren. He’s trained and with a secret of his own, is the only one who has become immune to the Sirens voice, making him the only man for the job.
Eris unbeknownst to her, is the last of the sirens, working in a Speakeasy as a waitress and singer. She was taken in as a child by a madam of the establishment and warned never to speak because her voice will make her a target to many bad people. The only time she can she can utter a word is when she sings on stage. She dreams of California and one day being able to see the country. But she never thinks that will be possible until one night, a mysterious monster hunter shows up and her life is turned upside down.
The premise of this book was so different than anything I’ve read in a while. Enemies to lovers, 1920s mob bosses, special investigation units and humans with altered monster DNA- this sounded intriguing! I’m glad I picked it up and gave it a go. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of the Roaring 20s with a romance Sci-fi element. It held my attention and was a really enjoyable read! I liked both the main characters and loved the unique feel to it.
** content warning
a couple instances of language and a few angsty kisses
September 21, 2020
I received an e-ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Review can also be found on *Milky Way of Books*
Paranormal creatures in the 1920s! Now this was something I loved to read! Lindsey Duga knows how to create a unique blend of characters and deliver a complete story in one go! I also enjoyed the dual POV od Eris and Colt as they navigated the secrets of the paranormal society, smuggling and sirens, agents and action!
If you want something unique and quick to read this book is for you!
Paranormal creatures in the 1920s! Now this was something I loved to read! Lindsey Duga knows how to create a unique blend of characters and deliver a complete story in one go! I also enjoyed the dual POV od Eris and Colt as they navigated the secrets of the paranormal society, smuggling and sirens, agents and action!
If you want something unique and quick to read this book is for you!
August 4, 2020
Did I know I needed a supernatural creature story set in the Roaring ‘20s? No.
Did I absolutely need a supernatural creature story set in the Roaring ‘20s? OH MY GOSH YES!
This was more fun than I ever could have expected. I’ve loved all of Duga’s previous YA and middle grade books, but this one takes the cake. No doubt about it. This is my new favourite book. She’s one of the most unique storytellers I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
If you’re after a story with Supernatural (the tv show) vibes but with a lot less tragedy and a lot more swooning, you’ll love this. It also left me feeling Teen Wolf vibes, if the focus wasn’t on high school werewolves and it was set in 1929.
Roaring is never-ending excitement that will keep you flipping pages non-stop until you reach the end. It will leave you wide-eyed and desperate for a stud muffin to kiss your palm.
Did I absolutely need a supernatural creature story set in the Roaring ‘20s? OH MY GOSH YES!
This was more fun than I ever could have expected. I’ve loved all of Duga’s previous YA and middle grade books, but this one takes the cake. No doubt about it. This is my new favourite book. She’s one of the most unique storytellers I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading.
If you’re after a story with Supernatural (the tv show) vibes but with a lot less tragedy and a lot more swooning, you’ll love this. It also left me feeling Teen Wolf vibes, if the focus wasn’t on high school werewolves and it was set in 1929.
Roaring is never-ending excitement that will keep you flipping pages non-stop until you reach the end. It will leave you wide-eyed and desperate for a stud muffin to kiss your palm.
July 11, 2020
Thank you to Entangled for providing me with a free e-copy of this ARC. All opinions are my own.
She's a monster. He's a monster hunter. It's the Roaring Twenties. I thought I would love this book so much more than I actually did.
See, this novel is fine. Just... fine. Excellent hook and concept but underwhelming in its execution. If you haven't read as many YA fantasies as I have then you might enjoy it way more.
Eris is secretly a siren who works at a speakeasy. Colt is a junior FBI agent who hunts down mobsters and monsters. But as he's tasked to take her in, they learn that there are more than just two sides, and run away together to solve the mystery of Eris' past.
WHAT I LIKED
1. The worldbuilding. This is what initially drew me into the novel. We've got gunfights, gangsters, and a star-crossed romance between a detective and his femme fatale. Duga even uses extensive 20s slang for the full experience. Then add in the fantasy: gangsters hiring and smuggling magical creatures, secret experiments on human beings, the government chasing down the paranormal. This universe is loads of fun.
2. The vibes. See above. But I also liked how timeless the characters feel. Eris just wants to see the world and be free. Colt is torn between his heart and his duty. You could easily age up the characters without realizing it. I liked the mature treatment.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
But you know, vibes and worldbuilding don't make a whole novel...
My main issue is that I didn't like the romance. Oh, I'm really sad about this one. Enemies to lovers YA fantasy novel set in the 1920s has my name on it. But the pacing of their relationship was just so awkward. For an enemies to lovers romance that began with betrayal, there's a whole lot of rushing and instalove.
Full disclosure: in order to apprehend Eris, Colt has to seduce her and pretend he's somebody he's not. Eris is instantly attracted and so is he. It's a tough situation that makes space for some very intriguing internal character conflict and external "learning to trust one another again". But the author missed out on this opportunity. Instead we've got half-hearted struggles like oh he's my enemy but he saaved me! or she's a monster but she's DIFFERENT. And then things go easy peasy between them. That's what this novel lacks. Some more relationship build-up and conflict.
Since the relationship wasn't that interesting, I thought the fast-paced plot would draw me in, but that didn't work either. The first two chapters were EXCELLENT. But I quickly lost interest afterwards. In terms of the plot though I think that's just me. Not an objective statement.
TL;DR This novel is not bad. It is pretty fine. A solid 3 stars. But it's also underwhelming and I expected more, especially since the romance is such a big aspect of it.
She's a monster. He's a monster hunter. It's the Roaring Twenties. I thought I would love this book so much more than I actually did.
See, this novel is fine. Just... fine. Excellent hook and concept but underwhelming in its execution. If you haven't read as many YA fantasies as I have then you might enjoy it way more.
Eris is secretly a siren who works at a speakeasy. Colt is a junior FBI agent who hunts down mobsters and monsters. But as he's tasked to take her in, they learn that there are more than just two sides, and run away together to solve the mystery of Eris' past.
WHAT I LIKED
1. The worldbuilding. This is what initially drew me into the novel. We've got gunfights, gangsters, and a star-crossed romance between a detective and his femme fatale. Duga even uses extensive 20s slang for the full experience. Then add in the fantasy: gangsters hiring and smuggling magical creatures, secret experiments on human beings, the government chasing down the paranormal. This universe is loads of fun.
2. The vibes. See above. But I also liked how timeless the characters feel. Eris just wants to see the world and be free. Colt is torn between his heart and his duty. You could easily age up the characters without realizing it. I liked the mature treatment.
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
But you know, vibes and worldbuilding don't make a whole novel...
My main issue is that I didn't like the romance. Oh, I'm really sad about this one. Enemies to lovers YA fantasy novel set in the 1920s has my name on it. But the pacing of their relationship was just so awkward. For an enemies to lovers romance that began with betrayal, there's a whole lot of rushing and instalove.
Full disclosure: in order to apprehend Eris, Colt has to seduce her and pretend he's somebody he's not. Eris is instantly attracted and so is he. It's a tough situation that makes space for some very intriguing internal character conflict and external "learning to trust one another again". But the author missed out on this opportunity. Instead we've got half-hearted struggles like oh he's my enemy but he saaved me! or she's a monster but she's DIFFERENT. And then things go easy peasy between them. That's what this novel lacks. Some more relationship build-up and conflict.
Since the relationship wasn't that interesting, I thought the fast-paced plot would draw me in, but that didn't work either. The first two chapters were EXCELLENT. But I quickly lost interest afterwards. In terms of the plot though I think that's just me. Not an objective statement.
TL;DR This novel is not bad. It is pretty fine. A solid 3 stars. But it's also underwhelming and I expected more, especially since the romance is such a big aspect of it.
August 13, 2020
First and foremost, Thank you to Entangled Teen for providing a copy.
Roaring was quite the surprise hit for me. This is a story about a girl, who is a siren, and she's hidden in a bar with a "found family" in hopes that no one will be able to use her siren abilities for evil. She appears to have selective mutism, because once she opens her mouth and uses her speaking voice, people around her do whatever she's says.
Enter Colt, a "monster" hunter who was assigned the role to find the last and only siren there is and bring her back to the BOI (Bureau if Investigation). However, he has a secret of his own that might change the nature of his mission.
The best thing about this book was that it had a bunch of tropes that I love--found family, reluctant hero, the quest---lots of good ones. I also am not a fan of historical fantasy, but the way Duga write this 1920s Jazz era was so mesmerizing and very fun to read. I found myself wanting to talk like the people did back then, which another thing that was awesome was the 1920s language list Duga gives before the first chapter.
Another thing that I loved about this book was the romance. Obviously, if you have a siren and then you have a person who has learned how not to be enticed by a siren, you're gonna have a love connection--because it's the only way this siren is going to find happiness! So I love Colt and Eris together and their love grows throughout the novel, so I never once though it was insta-love. They really do start off as "enemies" in a way.
I also loved the minor characters throughout the book and wish we would have followed some of them more because they all had very interesting aspects about them.
Some concerns that I had, which is why I didn't give this book a 5 star, is that I thought once the couple hits the Club where Gin is, and they find children to save, it got really slow for me. I found myself really struggling. Which then when the couple got to the convent, my attention was not there and I found myself having a difficult time concentrating, which stinks, because there is a scene at the convent that is REALLY important and I glazed over it. I had to go back and re-read that chapter when I finished the book. The villain was also not my favorite. I think his motivation was there, but I also feel as if he was sorta pedestrian and I really wanted the creator to be someone that we knew of. Other than that, the ending was great and the story concluded how I wanted it to.
I think the writing was very well done and I really enjoyed how the prose flowed throughout the action scenes, because I tend to get really confused during action scenes sometimes and I felt like with Duga's writing, it was easy to follow along with.
Overall, I really enjoyed this surprise hit and I would say that it was original, entertaining, and well plotted. I would definitely suggest this book!
Roaring was quite the surprise hit for me. This is a story about a girl, who is a siren, and she's hidden in a bar with a "found family" in hopes that no one will be able to use her siren abilities for evil. She appears to have selective mutism, because once she opens her mouth and uses her speaking voice, people around her do whatever she's says.
Enter Colt, a "monster" hunter who was assigned the role to find the last and only siren there is and bring her back to the BOI (Bureau if Investigation). However, he has a secret of his own that might change the nature of his mission.
The best thing about this book was that it had a bunch of tropes that I love--found family, reluctant hero, the quest---lots of good ones. I also am not a fan of historical fantasy, but the way Duga write this 1920s Jazz era was so mesmerizing and very fun to read. I found myself wanting to talk like the people did back then, which another thing that was awesome was the 1920s language list Duga gives before the first chapter.
Another thing that I loved about this book was the romance. Obviously, if you have a siren and then you have a person who has learned how not to be enticed by a siren, you're gonna have a love connection--because it's the only way this siren is going to find happiness! So I love Colt and Eris together and their love grows throughout the novel, so I never once though it was insta-love. They really do start off as "enemies" in a way.
I also loved the minor characters throughout the book and wish we would have followed some of them more because they all had very interesting aspects about them.
Some concerns that I had, which is why I didn't give this book a 5 star, is that I thought once the couple hits the Club where Gin is, and they find children to save, it got really slow for me. I found myself really struggling. Which then when the couple got to the convent, my attention was not there and I found myself having a difficult time concentrating, which stinks, because there is a scene at the convent that is REALLY important and I glazed over it. I had to go back and re-read that chapter when I finished the book. The villain was also not my favorite. I think his motivation was there, but I also feel as if he was sorta pedestrian and I really wanted the creator to be someone that we knew of. Other than that, the ending was great and the story concluded how I wanted it to.
I think the writing was very well done and I really enjoyed how the prose flowed throughout the action scenes, because I tend to get really confused during action scenes sometimes and I felt like with Duga's writing, it was easy to follow along with.
Overall, I really enjoyed this surprise hit and I would say that it was original, entertaining, and well plotted. I would definitely suggest this book!
July 28, 2020
Roaring is a young adult paranormal romance set in 1920s America by author Lindsey Duga. Lindsey has written one of my all time favorite young adult standalone fantasy romance- Kiss of the Royal, so when I saw she had a new romance coming out featuring mythical creatures, I was so in! And I am so glad that I picked up Roaring, because this book was AWESOME! It has a really unique premise, wonderful kick butt characters, and a sizzlingly sweet romance that will make you swoon time and time again. I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy and paranormal romances. Roaring is one of my favorite reads of 2020!
In Roaring we meet our two main characters, Eris and Colt. The book is told in dual narrative between the two of them, and I really loved that because it allowed me to not only get to know them but it also allowed me to get a sneak peek into their motivations and driving forces. Eris is possibly the last known Siren on earth, and though she doesn't quite know what that is, she does know that she is in hiding and that when she uses her voice, she can make people do things. So Eris doesn't talk. Think about that for a minute...she never talks. How lonely that must be for her. I felt all of those things when I met her because Lindsey Duga is a master character crafter and story teller. Her characters seem to come to life before my eyes as I am reading. I can feel their emotions like they are a tangible thing.
Our other main character is Colt, who is an agent for a government agency who tracks down monsters (or creatures). When he is sent to track down the last known Siren he expects a cruel and very dangerous monster. When he meets Eris he isn't sure what to think. What follows is a really fantastic adventure with plenty of secrets to unfold and romance to witness. I love Colt and Eris. They are both such strong characters. Eris is strong with her fierce bravery and Colt is strong psychically but also mentally, because he is not afraid to think for himself. The 1920s setting was the perfect backdrop for the story with themes of smuggling present. (but smuggling with a twist.)
Roaring is a wonderful paranormal with a super strong romance woven in. I was rooting so hard for Eris and Colt, and I think you will too! If you are a fan of magical creatures, then I think you will love to meet all of the creatures (or monsters) present in Roaring. Lindsey Duga does a great job setting the stage for a story that is as enchanting as Eris' voice. I loved Roaring!
In Roaring we meet our two main characters, Eris and Colt. The book is told in dual narrative between the two of them, and I really loved that because it allowed me to not only get to know them but it also allowed me to get a sneak peek into their motivations and driving forces. Eris is possibly the last known Siren on earth, and though she doesn't quite know what that is, she does know that she is in hiding and that when she uses her voice, she can make people do things. So Eris doesn't talk. Think about that for a minute...she never talks. How lonely that must be for her. I felt all of those things when I met her because Lindsey Duga is a master character crafter and story teller. Her characters seem to come to life before my eyes as I am reading. I can feel their emotions like they are a tangible thing.
Our other main character is Colt, who is an agent for a government agency who tracks down monsters (or creatures). When he is sent to track down the last known Siren he expects a cruel and very dangerous monster. When he meets Eris he isn't sure what to think. What follows is a really fantastic adventure with plenty of secrets to unfold and romance to witness. I love Colt and Eris. They are both such strong characters. Eris is strong with her fierce bravery and Colt is strong psychically but also mentally, because he is not afraid to think for himself. The 1920s setting was the perfect backdrop for the story with themes of smuggling present. (but smuggling with a twist.)
Roaring is a wonderful paranormal with a super strong romance woven in. I was rooting so hard for Eris and Colt, and I think you will too! If you are a fan of magical creatures, then I think you will love to meet all of the creatures (or monsters) present in Roaring. Lindsey Duga does a great job setting the stage for a story that is as enchanting as Eris' voice. I loved Roaring!
August 6, 2020
*I received this book from YA Bound Tours for an honest review*
I could not put this book down! This is a great historical fantasy that is set in the 1930s with flappers, speakeasies, and monsters! What more could you want? It felt like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them mixed with Percy Jackson. There were a lot of twists and turns and I found it to be paced perfectly and had the right amount of information that kept me interested.
The main character, a siren, is on the radar of more than one agency. The government wants her, the people who have been hiding her don’t want anyone to know what she is, and her original creator wants her back. Little does she know that her gifts are actually supernatural powers that have been forced upon her at a young age.
That is, until Colt comes in. He throws her life for a loop as he wants to take her back to the US government headquarters. Never did he realize what other mysteries were surrounding her and the other monsters in the dark. A great spin on the genre that kept me wanting more. I hope there are more books in this series, as I want to know what else is in store for them.
I highly recommend for fans of the 1930s and fantasy!
I could not put this book down! This is a great historical fantasy that is set in the 1930s with flappers, speakeasies, and monsters! What more could you want? It felt like Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them mixed with Percy Jackson. There were a lot of twists and turns and I found it to be paced perfectly and had the right amount of information that kept me interested.
The main character, a siren, is on the radar of more than one agency. The government wants her, the people who have been hiding her don’t want anyone to know what she is, and her original creator wants her back. Little does she know that her gifts are actually supernatural powers that have been forced upon her at a young age.
That is, until Colt comes in. He throws her life for a loop as he wants to take her back to the US government headquarters. Never did he realize what other mysteries were surrounding her and the other monsters in the dark. A great spin on the genre that kept me wanting more. I hope there are more books in this series, as I want to know what else is in store for them.
I highly recommend for fans of the 1930s and fantasy!
July 16, 2020
“Colt Clemmons is an agent in a specialized division within the Bureau of Investigation—one that hunts down not just mobsters, but also monsters.
For reasons that are kept top secret, Colt is the only person who can resist a siren's voice. But he's never had a chance to test this ability. The last siren left in the world mysteriously disappeared years ago.
Then one night, with a single word, she reveals herself. It seems too good to be true.
And it is. Because nothing about this siren—her past, her powers, or her purpose—is what it seems...”
Captivating is the word that keeps coming to mind when I think of Roaring by Lindsey Duga. Honestly, everything about this book captivated me from the very beginning.
Roaring is set in the Roaring 20’s, which just happens to be my favorite decade to read about in historical fiction. Add in mythological creatures and mob bosses, well I was hooked from the start.
“Sin replacing virtue. Lust replacing chastity. And if this made us sinners, I wouldn’t walk through the gates of hell—I’d run through them.”
Quotes like this had me dying for more. Eris and Colt were brilliant MCs. I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry. I adored all of the characters, even the supporting characters were interesting!
The plot was intriguing and such a refreshing difference from the norm that the YA genre has found itself in. I genuinely loved every second of this book. I look forward to reading more from Lindsey Duga.
I give Roaring by Lindsey Duga 5 stars!
All of my thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Teen for allowing me to read this arc in exchange of an honest review.
For reasons that are kept top secret, Colt is the only person who can resist a siren's voice. But he's never had a chance to test this ability. The last siren left in the world mysteriously disappeared years ago.
Then one night, with a single word, she reveals herself. It seems too good to be true.
And it is. Because nothing about this siren—her past, her powers, or her purpose—is what it seems...”
Captivating is the word that keeps coming to mind when I think of Roaring by Lindsey Duga. Honestly, everything about this book captivated me from the very beginning.
Roaring is set in the Roaring 20’s, which just happens to be my favorite decade to read about in historical fiction. Add in mythological creatures and mob bosses, well I was hooked from the start.
“Sin replacing virtue. Lust replacing chastity. And if this made us sinners, I wouldn’t walk through the gates of hell—I’d run through them.”
Quotes like this had me dying for more. Eris and Colt were brilliant MCs. I couldn’t get enough of their chemistry. I adored all of the characters, even the supporting characters were interesting!
The plot was intriguing and such a refreshing difference from the norm that the YA genre has found itself in. I genuinely loved every second of this book. I look forward to reading more from Lindsey Duga.
I give Roaring by Lindsey Duga 5 stars!
All of my thanks to Netgalley and Entangled Teen for allowing me to read this arc in exchange of an honest review.
August 16, 2020
The story follows Colt Clemmons, an agent whose job is to hunt mobsters and monsters. Yes, monsters! Its 1920 and through a dispute, the long lost siren is found. Her voice while singing can capture the attention of the audience like no other. It can be rightfully termed as ‘extra-ordinary’ and ‘hypnotic’.
Despite all these, Colt has never been affected remotely but you can never be too sure of anything in a job such as this. Working in a specialized division, he has been through all sorts of crazies.
However, this felt different. Colt Clemmons knows about monsters and their working and this siren seem to have a different story. And inevitably gets draws to her.
What happens when Colt is ambushed and all of a sudden everything is spiraling out of hand.
Can Colt trust a monster, who is everything that he has been taught against off? Read and find out.
Roaring was an amazing book. The opening scene, itself was glorious. As a reader, I felt the 1920’s jazz and this era’s vibe and classic styles. The writing style is immensely captivating and I was completely living in the story. It was vibrant and atmospheric. A whirlpool of adventure and passion. As the story progresses there is a fast-paced escapade that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Honestly, I enjoyed every bit of this book, the whole plot, the characters, and engaging narration everything is spot on!
Despite all these, Colt has never been affected remotely but you can never be too sure of anything in a job such as this. Working in a specialized division, he has been through all sorts of crazies.
However, this felt different. Colt Clemmons knows about monsters and their working and this siren seem to have a different story. And inevitably gets draws to her.
What happens when Colt is ambushed and all of a sudden everything is spiraling out of hand.
Can Colt trust a monster, who is everything that he has been taught against off? Read and find out.
Roaring was an amazing book. The opening scene, itself was glorious. As a reader, I felt the 1920’s jazz and this era’s vibe and classic styles. The writing style is immensely captivating and I was completely living in the story. It was vibrant and atmospheric. A whirlpool of adventure and passion. As the story progresses there is a fast-paced escapade that kept me on the edge of my seat.
Honestly, I enjoyed every bit of this book, the whole plot, the characters, and engaging narration everything is spot on!
August 3, 2020
A wonderfully unique fantasy set in the roaring 1920’s about a specialized secret agent named Colt who hunts down mythical monsters and his inevitable run-in with the captivating Eris, an untrained siren he must capture.
A refreshing adventure filled with tommyguns, flappers, and mob bosses. Beautifully descriptive and romantically charged! Such a fun read!
Blurb: Colt has been trained since he was a child to hunt down the monsters of this world. And everything goes according to plan until Colt meets the stunning siren Eris. Once the two are joined nothing can stop them. They must find out who is hunting Eris and save the children in the process.
This books is a stunning era driven novel filled with madness and nostalgia. The 1920’s descriptions and timely narrative are well done. The reader is taken on a journey throughout the East Coast and you meet all kinds of odd characters and peculiar scenarios along the way.
A very singular reading experience that is as endearining as it is surprising!
A refreshing adventure filled with tommyguns, flappers, and mob bosses. Beautifully descriptive and romantically charged! Such a fun read!
Blurb: Colt has been trained since he was a child to hunt down the monsters of this world. And everything goes according to plan until Colt meets the stunning siren Eris. Once the two are joined nothing can stop them. They must find out who is hunting Eris and save the children in the process.
This books is a stunning era driven novel filled with madness and nostalgia. The 1920’s descriptions and timely narrative are well done. The reader is taken on a journey throughout the East Coast and you meet all kinds of odd characters and peculiar scenarios along the way.
A very singular reading experience that is as endearining as it is surprising!
July 24, 2020
Thank you so much to Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy of Roaring, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review!
Eris has always been told by the woman who raised her never to use her voice. She knows what happens when she does – people are compelled to do what she says, no matter what the consequences are. Working at a speakeasy as a singer and barmaid, everyone knows Eris sings but doesn’t speak. Until one night when she finds herself in a position where she can’t help it.
Colt is a monster hunter and has been handed the job of tracking down the only Siren in the world, after another agent is sure he spotted her in a bar. What Colt originally sees as a simple straightforward mission, becomes anything but when he meets the Siren.
Roaring is set in the 1920’s, with the slang and lingo to match (thank you to the author for the glossary of terms at the front of the book. I knew some of the lingo, but not all and it was really helpful!). I loved the way those distinct terms were used, it really drew me in to the flapper era and set the scene. I wasn’t sure how a Siren story would work without the typical ocean setting, having the Siren living amongst monsters and mobsters instead, but it absolutely did! Told in alternating points of view, between Eris and Colt, this story was so much fun. The idea of humans being ‘spliced’ for want of a better word, with mythological creature parts was so interesting and unique and had me captivated the whole way through. The characters well well rounded, the scene descriptions were fantastic and the story was highly entertaining.
I get the feeling this is going to be one of those books that will miss out on the hype it deserves, so if you’re a fan of the Monsters of Verity series or urban magical realism, I’d absolutely recommend getting your hands on a copy of Roaring!
Eris has always been told by the woman who raised her never to use her voice. She knows what happens when she does – people are compelled to do what she says, no matter what the consequences are. Working at a speakeasy as a singer and barmaid, everyone knows Eris sings but doesn’t speak. Until one night when she finds herself in a position where she can’t help it.
Colt is a monster hunter and has been handed the job of tracking down the only Siren in the world, after another agent is sure he spotted her in a bar. What Colt originally sees as a simple straightforward mission, becomes anything but when he meets the Siren.
Roaring is set in the 1920’s, with the slang and lingo to match (thank you to the author for the glossary of terms at the front of the book. I knew some of the lingo, but not all and it was really helpful!). I loved the way those distinct terms were used, it really drew me in to the flapper era and set the scene. I wasn’t sure how a Siren story would work without the typical ocean setting, having the Siren living amongst monsters and mobsters instead, but it absolutely did! Told in alternating points of view, between Eris and Colt, this story was so much fun. The idea of humans being ‘spliced’ for want of a better word, with mythological creature parts was so interesting and unique and had me captivated the whole way through. The characters well well rounded, the scene descriptions were fantastic and the story was highly entertaining.
I get the feeling this is going to be one of those books that will miss out on the hype it deserves, so if you’re a fan of the Monsters of Verity series or urban magical realism, I’d absolutely recommend getting your hands on a copy of Roaring!
August 4, 2020
This book was everything I didn’t know I needed! I loved it so much and wish there was more! This book has 2 POV’s, The Siren and The Agent and the author weaves this story together beautifully. I loved all the details about the 1920’s and the cities they travel to and from. I haven’t picked up a fantasy book in quite awhile and I’m so glad I read this one! Only thing I would change is to have more of a slow burn from enemies to lovers.
Thank you to Entangled Teen for the advanced copy in an exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Entangled Teen for the advanced copy in an exchange for my honest review!
July 12, 2020
I really liked the 1920's Chicago/NY setting. It took me a little while to be pulled into the story, but I definitely found myself invested about a third of the way in.
Eris is a siren, but she doesn't know it. All she knows is that she manipulates people if she speaks to them. Anyone who listens to her follows her orders, so she prefers to stay mute. She was told that people were after her and she had to stay quiet. Eris works at a speakeasy run by Madame Maldu and Stanley. Madame is basically a foster mom to Eris. There are parts of her life that she can't remember, but she does remember being on the run with Madame.
Colt works for the Bureau hunting monsters. He has been looking for the lost siren for a long time. Her power is dangerous and he believes it isn't safe to have her out in the world. Monster parts have been showing up in the US for awhile. Humans have been modified with the parts and they become the monsters. Things like vampires, werewolves, dragons, sirens, kraken, etc, are all real. It's pretty obvious early on that Colt isn't' quite human, but he hates monsters and thinks they're dangerous. But the Bureau does employ monsters as hunters. Their strength and power help when coming face to face with another monster. Colt finds out about Eris and goes to capture her. What he finds is a sweet girl with a kind heart. He can't look at her as a human, but he struggles to see her as a real monster. Colt starts to question things while there are multiple groups of people hunting Eris. Her creator is looking for her and there is no good reason for it. Colt ends up betraying the Bureau and goes on the run with Eris. While in Chicago, they find out a lot of information about how the monsters are genetically created.
I thought Eris was such a great character. She was a monster, but all she wanted was to live a simple, good life. Colt was set in his ways, but he started to open his eyes to the world around him. Their romance was a big part of the story, but not the whole thing. The monsters and the genetics were a very big part along with the mystery of who made Eris and why did they want her back. And then I really liked all the 20's speak, clothing, speakeasies, and the lack of new technology. It felt good to escape the modern time and the problems we have right now.
I gave this book 4 stars. Thank you to Entangled Teen and Netgalley for my review copy.
Warnings for blood, genetic modification, talk of orphans, gun violence, captivity, and a tiny amount of talk about abuse.
Eris is a siren, but she doesn't know it. All she knows is that she manipulates people if she speaks to them. Anyone who listens to her follows her orders, so she prefers to stay mute. She was told that people were after her and she had to stay quiet. Eris works at a speakeasy run by Madame Maldu and Stanley. Madame is basically a foster mom to Eris. There are parts of her life that she can't remember, but she does remember being on the run with Madame.
Colt works for the Bureau hunting monsters. He has been looking for the lost siren for a long time. Her power is dangerous and he believes it isn't safe to have her out in the world. Monster parts have been showing up in the US for awhile. Humans have been modified with the parts and they become the monsters. Things like vampires, werewolves, dragons, sirens, kraken, etc, are all real. It's pretty obvious early on that Colt isn't' quite human, but he hates monsters and thinks they're dangerous. But the Bureau does employ monsters as hunters. Their strength and power help when coming face to face with another monster. Colt finds out about Eris and goes to capture her. What he finds is a sweet girl with a kind heart. He can't look at her as a human, but he struggles to see her as a real monster. Colt starts to question things while there are multiple groups of people hunting Eris. Her creator is looking for her and there is no good reason for it. Colt ends up betraying the Bureau and goes on the run with Eris. While in Chicago, they find out a lot of information about how the monsters are genetically created.
I thought Eris was such a great character. She was a monster, but all she wanted was to live a simple, good life. Colt was set in his ways, but he started to open his eyes to the world around him. Their romance was a big part of the story, but not the whole thing. The monsters and the genetics were a very big part along with the mystery of who made Eris and why did they want her back. And then I really liked all the 20's speak, clothing, speakeasies, and the lack of new technology. It felt good to escape the modern time and the problems we have right now.
I gave this book 4 stars. Thank you to Entangled Teen and Netgalley for my review copy.
Warnings for blood, genetic modification, talk of orphans, gun violence, captivity, and a tiny amount of talk about abuse.
August 3, 2020
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley and Entangled Teen for being a previous reviewer of Lindsey Duga's books, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
With this novel, Duga steps up her game in what I would say is her most "new adult" paranormal romance yet. Set in the 1920s in Boston, the main departure from history is that monsters run with mobsters. Eris is a siren who has been on the run all her life and only recently found a temporary home in a Boston speakeasy, where she's thrown into the path of mysterious monster hunter Colt. In this world, sirens have the power to control humans with their words, and so Eris has taken it upon herself to live a life of silence in order to not use her power or reveal herself to those who are hunting her.
As I have often to found to be the case where a romance plotline is concerned, having both Eris's and Colt's points of view gave more credibility to their budding relationship. If you're into enemies-to-lovers AND insta-love... somehow this book pulls off both those seemingly mutually exclusive tropes.
The research behind the setting for this book was really evident in the speech and technology, and the interweaving of supernatural elements and creatures was really thorough.
With this novel, Duga steps up her game in what I would say is her most "new adult" paranormal romance yet. Set in the 1920s in Boston, the main departure from history is that monsters run with mobsters. Eris is a siren who has been on the run all her life and only recently found a temporary home in a Boston speakeasy, where she's thrown into the path of mysterious monster hunter Colt. In this world, sirens have the power to control humans with their words, and so Eris has taken it upon herself to live a life of silence in order to not use her power or reveal herself to those who are hunting her.
As I have often to found to be the case where a romance plotline is concerned, having both Eris's and Colt's points of view gave more credibility to their budding relationship. If you're into enemies-to-lovers AND insta-love... somehow this book pulls off both those seemingly mutually exclusive tropes.
The research behind the setting for this book was really evident in the speech and technology, and the interweaving of supernatural elements and creatures was really thorough.
September 29, 2021
2.5
Everything about this would have been so much better if it took place over a longer period of time. I really loved the monster element. I thought it was a fun and new twist on intergrading supernatural elements into 1920’s Boston/Chicago/New York. It made me look forward to seeing what other type of monsters would be showing up next. The romance was cute, but it felt really rushed; like they literally fell in love after a week of making eye contact for the first time. Because of that, I liked the action and monsters way more than the romance plot. I did find myself getting bored at times because the action didn’t properly pick up until the end and because I wasn’t as interested in the romance it just felt like it was dragging at times. I would have loved it so much more if it took longer than a week.
Everything about this would have been so much better if it took place over a longer period of time. I really loved the monster element. I thought it was a fun and new twist on intergrading supernatural elements into 1920’s Boston/Chicago/New York. It made me look forward to seeing what other type of monsters would be showing up next. The romance was cute, but it felt really rushed; like they literally fell in love after a week of making eye contact for the first time. Because of that, I liked the action and monsters way more than the romance plot. I did find myself getting bored at times because the action didn’t properly pick up until the end and because I wasn’t as interested in the romance it just felt like it was dragging at times. I would have loved it so much more if it took longer than a week.
August 12, 2020
It’s the Roaring ‘20s where mobsters meet monsters in this historical, enemies to lovers fantasy. Filled with magic and fraught with danger, ROARING takes readers on a fast-paced journey through speakeasies and the glittering cities of Chicago and New York as a special agent tries to track and capture the last known siren.
Colt is a special agent in the BOI, where he’s part of a specialized unit that hunts both monsters and mobsters. Eris is a waitress and singer in a speakeasy, and she just happens to be the siren Colt’s looking for. Colt has orders to turn her in and he’s immediately convinced that she’s as monstrous as the BOI has intimated her to be. Eris is also convinced that Colt is a heartless monster, willing to turn a woman over to an entity that either wants to kill her or use her, both very bleak prospects. But the more time he spends with her, the less he believes she’s a monster. And the more time she spends with him, the less she believes he’s a heartless prick.
”Why hadn’t he just let me die if he thought I was so dangerous? Why had I saved his life when he was trying to rob me of my freedom?”
ROARING hit so many high notes for me with its mix of mobsters, monsters, romance, and magic, all with a phenomenal backdrop of the roaring ‘20s. I also loved the exploration of monsters and the many forms they can take and how sometimes, humans are the most monstrous of all. All that being said, the highlight though was the enemies-to-lovers trope, and Duga delivered a fantastic one. I didn’t see how either one would be able to overcome their prejudice and preconceived notions of the other but when they did, sparks were flying. I absolutely adored these two.
Bottom line — ROARING was such a fun and danger-filled ride with plenty of action and romance. This is my first book by Lindsey Duga and if this one is anything to go by, she’s definitely on track to make it to my favorites list.
*eARC received courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
Colt is a special agent in the BOI, where he’s part of a specialized unit that hunts both monsters and mobsters. Eris is a waitress and singer in a speakeasy, and she just happens to be the siren Colt’s looking for. Colt has orders to turn her in and he’s immediately convinced that she’s as monstrous as the BOI has intimated her to be. Eris is also convinced that Colt is a heartless monster, willing to turn a woman over to an entity that either wants to kill her or use her, both very bleak prospects. But the more time he spends with her, the less he believes she’s a monster. And the more time she spends with him, the less she believes he’s a heartless prick.
”Why hadn’t he just let me die if he thought I was so dangerous? Why had I saved his life when he was trying to rob me of my freedom?”
ROARING hit so many high notes for me with its mix of mobsters, monsters, romance, and magic, all with a phenomenal backdrop of the roaring ‘20s. I also loved the exploration of monsters and the many forms they can take and how sometimes, humans are the most monstrous of all. All that being said, the highlight though was the enemies-to-lovers trope, and Duga delivered a fantastic one. I didn’t see how either one would be able to overcome their prejudice and preconceived notions of the other but when they did, sparks were flying. I absolutely adored these two.
Bottom line — ROARING was such a fun and danger-filled ride with plenty of action and romance. This is my first book by Lindsey Duga and if this one is anything to go by, she’s definitely on track to make it to my favorites list.
*eARC received courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher.
August 16, 2020
My Rating : 4🌟
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Kindle/ Netgalley/ August2020
#mabookyardchallengeAug20 #ARCaugust
#advancedaugreadathon
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Thank you @favouritepagesclub and Netgalley for the review copy, which lets me give you my unbiased opinion.
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This book follows out two main characters: Soft-spoken, heart of a gold, the most powerful monster alive aka Siren, Elis; and confident, kick ass agent, protective, one hell of a dragon, Colt. It's an enemies to lovers trope romance set in the historical America of 1929, with lots of gang wars, shootings, running and saving people.
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First, I absolutely loved the setting of the story. When I read the blurb and read about Siren, I immediately thought about pirates, sea creatures and deep ocean mysteries. But this book surprised me with a minimalist settings and it's character diversity (I'm talking in terms of the creature counts!). I loved how the book started out with character personalities being set with mundane scenes and a hint of mystery in the air to create curiosity. I was sucked into the world of uncertainty and fear of Elis, and the world of cut-throat decisions and death of Colt.
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Second, I absolutely loved the main characters Elis and Colt, and the side Characters tha mt made the story so much better. Both of them start off on a wrong foot, but slowly found their bearings and realize what they know might not be what they seek. It was a different thing to have a lot of paranormal creatures introduced as a part of the organization Colt worked for, and it created an air for mystery and huge consequences.
.
Now coming to the plot and pacing, I feel like Stanley aka the best friend one could ever ask for, got an amazing twist with his character and I really liked how he was portrayed. I loved the character arc Colt got wrt the situation he was dealing with and how Elis got to explore and gain back her confidence when those she loved was at stake. At times, it felt like the pacing was off and the language spoken by the characters felt present day influenced. I have no idea how 1920's slang worked, but if I hadn't seen the year in the blurb, I wouldn't have guessed too. I also wanted to know more about the organization and the monsters working for it, or atleast some kind of explainations for them mentioned. It was confusing when you just read 'Oh he is a Basilisk and he can kill you by staring'. How and why? Maybe it's just my curious part of the brain, but I wanted more info! The way this book was wrapped up was wholesome and even though it left few questions to be answered, I wasn't bothered by it.
.
Overall, this book had a lot of things I loved, amazing characters, interesting story, really good character arcs, amazing settings, paranormal creatures, enemies to lovers, and a very sweet ending!!
.
Kindle/ Netgalley/ August2020
#mabookyardchallengeAug20 #ARCaugust
#advancedaugreadathon
.
Thank you @favouritepagesclub and Netgalley for the review copy, which lets me give you my unbiased opinion.
.
This book follows out two main characters: Soft-spoken, heart of a gold, the most powerful monster alive aka Siren, Elis; and confident, kick ass agent, protective, one hell of a dragon, Colt. It's an enemies to lovers trope romance set in the historical America of 1929, with lots of gang wars, shootings, running and saving people.
.
First, I absolutely loved the setting of the story. When I read the blurb and read about Siren, I immediately thought about pirates, sea creatures and deep ocean mysteries. But this book surprised me with a minimalist settings and it's character diversity (I'm talking in terms of the creature counts!). I loved how the book started out with character personalities being set with mundane scenes and a hint of mystery in the air to create curiosity. I was sucked into the world of uncertainty and fear of Elis, and the world of cut-throat decisions and death of Colt.
.
Second, I absolutely loved the main characters Elis and Colt, and the side Characters tha mt made the story so much better. Both of them start off on a wrong foot, but slowly found their bearings and realize what they know might not be what they seek. It was a different thing to have a lot of paranormal creatures introduced as a part of the organization Colt worked for, and it created an air for mystery and huge consequences.
.
Now coming to the plot and pacing, I feel like Stanley aka the best friend one could ever ask for, got an amazing twist with his character and I really liked how he was portrayed. I loved the character arc Colt got wrt the situation he was dealing with and how Elis got to explore and gain back her confidence when those she loved was at stake. At times, it felt like the pacing was off and the language spoken by the characters felt present day influenced. I have no idea how 1920's slang worked, but if I hadn't seen the year in the blurb, I wouldn't have guessed too. I also wanted to know more about the organization and the monsters working for it, or atleast some kind of explainations for them mentioned. It was confusing when you just read 'Oh he is a Basilisk and he can kill you by staring'. How and why? Maybe it's just my curious part of the brain, but I wanted more info! The way this book was wrapped up was wholesome and even though it left few questions to be answered, I wasn't bothered by it.
.
Overall, this book had a lot of things I loved, amazing characters, interesting story, really good character arcs, amazing settings, paranormal creatures, enemies to lovers, and a very sweet ending!!
August 3, 2020
I have been so excited to get my hands on a copy of Roaring by Lindsey Duga! Isn’t the cover gorgeous?! Those colors? That eye! I love it! It caught my eye and then the back cover blurb reeled me in.
The story is set in the 1920s and it took me a bit to adjust to the 20s slang and terminology that is thrown in. After a chapter or two, and thanks to the handy glossary at the front of the book, I had adjusted and the action really picks up from there, with twists and turns all throughout.
Our hero, Colt, works for the BOI (Bureau of Investigations), which hunts both monsters and monsters. Colts himself hunts criminals of the monster variety … and he’s darn good at it. When he’s sent to locate a siren that’s been on the lamb for years, he’s excited about the challenge of finding her and bringing her back to the bureau. However, when he locates her, nothing in his world is quite as it seemed…
I thoroughly enjoyed Roaring. The setting was refreshing – I don’t seem to read many stories set in the 20s, and definitely none that include monsters. And I adored Colt and Eris. Their chemistry crackles off the page, even when they aren’t getting along. I really enjoyed their character growth and how they cared about those around them. The magic/powers in the book we’re enjoyable for me. I liked how Duga explained their origin and gave that portion of the story its own arc. The story was fast-paced, held my attention, and truly unique.
This was my first read from Duga, but I’ll definitely be checking out her backlist after reading Roaring. And I’ll be looking forward to more from her in the future as well! Roaring was lots of fun and I highly recommend it.
The story is set in the 1920s and it took me a bit to adjust to the 20s slang and terminology that is thrown in. After a chapter or two, and thanks to the handy glossary at the front of the book, I had adjusted and the action really picks up from there, with twists and turns all throughout.
Our hero, Colt, works for the BOI (Bureau of Investigations), which hunts both monsters and monsters. Colts himself hunts criminals of the monster variety … and he’s darn good at it. When he’s sent to locate a siren that’s been on the lamb for years, he’s excited about the challenge of finding her and bringing her back to the bureau. However, when he locates her, nothing in his world is quite as it seemed…
I thoroughly enjoyed Roaring. The setting was refreshing – I don’t seem to read many stories set in the 20s, and definitely none that include monsters. And I adored Colt and Eris. Their chemistry crackles off the page, even when they aren’t getting along. I really enjoyed their character growth and how they cared about those around them. The magic/powers in the book we’re enjoyable for me. I liked how Duga explained their origin and gave that portion of the story its own arc. The story was fast-paced, held my attention, and truly unique.
This was my first read from Duga, but I’ll definitely be checking out her backlist after reading Roaring. And I’ll be looking forward to more from her in the future as well! Roaring was lots of fun and I highly recommend it.
August 8, 2020
Roaring is a YA fantasy romance set in the 1920s that tells the story of an agent from the Bureau of Investigation and a siren falling in love when everyone and everything is working against them. This is my first time reading Lindsey Duga and I enjoyed her imaginative and vivid writing style. You can expect suspense, romance, and twists and turns.
Eris has always enjoyed singing and knows there is something different about her, but she can't put her finger on it. She sings at a speakeasy and meets agent Colt Clemmons. She is intrigued by him yet quickly finds out his true intentions. He is assigned to investigate her and bring her his bosses. He can't imagine that Eris is the siren but he is proven wrong.
Eris and Colt are both special and begin to form a bond as their journey becomes more dangerous. Eris learns that Colt is one of the only people immune to the siren song and it makes both of them question why that is.
I really enjoyed the adventure and romance of the story. Despite the obstacles that both are facing, Eris and Colt's connection can't be broken. Their love for one another runs deep and is highlighted during times of struggle and danger.
I give Roaring 4 stars. This is an interesting YA novel that romance, historical, and fantasy readers can enjoy. The way the author detailed the 1920s continuously drew me in. Eris and Colt are great characters that complimented each other so well. There are some revelations that I wasn't expecting yet made so much sense. If you enjoy YA reads, I recommend this book. Enjoy the adventure, the roaring 1920s, and the fascinating mythology.
Eris has always enjoyed singing and knows there is something different about her, but she can't put her finger on it. She sings at a speakeasy and meets agent Colt Clemmons. She is intrigued by him yet quickly finds out his true intentions. He is assigned to investigate her and bring her his bosses. He can't imagine that Eris is the siren but he is proven wrong.
Eris and Colt are both special and begin to form a bond as their journey becomes more dangerous. Eris learns that Colt is one of the only people immune to the siren song and it makes both of them question why that is.
I really enjoyed the adventure and romance of the story. Despite the obstacles that both are facing, Eris and Colt's connection can't be broken. Their love for one another runs deep and is highlighted during times of struggle and danger.
I give Roaring 4 stars. This is an interesting YA novel that romance, historical, and fantasy readers can enjoy. The way the author detailed the 1920s continuously drew me in. Eris and Colt are great characters that complimented each other so well. There are some revelations that I wasn't expecting yet made so much sense. If you enjoy YA reads, I recommend this book. Enjoy the adventure, the roaring 1920s, and the fascinating mythology.
August 3, 2020
Initial Thoughts
I was super excited to be chosen to read an ARC of this book. I love historical fantasy and the 1920s is such an interesting age. Thank you to Entangled Teen for providing a copy.
Some Things I Liked
Historical setting. I loved that the story started out in Boston in 1929. I also loved that as the story progressed we got to see the main characters travel to other major cities across the US. My favorite city is Boston but New York was a great place to end the story.
Dual POVs. I loved that the story was told from both Eris and Colt’s POVs. They weren’t together for the entire story so I found the POVs gave the story a ton of depth and more side characters.
Magic system. I also loved the magic system in this story. The concept of the “chimera agent” as well as the monster trade was super unique and I’d be interested to read sequels or spin offs set in this world.
Series Value
Eris and Colt’s story feels complete but we met quite a few side characters that I’d like to see more about. Furthermore, I think the world was really interesting and I’d keep reading both sequels and spin offs.
Similarly, I’d keep reading Lindsey Duga’s books. This is the third book of hers that I’ve read and they just keep getting better.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book. It perfectly encompassed the historical fantasy genre and I hope to see more in that genre, as it’s becoming a fast favorite.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga – if you liked the writing style here and enjoyed the fantasy elements, try this other book by Lindsey Duga.
The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith – if you enjoyed the historical fantasy elements as well as the different types of magical creatures, try this historical fantasy series.
I was super excited to be chosen to read an ARC of this book. I love historical fantasy and the 1920s is such an interesting age. Thank you to Entangled Teen for providing a copy.
Some Things I Liked
Historical setting. I loved that the story started out in Boston in 1929. I also loved that as the story progressed we got to see the main characters travel to other major cities across the US. My favorite city is Boston but New York was a great place to end the story.
Dual POVs. I loved that the story was told from both Eris and Colt’s POVs. They weren’t together for the entire story so I found the POVs gave the story a ton of depth and more side characters.
Magic system. I also loved the magic system in this story. The concept of the “chimera agent” as well as the monster trade was super unique and I’d be interested to read sequels or spin offs set in this world.
Series Value
Eris and Colt’s story feels complete but we met quite a few side characters that I’d like to see more about. Furthermore, I think the world was really interesting and I’d keep reading both sequels and spin offs.
Similarly, I’d keep reading Lindsey Duga’s books. This is the third book of hers that I’ve read and they just keep getting better.
Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book. It perfectly encompassed the historical fantasy genre and I hope to see more in that genre, as it’s becoming a fast favorite.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommendations for Further Reading
Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga – if you liked the writing style here and enjoyed the fantasy elements, try this other book by Lindsey Duga.
The Vine Witch by Luanne G. Smith – if you enjoyed the historical fantasy elements as well as the different types of magical creatures, try this historical fantasy series.
August 10, 2020
Thoughts:
If you'd ask my why I signed up to read this book, I'd honestly tell you that I don't know. It may have been the cover or the fact that I've heard the author's name before, but whatever the reason, I'm glad I did.
This book just blew me away! Once I started reading, I couldn't stop and just kept on reading until I finished it.
As most of you know, characters are the central focus for me and I'm so glad to say that they were some of the best I've seen recently. Their wants and desires were shown quite well and the growth of them was just amazing. Their interactions seemed lifelike and not stilted like some other books I've read recently.
Normally, I don't read any books with mythological creatures but all the creatures caught my interest and some of them were one I never heard of before.
All and all, if you don't mind some language, (thanks Colt), then I'd recommend that you immediately find yourself a copy of this novel.
Rating: 5/5
Language: about 10 s***, a couple b****, about 20 d***, 1920s slang (both good and bad)
Romance: mentions a man who beat his girlfriend, some kissing
Spiritual: MC prays to God and is Christian, one doesn’t believe in God, refuge taken in a church
Violence: fighting, death, lots of violence but none of it gory
Note: MC works in a speakeasy (1920's illegal bar) but has never drunk a drop
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
If you'd ask my why I signed up to read this book, I'd honestly tell you that I don't know. It may have been the cover or the fact that I've heard the author's name before, but whatever the reason, I'm glad I did.
This book just blew me away! Once I started reading, I couldn't stop and just kept on reading until I finished it.
As most of you know, characters are the central focus for me and I'm so glad to say that they were some of the best I've seen recently. Their wants and desires were shown quite well and the growth of them was just amazing. Their interactions seemed lifelike and not stilted like some other books I've read recently.
Normally, I don't read any books with mythological creatures but all the creatures caught my interest and some of them were one I never heard of before.
All and all, if you don't mind some language, (thanks Colt), then I'd recommend that you immediately find yourself a copy of this novel.
Rating: 5/5
Language: about 10 s***, a couple b****, about 20 d***, 1920s slang (both good and bad)
Romance: mentions a man who beat his girlfriend, some kissing
Spiritual: MC prays to God and is Christian, one doesn’t believe in God, refuge taken in a church
Violence: fighting, death, lots of violence but none of it gory
Note: MC works in a speakeasy (1920's illegal bar) but has never drunk a drop
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.
August 3, 2020
Gangsters! Speakeasies! And Monsters! Oh my!
It took me a little bit to get into the story in Roaring. This book is told in multiple POVs - Eris and Colt.
Eris works in a speakeasy in Boston as a bartender also sings with the house band. Oh, and she doesn’t speak - hasn’t said a word in more than seven years.
Colt is a Bureau of Investigation, Specialized Organized Crime Division Agent, and has been put on the case of bringing in the last siren - who has been located in Boston.
Set in the 1920s, speakeasies and flappers play major roles. Eris and Colt go on the run from the BOI and the the other groups who are after Eris. This is where the action really takes off - and when I went from having a hard time getting into the story to not being able to put the book down.
I found Colt to be the most enjoyable and relatable character, and my heart reached out to him as I learned more of his backstory. I appreciated that he grew and changed throughout the course of the book.
Thank you to Entangled Teen and NetGalley for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
It took me a little bit to get into the story in Roaring. This book is told in multiple POVs - Eris and Colt.
Eris works in a speakeasy in Boston as a bartender also sings with the house band. Oh, and she doesn’t speak - hasn’t said a word in more than seven years.
Colt is a Bureau of Investigation, Specialized Organized Crime Division Agent, and has been put on the case of bringing in the last siren - who has been located in Boston.
Set in the 1920s, speakeasies and flappers play major roles. Eris and Colt go on the run from the BOI and the the other groups who are after Eris. This is where the action really takes off - and when I went from having a hard time getting into the story to not being able to put the book down.
I found Colt to be the most enjoyable and relatable character, and my heart reached out to him as I learned more of his backstory. I appreciated that he grew and changed throughout the course of the book.
Thank you to Entangled Teen and NetGalley for the review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 17, 2020
I can’t even begin to explain how captivating this book was. Monsters and mobsters in the 1920’s! What’s not to love. Eris is the only surviving Siren with the power to control people with just a few words. As long as she doesn’t speak she doesn’t risk her power being found out or worse being used. One night though she has no choice.
Enter Agent Colt Clemonns who is a monster hunter for a secret agency. He’s been tasked with bringing her in, seeing as he is one of the few people who can resist her voice. When Colt finally gets to Eris he realizes that they aren’t the only ones after her. Who can they trust? And what will they do if they get Eris?
Everything about this book was just so enjoyable from the 1920’s slang to the interesting and fascinating monsters that Duga describes I cannot wait to read more from this author!
Enter Agent Colt Clemonns who is a monster hunter for a secret agency. He’s been tasked with bringing her in, seeing as he is one of the few people who can resist her voice. When Colt finally gets to Eris he realizes that they aren’t the only ones after her. Who can they trust? And what will they do if they get Eris?
Everything about this book was just so enjoyable from the 1920’s slang to the interesting and fascinating monsters that Duga describes I cannot wait to read more from this author!
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