What do you think?
Rate this book
The City Between #9
Between Family
When someone tries to threaten me by telling me they know my name, I take that personally.
G’day. I’m not really a pet anymore, but you might as well keep calling me Pet. It’s not like I’m gunna tell you my name anyway. And if I sound stroppy, well, I am. First, I was threatened. Now, someone has cut off my house from the human world and left my emotional support vampire on the human side. On the inside, it’s just me and an emotionally compromised fae; outside, a closed arena in the world Behind, where everyone is out to kill us and a few of that everyone might actually be capable of it.
Yep. The Heirling Trials have begun, and it seems like it’s either be king or be dead when it comes to the world Behind…
G’day. I’m not really a pet anymore, but you might as well keep calling me Pet. It’s not like I’m gunna tell you my name anyway. And if I sound stroppy, well, I am. First, I was threatened. Now, someone has cut off my house from the human world and left my emotional support vampire on the human side. On the inside, it’s just me and an emotionally compromised fae; outside, a closed arena in the world Behind, where everyone is out to kill us and a few of that everyone might actually be capable of it.
Yep. The Heirling Trials have begun, and it seems like it’s either be king or be dead when it comes to the world Behind…
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2021
42 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
W.R. Gingell
46 books1,081 followersW.R. Gingell is a Tasmanian author of urban fantasy, fairy-tale retellings, and madcap science fiction who doesn’t seem to be able to write a book without a body suddenly turning up. She solemnly swears that all such bodies are strictly fictional in nature.
W.R. spends her time reading, drinking a truly ridiculous amount of tea, and slouching in front of the fire to write. Like Peter Pan, she never really grew up, and is still occasionally to be found climbing trees.
GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I don't tend to friend anyone unless they're a personal friend or someone from my close author circle. I have a limited social battery which needs constant care. If you want to keep up with my reading/writing, you can absolutely follow me here or on pretty much any social media site.
W.R. spends her time reading, drinking a truly ridiculous amount of tea, and slouching in front of the fire to write. Like Peter Pan, she never really grew up, and is still occasionally to be found climbing trees.
GOODREADS FRIEND POLICY: I don't tend to friend anyone unless they're a personal friend or someone from my close author circle. I have a limited social battery which needs constant care. If you want to keep up with my reading/writing, you can absolutely follow me here or on pretty much any social media site.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
Read
July 8, 2021i write to you, dear readers, from my sickbed (i mean actually it's a recliner and i'm not sick, i just broke a rib and punctured me lung BUT STILL) in order to distract myself (no sympathy please, it was my own fault) from the writing i OUGHT to be doing.
the writing of this book, in fact--which is still a few chapters shy of being finished.
so here we are.
IN THIS BOOK: Pet is pretty annoyed and Zero has FEELS with no idea what to do with them; JinYeong is having trouble entering the house (as should any self-respecting vampire); and Morgana may or may not have changed her diet.
There is a lot of fighting, deathiness, and general, bloody menace, so the faint of heart should be warned that all is not sunshine and flowers (no matter what Zero's dad may try to tell you). I refuse to confirm or deny that my state of mind while injured has made an effect on the bloodiness or otherwise of this book.
all i'm saying is that SOMEONE is gunna get a broken rib because there's no way i'm wasting this experience.
(also: YOU BLOKES THERE'S ONLY ONE BOOK LEFT AFTER THIS AAAAAAAUUUUUUGH!)
the writing of this book, in fact--which is still a few chapters shy of being finished.
so here we are.
IN THIS BOOK: Pet is pretty annoyed and Zero has FEELS with no idea what to do with them; JinYeong is having trouble entering the house (as should any self-respecting vampire); and Morgana may or may not have changed her diet.
There is a lot of fighting, deathiness, and general, bloody menace, so the faint of heart should be warned that all is not sunshine and flowers (no matter what Zero's dad may try to tell you). I refuse to confirm or deny that my state of mind while injured has made an effect on the bloodiness or otherwise of this book.
all i'm saying is that SOMEONE is gunna get a broken rib because there's no way i'm wasting this experience.
(also: YOU BLOKES THERE'S ONLY ONE BOOK LEFT AFTER THIS AAAAAAAUUUUUUGH!)
January 10, 2022
Post-finale reread: If book 8 left you reeling, book 9 is everything you need to heal and then some. Epic, heartfelt, triumphant, and hopeful: Pet has now grown into her strength, and she isn't about to let anyone hurt the people she loves.
Watch that Pet, she bites.
--
EVERYONE IN THIS BOOK IS A COMPLETE EMOTIONAL WRECK, WHICH IS AS IT SHOULD BE
except, weirdly, JinYeong?
ANYWAY
\o/
Book 9 of the CITY BETWEEN series - which has been my favourite indie fantasy series since approximately book 3 - picks up with our characters still reeling over the tremendous gutpunch revelations of book 8. And with the story moving into its final stages, Pet and what's left of her friends must deal with a whole new kind of problem in a whole new kind of world. At first, things are a bit sombre, as they should be. But pretty soon there's a whole slate of new dangers to face, old friends to team up with, and the MVPs of the whole story, Worried Dad Daniel and his interchangeable bogan lycanthropes. They are ADORABLE. I LOVE THEM, AND SO WILL YOU.
There are big plot developments in this book - though not the ones I expected. Lots of people get names! A big revelation comes about halfway through and Pet is SO THRILLED it almost makes up for what happened at the end of book 8! And that's before we talk about THAT ENDING.
But the main attraction for this series has always been the characters and the tricky relationships among them, and in the aftermath of the previous book, BETWEEN FAMILY surfs in on a tidal wave of expertly handled feels, develops some long-standing relationships in new and heart-warming ways, and then goes out with more than one scream-inducing wallop.
I won't say more, except that this is the second book this year that's left me with an agonising cliffhanger. Thank goodness we won't have to wait more than 3 or 4 months for the conclusion....
Watch that Pet, she bites.
--
EVERYONE IN THIS BOOK IS A COMPLETE EMOTIONAL WRECK, WHICH IS AS IT SHOULD BE
except, weirdly, JinYeong?
ANYWAY
\o/
Book 9 of the CITY BETWEEN series - which has been my favourite indie fantasy series since approximately book 3 - picks up with our characters still reeling over the tremendous gutpunch revelations of book 8. And with the story moving into its final stages, Pet and what's left of her friends must deal with a whole new kind of problem in a whole new kind of world. At first, things are a bit sombre, as they should be. But pretty soon there's a whole slate of new dangers to face, old friends to team up with, and the MVPs of the whole story, Worried Dad Daniel and his interchangeable bogan lycanthropes. They are ADORABLE. I LOVE THEM, AND SO WILL YOU.
There are big plot developments in this book - though not the ones I expected. Lots of people get names! A big revelation comes about halfway through and Pet is SO THRILLED it almost makes up for what happened at the end of book 8! And that's before we talk about THAT ENDING.
But the main attraction for this series has always been the characters and the tricky relationships among them, and in the aftermath of the previous book, BETWEEN FAMILY surfs in on a tidal wave of expertly handled feels, develops some long-standing relationships in new and heart-warming ways, and then goes out with more than one scream-inducing wallop.
I won't say more, except that this is the second book this year that's left me with an agonising cliffhanger. Thank goodness we won't have to wait more than 3 or 4 months for the conclusion....
September 26, 2025
THIS BOOK IS AMAZING.
*composes self*
This killed me and made me so happy at the same time.
Longer review to come eventually, hopefully (probably with a spoiler marker)!
*composes self*
This killed me and made me so happy at the same time.
Longer review to come eventually, hopefully (probably with a spoiler marker)!
January 27, 2023
If anyone needs me, I'll be Between. Or Behind. Or, in reality, nursing a magnificent book hangover.
This book was SO GOOD, y'all. Gingell delivers another perfect blend of action, magic, humor, intenseness, and heart, with some revelations and twists that knocked my socks off (or would've had I not been in bed with bare feet). Questions that we've been wondering about for ages are answered, and new questions are raised. And the climax! Honestly, even if the rest of the book had disappointed (which it very much didn't), it would've gotten five stars for the climax, which was a magnificent payoff in more ways than one.
And then we have the ending. Oh, it was SO good, but also, I am undone and hanging off a cliff by my fingertips. December can't come soon enough!
Highly spoilery highlight reel:
This book was SO GOOD, y'all. Gingell delivers another perfect blend of action, magic, humor, intenseness, and heart, with some revelations and twists that knocked my socks off (or would've had I not been in bed with bare feet). Questions that we've been wondering about for ages are answered, and new questions are raised. And the climax! Honestly, even if the rest of the book had disappointed (which it very much didn't), it would've gotten five stars for the climax, which was a magnificent payoff in more ways than one.
And then we have the ending. Oh, it was SO good, but also, I am undone and hanging off a cliff by my fingertips. December can't come soon enough!
Highly spoilery highlight reel:
March 23, 2023
Second read. I adored this on the second read. I wanted to spend more time with JinYeong. But I loved that ending with him. This is a twisty hunger games -esque episode. And so much happens.
First read. I love this series so much! I’m so thankful to have waited on reading this book until the last book came out. Now, I am ready to read book 10! Also, I love JinYeong, I love Zero, I love Morgana, Daniel, Pet, and even Athelas. The characters in the series and the relationships and development of those relationships is amazing and phenomenal. I can’t wait to read the next book!
First read. I love this series so much! I’m so thankful to have waited on reading this book until the last book came out. Now, I am ready to read book 10! Also, I love JinYeong, I love Zero, I love Morgana, Daniel, Pet, and even Athelas. The characters in the series and the relationships and development of those relationships is amazing and phenomenal. I can’t wait to read the next book!
August 17, 2024
NO THAT DID NOT END LIKE THAT.
I stand by my opinion that this series gets progressively better with every book. The whole concept of this one was great, and I loved seeing all the characters again. Even some that I hadn't expected to see again. And I ship Pet and Jin-Yeong more with each book too, it seems. (This from someone who was very unsure about this ship at first).
BUT THAT ENDING. Second-to-last book in a series cliffhangers strike again.
I stand by my opinion that this series gets progressively better with every book. The whole concept of this one was great, and I loved seeing all the characters again. Even some that I hadn't expected to see again. And I ship Pet and Jin-Yeong more with each book too, it seems. (This from someone who was very unsure about this ship at first).
BUT THAT ENDING. Second-to-last book in a series cliffhangers strike again.
August 25, 2024
Stars: 5 out of 5.
Well, that was an explosive start of a book. Our characters are still reeling from the revelations that happened in the previous book, and the bloody betrayal and massacre that they culminated in. They are all copping with this in their own broken and twisted ways. In the case of Zero, by struggling with emotions that he'd spent a lifetime trying to suppress. And then the heirling trials start...
This book was fast-paced and full of tension. Pet and Zero were literally in a life and death situation for most of it. I am glad to see that even when push comes to shove, Pet doesn't abandon her convictions and her friends. It was rewarding to see her try her best to save everyone she considers family by gathering them all in the only safe place she knows - her house.
It was also rewarding to see that those friends returned her friendship and stayed true. There were no further betrayals apart from the one at the end of the previous book.
I am also glad that this almost love-triangle deal between Pet, Zero, and Jin-Yeong. Pet finally sorted her feelings and understood who was dear to her heart. I also loved her rationale behind it. That Jin-Yeong always saw her for who she really was, and trusted her implicitly, with his life sometimes. He didn't see her as a pet or damsel in distress. He believed in her abilities even more than she did sometimes.
It was also rewarding to see her finally get a better grip on her powers. Her solution for ending the trials was rather ingenious.
And of course, it was extremely satisfying to see Zero's dad finally bite the dust in such an... undignified way. Oh how low has the mighty fallen. Killed by two beings he considered so beneath him that they were no more than animals - a human and a vampire.
The ending was another punch in the gut though. The stakes are higher than ever, and the war has been declared. I can't wait to pick up the last book in the series and see how Pet will be able to resolve this situation.
Well, that was an explosive start of a book. Our characters are still reeling from the revelations that happened in the previous book, and the bloody betrayal and massacre that they culminated in. They are all copping with this in their own broken and twisted ways. In the case of Zero, by struggling with emotions that he'd spent a lifetime trying to suppress. And then the heirling trials start...
This book was fast-paced and full of tension. Pet and Zero were literally in a life and death situation for most of it. I am glad to see that even when push comes to shove, Pet doesn't abandon her convictions and her friends. It was rewarding to see her try her best to save everyone she considers family by gathering them all in the only safe place she knows - her house.
It was also rewarding to see that those friends returned her friendship and stayed true. There were no further betrayals apart from the one at the end of the previous book.
I am also glad that this almost love-triangle deal between Pet, Zero, and Jin-Yeong. Pet finally sorted her feelings and understood who was dear to her heart. I also loved her rationale behind it. That Jin-Yeong always saw her for who she really was, and trusted her implicitly, with his life sometimes. He didn't see her as a pet or damsel in distress. He believed in her abilities even more than she did sometimes.
It was also rewarding to see her finally get a better grip on her powers. Her solution for ending the trials was rather ingenious.
And of course, it was extremely satisfying to see Zero's dad finally bite the dust in such an... undignified way. Oh how low has the mighty fallen. Killed by two beings he considered so beneath him that they were no more than animals - a human and a vampire.
The ending was another punch in the gut though. The stakes are higher than ever, and the war has been declared. I can't wait to pick up the last book in the series and see how Pet will be able to resolve this situation.
September 3, 2021
read August 2021 // 5 stars
I was very hyped up for this book… and the hype was 100% justified. I started reading Between Family at 6:45 am of the morning it released and spent every spare second reading it before, between, and after classes. It’s that good.
Highly recommend for people who love: found family, actual family, sort-of-sentient houses, a certain ship (not going to to spoil anything but I’m verrry excited that my ship has sailed!), snarky Pets, Korean vampires, emotional Zeros, Australian slang, obscure mythical critters, people who aren’t who they seem to be, satisfying ends to certain Fae villains, and the City Between series in general. ❤️
original review:
release day is officially TWO WEEKS AWAY!!!!
(plus the title for Book #10 has been released!! eeep! :D )
I was very hyped up for this book… and the hype was 100% justified. I started reading Between Family at 6:45 am of the morning it released and spent every spare second reading it before, between, and after classes. It’s that good.
Highly recommend for people who love: found family, actual family, sort-of-sentient houses, a certain ship (not going to to spoil anything but I’m verrry excited that my ship has sailed!), snarky Pets, Korean vampires, emotional Zeros, Australian slang, obscure mythical critters, people who aren’t who they seem to be, satisfying ends to certain Fae villains, and the City Between series in general. ❤️
original review:
release day is officially TWO WEEKS AWAY!!!!
(plus the title for Book #10 has been released!! eeep! :D )
December 14, 2023
OH. WOW. THIS WAS AMAZING!!! I had SUCH a book hangover from this one!
After the sheer devastation of the ending of the last book, this book was exactly what the doctor ordered to start putting my shattered fangirl heart back together!
I had expected Pet to be completely broken after the events at the end of the last book (and she is). Yet she is far stronger and less broken, taking on a leadership role in this book that she didn't fully have in previous books. Pet turns her grief into grit and determination to get all of her friends through the dangers, even if she has to face all of the dangers of Behind all by herself.
And can I just say, Jin Yeoung REALLY shines in this book! He shows his clever side in this one in a way he hasn't been forced to do before!
So many reveals in this book! Even more than the last book! We even have a NAME! (even if it isn't her whole name yet, lol) If you'd told me a series could take until book 9 to give the main character's name, I would have said you were crazy. I guess this series is its own brand of crazy, but it WORKS. And it is all the more satisfying when an answer is given because of how long it is withheld.
There are so many callbacks in this book to previous books in the series. All those times when the plot seemed meandering in the previous books all come back to tie together. It's brilliant!
After the sheer devastation of the ending of the last book, this book was exactly what the doctor ordered to start putting my shattered fangirl heart back together!
I had expected Pet to be completely broken after the events at the end of the last book (and she is). Yet she is far stronger and less broken, taking on a leadership role in this book that she didn't fully have in previous books. Pet turns her grief into grit and determination to get all of her friends through the dangers, even if she has to face all of the dangers of Behind all by herself.
And can I just say, Jin Yeoung REALLY shines in this book! He shows his clever side in this one in a way he hasn't been forced to do before!
So many reveals in this book! Even more than the last book! We even have a NAME! (even if it isn't her whole name yet, lol) If you'd told me a series could take until book 9 to give the main character's name, I would have said you were crazy. I guess this series is its own brand of crazy, but it WORKS. And it is all the more satisfying when an answer is given because of how long it is withheld.
There are so many callbacks in this book to previous books in the series. All those times when the plot seemed meandering in the previous books all come back to tie together. It's brilliant!
October 5, 2021
Most of my in-line notes for this book on my Kindle are in ALL CAPS because I kept coming across things that made me whoop and laugh right out loud. For a story with the long dark shadow of Book 8 hanging over it (won't explain more bc spoilers, but it was A Lot), this was surprisingly heartwarming and even hopeful, as well as an exciting hint of what might come in the final volume. Loved it. Especially Them (they know who they are).
August 31, 2021
Haha...of course I rate supernatural Hunger Games a five (not that I liked HG 1 super much but I do enjoy the murder)
Ahem. So.... /getting the screaming out of the way because what was that ending in the SECOND TO LAST book?????/....I loved this. So much. Because finally we had so many loose threads tied to the story, concerning family and friends and the past and even romance (to an extent...I suspect there's more). Again, author did such a lovely job with world building and pacing, especially with the new setting and murdery plot that somehow managed to end up wholesome. We also saw side characters get arcs, and I love that no side was treated as and easy victim for death (wonder what that means, heh? :)) For this and next book...). AND THE GROWTH of the main ones after that last book's bomb...
So overall, no complaints. I read it while sleep deprived, so I was too focused on the amazing to see the not amazing. (And even then I'd give it 5 stars cause one of my theories was right and I like being right).
The series somehow manages to balance all the characters and plot threads without it becoming too overwhelming but it also being overwhelming. It's fun and I'm pretty sure this means Gingell is Fae herself...
Content: Nothing more than Gingell's usual violence and content for CB... and I'll just leave it at that.
Ahem. So.... /getting the screaming out of the way because what was that ending in the SECOND TO LAST book?????/....I loved this. So much. Because finally we had so many loose threads tied to the story, concerning family and friends and the past and even romance (to an extent...I suspect there's more). Again, author did such a lovely job with world building and pacing, especially with the new setting and murdery plot that somehow managed to end up wholesome. We also saw side characters get arcs, and I love that no side was treated as and easy victim for death (wonder what that means, heh? :)) For this and next book...). AND THE GROWTH of the main ones after that last book's bomb...
So overall, no complaints. I read it while sleep deprived, so I was too focused on the amazing to see the not amazing. (And even then I'd give it 5 stars cause one of my theories was right and I like being right).
The series somehow manages to balance all the characters and plot threads without it becoming too overwhelming but it also being overwhelming. It's fun and I'm pretty sure this means Gingell is Fae herself...
Content: Nothing more than Gingell's usual violence and content for CB... and I'll just leave it at that.
September 3, 2021
“We’re working on a wing and a prayer?” Daniel said incredulously. “Pet—”
“Life as usual, then, isn’t it?” I said happily.
Welp the trials are here and it's every heirling for themselves! That is unless your Team Pet and happen to be included in the Friends and Family Package-then it's a little more run and gun while trying to make the impossible work for you.
It was nice to see all of the connections team psycho has made over the past year work together to try and survive the isolated trials while dodging baddies, Lord Sero, and the other heirlings looking to come out on top...all while pretty much trapped in their sentient house.
We got some more answers to some burning questions but now the question is what the hell is going to happen next with the King of Behind breathing down their necks and the succession rights still up in the air.
but questions:
Still having so much fun with this world and the characters and will look out for the next book.
Read
September 6, 2021
*UNINTELLIGIBLE SCREECHING*
That was a nasty cliffhanger, W.R. Gingell!! Go sit in the corner and think about what you've done!
Seriously though, this book was a delightful whirlwind! Bearing the deep, emotional fallout from the previous book, Between Decisions, this book is overflowing with goodness! All the threads which have been carefully woven along the way are really starting to pull together in earnest, all tugging toward the impending resolution.
It was so entertaining to see these beloved characters address some long-standing questions and emotions, with one particular emotionally constipated fae *cough*Zero*cough* finally letting himself feel things properly!
And, of course, I cannot write this review without mentioning my pure delight at a certain development with the ship which I have been sailing from the very beginning of this series!!
All in all, Between Family did not disappoint, not in the slightest. I eagerly await the tenth and final installment! Do yourself a favour, and read this book (and if you haven't started this series and for some reason you're reading this review - get on it!! Pick up Between Jobs now!!)
That was a nasty cliffhanger, W.R. Gingell!! Go sit in the corner and think about what you've done!
Seriously though, this book was a delightful whirlwind! Bearing the deep, emotional fallout from the previous book, Between Decisions, this book is overflowing with goodness! All the threads which have been carefully woven along the way are really starting to pull together in earnest, all tugging toward the impending resolution.
It was so entertaining to see these beloved characters address some long-standing questions and emotions, with one particular emotionally constipated fae *cough*Zero*cough* finally letting himself feel things properly!
And, of course, I cannot write this review without mentioning my pure delight at a certain development with the ship which I have been sailing from the very beginning of this series!!
All in all, Between Family did not disappoint, not in the slightest. I eagerly await the tenth and final installment! Do yourself a favour, and read this book (and if you haven't started this series and for some reason you're reading this review - get on it!! Pick up Between Jobs now!!)
November 13, 2023
SO GOOD. I don't understand how I'm supposed to feel all these...feels...simultaneously, but here we are.
October 23, 2021
Coming out August 31, 2021.
January 28, 2022
I FUCKING LOVE PET!
May 20, 2022
We are drawing closer to the conclusion of this series and as you might image things have become very addictive. Things go all topsy-turvy when the house is trapped in the Behind and cut off from the human world. To make matters worse, Jin Yeong is stuck in the human world and Zero has feelings he doesn’t know what to do with.
The Heirling Trials have become, and it’s kill or be killed. Oh, this was so good with non-stop actions. Pet is quite clever. The girl has spunk and with only one book left; we learn some things and face the King… well, sort of. Pet amazed me with her skills and when she exposed someone, I was thrilled.
I am still firmly team “emotional support vampire* but Zero got some things sorted. Despite all the action, this was a reprieve from the last novel and the final. I adore the world and characters and will sorely miss them.
Zehra Jane Naqvi continues to narrate and truly has become the voices of these characters. Even If I decide to re-read the series, it is her voices I will hear. She has brought Pet to life from her sarcasm to her emotions. Her voice for Jin Yeong, Zero and the others have enhanced the overall story and brought these characters to life.
I cheered as Pet continues to blossom, navigates love and comes into her powers. To think she once hid in her bedroom. The entire series is brilliant. If you are looking for a fresh, well developed and entertaining series with a cast of characters you’ll fall in love with. You’ll find mystery, suspense, magic and unique creatures. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The Heirling Trials have become, and it’s kill or be killed. Oh, this was so good with non-stop actions. Pet is quite clever. The girl has spunk and with only one book left; we learn some things and face the King… well, sort of. Pet amazed me with her skills and when she exposed someone, I was thrilled.
I am still firmly team “emotional support vampire* but Zero got some things sorted. Despite all the action, this was a reprieve from the last novel and the final. I adore the world and characters and will sorely miss them.
Zehra Jane Naqvi continues to narrate and truly has become the voices of these characters. Even If I decide to re-read the series, it is her voices I will hear. She has brought Pet to life from her sarcasm to her emotions. Her voice for Jin Yeong, Zero and the others have enhanced the overall story and brought these characters to life.
I cheered as Pet continues to blossom, navigates love and comes into her powers. To think she once hid in her bedroom. The entire series is brilliant. If you are looking for a fresh, well developed and entertaining series with a cast of characters you’ll fall in love with. You’ll find mystery, suspense, magic and unique creatures. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
February 7, 2023
As we go into the final book of the series, I have no words. I’ve got to find out how this crazy whirlwind ends!
The Pet and Zero interactions in this book are just… *chef’s kiss* I think they’re my two favorite characters, though I’m hard pressed because everyone in this series is just so darn lovable. And murderous. But you can be both.
There’s lots of action in here too as we move toward the final battle (I assume). This one was battle packed since we’re in the Trials now. *hnnnnnng*
All right. I must continue to read, because my heart can’t handle THAT END.
The Pet and Zero interactions in this book are just… *chef’s kiss* I think they’re my two favorite characters, though I’m hard pressed because everyone in this series is just so darn lovable. And murderous. But you can be both.
There’s lots of action in here too as we move toward the final battle (I assume). This one was battle packed since we’re in the Trials now. *hnnnnnng*
All right. I must continue to read, because my heart can’t handle THAT END.
August 31, 2021
I have been hanging out for months for this book to come out and I was not disappointed! So thrilled to keep reading the story of Pet and her family with the twists, turns and intriguing story that W.R. Gingell keeps throwing at us.
For those that have read the series, you'll already have a fair understanding of what Gingell's writing is like of course and this book continues that journey. I particularly love the Australian colloquialisms that are abundantly used, and the use of cricket bats! (though I'm still waiting for netball to somehow make an appearance given its prevalence in Australian society, though it's probably too much to expect AFL to feature given Gingell doesn't appear to come from an AFL state :P )
I'm not going to say much more because you know 'spoilers' but I will say if you've happened upon this review and you've not read the other books in this series, then stop hanging about and snap up a copy of Book 1 immediately. Though you'll probably want to wait until you've got some free time in which to read it - I find that I cannot put any of these books down until I've finished reading. Good thing I work for myself and can read during the day!
For those that have read the series, you'll already have a fair understanding of what Gingell's writing is like of course and this book continues that journey. I particularly love the Australian colloquialisms that are abundantly used, and the use of cricket bats! (though I'm still waiting for netball to somehow make an appearance given its prevalence in Australian society, though it's probably too much to expect AFL to feature given Gingell doesn't appear to come from an AFL state :P )
I'm not going to say much more because you know 'spoilers' but I will say if you've happened upon this review and you've not read the other books in this series, then stop hanging about and snap up a copy of Book 1 immediately. Though you'll probably want to wait until you've got some free time in which to read it - I find that I cannot put any of these books down until I've finished reading. Good thing I work for myself and can read during the day!
September 8, 2021
aaaaAAA!! << that was my reaction, especially to the book end.
I am biased here, I need to say, as I just love this series and would gladly be fangirling over every paga, but even through the fan-ish haze I need to say it was good. Action started for real, I was genuinelly worried about characters (which, by the way, gained a lot of character) and overall construction of this book was very entertaining.
Now I need to wait for the last book and I am exasperated. Really. Gimme dat sweet book x)
I am biased here, I need to say, as I just love this series and would gladly be fangirling over every paga, but even through the fan-ish haze I need to say it was good. Action started for real, I was genuinelly worried about characters (which, by the way, gained a lot of character) and overall construction of this book was very entertaining.
Now I need to wait for the last book and I am exasperated. Really. Gimme dat sweet book x)
August 31, 2021
I cant believe we have one more book left!!!
So many more secrets revealed.
Proper rtc eventually but this series seriously has all of my heart....
So many more secrets revealed.
Proper rtc eventually but this series seriously has all of my heart....
November 26, 2022
I have no words. I will be starting book ten immediately. This series is so freaking good.
August 31, 2021
Oofta.The penultimate book and I'm just over here losing my mind.
There's a lot going on in this. Revelations and developments abound! Be excited!
Honestly I think my favorite part was having most of the characters in the same house and the ensuing chaos of such an arrangement.
My only regrets are that a certain golden-retriever-esque character isn't as likable as I'd hoped he'd be and that the ending will have me on pins and needles until the last book comes out.
ALAS!
There's a lot going on in this. Revelations and developments abound! Be excited!
Honestly I think my favorite part was having most of the characters in the same house and the ensuing chaos of such an arrangement.
My only regrets are that a certain golden-retriever-esque character isn't as likable as I'd hoped he'd be and that the ending will have me on pins and needles until the last book comes out.
ALAS!
August 31, 2021
Dang it, I was so into reading this that I was NOT paying attention to the percentages on kindle and was woefully unprepared for the book to stop when it did.
So much juicy stuff happened in this one! We get reveals (including one I called, WOOT WOOT) and excitement and honestly? A lot of stuff that I wanted to happen did in addition to stuff I didn't even know I wanted. Fans of this series are NOT going to be disappointed.
So much juicy stuff happened in this one! We get reveals (including one I called, WOOT WOOT) and excitement and honestly? A lot of stuff that I wanted to happen did in addition to stuff I didn't even know I wanted. Fans of this series are NOT going to be disappointed.
September 1, 2021
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHDJRBDKAKSJDJDNJD
I MEAN, okay. It’s the penultimate installment. I know things just get ramped up further and further, but AHHHHHHHHH!!!! November cannot come soon enough!!!!
Other notes:
My ship sank. I’ve never been so happy.
I think my (private) theory has been proven, BUT I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT BOOK!!!
If I don’t go MAD first.
All in all, a delightful way to spend an evening. Many thanks, Ms. Gingell. As always, well done.
I MEAN, okay. It’s the penultimate installment. I know things just get ramped up further and further, but AHHHHHHHHH!!!! November cannot come soon enough!!!!
Other notes:
My ship sank. I’ve never been so happy.
I think my (private) theory has been proven, BUT I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT BOOK!!!
If I don’t go MAD first.
All in all, a delightful way to spend an evening. Many thanks, Ms. Gingell. As always, well done.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2021
I loved this book, but it left me a bit confused. I thought this was the last book, but it kind of read a bit like a huge hook ending so I'm wondering if I was wrong about it being the last book in the series or if there is going to be a spin off. Don't get me wrong, I know I usually complain about hook and cliff hanger endings but if this means that I'll get to spend more time in this world and with some of these characters then I'm not going to downgrade for it. LOL
October 25, 2022
It did not matter that I had already read it. I still had to read this right after book 8. I simply couldn’t leave it there. The way this book ends gives me hope concerning the plotline I care about most, and so maybe I can take a break before book 10. No good reading it in a haze of I-just-want-this-to-turn-out-somehow-right-regarding-my-favorite-character again. I wanna appreciate all the good stuff.
There’s a lot of it. Daniel and Morgana’s relationship makes me happy. The werewolves calling Lord Sero progressively worse names and having outdated vocabularies makes me happier yet. Old Mad Bloke is here doing his thing. It’s a cozy book all around, despite the stupid magical arena which I hate. Everyone else hates it and thinks it’s stupid too, which kind of helps. There’s a lot of chilling in the house, recovering and bonding, with just occasional actiony interludes. I kind of love it.
The ending is wildly cathartic in at least two ways, and also it’s Zero’s book.
I really like Zero as a character, even though I don’t ever talk about him, seems like. He’s very interesting. And…and I really like him, is basically all. He was more front-and-center in the earlier books, but for a while now he’s been sidelined by JinYeong and even Athelas a bit, and I’m just really happy that this is his book.
No one mentioned “the Troika” a single time in this book, and thank goodness because I think of the Russian vehicle every time. Try imagining Zero, Athelas, and JinYeong as a horse-drawn carriage. Just…just try it. Isn’t it awful?
Oh, also, a thing happened at the end of this book that I’d realized reluctantly was gonna happen—I’d resigned myself to it, even, despite my initial violently negative feelings toward the very idea—but it happened in such a perfectly typical Pet-and-JinYeong sort of way. I…liked it, guys. I liked it.
How does W. R. Gingell make me love everything I hate? It’s an honest question.
There’s a lot of it. Daniel and Morgana’s relationship makes me happy. The werewolves calling Lord Sero progressively worse names and having outdated vocabularies makes me happier yet. Old Mad Bloke is here doing his thing. It’s a cozy book all around, despite the stupid magical arena which I hate. Everyone else hates it and thinks it’s stupid too, which kind of helps. There’s a lot of chilling in the house, recovering and bonding, with just occasional actiony interludes. I kind of love it.
The ending is wildly cathartic in at least two ways, and also it’s Zero’s book.
I really like Zero as a character, even though I don’t ever talk about him, seems like. He’s very interesting. And…and I really like him, is basically all. He was more front-and-center in the earlier books, but for a while now he’s been sidelined by JinYeong and even Athelas a bit, and I’m just really happy that this is his book.
No one mentioned “the Troika” a single time in this book, and thank goodness because I think of the Russian vehicle every time. Try imagining Zero, Athelas, and JinYeong as a horse-drawn carriage. Just…just try it. Isn’t it awful?
Oh, also, a thing happened at the end of this book that I’d realized reluctantly was gonna happen—I’d resigned myself to it, even, despite my initial violently negative feelings toward the very idea—but it happened in such a perfectly typical Pet-and-JinYeong sort of way. I…liked it, guys. I liked it.
How does W. R. Gingell make me love everything I hate? It’s an honest question.
December 19, 2021
I really do love this series and things get serious indeed in this book. The Heirling trials have finally started and it is a fight to the death to be king. Is there any other choice: be king or die? Well, Pet and Zero are determined to find it. Because they don't like either of those choices. Unfortunately, they have been cut off from the human world and stuck in a closed arena. The only way to get out is for someone to be victorious. And for that to happen, see above... And the worst thing, Pet is separated from her emotional support Vampire.
Things are definitely bloodier in this book but that is to be expected. There are some big revelations in this book but nothing quite so devastating as the end as the last book. People are changing, growing, maybe, and things will definitely never be the same. It ends in another cliff hanger and there is only one more book to go.
Loooved it!!! Go read.
Things are definitely bloodier in this book but that is to be expected. There are some big revelations in this book but nothing quite so devastating as the end as the last book. People are changing, growing, maybe, and things will definitely never be the same. It ends in another cliff hanger and there is only one more book to go.
Loooved it!!! Go read.
May 31, 2023
reread 2023:
yup. yes. everything i said last time still stands as;ldkfj love Pet and also JinYeong so storming much
original review 2021:
yup. yes. everything i said last time still stands as;ldkfj love Pet and also JinYeong so storming much
original review 2021:
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews