Hallowed Circle

Persephone Alcmedi #2

by Linda Robertson, Linda Robertson Reinhardt

And you think beauty pageants are scary?

Persephone Alcmedi has been persuaded to compete for the position of High Priestess of the Cleveland, Ohio, coven, now that the former priestess, Vivian Diamond, has strangely gone missing. Unfortunately, there are a few small problems with the idea. Not only does Seph know rather more about Vivian's disappearance than the other witches realize, but the epic struggle she's just survived has left her with some highly unusual powers--ones that could be dangerous to reveal. Despite her reluctance, she agrees to participate, if only to prevent snooty Hunter Hopewell, an obnoxious but talented witch, from ending up in the winner's circle. Can Seph hide her secrets--including her connection to the master vampire-wizard Menessos--from the terrifyingly wise judges? Plus, there's her rock 'n' roll werewolf boyfriend, Johnny, and some angry fairies to deal with....

Once the competition begins, a finalist turns up dead. It looks as if one of the contestants is willing to do anything--including murder--to win. Suddenly Seph has even more on her plate than she thought, from solving a murder to working out what her new powers really are...and exactly why they're creating so much havoc in her love life.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal, Fantasy, Witches, Magic, Romance

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published December 14, 2009

About the author

Linda Robertson (who as of late 2022 has begun writing as Linda Robertson Reinhardt) is an internationally published novelist and her short stories have appeared in several anthologies. In addition to writing fantasy and urban fantasy, she is also a musician and award-winning composer. She has written and produced full orchestral scores to accompany her novels as well as a few short, independent films. Her music is available on most streaming channels. She’s also a graphic artist, a painter, and she dabbles in screenwriting. A mother of four boys, Linda is married and lives in Ohio.

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magically Delicious
Set just a handful of weeks following the events of Vicious Circle, the book that introduces the reader to Robertson's world of witches, waeres, vamps, and fairies, Persephone Alcmedi is back to stir up some magic. The justice-loving, solitary witch and earnest granddaughter of Demeter, guardian of Beverley, and witch-of-Johnny's-dreams hasn't yet fully dealt with nor truly understands the ramifications of a vampire stain forced on her by Menessos and a mythical position of power given to her by her goddess, Hecate. She'd better learn to deal quickly, though, as she's been called to enter the Excimium, a witch-lead competition to determine who will be the next High Priestess of the Cleveland Coven...a position formally held by the notorious and now missing Vivian Duncan - missing because Persephone herself turned her over to the vampire Menessos for the crimes of murder and betrayal. But Persephone sure can't explain that...nor can she bow out of the invitation, though she has no desire to be HPS.

Forced to compete...and forced to do her best or lose respect among the elders when her calling as Lustrata is disclosed...Persephone is trapped into service, but the competition teaches her more than she thought it would about her own soul and the lengths she will go to do the right thing for the right reasons. As if her daily trials aren't enough - raising the recently orphaned Beverley, taking care of her aging yet still cantankerous grandmother, yearning for the puppy dog eyes and sexy-as-hell bod of the rocker and waere Johnny, and learning to protect herself and her loved ones from dangers known and unknown - the competition might just end up killing her - and that's if she's lucky. Life as the Lustrata is no one's idea of a picnic but Persephone will do as she's always done - fight the good fight.

Of course, that's also what got her into this mess to begin with...

I liked Vicious Circle quite a bit, but I have to say, I loved Hallowed Circle. With a complex plot that was rich with magic and a much more in-depth, studied exploration of the world in which Persephone inhabits, I was well and truly impressed with the mythos and the attention to minutest detail Robertson created here. There were parts that could've truly dragged for me, because a lot of time is spent on the magic and rituals of witches, and that's not normally something I enjoy reading about, but between the way the book was broken up and Roberston's sublime writing style, it kept my interest high and my fascination fully engaged.

We get a much more comprehensive grasp of Persephone's character, as well, and while I wasn't always fond of her in the first book, I definitely loved the direction her character took here. It's so rewarding seeing a strong leading character with a few quirks, foibles, and flaws truly start to embrace who she is, and Robertson writes that particularly well. It's refreshing to read a character who deals more in black and whites than gray areas, when so very many of the urban fantasies out there nowadays seem to be all about the gray. I found it a nice change that Persephone's life starts to skid out of control whenever she's thrust into an issue she tries to keep to the grays, and only truly triumphs when she deals with the world in very black and white ways.

Ironically, that comment is a complete contradiction to some I've made in other reviews, when I felt a character needed to understand living life in between the black and white to truly gain any level of maturity (and needed maturity to be tolerated), but Persephone is definitely a different breed of heroine...one that necessitates a definitive and clear passion for doing the right things for the right reasons to weigh the just and unjust. While a character that noble could possibly become a little too white-knight-ish to sustain any level of complexity, Persephone's own very human insecurities, doubts, and passions keep her from tripping into holier-than-thou territory.

Also back are Demeter, Persephone's grandmother, and Beverley, her ward, and of course the mysterious waerewolf Johnny, who's got a few secrets of his own left to reveal. Not to be forgotten, of course, the vampire Menessos is still up to his manipulative tricks, though more subtly and with a bit less explanation than in the previous novel. Most of these secondary characters we met in Vicious Circle continue to be fleshed out into very pleasing, three dimensional characters, even though more of the focus of Hallowed Circle is about Persephone's growth and personal challenges than the previous novel. A few of the more ancillary characters don't have such a large roll here, though, and while I missed them, there are others who were introduced that I quite enjoyed spending time with.

I was thrilled to see a much broader tapestry of conflict and danger and characterization included in Hallowed Circle; it was a very well-rounded and thorough novel. I think it is a much stronger installment and a much better read than Vicious Circle, but I would suggest anyone new to the series start there, because while things are explained perfectly well in Hallowed Circle to let new readers know what went before, Vicious Circle is still a good book and the experience of meeting all the characters who play a part in Persephone's life is truly priceless. It helps to appreciate the nuances and subtleties of what goes on in Hallowed Circle.

I'm chomping at the bit to get my hands on Fatal Circle. In it I hope we see more from Menessos and get the same sort of widened view of vampire life like we did to a small degree with the waere's here. I think the triangle of power and dedication and need between Persephone, Johnny, and Menessos has been a fascinating evolution and I can't wait to read more.

~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.

[Thenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second part of Persephone's story, where she gets involved in something she hates, politics. In an effort to keep a bully from becoming High Priestess of the nearby coven, Persephone reluctantly agrees to accept her nomination, despite the various reasons why she shouldn't.

After the events of the previous book (which I can't say I remember all that much after so much time has passed since I read it), she is bonded to a powerful vampire-wizard, Menessos, is in the first stages of a relationship with Johnny, an alpha werewolf, and holds the role of Lustrata, which she knows very little about.

As the story progresses, she comes to term with most of her reservations regarding a number of issues, takes part in the tests for the next witch High Priestess and starts a romantic relationship with Johnny that isn't all sunshine and roses.

She ends up the runner up for the High Priestess position, which works out great for her, since she didn't want the position in the first place, but which gave her the chance to influence the new High Priestess in a good way, and discovers that the the new High Priestess is not nearly as bad as she first appeared. She also becomes member of the secret coven of the Eldrenne, the eldest and most powerful of the witch elders, discovers the truth about her bond with Menessos and fully accepts her role as Lustrata, before starting a war between the witches and the fairies in an effort to save her foster daughter's life and gaining a number of allies for the upcoming war.

This is a straight up urban fantasy book, and although there's nothing really wrong with it, I just wasn't feeling it, which is why it took me so long to finish.

The series continues with Fatal Circle where Persephone's adventures continue.

Previous book reviews:
✦ Vicious Circle (Persephone Alcmedi #1) ~ ★★★ (05/10/13)

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"If you want to know about the meat that's up—" Johnny whispered.
"I don't need to hear about your kielbasa."
"Okay, so rather than an oral description, you'd prefer actual hands-on experience with my 'ball-sa.' I'm good with that."

So much excitement in this book!! I was around 30% last night and thought...OK 1 more chapter then bed time. THEN something shocking happened with Johnny and Persephone so I then thought...OK maybe 1 more won't hurt right?? WRONG! I stayed up till 2am till I finished reading it. This is due to the face that the 'thing' that happened with mostly Johnny didn't get resolved till the end of the book and I just HAD to know how he planned to fix it.

The majority of this book center around the trials Persephone has to take along with other witches for the position of High Priestess, she really doesn't want it but she knows that if the most likely winner Hunter Hopewell gets it then it's going to be Vivian all over again.

We get to see all the fantastic characters from book one and learn some valuable information about the 'Lustrata' that will come in to play book 3 or 4. There is definitely some trouble brewing with all the paranormal factions and Persephone is right in the middle. Starting book 3 straight away! Really enjoying this series and would definitely recommend it.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good ideas, but man, waayyy too much description, and when we're done with the description, look, we've got some bad poems to throw in as well! But if we call them "song lyrics" then they aren't bad, right? Sorry, honey, I don't care what happens to you any more.
And I'm taking off a full star for chain-smokin' grannie. Maybe the author thinks nicotine addiction adds "character," but instead she's more of a caricature. To have someone constantly smoking around a kid would add all kinds of respiratory problems, something the author doesn't seem concerned about, but then, I'm not concerned enough about her work to read any more, so I guess it balances out.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book, I loved it!

I enjoyed book 1 but to be honest it wasn't as great as some of the amazing urban fantasy series I've read over the years. However, book two was much better than the first and I'm now a big fan of this series and I'll definitely read more books in this world.

I genuinely love Persephone, shes a great character and very likeable. Taking in and raising a little girl is a huge responsibility and she just embraces it.

The magic in this was very cool, I especially loved the last chapter, flying broomsticks might be cliche but they're awesome!

[Barbara ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as the first book. Unfortunately seems as if the author threw everything into this one - vampires, waerewolves, witches, fairies, mythology and even King Arthur. Too much going on where the original plot greatly suffered.

I did like the Eximium though. Most of that was interesting and exciting. I'll read the next in the series since I need it for a challenge then I'll decide whether to continue the series or not.

[HJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

reread 3/2017

[Joshua Burns · Rating 3 out of 5]

As seen on Rabidreads.ca:

The fact that this book and its predecessor were published in the same year stuns me. But let's assume that for a moment that I should be the one checking myself. Perhaps it was my attitude that was out of wack. For some reason I believed Linda Robertson published Vicious Circle as a one-off then returned to her idea a year or two later. I can't quite explain why I had this echoing in my head as I cracked the first book's spine or even its successor. How are we to know what projects come to fruition and what projects do not? I've been the proud parent of several stunted, unpublished, unverifiable, unredeemable manuscripts that even now I think of fixing, developing, and putting spines in but that my roommate has wisely advised I dump in favor of new, more honest, more near-to-life stories. We all know how successful that transition has been. Hint: what one cannot see, one cannot judge.

So what disturbed the truth of the Robertson's oeuvre? How could I not know that Vicious Circle was, in fact, not as its name would suggest an insular enterprise but one that was waiting to go out and about and, since there is no better word for it, spiral? Was it the author's bio, mother of four kid's and plays in a band, that made it sound like a hesitant excursion? Was it my belief that Vicious Circle was an under-appreciated urban fantasy novel? By all means, I should have seen that the ending did not twine itself round like cherry stems. I might have been the fool coming in, but Linda Robertson looks a little foolish coming out.

She provides exposition like Vicious Circle were an ancient stele unearthed with great difficulty, museumed for hundreds of years, that finally up and poofed due to the curse that was latent in it, a perfectly well recorded curse that the museum attendants knew about and even prepared for and weren't the least bit surprised when the stele was gone and wasn't seen for another hundred years. The book makes very clear to us in its first few pages that it occurs days after its predecessor. Why would any of these characters require refreshment of their backstories? She just got done seeing them. If they are reappearing, at least, make their relevance to your life a more present activity. What do they look like now versus what they looked like before? How has Persephone changed? If this sounds silly for a plot that picks up days after the last, then we know what to blame.

Nothing ruins rather good scenes and imagery more than exposition. Having jumped in out and of several series, I find exposition, more or less unneeded. The characters will develop as much as we need them in for whatever space of time we are reading them. This is not to say that the preceding books should be ignored rather they should be all the more treasured for holding the dim secrets of the past that the characters are now going on about. Exposition, like so many nice things, is unequivocally nice. It is only good manners to fill us in on the proceedings. Unfortunately as one knows so well about things that are filled in, the filling can never quite satisfy the anticipation. One cannot appreciate filling at all if it is filled in before you appreciate what has been left empty. If anything these expository flourishes should be left towards the end of the book where they will explain away the mystery that is building upon us. Wasn't that the vampire...didn't they do this...I relish that fact that by the time one reaches book six in a series one begins to receive what little should be ex-posited.

Let us assume we want to be caught up. We read to be caught, no? We read to be choked up. We read to be throttled. Do I not want to be caught up in the present scene? Imagine then how difficult it is to do when the scene you are trying to watch in a soap opera is blasting you with flashback after flashback so that the kiss which should be coming to us is delayed. This isn't the best example since one wants a kiss to be delayed. Let us say our soap opera hunk is crossing the street when he is bombarded by a long series of flashbacks that explains his relation to the crosswalk...This again falls short of proving my point. Let us say our soap opera harlette is consulting the mirror when a fairie appears. Instead of spending time developing the appearance of this beauteous creature to another beauteous but achingly mortal creature, we are entertained by all the harlette's previous consultations of the mirror. At this point, I give up. Somehow all these flashbacks work.

I sat down to read Hallowed Circle. I began reading meanwhile wondering how soon this was published after the last. I finished. My inner thoughts read something like: "I appreciate that the author caught me up over those first sixty pages, to prime me for what will follow, but even so little in a three hundred page book is too much and what is unforgivable is that some of the primer does not even get painted over. She ruined that colorful scene out in the cornfield. For this I cannot forgive her."

Of course one could argue, since I have brought it up, that since the events of this book take place two weeks after the first that many of the events in the first book should be fresh in Persephone’s memory. All the more reason I would fire back that she should be turning these thoughts over and developing them beyond the fact that the vampire was here, the werewolf was there.

To sidetrack (finally) and to talk about the glitches in the system in a glitchy manner, Persephone is a name that I cannot understand even fictional people being unable to pronounce. As the previous book made clear she is an immensely likable character whether it be taking care of her Nana, taking care of a fallen comrade’s child, or taking care of the waeres when they shape-shift. People should be getting her name right. Persephone has got to be in the upper echelons of mythological names that are easy to pronounce. She remains honest under the most distressing situations. Her honesty, in fact, under the gavel in one scene comes across as nigh unbelievable.

What I liked about the previous book was how it defused otherwise predictable proceedings. This book kind of makes me want to put my foot in my mouth because every defusal feels forced and campy. Some of the best scenes are what I complained about in the previous book, scenes where nothing supernatural occurs and three people just sit at a coffee table and relate their beliefs.

So the strengths reside in its treatment of mundane scenes like pumpkin carving or kung-fu fighting. These events are taken slow, even a terrific sex scene. But following that the gears start to shift, speeding through a concert setting where a rather forced catalyst occurs. Seriously girl if you just hung around a little longer...not to mention the explanation for it comes across as laughable (in a good way). All in all, a lot of the witchcraft testing reminded me of Harry Potter and the Goblet. The ending then rushes you out and the action gets confusing and other characters have to explain it to each other over and over and all of the minor characters lose development and become hollow.

I think the cover is a good summary of the proceedings: very colorful but only in that upper right hand corner where Persephone (or some other character because !SPOILER! Persephone does not rock out in this book) holds her hand out.

[Regina De Los Reyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Second book in the series was pretty good as well. Some things detailing history of who and what the Lustrata is was a little rough for me to understand (possibly not enough coffee) still enough to keep me intrigued and ready for the next in the series

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Synopsis: Persephone Alcmedi has been persuaded to compete for the position of High Priestess of the Cleveland, Ohio, coven now that the former priestess, Vivian Diamond, has strangely gone missing. Unfortunately, there are a few small problems with the idea. Not only does Seph know rather more about Vivian's disappearance than the other witches realize, but the epic struggle she's just survived has left her with some highly unusual powers; ones that could be dangerous to reveal. Despite her reluctance, she agrees to participate, if only to prevent snooty Hunter Hopewell, an obnoxious but talented witch, from ending up in the winner's circle. Can Seph hide her secrets including her connection to the master vampire-wizard Menessos and from the terrifyingly wise judges? Plus, there's her rock 'n' roll werewolf boyfriend, Johnny, and some angry fairies to deal with as well.

Once the competition begins, a finalist turns up dead. It looks as if one of the contestants is willing to do anything -- including murder -- to win. Suddenly Seph has even more on her plate than she thought: from solving a murder to working out what her new powers really are...and exactly why they're creating so much havoc in her love life.

~*Review*~ This is the second book in the Persephone Alcmedi series. Seph is dealing with the fact that she's becoming step mom to Beverly Kordell, who's mother, a waerewolf, was killed by Vivian Diamond in the first installment of this series. I like Beverley's character alot. She's sweet and there's a part where she and Seph and Nina have a moment for her departed mom. Touching.

She also has her grandmother Nana (Demeter) to deal with and her so called prophecy that she's the Lustrata. The Lustrata can walk between worlds. She also hears a warning from a fae, a 2 foot mermaid named that she is in danger as long as she is linked to the Master Vampire Mesesses who's also a wizard (sorcerer.) Seph believes that she is tainted with his stain, however, later it is learned that she is the owner of the stain, and that Menesses is actually at her beck and call.

Seph, in her spare time when she's not trying to save the world, also writes a syndicated column under the surname of Circle Muirwood that encourages the rights of the waerewolves and how they live. Since the last installment, her column is now nation wide thanks to the Master Vampire. Seph's problem is that if she doesn't agree to participate after saying yes, she can be Blindspoken, and lose any link to her magic and be ostracized from the witch community itself. Something that will be harmful to those she's sworn to protect.

And, yes, Johnny and Seph have their romantic rollabout on her couch while Nana and Beverley are sleeping. At which time she runs to her spirit guide Amenemhab for advise and council. He also helps her learn about her dominance over the Master vampire.

As the contest goes on, Seph finds herself nearing the end with a great chance to actually win. One of the challenges is how contestants react to certain situations, thus, there's a murder(s) that may or may not be real.

The last contestants standing are Hunter and Herself, and Hunter wins in a tie breaking vote between the elders. In the end, Seph and Hunter are asked to join Xerxadrea's lucusi, and the fey try to take Beverely as a payment for their missing mermaid fey. Seph kills a fey, and a war is imminent.

Thoughts: This is an interesting series with plenty of mysteries left to be resolved. Seph, herself, is a reluctant heroine, but her character is well written and her courage to save those she cares about, is compelling. I want to see what happens now that Hunter is in charge of the coven, and both she, and Seph are members of this new lucusi. Fun part: the ending when the witches actually, yes, use a broom and fly. I enjoyed the Eximium itself and the way the writer put us in Seph shoes as she proceeded step by step through each phase of the contest. Of course, you had to know that Hunter would win.

Fatal Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, Book 3) is next on my list to read.

[mlady_rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars, but I'll round up this time.

Ever see an archetype paranormal creature de-evolve into a caricature, without the intention to be self mocking? For example, when I'm looking for vampire books, I avoid books where you've got a character named Dracula with a widow's peak who swirls around a cloak. Beyond the original that's just a caricature. It really works when it's self-mocking like in Jim Carrey's "Once Bitten". Outside of that, it feels lazy and a bit cheesy.

Well, towards the end of this book - not a plot spoiler - we see witches flying around on broomsticks. Immediately the theme music for "Bewitched" started playing in my head. Really? Using the pointy hats for a ceremony was bad enough.

Overall, I'm enjoying this series, but every once in awhile it goes off the rails like above. The backbone of this series seems very similar to Laurell K. Hamilton's "Anita Blake" series, my personal favorite urban fantasy. There is the beginning of a setup to mirror Anita's Triumverate and the so called Mary Sue-ish central female character with all the power, but the similarities end there.

Tangent

In the book, there was an argument on the difference between seeing things in black and white, versus seeing things in shades of grey. The normal progression is to move from black and white into seeing shades of grey, but Persephone seems to be pushing herself in the opposite direction. I'm not sure I get the reversal there. I always thought "growing up" meant seeing the nuances of situational ethics.

/Tangent

As to this book in particular: Persephone is competing in a contest to become high priestess, despite the fact that she thinks her role as Lustrata will conflict. In the meantime, she and Johnny give into their mutual attraction, then turn around and let misunderstandings drive them apart. By the end of the book, Persephone's grandmother has dug up more information on the Lustrata, and Persephone fully accepts the mantle of the role, with all the responsibilities and relationships that role demands.

I'm still unsure as to whether I like where this series is going, or not. I like Johnny and the werewolves, but I'm still a bit put off by the vampires. The comparison to King Arthur isn't helping on that matter. Nor is Persephone's insistence that it's a "stain" not a mark.

The adoration of all things King Arthur, and things like the pumpkin fight, are so strong "not my personality" that they conflict with the first person POV of the book. I love first person, but I really need to be happy inside the lead's skin in order for it to work for me.

[ALPHAreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in Linda Robertson’s ‘Persephone Alcmedi’ series.

I liked the first book ‘Vicious Circle’, but felt Robertson put too much emphasis on past relationships that weren’t established but often referenced. I think this second book works much better because those relationships are now familiar to readers.

First there’s the romance between Persephone and biker werewolf, Johnny. In ‘Vicious Circle’ Johnny was already enamored of Persephone, but she was wary of his tattooed appearance and lycanthropy. In ‘Hallowed Circle’ Johnny is still infatuated with our girl Persephone, and he turns his flirtation up a notch – preferring lewd puns over the gentle courting of book 1. Persephone is still wary of her feelings for Johnny, but she is at least willing to admit to them.

“The right thing to do would be for you to acknowledge that you feel something for me that’s remotely close to what I feel for you. I’ve asked for only a single grain of sand from you, Persephone, while I’m the whole fucking beach at your feet. You want to appreciate me but your thoughts are always turning to him!”

In ‘Hallowed Circle’ Linda Robertson dabbles in some smutty writing – and it’s good – my only complaint is there’s not enough! A lot happens regarding the Johnny/Persephone relationship – but it’s all at the very beginning of the book. Robertson hits us with several romantic developments in the first half of the book, but then she puts the romance aside and focuses on the witches plot in the second half.

The nuts and bolts of the plot is wonderful – one of my favorite things about ‘Vicious Circle’ was all the references to Wiccan culture, and it’s amped up in ‘Hallowed Circle’. There is more of those wonderful witchy chants and rhymes and a closer examination of witch politics. ‘Hallowed Circle’ almost has a ‘Harry Potter: and the Goblet of Fire’ feel to it as Persephone enters into a competition to decide the new witches coven leader.

The other major relationship development in this book is between Persephone and vampire, Menessos. I would have liked more focus on the progress of this relationship – Robertson heats things up and drops little tidbits, promising deeper examination in future books – but those hints are so delectable I wish there’d been more focus in this book.

I loved this second instalment; ‘Hallowed Circle’ is further proof that ‘Persephone Alcmedi’ is shaping up to be a very promising fantasy series. Persephone is a wonderful heroine, ballsy and upstanding, but prone to bouts of foolishness and bull-headedness. There’s a wonderful blend of Wicca, lycanthropy and vampirism that ticks all my favourite supernatural boxes. I really look forward to the third book, ‘Fatal Circle’, to be released June 29th this year.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I like first person perspectives, I am finding it difficult to like hearing about what’s going on in Seph’s head. I don’t find her as selfless as she is portrayed. Seph seems to spend most of her time sharing her own mental ramblings and meditation sessions with the reader. For someone who writes a syndicated informative column about waerewolves, she doesn’t seem to know much about them. Things one should know, considering the column she writes. So what does she write about? The most she knows is that they kennel at her house once a month. In terms of bonding, I feel that Nana spends more time mothering Beverly than Seph does.

And how many times do we have to hear how EXTRAordinary and SPECIAL Seph is? Oh, that’s right, we hear it from just about all of the secondary characters throughout the books.

Yes, she’s the Lustrata. Now please tell, what does this mean exactly? Lustrata = bringer of justice and light, who can walk between the worlds. The Authority for Justice. In fact, she’s even compared to the Lady of Justice. C'mon, really? You have got to be kidding me! She is unable to even make decisions about her own love life. She even consults her totem animal to help in making these decisions.

She accepts her role as the Lustrata, by performing a ritual. And now, Johnny and the other waeres can adopt their role as Seph’s glorified lap dogs. I don’t like the idea of servitude on the part of the waerewolves, or Menessos, as well, with the whole “stain” reversal saga.

All in all, I have a preference for more action less romance, so I found the relationship between Seph and Johnny rather tedious at times. Their ‘witty’ exchanges quickly turned annoying and cringe-worthy. Get it on already! And move on, to more story and interesting plot themes and so forth.

The Eximium was the most exciting part of the book. The witchy stuff is entertaining.

I find myself wanting to read on, purely to learn more about Menessos and Johnny, still trying to figure out who I like more. I seem to be stuck in a love triangle. How ironic.

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Hallowed Circle, Persephone has her hands full. She has her dead friend's daughter living w/her, her elderly grandmother, her possible waere boyfriend and she is marked by a powerful vampire sorcerer. What else could happen? Well, the nice little witch down the street nominates her to compete to be the next High Priestess in the Eximium, which she cannot be since she is the Lustrata. Oh yea, I forgot, she also has some fairies threatening her and the vampire!

There is a lot going on in this book but that seems to be the way the author writes. I will have to say I would not recommend this book to you if you do not like a great amount of info on witch ways and spells. The author is very detailed. For me, I enjoyed it to a point but then it was a bit too much ... especially with all the faucets of the testing at the Eximium! (because all we really want to know about is what's happening with Persephone and Johnny ... I think I flew through that part!)

Johnny....I think I even fell in love with him. I do have to say shame on Linda Robertson for putting us through what happened. It does get a bit emotional and thank you for giving us that great scene on the couch. Phewww.

I really loved how the whole group of characters is coming along. Everything is so interesting and intricate with all the different layers. I really like how Nana and Persephone's relationship is evolving and it makes me so happy how things are going with Beverley.

The ending was great and I loved the "ride" at the end! Can't wait to read the next book!

Favorite lines:

"Nothing, not even time, will mar your beauty in my eyes."

and...

"The way I figure it ... every red-blooded boy wants to make out with some hot heroine from the comic books. So, you could, you know, fulfill that dream for me. Please."

[Alexia Chantel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robertson gives us book two in the Persephone Alcmedi series, proving that this is an author and series to follow!

Johnny, the irresistable tattooed alpha were is now Seph’s boyfriend. Who else is glad that she got over her prejudices and saw the man behind the tattoos? He has her best interest at heart, but in true alpha male form he makes some choices that benefit him without considering what his actions could mean for Seph. Too bad for Johnny he brings Menessos a little closer to Seph in the process.

Menessos...Menessos. Do you love him, his Arthurian aura, charisma and all. Or do you hate him, he is controlling and does something only when he can be benefitted. At times you will feel a little of both, and as frustrating it is as a reader it is so much more for Seph. Robertson does a wonderful job of writing Menessos, giving and pulling at the right moments.

All the men drama aside, Seph has her hands full trying to compete for the position of High Priestess. A position that she wants to pass up, but can’t. It is interesting to get a view into the inner workings of the witches. There are some powerful old ladies here, and lots of political inner-workings.

Robertson writes a great ending for Hallowed Circle. Wraps up the storyline of the High Priestess and leaves you hanging waiting for more.



*copy courtesy of publisher
Separate review posted at Reading Between the Wines:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub...

[Katyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

***3.75***


This book was... hmm. It is a hard one to review. In some ways, I liked the first one better. Mostly, I think, because the first one had a concrete and linear plot. This one had what felt like 6 B-plots, but no strong A-plot. And in that way, to me, it felt like a bridge book. Some very important things happened, things that needed to happen to set Persephone up for her Big Role (not saying that sarcastically, just trying to avoid being spoilery).

I am not quite sure how I feel about what happened with Johnny. Because firstly, I am not happy with Seph apologizing. She didn't do anything wrong. Taking a day to sort out her feelings - literally ONE DAY - is more than fair. I guess I was just sort of surprised at Johnny. Because though it was not what it seemed, he seemed to react really... strongly. The song, in particular, seemed somewhat harsh. I am being deliberately vague here, again, to avoid spoilers.

That said, I thought the ending was strong, though that vow she made to the Eldrenne set off some warning bells for me. Happily starting book 3 now... :)

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was hoping the 2nd in this series would be as good as the 1st...I was wrong, it was better! We are watching a character grow and come to terms with her witch gifts and vampire mark(stain) and her love/lust for her live in protector...a werewolf named Johnny. Also the love and care for her Nana and her foster daughter. As she dons the mantle of the famed Lustrata, a justice bringer to all "others" she is also nominated to become High Priestess to the local coven. Seeking to make sure that the Future High Priestess is not a social climbing snob such as her predecessor our heroine takes the exams only to see that the right person is chosen for the job. When the applicants start dying and part of the test include confronting themselves as well as Vampires...who will walk away with the prize? And who will become dead? I am really coming to love this author...she spins a tale so intense I can not put it down. And can not wait to pick up the next in this fast moving series.

[Steph Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book reminded me a lot of the first in the series in that it had a very slow start, but by the time I was at the halfway point, I was invested in the story. I'm finding myself kind of at a loss for what to write in my review, which I guess really is an indicator of how I feel about the book/series in general. I don't really have strong feelings one way or the other. I liked the book, but wasn't blown away by it. Same goes with the characters. I like them, but don't really feel a big connection to any particular character. I'll keep reading the series because I am curious to see what happens, but it will probably be awhile before I pick up book 3.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I really love about these books is quiet they are. And not in a bad way. They just don't have the same level of physical violence and fights that a lot of UF has, and it makes for a nice change of pace. Plus, witches! And hot, rock star weres!

[Nicole Luiken · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd book in an urban fantasy series. It's the characters that are drawing me into this one, especially Persephone, Johnny and Demeter. Persephone is roped into competing to be High Priestess of her local coven, but her real problem is coming to grips with her new role as Lustrata, Lady justice.

[☘Misericordia☘ ⚡ϟ⚡⛈⚡☁ ❇️❤❣ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully detailed Wiccan rituals in here.
Persephone's caring for the gran is extremely endearing. Am sort of envious of her because of that.
#3 is a must-read.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Persephone grudgingly takes part in the competition to choose a new High Priestess.

There's a lot to like in this urban fantasy series but for some reason I'm just not wanting to read more. There's a bit too much detail (I don't need to read every step Gran takes to cook spaghetti) and not enough oomph. I did enjoy the competition portion, but (without spoilers) I thought what happened was over the top. Read this if you want a story where the author seems to know her witchcraft.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Robertson continues to delight me with her Persephone series. Waiting for the next one to arrive . . .

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow second book I have read just keeps getting better!

[Delia · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok

[June Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

This book is fun and suspenseful. The characters are likeable. I like the heroines growth in her confidence. I like her family interactions.

[Kylee McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I dont know what it is about these books but they are hitting all the right buttons for me. These books are super addicting.

[Lisarenee · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Synopsis:
"There are legends...aren't there always?" Nana said quietly, the croak of her voice softer than usual. Legends about the beginning of time, the ending of it. Every culture, every religion has their stories about it--ours is no different. And there are always secret societies, keepers of knowledge hidden from the general populace. There are enemies. There are heroes. The pendulum of power swings." Her focus sharpened on me, and I felt it like a cold blade at my throat. Nana stubbed out her cigarette in the ashtray. "She who can maintain the balance despite the swinging is the Lustrata." (Vicious Circle page 197)

With Vivian's disappearance, the Cleveland Coven is now looking for a new high priestess. Much to her dismay, Persephone has been nominated by Lydia Whitmore for the position. Told she needs to come to the Coven to formally denounce her candidacy, Persephone goes in to do just that. All her intentions go out the door, however, as she realizes she doesn't like the woman who appears to be the most likely to move up to the next level of competition--Hunter Hopewell. Hoping she can knock her out of the running before the next round which will have more competitors joining the winners from their area, she accepts the nomination. If her mark from Menessos, a master vampire, is revealed, however, she could pay a hefty price...

"You'll be Bindspoken." Nana went on, "and they'll put your name under the Faded Shroud!"...

"What's Bindspoken?" Erik asked. "And that shroud thing?"

Glad for something else to concentrate one, I said. "If your name is put under the Faded Shroud, WEC will no longer recognize you as a witch. No membership, no benefits, no voting on witch issues, no attending rituals. You're not 'recognized' by them ever again, and you're denied the right to perform magic for others. Not even to read their cards. It forces you to be a solitary, but ignores you while you go on about your life. No big deal if you are already a solitary. 'Bindspoken,' however, is like imprisoning your witch abilities. They bind your power. Kind of like hardening and sealing the aura until it's a wall, so that you're effectively severed--magically speaking--from the universe."

As Nana points out,"The Lustrata cannot be beaten in a priestess Eximium. When Seph finally decides to share that she is the Lustrata with the council, they'll scoff."

My Thoughts:
I am truly loving this series. In Vicious Circle, Persephone learned she was the Lustrata, a person prophesied to bring balance to the world. In Hallowed Circle, she's not yet prepared to make the announcement of what she is to the coven because she doesn't know what being the Lustrata entails. She's had a lot thrust upon her and seems to be growing into her role while starting to slowly accept her fate. She is also learning more about what being the Lustrata involves and what is expected of her.

With Persephone's nomination for high priestess, we get a closer look at the political structure of the Cleveland Coven. I love the idea of the Eximium which is a sort of competition between witches of whom the victor, in this particular instance, will become the next high priestess of the Cleveland Coven. I enjoyed the tests they came up with for the competitors. The Eximium was fun, informative, and interesting.

Persephone's love interest, Johnny, is on my must be watched carefully list. Toward the end of the last book I wasn't particularly happy with him. He's supposed to be the Lustrata's protector and while he did seem to look out for her, I didn't like how he put Nana's, Beverly's and even Persephone's lives in danger. He may not have done it on purpose, but he truly didn't think things through. He let his hate of Menessos cloud his judgement. In this book, I still questioned if he is the right guy for Persephone. To me he's a little rough around the edges and if I were Persephone I'm not sure I'd fully trust him. I fear he could let her down as I'm not convinced they have the same agendas. As the book progressed, however, he started to grow on me, but there is so much unknown about him which makes me both leery yet interested in his story. Hopefully, we'll soon learn more about him.

Overall I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. I look forward to seeing where Robertson goes with the series. I definitely am enjoying everything so far. While I'm still not a hundred percent convinced that Johnny is the right man for Persephone, the chemistry between the two is undeniable. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

[Caroline The HEA Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

(This was originally posted on Book Lovers,Inc)
If you haven’t met Persephone Alcmedi yet, this review is a bit spoilery but I’m being vague to avoid big spoilers.


This is the 2nd book in the Persephone Alcmedi series, the 1st book being Vicious Circle .
My fellow Crazy Book Lover also reviewed this book on her blog and we seem to agree on this one.
I have been waiting for this book ever since I finished Vicious Circle. This series is very addictive. Persephone is a witch, but not ANY witch (This is what some readers aren’t buying, but it works for me). She has more responsibilities than she’d like and her life is complicated enough when she is persuaded to enter the competition to become the new High Priestess (or at least hope to sabotage the annoying contestant Hunter Hopewell). If only that was all, but no she also has to hide the secret that links her to the sexy but powerful vampire Menessos AND resist the very hot werewolf living in her attic, Johnny (Hot Tattooed Musician Johnny *wipes drool*).

I had lots of fun reading the scenes between Seph and Johnny, he’s always making innuendos in front of her Grandma that I found very funny (yes that’s my kind of humor).
One of the things I loved the most about this series is that the heroine is a wiccan, her magic seems ‘realistic’ and close to Mother Nature. The psychoanalysis scenes between Seph and her animal spirit guide (a jackal!) were really interesting. He’s always trying to make her confront her problems. It was very funny and weird to see Seph talking about her sex-life to an animal (‘disturbing’ might be the word lol).


I love Persephone. She is such a nice character (I’m not doing her any justice here). For me, this is what distinguished this series from all the other UF. Linda Robertson isn’t trying to break new grounds in the UF world, no she’s writing the best books with the usual elements. In the end what makes it amazing is the quality of the story and characters. Let’s go back to Persephone. If you’ve been reading UF, you know that the heroines are often self-centered, sometimes mean and selfish (don’t lie to yourself it’s true!). Persephone is the exact contrary. She’s the most selfless heroine I’ve ever met, she cares deeply for others and is always trying to help. There’s a quote on the first book that says it all:
“I enjoyed every moment.
It’s a rare book that gives you a protagonist you’d like to actually be friends with.”
—Tanya Huff
Hallowed Circle is near perfection in my opinion. Why is it not perfect you’re gonna ask me? Only because I felt the plot with Johnny resolved itself too easily. Seph catches Johnny doing something unforgivable, she runs away and participates in the Competition, and then Taaadaaa next time she sees him, he has an excuse for his behavior and everything's forgiven (I wasn’t convinced, you see!). Don’t get me wrong, I love my HEA, but I would have loved to see Johnny work for it a bit harder. That’s my only ‘problem’ with this book and as you can see that’s not a big one. Oh and also I wouldn’t have minded seeing more of Menessos. *grins*

Oh and since you read until the end of this review I’m telling you a little something to look forward: There is a very HOT scene taking place on the family couch. *Nomnomnom* I'm not saying more. My lips are sealed. *winks*

I’m giving this book 4 and a half bookies. I cannot wait for book #3 Fatal Circle to be released in July 2010 and Book #4 Arcane Circle is scheduled for January 2011.

[Karissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Persephone Alcmedi series. There are nine books planned in this series, with the fifth book Wicked Circle, planned for a December 2011 release. I really enjoyed this book even more than Vicious Circle (Book 1). I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series, but enough back story is given that it's not absolutely necessary.

This book picks up shortly after the first book ends. Persephone (Seph) is trying to adjust to the idea of being the Lustrata, housing a young girl, housing her older mother, and housing Johnny the werewolf who is protecting her. In addition to that she is finding that being bound to the vampire wizard Menessos has given her some strange new powers. Then two things happen; first she is nominated to enter the competition to become the local Coven's next High Preistess and second a fairy comes to warn her that other fairies will be out for her blood because of her relationship to Menessos.

The majority of the book deals with Seph competing for the position of High Priestess. Seph's issues with all the other people in her life are woven around this competition and eventually everything ties together. I really enjoyed how Seph grew as a character in this book. Seph is great, she is always out to help people, remains very down to earth, and yet still comes off as a tough girl at times. Johnny and Menessos are also intriguing characters with complex pasts that you really want to learn more about.

This book was more solid urban fantasy than paranormal romance; which I love. There are a couple hot scenes between Seph and Johnny, but that is definitely not the focus of the book. I love that Seph appears to be a one man girl; at least so far...

The plot was very well done. Robertson has a number of different plot elements going on, but they are very well woven together and never seem too frantic. I was impressed with how all of these plot elements came together in the end (everything seemed well planned out) and with how the story was set up to continue on into the next book, Fatal Circle.

Robertson also does an incredibly good job of explaining the magic system in her books. I really love that; I hate it when there is no system or thought behind magic. You can tell that Robertson has really thought through her magic system. The action scenes were also very well done and the pacing is perfect. This was a hard book to put down and I found myself incredibly engaged throughout the whole story. There is humor woven throughout which makes the book even more fun to read and lightens things up so that the book never gets too dark.

Overall I was very impressed with this book and really enjoyed it. The characters are interesting and engaging, the plot well woven, the writing easy to read and fun, action scenes are well done, the magic system also well put together and interesting. Seph is a character you really grow to love and you can't help but cheer her on. Robertson has created a world and characters that are a step above many other urban fantasies out there. Fans of The Hollows series by Kim Harrison, Jane Yellowrock by Faith Hunter, October Daye by Seanan McGuire, Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, and similar authors should give this series a try.