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“I stared down at the lifeless body of a boy whose face was all too familiar…”
Following the execution of Lukas Morris, Preternatural Private Investigator Kassandra Lyall told herself that she’d learn more about the local werewolf pack’s Alpha female. Just as she begins her investigation, she’s interrupted by a phone call from friend and ex-colleague, Detective Arthur Kingfisher. The body of a sixteen-year-old boy has been found. It’s not just any sixteen-year-old boy, it’s Timothy Nelson, a boy Kassandra knew was curious about the preternatural.
When Timothy’s body disappears during transport, Kassandra’s questions only increase. She realizes that Timothy’s death serves as a challenge, but it’s not a challenge directed at her. It’s a challenge aimed at her lover, the Countess vampire of Oklahoma, Lenorre.
While Kassandra tries to figure out if Timothy’s curiosity was his undoing, the biggest question of all remains unanswered.
Is Timothy Nelson dead or undead?
The Second Book in the Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator Series.
Following the execution of Lukas Morris, Preternatural Private Investigator Kassandra Lyall told herself that she’d learn more about the local werewolf pack’s Alpha female. Just as she begins her investigation, she’s interrupted by a phone call from friend and ex-colleague, Detective Arthur Kingfisher. The body of a sixteen-year-old boy has been found. It’s not just any sixteen-year-old boy, it’s Timothy Nelson, a boy Kassandra knew was curious about the preternatural.
When Timothy’s body disappears during transport, Kassandra’s questions only increase. She realizes that Timothy’s death serves as a challenge, but it’s not a challenge directed at her. It’s a challenge aimed at her lover, the Countess vampire of Oklahoma, Lenorre.
While Kassandra tries to figure out if Timothy’s curiosity was his undoing, the biggest question of all remains unanswered.
Is Timothy Nelson dead or undead?
The Second Book in the Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator Series.
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2010
24 people are currently reading
549 people want to read
About the author
Winter Pennington
13 books305 followersWinter Pennington is the author of the Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator Series. She is an avid practitioner of nature-based spirituality and enjoys spending her spare time studying mythology from around the world. The Celtic path is very close to her heart. She has an uncanny fascination with swords and daggers, and a fondness for feeding loud and obnoxious corvids. In the shadow of her writing, she has experience working with a plethora of animals as a pet care specialist and veterinary assistant. She currently resides in Oklahoma.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 27, 2025
Okay read!
A entertaining storyline but still somewhat dull plotline in this book #2 of 'Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator' low energy series.
A entertaining storyline but still somewhat dull plotline in this book #2 of 'Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator' low energy series.
April 26, 2021
The issues of an underwhelming lead and shallow mystery from the first book plagues this second book in the series. However, what also stays consistent is a more interesting supporting cast, an interesting world, and an entertaining enough storyline.
It's not often that I find the lead anti-hero unlikable. But, Kassandra is just sour and takes her attitude out on everyone. Someone pissed in her cheerios and she never got over it kind of sour. The other characters are left to react to her and any animosity they show towards her I have to 100% agree with. I wouldn't like her either!
And Kassandra is made even MORE special in this book than in the first. But, again, that specialness is not earned. There is nothing about Kassandra that makes me respect her. Once again, she's not clever, she doesn't figure things out in a grand way, she's just sooooo passive for a lead...and SUPER aggro. The author having her stand up for herself and be abrasive I guess is her way of showing dominance and strength? But, if I'm in a mystery and my lead is supposed to solve a crime, Kassandra sure puts a lot of the mystery on the back burner, isn't all that curious, and doesn't drive the story. It's frustrating.
Who IS interesting is Kassandra's girlfriend, the lead vampire, Lenorre. Give me a book about her. Or any of her associates...Zaphara (was that her name?), Eris, Rosalin, anyone. THEY really carry the story and are the active participants when it comes to hunting down the answers.
This book is going to throw another mystery at you, do more world building in this paranormal version of earth but also offers some romance that was more subtle in book one. Lenorre and Kassandra become closer and have a few intimacy scenes. There's also more comedy laced in with the macabre.
Once again, like with the first book, I sort of enjoyed it and also was left scratching my head and feeling like I was eating empty calories. That said, I liked this book better than the first. I'd read the third book if I had it but I also am not compelled to pay for it.
It's not often that I find the lead anti-hero unlikable. But, Kassandra is just sour and takes her attitude out on everyone. Someone pissed in her cheerios and she never got over it kind of sour. The other characters are left to react to her and any animosity they show towards her I have to 100% agree with. I wouldn't like her either!
And Kassandra is made even MORE special in this book than in the first. But, again, that specialness is not earned. There is nothing about Kassandra that makes me respect her. Once again, she's not clever, she doesn't figure things out in a grand way, she's just sooooo passive for a lead...and SUPER aggro. The author having her stand up for herself and be abrasive I guess is her way of showing dominance and strength? But, if I'm in a mystery and my lead is supposed to solve a crime, Kassandra sure puts a lot of the mystery on the back burner, isn't all that curious, and doesn't drive the story. It's frustrating.
Who IS interesting is Kassandra's girlfriend, the lead vampire, Lenorre. Give me a book about her. Or any of her associates...Zaphara (was that her name?), Eris, Rosalin, anyone. THEY really carry the story and are the active participants when it comes to hunting down the answers.
This book is going to throw another mystery at you, do more world building in this paranormal version of earth but also offers some romance that was more subtle in book one. Lenorre and Kassandra become closer and have a few intimacy scenes. There's also more comedy laced in with the macabre.
Once again, like with the first book, I sort of enjoyed it and also was left scratching my head and feeling like I was eating empty calories. That said, I liked this book better than the first. I'd read the third book if I had it but I also am not compelled to pay for it.
February 28, 2017
This is a continuation of the Kassandra Lyall series and I enjoyed it as much as the first. Weres, vampires, and faeries who are also lesbians. What's not to like?
July 8, 2018
(Mild Spoilers ahead, but not enough that would ruin the book for you. Just general observations)
It was hard deciding whether or not to rate this book on the first half, or the second half. The first half, I rate 3.5 stars, and the second, I rate 2 stars, but only because rating a book, with characters I adore, a 1 seems hurtful.
That being said, I do honestly love the characters. I love Kassandra despite how goddamn stubborn and dense she is sometimes. I love Lenorre plain and simple. I adore Rosalin and the way she can break up the tension of any scene--not by being comedic (even though she has her jokes), but by being a breath of pure, innocent, friendly air when everything else seems so dark and hostile--even after she pulls a heart out of someone's chest. I'm amused by Zaphara and her ability to talk down on Kass and push literally every single one of her buttons. I have a crush on Eris...for obvious reasons. Rupert is the bad-ass big brother everyone loves, and Arthur...is basically the only reason Kass gets called in for these cases n the first place...and he also presses Kass's buttons, so that's fun. Anyway, on with the review!
The beginning was great. I was a little peeved that they skipped a month into Kass and Lenorre's relationship because I personally wanted to know how they went about officially becoming "girlfriends". Besides that tiny nit-pick, I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the book. As I stated in my Update, "The romance between both Kassandra & Lenorre definitely spearheads the story" but in a good way! Just like the first book, their crime solving is there...just very much in the background, but important enough to push the story forward... Actually, I can't even say for certain that the crime solving really did anything besides bring certain characters together and introduce new ones.
Almost the entire story focused more-so on Lenorre and Kass's relationship, and the fact that Kass continues to be just as completely abrasive and stand-offish as she was in the first book--if not more. Now, while I love Kass, there were more than a couple times where I shook my head at her stubbornness and unwillingness to cooperate (again, much like the first story, except in Raven's Mask it was almost non-stop), but I digress.
The first half, I would rate 3.5 stars, because I did enjoy it a lot. Kass and Lenorre have a very steamy relationship that I can't stop smiling at, Rosalin has become a character that I truly do enjoy reading, and being introduced to Eris and Zaphara--two characters Kass can't handle because they're dominant and assertive, and they make her uncomfortable, minus the fact that Zaphara is kind of a dick--was a joy to read (whew, that's a mouthful). Reading about Kass feeling so threatened by her own arousal and taking it out on whoever she's aroused by is always a treat, but it also just leaves me shaking my head. The only thing that kept me from rating it a full 4 stars is because Pennington goes about adding in this notion that Kass is so strong that when Lenorre feeds off of her, the Countess is able to stay awake PASS dawn. That, itself is fine. They also dive into Lenorre's back story a little by talking about Lenorre's mistress--her creator. Great! So, we're gonna get Lenorre Backstory? HAH! NOPE! I honestly have no idea what service the notion did besides giving Lenorre a reason to let Zaphara kiss Kass. From here it all spirals down, and that leads me to the seconds half of the book...
I rate the second half a 2 and only because rating it a 1 makes me feel bad. I was thoroughly disappointed in the lazy writing showcased. It was as if Pennington needed some "cool twist" to happen, so she threw in a NEW thing to add to Kassandra's wolf, witch, thing. Once again, I have no idea what purpose throwing in some new ancestry does for the story, so if that's why they did the who thing with letting Lenorre live pass dawn just to plant the seeds for that big "reveal", it didn't sit well. After the reveal, the amount of lore and information thrown at the readers is almost ridiculous! Perhaps, that was Pennington's point? A way to allow us to feel how inundated Kass was feeling by dumping everything on us too? It just felt so forced, and un-needed.
To further the idea of lazy writing is to just look at the "plan" Rupert created to get them into the church. Really? "How do you feel about delivering pizza?" SERIOUSLY? A room filled with otherworldly creatures who have centuries of life and wisdom, two wolves, one a former officer and current hunter, and an extremely skilled ex-assassin, and THAT'S what you come up with? It's like Pennington was just sitting there thinking "Hmm...how the hell can I get the gang into the church...? OH! Let's dress Kass up in a pizza delivery costume with a hot-dog bag, and have her 'deliver' pizza to them! Ha! That's gold." I mean COME ON! She couldn't just distract the vamp by flapping around him again, then have someone go up and stab him while he's preoccupied? No? We're just gonna stick with the pizza delivery idea? Sure. *eye roll*
That's not the only problem with the plan. (Cue actual spoilers) They KNOW that most of those kids and teens were tricked into serving the Count of Counts, but "Oh well! Let's just kill all of them! They must be evil if they're working for him!" They were TRICKED! That was established. Yes, we know that the kids were seriously screwed up, and wouldn't just surrender, but they should have at least talked that little bit out.
The ending though. UGH. The defeat of the Count of Counts was utterly anti-climactic. The entire story built to this moment. To this Vampire thinking he can just come into anyone's territory and take them down! So, of course Lenorre is there to fight him--Eris right along with her. Kass finds out he has Psychic powers and is feeding off of Eris...where the HELL is Lenorre? The Count says something snide to Lenorre (whom's location has not been provided) and she cuts his cheek or something (from her location that we still don't know), but that's it. Then Maddox comes in all extra vengeful and goes to town on the Count while Lenorre helps Eris up. While Maddox is completely handling the Count, the two Vampires do eventually decide to step in again. After the Vampire is damn near defeated, Eris stabs him through the heart, then leaves him for Lenorre to finish off, and she cuts off his head. That all happens in about 1 page when you take out the fight that Kass was having with another Vamp kid at the same time.
That was truly disappointing. They built up this HUGE, BIG, BAD Vampire who was challenging Lenorre's power...then she and a Prime had to fight him, were losing, had to wait for someone strong like Maddox to kick the Count's ass, THEN swoop in and kill him? This isn't me wailing on Lenorre and Eris's uselessness, but on the fact that they SHOULD have been able to do more. If Lenorre can't take the Count out by herself, then the entire fight almost doesn't matter. Sure, it wasn't ever one on one, but Maddox fought the guy like it was nothing, yet Lenorre AND Eris couldn't take him down? BUT SERIOUSLY WHERE THE HELL WAS LENORRE WHEN ERIS WAS HAVING HER ENERGY SUCKED DRY?!
Moving on.
The Count of Counts was a completely flat, and 2D character, that didn't do anything for the story beside give it a reason to be in the "crime mystery" shelf where it BARELY makes the cut. Truly disappointing.
I was disappointed, yes, but my love for these characters will push me to buy the next book. Hopefully, we get Lenorre's backstory, we see more of Zaphara and Eris, and we see what becomes of Kass and her Alpha wolf bond with Rosalin when Sheila finds out. I'm hoping that all of the deemed "incredibly important" information that was dropped in this book will actually be useful and pertinent to the 3rd and final book.
It was hard deciding whether or not to rate this book on the first half, or the second half. The first half, I rate 3.5 stars, and the second, I rate 2 stars, but only because rating a book, with characters I adore, a 1 seems hurtful.
That being said, I do honestly love the characters. I love Kassandra despite how goddamn stubborn and dense she is sometimes. I love Lenorre plain and simple. I adore Rosalin and the way she can break up the tension of any scene--not by being comedic (even though she has her jokes), but by being a breath of pure, innocent, friendly air when everything else seems so dark and hostile--even after she pulls a heart out of someone's chest. I'm amused by Zaphara and her ability to talk down on Kass and push literally every single one of her buttons. I have a crush on Eris...for obvious reasons. Rupert is the bad-ass big brother everyone loves, and Arthur...is basically the only reason Kass gets called in for these cases n the first place...and he also presses Kass's buttons, so that's fun. Anyway, on with the review!
The beginning was great. I was a little peeved that they skipped a month into Kass and Lenorre's relationship because I personally wanted to know how they went about officially becoming "girlfriends". Besides that tiny nit-pick, I thoroughly enjoyed the first half of the book. As I stated in my Update, "The romance between both Kassandra & Lenorre definitely spearheads the story" but in a good way! Just like the first book, their crime solving is there...just very much in the background, but important enough to push the story forward... Actually, I can't even say for certain that the crime solving really did anything besides bring certain characters together and introduce new ones.
Almost the entire story focused more-so on Lenorre and Kass's relationship, and the fact that Kass continues to be just as completely abrasive and stand-offish as she was in the first book--if not more. Now, while I love Kass, there were more than a couple times where I shook my head at her stubbornness and unwillingness to cooperate (again, much like the first story, except in Raven's Mask it was almost non-stop), but I digress.
The first half, I would rate 3.5 stars, because I did enjoy it a lot. Kass and Lenorre have a very steamy relationship that I can't stop smiling at, Rosalin has become a character that I truly do enjoy reading, and being introduced to Eris and Zaphara--two characters Kass can't handle because they're dominant and assertive, and they make her uncomfortable, minus the fact that Zaphara is kind of a dick--was a joy to read (whew, that's a mouthful). Reading about Kass feeling so threatened by her own arousal and taking it out on whoever she's aroused by is always a treat, but it also just leaves me shaking my head. The only thing that kept me from rating it a full 4 stars is because Pennington goes about adding in this notion that Kass is so strong that when Lenorre feeds off of her, the Countess is able to stay awake PASS dawn. That, itself is fine. They also dive into Lenorre's back story a little by talking about Lenorre's mistress--her creator. Great! So, we're gonna get Lenorre Backstory? HAH! NOPE! I honestly have no idea what service the notion did besides giving Lenorre a reason to let Zaphara kiss Kass. From here it all spirals down, and that leads me to the seconds half of the book...
I rate the second half a 2 and only because rating it a 1 makes me feel bad. I was thoroughly disappointed in the lazy writing showcased. It was as if Pennington needed some "cool twist" to happen, so she threw in a NEW thing to add to Kassandra's wolf, witch, thing. Once again, I have no idea what purpose throwing in some new ancestry does for the story, so if that's why they did the who thing with letting Lenorre live pass dawn just to plant the seeds for that big "reveal", it didn't sit well. After the reveal, the amount of lore and information thrown at the readers is almost ridiculous! Perhaps, that was Pennington's point? A way to allow us to feel how inundated Kass was feeling by dumping everything on us too? It just felt so forced, and un-needed.
To further the idea of lazy writing is to just look at the "plan" Rupert created to get them into the church. Really? "How do you feel about delivering pizza?" SERIOUSLY? A room filled with otherworldly creatures who have centuries of life and wisdom, two wolves, one a former officer and current hunter, and an extremely skilled ex-assassin, and THAT'S what you come up with? It's like Pennington was just sitting there thinking "Hmm...how the hell can I get the gang into the church...? OH! Let's dress Kass up in a pizza delivery costume with a hot-dog bag, and have her 'deliver' pizza to them! Ha! That's gold." I mean COME ON! She couldn't just distract the vamp by flapping around him again, then have someone go up and stab him while he's preoccupied? No? We're just gonna stick with the pizza delivery idea? Sure. *eye roll*
That's not the only problem with the plan. (Cue actual spoilers) They KNOW that most of those kids and teens were tricked into serving the Count of Counts, but "Oh well! Let's just kill all of them! They must be evil if they're working for him!" They were TRICKED! That was established. Yes, we know that the kids were seriously screwed up, and wouldn't just surrender, but they should have at least talked that little bit out.
The ending though. UGH. The defeat of the Count of Counts was utterly anti-climactic. The entire story built to this moment. To this Vampire thinking he can just come into anyone's territory and take them down! So, of course Lenorre is there to fight him--Eris right along with her. Kass finds out he has Psychic powers and is feeding off of Eris...where the HELL is Lenorre? The Count says something snide to Lenorre (whom's location has not been provided) and she cuts his cheek or something (from her location that we still don't know), but that's it. Then Maddox comes in all extra vengeful and goes to town on the Count while Lenorre helps Eris up. While Maddox is completely handling the Count, the two Vampires do eventually decide to step in again. After the Vampire is damn near defeated, Eris stabs him through the heart, then leaves him for Lenorre to finish off, and she cuts off his head. That all happens in about 1 page when you take out the fight that Kass was having with another Vamp kid at the same time.
That was truly disappointing. They built up this HUGE, BIG, BAD Vampire who was challenging Lenorre's power...then she and a Prime had to fight him, were losing, had to wait for someone strong like Maddox to kick the Count's ass, THEN swoop in and kill him? This isn't me wailing on Lenorre and Eris's uselessness, but on the fact that they SHOULD have been able to do more. If Lenorre can't take the Count out by herself, then the entire fight almost doesn't matter. Sure, it wasn't ever one on one, but Maddox fought the guy like it was nothing, yet Lenorre AND Eris couldn't take him down? BUT SERIOUSLY WHERE THE HELL WAS LENORRE WHEN ERIS WAS HAVING HER ENERGY SUCKED DRY?!
Moving on.
The Count of Counts was a completely flat, and 2D character, that didn't do anything for the story beside give it a reason to be in the "crime mystery" shelf where it BARELY makes the cut. Truly disappointing.
I was disappointed, yes, but my love for these characters will push me to buy the next book. Hopefully, we get Lenorre's backstory, we see more of Zaphara and Eris, and we see what becomes of Kass and her Alpha wolf bond with Rosalin when Sheila finds out. I'm hoping that all of the deemed "incredibly important" information that was dropped in this book will actually be useful and pertinent to the 3rd and final book.
July 21, 2014
This book, unlike its predecessor, gets off and running rather quickly, picking up nearly right where the last one left off. It develops the main character further, but goes much more into depth on the other characters involved (especially the protagonist's significant other), their relationships, the protagonist's relationship, and meanwhile begins to introduce some more characters that will continue to be important.
Like the other books in this series, it's a quick read and a fun ride. The characters are so much fun to read along with, I absolutely love the interactions between the protagonist, her significant other, and her friends. I also like how not all of them get along. It makes for an interesting web of characters with very real feelings that I can empathize with.
This book works a bit harder in the world building department, but still, it's lacking in depth compared to even the early books of, say, the Dresden Files or the Mercy Thompson series (the third book begins to rectify this, however). Whereas more depth would be nice, I'm content to let the author develop it at her own pace while entertaining me with other things- as long as the world gets more fleshed out eventually.
There are more sexual encounters in this novel than the previous one, but they're well written and enjoyable. They don't seem gratuitous, but sensible and well-paced.
In short, read this if you want an enjoyable story more centered on character development and relationships than action, with some mystery thrown in. Hopefully you won't be disappointed.
Like the other books in this series, it's a quick read and a fun ride. The characters are so much fun to read along with, I absolutely love the interactions between the protagonist, her significant other, and her friends. I also like how not all of them get along. It makes for an interesting web of characters with very real feelings that I can empathize with.
This book works a bit harder in the world building department, but still, it's lacking in depth compared to even the early books of, say, the Dresden Files or the Mercy Thompson series (the third book begins to rectify this, however). Whereas more depth would be nice, I'm content to let the author develop it at her own pace while entertaining me with other things- as long as the world gets more fleshed out eventually.
There are more sexual encounters in this novel than the previous one, but they're well written and enjoyable. They don't seem gratuitous, but sensible and well-paced.
In short, read this if you want an enjoyable story more centered on character development and relationships than action, with some mystery thrown in. Hopefully you won't be disappointed.
February 13, 2018
The read is only two stars, but I am about to write spoilers that explain why I went with three stars. There are spoilers for the first book in the series as well.
Book one containef non-consendual sex. The sex was pounted out as such. The person who was forced accepted the apology of the person who had forced herself on her, and thry blamed it on the call of the wolf (her wolf accepted it, but as a person she did not, she just acquiesced to the lust). I appreciated the distinction and that the vampire who she started dating did not force sex on her or accept a sex offer she only made because she was incapacitated (the wolf wanted the sex).
In this book there was a small discussion about it before they had sex. The discussion about how the vampire was waiting because she wanted Kassandra to give enthusiastic consent.
This distinction is rarely made in books, so it deserves an extra star.
I didn't give four stars because of the way Kassabdra treated domestic violence situation. She told the woman who was being abused to leave without even asking if she had any options - would she be able to work, have a place to stay, fees her daughter, etc. There is far more to leaving a DV situation, and that same standard line nlwe see over and over in stories never addresses that even beyond their doubt in their own self worth, survivors sometimes can't leave without ending up homeless, having their pets killed by their abusive partners, being unable to do ehatever it is that may be holding them back.
Book one containef non-consendual sex. The sex was pounted out as such. The person who was forced accepted the apology of the person who had forced herself on her, and thry blamed it on the call of the wolf (her wolf accepted it, but as a person she did not, she just acquiesced to the lust). I appreciated the distinction and that the vampire who she started dating did not force sex on her or accept a sex offer she only made because she was incapacitated (the wolf wanted the sex).
In this book there was a small discussion about it before they had sex. The discussion about how the vampire was waiting because she wanted Kassandra to give enthusiastic consent.
This distinction is rarely made in books, so it deserves an extra star.
I didn't give four stars because of the way Kassabdra treated domestic violence situation. She told the woman who was being abused to leave without even asking if she had any options - would she be able to work, have a place to stay, fees her daughter, etc. There is far more to leaving a DV situation, and that same standard line nlwe see over and over in stories never addresses that even beyond their doubt in their own self worth, survivors sometimes can't leave without ending up homeless, having their pets killed by their abusive partners, being unable to do ehatever it is that may be holding them back.
May 14, 2017
Gets better
The first book took me a while to get into, but the second flowed really well from the first so there was no getting into it again (if you know what I mean). It's a well written and well developed storyline. Good old fashioned police work with the supernatural adding more flavour. The characters even though many are supernatural beings are very realistic and the mix works really well. This series is definitely worth reading but although each book starts and finishes I would recommend that you read them in order. That way you get to know the characters and their roles a lot better. Enjoy I'm off to find number three.
The first book took me a while to get into, but the second flowed really well from the first so there was no getting into it again (if you know what I mean). It's a well written and well developed storyline. Good old fashioned police work with the supernatural adding more flavour. The characters even though many are supernatural beings are very realistic and the mix works really well. This series is definitely worth reading but although each book starts and finishes I would recommend that you read them in order. That way you get to know the characters and their roles a lot better. Enjoy I'm off to find number three.
May 23, 2019
Magic everywhere.
Preternatural Private Investigator, Kassandra Lyall is a former police detective turned PI after a run in with a werewolf while on the job. Kass had the attitude of an alpha, and now she is one, though she doesn’t belong to a pack. Her new girlfriend, the Countess vampire of Oklahoma, Lenorre, finds herself challenged for her seat by a rogue vamp who is taking children for his army and pleasure. While figuring all this out, Kassandra finds she is not only a wolf but other magical things, which she, her new magical cohorts, and her human mentor, uses to find the undead and missing children.
It’s a fun read and the second book of the series.
Preternatural Private Investigator, Kassandra Lyall is a former police detective turned PI after a run in with a werewolf while on the job. Kass had the attitude of an alpha, and now she is one, though she doesn’t belong to a pack. Her new girlfriend, the Countess vampire of Oklahoma, Lenorre, finds herself challenged for her seat by a rogue vamp who is taking children for his army and pleasure. While figuring all this out, Kassandra finds she is not only a wolf but other magical things, which she, her new magical cohorts, and her human mentor, uses to find the undead and missing children.
It’s a fun read and the second book of the series.
December 28, 2010
This was a good follow up book. It kept a continuation of characters and focused more on the Raven aspect of the main character (as the title suggests). I like the characters a lot. I only have two gripes. One, they focused very little on the villain and the case. Two, unevenly focused on the character depth of the main characters. I definitely liked the book and would continue to follow the series as it currently stands.
June 19, 2011
Very good. I like the author's voice and humor. The mystery was pretty easy to figure out and the red herring was a bit frustrating but, all in all, a good book.
The author joined us on episode 12 of Cocktail Hour to talk about her debut book.
http://www.cocktailhour.c-spot.net/ar...
The author joined us on episode 12 of Cocktail Hour to talk about her debut book.
http://www.cocktailhour.c-spot.net/ar...
April 2, 2022
3.5
I enjoyed this despite left feeling unsatisfied overall (especially the end). Kassandra continues to be somewhat antagonistic and quick to hostile mode. I get that it's her character personality and I love that about her. But the book doesn't really explore reasons for her abrasive nature and beyond it. She disappointedly doesn't really change from beginning to end, character-wise. There's not much of character motivation, too. I still don't know if she's portrayed as a good investigator because so far, nothing really suggests that.
The highlights of this book were the cast of characters around her and her relationship with Lenorre. I enjoyed Kass and Lenorre together. The attraction is convincing and delicious to read always. The new characters bring a new dynamic to the mix. I liked the growing relationship between Kass and Rosalin as she becomes even more protective of her and unintentionally claimed her as part of her pact, bringing about possible consequences in the future - keeping me interested. We were let in on more of Kass’s thoughts which I appreciated, but still left feeling wanting more. Just as we're given a taste of any background stories, nothing more was offered. The book still doesn’t get more in depth into the paranormal lore. Something that could bring new revelations/knowledge to propel Kass’s character growth.
The crime-mystery aspect of this crime-mystery book is just background, nothing exciting, nothing that really pushes any meaningful growth for the characters. For some reason, Kassandra becomes an even more powerful entity, which feels unearned. She has fae blood which explains her ability to shift into a raven and she easily learned new powers. It isn't really a challenge for her. When there's no challenge, there's no process of growth. The only "downside" in the beginning of raven shifting powers is that she loses her clothes. Even that was solved shortly after. We are simply told that is what she has now.
The climax is not a climax. I got a “huh” moment when Rupert suggested a nonsensical-plot-convenient battle idea of “Let’s bring a pizza ruse to a church full of vampires” to a serious battle discussion, which they all went with! The antagonist of this book is.. well.. was he ever? Because he was barely mentioned, never was a foreboding presence throughout. It feels like he was just plot-convenient character who got the role as the villain. A villain who was easily defeated in one scene. The end. Also, I can spot a lazy writing when I see the end is being explained away and wrapped up in a bow too easily. Like, really? It's more obvious here than in the first book.
Regardless, the book did set up things for the next book, which I still very am interested in reading about. I'm invested despite the shortcomings. I still enjoyed reading this because I think the writing style, albeit wanting more of substance (that's only because I can see and feel the potential. I know Winter is a very competent writer), suits me
I enjoyed this despite left feeling unsatisfied overall (especially the end). Kassandra continues to be somewhat antagonistic and quick to hostile mode. I get that it's her character personality and I love that about her. But the book doesn't really explore reasons for her abrasive nature and beyond it. She disappointedly doesn't really change from beginning to end, character-wise. There's not much of character motivation, too. I still don't know if she's portrayed as a good investigator because so far, nothing really suggests that.
The highlights of this book were the cast of characters around her and her relationship with Lenorre. I enjoyed Kass and Lenorre together. The attraction is convincing and delicious to read always. The new characters bring a new dynamic to the mix. I liked the growing relationship between Kass and Rosalin as she becomes even more protective of her and unintentionally claimed her as part of her pact, bringing about possible consequences in the future - keeping me interested. We were let in on more of Kass’s thoughts which I appreciated, but still left feeling wanting more. Just as we're given a taste of any background stories, nothing more was offered. The book still doesn’t get more in depth into the paranormal lore. Something that could bring new revelations/knowledge to propel Kass’s character growth.
The crime-mystery aspect of this crime-mystery book is just background, nothing exciting, nothing that really pushes any meaningful growth for the characters. For some reason, Kassandra becomes an even more powerful entity, which feels unearned. She has fae blood which explains her ability to shift into a raven and she easily learned new powers. It isn't really a challenge for her. When there's no challenge, there's no process of growth. The only "downside" in the beginning of raven shifting powers is that she loses her clothes. Even that was solved shortly after. We are simply told that is what she has now.
The climax is not a climax. I got a “huh” moment when Rupert suggested a nonsensical-plot-convenient battle idea of “Let’s bring a pizza ruse to a church full of vampires” to a serious battle discussion, which they all went with! The antagonist of this book is.. well.. was he ever? Because he was barely mentioned, never was a foreboding presence throughout. It feels like he was just plot-convenient character who got the role as the villain. A villain who was easily defeated in one scene. The end. Also, I can spot a lazy writing when I see the end is being explained away and wrapped up in a bow too easily. Like, really? It's more obvious here than in the first book.
Regardless, the book did set up things for the next book, which I still very am interested in reading about. I'm invested despite the shortcomings. I still enjoyed reading this because I think the writing style, albeit wanting more of substance (that's only because I can see and feel the potential. I know Winter is a very competent writer), suits me
November 30, 2018
Unlike the previous book, the romance in this book is up-ed to a higher degree. With little into the mystery aspect as the first book, comes this heavily more intuned with romance and sex. Not that it was bad, but I highly enjoyed the mystery side of things. Yes, in this book a large part of it is sex-based or near to it.
Kassandra and Lorrene are officially girlfriend and girlfriend. We don't see the blooming of their relationship, we are just emerged into as the book begins (I think) a month or so into their relationship and while Kassandra is spending quite some time at Lorrene's place no h=one has u-hauled yet (get my lesbian joke there?) We meet some old and new characters. The main mystery of the book aiming to be solved is is a young teen maned Timothy (who has uber-religious parents, especially his mother) has gone missing and now the question is is he dead or undead?
One thing that I like about the book is how the lore of the paranormal creatures are played as. (although I do think Kassandra has too many paranormal characteristics to him. She is a werewolf, a witch, a psychic, can turn into a raven because she connected to a goddess, and now shes a fey. Can you add any more to her list of paranormal?) In this book it looks at the fact that vampires die at dawn They don't just sleep to avoid the sunlight they die each morning. Cool, I must say even if it is just a detail in the vamp life.
Overall the positives of the work continue to be the world building and mystery aspect of the book. I liked the sex scenes but wish they occurred more alongside more mystery instead of a bunch of sex scenes and then there is a touch of mystery to more sex scenes to little mystery.
Kassandra and Lorrene are officially girlfriend and girlfriend. We don't see the blooming of their relationship, we are just emerged into as the book begins (I think) a month or so into their relationship and while Kassandra is spending quite some time at Lorrene's place no h=one has u-hauled yet (get my lesbian joke there?) We meet some old and new characters. The main mystery of the book aiming to be solved is is a young teen maned Timothy (who has uber-religious parents, especially his mother) has gone missing and now the question is is he dead or undead?
One thing that I like about the book is how the lore of the paranormal creatures are played as. (although I do think Kassandra has too many paranormal characteristics to him. She is a werewolf, a witch, a psychic, can turn into a raven because she connected to a goddess, and now shes a fey. Can you add any more to her list of paranormal?) In this book it looks at the fact that vampires die at dawn They don't just sleep to avoid the sunlight they die each morning. Cool, I must say even if it is just a detail in the vamp life.
Overall the positives of the work continue to be the world building and mystery aspect of the book. I liked the sex scenes but wish they occurred more alongside more mystery instead of a bunch of sex scenes and then there is a touch of mystery to more sex scenes to little mystery.
May 16, 2020
Raven Mask works as direct continuation to the story in Witch Wolf. There is a small time skip between the two novels that just makes all the difference because we went from the main couple just agreeing to be a couple to an already semi-cemented one. I would really have liked to read more about their development to get there. Other than that, it was a better read than the first book.
📝 The writting: We continue on first POV solely focusing on how Lyall sees the world and introduces us to it more deeply, which is to say not much because our protagonist seems not to know much about preternatural communities (it was stated in previous novel her training on it was deficient but we start seeing that much more in this installment). The pacing in these books is quick and pleasing, which fits the heavily action-packed theme.
🐺 The characters: Still well written, and still very little development from them. We do get to know more about Lenorre in this book and I absolutely love her. It starts becoming a little frustrating how little Kass' character remains unbending, uncompromising and seems to lack growth as a person, preternatural and professional.
🌐 Worldbuilding: I mentioned I loved consent culture on the vampires and I reinstate the same for this one. I thoroughly enjoyed this bit on it, also lets you sneak some more tidbits into the politics the preternatural comunity (vampires, specially) went through, but this is still very little.
📝 The writting: We continue on first POV solely focusing on how Lyall sees the world and introduces us to it more deeply, which is to say not much because our protagonist seems not to know much about preternatural communities (it was stated in previous novel her training on it was deficient but we start seeing that much more in this installment). The pacing in these books is quick and pleasing, which fits the heavily action-packed theme.
🐺 The characters: Still well written, and still very little development from them. We do get to know more about Lenorre in this book and I absolutely love her. It starts becoming a little frustrating how little Kass' character remains unbending, uncompromising and seems to lack growth as a person, preternatural and professional.
🌐 Worldbuilding: I mentioned I loved consent culture on the vampires and I reinstate the same for this one. I thoroughly enjoyed this bit on it, also lets you sneak some more tidbits into the politics the preternatural comunity (vampires, specially) went through, but this is still very little.
September 3, 2017
Good book, much like the first one. But, again, I found myself wanting more depth. More depth to the romance and just to the story as a whole. In book 2, we learn more about Kassandra and what she's capable of, but everything still feels very superficial.
With that said, I would still recommend these books to anyone looking for a quick urban fantasy read.
With that said, I would still recommend these books to anyone looking for a quick urban fantasy read.
October 4, 2019
Different..
A very interesting read...So different from the last book. I really like the introduction of folklore into the story and honestly can’t wait to read where the journey takes us next.
A very interesting read...So different from the last book. I really like the introduction of folklore into the story and honestly can’t wait to read where the journey takes us next.
April 26, 2020
A great follow up to Witch Wolf.
Kassandra is steadily getting more comfortable in her relationships whilst continuing to do her job, dealing with sine rogue vampires to solve a murder case this time.
Unlocking new secrets about herself and expanding her powers further.
Kassandra is steadily getting more comfortable in her relationships whilst continuing to do her job, dealing with sine rogue vampires to solve a murder case this time.
Unlocking new secrets about herself and expanding her powers further.
November 3, 2022
I enjoyed this one, a little bit more than the first one. The relationship between the mcs seems good get more complicated the deeper we get into the story. A vampire that doesn't get jealous... just damn.
November 3, 2019
I loved it 😍
Amazing, the hours fly away and it takes you to a whole new world ❤
Amazing, the hours fly away and it takes you to a whole new world ❤
June 25, 2013
Overall: 3
Definitely better than "Witch Wolf" but I still found some rather big plot-holes. The narrative wasn't as erratic and jumbled as with the previous book, although at times it still got confusing. There were some good tries at humor - nothing to make me laugh but they did bring a smile to my face. I would say Winter's writing has definitely improved. There is a certain variability to her description that wasn't present before and the descriptions themselves are more numerous. There is still a lot of work to be done but I dare say Winter is slowly coming into her own.
Plot: 3
The plot-line in "Raven Mask" does not differ greatly from the one seen in the previous book. It was slightly better developed and a little richer then in the previous installment, but it's various aspects still got an uneven amount of attention.
Kassandra get's called in on another case. When she arrives at the scene she instantly recognizes the body as that of Timothy - a boy she met during the course of her previous investigation. He's drained of all the blood and there is a concealed bite mark on the inside of his thigh. It seems there is an unaccounted for vampire roaming Lenorre's territory. When Timothy's body goes missing there is hope that he might have been changed.
Later on we learn that it was all orchestrated by the infamous Count of Counts (what's with the name?), who goes from place to place overthrowing local vampire rulers. He sounds powerful, doesn't he? That's why I can't stop wondering why was it so easy to defeat him. And why did Lenorre come in with four people at her side (and one of them human), when she had a whole army of vampires at her call? Being a countess has to be good for something, right?
We also find out that the count had been kidnapping children from different places and keeping them prisoners. Most of them hadn't been turned into vampires yet, so why had Timothy? Also how did he travel with so many prisoners without getting noticed?
Characters: 3
Kassandra learns that apart form being a werewolf and a witch she's got some fay blood running through her veins, and thanks to Morrigan's blessing she can now turn into a raven. Apparently there are a great many things being fay means but we'll have to wait for the next installment to learn more. Kassandra'a abrasive character comes into play once again and through a careless statement she bonds herself to Rosalin as her alpha - something that's sure to cause a problem in the later books.
Lenorre was as unforthcoming and mysterious as ever although we did learn she organizes Solstice parties every year, can cook, is more than 200 years old and was made in her thirties by a vampire who wanted to be called mistress.
Eris was a new character that appeared in the book. She's a Prime among Lenorre's vampires meaning she's one of the more powerful ones. She works as a pro-dom in Lenorre's club - a good one if Rosalin's statements are anything to go by. She is also apparently attracted to Kassandra, but although the attraction is mutual Kassandra stays faithful to Lenorre.
Rosalin once again made an appearance. Both for her sake and her own Kassandra started investigating Sheila - the local pack's alpha with sadistic tendencies. For a pack beta I find her incredibly submissive, it's truly a wonder that she managed to survive as long as she did.
Zachara - the mysterious blood donor from Witch Wolf - (surprise! surprise!) turns out to be Sidhe. A rather obvious conclusion if you ask me. At first she's very annoying tries to get a rise out of Kass, but later on they seem to find a working relationship, with only the occasional insult thrown in. She even offers to teach her some sidhe magic.
Sum up
A great improvement compared with the previous book. The level of the writing has certainly risen and although the characters still lack depth the author seems to be going in the right direction. A few more books and who knows... The plotline was quite simple and unevenly developed. There were also quite many plot-holes.
Definitely better than "Witch Wolf" but I still found some rather big plot-holes. The narrative wasn't as erratic and jumbled as with the previous book, although at times it still got confusing. There were some good tries at humor - nothing to make me laugh but they did bring a smile to my face. I would say Winter's writing has definitely improved. There is a certain variability to her description that wasn't present before and the descriptions themselves are more numerous. There is still a lot of work to be done but I dare say Winter is slowly coming into her own.
Plot: 3
The plot-line in "Raven Mask" does not differ greatly from the one seen in the previous book. It was slightly better developed and a little richer then in the previous installment, but it's various aspects still got an uneven amount of attention.
Kassandra get's called in on another case. When she arrives at the scene she instantly recognizes the body as that of Timothy - a boy she met during the course of her previous investigation. He's drained of all the blood and there is a concealed bite mark on the inside of his thigh. It seems there is an unaccounted for vampire roaming Lenorre's territory. When Timothy's body goes missing there is hope that he might have been changed.
Later on we learn that it was all orchestrated by the infamous Count of Counts (what's with the name?), who goes from place to place overthrowing local vampire rulers. He sounds powerful, doesn't he? That's why I can't stop wondering why was it so easy to defeat him. And why did Lenorre come in with four people at her side (and one of them human), when she had a whole army of vampires at her call? Being a countess has to be good for something, right?
We also find out that the count had been kidnapping children from different places and keeping them prisoners. Most of them hadn't been turned into vampires yet, so why had Timothy? Also how did he travel with so many prisoners without getting noticed?
Characters: 3
Kassandra learns that apart form being a werewolf and a witch she's got some fay blood running through her veins, and thanks to Morrigan's blessing she can now turn into a raven. Apparently there are a great many things being fay means but we'll have to wait for the next installment to learn more. Kassandra'a abrasive character comes into play once again and through a careless statement she bonds herself to Rosalin as her alpha - something that's sure to cause a problem in the later books.
Lenorre was as unforthcoming and mysterious as ever although we did learn she organizes Solstice parties every year, can cook, is more than 200 years old and was made in her thirties by a vampire who wanted to be called mistress.
Eris was a new character that appeared in the book. She's a Prime among Lenorre's vampires meaning she's one of the more powerful ones. She works as a pro-dom in Lenorre's club - a good one if Rosalin's statements are anything to go by. She is also apparently attracted to Kassandra, but although the attraction is mutual Kassandra stays faithful to Lenorre.
Rosalin once again made an appearance. Both for her sake and her own Kassandra started investigating Sheila - the local pack's alpha with sadistic tendencies. For a pack beta I find her incredibly submissive, it's truly a wonder that she managed to survive as long as she did.
Zachara - the mysterious blood donor from Witch Wolf - (surprise! surprise!) turns out to be Sidhe. A rather obvious conclusion if you ask me. At first she's very annoying tries to get a rise out of Kass, but later on they seem to find a working relationship, with only the occasional insult thrown in. She even offers to teach her some sidhe magic.
Sum up
A great improvement compared with the previous book. The level of the writing has certainly risen and although the characters still lack depth the author seems to be going in the right direction. A few more books and who knows... The plotline was quite simple and unevenly developed. There were also quite many plot-holes.
February 6, 2011
Synopsis: “I stared down at the lifeless body of a boy whose face was all too familiar…”
Following the execution of Lukas Morris, Preternatural Private Investigator Kassandra Lyall told herself that she’d learn more about the local werewolf pack’s Alpha female Sheila Morris. Just as she begins her investigation, she’s interrupted by a phone call from friend and ex-colleague, Detective Arthur Kingfisher. The body of a sixteen-year-old boy has been found. It’s not just any sixteen-year-old boy, it’s Timothy Nelson, a boy Kassandra knew was curious about the preternatural.
Kassandra soon realizes that Timothy’s death serves as a challenge, but it’s not a challenge directed at her. It’s aimed at her lover, the Countess vampire of Oklahoma, Lenorre. While Kassandra tries to figure out if Timothy’s curiosity was his undoing, the biggest question of all remains unanswered.
Is Timothy Nelson dead or undead?
Review: This is the second book in the Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Private Investigator story. Kass, is a former OKC police officer who was infected with the lycanthrope virus. Having resigned from the force so that nobody knows what really happened to her, she's the specialist the police call on to solve their brutal murders at the hands of the preternatural community. Only a few trusted people; Lenorre, Rosalin, and Rupert, her human friend and hunter, know the truth about what happened to her.
This time around, it's vampires that make the storyline and the problems. And, of course the intimate relationship that has suddenly gone from zero to holy crap that's hot, in under 5 seconds. As Kass becomes more comfortable, the relationship becomes more sexual.
We also learn a thing or two about Kassandra herself that is mind boggling when you think about it. Last time around, she found out that she had the ability to shape shift into a Raven. She was blessed by Morrigan, the goddess of the witches in that regards. Now, she has to wonder who in her family blurred the lines as it were. She also has the ability to shift with her clothes on now thanks to her bloodline.
As a heads up to anyone wanting to check this series out, this book is by far the most sexually explicit novel written in this series. It is also between two women, which doesn't bother me like it may others. Kass finds herself desired not only by Lenorre, but her new best friend Rosalin, her werewolf she's somehow claimed; Eris, the vampire, and Zaphara the Fey who knows a thing or two about what Kass really is.
Villian of the story: He's called the Count of Counts (vampire). All he does it enter a territory unannounced and kills the Count, or Countess and takes over, leaving behind bloodshed in his wake and a puppet master in charge. Lenorre is on top of his target list this time around.
What, you ask, happened to Timothy? He's been turned into a vampire thanks to the pushing by his girlfriend Alyssa Cunningham. He's not the only one either. Seems not only does the Count of Counts wants to get rid of Lenorre and take over her territory, but he is collection children and teens as well.
This is a very fast read at only 233 pages. This series is more or less for those who are deep into romance between women, with a wee bit of action, and mystery as well. Recently, on Facebook, Winter announced that yes there will be a third book in the series, and it's called Bloody Claws (2012).
Following the execution of Lukas Morris, Preternatural Private Investigator Kassandra Lyall told herself that she’d learn more about the local werewolf pack’s Alpha female Sheila Morris. Just as she begins her investigation, she’s interrupted by a phone call from friend and ex-colleague, Detective Arthur Kingfisher. The body of a sixteen-year-old boy has been found. It’s not just any sixteen-year-old boy, it’s Timothy Nelson, a boy Kassandra knew was curious about the preternatural.
Kassandra soon realizes that Timothy’s death serves as a challenge, but it’s not a challenge directed at her. It’s aimed at her lover, the Countess vampire of Oklahoma, Lenorre. While Kassandra tries to figure out if Timothy’s curiosity was his undoing, the biggest question of all remains unanswered.
Is Timothy Nelson dead or undead?
Review: This is the second book in the Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Private Investigator story. Kass, is a former OKC police officer who was infected with the lycanthrope virus. Having resigned from the force so that nobody knows what really happened to her, she's the specialist the police call on to solve their brutal murders at the hands of the preternatural community. Only a few trusted people; Lenorre, Rosalin, and Rupert, her human friend and hunter, know the truth about what happened to her.
This time around, it's vampires that make the storyline and the problems. And, of course the intimate relationship that has suddenly gone from zero to holy crap that's hot, in under 5 seconds. As Kass becomes more comfortable, the relationship becomes more sexual.
We also learn a thing or two about Kassandra herself that is mind boggling when you think about it. Last time around, she found out that she had the ability to shape shift into a Raven. She was blessed by Morrigan, the goddess of the witches in that regards. Now, she has to wonder who in her family blurred the lines as it were. She also has the ability to shift with her clothes on now thanks to her bloodline.
As a heads up to anyone wanting to check this series out, this book is by far the most sexually explicit novel written in this series. It is also between two women, which doesn't bother me like it may others. Kass finds herself desired not only by Lenorre, but her new best friend Rosalin, her werewolf she's somehow claimed; Eris, the vampire, and Zaphara the Fey who knows a thing or two about what Kass really is.
Villian of the story: He's called the Count of Counts (vampire). All he does it enter a territory unannounced and kills the Count, or Countess and takes over, leaving behind bloodshed in his wake and a puppet master in charge. Lenorre is on top of his target list this time around.
What, you ask, happened to Timothy? He's been turned into a vampire thanks to the pushing by his girlfriend Alyssa Cunningham. He's not the only one either. Seems not only does the Count of Counts wants to get rid of Lenorre and take over her territory, but he is collection children and teens as well.
This is a very fast read at only 233 pages. This series is more or less for those who are deep into romance between women, with a wee bit of action, and mystery as well. Recently, on Facebook, Winter announced that yes there will be a third book in the series, and it's called Bloody Claws (2012).
December 12, 2023
The book was okay. I wish the case was investigated more than it was by Kassandra, she barely did any research to find the bad guy and his location was so conveniently found. I would have also liked the showdown between the villain and Kassandra and her team to have been more interesting than it was. It wasn’t built up well to begin with and then it lasted barely two chapters, which was especially frustrating when they were suggesting how tough and scary the Count of Counts was going to be. It felt really anticlimactic.
“Some femmes collect diamonds, I prefer guns. Seriously, what will the diamond do for me? Sparkle? ”. This was giving I’m not like the other girls energy.
The saving grace for me was the development of the relationship between Kass and Lenorre, it was cute and surprisingly steamy. Kass as a character has an abrasive personality, which I don’t mind in a main character, but I don’t really appreciate how she just seems to be collecting all these powers all the time. She’s a witch, an alpha werewolf, a raven and now she has fey blood/magic. It feels like too much at once. One positive is the supporting cast of characters who are all great, I loved the introductions to Eris, Zaphara, and Rosalin, even the two guys Rupert and Arthur added something.
“Some femmes collect diamonds, I prefer guns. Seriously, what will the diamond do for me? Sparkle? ”. This was giving I’m not like the other girls energy.
The saving grace for me was the development of the relationship between Kass and Lenorre, it was cute and surprisingly steamy. Kass as a character has an abrasive personality, which I don’t mind in a main character, but I don’t really appreciate how she just seems to be collecting all these powers all the time. She’s a witch, an alpha werewolf, a raven and now she has fey blood/magic. It feels like too much at once. One positive is the supporting cast of characters who are all great, I loved the introductions to Eris, Zaphara, and Rosalin, even the two guys Rupert and Arthur added something.
August 27, 2016
Kassandra gets sucked into a case she never wanted...someone she knew has been murdered. Timothy was a kid she ran into during her last investigation and she tried to warn him away from her world, but he obviously didn't take her advice and paid the ultimate price. The more she finds out, the more it leads to her lover's people, and she doesn't like that. However, the Count of Counts has made no friends in the vampire community and everyone is out to take him down. In the meantime, Kass is finding out more about herself - truths she never would have imagined - that just might save her life. When Timothy's body disappears, she now has to find out if he's truly dead or now undead. But what will this case cost her...and what could she gain?
I loved this book! The characters have really developed and I'm really interested to see how much further Kass's powers will increase over time. She's not only a werewolf, but Goddess-touched, and so much more. I love the play between Kass and Lenorre and the complicated simplicity of their relationship - and the sex is really hot, too! I do have to say that I really enjoyed Eris' character, too - she's someone I wouldn't mind spending some time with. I can't wait to read the next book in this wonderfully creative series!
Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator Series: Witch Wolf (1), Raven Mask (2), Bloody Claws (3), 'Harvest Sins' (Short story in Breathless: Tales of Celebration), 'Eris' (Short story in Women of the Dark Streets)
I loved this book! The characters have really developed and I'm really interested to see how much further Kass's powers will increase over time. She's not only a werewolf, but Goddess-touched, and so much more. I love the play between Kass and Lenorre and the complicated simplicity of their relationship - and the sex is really hot, too! I do have to say that I really enjoyed Eris' character, too - she's someone I wouldn't mind spending some time with. I can't wait to read the next book in this wonderfully creative series!
Kassandra Lyall Preternatural Investigator Series: Witch Wolf (1), Raven Mask (2), Bloody Claws (3), 'Harvest Sins' (Short story in Breathless: Tales of Celebration), 'Eris' (Short story in Women of the Dark Streets)
March 18, 2015
Secondo appuntamento con Kassandra Liall, detective privata del paranormale. Ho apprezzato questo volume più del precedente, sebbene non siano mancati momenti lenti e qualche riferimento a libri già letti.
Innanzi tutto, il rapporto tra Lenorre e Kassandra si approfondisce e, nonostante le riserve della seconda, si fa importante. Naturalmente, spunta il cliché di lei che ha paura di impegnarsi e dell'altra che vuole di più, ma è disposta ad aspettare. Il tutto mescolato alla saggezza di Lenorre che è una vampira secolare e alla difficoltà da parte di Kassandra di capire il suo punto di vista. Roba già vista, bene o male, ma niente di particolarmente fastidioso. Diciamo che è uno dei tanti libri che ne parlano.
Rosalin diventa ufficialmente amica di Kassadra, ma subentra un'altra minaccia agli ormoni di Kassandra: Eris, una vampira sensualissima alle dipendenze di Lenorre. Una di quelle tipe che quando passano fanno voltare la testa a tutti. Kassandra è sconvolta dalla sua reazione, ma Lenorre la prende con molta filosofia (anche troppa). A volte Lenorre è davvero troppo ragionevole...
Infine, abbiamo Zachara, che sarà la sorpresa del libro (sempre che la si possa definire così). Da una parte, niente faceva presupporre la sopresa; dall'altra parte, una volta venutane a conoscenza, ho pensato: «Be', certo». Una sorpresa senza sorpresa. In linea con l'adesione della serie (per ora) ai canoni del genere.
Innanzi tutto, il rapporto tra Lenorre e Kassandra si approfondisce e, nonostante le riserve della seconda, si fa importante. Naturalmente, spunta il cliché di lei che ha paura di impegnarsi e dell'altra che vuole di più, ma è disposta ad aspettare. Il tutto mescolato alla saggezza di Lenorre che è una vampira secolare e alla difficoltà da parte di Kassandra di capire il suo punto di vista. Roba già vista, bene o male, ma niente di particolarmente fastidioso. Diciamo che è uno dei tanti libri che ne parlano.
Rosalin diventa ufficialmente amica di Kassadra, ma subentra un'altra minaccia agli ormoni di Kassandra: Eris, una vampira sensualissima alle dipendenze di Lenorre. Una di quelle tipe che quando passano fanno voltare la testa a tutti. Kassandra è sconvolta dalla sua reazione, ma Lenorre la prende con molta filosofia (anche troppa). A volte Lenorre è davvero troppo ragionevole...
Infine, abbiamo Zachara, che sarà la sorpresa del libro (sempre che la si possa definire così). Da una parte, niente faceva presupporre la sopresa; dall'altra parte, una volta venutane a conoscenza, ho pensato: «Be', certo». Una sorpresa senza sorpresa. In linea con l'adesione della serie (per ora) ai canoni del genere.
March 8, 2025
10-14-21
While this story is a definite 4 star ebook to me the audiobook is a 3 star. Even though she seems to have toned it down a bit in this second book, the narrator overacts the dialogue and reads Kassandra bitchier than I feel is warranted.
I'll hit the ebook next time I reread unless I am doing a buddy listen with my wife who prefers audio.
Regarding the story itself: an emerging alpha werewolf, her werewolf best friend who is a sweetheart, her sexy vampire girlfriend, two antagonists in their social circle and a mystery involving a character from the first book all make for an enjoyable read. As an added bonus the sexy times are quite sizzling.
While this story is a definite 4 star ebook to me the audiobook is a 3 star. Even though she seems to have toned it down a bit in this second book, the narrator overacts the dialogue and reads Kassandra bitchier than I feel is warranted.
I'll hit the ebook next time I reread unless I am doing a buddy listen with my wife who prefers audio.
Regarding the story itself: an emerging alpha werewolf, her werewolf best friend who is a sweetheart, her sexy vampire girlfriend, two antagonists in their social circle and a mystery involving a character from the first book all make for an enjoyable read. As an added bonus the sexy times are quite sizzling.
May 23, 2013
The second book of Kassandra Lyall series better than the first..
New character other than vampire/werewolf is introduced.
I enjoy reading this book, but still questioning, why Lenorre didn't just gather all her loyal vampires to fight the enemy? Why risk only 6 of them fighting?
And after all the tension until few last chapters, the "powerful" enemy turn to be easily defeated. And not clear, is there any reason why the enemy use children?
I guess maybe this second book just want to highlight on few characters development and Kassandra's new ability.
New character other than vampire/werewolf is introduced.
I enjoy reading this book, but still questioning, why Lenorre didn't just gather all her loyal vampires to fight the enemy? Why risk only 6 of them fighting?
And after all the tension until few last chapters, the "powerful" enemy turn to be easily defeated. And not clear, is there any reason why the enemy use children?
I guess maybe this second book just want to highlight on few characters development and Kassandra's new ability.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2016
It got tedious quickly. The sex between the two main characters didn't really work for me, and I did not like how the main character seemed blessed with every super power they could load her down with. The first book gave her just a few one-ups, but there is such a thing of giving a character too many shiny abilities. Made it boring.
Overall, the author is fairly talented. While I don't like this story, give her novels a shot. There aren't many out there writing urban fantasy for lesbians, and Winter Pennington does it well, most of the time.
Overall, the author is fairly talented. While I don't like this story, give her novels a shot. There aren't many out there writing urban fantasy for lesbians, and Winter Pennington does it well, most of the time.
July 27, 2015
After finished up to book 3, I decided to go back and review this one. In my opinion, book 2 is the one where it most focus on character's romance and I love it. While the first book holds a lot of exciting moment such as meeting Lenorre for the first time, and a better conflict story line, this one focus on developing the main couple's feelings for one another. As a romantic person such as I, book two obviously fall into my most favorite list in the whole series.
Though I'm a bit curious as to how or where Lenorre knew about Kassandra even before meeting her (reference to book 1).
Though I'm a bit curious as to how or where Lenorre knew about Kassandra even before meeting her (reference to book 1).
September 25, 2010
I liked the first book by this author, and I like this one even more. This is a must-read if you are a fan of the paranormal genre. Lots of action, well-developed characters and unique enough that it stands out among the flood of were/vampire story lines. I'll be happy to read more from this writer.
September 1, 2014
Like Witch Wolf, this was a fun, easy read. I enjoy the characters so much. I was disappointed with the villain in this who I felt was written cheesily at best and I was quite irritated that his entire appearance in the book was read in a single page despite supposedly being so bad ass.
Despite that, the book was super enjoyable and I am reading the third one right away. ^^
Despite that, the book was super enjoyable and I am reading the third one right away. ^^
May 23, 2015
Ooooooh, I enjoyed this a lot more than Witch Wolf. The development of the relationships amongst characters and the addition of other interesting characters were well-written and oh-so-amusing. The love between Lenorre and Kassandra is raw and touching and definitely aww-worthy.
Looking forward to the next book.
Looking forward to the next book.
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