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Rhiannon's Law #3
The Ripple Effect
There is always a price to pay…
Rhiannon Murphy visited the future, witnessed hell on earth and made choices to change things for the greater good. Unfortunately there are consequences for her actions, the penalties for her interference possibly more than she can bear. Determined to sever her debt with a fallen angel, she pushes everything aside, focusing on locating Marigold Vesta’s resting place.
Until death comes knocking at her door.
When Disco’s maker arrives in New York, he resents Rhiannon on a level she can’t begin to comprehend. Yet Marius isn’t her most dangerous adversary, not by a long shot. Marius’s sire -- a half-demon -- is determined to see the necromancer who stunned the vampire world on her knees. If she won’t bend, he’ll do everything in his power to make her break. No price is too high, meaning no one is safe -- including Disco and Paine.
Dealt a blow from which she can never recover, Rhiannon turns to the only person who can help her: the fallen angel who is relying on Rhiannon to save her soul. Bartering with a creature from Heaven is probably just as dangerous as starting a war with a demon from Hell, but with nothing to lose it’s no longer about life or death.
It’s about getting even.
Rhiannon Murphy visited the future, witnessed hell on earth and made choices to change things for the greater good. Unfortunately there are consequences for her actions, the penalties for her interference possibly more than she can bear. Determined to sever her debt with a fallen angel, she pushes everything aside, focusing on locating Marigold Vesta’s resting place.
Until death comes knocking at her door.
When Disco’s maker arrives in New York, he resents Rhiannon on a level she can’t begin to comprehend. Yet Marius isn’t her most dangerous adversary, not by a long shot. Marius’s sire -- a half-demon -- is determined to see the necromancer who stunned the vampire world on her knees. If she won’t bend, he’ll do everything in his power to make her break. No price is too high, meaning no one is safe -- including Disco and Paine.
Dealt a blow from which she can never recover, Rhiannon turns to the only person who can help her: the fallen angel who is relying on Rhiannon to save her soul. Bartering with a creature from Heaven is probably just as dangerous as starting a war with a demon from Hell, but with nothing to lose it’s no longer about life or death.
It’s about getting even.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 30, 2012
28 people are currently reading
1495 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Saare
23 books744 followersJ.A. Saare is a multi-published author who has written stories featured in horror
magazines, zombie romance anthologies, and flash fiction contests. Her work has a notable dark undertone, which she credits to her love of old eighties horror films, tastes in music, and choices in reading, and has been described as “full of sensual promise,” “gritty and sexy,” and “a breath
of fresh air.”
Currently she is penning projects within the urban fantasy, erotic and contemporary, and paranormal romance categories. You can visit her online at www.jasaare.com. Those interested in her “naughtier” side can visit her alias, Aline Hunter, at www.alinehunter.com.
magazines, zombie romance anthologies, and flash fiction contests. Her work has a notable dark undertone, which she credits to her love of old eighties horror films, tastes in music, and choices in reading, and has been described as “full of sensual promise,” “gritty and sexy,” and “a breath
of fresh air.”
Currently she is penning projects within the urban fantasy, erotic and contemporary, and paranormal romance categories. You can visit her online at www.jasaare.com. Those interested in her “naughtier” side can visit her alias, Aline Hunter, at www.alinehunter.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 222 reviews
September 18, 2012
"Forgive me for taking things too far."
I brought my hands up and cupped his face. "I already have."
And that was when I deleted this from my kindle. 57% in.
(Note: there are spoilers in the below... mostly about book 2, so... don't read if you want to not spoil yourself.)
Here's the deal. If Saare wanted Disco to be forgivable, then she shouldn't have painted his invasion of her mind at the end of book 2 as a rape. But she did. I know rape. I have first-hand knowledge of it. And I have worked as a volunteer at a halfway house for women fleeing domestic abuse, so I also have first-hand knowledge of the way countless women blame themselves, justify their abuse, tell themselves that "he loves me, he'll never do it again, it's just that I made him so mad."
I'm not interested in any book or series that helps women in these situations justify abuse they are receiving at the hands of someone who supposedly loves them. I'm not interested in any book or series that makes this something forgivable, and paints the heroine as out of her mind - LITERALLY - for being angry. Goose telling her she was being selfish, that should have been my last straw. But no, I read on, hoping that she'd grow some balls and find a way out of the situation.
Look, my problem is with the author, 100%. If she wanted him to be forgivable, she could have painted the invasion as uncomfortable, regrettable, embarrassing. Let me point out that Rhiannon was not wearing the amulet when this occurred - Saare was careful to point out that it came off with her sweater - so the emotions she was feeling as he tore through her mind were ALL HER EMOTIONS. Her screaming - so much so that people downstairs wanted to intercede - that trailed off to broken whimpers as he finished his business. Her shaking shame after he left her to "clean herself up", as she tried to get dressed. Her revulsion. If this was supposed to be a dramatic fight, you can write that without making it into a rape. I hate - HATE - reading rape in 99.99999% of books, because they are clearly written by fucktarded authors who want to up the drama, so they throw in some rape to make for easy betrayal, and then have the regretful heroine come to understand that she loves the rapist too much to continue pushing her away. These kinds of stories literally make me want to throw up. When I clicked to my menu and deleted this book, I was trying to not puke.
If you want your h/h to deal with betrayal, and be made stronger by their reconciliation, then make it a forgivable fucking betrayal. Not rape.
The fact that in this book, we just had abuse heaped on abuse only made it worse. She's not ready to deal with him yet, but he doesn't take no for an answer... he instead tears into her throat, bleeds her until she's woozy, and then forces her to take his blood in return. Or when everyone - EVERYONE - blames her for their falling out. Thinks she's being shitty to keep away from him. Let's please go through past events, because I'm trying to think of what transgressions justified Rhiannon's horrific abuse and then being shamed over her anger.
1. She got dragged into this entire situation against her will, in book 1. They laugh over the fact that she knows literally nothing about this supernatural world that they are forcing her to step into. Disco literally won't take no for an answer.
2. In doing the job for Disco, she suffers unbelievably. From reliving having a dead man's still-beating heart carved out of his living chest, to being beaten savagely by an incubus and his helper, and nearly raped. All because she's trying to do the right thing, and help Disco. (book 1)
3. She gets killed. (book 1) Gets killed, I'd like to stress, solving Disco's problem with another vampire, who, it turns out, was the guy carving those still-beating hearts out of vampire chests.
4. A demon - that DISCO made a deal with - shows up at her house and tells her that, basically because she's Disco's possession, she can be held responsible for the deal he made with the demon. He offers her what sounds like a simple solution to wrap it up, but tricks her and spirits her away. (book 1)
5. 75% of book 2 is spent dealing with the fallout of that (remember, HIS deal with the demon). But she finally makes it back to Disco, just in time to save his life. Hooray for Rhia!
6. He mentally rapes her. She is horrified and runs away. Apparently, this is unforgivable - everyone thinks she's being a bitch about it, and should just get over it, because he clearly regrets it. He won't do it again. Promise.
Fuck this book, and fuck this author... and ALL authors who write in rape as some dramatic tension-builder that their heroines can just get the fuck over and go back to the rapist hero that clearly loves them so much.
Goodreads, please create a system so I can give this kind of shit negative stars.
I brought my hands up and cupped his face. "I already have."
And that was when I deleted this from my kindle. 57% in.
(Note: there are spoilers in the below... mostly about book 2, so... don't read if you want to not spoil yourself.)
Here's the deal. If Saare wanted Disco to be forgivable, then she shouldn't have painted his invasion of her mind at the end of book 2 as a rape. But she did. I know rape. I have first-hand knowledge of it. And I have worked as a volunteer at a halfway house for women fleeing domestic abuse, so I also have first-hand knowledge of the way countless women blame themselves, justify their abuse, tell themselves that "he loves me, he'll never do it again, it's just that I made him so mad."
I'm not interested in any book or series that helps women in these situations justify abuse they are receiving at the hands of someone who supposedly loves them. I'm not interested in any book or series that makes this something forgivable, and paints the heroine as out of her mind - LITERALLY - for being angry. Goose telling her she was being selfish, that should have been my last straw. But no, I read on, hoping that she'd grow some balls and find a way out of the situation.
Look, my problem is with the author, 100%. If she wanted him to be forgivable, she could have painted the invasion as uncomfortable, regrettable, embarrassing. Let me point out that Rhiannon was not wearing the amulet when this occurred - Saare was careful to point out that it came off with her sweater - so the emotions she was feeling as he tore through her mind were ALL HER EMOTIONS. Her screaming - so much so that people downstairs wanted to intercede - that trailed off to broken whimpers as he finished his business. Her shaking shame after he left her to "clean herself up", as she tried to get dressed. Her revulsion. If this was supposed to be a dramatic fight, you can write that without making it into a rape. I hate - HATE - reading rape in 99.99999% of books, because they are clearly written by fucktarded authors who want to up the drama, so they throw in some rape to make for easy betrayal, and then have the regretful heroine come to understand that she loves the rapist too much to continue pushing her away. These kinds of stories literally make me want to throw up. When I clicked to my menu and deleted this book, I was trying to not puke.
If you want your h/h to deal with betrayal, and be made stronger by their reconciliation, then make it a forgivable fucking betrayal. Not rape.
The fact that in this book, we just had abuse heaped on abuse only made it worse. She's not ready to deal with him yet, but he doesn't take no for an answer... he instead tears into her throat, bleeds her until she's woozy, and then forces her to take his blood in return. Or when everyone - EVERYONE - blames her for their falling out. Thinks she's being shitty to keep away from him. Let's please go through past events, because I'm trying to think of what transgressions justified Rhiannon's horrific abuse and then being shamed over her anger.
1. She got dragged into this entire situation against her will, in book 1. They laugh over the fact that she knows literally nothing about this supernatural world that they are forcing her to step into. Disco literally won't take no for an answer.
2. In doing the job for Disco, she suffers unbelievably. From reliving having a dead man's still-beating heart carved out of his living chest, to being beaten savagely by an incubus and his helper, and nearly raped. All because she's trying to do the right thing, and help Disco. (book 1)
3. She gets killed. (book 1) Gets killed, I'd like to stress, solving Disco's problem with another vampire, who, it turns out, was the guy carving those still-beating hearts out of vampire chests.
4. A demon - that DISCO made a deal with - shows up at her house and tells her that, basically because she's Disco's possession, she can be held responsible for the deal he made with the demon. He offers her what sounds like a simple solution to wrap it up, but tricks her and spirits her away. (book 1)
5. 75% of book 2 is spent dealing with the fallout of that (remember, HIS deal with the demon). But she finally makes it back to Disco, just in time to save his life. Hooray for Rhia!
6. He mentally rapes her. She is horrified and runs away. Apparently, this is unforgivable - everyone thinks she's being a bitch about it, and should just get over it, because he clearly regrets it. He won't do it again. Promise.
Fuck this book, and fuck this author... and ALL authors who write in rape as some dramatic tension-builder that their heroines can just get the fuck over and go back to the rapist hero that clearly loves them so much.
Goodreads, please create a system so I can give this kind of shit negative stars.
September 3, 2012
Ok. I seriously feel horrible. This was such an incredible book and I STILL didn't do a review. I loved the book. Isn't that enough? No. Okay, we'll I promise this will be my first review once I return to the world of books and blogs. Until then, go read the series. go..go..go.
July 23, 2012
This review was originally posted at Vampire Book Club.
Readers of the Rhiannon’s Law series know J.A. Saare never pulls punches. Rhiannon makes massive mistakes, awful things happen to her, the world spins out of control, everyone makes poor choices and the characters just have to deal. It’s what I like so much about the series. Nothing is easy in these books, and you can never take a sweet moment between characters for granted, because it all could change in the next chapter.
We come into The Ripple Effect a few weeks after the horrible misunderstanding (a.k.a. The Awfulness) between Disco and Rhiannon from the end of The Renfield Syndrome. He wants to apologize, wants to make things right and our girl Rhiannon isn’t having it. Their mutual friends are trying to make them get past this. Again, Rhiannon isn’t ready to forgive him.(I wouldn’t be ready either.)
The Ripple Effect is a book about consequences. And that’s a good thing. Every action has meaning, and everyone must endure as the results trickle in. First, turns out our boy Disco was sheltering Rhiannon from the real vampire world. That means his master is coming to visit and expects to see things a bit more violent and the humans much more subjugated. Imagine Rhiannon’s reaction to this. We find a link between demons and vampires and have to spend quality time at their place, which results in scenes horror fans will love and others will cringe at — but you’ll know who the bad guys are immediately.
As a result of the master vampire visiting, Rhiannon has to play dutiful girlfriend while in private still giving Disco the cold shoulder. This forces them — and Paine — to work out their issues, and to accept one another’s faults as best they can in a stressful situation.
Unrelenting and honest. Dark, deep and a touch dirty. If you like your vampires sexy and scary, The Ripple Effect is a must. Since it’s a Saare book, expect big changes in love, death and a heavy dose of violence — the kind that will captivate you early on.
Sexual content: Sex
Readers of the Rhiannon’s Law series know J.A. Saare never pulls punches. Rhiannon makes massive mistakes, awful things happen to her, the world spins out of control, everyone makes poor choices and the characters just have to deal. It’s what I like so much about the series. Nothing is easy in these books, and you can never take a sweet moment between characters for granted, because it all could change in the next chapter.
We come into The Ripple Effect a few weeks after the horrible misunderstanding (a.k.a. The Awfulness) between Disco and Rhiannon from the end of The Renfield Syndrome. He wants to apologize, wants to make things right and our girl Rhiannon isn’t having it. Their mutual friends are trying to make them get past this. Again, Rhiannon isn’t ready to forgive him.(I wouldn’t be ready either.)
The Ripple Effect is a book about consequences. And that’s a good thing. Every action has meaning, and everyone must endure as the results trickle in. First, turns out our boy Disco was sheltering Rhiannon from the real vampire world. That means his master is coming to visit and expects to see things a bit more violent and the humans much more subjugated. Imagine Rhiannon’s reaction to this. We find a link between demons and vampires and have to spend quality time at their place, which results in scenes horror fans will love and others will cringe at — but you’ll know who the bad guys are immediately.
As a result of the master vampire visiting, Rhiannon has to play dutiful girlfriend while in private still giving Disco the cold shoulder. This forces them — and Paine — to work out their issues, and to accept one another’s faults as best they can in a stressful situation.
Unrelenting and honest. Dark, deep and a touch dirty. If you like your vampires sexy and scary, The Ripple Effect is a must. Since it’s a Saare book, expect big changes in love, death and a heavy dose of violence — the kind that will captivate you early on.
Sexual content: Sex
January 17, 2012
Not only did I like it. I loved it. This book has everything. Action romance and tears. I couldn't put it down. I read it until I finished. I think its the best one yet. If it wasn't I be the first to say so. I'm your number one fan. Thanks for letting me be one of first to read it. Luv you.Mom
July 27, 2012
Posted at Yummy Men & Kick Ass Chicks
Excuse me while I try to collect my thoughts for a moment. This book… Oh boys…
The Urban Fantasy genre is meant to put readers through the ringer. After all, that’s one of its traits. You must keep that in mind while you read The Ripple Effect by JA Saare, the third book in her Rhiannon’s Law series, because if you don’t keep that in mind it would be very easy to get frustrated with this book and very easy to curl up in a ball and repeatedly chant “why? why? why? why? why?”. So be sure to keep that UF aspect in your head while you read because people, this is definitely a true Urban Fantasy book.
The Ripple Effect starts just a few weeks after the last book leaves us. Rhiannon is just going about her life, trying to figure out how to accomplish the task she was given in The Renfield Syndrome and trying to avoid Disco. Yes, she saves him then but afterwards he did something truly unspeakable. And because of that, Rhiannon is convinced she must forget about him…but can’t. She is crazy in love with him after all. She has grown closer to Paine too (as friends) and that is something Disco isn’t too fond of…but Disco can suck it *grin*. The beginning of the book grips you right away. Rhiannon is helping out her friend Goose, using her necromancy skills. It’s a heavy and creepy action scene that sets the tone of the book.
Let me advise you that The Ripple Effect is the darkest book to date in this series. And I mean it is dark. I’m talking really gruesome and extra gory. Rhiannon witnesses some really nasty stuff and goes through the ringer in this one. Over and over and over. Every UF series has what I like to call a ‘transition book’: installments where the hero and heroine go through an extra helping of hell but it’s all necessary to keep their characters growing. These installments also tend to set up for the next direction that the series will take. Well, The Ripple Effect is this series transition book. There is a bit of snark in this one but not nearly as much as usual. As I said, this book is dark.
Oh Rhiannon… *shakes head* Yes, she goes through hell this time around but seriously, I wanted to smack her so badly for most of the book. I mean, a good 65% of the book, I wanted to reach into my Kobo and shake her up a little bit. (And I’m not the only one – even the author admits to wanting to smack her lol) She is in possession of a knife that demons fear. Disco’s sire wants the weapon so it can be destroyed, or something, but Rhiannon refuses to hand it over because if she loses it she can’t prevent the future she witnessed in the last book from happening. Everyone is asking her, telling her and finally begging her to let it go but she won’t. Well, that doesn’t go over well. At all. Rhiannon gets punished and pretty much every one she cares about too. No, she doesn’t truly deserve what she goes through but I couldn’t help thinking “yeah, well, you brought this on yourself crazy lady”. Now there’s an amulet that I’m convinced plays a big role in all this too…but still, pretty much all her fault. At the end of it all, we see lights finally go off in Rhiannon’s stubborn little head and I am looking forward to seeing her grow and where JA takes her in the next book.
Disco is…well he’s Disco. He is truly sorry for what he did in the last book but he’s also stuck because his sire, Marius, is around and humans are supposed to be tools for vampires to use. For those of you who have read this series, you are aware that Rhiannon is not treated that way that way. Disco doesn’t treat those under his protection as objects – something his sire does not understand. Disco must please his sire but also wants to win Rhiannon back. Yes, you are right, he is in quite the pickle. We do get a hint as to how powerful Disco really is and man, that was cool. I can’t wait to delve a little deeper into that in the next book.
Bane is a really cool character and he has an interesting story, I just know it. You know there are just some characters out there that, even though they are on the page for only a short time, you just know that there is something special there. Well, that’s how I felt when I read Bane. I hope JA writes more about him because he is an intriguing guy. And Goose, I always like him. He’s awesome.
Paine…oh Paine. I love him. I often think he’s better for Rhiannon than Disco. (Now now members of ‘Team Disco’, please don’t throw things at me. It’s not polite) My heart breaks for this guy and I really want to hug him myself but his little ability of seeing how and when the people he touches are to die would kill the mood I think. Paine, he is awesome and that’s that.
The ending of the book is intriguing. I am very curious to see how everything will play out and how long it will take for Rhiannon and Disco to fix the cluster-f*ck they’ve caused. It seems they will be spending a lot of time together which is nice because I need to see them have some quality time to remind me of why they are so good together. Because maybe I’m hung up on Paine a little bit. *grin*
The Ripple Effect is not for the faint of heart. You will cringe, you will cry, you will want to throw the book across the room on many occasions. But all those things just show that JA has the talent to write a story that will really get her readers’ emotions boiling.
Excuse me while I try to collect my thoughts for a moment. This book… Oh boys…
The Urban Fantasy genre is meant to put readers through the ringer. After all, that’s one of its traits. You must keep that in mind while you read The Ripple Effect by JA Saare, the third book in her Rhiannon’s Law series, because if you don’t keep that in mind it would be very easy to get frustrated with this book and very easy to curl up in a ball and repeatedly chant “why? why? why? why? why?”. So be sure to keep that UF aspect in your head while you read because people, this is definitely a true Urban Fantasy book.
The Ripple Effect starts just a few weeks after the last book leaves us. Rhiannon is just going about her life, trying to figure out how to accomplish the task she was given in The Renfield Syndrome and trying to avoid Disco. Yes, she saves him then but afterwards he did something truly unspeakable. And because of that, Rhiannon is convinced she must forget about him…but can’t. She is crazy in love with him after all. She has grown closer to Paine too (as friends) and that is something Disco isn’t too fond of…but Disco can suck it *grin*. The beginning of the book grips you right away. Rhiannon is helping out her friend Goose, using her necromancy skills. It’s a heavy and creepy action scene that sets the tone of the book.
Let me advise you that The Ripple Effect is the darkest book to date in this series. And I mean it is dark. I’m talking really gruesome and extra gory. Rhiannon witnesses some really nasty stuff and goes through the ringer in this one. Over and over and over. Every UF series has what I like to call a ‘transition book’: installments where the hero and heroine go through an extra helping of hell but it’s all necessary to keep their characters growing. These installments also tend to set up for the next direction that the series will take. Well, The Ripple Effect is this series transition book. There is a bit of snark in this one but not nearly as much as usual. As I said, this book is dark.
Oh Rhiannon… *shakes head* Yes, she goes through hell this time around but seriously, I wanted to smack her so badly for most of the book. I mean, a good 65% of the book, I wanted to reach into my Kobo and shake her up a little bit. (And I’m not the only one – even the author admits to wanting to smack her lol) She is in possession of a knife that demons fear. Disco’s sire wants the weapon so it can be destroyed, or something, but Rhiannon refuses to hand it over because if she loses it she can’t prevent the future she witnessed in the last book from happening. Everyone is asking her, telling her and finally begging her to let it go but she won’t. Well, that doesn’t go over well. At all. Rhiannon gets punished and pretty much every one she cares about too. No, she doesn’t truly deserve what she goes through but I couldn’t help thinking “yeah, well, you brought this on yourself crazy lady”. Now there’s an amulet that I’m convinced plays a big role in all this too…but still, pretty much all her fault. At the end of it all, we see lights finally go off in Rhiannon’s stubborn little head and I am looking forward to seeing her grow and where JA takes her in the next book.
Disco is…well he’s Disco. He is truly sorry for what he did in the last book but he’s also stuck because his sire, Marius, is around and humans are supposed to be tools for vampires to use. For those of you who have read this series, you are aware that Rhiannon is not treated that way that way. Disco doesn’t treat those under his protection as objects – something his sire does not understand. Disco must please his sire but also wants to win Rhiannon back. Yes, you are right, he is in quite the pickle. We do get a hint as to how powerful Disco really is and man, that was cool. I can’t wait to delve a little deeper into that in the next book.
Bane is a really cool character and he has an interesting story, I just know it. You know there are just some characters out there that, even though they are on the page for only a short time, you just know that there is something special there. Well, that’s how I felt when I read Bane. I hope JA writes more about him because he is an intriguing guy. And Goose, I always like him. He’s awesome.
Paine…oh Paine. I love him. I often think he’s better for Rhiannon than Disco. (Now now members of ‘Team Disco’, please don’t throw things at me. It’s not polite) My heart breaks for this guy and I really want to hug him myself but his little ability of seeing how and when the people he touches are to die would kill the mood I think. Paine, he is awesome and that’s that.
The ending of the book is intriguing. I am very curious to see how everything will play out and how long it will take for Rhiannon and Disco to fix the cluster-f*ck they’ve caused. It seems they will be spending a lot of time together which is nice because I need to see them have some quality time to remind me of why they are so good together. Because maybe I’m hung up on Paine a little bit. *grin*
The Ripple Effect is not for the faint of heart. You will cringe, you will cry, you will want to throw the book across the room on many occasions. But all those things just show that JA has the talent to write a story that will really get her readers’ emotions boiling.
September 15, 2012
Rhiannon... I knew you'd have something inside you that was deep, dark, dangerous and stirring, the power that ebbs your way is enticing to read about...
I had no idea how this book would turn out, although I found it slightly slow in places (hence the 4 stars as opposed to 5), I still found it compelling to read. There were things that happened in the Ripple Effect that I certainly wasn't expecting and the surprises got to me a few times. There were far more intense emotions in this book and I found myself sharing in Rhiannon's agony...
I can't wait to read the next book and find out how some of the newer characters play out - Bane - you are a mystery.
I can't say more without spoilers so until book 4 it's time to close these pages!
Well recommended!
I had no idea how this book would turn out, although I found it slightly slow in places (hence the 4 stars as opposed to 5), I still found it compelling to read. There were things that happened in the Ripple Effect that I certainly wasn't expecting and the surprises got to me a few times. There were far more intense emotions in this book and I found myself sharing in Rhiannon's agony...
I can't wait to read the next book and find out how some of the newer characters play out - Bane - you are a mystery.
I can't say more without spoilers so until book 4 it's time to close these pages!
Well recommended!
July 27, 2012
This review is spoiler-free, but assumes a familiarity with the first two Rhiannon's Law books in the series, Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between and The Renfield Syndrome.
The Ripple Effect is the third book in J.A.Saare's Rhiannon's Law series, and Rhiannon Murphy is stilljust a girl trying to make it in the Big City, who am I kidding? She is still a bartending badass at The Black Panther, with a side job as a necromancer with her buddy Goose in New York City.
Disco’s maker, Marius, is coming to town and everyone is fareeeaking, because Marius knows what happened with Graham Tavish in the previous book, The Renfield Syndrome. Rhiannon destroyed the half-demon to save Disco’s life (giving the middle finger to fate) and temporarily controlled all of the vampires under his power while she did it. That is a lot of power for one woman to have, and naturally, Marius feels threatened by it. He also knows that she is bonded to both Disco and Paine, and it is her duty to make Marius believe she accepts the responsibility of being marked by two vampires in the same household. She must also convince him she accepts his sovereignty... You read that right - sovereignty. *snickers* Marius also wants her to hand over Sucker, the only known knife that can kill demons. She is not down with that. At all.
Previously, Marigold Vesta, a fallen angel, had returned Rhiannon to the present in time to save Disco, but at a price. She must now help find Marigold’s resting place and return her to the land of the living, or else offer up her own body as a vessel. Rhiannon goes hunting a serial killer who has killed two strippers, since she will need a (murdering-no-good-had-it-coming-to-him) sacrifice if she is going to be able to bring Marigold back, and in doing so, a new character is introduced named Bane. Bane is muy intriguing and mysterious. He is an arms dealer, and a little something else, you'll discover. He is a very compelling new character, and I can't wait for more story on him.
The Ripple Effect definitely does not suffer from a pacing issue. As I've come to expect with this series, events continue escalating so that you feel like it’s !CODE RED ALERT! the entire time, gripping-the-edge-of-your-seat style. There is major violence, awesome gore, and tremendous action. Once again, Rhiannon goes through so much emotionally and physically, and yet I never once doubted she would come out on top. She continues on with her smart talking attitude, and I ate it all up. But what really apealled to me was the redemption of Disco in this one. I felt very satisifed with the turn of events, and the evolution of his character in this. I felt like Disco became the Hero I wanted him to be. Yay!! I also really really loved the Marigold character in this one, and can't wait for more of her. Fans are going to be very very satisfied with this latest installment!
The Rhiannon's Law series is not for the faint of heart! It is very dark, and very violent. This book, particularly, made me squirm. But the payoff is so worth it. This is a straight up Urban Fantasy series, and should most definitely not be read out of order. With that, I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from The Ripple Effect:
Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews
The Ripple Effect is the third book in J.A.Saare's Rhiannon's Law series, and Rhiannon Murphy is still
Disco’s maker, Marius, is coming to town and everyone is fareeeaking, because Marius knows what happened with Graham Tavish in the previous book, The Renfield Syndrome. Rhiannon destroyed the half-demon to save Disco’s life (giving the middle finger to fate) and temporarily controlled all of the vampires under his power while she did it. That is a lot of power for one woman to have, and naturally, Marius feels threatened by it. He also knows that she is bonded to both Disco and Paine, and it is her duty to make Marius believe she accepts the responsibility of being marked by two vampires in the same household. She must also convince him she accepts his sovereignty... You read that right - sovereignty. *snickers* Marius also wants her to hand over Sucker, the only known knife that can kill demons. She is not down with that. At all.
Every time a demon is summoned, a kitten dies. Please God, save the kittens. ~Rhiannon
Previously, Marigold Vesta, a fallen angel, had returned Rhiannon to the present in time to save Disco, but at a price. She must now help find Marigold’s resting place and return her to the land of the living, or else offer up her own body as a vessel. Rhiannon goes hunting a serial killer who has killed two strippers, since she will need a (murdering-no-good-had-it-coming-to-him) sacrifice if she is going to be able to bring Marigold back, and in doing so, a new character is introduced named Bane. Bane is muy intriguing and mysterious. He is an arms dealer, and a little something else, you'll discover. He is a very compelling new character, and I can't wait for more story on him.
Rhiannon’s Law #29: Never get too comfortable. Just when you think the hammock is swinging in the breeze, a hurricane comes along, knocks you on your ass, and slaps you around. When you think it’s safe to relax, it usually isn’t, so sleep with one eye open.
The Ripple Effect definitely does not suffer from a pacing issue. As I've come to expect with this series, events continue escalating so that you feel like it’s !CODE RED ALERT! the entire time, gripping-the-edge-of-your-seat style. There is major violence, awesome gore, and tremendous action. Once again, Rhiannon goes through so much emotionally and physically, and yet I never once doubted she would come out on top. She continues on with her smart talking attitude, and I ate it all up. But what really apealled to me was the redemption of Disco in this one. I felt very satisifed with the turn of events, and the evolution of his character in this. I felt like Disco became the Hero I wanted him to be. Yay!! I also really really loved the Marigold character in this one, and can't wait for more of her. Fans are going to be very very satisfied with this latest installment!
The Rhiannon's Law series is not for the faint of heart! It is very dark, and very violent. This book, particularly, made me squirm. But the payoff is so worth it. This is a straight up Urban Fantasy series, and should most definitely not be read out of order. With that, I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from The Ripple Effect:
Time to drop a house on a bitch. ~Rhiannon
Originally posted at WickedLilPixie Reviews
September 6, 2012
Spoilers
Trapped 101 years in the future Rhiannon had little choice but to strike a bargain with fallen angel Marigold Vesta to return to her own time. As repayment Rhiannon must find Marigold's body and restore her soul within a year, if Rhiannon fails to repay the debt owed then she must forfeit her own body. Rhiannon's desperate plans to find Marigold are halted though when Disco's sadistic sires visit intent on punishing Rhiannon for the drama she's caused since becoming a member of Disco's family.
-Rhiannon was still as douchey and bitchy as ever though she didn't bother me as much as the previous books, probably because I've gotten used to her. Rhiannon was too crass for my liking - I don't mind characters swearing but when they swear ALL the time for no reason it gets really irritating.
-I don't know why Rhiannon puts up with Disco and his vampire 'family' when most of them treat her like dirt. Rhiannon's so called 'family' including Paine, Disco and Goose stood back and watched Rhiannon get attacked and beaten by their sires over and over. The whole point of joining Disco's family was so she'd be protected instead its put her in more danger. And she also has to act submissive and obey the orders of demons and vampires she doesn't even know — what was the point of her even joining Disco's family when she's worse off and has to constantly do degrading things.
Rhiannon had only been Disco's family all of 5 minutes and everyone expected her to know the ins and outs and politics of vampire hierarchy — it was ridiculous. I don't know why they all blamed her for everything that occurred — it was up to them to teach her and not just give her useless warnings about how to behave minutes before things went down. I also don't know why they thought Rhiannon could become obedient and slave like just because they told her to — people can't just turn their personality on and off like a switch.
I refuse to believe that Disco loves her after he practically forced her to be in his family and consequently introduced her to far more dangerous people and deadly situations than what she dealt with before. If he had really cared about her he should have protected her from afar — he had the means to do it but he didn't care because he wanted to control her..ugh
-I hated that Rhiannon forgave Disco so easily after he raped her mind and I was pissed that she blamed herself — no matter what she did, Disco had no right to rape her mind. It was disturbing that she got back together with Disco a few days after comparing him to her pedophile foster father. There's something fundamentally wrong in a relationship when the heroine is repulsed by the hero and compares them to the pedophile that tried to rape them as a child.
-I was disgusted that Rhiannon referred to Disco as her master. It pisses me off that an alpha female who claims to be her own person was bowing down to Disco and acknowledging him as her master.
-I'm so disappointed that Paine died — he's the best character in the series and he's far more appealing than Disco. I hope he somehow comes back in future books.
-Rhiannon's relationship with Jennifer and Paine bought out the best in her, now that they're gone I suspect Rhiannon is going to become even more insufferable.
-The showdown at the end was pretty great. I loved that Rhiannon got revenge on so many of her enemies.
Overall a so-so book. Rhiannon wasn't a likeable character but I've gotten used to her so she wasn't really as much of an issue for me this time around. I would have rated this higher if the first half of the book hadn't been so slow. The latter half was pretty entertaining but it didn't make up for the first half or the cringey romance between Disco and Rhiannon. I do want to read the next book but I'll probably borrow it of a friend/library — it's just not good enough for me to justify buying any future installments.
Trapped 101 years in the future Rhiannon had little choice but to strike a bargain with fallen angel Marigold Vesta to return to her own time. As repayment Rhiannon must find Marigold's body and restore her soul within a year, if Rhiannon fails to repay the debt owed then she must forfeit her own body. Rhiannon's desperate plans to find Marigold are halted though when Disco's sadistic sires visit intent on punishing Rhiannon for the drama she's caused since becoming a member of Disco's family.
-Rhiannon was still as douchey and bitchy as ever though she didn't bother me as much as the previous books, probably because I've gotten used to her. Rhiannon was too crass for my liking - I don't mind characters swearing but when they swear ALL the time for no reason it gets really irritating.
-I don't know why Rhiannon puts up with Disco and his vampire 'family' when most of them treat her like dirt. Rhiannon's so called 'family' including Paine, Disco and Goose stood back and watched Rhiannon get attacked and beaten by their sires over and over. The whole point of joining Disco's family was so she'd be protected instead its put her in more danger. And she also has to act submissive and obey the orders of demons and vampires she doesn't even know — what was the point of her even joining Disco's family when she's worse off and has to constantly do degrading things.
Rhiannon had only been Disco's family all of 5 minutes and everyone expected her to know the ins and outs and politics of vampire hierarchy — it was ridiculous. I don't know why they all blamed her for everything that occurred — it was up to them to teach her and not just give her useless warnings about how to behave minutes before things went down. I also don't know why they thought Rhiannon could become obedient and slave like just because they told her to — people can't just turn their personality on and off like a switch.
I refuse to believe that Disco loves her after he practically forced her to be in his family and consequently introduced her to far more dangerous people and deadly situations than what she dealt with before. If he had really cared about her he should have protected her from afar — he had the means to do it but he didn't care because he wanted to control her..ugh
-I hated that Rhiannon forgave Disco so easily after he raped her mind and I was pissed that she blamed herself — no matter what she did, Disco had no right to rape her mind. It was disturbing that she got back together with Disco a few days after comparing him to her pedophile foster father. There's something fundamentally wrong in a relationship when the heroine is repulsed by the hero and compares them to the pedophile that tried to rape them as a child.
-I was disgusted that Rhiannon referred to Disco as her master. It pisses me off that an alpha female who claims to be her own person was bowing down to Disco and acknowledging him as her master.
-I'm so disappointed that Paine died — he's the best character in the series and he's far more appealing than Disco. I hope he somehow comes back in future books.
-Rhiannon's relationship with Jennifer and Paine bought out the best in her, now that they're gone I suspect Rhiannon is going to become even more insufferable.
-The showdown at the end was pretty great. I loved that Rhiannon got revenge on so many of her enemies.
Overall a so-so book. Rhiannon wasn't a likeable character but I've gotten used to her so she wasn't really as much of an issue for me this time around. I would have rated this higher if the first half of the book hadn't been so slow. The latter half was pretty entertaining but it didn't make up for the first half or the cringey romance between Disco and Rhiannon. I do want to read the next book but I'll probably borrow it of a friend/library — it's just not good enough for me to justify buying any future installments.
August 2, 2012
*Genre* Dark Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 5.0
*First Thoughts*
Rhiannon's Law # 18: No one asks for their life to change, but it does. The bad things we face are always created to separate the strong from the weak. Once you've found your place--as the savage lion or the tranquil lamb--it's up to you to take the next step, to decide what comes after. Even if it means destroying everything in your path on the road to deliverance.
I will totally admit it. I am a hard person to please when it comes to Urban Fantasy novels. I read so many novels over the course of a year that I end up getting blase and turning to something else entirely. I want darkness in my UF. I want vampires who are evil and not shiny and who aren't afraid to show fangs and drink blood. I want lots of actions, and I don't mind a lot of deaths in my novels if they are done in a respectable and timely manner.
While I appreciate a good sex scene, I don't want it to stop the story in the middle of the best part of the story so that we can get our kicks. I don't much care for 3-way love triangles, yet, I will respect them if they are done in a way that doesn't feel it's being shoved down my throat. I don't even mind female lead characters who aren't afraid to make mistakes and admit to their mistakes. I do, however, want them to stand up and recognize that their actions can, and will cause irreparable damage to those around her.
The Ripple Effect meets every single one of my criteria.
I am trying to put into words how amazing I found this book. I even went out and paid money for the this book through the publisher instead of waiting for my library to get it in! I don't normally hand out 5 star ratings, so, yes, this is a huge shock to me as well. Right from the first page, Saare held my attention and I found myself chomping at the bit wondering what was going to happen next. When the darkness arrived on the scene, I held my breath knowing that Rhiannon has problems with anyone in authority.
What I am saying is...I love Rhiannon Murphy. I love her Laws. I love the fact that she has made a new friend in Bane, who is seriously mysterious and dangerous. I loved her even though she doesn't make the brightest choices and her way of thinking sometimes has you scratching your head and wanting to toss your kindle across the room. However, she does end up coming around and in the end her actions speak louder than words can be written.
I love the fact that I can still be shocked by a storyline and how quickly things changed for Rhiannon and crew. I'm seriously shocked and devastated by several losses that happen over the course of this story. I'm sure they were intended to grab the audiences attention and hold it and also change the course of where this series will head in the future. I'm actually happy, believe it or not, that Gabriel and Rhiannon are back in good graces after several weeks of tumultuous ups and downs. Of course, it took the abrupt arrival of some evil SOB's in order for them to realize how much they mean to the other.
The Ripple Effect is a serious game changer for the series. I just hope that book # 4 (Edge of Darkness) ends up being released and not being put off due to factors like pirated books, bad sales, etc. I can't tell you how sad I would be if this series would suddenly end without tying up a bunch of loose ends.
*Rating* 5.0
*First Thoughts*
Rhiannon's Law # 18: No one asks for their life to change, but it does. The bad things we face are always created to separate the strong from the weak. Once you've found your place--as the savage lion or the tranquil lamb--it's up to you to take the next step, to decide what comes after. Even if it means destroying everything in your path on the road to deliverance.
I will totally admit it. I am a hard person to please when it comes to Urban Fantasy novels. I read so many novels over the course of a year that I end up getting blase and turning to something else entirely. I want darkness in my UF. I want vampires who are evil and not shiny and who aren't afraid to show fangs and drink blood. I want lots of actions, and I don't mind a lot of deaths in my novels if they are done in a respectable and timely manner.
While I appreciate a good sex scene, I don't want it to stop the story in the middle of the best part of the story so that we can get our kicks. I don't much care for 3-way love triangles, yet, I will respect them if they are done in a way that doesn't feel it's being shoved down my throat. I don't even mind female lead characters who aren't afraid to make mistakes and admit to their mistakes. I do, however, want them to stand up and recognize that their actions can, and will cause irreparable damage to those around her.
The Ripple Effect meets every single one of my criteria.
I am trying to put into words how amazing I found this book. I even went out and paid money for the this book through the publisher instead of waiting for my library to get it in! I don't normally hand out 5 star ratings, so, yes, this is a huge shock to me as well. Right from the first page, Saare held my attention and I found myself chomping at the bit wondering what was going to happen next. When the darkness arrived on the scene, I held my breath knowing that Rhiannon has problems with anyone in authority.
What I am saying is...I love Rhiannon Murphy. I love her Laws. I love the fact that she has made a new friend in Bane, who is seriously mysterious and dangerous. I loved her even though she doesn't make the brightest choices and her way of thinking sometimes has you scratching your head and wanting to toss your kindle across the room. However, she does end up coming around and in the end her actions speak louder than words can be written.
I love the fact that I can still be shocked by a storyline and how quickly things changed for Rhiannon and crew. I'm seriously shocked and devastated by several losses that happen over the course of this story. I'm sure they were intended to grab the audiences attention and hold it and also change the course of where this series will head in the future. I'm actually happy, believe it or not, that Gabriel and Rhiannon are back in good graces after several weeks of tumultuous ups and downs. Of course, it took the abrupt arrival of some evil SOB's in order for them to realize how much they mean to the other.
The Ripple Effect is a serious game changer for the series. I just hope that book # 4 (Edge of Darkness) ends up being released and not being put off due to factors like pirated books, bad sales, etc. I can't tell you how sad I would be if this series would suddenly end without tying up a bunch of loose ends.
July 27, 2012
No one should go into this book without having read the first two. The world Ms. Saare has built is so compact, so tight, that every action from each work has an ostensible reaction, and without that knowledge head-on, there is no way to appreciate The Ripple Effect.
Having said that…
Wow. Wowie wow wow. I’m going to do my best to keep this succinct as this is one book you definitely don’t want spoiled.
Rhiannon Murphy has had a lot on her plate since she time-traveled to a dystopian future and saw what would become of the world if everything remained on its current course. Yet the hell that awaits her when she returns almost makes the nightmare of the future look like sunshine and rainbows. Disco, the man she loves, violated her in a way that seems unforgivable, and that’s not the least of her problems.
To say The Ripple Effect is about consequences is really underselling it. There are so many underlying themes, not the least of which is the power of forgiveness, the awesomeness of love, and realizing strength comes from many places.
Rhiannon isn’t an easy character to love. She’s tough and gritty, and sometimes so damn stubborn you want to punch her in the mouth. Without knowing everything that she went through and the things she’s had to learn—the things to which she’s had to adapt—it’s easy to walk away feeling she’s been stupid and selfish. I won’t be surprised if this is the reaction she garners at first. To those readers, I ask you simply to take another look. Rhiannon has never been a “people person,” and it took her a long time to share as much of herself as she did with Disco. She traveled to the future to sever her lover’s debt, and saw a world she wants very much to avoid. In desperation to return to her home, she made some deals on the fly and did some things she regrets. And upon returning, the homecoming she wanted isn’t the homecoming she gets.
What makes this series so good, and Ms. Saare such a great writer, is the characters’ actions and motivations. So often in fiction we see characters doing things they should, not things they would as people with their own desires and weaknesses. No one in this story escapes unscathed, and likewise, no one in this story is blameless for what happens to them. Instead of a black and white canvass with the good guys and bad guys clearly established, we have flawed people doing their best to make it through their flawed world. They don’t always get it right, but they always try. Rhiannon’s actions might be irritating as hell, but don’t we all know someone who acts against their own best interest without realizing it? Don’t we all know someone who makes a decision no one agrees with? Haven’t we been that person before? This is the strength of the writing, and why the series has resonated so much with so many readers.
Having said that, be prepared to squirm, and not for the fun reasons. Ms. Saare doesn’t flinch when she inserts you deep into the realm of demon society. There are parts that are painfully gruesome to the point of unbearable. Yet the payout is more than worth it. Trust Ms. Saare to get you to the end, for all the pain and heartache, you'll find such poetry in the novel's final pages. Ultimately, this book is about realizing how liberating acceptance and forgiveness can be, especially when preparing for the fight ahead.
Trust me, readers, you won’t regret it.
Having said that…
Wow. Wowie wow wow. I’m going to do my best to keep this succinct as this is one book you definitely don’t want spoiled.
Rhiannon Murphy has had a lot on her plate since she time-traveled to a dystopian future and saw what would become of the world if everything remained on its current course. Yet the hell that awaits her when she returns almost makes the nightmare of the future look like sunshine and rainbows. Disco, the man she loves, violated her in a way that seems unforgivable, and that’s not the least of her problems.
To say The Ripple Effect is about consequences is really underselling it. There are so many underlying themes, not the least of which is the power of forgiveness, the awesomeness of love, and realizing strength comes from many places.
Rhiannon isn’t an easy character to love. She’s tough and gritty, and sometimes so damn stubborn you want to punch her in the mouth. Without knowing everything that she went through and the things she’s had to learn—the things to which she’s had to adapt—it’s easy to walk away feeling she’s been stupid and selfish. I won’t be surprised if this is the reaction she garners at first. To those readers, I ask you simply to take another look. Rhiannon has never been a “people person,” and it took her a long time to share as much of herself as she did with Disco. She traveled to the future to sever her lover’s debt, and saw a world she wants very much to avoid. In desperation to return to her home, she made some deals on the fly and did some things she regrets. And upon returning, the homecoming she wanted isn’t the homecoming she gets.
What makes this series so good, and Ms. Saare such a great writer, is the characters’ actions and motivations. So often in fiction we see characters doing things they should, not things they would as people with their own desires and weaknesses. No one in this story escapes unscathed, and likewise, no one in this story is blameless for what happens to them. Instead of a black and white canvass with the good guys and bad guys clearly established, we have flawed people doing their best to make it through their flawed world. They don’t always get it right, but they always try. Rhiannon’s actions might be irritating as hell, but don’t we all know someone who acts against their own best interest without realizing it? Don’t we all know someone who makes a decision no one agrees with? Haven’t we been that person before? This is the strength of the writing, and why the series has resonated so much with so many readers.
Having said that, be prepared to squirm, and not for the fun reasons. Ms. Saare doesn’t flinch when she inserts you deep into the realm of demon society. There are parts that are painfully gruesome to the point of unbearable. Yet the payout is more than worth it. Trust Ms. Saare to get you to the end, for all the pain and heartache, you'll find such poetry in the novel's final pages. Ultimately, this book is about realizing how liberating acceptance and forgiveness can be, especially when preparing for the fight ahead.
Trust me, readers, you won’t regret it.
August 6, 2012
Rhiannon Law #18: No one asks for their life to change,but it does. The bad things we face are tests created to separate the strong from the weak. Once you've found your place-as the savage lion or the tranquil lamb-it's up to you to take the next step,to decide what comes after.Even If it means destroying everything standing in your path on the road to deliverance."
This series is rock solid full of awesomeness!
Rhiannon Murphy,is and never will be the typical Heroine you should expect. If she saids she'll "make you quiver with fear" believe it! She has been through hell and back. Literally, at this point she has absolutely nothing to lose. Giving into the head masters demands and his leader don't quite run as they want it, she'll bow down to no one,and sacrifice herself only for the people she loves and who she's loyal to,no one else. So these vampires can laugh at her tactics, but they'll run like cowards without realizing they're being screwed my a mere human.
There wasn't anything in this novel that was expected. Just the complete opposite. Almost every other chapter was a jaw dropping moment. I've rubbed my chest above my heart a dozen times. Wow! Just Wow! Heartache,betrayals,torture,love between friends and family,and DEATH. These Vampires who thought they could have Rhiannon beg and bow to them,just made themselves the enemy. Revenge, is what Rhia's good at. And boy-oh boy, the irony of it could make her enemies dead in their graves still fear her.
Disco and Paine's involvement with Rhiannon is just the chocolate drizzle on a strawberry. My goodness, will their relationship ever get a rest? I'm afraid it might never. I've never read so much pain,and the lengths of what one would do for someone they love. These men show it with no regrets. *sighs*
My thoughts are still running non-stop. The author put her all into this novel. It was downright perfection! The fourth novel to this series, is still undecided. It would be ashamed not to finish writing the series. But at least with this novel,readers get somewhat of a closure. There's no huge cliffhanger, just a cliffy to make you wonder what will happen in the future. Disco is enraged and is willing to bring the vampiric world to war with everyone and they're creators. Gosh! The thought of Disco taking over makes Rhiannon quiver. Seriously? That is beyond enthralling. I would say "Bring it!" these two as a team could make the world crumble.
"Rhianon: I let go of one final scream,the harsh sound echoing in the morning air,carrying on the breeze as an endless cry that blended with the wind.Only this wasn't a call to the angels. This was a warning to those who would pay,a promise to all enemies. I was coming for the them and,Heaven,or Hell,I will bring death with me."
OH BABY!!! That line gave me the gooseflesh! My Goodness this series is amazing!
I'm holding my breath and crossing my fingers that there will be a fourth book. For those of you,who haven't read this series, give it a go. J.A Saare has brought a whole new meaning to Urban Fantasy and I assure you,you will not be disappointed.
This series is rock solid full of awesomeness!
Rhiannon Murphy,is and never will be the typical Heroine you should expect. If she saids she'll "make you quiver with fear" believe it! She has been through hell and back. Literally, at this point she has absolutely nothing to lose. Giving into the head masters demands and his leader don't quite run as they want it, she'll bow down to no one,and sacrifice herself only for the people she loves and who she's loyal to,no one else. So these vampires can laugh at her tactics, but they'll run like cowards without realizing they're being screwed my a mere human.
There wasn't anything in this novel that was expected. Just the complete opposite. Almost every other chapter was a jaw dropping moment. I've rubbed my chest above my heart a dozen times. Wow! Just Wow! Heartache,betrayals,torture,love between friends and family,and DEATH. These Vampires who thought they could have Rhiannon beg and bow to them,just made themselves the enemy. Revenge, is what Rhia's good at. And boy-oh boy, the irony of it could make her enemies dead in their graves still fear her.
Disco and Paine's involvement with Rhiannon is just the chocolate drizzle on a strawberry. My goodness, will their relationship ever get a rest? I'm afraid it might never. I've never read so much pain,and the lengths of what one would do for someone they love. These men show it with no regrets. *sighs*
My thoughts are still running non-stop. The author put her all into this novel. It was downright perfection! The fourth novel to this series, is still undecided. It would be ashamed not to finish writing the series. But at least with this novel,readers get somewhat of a closure. There's no huge cliffhanger, just a cliffy to make you wonder what will happen in the future. Disco is enraged and is willing to bring the vampiric world to war with everyone and they're creators. Gosh! The thought of Disco taking over makes Rhiannon quiver. Seriously? That is beyond enthralling. I would say "Bring it!" these two as a team could make the world crumble.
"Rhianon: I let go of one final scream,the harsh sound echoing in the morning air,carrying on the breeze as an endless cry that blended with the wind.Only this wasn't a call to the angels. This was a warning to those who would pay,a promise to all enemies. I was coming for the them and,Heaven,or Hell,I will bring death with me."
OH BABY!!! That line gave me the gooseflesh! My Goodness this series is amazing!
I'm holding my breath and crossing my fingers that there will be a fourth book. For those of you,who haven't read this series, give it a go. J.A Saare has brought a whole new meaning to Urban Fantasy and I assure you,you will not be disappointed.
August 12, 2012
Rhiannon's Law is a gripping dark UF series with just one flaw: character coherence. In both the first and again in this book, Rhiannon is both portrayed as kick-ass and prey. One moment she is smug, arrogant, strong, the next she folds on herself. Moreover some of her choices do not rang true when compared to her life.
We are often reminded of her rage and defiance, but while you see the latter, the first is missing in action. And this bring forward my problem with the amulet: it's a very strong deux ex machina. Too convenient to solve a few weak points in this world (necromancy, her actual strength compared to vamps, coherence etc.).
Rhiannon wants to be an early Anita, but lacks her strength in her never-ending hatred.
Waring:this book has an open ending with no plans at the moment for a future 4th book.
(The author blames pirating. As I'm never sure how much of these chats are based on real fact and how much are fear-induced blabbering, I'll keep my mouth closed. If you are interested, the prices are low enough that they really shouldn't be a problem.)
May 2, 2013
7/31
OMG OMG OMG!
If this is your first time hearing about this book I recommend you to put this down and go read from the beginning of the series!!
I can't believe I read this under a day! I think it was the wait that made me devour this!
This book was amazing! Completely different from what I expected! Oh I didn't know how much I missed Gabriel until I heard from him.
So many emotions! I still can't believe some of the things that happened! Marcus, Paine! Goose! Jenny! Everyone! It was such a great book! Looking forward to book número 4;)
04/16 THERES A COVER! AHHH.
Secretly, I loved the one with the half naked guy with the abs lol :D
#DiscoLove
6/28
32 more days until Disco<3<3 I cant wait!!!
August 9, 2012
Imagine my surprise when I found out what a crazy ride I was embarking upon in this 3rd installment of the Rhiannon's Law series. The first two books marked very different journeys for Rhiannon since her life is always in a state of chaos. With how The Renfield Syndrome ended, I knew that this book could take many turns and that ANY POSSIBLE SCENARIO I could guess still wouldn't come close to falling down this rabbit hole.
The character growth in this book was quite shocking. Sure, I've always liked Rhiannon. She's bad ass and independent but I actually was getting pissed at her in this book. She was really rather selfish not thinking about how her choices affected those around her. Goose really lays into her and I LOVED him for it. She really needed some sense smacked in to her. But certain things are revealed that made me think "Ohhhhh. OK. I get it now."
Disco. What can I say about him? Besides the fact that it's hard for me to call him Gabriel when I first fell in love with him as Disco? Um, dayum. He does a complete 180 in this book. Yes, we already know he is powerful but we never really saw how much so. In this installment, we see how much power he can wield at any given moment. Wow. I was impressed. But no, it doesn't stop there. He's even more dominant and independent than ever. I have never seen Disco take charge like this. He's an Alpha for sure and I can't wait for this more aggressive and take charge Disco in Edge of Darkness.
Paine. Hmmm... Well, I love Paine. My heart breaks for him. He wants something he can't have and has no choice but to be surrounded by it. Well yes, he does have a choice I suppose, and he makes a decision that leaves me baffled. I really enjoyed his page time but I'm left wanting more of this enigmatic character.
Overall thoughts? There are many aspects to this book that grow slowly but eventually meld together to jump this into hyper drive. Shit hits the fan. Rhiannon is trying to handle so much: a random serial killer targeting strippers, meeting Disco's sire Marius, trying to find Marigold's body, still bar-tending, finding new and unlikely allies... But that's nothing compared to the last few chapters of this book.
Whoa. This is one very dark and twisted ride. Some of these situations are not for the faint of heart. But once again I am amazed at the way JA Saare can tell a story. Please, please, please continue this story! I am engrossed with this world.
Now for some quotes:
A part of me wanted to run into his arms, hold him close, and never let go. Self preservation and terrifying memories made me want to kick him in the nuts and get as far away as possible.
I slid between Disco and Paine, trying to pretend it was totally normal to be in the center of a manwich. Disco wrapped his arm around my shoulders, and Paine placed his hand on my thigh.
Okay. Awkward and definitely weird.
"You've been spying on me?" I lowered the bag, sparks of desire turning to outrage. Yes, I an idea he had member of the vampire family watching over me. Learning that he was actuually involved, however, stoked my temper.
“I’ve been watching over you.”
“Where I’m from, it’s the same thing. Stalking isn’t cool unless you’re an Edward.”
After all, ass was better kicked when you had Yoda moves and an arsenal at your disposal.
Just call me a Jedi ninja in training.
...So much for easygoing Disco. I was stuck with the hard-edged Gabriel Trevellian from now on.
Review posted at Sinfully Delicious Book Reviews
The character growth in this book was quite shocking. Sure, I've always liked Rhiannon. She's bad ass and independent but I actually was getting pissed at her in this book. She was really rather selfish not thinking about how her choices affected those around her. Goose really lays into her and I LOVED him for it. She really needed some sense smacked in to her. But certain things are revealed that made me think "Ohhhhh. OK. I get it now."
Disco. What can I say about him? Besides the fact that it's hard for me to call him Gabriel when I first fell in love with him as Disco? Um, dayum. He does a complete 180 in this book. Yes, we already know he is powerful but we never really saw how much so. In this installment, we see how much power he can wield at any given moment. Wow. I was impressed. But no, it doesn't stop there. He's even more dominant and independent than ever. I have never seen Disco take charge like this. He's an Alpha for sure and I can't wait for this more aggressive and take charge Disco in Edge of Darkness.
Paine. Hmmm... Well, I love Paine. My heart breaks for him. He wants something he can't have and has no choice but to be surrounded by it. Well yes, he does have a choice I suppose, and he makes a decision that leaves me baffled. I really enjoyed his page time but I'm left wanting more of this enigmatic character.
Overall thoughts? There are many aspects to this book that grow slowly but eventually meld together to jump this into hyper drive. Shit hits the fan. Rhiannon is trying to handle so much: a random serial killer targeting strippers, meeting Disco's sire Marius, trying to find Marigold's body, still bar-tending, finding new and unlikely allies... But that's nothing compared to the last few chapters of this book.
Whoa. This is one very dark and twisted ride. Some of these situations are not for the faint of heart. But once again I am amazed at the way JA Saare can tell a story. Please, please, please continue this story! I am engrossed with this world.
Now for some quotes:
A part of me wanted to run into his arms, hold him close, and never let go. Self preservation and terrifying memories made me want to kick him in the nuts and get as far away as possible.
I slid between Disco and Paine, trying to pretend it was totally normal to be in the center of a manwich. Disco wrapped his arm around my shoulders, and Paine placed his hand on my thigh.
Okay. Awkward and definitely weird.
"You've been spying on me?" I lowered the bag, sparks of desire turning to outrage. Yes, I an idea he had member of the vampire family watching over me. Learning that he was actuually involved, however, stoked my temper.
“I’ve been watching over you.”
“Where I’m from, it’s the same thing. Stalking isn’t cool unless you’re an Edward.”
After all, ass was better kicked when you had Yoda moves and an arsenal at your disposal.
Just call me a Jedi ninja in training.
...So much for easygoing Disco. I was stuck with the hard-edged Gabriel Trevellian from now on.
Review posted at Sinfully Delicious Book Reviews
August 30, 2012
I'm going to try to review this without spoilers, but I make no promises.
I've been a fan of this series for a long time now. I loved the first two installments and waited patiently for the third. After the roller coaster ride that was The Renfield Syndrome, I wasn't quite sure what I'd be in for with The Ripple Effect.
Holy hell. This book blew me away.
Rhiannon finds her world turned upside down once more as she acclimates to the present day after a harrowing trip a hundred years into the future. She suffered a heart-wrenching betrayal at the end of TRS and I wasn't sure where things would go between her and Disco. Needless to say, she was hurt and finding it very difficult to forgive the vampire she loves. Disco, though tender at times and still deeply in love with Rhiannon, makes no apologies for what happened. After all, he felt betrayed as well, and hello? Vampire. He's not the type to win her back by playing Claire de Lune or sending roses. And wouldn't Rhiannon would laugh her ass off at that? She needs someone who isn't going to take her shit no matter how often she tries to dish it out. Gabriel is that man and then some.
Relationship issues aside, the "Big Bad" has come to town and he has it in for our girl in a big way. Rhiannon has grown powerful and that doesn't sit well with the vamps in charge. On top of that, she has in her possession the only weapon known to kill half-demons. And they want her to just hand it over. If you've read the previous books you know Rhiannon doesn't respond too well to orders. Not to mention, our girl has serious trust issues. She's not just going to hand over the knife simply because they tell her too. I don't blame her a bit. After being hurled a hundred years into a hellish future and dealing with demons face to face, she's understandably reluctant to let go the one weapon she has against their kind. Unfortunately, her actions put those closest to her in jeopardy.
Is she irritatingly stubborn about the knife? Yes, but I look at it this way; with her background and abandonment issues she's never been able to count on anyone but herself. She's not going to overcome that in the space of a year or five even. She's going to have to learn the hard way that the people who say they love her will be there for her. For Rhiannon that's not going to happen until Disco is there to catch her when she's naked with her ass in a sling and swinging over the Grand Canyon without a net.
I don't have to tell you that things get bad in this book. I'm sure you've read other reviews. This book brings new meaning to dark. I love that JA Saare gives us an Urban Fantasy with grit and gore, laughter and tears. I don't cry easily and one scene in this book had me pretty choked up. I won't give it away. You need to read it for yourself.
Ms. Saare has put a shit-kicker firmly in the UF world and declared that she's a force to be reckoned with. I can't wait to read more.
I've been a fan of this series for a long time now. I loved the first two installments and waited patiently for the third. After the roller coaster ride that was The Renfield Syndrome, I wasn't quite sure what I'd be in for with The Ripple Effect.
Holy hell. This book blew me away.
Rhiannon finds her world turned upside down once more as she acclimates to the present day after a harrowing trip a hundred years into the future. She suffered a heart-wrenching betrayal at the end of TRS and I wasn't sure where things would go between her and Disco. Needless to say, she was hurt and finding it very difficult to forgive the vampire she loves. Disco, though tender at times and still deeply in love with Rhiannon, makes no apologies for what happened. After all, he felt betrayed as well, and hello? Vampire. He's not the type to win her back by playing Claire de Lune or sending roses. And wouldn't Rhiannon would laugh her ass off at that? She needs someone who isn't going to take her shit no matter how often she tries to dish it out. Gabriel is that man and then some.
Relationship issues aside, the "Big Bad" has come to town and he has it in for our girl in a big way. Rhiannon has grown powerful and that doesn't sit well with the vamps in charge. On top of that, she has in her possession the only weapon known to kill half-demons. And they want her to just hand it over. If you've read the previous books you know Rhiannon doesn't respond too well to orders. Not to mention, our girl has serious trust issues. She's not just going to hand over the knife simply because they tell her too. I don't blame her a bit. After being hurled a hundred years into a hellish future and dealing with demons face to face, she's understandably reluctant to let go the one weapon she has against their kind. Unfortunately, her actions put those closest to her in jeopardy.
Is she irritatingly stubborn about the knife? Yes, but I look at it this way; with her background and abandonment issues she's never been able to count on anyone but herself. She's not going to overcome that in the space of a year or five even. She's going to have to learn the hard way that the people who say they love her will be there for her. For Rhiannon that's not going to happen until Disco is there to catch her when she's naked with her ass in a sling and swinging over the Grand Canyon without a net.
I don't have to tell you that things get bad in this book. I'm sure you've read other reviews. This book brings new meaning to dark. I love that JA Saare gives us an Urban Fantasy with grit and gore, laughter and tears. I don't cry easily and one scene in this book had me pretty choked up. I won't give it away. You need to read it for yourself.
Ms. Saare has put a shit-kicker firmly in the UF world and declared that she's a force to be reckoned with. I can't wait to read more.
June 3, 2021
4.5 stars
I am so stunned and upset! I keep thinking that maybe it was all just a dream. A really horrible nightmare. I mean, I must be in some other dimension where my book has the details wrong. Or maybe it’s missing some key parts that let me know my suffering will not be for very long.
This is me after reading---->crying-big-blubbery-wails-of-pain-and-distress.
I don’t give any exact details, but do not click unless you have read the book. Because, I'm almost positive, you would figure out who and what I’m alluding to.
Well, crap. I know this isn’t much of a review, but there is so much I don’t want to give away! Although, I still must say, this IS a fan-freaking-tastic book all around. I just have issues with that one part. However, if this somehow mystically changes in the next book, I will forever bow down to J.A. Saare for the wild, emotional torture she so easily rakes through my body. I may even call her the master of agony, passion, and rage. For those are the things I seem to experience most when reading her books.
Now I shall sit here and stew in my grief, wondering if I missed any clues, waiting for any tidbits of hope to sprout wings and fly my way. I will wait.
I’m patiently waiting.
Still here, waiting... :taptaptap:
Sigh, who am I kidding. I will wait forever. Or at least another year. ;-)
I am so stunned and upset! I keep thinking that maybe it was all just a dream. A really horrible nightmare. I mean, I must be in some other dimension where my book has the details wrong. Or maybe it’s missing some key parts that let me know my suffering will not be for very long.
This is me after reading---->crying-big-blubbery-wails-of-pain-and-distress.
I don’t give any exact details, but do not click unless you have read the book. Because, I'm almost positive, you would figure out who and what I’m alluding to.
Well, crap. I know this isn’t much of a review, but there is so much I don’t want to give away! Although, I still must say, this IS a fan-freaking-tastic book all around. I just have issues with that one part. However, if this somehow mystically changes in the next book, I will forever bow down to J.A. Saare for the wild, emotional torture she so easily rakes through my body. I may even call her the master of agony, passion, and rage. For those are the things I seem to experience most when reading her books.
Now I shall sit here and stew in my grief, wondering if I missed any clues, waiting for any tidbits of hope to sprout wings and fly my way. I will wait.
I’m patiently waiting.
Still here, waiting... :taptaptap:
Sigh, who am I kidding. I will wait forever. Or at least another year. ;-)
August 17, 2012
This book was bloody fecking awesome!!
To Mrs. Saare,
I certainly hope you continue to write this series! I have loved it from the beginning and 3 books later, I love it even more!!
For everyone else,
If you enjoy PNR/UF this series is just spectacular! I love everything about it, from the characters to the story and the writing. If you haven't gotten a chance to read this series I highly recommend it.
Instead of writing a full review this time, I'm going to share my girl Elena's review who shares my love and enthusiasm over Rhiannon's Law!
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
June 8, 2021
Need this book NOWWWWW!
Writing a note for myself -
Can get this directly from Mundania.com
Writing a note for myself -
Can get this directly from Mundania.com
August 25, 2015
Rhiannon Murphy is no stranger to loss and the grief that goes along with it and unfortunately, both seem to shadow her, never far behind. That's never been more apparent as it is in The Ripple Effect.
When Rhiannon traveled to the future and experienced several life-altering events, she was bound and determined to make sure those events would never come to fruition. Paine had warned her of the 'ripple effect', the consequences that occur from changing past events and altering a future that's already set in place. Rhiannon kept Paine's advice, his knowledge about changing the future, but never actually thought it was true. When Disco's maker, Marius, comes to town, Rhiannon finds herself questioning the validity of Paine's claim. Marius is a creature who thrives on humiliation and torture, who thinks of humans as nothing more than playthings and slaves, and he wants what Rhiannon now possesses -- the only dagger powerful enough to kill an angel or a demon. This puts Rhiannon in a bind because she is still indebted to Marigold Vesta, tasked with resurrecting Marigold's soul. Marigold is powerful. And deadly. Without the dagger, if things go south if and when Rhiannon manages to complete her task, she will be losing the only real protection she has against the fallen angel. Without giving it to Marius, she has endless torture, humiliation, slow death, and probable sexual abuse to look forward to. Either way, it seems Rhiannon will lose. It's just a matter of choosing the option that delays her death a little longer.
In addition to having a deadly fallen angel and a deadly vampire sire hot on her tail ready to destroy her, she's also facing her biggest, baddest, deadliest, scariest foe to date: Revenald. The true maker, the demon/vampire hybrid. Vampires are created from demons, and a true vampire/demon hybrid is a scary motherfucker with no humanity left. Stronger than any vampire with both demon and vampire powers, Revenald is really the one who wants the dagger, Marius is just the messenger. If only Rhiannon had listened to Marius, hard as that may be, she could have saved herself a whole lot of pain. Literally.
By far, The Ripple Effect was the best of this series to date. Saare ripped readers' hearts out in the previous installment, The Renfield Syndrome, and in this installment, she poured salt in the open wound. And then lit it on fire. When I mentioned that loss and grief follow Rhiannon around, this tale was a perfect example. The family has changed, there's been betrayal in the ranks, a prominent and pivotal figure has been removed. And something very close to Rhiannon has been taken away. The best part of this series is that the author isn't afraid to strip her characters down to their cores and make them vulnerable. Not one character is safe and I like that feeling of discontent because it perfectly matches how Rhiannon feels most of the time. Unsettled, unsure of the future, trying to find a ray of hope in an otherwise hopeless world. If you're looking for happy-ever-afters and sunshine and kittens, look elsewhere. Oh wait - there are kittens. But what happens to kittens in this series isn't for the cat lover. Or the squeamish.
Go forth. Read this series now. It's dark, dirty, violent urban fantasy at its finest. I can't express how good it is, there aren't any words that can convey the greatness that is Rhiannon, Disco, Paine, and Goose. It's a series that will sit and marinate in your head long after you've read the last page, and then you'll be itching for the next one.
When Rhiannon traveled to the future and experienced several life-altering events, she was bound and determined to make sure those events would never come to fruition. Paine had warned her of the 'ripple effect', the consequences that occur from changing past events and altering a future that's already set in place. Rhiannon kept Paine's advice, his knowledge about changing the future, but never actually thought it was true. When Disco's maker, Marius, comes to town, Rhiannon finds herself questioning the validity of Paine's claim. Marius is a creature who thrives on humiliation and torture, who thinks of humans as nothing more than playthings and slaves, and he wants what Rhiannon now possesses -- the only dagger powerful enough to kill an angel or a demon. This puts Rhiannon in a bind because she is still indebted to Marigold Vesta, tasked with resurrecting Marigold's soul. Marigold is powerful. And deadly. Without the dagger, if things go south if and when Rhiannon manages to complete her task, she will be losing the only real protection she has against the fallen angel. Without giving it to Marius, she has endless torture, humiliation, slow death, and probable sexual abuse to look forward to. Either way, it seems Rhiannon will lose. It's just a matter of choosing the option that delays her death a little longer.
Rhiannon's Law #29: Never get too comfortable. Just when you think the hammock is swinging in the breeze, a hurricane comes along, knocks you on your ass, and slaps you around. When you think it's safe to relax, it usually isn't, so sleep with one eye open.
In addition to having a deadly fallen angel and a deadly vampire sire hot on her tail ready to destroy her, she's also facing her biggest, baddest, deadliest, scariest foe to date: Revenald. The true maker, the demon/vampire hybrid. Vampires are created from demons, and a true vampire/demon hybrid is a scary motherfucker with no humanity left. Stronger than any vampire with both demon and vampire powers, Revenald is really the one who wants the dagger, Marius is just the messenger. If only Rhiannon had listened to Marius, hard as that may be, she could have saved herself a whole lot of pain. Literally.
By far, The Ripple Effect was the best of this series to date. Saare ripped readers' hearts out in the previous installment, The Renfield Syndrome, and in this installment, she poured salt in the open wound. And then lit it on fire. When I mentioned that loss and grief follow Rhiannon around, this tale was a perfect example. The family has changed, there's been betrayal in the ranks, a prominent and pivotal figure has been removed. And something very close to Rhiannon has been taken away. The best part of this series is that the author isn't afraid to strip her characters down to their cores and make them vulnerable. Not one character is safe and I like that feeling of discontent because it perfectly matches how Rhiannon feels most of the time. Unsettled, unsure of the future, trying to find a ray of hope in an otherwise hopeless world. If you're looking for happy-ever-afters and sunshine and kittens, look elsewhere. Oh wait - there are kittens. But what happens to kittens in this series isn't for the cat lover. Or the squeamish.
Rhiannon's Law #18: No one asks for their life to change, but it does. Here and there we're reminded humans and creatures are not equal. The bad things we face are tests created to separate the strong from the weak. Once you've found your place -- as the savage lion or the tranquil lamb -- it's up to you to take the next step, to decide what comes after. Even if it means destroying everything standing in your path on the road to deliverance.
Go forth. Read this series now. It's dark, dirty, violent urban fantasy at its finest. I can't express how good it is, there aren't any words that can convey the greatness that is Rhiannon, Disco, Paine, and Goose. It's a series that will sit and marinate in your head long after you've read the last page, and then you'll be itching for the next one.
August 2, 2012
Ok.. This book is heavy weight material.
I do want to give a 5 star review but there is something missing/weird that I can't put a finger to it BUT it is still worth it.
It will make you tense up, make you weep, make you mad and make you scream!!
This is raw, brutal, cruel and INTENSE.
There are so many twists and turns that it put you in shock and disbelief.
Rhiannon Murphy, the forever stubborn, reckless, badass, kickass, foul mouthed woman we all love.
In this book, may I add STUPID to one of her ever loving characters when come to decision making and make you go
I mean
But I still love her.
Yep. Truth!
After the horrible incident involving Discoball in book 2, she left Discoball by saving him in the present after coming back from the "future" and in which set up "The Ripple Effect" as warned by Paine.
What a b*tch huh? Things went to hell and there are no going back, no regrets and no fast forward.
Basically, it is one hell of a ride.
Men trouble (Discoball VS Paine the quiet), Sires/Makers trouble, knife trouble, half-demons trouble, debt trouble, damn vampire/demon/familiar/servant/slave politics trouble and yada yada...
You name it. You have it. And nobody says you will like it.
DARK remember?
I can't describe how I feel at certain change of events but I do feel all tensed up just reading that chapter alone.
It's all so WTH moments after that till some justice were served at the end.
I liked that it wasn't rushed and it doesn't rush to kill all villians in the book itself.
It more or less open up to more shit to tackle and possible consequences and actions for Rhiannon to deal with.
I also like the scenes on Goose, new friend;Bane and Marigold Vesta.
I might not be happy with the romance but I am SO looking forward to Book 4.
And Rhiannon.. I do think you should hand this out to anyone you meet.
I do want to give a 5 star review but there is something missing/weird that I can't put a finger to it BUT it is still worth it.
It will make you tense up, make you weep, make you mad and make you scream!!
This is raw, brutal, cruel and INTENSE.
There are so many twists and turns that it put you in shock and disbelief.
Rhiannon Murphy, the forever stubborn, reckless, badass, kickass, foul mouthed woman we all love.
In this book, may I add STUPID to one of her ever loving characters when come to decision making and make you go
I mean
But I still love her.
Yep. Truth!
After the horrible incident involving Discoball in book 2, she left Discoball by saving him in the present after coming back from the "future" and in which set up "The Ripple Effect" as warned by Paine.
What a b*tch huh? Things went to hell and there are no going back, no regrets and no fast forward.
Basically, it is one hell of a ride.
Men trouble (Discoball VS Paine the quiet), Sires/Makers trouble, knife trouble, half-demons trouble, debt trouble, damn vampire/demon/familiar/servant/slave politics trouble and yada yada...
You name it. You have it. And nobody says you will like it.
DARK remember?
I can't describe how I feel at certain change of events but I do feel all tensed up just reading that chapter alone.
It's all so WTH moments after that till some justice were served at the end.
I liked that it wasn't rushed and it doesn't rush to kill all villians in the book itself.
It more or less open up to more shit to tackle and possible consequences and actions for Rhiannon to deal with.
I also like the scenes on Goose, new friend;Bane and Marigold Vesta.
I might not be happy with the romance but I am SO looking forward to Book 4.
And Rhiannon.. I do think you should hand this out to anyone you meet.
October 4, 2012
Oh how I love this series. It’s freaking fantastic. The writing is amazing, the characters are awesome and the story had me all over the place emotionally. Rhiannon is such a great heroine. She kicks ass, but she isn’t perfect. I like when even the most hardcore heroines are sometimes dumber than a post and Rhiannon has a couple of moments like that in this book. I wanted to reach into the book and shake the crap out of her because of the decisions she was making. Besides making me angry and happy, this book also broke my heart. Of course I won’t go into details, but I cried and I’m still having a difficult time coming to terms with what happened. But then Rhiannon kicked some ass and took some names and tat made me feel a little bit better.
The end of the book included a letter to her readers from the author that made me angry and sad just like the actual book. She isn’t sure if there will be more in the series because people are stealing the books. I hate, hate, hate when a few people ruin something good for everyone. I just found t his series and I don’t want to lose it, so please, please, please go buy it if you are into kick ass, smart mouth, lovable even though they are messed up heroines and hot as hell vampires.
The end of the book included a letter to her readers from the author that made me angry and sad just like the actual book. She isn’t sure if there will be more in the series because people are stealing the books. I hate, hate, hate when a few people ruin something good for everyone. I just found t his series and I don’t want to lose it, so please, please, please go buy it if you are into kick ass, smart mouth, lovable even though they are messed up heroines and hot as hell vampires.
August 20, 2012
The best one in the series and that is saying something! This series has proven again and again to be a top in the Urban Fantasy genre. It's dark, gritty and fan-freakin-tastic. There are no hearts and rainbows here. There is heartbreak, tears, blood and betrayal. But beyond that there is an amazing story filled with authentic characters. There is so much emotion evoking material that you feel utterly exhausted when you are done and love every second. I can't get enough. I understand that books take time and are not done over night but damn if I'm not begging for the next one already. I hope this series has a long future.
One a side note, I am SO excited this one was available through Barnes & Nobles. But after reading the note at the end, I am saddened that people are pirating her work to the point where she may be financially unable to continue the series. I hope it opens people's eyes at how much it affects the authors that we love, and we have tons more of Rhiannon, Gabriel(who will always be Disco in my heart), and the many others.
One a side note, I am SO excited this one was available through Barnes & Nobles. But after reading the note at the end, I am saddened that people are pirating her work to the point where she may be financially unable to continue the series. I hope it opens people's eyes at how much it affects the authors that we love, and we have tons more of Rhiannon, Gabriel(who will always be Disco in my heart), and the many others.
July 22, 2012
What an amazing ride, not that im surprised. Ms. Saare has a way of taking what you *think* you want to happen and transforming it into something completely different. And you're so happy each time she does. The Ripple Effect is everything you've been waiting for; everything you've wanted for the characters you've been hoping for. Not that I'm going to say it's the ticket you thought you paid for. This ride will drop you on your ass. Ms. Saare blows me away every time. And I'm happily on my knees pleading "May I have another?"
September 27, 2014
Rating: A
Before I get started, I want to say this book is NOT a stand-alone. If you start with this book, you will be missing a huge chunk of the plot that begins with the first book, Dead, Undead or Somewhere in Between. I highly recommend starting from the beginning because there is so much that happens with Rhiannon, Disco, Paine, and all the rest of the characters and it’s a wild ride you don’t want to miss.
Rhiannon's Law # 18: No one asks for their life to change, but it does. The bad things we face are always created to separate the strong from the weak. Once you've found your place--as the savage lion or the tranquil lamb--it's up to you to take the next step, to decide what comes after. Even if it means destroying everything in your path on the road to deliverance.
This turned out to be one of the most twisted and emotional books of the series. Betrayal, loss, retribution, and revenge are all key factors in this story that will blow you away. It’s a really dark book full of grit. The Vampires and Demons that control this world are insane and freaking scary. JA is relentless, pulls no punches, and will rip your heart out with the events that take place in The Ripple Effect.
Rhiannon is a survivor. She’s been put through the wringer since book one where she was thrust into a world that she never wanted to a part of. This world is now her world. She wants to save herself and the people she loves but she is unwilling to play by the rules of the most powerful Vampires and Demons. Rhiannon is the kind of character that you learn to care about but she’s frustrating. She’s impulsive, mouthy, and extremely stubborn. I understood that she was backed into a corner. There weren’t many options for her and in her mind, she was trying to survive the big baddies . But she made some really bad choices where she paid in spades. I’m positive a lot of her choices she made in book two were the result of what happen in this book. That’s why it’s called The Ripple Effect. But looking back on it now, where does it all begin and is it truly just one person’s fault or the whole lot of them. Something I thought about for a while after I finished the book. I was glad to see by the end of the book, Rhiannon got a huge wake-up call. This isn’t a game and it’s time to own up to your mistakes.
By the end of the book, Disco showed me exactly why I love him so much. He is a true hero in this book. Even though I wanted to strangle him for what he did to Rhiannon at the end of The Renfield Syndrome, I could truly tell he regretted his actions. Sometimes love can make you irrational. And Disco REALLY does love Rhiannon. She loves him too but her wishy washy feelings on whether she could forgive him or not were frustrating and hard to read at times.
“He wrapped his fingers into my hair and tugged, forcing me to look at him. “Do you understand now, love? Am I finally getting through to you?”
“Let go.” Even when I said it, I hoped he wouldn’t listen, that he’d stay right where he ws. My mind was a haze of confusion. I wanted to pull him close but push him away, to kiss him hard but slap him across the face.”
These two characters go through so much physical and emotional pain. With all their flaws and mistakes, they both know they belong together.
At the end, we finally see how fierce and powerful Disco really is. He is one of the good Vampires that maintains his humanity where most Vampires don't and to see him get his retribution was a long time coming.
Oh, Paine. My beautiful Paine. There is so much I love about him. He deserves to find love and to be loved after living years of solitude and not being able to touch or be touched. *Sigh* This man is selfless, loyal, and brave. I have so much to say but it’s too spoilery. Read this series and meet this man that will melt your heart.
We also get a new and mysterious character, Bane. We only get a small glimpse of the kind of person he is. He’s a part of the Supernatural world but what he is? Who is he? I’m dying to know! Saare you have sparked my curiosity and it kills me not knowing when the fourth book is coming out.
This incredibly, well-written story left me speechless. I honestly had to take moment when I finished the book and let it all sink in. From the very first page, the story is gripping and by the end you will be wondering what the hell just happened!? I’m curious and nervous to see how everything plays out in the next book. Disco and Rhiannon will be looking over their shoulders and fighting for their lives to survive the chaos they’ve caused. This is a top notch Urban Fantasy series that is right up there with Ilona Andrews and Stacia Kane – especially if you like dark, gritty, and emotional urban fantasy. I can’t say enough about this series that will ever do these books justice. Do the author a favor and buy them so she can continue on with this AMAZING story!
-- A Romantic Book Affairs Review
January 1, 2013
'Rhiannon's Law #18: No one asks for their life to change, but it does. The bad things we face are tests created to separate the strong from the weak. Once you've found your place–as the savage lion or the tranquil lamb–it's up to you to take the next step, to decide what comes after. Even if it means destroying everything in your path on the road to deliverance.'
After being brought back from the edge of death, the brink of death, and actual death so many times, I was worried for our girl Rhiannon from the beginning of this story. I knew her emotional state would be a complete disaster with how the last book ended and knew that this wasn't something she could necessarily physically fight out of her system. She tried, God love her, but it once again takes extreme circumstances for her to see the light and realize what really matters. However, no amount of enlightenment comes without a price and Rhiannon wasn't the only one who suffered. I have to warn that if you've been following this series and love certain characters or even if you only have a level of respect for others, this story will crush in ways you didn't think possible. It crushed me, chewed me up, and spat me out leaving me physically drained by the run of high emotions.
In my reading journey, I don't believe I have ever been afraid for or of a heroine so much as I was for/of Rhiannon. There was absolutely no amount of predictability in her moves (or the storyline for that matter) and that made for a tense read. At times, I thought there was no way for her to come back from this or that and she consistently surprised me with her persistence and perseverance. For that she is the most inspirational and admirable character I have ever read. Having said that, her stubbornness and slight selfishness this time around made her a very frustrating character as well, but I can't say I'd have done anything different. To Rhiannon I say - stay the same, don't ever change... unless it's for the ones you love. Then it's ok to be a monster created by monsters or an angel of vengeance.
Gabriel and Paine... what can I really say about them that hasn't already been said or they haven't proven through their actions or words. I knew there wouldn't be an automatic road to happily-ever-after and even after certain events occurred, I remain hopeful. That's just the power these brilliantly realized characters have.
Gritty, raw, dark, poignant, and surprisingly beautiful, this story left me completely broken. I thought Rhiannon had been put through the ringer enough in the first two books, but that was not to be in this one. I won't give any spoilers away, but the end is just the beginning and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!
'I was coming for them and, Heaven or Hell, I was bringing death with me.'
After being brought back from the edge of death, the brink of death, and actual death so many times, I was worried for our girl Rhiannon from the beginning of this story. I knew her emotional state would be a complete disaster with how the last book ended and knew that this wasn't something she could necessarily physically fight out of her system. She tried, God love her, but it once again takes extreme circumstances for her to see the light and realize what really matters. However, no amount of enlightenment comes without a price and Rhiannon wasn't the only one who suffered. I have to warn that if you've been following this series and love certain characters or even if you only have a level of respect for others, this story will crush in ways you didn't think possible. It crushed me, chewed me up, and spat me out leaving me physically drained by the run of high emotions.
In my reading journey, I don't believe I have ever been afraid for or of a heroine so much as I was for/of Rhiannon. There was absolutely no amount of predictability in her moves (or the storyline for that matter) and that made for a tense read. At times, I thought there was no way for her to come back from this or that and she consistently surprised me with her persistence and perseverance. For that she is the most inspirational and admirable character I have ever read. Having said that, her stubbornness and slight selfishness this time around made her a very frustrating character as well, but I can't say I'd have done anything different. To Rhiannon I say - stay the same, don't ever change... unless it's for the ones you love. Then it's ok to be a monster created by monsters or an angel of vengeance.
Gabriel and Paine... what can I really say about them that hasn't already been said or they haven't proven through their actions or words. I knew there wouldn't be an automatic road to happily-ever-after and even after certain events occurred, I remain hopeful. That's just the power these brilliantly realized characters have.
Gritty, raw, dark, poignant, and surprisingly beautiful, this story left me completely broken. I thought Rhiannon had been put through the ringer enough in the first two books, but that was not to be in this one. I won't give any spoilers away, but the end is just the beginning and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!
'I was coming for them and, Heaven or Hell, I was bringing death with me.'
August 13, 2012
This book was not as satisfying as the last two. Although the pace was swift and action packed, Rhiannon’s character has become a bit too reckless for my taste. The culmination of all the tragedy at the climax of the book could have been avoided had Rhiannon made better decisions. And it’s not as though she was not being told, explicitly, what she should and should not be doing. Rhiannon received various warnings from Paine, Goose Disco and others to tread carefully or people would die. Did she listen? Not really. She garnered no sympathy from me at the end when the demons tried to break her. You were warned! Your friends told you people would die because of your actions and you chose to do what you wanted to do anyway. Those are TSTL tendencies. Even after Disco let her know he would face death to protect her, Rhiannon still kept information from him. So selfish.
Rhiannon also seemed to conveniently choose when she wanted to be humane or compassionate. You can’t go around calling vamps and demons evil because they are killers and then go around killing without regret when its your life on the line. You’re a killer you hypocrite. Rhiannon killed vampires from her own house with no remorse but had the nerve to be mad at Goose for turning on her. Maybe he turned on you because you couldn’t be trusted. You did the exact opposite of everything he told you to do. Goose was being loyal to his house like you should have been. Who cares that you didn’t really want to be part of the house. In the end you chose to be a part of the house and be loyal to its members. Rhiannon proved over and over again that she was out for self. I would have turned on her too.
During the epic battle with Victoria, Rhiannon shamelessly killed the other vampires in the room who were rightly pissed off at being controlled and used as batteries. Rhiannon lost it when Disco “mind raped” her as she would say. Shouldn’t she be able to understand why the vamps were going for her jugular after taking away their freewill and draining their energy? Again, Rhiannon had no shame. She just said, “I don’t want to fight you” and when that didn’t work she started blowing holes in any vamp that came too close. I know there are always going to be casualties in war but Rhiannon needs to understand that she is responsible for a lot of what went down at the end of book 3.
Overall the book was not bad. I just wished Rhiannon hadn’t become such a selfish character. I will read the next book to see where it goes but the series had definitely lost some steam for me.
Rhiannon also seemed to conveniently choose when she wanted to be humane or compassionate. You can’t go around calling vamps and demons evil because they are killers and then go around killing without regret when its your life on the line. You’re a killer you hypocrite. Rhiannon killed vampires from her own house with no remorse but had the nerve to be mad at Goose for turning on her. Maybe he turned on you because you couldn’t be trusted. You did the exact opposite of everything he told you to do. Goose was being loyal to his house like you should have been. Who cares that you didn’t really want to be part of the house. In the end you chose to be a part of the house and be loyal to its members. Rhiannon proved over and over again that she was out for self. I would have turned on her too.
During the epic battle with Victoria, Rhiannon shamelessly killed the other vampires in the room who were rightly pissed off at being controlled and used as batteries. Rhiannon lost it when Disco “mind raped” her as she would say. Shouldn’t she be able to understand why the vamps were going for her jugular after taking away their freewill and draining their energy? Again, Rhiannon had no shame. She just said, “I don’t want to fight you” and when that didn’t work she started blowing holes in any vamp that came too close. I know there are always going to be casualties in war but Rhiannon needs to understand that she is responsible for a lot of what went down at the end of book 3.
Overall the book was not bad. I just wished Rhiannon hadn’t become such a selfish character. I will read the next book to see where it goes but the series had definitely lost some steam for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2012
3.5...Sluggish start then BAM! POW!! Right in the kisser!
In The Renfield Syndrome, Rhiannon changed fate. She had been warned then when you change fate it bites back in a heavy and bad way. In The Ripple Effect, she stuggles with her broken relationship with her vampire boyfriend Gabriel aka "Disco" after he violated her trust. Her friendship with Paine has grown adding complications to Gabriel and Paine's friendship. Rhiannon needs to surrender a demon-killing knife to Gabriel's ruler, but she needs the knife to pay a debt to a fallen angel. She's between a rock and a hard place with all her baggage in between, and she's about to see how twisted the lives of vampires can really be.
The first half was very sloooowwwwww. It seemed to drift, possibly to add new variables to the series. I wondered, Where is the ripple effect? This is the first book where Rhiannon drove me nucking futs! She needed to be slapped around. Seriously! Her behavior is explained but it was a drag reading about it. I still don't understand one of her decisions.
The second half of the book is the best! It's ultra dark, some may find a few scenes disturbing. It does stress Rhiannon's peril and the sadistic half-demon she must face.
The events in the last portion of the book are intense! I sobbed like a wee baby and needed tissue to blow my nose. The next day my eyelids were swollen from my blubbering. What happens is a definite game-changer and I'm looking forward to the next book in the Rhiannon Law series! Saare left a possibility open so I'm anxious if she goes in the direction I think she will. To say more would be a spoiler!
If only the first half of the book would have matched the second half I would have given the book 4 or 4.5 stars. As it is, the first half, which is really longer than 50% of the book, earned a 2.5 and the second half earned 4.5; thus earning a C+ grade.
In The Renfield Syndrome, Rhiannon changed fate. She had been warned then when you change fate it bites back in a heavy and bad way. In The Ripple Effect, she stuggles with her broken relationship with her vampire boyfriend Gabriel aka "Disco" after he violated her trust. Her friendship with Paine has grown adding complications to Gabriel and Paine's friendship. Rhiannon needs to surrender a demon-killing knife to Gabriel's ruler, but she needs the knife to pay a debt to a fallen angel. She's between a rock and a hard place with all her baggage in between, and she's about to see how twisted the lives of vampires can really be.
The first half was very sloooowwwwww. It seemed to drift, possibly to add new variables to the series. I wondered, Where is the ripple effect? This is the first book where Rhiannon drove me nucking futs! She needed to be slapped around. Seriously! Her behavior is explained but it was a drag reading about it. I still don't understand one of her decisions.
The second half of the book is the best! It's ultra dark, some may find a few scenes disturbing. It does stress Rhiannon's peril and the sadistic half-demon she must face.
The events in the last portion of the book are intense! I sobbed like a wee baby and needed tissue to blow my nose. The next day my eyelids were swollen from my blubbering. What happens is a definite game-changer and I'm looking forward to the next book in the Rhiannon Law series! Saare left a possibility open so I'm anxious if she goes in the direction I think she will. To say more would be a spoiler!
If only the first half of the book would have matched the second half I would have given the book 4 or 4.5 stars. As it is, the first half, which is really longer than 50% of the book, earned a 2.5 and the second half earned 4.5; thus earning a C+ grade.
August 15, 2012
Wow! This book in the series is the best yet and has reminded me as to why I got addicted to it in the first place. Like Jaime says in her acknowledgments at the end of the book, please don't pirate her work. We won't to see a true conclusion to the series someday, yes? Then make sure that you're doing your part to keep the series going by buying the books.
Now, all of that said, I just don't know where to begin with this review. So very much happened and I don't want to spoil things because everything should be experienced as you're reading with this one. All I can say is, that Rhiannon went to a very dark place in this installment. Life has never been sunshine and rainbows for her, but now, it's even worse. There are a lot of changes and loss in this one. All of the characters surprised me. Especially Paine and Ethan (I still love you Ethan, but I wouldn't be surprised if you have some serious haters now). I was not expecting what went down in that mansion to go down like that. I know he made a vow, but I don't see how it could ever be possible.
Rhiannon and Gabriel. I am happy with the way that played out. Before reading the book, I was waffling on who she should be with. Now, I am completely behind the pairing that came out in this book. I wasn't sure if I ever wanted Rhiannon to forgive Gabriel for what he'd done, but he was willing to do complete penance. Like Rhiannon, I did not fully comprehend the trouble she brought to them all by leaving the way she did. And it was a crapload of trouble. Ethan's actions proved that. He told her some hard truths, but then he did something else that I'm still not quite sure how to feel about. I'll always love him, though.
In the end, several characters got what they deserved and a war is about to be on. I really hope there won't be any problems with Jaime releasing Edge of Darkness next year. I have got to see what happens next.
Now, all of that said, I just don't know where to begin with this review. So very much happened and I don't want to spoil things because everything should be experienced as you're reading with this one. All I can say is, that Rhiannon went to a very dark place in this installment. Life has never been sunshine and rainbows for her, but now, it's even worse. There are a lot of changes and loss in this one. All of the characters surprised me. Especially Paine and Ethan (I still love you Ethan, but I wouldn't be surprised if you have some serious haters now). I was not expecting what went down in that mansion to go down like that. I know he made a vow, but I don't see how it could ever be possible.
Rhiannon and Gabriel. I am happy with the way that played out. Before reading the book, I was waffling on who she should be with. Now, I am completely behind the pairing that came out in this book. I wasn't sure if I ever wanted Rhiannon to forgive Gabriel for what he'd done, but he was willing to do complete penance. Like Rhiannon, I did not fully comprehend the trouble she brought to them all by leaving the way she did. And it was a crapload of trouble. Ethan's actions proved that. He told her some hard truths, but then he did something else that I'm still not quite sure how to feel about. I'll always love him, though.
In the end, several characters got what they deserved and a war is about to be on. I really hope there won't be any problems with Jaime releasing Edge of Darkness next year. I have got to see what happens next.
August 7, 2012
I don't think I can adequately convey how much I really love this series. To me, it's one of a handful of really excellent urban fantasy series currently out there. Please do not read this review unless you've read the first two books in the series.
This book opens a few weeks after the events at the end of book 2, when Rhiannon comes back from 101 years into the future, and Disco finds out about her and Paine. Rhiannon really can't come to grips with the mind rape that Disco did on her, especially given her abusive childhood.
Not that the first two books in the series were a sunny walk in the park, but this book is way darker. Bad things happen to lots of people. But there were two things I liked about this. One, Rhiannon really won't let people boss her around, so when she is told to do something, she will not do it unless she wants to. This actually causes alot of the mayhem that ensues, but it's fitting with her character. It made me realize that I am not as strong as her, because I would have probably done what was asked of me, and curled up in a fetal ball somewhere. And two, as dark as it gets, there is a whole lot of story left to tell, and hope for her future. I cannot wait to see what that is!
Please do not pirate these books. I want to be able to read the next story!!!!!
This book opens a few weeks after the events at the end of book 2, when Rhiannon comes back from 101 years into the future, and Disco finds out about her and Paine. Rhiannon really can't come to grips with the mind rape that Disco did on her, especially given her abusive childhood.
Not that the first two books in the series were a sunny walk in the park, but this book is way darker. Bad things happen to lots of people. But there were two things I liked about this. One, Rhiannon really won't let people boss her around, so when she is told to do something, she will not do it unless she wants to. This actually causes alot of the mayhem that ensues, but it's fitting with her character. It made me realize that I am not as strong as her, because I would have probably done what was asked of me, and curled up in a fetal ball somewhere. And two, as dark as it gets, there is a whole lot of story left to tell, and hope for her future. I cannot wait to see what that is!
Please do not pirate these books. I want to be able to read the next story!!!!!
September 25, 2012
OH.EM.GEE!
I'm going to make this review short and sweet...THIS SERIES FUCKING ROCKS!
Again, I have my buddy Rhonda Welborn to thank for recommmending this series. Rhonda, buddy, love, I know I've said this before, but thank you for introducing me to these wonderful books. The day we finally meet in person I'm going to give you a big kiss...with tongue and everything, I love you THAT much! lol!
I read, Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between, The Renfield Syndrome and The Ripple Effect back to back, and my God, I want more!
This is now in my top 5 favorite UF/PNR series out there. It's dark, erotic, funny, emotional, exciting, romantic, sad, heartbreaking, with the perfect amount of sex, blood, angst, sexy men, guns and supernaturals.
Gahhh, I just can't describe how amazing it is. I feel like lately I've been reading nothing but incredible books, and I'm overwhelmed and honestly out of words. So, the only thing I could say now is that fans of UF/PNR have to read this series. If you haven't, you're missing out on, one word, Gabriel...'nuff said ;)
Read it, you wont regret it!
Yajaira
I'm going to make this review short and sweet...THIS SERIES FUCKING ROCKS!
Again, I have my buddy Rhonda Welborn to thank for recommmending this series. Rhonda, buddy, love, I know I've said this before, but thank you for introducing me to these wonderful books. The day we finally meet in person I'm going to give you a big kiss...with tongue and everything, I love you THAT much! lol!
I read, Dead, Undead, or Somewhere in Between, The Renfield Syndrome and The Ripple Effect back to back, and my God, I want more!
This is now in my top 5 favorite UF/PNR series out there. It's dark, erotic, funny, emotional, exciting, romantic, sad, heartbreaking, with the perfect amount of sex, blood, angst, sexy men, guns and supernaturals.
Gahhh, I just can't describe how amazing it is. I feel like lately I've been reading nothing but incredible books, and I'm overwhelmed and honestly out of words. So, the only thing I could say now is that fans of UF/PNR have to read this series. If you haven't, you're missing out on, one word, Gabriel...'nuff said ;)
Read it, you wont regret it!
Yajaira
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