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The Aether Chronicles #2
Charmed Vengeance
In the Faerie realm, Noli Braddock's relationship with her best friend V has grown into something more. But V's mother, Faerie Queen Tiana, has ruled that they are forbidden to see each other. Returning to the mortal realm, Noli joins the crew of her brother's air-pirate ship, the Vixen's Revenge. There she discovers that her brother has hired the scallywag Faerie huntsman, Kevighn Silver. While serving as shipmates, Kevighn and Noli learn that the Earth Court King plans to find a forbidden artifact--one that will bring destruction to everyone Noli loves.
408 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2013
2 people are currently reading
1008 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Lazear
8 books312 followersSuzanne Lazear writes books that end in "punk." She is the author of the the elfpunk series THE SECRET LIVES OF ROCKSTARS and the steampunk dark fairy-tale series THE AETHER CHRONICLES. She likes cupcakes, cute boots, and hanging out with her family. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter and will one day make a working cupcake cannon.
She always plays with swords, is never described as normal, and has been known to run with bustles. Learn more about THE AETHER CHRONICLES at http://www.aetherchronicles.com and her at http://www.suzannelazear.com
She always plays with swords, is never described as normal, and has been known to run with bustles. Learn more about THE AETHER CHRONICLES at http://www.aetherchronicles.com and her at http://www.suzannelazear.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
May 16, 2014
(Source: I own a copy of this book.)
After really enjoying Innocent Darkness, I was looking forward to reading Charmed Vengeance. Unfortunately though, this book did not live up to its predecessor at all.
I didn’t really like any of the characters in this book, other than the one person who died in the prologue; most unfortunate. Noli whined a lot in this book, she moaned and winged about things, and then just ran off and did her own thing as usual, while V was mostly absent.
The storyline in this just bored me. I thought that this book would be more steampunk than the first one, and while that was true, it wasn’t more interesting. I found all the stuff that happened on the air ship to be less than entertaining, and I found it hard to find anything interesting in here at all. There wasn’t anything overtly bad about the book, it was just boring.
The romance was basically non-existent. Noli and V had a chat at the beginning, and then didn’t really see each other for the rest of the book.
The ending was a bit of a cliff-hanger, and there was an unexpected death, but I’m afraid I just didn’t care by that point.
Overall; nowhere near as good as the first one,
4.25 out of 10
After really enjoying Innocent Darkness, I was looking forward to reading Charmed Vengeance. Unfortunately though, this book did not live up to its predecessor at all.
I didn’t really like any of the characters in this book, other than the one person who died in the prologue; most unfortunate. Noli whined a lot in this book, she moaned and winged about things, and then just ran off and did her own thing as usual, while V was mostly absent.
The storyline in this just bored me. I thought that this book would be more steampunk than the first one, and while that was true, it wasn’t more interesting. I found all the stuff that happened on the air ship to be less than entertaining, and I found it hard to find anything interesting in here at all. There wasn’t anything overtly bad about the book, it was just boring.
The romance was basically non-existent. Noli and V had a chat at the beginning, and then didn’t really see each other for the rest of the book.
The ending was a bit of a cliff-hanger, and there was an unexpected death, but I’m afraid I just didn’t care by that point.
Overall; nowhere near as good as the first one,
4.25 out of 10
May 16, 2014
I really liked the first one in this series, but this one was was boring.
Noli was an okay character in the last book, but in this one, i didn't like her.
She whined a lot, and had loads of annoying moments.
I didn't really like any of the other characters either. The one i liked the most in the last book wasn't in this one for very long!
I spent the majority of the book bored. The story just didn't interest me at all.
There was only one bit that i found slightly interesting, which is really bad for a book this long!
Overall, disappointing.
Noli was an okay character in the last book, but in this one, i didn't like her.
She whined a lot, and had loads of annoying moments.
I didn't really like any of the other characters either. The one i liked the most in the last book wasn't in this one for very long!
I spent the majority of the book bored. The story just didn't interest me at all.
There was only one bit that i found slightly interesting, which is really bad for a book this long!
Overall, disappointing.
October 3, 2015
This is the second book in the Aether Chronicles Series and is definitely not a book that can be read as a stand alone. Just to let you know, there will be spoilers if you haven't read the first book.
Noli is having a hard time in this second book. The sprite inside her is taking over for periods of time and she can't remember anything while the sprite is in possession of her body. To make matters worse, V. is forced to break the sigil she wears that gives her the protection of his house, essentially breaking their understanding that they will marry. But Noli isn't the type to faint and die from things like this. Noli is the type to fight and trust that things will get better and she and V. will get back together. And she isn't going to wait for it to happen. I love how Noli fights against the sprite who likes fancy dresses and pretty shiny things, a big hindrance while Noli works on a big shiny engine on Jeff's airship. Sometimes the sprite and Noli can share consciousness, but sometimes, Noli wakes up to the horror that the sprite has done. It's horrible only because the captain of "Jeff's ship" is Vix, a female women's rights activist who isn't prone to pretty things like fancy dresses and shiny things.
Jeff, Noli's brother, shows up at just the right time and is a great addition to the characters in this series. He is ultra protective of Noli as are all of his shipmates. He knows something happened to her and that sometimes she seems to disappear even now. He is very worried about her, and as he is in love with Vix and she him, they share their worries. We also find out that, though some of his actions are illegal, some of his illegal actions involve rescuing kidnapped children. And for that, I can certainly forgive him for being an airpirate!
V. is in this one again and YAY! for that. I love that everything seems to not work out too easily for V. He travels with James and we get to learn a little more about him. It's fun to see the two of them questing together. But what I love most is seeing how much V.'s mission is to get back to Noli.
The world is once again 1901 alternate United States. More or less the same, but steampunk and some of the states are altered. There is a war with Hawaii called the Pineapple Rebellion as they try to retain their independence from the United States. And the state of Deseret which is a fictional state and one of the author's own creation. There is child trafficking which, according to the author did happen (and continues) at the turn of the century. Airships, machines, and the Otherworld all intermingle. The Fae mingle with the human world without most of the human's knowing. However, the Otherworld and the Human world are co-dependent and without balance in one, there is no balance in the other. This was a theme that was explained in Innocent Darkness. It continues in this novel.
The story is very interconnected. Noli runs away from her mother and grandfather who want to take her to Boston for "The Season". She is on Jeff's airship, The Vixen's Revenge (there's a story in that name, I'm sure) but it's not Jeff's ship, he's just the pilot. The captain and owner is Vix, the woman Jeff is in love with and who Noli has to convince that she's not a "lady" but an engineer and feminist enough to be on board the ship. A problem for sure with the sprite inside of her. V. has to make good on the favor he promised his mother the Queen Tiana which becomes a quest. He drags James along who is, understandably, in sad shape. That quest becomes another quest and Queen Tiana, as well as fellow members of the Otherworld hinder them at every turn. And then it seems that the world has Noli and V. just missing each other at every port and turn. It was a cross country race despite the fact that they weren't trying to find each other. A shocking ending concludes this fast paced and breathless novel.
No second book syndrome here. Though it might take a page or two to get going, this novel is fast and action packed, full of adventuresome air pirates and questing faeries, nefarious otherworlders and our lovable Noli and V. and another couple to fall for Jeff and Vix! The ante has been upped in this series! Noli is still the key even if she wasn't sacrificed and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!!
I received a copy for a review from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Noli is having a hard time in this second book. The sprite inside her is taking over for periods of time and she can't remember anything while the sprite is in possession of her body. To make matters worse, V. is forced to break the sigil she wears that gives her the protection of his house, essentially breaking their understanding that they will marry. But Noli isn't the type to faint and die from things like this. Noli is the type to fight and trust that things will get better and she and V. will get back together. And she isn't going to wait for it to happen. I love how Noli fights against the sprite who likes fancy dresses and pretty shiny things, a big hindrance while Noli works on a big shiny engine on Jeff's airship. Sometimes the sprite and Noli can share consciousness, but sometimes, Noli wakes up to the horror that the sprite has done. It's horrible only because the captain of "Jeff's ship" is Vix, a female women's rights activist who isn't prone to pretty things like fancy dresses and shiny things.
Jeff, Noli's brother, shows up at just the right time and is a great addition to the characters in this series. He is ultra protective of Noli as are all of his shipmates. He knows something happened to her and that sometimes she seems to disappear even now. He is very worried about her, and as he is in love with Vix and she him, they share their worries. We also find out that, though some of his actions are illegal, some of his illegal actions involve rescuing kidnapped children. And for that, I can certainly forgive him for being an airpirate!
V. is in this one again and YAY! for that. I love that everything seems to not work out too easily for V. He travels with James and we get to learn a little more about him. It's fun to see the two of them questing together. But what I love most is seeing how much V.'s mission is to get back to Noli.
The world is once again 1901 alternate United States. More or less the same, but steampunk and some of the states are altered. There is a war with Hawaii called the Pineapple Rebellion as they try to retain their independence from the United States. And the state of Deseret which is a fictional state and one of the author's own creation. There is child trafficking which, according to the author did happen (and continues) at the turn of the century. Airships, machines, and the Otherworld all intermingle. The Fae mingle with the human world without most of the human's knowing. However, the Otherworld and the Human world are co-dependent and without balance in one, there is no balance in the other. This was a theme that was explained in Innocent Darkness. It continues in this novel.
The story is very interconnected. Noli runs away from her mother and grandfather who want to take her to Boston for "The Season". She is on Jeff's airship, The Vixen's Revenge (there's a story in that name, I'm sure) but it's not Jeff's ship, he's just the pilot. The captain and owner is Vix, the woman Jeff is in love with and who Noli has to convince that she's not a "lady" but an engineer and feminist enough to be on board the ship. A problem for sure with the sprite inside of her. V. has to make good on the favor he promised his mother the Queen Tiana which becomes a quest. He drags James along who is, understandably, in sad shape. That quest becomes another quest and Queen Tiana, as well as fellow members of the Otherworld hinder them at every turn. And then it seems that the world has Noli and V. just missing each other at every port and turn. It was a cross country race despite the fact that they weren't trying to find each other. A shocking ending concludes this fast paced and breathless novel.
No second book syndrome here. Though it might take a page or two to get going, this novel is fast and action packed, full of adventuresome air pirates and questing faeries, nefarious otherworlders and our lovable Noli and V. and another couple to fall for Jeff and Vix! The ante has been upped in this series! Noli is still the key even if she wasn't sacrificed and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!!
I received a copy for a review from the publisher through NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 15, 2014
When her true love, Steven, is forced to break their magical bond, Noli Braddock decides to join her brother on the crew of the Vixen's Revenge.
With its gleaming brass, dark wood, and spotless clockwork gears, the Vixen's Revenge is a beautiful airship. But Noli discovers a dangerous secret beneath its polished exterior--the crew has been hired to steal dozens of priceless Otherworld artifacts. Desperate to keep her past Otherworld experiences hidden from the airship crew, Noli fears that if she doesn't risk telling her own secrets, the stolen artifacts will be used to destroy both of the worlds she loves.
Praise: "[Lazear's] imagination soars as high as her airship, and it will have readers hooked."--Kirkus Reviews
WARNING: If you haven't read the first book in this series yet, read no further as this review contains spoilers for book One. Plus, the first book is a very entertaining read. *Personal irritant - the large number of grammatical errors I discovered in the e-book version I read. There were missing words, incorrect words, punctuation mistakes, etc. It's almost as if the e-book version was simply not edited or proofread prior to release.
There's plenty of action in this book, but just as importantly this book shares some very important lessons that each of the main characters learn as they mature. Noli has finally returned to her mother's home in Los Angeles, after her stay at Findlay House, and experiences journeying through the Otherworld. Though her mother is unaware of the fact that Noli wasn't at Findlay House the entire time, she knows something is different about her daughter. She sees the physical changes in Noli, which lead her to believe that her daughter is now a 'lady.' The same changes that came from making a bargain with the Faery Queen, who spitefully turned Noli into a Sprite. While beautiful, Sprites are not known for their intelligence or focus, instead they enjoy parties, nice dresses, tea parties. In short, they are exactly what Noli was struggling against becoming, vacuous Society dolls.
Thanks to the quick thinking by James and V, Noli retains much of her original self, but she constantly struggles with the Sprite for control over her mind and body. Yet this new situation is actually good for Noli in some aspects, for she learns to share with the Sprite. In doing so she discovers there is more substance to the Sprite than she shows, she simply doesn't enjoy thinking, the same way Noli doesn't want to be shallow like the Sprite. She also learns some magical skills, which will be useful later.
Like Noli's lessons learned through her dealings with the Sprite, V also learns some important lessons of his own. He learns to rely upon James more often, which is good training for the when he takes back the earth court in the Otherworld, assuming he'll be successful when the time comes. But a very important lesson that James has learned and shares is good for all the readers as well, and that is to live in the moment, everyday, all the time.
Even Kevighn learns some lessons, the main one being that you can always go home. After letting the Faery Queen down, at least in her insane mind, Kevighn feels he has nothing of value left. He wallows in the mortal world, indulging in his personal vices, at least until something calls him back to the Otherworld. Once he returns, he returns all the way, going back to his roots, where he learns that family will take you in even when no one else will.
The lessons to be learned are demonstrated in fascinating ways, and sometimes it takes numerous attempts before they are taught to the writer's satisfaction. Most of the lessons involve exciting action, with edge of your seat thrills that keep you turning page after page. Each time you think it's safe to relax something new occurs, dragging you right back into the action. Certainly a sequel with legs, which can only lead me to believe that the next book in the series will be at least as good, and more than likely it will be better as Ms. Lazear continues to use her charismatic characters to explore her well developed world.
August 2, 2013
I’ll be the first person to admit that I wasn’t entirely thrilled by the first installment of this series, but I was interested enough to request the second book. Sadly, as many “middle” novels have been showing me these days, I sometimes think that some series should not be trilogies. Or people at least need some new conventions for middles of series.
Thanks to V’s intervention, Noli had not become the braindead sprite Queen Tiana was hoping for. Instead, Noli shares her mind with the consciousness of a sprite, and control of the body isn’t always hers. Determined to get rid of her meddling sons, Queen Tiana forces V to go a-questing with James for “something to amuse her.” While V is gone, Noli’s Grandfather discovers the squalor that her and her mother have been living in and tries to force them to go to Boston. Determined not to be married off by Christmas, Noli runs off with her brother Jeff to be the engineer on his airship. Imagine her surprise when Kevighn Silver signs on to be the ship’s new gunner.
So, middle book convention #1 is obvious: the male and female love interests get separated and have to go off on their own adventures. Personally, I found V and James’s quest pretty boring, and only interesting when it supplemented Noli’s. Noli’s adventure was the one with most of the excitement and the questions and answers. Also, the romance between Jeff and the ship’s female captain Vix was really cute.
Noli herself still makes me happy as a main character. Her new added problem of having a sprite in her head, trying to make her girly, was a fun addition. It was actually my favorite part of the novel. She continued to be my shining light throughout the novel, even when I started skipping.
And I did, sadly, start skipping. Like I said, James and V’s story just seemed to be filler, only letting us know that Queen Tiana had dropped the gloves. Otherwise, they were just running around and offering comic relief. I would skip through portions of their journey, because what was going to happen and how it connected to Noli was clear from the outset.
I did really like the switch of scene for Noli, and the family connection was nice. It was great to see a good steampunk side to this story for once, even though the focus was still on the fae. The questions and new elements that were brought in were also interesting. Like I said, I mostly read through and enjoyed Noli and the sprite’s problems.
Sadly, I had started skipping so much that I started skimming Noli’s part, too, just because I had so much figured out already. Nothing in the book really surprised me, and–again–it was more filler than anything else. I feel like all the exciting things will happen in the third and final installment, now that Noli and V have gotten their obligatory self-spirit-journeys or whatever out of the way.
Thanks to V’s intervention, Noli had not become the braindead sprite Queen Tiana was hoping for. Instead, Noli shares her mind with the consciousness of a sprite, and control of the body isn’t always hers. Determined to get rid of her meddling sons, Queen Tiana forces V to go a-questing with James for “something to amuse her.” While V is gone, Noli’s Grandfather discovers the squalor that her and her mother have been living in and tries to force them to go to Boston. Determined not to be married off by Christmas, Noli runs off with her brother Jeff to be the engineer on his airship. Imagine her surprise when Kevighn Silver signs on to be the ship’s new gunner.
So, middle book convention #1 is obvious: the male and female love interests get separated and have to go off on their own adventures. Personally, I found V and James’s quest pretty boring, and only interesting when it supplemented Noli’s. Noli’s adventure was the one with most of the excitement and the questions and answers. Also, the romance between Jeff and the ship’s female captain Vix was really cute.
Noli herself still makes me happy as a main character. Her new added problem of having a sprite in her head, trying to make her girly, was a fun addition. It was actually my favorite part of the novel. She continued to be my shining light throughout the novel, even when I started skipping.
And I did, sadly, start skipping. Like I said, James and V’s story just seemed to be filler, only letting us know that Queen Tiana had dropped the gloves. Otherwise, they were just running around and offering comic relief. I would skip through portions of their journey, because what was going to happen and how it connected to Noli was clear from the outset.
I did really like the switch of scene for Noli, and the family connection was nice. It was great to see a good steampunk side to this story for once, even though the focus was still on the fae. The questions and new elements that were brought in were also interesting. Like I said, I mostly read through and enjoyed Noli and the sprite’s problems.
Sadly, I had started skipping so much that I started skimming Noli’s part, too, just because I had so much figured out already. Nothing in the book really surprised me, and–again–it was more filler than anything else. I feel like all the exciting things will happen in the third and final installment, now that Noli and V have gotten their obligatory self-spirit-journeys or whatever out of the way.
September 1, 2013
(Originally posted on http://www.theyalitchick.blogspot.com)
Fans of Innocent Darkness will definitely not be disappointed by Charmed Vengeance, which - in my opinion - is actually better than the first. Lazear is just continuing to improve the Aether Chronicles, and I am excited to follow the rest of the series.
Charmed Vengeance still explores all of the characters of the debut novel, while diving deeper into their stories and testing them in new situations. New characters - like Jeff and the other air pirates - are added, and their development is excellent. Noli continues to be an excellent protagonist, and her personal plot and conflict kept intrigue the entire time.
Innocent Darkness read as almost three separate parts, but Charmed Vengeance manages to keep a more consistent plot that is still refreshingly interesting. From the very first page, the novel is an attention-grabber. I did not find any slow portions during the read.
The air pirates were definitely a welcome to read about. I remember hearing the idea in Innocent Darkness and instantly wanting to know more about them. The airships were exactly the kind of the steampunk that I was looking for in the novel. The adventure that followed them was my favorite part of reading.
The Aether Chronicles just keeps getting better and better, and Charmed Vengeance is a must-read. Enchanting and action packed, readers will continue to fall for the series, unable to put it down.
Fans of Innocent Darkness will definitely not be disappointed by Charmed Vengeance, which - in my opinion - is actually better than the first. Lazear is just continuing to improve the Aether Chronicles, and I am excited to follow the rest of the series.
Charmed Vengeance still explores all of the characters of the debut novel, while diving deeper into their stories and testing them in new situations. New characters - like Jeff and the other air pirates - are added, and their development is excellent. Noli continues to be an excellent protagonist, and her personal plot and conflict kept intrigue the entire time.
Innocent Darkness read as almost three separate parts, but Charmed Vengeance manages to keep a more consistent plot that is still refreshingly interesting. From the very first page, the novel is an attention-grabber. I did not find any slow portions during the read.
The air pirates were definitely a welcome to read about. I remember hearing the idea in Innocent Darkness and instantly wanting to know more about them. The airships were exactly the kind of the steampunk that I was looking for in the novel. The adventure that followed them was my favorite part of reading.
The Aether Chronicles just keeps getting better and better, and Charmed Vengeance is a must-read. Enchanting and action packed, readers will continue to fall for the series, unable to put it down.
July 24, 2016
Noli loves V but do to the Faerie Queen Tiana they can't be together or even see each other. While Noli's mom would like to see her become a proper lady that just isn't in the cards. She goes aboard an air ship with her brother and discovers a new danger. Kevighn Silver is aboard and looking for an artifact. Her brother has been hired to find it not knowing it can cause horrible destruction.
I loved the first book in this series and I have to say I think I liked this one a little more. I would suggest reading them in order. Noli has never really been a weak character and in this book she has a lot to deal with. She has so much going on you may think she seems weak at times but the more you read the more you see that isn't so.. She has had her heart broke but goes on. I love how she doesn't want to be a typical girl and all the adventures she finds her self in. Her brother has a bigger part in this book and I enjoyed getting to know him better and Vix. Vix is a woman after my own heart. She is not a girly girl by any means. There is still Faerie, dangers and so much more in this book. It feels more fast paced and you really can't put it down as you have to see what happens next. I eagerly look forward to the next book.
I loved the first book in this series and I have to say I think I liked this one a little more. I would suggest reading them in order. Noli has never really been a weak character and in this book she has a lot to deal with. She has so much going on you may think she seems weak at times but the more you read the more you see that isn't so.. She has had her heart broke but goes on. I love how she doesn't want to be a typical girl and all the adventures she finds her self in. Her brother has a bigger part in this book and I enjoyed getting to know him better and Vix. Vix is a woman after my own heart. She is not a girly girl by any means. There is still Faerie, dangers and so much more in this book. It feels more fast paced and you really can't put it down as you have to see what happens next. I eagerly look forward to the next book.
June 19, 2014
I loved the first book in this series for the faerie aspect of it, but I fell in love with Charmed Vengeance for the Steampunk aspect. This book is packed with airships, air pirates, shootouts, murder, a life-or-death quest, and broken hearts. I dare say that Suzanne's stepped up her game in this book, driving it full-force from start to finish.
While Charmed Vengeance brings back characters from Innocent Darkness that I knew and loved, it also introduced new characters that are as endearing as they are fierce. You get to meet Vix, the strong and honorable airship Captain, Jeff, Noli's missing brother, and a whole crew of pirates.
The story centers on 2 parts, Noli's escapades as an airship pirate, and V's quest. While these two things may seem unrelated, Suzanne manages to weave a tangled web that leads our two characters full circle and back to each other, and ending the book with murder, vengeance, and great lead-off for book 3.
I had the pleasure of getting an ARC of FRAGILE DESTINY, the 3rd book in this series, and I must now run off to devour it. If you haven't read this series, you should give it a try. Suzanne takes each book further than the last and I, for one, can't wait to see where it goes.
While Charmed Vengeance brings back characters from Innocent Darkness that I knew and loved, it also introduced new characters that are as endearing as they are fierce. You get to meet Vix, the strong and honorable airship Captain, Jeff, Noli's missing brother, and a whole crew of pirates.
The story centers on 2 parts, Noli's escapades as an airship pirate, and V's quest. While these two things may seem unrelated, Suzanne manages to weave a tangled web that leads our two characters full circle and back to each other, and ending the book with murder, vengeance, and great lead-off for book 3.
I had the pleasure of getting an ARC of FRAGILE DESTINY, the 3rd book in this series, and I must now run off to devour it. If you haven't read this series, you should give it a try. Suzanne takes each book further than the last and I, for one, can't wait to see where it goes.
June 29, 2013
I liked this one a lot more than the first one. It was fast paced and I loved following the various characters.
Noli's "battle" was interesting to watch unfold, I can't wait to see what happens with that whole situation. And the dynamic between her and her brother was fun to read.
The ending was fantastic and makes me really eager for the next book.
**Thanks to NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
Noli's "battle" was interesting to watch unfold, I can't wait to see what happens with that whole situation. And the dynamic between her and her brother was fun to read.
The ending was fantastic and makes me really eager for the next book.
**Thanks to NetGalley for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review**
August 24, 2013
I read this right after re-reading the first one, why, I do not know. I think just because I had already checked the book out from the library. Though I will say this one was slightly better than the first, though I did skip through most everything that was Stephen and James, because I did not care about that part of the story. I just wanted to get through it as best as I could.
September 16, 2013
I started this book with a little trepidation because the first book in this series, Innocent Darkness, felt too derivative of other books in the YA/Fantasy genre. I had just finished reading Holly Black’s “The Modern Faery’s Tales” trilogy, which deals with the same mortal/faerie world dichotomy. Both Black’s published trilogy (Black published hers 2004-2007) and Lazear’s deal with the same question of a magical plane that must be fed on the blood of a young female sacrifice every seven years, and the major difference seems to be that Lazear has moved the timeline a century earlier to the 1900’s to make it compatible with the steampunk elements. (And, as an aside, a sword that turns into a pen? Percy Jackson, anyone?) But Lazear is better at building the relationship between the parallel worlds, and the writing seems less conflicted in tone, so I was eager to see where the second book would take her cast of characters.
I am pleased by how Lazear’s young adult novel is appropriate to the age of the intended audience, even though some readers have commented that they find the chaste nature of Noli and V’s relationship beyond unbelievable. Given the time period of the novel and the very real danger of pregnancy, it makes sense that these two would choose not to make things even harder for themselves. As an adult reading this novel I felt like Charmed Vengeance manages to explore the complex nature of evil in the human and faerie realms without overreaching; the cruelty and menace of both feel plausible, not like an attempt at shock value or to make the book ‘street’ enough for teens to think it sufficiently cool to read. The idea of human sacrifice is more clearly defined in Lazear’s novel: Here the sacrifice is necessary to save not just the faerie world, but the human one as well. The two worlds are indelibly intertwined and, without the pact, both worlds pay a terrific price. The nature of sacrifice, and the ethical questions that surround it, simply seems handled more intelligently and doesn’t condescend to the teen audience, which I found refreshing. And it also helps that the story is moving in the direction of solving the ritual sacrifice problem.
The ‘head hopping’ in the book is a little worrisome, because it interferes with the flow of the story. In this book we get far more of Noli’s viewpoint, and the reader experiences her unwilling possession by an earth sprite, which feels a lot like mental illness. I liked this POV, and I think this part of the story, which requires Noli to develop new coping strategies, to be interesting. I still think she’s impetuous and strong-willed at all the wrong times, but her inner conflict makes for good reading. But then the POV jumps to V and James, and I wasn’t quite so impressed with the moments we spent in V’s head, watching him struggle with his brother. James is dealing with a loss of his own, and he behaves like a wackadoodle two year-old lothario hybrid. It makes things almost absurdly tough for V, and this element of the story is inconsistent, unpredictable, and sometimes downright bizarre.
My biggest complaint about the first book was with regards to the use of steampunk elements, and this no longer seems to be an issue. I adore steampunk. I love the thematic explorations with regards to race and gender, the questions it asks about humanity’s interaction with technology and how it changes us, and the enormous environmental cost humans inflict on our planet in the search for the next marvel. In this book, airships are one of the most common modes of transport, and their use is organic and natural. I am still concerned by how there are hoverboards and flying cars, but these exist in a world still (bizarrely) lit by fire. They’ve managed to invent a flying car but can’t handle an incandescent light bulb? Steam powered gadgets and gizmos exist in the faerie realm, but the reader doesn’t spend any considerable time there in this book, so this is a non-issue.
I will repeat the complaint I have with the V/Noli/Kevighn love triangle. (Does every YA novel have to have one? This convention is getting stale, I think…) The triangle would be a useful plot device if it seemed like there was any possibility that dark-haired Kevighn SilverTongue stood a chance against blond Steven Darrow (Gag! A dark v. light binary!), but it really does feel like a foregone conclusion that Steven will get the girl. I truly detest how forced this element is in the book, but I think that Lazear is moving away from the “I say no with my mouth, but yes with my eyes while I look at you over the shoulder of my True Love” dialogue and narrative. Love triangles are meant to be complex and conflicted and, while there really doesn’t seem to be much of a challenge to Steven’s and Magnolia’s feelings for each other, Kevighn’s unrequited, almost courtly, love is growing on me. If you must have a love triangle then feed it well, and I don’t mean in the last chapter of the book as part of a cliffhanger.
I also find the amount of repetitive phrases to be mildly annoying, and I think teen readers will also pick up on this. Both Magnolia and Steven’s brother James refer to him as a “fussy old bodger,” and the boys’ single profanity (?) is “flying figs.” Magnolia really, really doesn’t want to be a “dollymop.” The repetition has the unintended consequence of limiting these worlds, and I was disappointed that new language wasn’t introduced in this second installment. I hope to see the introduction of new vernacular in the remaining installment(s).
Overall, while I thought there were some problems with the novel, I enjoyed reading it, and I can recommend it to others (though I would hesitate to mention the steampunk elements and stick to a faerie description). I also wouldn’t hesitate to put this in a classroom library as it will definitely appeal to teens.
I am pleased by how Lazear’s young adult novel is appropriate to the age of the intended audience, even though some readers have commented that they find the chaste nature of Noli and V’s relationship beyond unbelievable. Given the time period of the novel and the very real danger of pregnancy, it makes sense that these two would choose not to make things even harder for themselves. As an adult reading this novel I felt like Charmed Vengeance manages to explore the complex nature of evil in the human and faerie realms without overreaching; the cruelty and menace of both feel plausible, not like an attempt at shock value or to make the book ‘street’ enough for teens to think it sufficiently cool to read. The idea of human sacrifice is more clearly defined in Lazear’s novel: Here the sacrifice is necessary to save not just the faerie world, but the human one as well. The two worlds are indelibly intertwined and, without the pact, both worlds pay a terrific price. The nature of sacrifice, and the ethical questions that surround it, simply seems handled more intelligently and doesn’t condescend to the teen audience, which I found refreshing. And it also helps that the story is moving in the direction of solving the ritual sacrifice problem.
The ‘head hopping’ in the book is a little worrisome, because it interferes with the flow of the story. In this book we get far more of Noli’s viewpoint, and the reader experiences her unwilling possession by an earth sprite, which feels a lot like mental illness. I liked this POV, and I think this part of the story, which requires Noli to develop new coping strategies, to be interesting. I still think she’s impetuous and strong-willed at all the wrong times, but her inner conflict makes for good reading. But then the POV jumps to V and James, and I wasn’t quite so impressed with the moments we spent in V’s head, watching him struggle with his brother. James is dealing with a loss of his own, and he behaves like a wackadoodle two year-old lothario hybrid. It makes things almost absurdly tough for V, and this element of the story is inconsistent, unpredictable, and sometimes downright bizarre.
My biggest complaint about the first book was with regards to the use of steampunk elements, and this no longer seems to be an issue. I adore steampunk. I love the thematic explorations with regards to race and gender, the questions it asks about humanity’s interaction with technology and how it changes us, and the enormous environmental cost humans inflict on our planet in the search for the next marvel. In this book, airships are one of the most common modes of transport, and their use is organic and natural. I am still concerned by how there are hoverboards and flying cars, but these exist in a world still (bizarrely) lit by fire. They’ve managed to invent a flying car but can’t handle an incandescent light bulb? Steam powered gadgets and gizmos exist in the faerie realm, but the reader doesn’t spend any considerable time there in this book, so this is a non-issue.
I will repeat the complaint I have with the V/Noli/Kevighn love triangle. (Does every YA novel have to have one? This convention is getting stale, I think…) The triangle would be a useful plot device if it seemed like there was any possibility that dark-haired Kevighn SilverTongue stood a chance against blond Steven Darrow (Gag! A dark v. light binary!), but it really does feel like a foregone conclusion that Steven will get the girl. I truly detest how forced this element is in the book, but I think that Lazear is moving away from the “I say no with my mouth, but yes with my eyes while I look at you over the shoulder of my True Love” dialogue and narrative. Love triangles are meant to be complex and conflicted and, while there really doesn’t seem to be much of a challenge to Steven’s and Magnolia’s feelings for each other, Kevighn’s unrequited, almost courtly, love is growing on me. If you must have a love triangle then feed it well, and I don’t mean in the last chapter of the book as part of a cliffhanger.
I also find the amount of repetitive phrases to be mildly annoying, and I think teen readers will also pick up on this. Both Magnolia and Steven’s brother James refer to him as a “fussy old bodger,” and the boys’ single profanity (?) is “flying figs.” Magnolia really, really doesn’t want to be a “dollymop.” The repetition has the unintended consequence of limiting these worlds, and I was disappointed that new language wasn’t introduced in this second installment. I hope to see the introduction of new vernacular in the remaining installment(s).
Overall, while I thought there were some problems with the novel, I enjoyed reading it, and I can recommend it to others (though I would hesitate to mention the steampunk elements and stick to a faerie description). I also wouldn’t hesitate to put this in a classroom library as it will definitely appeal to teens.
April 9, 2019
Loved it can't wait to read the ending
August 21, 2013
This review and more reviews can be found at: http://framed-in-words.blogspot.co.nz/
Final rating: 3.5 stars
Firstly, I would like to thank author Suzanne Lazear, Flux Books and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of Charmed Vengeance (Innocent Darkness #2) for an honest review. I really enjoyed my time while reading it and appreciate the offer.
Charmed Vengeance picks up pretty much straight after the events of Innocent Darkness and after Charlotte's sacrifice, the reader sees Noli back at home in the human world tinkering with her tools once again. However, she is also greatly changed after the events of the previous book. Noli seems older and wiser yet more fragile than before due the experiences she had as well as the ever-constant presence of the tree sprite. In this book, we see her internal struggle with the sprite in trying to establish dominance in her own body. The reader sees how hard Noli is trying to stay true to herself but is constantly under siege from her own head. Every second that she isn't careful, she can turn into a persona that she has always despised. Looking deeper, it can also be seen as a theme of finding oneself. Noli is trying to stay true to who she is and through out the book, she really finds who she is while comparing the differences between herself and the sprite. Although she may think she knew herself before, many interesting and surprising discoveries are made about herself during her journey in the airship. I admire Noli's ability to fight on and stay concentrated even when she is in pain. She is courageous and willing to help. When she is determinded, she will definitely do what it takes to finish her task. Furthermore, I liked how she didn't need to rely very much on men to do what she wants. She was not a weepy girl without brains. Noli is a heorine the reader can really relate to and admire.
However, compared to the last book, there are also aspects of Noli's character which I didn't enjoy as much. She is much for fragile in this book and seems to soften quite a lot from her strong character and demanding presence in book 1. In book two, she seems much more gentle and reliant on other people to think for her. I know that the sprite has messed up her head pretty badly, but I've got to say, I miss the strong-willed, kick-ass mechanic/engineer that tinkers with tools and hands on things all the time.
My favourite character however, is Jeff. Noli's brother is caring, hilarious and strong-willed. He is the kind of big brother I'd love to have. He helps Noli is everyway he can. In a way, Jeff is very similar to Noli (especially the Noli in book 1) and thus he can predict Noli's actions and care for her thoroughly. He also knows Noli well enough to feel it if something is wrong. Unlike a lot of the sibling relationships in other books or even in real life, Jeff puts his younger sister above anything else and make her the most important responsibility he has. He's always taking care of her and worrying about her. That's really sweet. The awkward moments of Jeff always manages to make me laugh and his regard for women really made him impossible to dislike.
On the other hand, I got really annoyed at Steven. He just didn't seem to focus on anything this entire book and is like a combination of a brainless zombie plus an over-cautious pussy. Although some of what he does is right, but James just seems much more likable than he is in this book. His younger brother James seems to be the older brother many times as the story unfolds and is much more relaxed and understanding than Steven. This book made me like Kevighn so much more and it also makes the reader sympathise when him. Uhhhh, I really didn't want to like him, but...
The plot was more enjoyable than the last book, I liked the separation of Noli and Steven (V) in some parts of the book (hmmm I can't give away too much) and felt that gave both of them a breather in their relationship. The airships are awesome!!! :D However, at parts the plot is still a bit slow (especially during James and V's side of things...). Hopefully, next time, some more powerful aether fighting actions will be here and that Noli's character will be stronger.
Overall, a great read! Bravo Suzanne Lazear, for the creative story.
Final rating: 3.5 stars
Firstly, I would like to thank author Suzanne Lazear, Flux Books and Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of Charmed Vengeance (Innocent Darkness #2) for an honest review. I really enjoyed my time while reading it and appreciate the offer.
Charmed Vengeance picks up pretty much straight after the events of Innocent Darkness and after Charlotte's sacrifice, the reader sees Noli back at home in the human world tinkering with her tools once again. However, she is also greatly changed after the events of the previous book. Noli seems older and wiser yet more fragile than before due the experiences she had as well as the ever-constant presence of the tree sprite. In this book, we see her internal struggle with the sprite in trying to establish dominance in her own body. The reader sees how hard Noli is trying to stay true to herself but is constantly under siege from her own head. Every second that she isn't careful, she can turn into a persona that she has always despised. Looking deeper, it can also be seen as a theme of finding oneself. Noli is trying to stay true to who she is and through out the book, she really finds who she is while comparing the differences between herself and the sprite. Although she may think she knew herself before, many interesting and surprising discoveries are made about herself during her journey in the airship. I admire Noli's ability to fight on and stay concentrated even when she is in pain. She is courageous and willing to help. When she is determinded, she will definitely do what it takes to finish her task. Furthermore, I liked how she didn't need to rely very much on men to do what she wants. She was not a weepy girl without brains. Noli is a heorine the reader can really relate to and admire.
However, compared to the last book, there are also aspects of Noli's character which I didn't enjoy as much. She is much for fragile in this book and seems to soften quite a lot from her strong character and demanding presence in book 1. In book two, she seems much more gentle and reliant on other people to think for her. I know that the sprite has messed up her head pretty badly, but I've got to say, I miss the strong-willed, kick-ass mechanic/engineer that tinkers with tools and hands on things all the time.
My favourite character however, is Jeff. Noli's brother is caring, hilarious and strong-willed. He is the kind of big brother I'd love to have. He helps Noli is everyway he can. In a way, Jeff is very similar to Noli (especially the Noli in book 1) and thus he can predict Noli's actions and care for her thoroughly. He also knows Noli well enough to feel it if something is wrong. Unlike a lot of the sibling relationships in other books or even in real life, Jeff puts his younger sister above anything else and make her the most important responsibility he has. He's always taking care of her and worrying about her. That's really sweet. The awkward moments of Jeff always manages to make me laugh and his regard for women really made him impossible to dislike.
On the other hand, I got really annoyed at Steven. He just didn't seem to focus on anything this entire book and is like a combination of a brainless zombie plus an over-cautious pussy. Although some of what he does is right, but James just seems much more likable than he is in this book. His younger brother James seems to be the older brother many times as the story unfolds and is much more relaxed and understanding than Steven. This book made me like Kevighn so much more and it also makes the reader sympathise when him. Uhhhh, I really didn't want to like him, but...
The plot was more enjoyable than the last book, I liked the separation of Noli and Steven (V) in some parts of the book (hmmm I can't give away too much) and felt that gave both of them a breather in their relationship. The airships are awesome!!! :D However, at parts the plot is still a bit slow (especially during James and V's side of things...). Hopefully, next time, some more powerful aether fighting actions will be here and that Noli's character will be stronger.
Overall, a great read! Bravo Suzanne Lazear, for the creative story.
August 13, 2013
*Genre* YA Steampunk
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Thanks to an ill-worded bargain with Faery Queen Tiana by Steven V Darrow, Noli isn't a human any longer. Tiana basically turned her into an adult Sprite. The only thing V did right is to join his brother James in preventing Noli from fully transforming into a Sprite forever. What makes things worse for Noli is when V is forced into breaking her protection bond by Tiana that sends her over the emotional cliff.
The Sprite has made it hard for Noli to concentrate or be herself and it doesn't go unnoticed especially from her own brother Jeff who she joins on the Vixen's Revenge airship or Jeff's kickass girlfriend Captain Vix Adler or Kevighn Silver-Tongue who somehow manages to find his way onto the Vixen's Revenge. I think there is more to Jeff and Vix's story, especially when it comes to their dealings with the Fey, and I hope Lazear doesn't just sweep them aside as not being important to the overall picture.
Noli is a character that is hot and cold for me. I like the fact that she's tinkers with machines and wants to break the 1900's stereotype that women of a certain statue are expected to marry at a young age while leaving things she actually loves behind which is Flying Figs. I love the fact that apparently the Sprite has given Noli a bit of her own magic that comes in handy from time to time. I didn't much care for the fight with the Sprite over going to parties, wearing beautiful dresses, and shiny things that need beautifying or the fact that the Sprite takes over at the most inopportune times when Noli is needing to be sharp and on her feet. I also hope beyond hope that Lazear stops with the fatal attraction between Kevin and Noli. It is kind of disturbing on so many levels especially since she's only 16 and he's not really a good guy when you get right down to it.
As for V (Steven) and his brother James (who is suffering from the loss of his love Charlotte), they are ordered by Queen Tiana into going on a quest to find something highly unusual and entertaining for her. Can I just say that she's a really, really awful mother and be done with it? Good. Although, Uncle Brogan isn't the cat's pajama's if you dig and is as psychotic as Tiana is. V is still trying to figure out a way to fix Noli before it is too late. After all, it is his mistake that cost Noli her humanity in an effort to get her back home. V and James are challenged at each and every turn since Tiana likes to play her reindeer games hoping that something terrible happens to the boys. In the end, an awful event sends them back to Faery and revenge is definitely a dish best served cold.
Kevighn Silver-Tongue is the character who started all of Noli's troubles by luring her into Faery then forcing her into eating Fey food which pretty much guaranteed that she wouldn't be leaving any time soon. As we soon find out, he has been exiled from Faery and is no longer Tiana's huntsman. He tries to find any kind of work in order to keep him in booze and opium. It's no surprise that he eventually ends up finding a way onto Noli's ship and discovers that things have definitely changed and not exactly for the best. There is an interesting side story in regards to Kevighn which I won't spoil other than to say that things are getting really, really interesting, and the end game should be fascinating to read about.
Because this is the middle novel of the Aether Chronicles trilogy, there are more than a few questions left that need to be answered. What will happen to Noli? Will she and V find a way to cure for her being bound to the Sprite or will she remain in Faery and give up her humanity for good? Will her brother and Vix play any part in the next installment? Will the evil Tiana meet her match, and will V and James get revenge on Brogan and reclaim their fathers crown?
*Recvd via Netgalley 03/27/2013* Expected publication: August 8th 2013 by Flux
*Rating* 3.0
*My Thoughts*
Thanks to an ill-worded bargain with Faery Queen Tiana by Steven V Darrow, Noli isn't a human any longer. Tiana basically turned her into an adult Sprite. The only thing V did right is to join his brother James in preventing Noli from fully transforming into a Sprite forever. What makes things worse for Noli is when V is forced into breaking her protection bond by Tiana that sends her over the emotional cliff.
The Sprite has made it hard for Noli to concentrate or be herself and it doesn't go unnoticed especially from her own brother Jeff who she joins on the Vixen's Revenge airship or Jeff's kickass girlfriend Captain Vix Adler or Kevighn Silver-Tongue who somehow manages to find his way onto the Vixen's Revenge. I think there is more to Jeff and Vix's story, especially when it comes to their dealings with the Fey, and I hope Lazear doesn't just sweep them aside as not being important to the overall picture.
Noli is a character that is hot and cold for me. I like the fact that she's tinkers with machines and wants to break the 1900's stereotype that women of a certain statue are expected to marry at a young age while leaving things she actually loves behind which is Flying Figs. I love the fact that apparently the Sprite has given Noli a bit of her own magic that comes in handy from time to time. I didn't much care for the fight with the Sprite over going to parties, wearing beautiful dresses, and shiny things that need beautifying or the fact that the Sprite takes over at the most inopportune times when Noli is needing to be sharp and on her feet. I also hope beyond hope that Lazear stops with the fatal attraction between Kevin and Noli. It is kind of disturbing on so many levels especially since she's only 16 and he's not really a good guy when you get right down to it.
As for V (Steven) and his brother James (who is suffering from the loss of his love Charlotte), they are ordered by Queen Tiana into going on a quest to find something highly unusual and entertaining for her. Can I just say that she's a really, really awful mother and be done with it? Good. Although, Uncle Brogan isn't the cat's pajama's if you dig and is as psychotic as Tiana is. V is still trying to figure out a way to fix Noli before it is too late. After all, it is his mistake that cost Noli her humanity in an effort to get her back home. V and James are challenged at each and every turn since Tiana likes to play her reindeer games hoping that something terrible happens to the boys. In the end, an awful event sends them back to Faery and revenge is definitely a dish best served cold.
Kevighn Silver-Tongue is the character who started all of Noli's troubles by luring her into Faery then forcing her into eating Fey food which pretty much guaranteed that she wouldn't be leaving any time soon. As we soon find out, he has been exiled from Faery and is no longer Tiana's huntsman. He tries to find any kind of work in order to keep him in booze and opium. It's no surprise that he eventually ends up finding a way onto Noli's ship and discovers that things have definitely changed and not exactly for the best. There is an interesting side story in regards to Kevighn which I won't spoil other than to say that things are getting really, really interesting, and the end game should be fascinating to read about.
Because this is the middle novel of the Aether Chronicles trilogy, there are more than a few questions left that need to be answered. What will happen to Noli? Will she and V find a way to cure for her being bound to the Sprite or will she remain in Faery and give up her humanity for good? Will her brother and Vix play any part in the next installment? Will the evil Tiana meet her match, and will V and James get revenge on Brogan and reclaim their fathers crown?
*Recvd via Netgalley 03/27/2013* Expected publication: August 8th 2013 by Flux
January 26, 2014
What can I say. I was charmed by CHARMED VENGEANCE. From the first few chapters, I was hooked and could not let go. It’s definitely not a book to read as a stand-alone. It should be read as a series, and while book one might not have been a favorite of mine, it’s worth pushing through since this sequel is definitely better on so many different levels. It’s more steampunk, more adventure and more torturous romance.
So many things are going on in this book, yet Lazear is able to keep track of things wonderfully. One thing flows nicely into another and the result is a fantastic novel. First, Noli is forced by her mother and grandfather to leave Los Angeles, but instead of joining them in Boston, she decided to run away with her air pirate brother, Jeff. She runs away, not only because she despises the idea of taking part in Boston’s high society, but also because her “boyfriend” V (Steven) has broken up with her, and fleeing to become an engineer of a pirate ship seems so freeing. Noli suspects there’s a reason why V has broken things off and knows he’s not allowed to tell her. In fact, V has been ordered by his mother, the Fae Queen to go on a quest to find her something “entertaining”. And ordered to break things off with Noli. Kevighn Silver, cast out of the Otherworld, is a fae just living day to day as an air pirate but one thing leads to another and is drawn into Noli and Jeff’s pirate life. Like I said, many things happening at once but everything happens for a reason.
The characters remain pretty much the same as in book one yet have grown and evolved because of what they’ve been through. Noli has been transformed into something fae by the Queen, and she is living with a sprite personality in her head. She’s still the same herbal enthusiast/genius mechanic she was in the past but now, with this girly and ditsy sprite personality living in her head, she sometimes has episodes where it’s hard to control who’s in charge, her normal self or her sprite self. Her brother Jeff notices this, but because she can’t fully explain her situation to the mortals she’s living with, she feels very alone and confused. I’m still on the fence about believing this split personality because I know deep down Noli would never paint flowers on the engine of an airship, yet for some reason she allows the sprite to entertain the idea that everything can be pretty and paint the engines. I guess “allow” isn’t really the right word, because Noli has trouble controlling the sprite but it’s still hard to grasp the idea of the dueling personalities, especially since the original Noli was portrayed as such a strong-willed character.
I’m glad we were able to learn more about Jeff’s air pirate life. The airship life is definitely steampunk and it gives the novel a more steampunk feel, which in my opinion was lacking in the first book. While INNOCENT DARKNESS concentrated more on fae and Otherworld elements, this sequel allows us to see the characters develop in different situations. Feminism is a strong theme in the book and I particularly like what Jeff says to his female captain, Vix: “You work for women to have choices. This means they should have any and all options–not just the ability to wear trousers and take on men’s jobs, but the right to wear skirts and stay home with the children if they so choose. The point is they have a choice.” (p. 73)
Suzanne Lazear succeeded in developing a wonderful alternate reality world. She has envision a steampunk America where Hawaii hasn’t join the United States and territories inside the continent exist apart from the USA. The fact that it’s steampunk allows her to have some liberties and the paranormal aspect allows her to add an air of mysticism to the story. At the end of the book, many story lines are left open, yet this installment has satisfied me. I’m anticipating a wonderful follow up to this novel and I can’t wait to see what happens between Noli and Steven.
So many things are going on in this book, yet Lazear is able to keep track of things wonderfully. One thing flows nicely into another and the result is a fantastic novel. First, Noli is forced by her mother and grandfather to leave Los Angeles, but instead of joining them in Boston, she decided to run away with her air pirate brother, Jeff. She runs away, not only because she despises the idea of taking part in Boston’s high society, but also because her “boyfriend” V (Steven) has broken up with her, and fleeing to become an engineer of a pirate ship seems so freeing. Noli suspects there’s a reason why V has broken things off and knows he’s not allowed to tell her. In fact, V has been ordered by his mother, the Fae Queen to go on a quest to find her something “entertaining”. And ordered to break things off with Noli. Kevighn Silver, cast out of the Otherworld, is a fae just living day to day as an air pirate but one thing leads to another and is drawn into Noli and Jeff’s pirate life. Like I said, many things happening at once but everything happens for a reason.
The characters remain pretty much the same as in book one yet have grown and evolved because of what they’ve been through. Noli has been transformed into something fae by the Queen, and she is living with a sprite personality in her head. She’s still the same herbal enthusiast/genius mechanic she was in the past but now, with this girly and ditsy sprite personality living in her head, she sometimes has episodes where it’s hard to control who’s in charge, her normal self or her sprite self. Her brother Jeff notices this, but because she can’t fully explain her situation to the mortals she’s living with, she feels very alone and confused. I’m still on the fence about believing this split personality because I know deep down Noli would never paint flowers on the engine of an airship, yet for some reason she allows the sprite to entertain the idea that everything can be pretty and paint the engines. I guess “allow” isn’t really the right word, because Noli has trouble controlling the sprite but it’s still hard to grasp the idea of the dueling personalities, especially since the original Noli was portrayed as such a strong-willed character.
I’m glad we were able to learn more about Jeff’s air pirate life. The airship life is definitely steampunk and it gives the novel a more steampunk feel, which in my opinion was lacking in the first book. While INNOCENT DARKNESS concentrated more on fae and Otherworld elements, this sequel allows us to see the characters develop in different situations. Feminism is a strong theme in the book and I particularly like what Jeff says to his female captain, Vix: “You work for women to have choices. This means they should have any and all options–not just the ability to wear trousers and take on men’s jobs, but the right to wear skirts and stay home with the children if they so choose. The point is they have a choice.” (p. 73)
Suzanne Lazear succeeded in developing a wonderful alternate reality world. She has envision a steampunk America where Hawaii hasn’t join the United States and territories inside the continent exist apart from the USA. The fact that it’s steampunk allows her to have some liberties and the paranormal aspect allows her to add an air of mysticism to the story. At the end of the book, many story lines are left open, yet this installment has satisfied me. I’m anticipating a wonderful follow up to this novel and I can’t wait to see what happens between Noli and Steven.
August 3, 2013
Original Link to the review at my blog Le' Grande Codex - here
This is an early review...... Innocent Darkness was just the beginning ..... and I will try to keep this spoiler free too if I can. Presenting The Aether Chronicles #2 Charmed Vengeance by Suzanne Lazear.
Here is the summary of the book:
In the Faerie realm, Noli Braddock's relationship with her best friend V has grown into something more. But V's mother, Faerie Queen Tiana, has ruled that they are forbidden to see each other. Returning to the mortal realm, Noli joins the crew of her brother's air-pirate ship, the Vixen's Revenge. There she discovers that her brother has hired the scallywag Faerie huntsman, Kevighn Silver. While serving as shipmates, Kevighn and Noli learn that the Earth Court King plans to find a forbidden artifact--one that will bring destruction to everyone Noli loves.
Innocent Darkness was a fantastic Steampunky-Supernatural introduction to Lazear's imagination of the faery.... Charmed Vengeance on the other hand is the road map, the stage preparation for the next book (whatever it is called).
Essentially the book diverges into three separate journeys or stories, if you would call it. Noli, V & James, and Kevighn Silver-Tongue. They all deal with the consequences of their actions in the first book.... kinda like Newton's third law of motion . Noli fights to keep the foreground against the Sprite that resides in her. V or Steven or Stiofan, at the behest of the High Queen is forced to break his bond to Noli (the command itself is enough for us to want to hurt the Queen) and sent on a quest with James to find an unusual amusement for her. And Kevighn in the human realm after being exiled from Faery.
Noli, still the society rebel now joins her brother aboard the Vixen's Revenge as an engineer, be as far from home as possible while nursing a broken heart. But with faith enough in her love for V to know that this is just temporary before her finds a way for them to be together again. Charmed Vengeance had another plus point in the mix a lot of us complained with the short us of the steampunk mecha and the visibility of the elements that made steampunk what they are..... Rejoice for we finally get our wish, as the author explores the Steampunky side of her universe aboard the Vixen's Revenge and on solid grounds.
Also, the presence of the Sprite inside Noli gives us a rare view into her mind as she struggles with her twn personality for control. And what began as separate journey converges together at the end, where they find out exactly what is brewing in the land of the Faery at the moment.... Oh ! I am so ending my tirade abruptly because I definitely don't think i can contain it any longer and it would all come out spoiling it for you all.
Suzanne Lazear did a good job with this one. As I already explained, this book is but the bridge that we need to cross that connects Innocent Darkness to the bigger happening of the future. the plot and the way of presentation just like the first book is easy enough to understand and creative enough to keep out thoughts and imagination going like a hyperdrive accelerator (sorry couldn't resist using a futuristic ref. here). The author maintained the dynamics between the characters and i'm definitely happy that the idea of a love triangle remains just an idea and nothing else..... there is a big supernatural confrontation coming in, if Noli's vow at the end of the book is to be maintained..... and might I say i'm already excited for what it would mean for us reader and the characters.
"Charmed Vengeance proceeds to delight us in its own assorted charmed ways"
September 22, 2013
Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales.
Quick & Dirty: Noli struggles with her sprite self and Steven’s break up, while Steven and James go questing for the queen.
Opening Sentence: “Welcome everyone to this special day.”
The Review:
Noli has finally become a lady (according to her mother) but from no help from the “school” Noli was sent to in the previous book. Nope, Noli has the sprite in her head to thank for all of the dainty sewing and mindless curtsies she has perfected in the past two months. But with her previous visit to the Otherworld still looming over her and Steven, home has not been the relief she expected. Especially when her grandfather stops by to visit and discovers her and her mother’s financial needs. Or when Steven is called away to Queen Tiana to finish the “task” he promised her. Or when the sprite takes over and Noli can’t remember what happened five minutes ago. In fact, the highlight of the summer would be her brother Jeff visiting for a day…until that visit turns into an offer as an engineer aboard his pirate ship the Vixen’s Revenge. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Noli takes the offer until she and Steven can be together again…except it may be more complicated than just fixing the engine fans for a couple weeks. Past promises and future love struggle against each other as the characters are pulled into the Otherworld’s brewing rebellion.
Once the story gets going (as in after the first 100 pages) this story has non-stop twists and turns, revelations and hidden agendas, and introducing a new set of characters you will love and hate. The plot became a bit muddled since the book is really three stories in one: Noli on board the pirate ship, Steven and James questing and Kevighn Silver’s life of exile. And really, the plots only became interesting after they became intertwined in each others’ stories. But enough was happening in Noli’s story that I kept reading. Really, just getting through the first 100 pages is worth it.
Noli’s character developed so much throughout this book. It isn’t often someone has another person (let alone fey) in their head. As Noli fights with the sprite in her head for control, it brings her brother to question her mental state: but also what happened in those two months Noli disappeared. As Jeff inches closer to the truth and the sprite controls more of their life, Noli struggles to manage her new life. I really enjoyed this new Noli, one who is more complex and less naive than before. And although the sprite could be ridiculously annoying, I grew to sympathize with her and by the end of the book, I was surprised how much I appreciated her too.
Once the plot gets rolling and the new characters are introduced, I could not put this book down. From the old and new characters to the mortal world and the Otherworld, the book really is a great read. There is no major cliffhanger, but there is a whisper of rebellion off in the distance. Who knows what the next installment will bring?
Notable Scene:
“Winky, why don’t you ensure Noli knows everything she needs to about the ship.” Vix picked up her coffee mug and shoved it in Jeff’s hands. “Jeff will wash up. I’ll take the helm.” She strode onto the bridge with as much poise as Queen Tiana.
“And that is our beloved ship’s captain.” The corners of Thad’s lips twitched as he leaned on the back legs of his chair, the unpatched eye gleaming.
Jeff shook his head, smiling to himself, as he began to wash up.
Noli brought him the stack of plates. “You sure know how to pick them.”
He laughed. “Oh, Noli, you have no idea.”
FTC Advisory: Flux provided me with a copy of Charmed Vengeance. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Noli struggles with her sprite self and Steven’s break up, while Steven and James go questing for the queen.
Opening Sentence: “Welcome everyone to this special day.”
The Review:
Noli has finally become a lady (according to her mother) but from no help from the “school” Noli was sent to in the previous book. Nope, Noli has the sprite in her head to thank for all of the dainty sewing and mindless curtsies she has perfected in the past two months. But with her previous visit to the Otherworld still looming over her and Steven, home has not been the relief she expected. Especially when her grandfather stops by to visit and discovers her and her mother’s financial needs. Or when Steven is called away to Queen Tiana to finish the “task” he promised her. Or when the sprite takes over and Noli can’t remember what happened five minutes ago. In fact, the highlight of the summer would be her brother Jeff visiting for a day…until that visit turns into an offer as an engineer aboard his pirate ship the Vixen’s Revenge. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Noli takes the offer until she and Steven can be together again…except it may be more complicated than just fixing the engine fans for a couple weeks. Past promises and future love struggle against each other as the characters are pulled into the Otherworld’s brewing rebellion.
Once the story gets going (as in after the first 100 pages) this story has non-stop twists and turns, revelations and hidden agendas, and introducing a new set of characters you will love and hate. The plot became a bit muddled since the book is really three stories in one: Noli on board the pirate ship, Steven and James questing and Kevighn Silver’s life of exile. And really, the plots only became interesting after they became intertwined in each others’ stories. But enough was happening in Noli’s story that I kept reading. Really, just getting through the first 100 pages is worth it.
Noli’s character developed so much throughout this book. It isn’t often someone has another person (let alone fey) in their head. As Noli fights with the sprite in her head for control, it brings her brother to question her mental state: but also what happened in those two months Noli disappeared. As Jeff inches closer to the truth and the sprite controls more of their life, Noli struggles to manage her new life. I really enjoyed this new Noli, one who is more complex and less naive than before. And although the sprite could be ridiculously annoying, I grew to sympathize with her and by the end of the book, I was surprised how much I appreciated her too.
Once the plot gets rolling and the new characters are introduced, I could not put this book down. From the old and new characters to the mortal world and the Otherworld, the book really is a great read. There is no major cliffhanger, but there is a whisper of rebellion off in the distance. Who knows what the next installment will bring?
Notable Scene:
“Winky, why don’t you ensure Noli knows everything she needs to about the ship.” Vix picked up her coffee mug and shoved it in Jeff’s hands. “Jeff will wash up. I’ll take the helm.” She strode onto the bridge with as much poise as Queen Tiana.
“And that is our beloved ship’s captain.” The corners of Thad’s lips twitched as he leaned on the back legs of his chair, the unpatched eye gleaming.
Jeff shook his head, smiling to himself, as he began to wash up.
Noli brought him the stack of plates. “You sure know how to pick them.”
He laughed. “Oh, Noli, you have no idea.”
FTC Advisory: Flux provided me with a copy of Charmed Vengeance. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
August 6, 2013
When V is forced to break their bond, Noli's only option is to join the crew of the air pirate ship piloted by her brother, Jeff. With its gleaming brass, dark wood, and spotless clockwork gears, the Vixen's Revenge is no orsinary air pirate ship. Beneath its polished exterior lies a dangerous secret. Off and away from the girl whose heart he was forced to break, V and his brother James are off on a quest demanded of them by their mother, Faerie Queen Tiana, wandering and searching the country for something she desires. And someone Noli never thought she'd see again, the scallywag faerie huntsman Kevighn, has appeared on the air pirate ship. While serving as shipmates, Kevighn and Noli learn that the Earth Court King plans to find a forbidden artifact, one that will bring destruction to everyone Noli loves.
Charmed Vengeance is a return to an alternate 1900's America filled with aether and airships, faeries and fighting, deception and danger. Noli must somehow cope with the sudden changes in her life, move on from the dangers of the faerie realm, and hopefully live a happy and normal life with V. But nothing is that simple.
This book is a return to a unique and refreshing setting, a curious and magic-filled alternate version of America where aether flows out into the world and gardens keep hidden doorways to the Faerie realm. What's next for Noli is nothing short of trying, of dangerous and frightening. Her relationship with V is shattered, the reprobate Kevighn is still wandering around looking for trouble, and the Faerie Queen has plots and plans of her own. But something else is happening right under their noses, something that could destroy everything.
Noli is changing, and not necessarily for the better. She's not human, not mortal, but neither is she faerie. It's unsure of what's worse for her, being separated from V or having to share her practical, intelligent, unconventional brain with a superficial and vapid sprite. Noli is trying to find a place for herself, trying to move on, trying to wait for V to return, but the sprite's focus on pretty things and fun is seen as useless.
Even though I see reasons for pulling Noli and V apart, it bothers me how often I come across this in second books in series. Having them grow while being apart, yes. Learning to stand in their own, yes. But why must they always be forced apart by another character or an external force? Why can't they decide on their own that they need to learn and grow? But in a book that needs drama and conflict, it happens this way.
There was less action than I expected, but there wasn't necessarily that much action in the first book. It's all journeys, Noli's journey on the air pirate ship, V's quest for his mother, even Kevighn's wandering about aimlessly. But over the course of the book people are mentioned, items appear, meetings take place, and everything comes together to reveal something dangerous.
More exploration than action, equal amounts of faerie magic and steampunk elements, this book still has one strong-willed girl, her Faerie prince, and a rakish huntsman. With what's revealed at the end, the next book is sure to be interesting.
Charmed Vengeance is a return to an alternate 1900's America filled with aether and airships, faeries and fighting, deception and danger. Noli must somehow cope with the sudden changes in her life, move on from the dangers of the faerie realm, and hopefully live a happy and normal life with V. But nothing is that simple.
This book is a return to a unique and refreshing setting, a curious and magic-filled alternate version of America where aether flows out into the world and gardens keep hidden doorways to the Faerie realm. What's next for Noli is nothing short of trying, of dangerous and frightening. Her relationship with V is shattered, the reprobate Kevighn is still wandering around looking for trouble, and the Faerie Queen has plots and plans of her own. But something else is happening right under their noses, something that could destroy everything.
Noli is changing, and not necessarily for the better. She's not human, not mortal, but neither is she faerie. It's unsure of what's worse for her, being separated from V or having to share her practical, intelligent, unconventional brain with a superficial and vapid sprite. Noli is trying to find a place for herself, trying to move on, trying to wait for V to return, but the sprite's focus on pretty things and fun is seen as useless.
Even though I see reasons for pulling Noli and V apart, it bothers me how often I come across this in second books in series. Having them grow while being apart, yes. Learning to stand in their own, yes. But why must they always be forced apart by another character or an external force? Why can't they decide on their own that they need to learn and grow? But in a book that needs drama and conflict, it happens this way.
There was less action than I expected, but there wasn't necessarily that much action in the first book. It's all journeys, Noli's journey on the air pirate ship, V's quest for his mother, even Kevighn's wandering about aimlessly. But over the course of the book people are mentioned, items appear, meetings take place, and everything comes together to reveal something dangerous.
More exploration than action, equal amounts of faerie magic and steampunk elements, this book still has one strong-willed girl, her Faerie prince, and a rakish huntsman. With what's revealed at the end, the next book is sure to be interesting.
July 18, 2013
CHARMED VENGEANCE is the middle book of a trilogy. As a consequence, we don't get to meet the characters or achieve resolution of the larger story. This book is essentially a journey book.
Noli is still trying to come to terms with the sprite that evil Queen Tiana put in her head. She is battling for possession of her mind and body. Sprites aren't very smart and are very attracted to the shiny and pretty things. Noli wants to be an engineer. This creates quite a conflict for her. She is also rebelling against the societal notion that all girls of her class need to be married to achieve their proper place in society. After V is forced to break their bond by his mother, evil Queen Tiana, Noli adds heartbreak to the mix. She is offered a place on the Vixen's Revenge where her brother is first mate as an engineer which seems the best thing for her to do until V finds a way for them to be together.
V, aka Steven or Stiofan, is on a journey of his own. He is sent by Queen Tiana on a quest for an unusual amusement. All the while, she is hoping that he will die on the quest and has encouraged all fae on Earth to "help" them which in her terms means to hinder them without killing them. Putting them in a situation that might kill them is all right with her, though. V takes his brother James along as a helper and to help him get back to his life instead of constantly mourning his lost love.
Kevighn Silver has the third thread of this novel. Kevighn is an interesting character. He is an exile. He has worked as a hunstman for Queen Tiana finding and luring young girls with the Spark to the Otherworld to be sacrifices which are needed to keep the Otherworld functioning. He first met Noli when he was sent to bring her to the Otherworld but then fell in love with her.
These three journeys come together first when Noli and Kevighn both end up on the Vixen's Revenge and when one of the children they rescue from a human trafficking ring is an abducted child V and James and trying to bring back to her father in exchange for an automaton for the queen. However, V and Noli don't meet because her friends on the ship, knowing that V broke her heart, keep them from meeting.
The journeys also come together because another task of the Vixen's Revenge is locating objects for buyers. They have found some hidden fae artifacts and are preparing to sell them to King Brogan. When Noli and Kevighn get a look at them and know that King Brogan will use them for evil purposes. Kevighn takes them to the Ciarán who is the dark king who, he feels, will use them for the good of the Otherworld.
Unfortunately, King Brogan vows to take revenge when they sell his artifacts to someone else. Brogan is V's uncle and the one who deposed and exiled his father. V is waiting until he reaches adulthood to challenge him for the return of his throne. New, he can no longer wait to challenge his uncle.
I enjoyed the writing in this story. I like the world building which combines steampunk with magic and the fae. I like the characters and am enjoying watching them grow and change. I look forward to the third book in this trilogy to see how the plot is resolved.
Noli is still trying to come to terms with the sprite that evil Queen Tiana put in her head. She is battling for possession of her mind and body. Sprites aren't very smart and are very attracted to the shiny and pretty things. Noli wants to be an engineer. This creates quite a conflict for her. She is also rebelling against the societal notion that all girls of her class need to be married to achieve their proper place in society. After V is forced to break their bond by his mother, evil Queen Tiana, Noli adds heartbreak to the mix. She is offered a place on the Vixen's Revenge where her brother is first mate as an engineer which seems the best thing for her to do until V finds a way for them to be together.
V, aka Steven or Stiofan, is on a journey of his own. He is sent by Queen Tiana on a quest for an unusual amusement. All the while, she is hoping that he will die on the quest and has encouraged all fae on Earth to "help" them which in her terms means to hinder them without killing them. Putting them in a situation that might kill them is all right with her, though. V takes his brother James along as a helper and to help him get back to his life instead of constantly mourning his lost love.
Kevighn Silver has the third thread of this novel. Kevighn is an interesting character. He is an exile. He has worked as a hunstman for Queen Tiana finding and luring young girls with the Spark to the Otherworld to be sacrifices which are needed to keep the Otherworld functioning. He first met Noli when he was sent to bring her to the Otherworld but then fell in love with her.
These three journeys come together first when Noli and Kevighn both end up on the Vixen's Revenge and when one of the children they rescue from a human trafficking ring is an abducted child V and James and trying to bring back to her father in exchange for an automaton for the queen. However, V and Noli don't meet because her friends on the ship, knowing that V broke her heart, keep them from meeting.
The journeys also come together because another task of the Vixen's Revenge is locating objects for buyers. They have found some hidden fae artifacts and are preparing to sell them to King Brogan. When Noli and Kevighn get a look at them and know that King Brogan will use them for evil purposes. Kevighn takes them to the Ciarán who is the dark king who, he feels, will use them for the good of the Otherworld.
Unfortunately, King Brogan vows to take revenge when they sell his artifacts to someone else. Brogan is V's uncle and the one who deposed and exiled his father. V is waiting until he reaches adulthood to challenge him for the return of his throne. New, he can no longer wait to challenge his uncle.
I enjoyed the writing in this story. I like the world building which combines steampunk with magic and the fae. I like the characters and am enjoying watching them grow and change. I look forward to the third book in this trilogy to see how the plot is resolved.
August 22, 2013
My first impression of CHARMED VENGEANCE was poor. As the book progressed, I liked it more an more. Another 50 or 100 pages at this rate and you might have read a 4 star review.
The opening was horrible. When Noli’s grandfather shows up unexpectedly and demands that Noli and her mother move back to Boston with him, Noli through a temper-tantrum and acted like a four-year-old instead of a teenager. Thank God her brother shows up out of the blue after years of being separated from the family…yeah, didn’t make much sense to me at first. Her brother’s reasons for showing up are not explained until the end of the book. And so Noli runs off with her brother to be an engineer on his airship.
There’s not much romance in this one, although both V and Noli are still lovie-dovie for each other.
Meanwhile, V is off on his quest for the queen. He’s completely infatuated with Noli still and all he talks or thinks about is her. I don’t remember if he had much of a personality in the first book, but he was so robotic in this one. His brother James was reduced to a womanizer (this was the guy Charlotte fell in love with in book 1?) and V becomes a prude. No, not just a prude, an eunuch.
See, there’s some level of attraction between a heterosexual male and female (especially pretty ones) even when one of them is in a relationship. But there was none for V. His reaction to the girls in the club reminds me of the eunuch test scene from the Mel Brook’s movie HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART ONE.
Only a guy without equipment (or a guy that is gay) can not be immuned to a girl. He doesn’t have to show outwardly that his is attractive, but there should be some kind of internal dialogue. Plus, when V was with those girls in the club, he never thought of the working ladies people. He viewed them as pleasure objects. Ones, admittedly, he didn’t want to use, but still it was a degrading POV. My dislike for his character made me dread every time the POV switched back to him. Oh, and his dialogue was beyond cheezy. I’m not suppose to quote an ARC, so I won’t, but it’s just BAD.
That said, the other two POVs aren’t bad. Kevighn has an interesting storyline that is still very muddled by the end of the book. He’s obsessed with Noli but besides that, it’s difficult to tell his true motives.
I wish that Noli was the only POV. Once she gets onto the airship with her brother, she’s a very enjoyable character. I like the switch between normal Noli and sprite Noli. The split personalities make for some hilarious scenes.
I might seem overly negative about CHARMED VENGEANCE, but it’s not bad. One of my major complaints with the first book is its lack of steampunk. This sequel has almost no scenes in the fairyland and the steampunk is very enjoyable to read about in the book. Noli’s storyline is enjoyable. V’s storyline is bleh. Honestly, whatever scene V was in, I didn’t like. But, if you’re a fan of V from the first book, then you might have better luck with the sequel.
The opening was horrible. When Noli’s grandfather shows up unexpectedly and demands that Noli and her mother move back to Boston with him, Noli through a temper-tantrum and acted like a four-year-old instead of a teenager. Thank God her brother shows up out of the blue after years of being separated from the family…yeah, didn’t make much sense to me at first. Her brother’s reasons for showing up are not explained until the end of the book. And so Noli runs off with her brother to be an engineer on his airship.
There’s not much romance in this one, although both V and Noli are still lovie-dovie for each other.
Meanwhile, V is off on his quest for the queen. He’s completely infatuated with Noli still and all he talks or thinks about is her. I don’t remember if he had much of a personality in the first book, but he was so robotic in this one. His brother James was reduced to a womanizer (this was the guy Charlotte fell in love with in book 1?) and V becomes a prude. No, not just a prude, an eunuch.
See, there’s some level of attraction between a heterosexual male and female (especially pretty ones) even when one of them is in a relationship. But there was none for V. His reaction to the girls in the club reminds me of the eunuch test scene from the Mel Brook’s movie HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART ONE.
Only a guy without equipment (or a guy that is gay) can not be immuned to a girl. He doesn’t have to show outwardly that his is attractive, but there should be some kind of internal dialogue. Plus, when V was with those girls in the club, he never thought of the working ladies people. He viewed them as pleasure objects. Ones, admittedly, he didn’t want to use, but still it was a degrading POV. My dislike for his character made me dread every time the POV switched back to him. Oh, and his dialogue was beyond cheezy. I’m not suppose to quote an ARC, so I won’t, but it’s just BAD.
That said, the other two POVs aren’t bad. Kevighn has an interesting storyline that is still very muddled by the end of the book. He’s obsessed with Noli but besides that, it’s difficult to tell his true motives.
I wish that Noli was the only POV. Once she gets onto the airship with her brother, she’s a very enjoyable character. I like the switch between normal Noli and sprite Noli. The split personalities make for some hilarious scenes.
I might seem overly negative about CHARMED VENGEANCE, but it’s not bad. One of my major complaints with the first book is its lack of steampunk. This sequel has almost no scenes in the fairyland and the steampunk is very enjoyable to read about in the book. Noli’s storyline is enjoyable. V’s storyline is bleh. Honestly, whatever scene V was in, I didn’t like. But, if you’re a fan of V from the first book, then you might have better luck with the sequel.
December 4, 2013
I love this series. Oh how I freakin love this series! Innocent Darkness was an easy 5 star read for me...but Charmed Vengeance was even BETTER than Innocent Darkness..so I guess this one gets 5+ stars! Suzanne takes you back into the amazing world she has created and takes you on an even more crazy adventure than before!
So this is how Charmed Vengeance basically kicks off, Noli has just been heartbroken by V, and on top of that her grandfather has shown up and wants to take Noli and her mother back to Boston. Noli can't bear the thought of living in Boston and being paraded around in front of men to hopefully get a husband. So instead of going with them, she runs off with her brother, Jeff to be an engineer on his pirate airship the Vixen's Revenge. V has been summoned to complete his favor for the Queen which involves, breaking Noli's heart, and then finding the Queen amusement, he sets on this quest with his heart broken brother James. Then there is Kevighn who is dealing with being banished to the mortal world.
Yeah, ALOT is going on in Charmed Vengeance (and what I tell you above is just the tip of the iceberg).This book was more fast paced than book one, had a little more action, more adventure, just honestly had a little bit more of everything. After reading book two I am seriously dying to get my hands on book three in the series. Not just because the ending to two was seriously epic, but also because if book one was awesome...book two was even more awesome...than I can only hope and wish that book three is going to be EVEN BETTER (if that's possible)!
One of my favorite parts of this novel was some of the new characters added in, the main one being Jeff , Noli's brother. We get to meet him in Charmed Vengeance, and I adored him to bits. He is such a caring brother, and not only did I love him as a brother towards Noli, but just him as a character in general. I found him to be funny, sweet, caring, and I loved how he was all for his sister not being a lady and being a bad ass instead. Besides Jeff I also loved seeing development and learning more about the characters I already loved from Innocent Darkness. Charmed Vengeance has made me very excited to get to know the characters even more in the next installment.
I don't want to say too much in this review, mainly cause I don't want to give anything away. But if you have read Innocent Darkness, then you need to pick up Charmed Vengeance. This book was all around even better than book one and will leave you dying for book three. If you have yet to read the Aether series...well then wth are you doing here? GO PICK UP THIS SERIES!! It is hands down a new favorite of mine, Suzanne is an amazing author and I cannot wait to read book three in the series, and then to read every book she comes out with after that.
Check out more reviews, interviews, and giveaways over at my blog:
http://www.ya-aholic.com/
So this is how Charmed Vengeance basically kicks off, Noli has just been heartbroken by V, and on top of that her grandfather has shown up and wants to take Noli and her mother back to Boston. Noli can't bear the thought of living in Boston and being paraded around in front of men to hopefully get a husband. So instead of going with them, she runs off with her brother, Jeff to be an engineer on his pirate airship the Vixen's Revenge. V has been summoned to complete his favor for the Queen which involves, breaking Noli's heart, and then finding the Queen amusement, he sets on this quest with his heart broken brother James. Then there is Kevighn who is dealing with being banished to the mortal world.
Yeah, ALOT is going on in Charmed Vengeance (and what I tell you above is just the tip of the iceberg).This book was more fast paced than book one, had a little more action, more adventure, just honestly had a little bit more of everything. After reading book two I am seriously dying to get my hands on book three in the series. Not just because the ending to two was seriously epic, but also because if book one was awesome...book two was even more awesome...than I can only hope and wish that book three is going to be EVEN BETTER (if that's possible)!
One of my favorite parts of this novel was some of the new characters added in, the main one being Jeff , Noli's brother. We get to meet him in Charmed Vengeance, and I adored him to bits. He is such a caring brother, and not only did I love him as a brother towards Noli, but just him as a character in general. I found him to be funny, sweet, caring, and I loved how he was all for his sister not being a lady and being a bad ass instead. Besides Jeff I also loved seeing development and learning more about the characters I already loved from Innocent Darkness. Charmed Vengeance has made me very excited to get to know the characters even more in the next installment.
I don't want to say too much in this review, mainly cause I don't want to give anything away. But if you have read Innocent Darkness, then you need to pick up Charmed Vengeance. This book was all around even better than book one and will leave you dying for book three. If you have yet to read the Aether series...well then wth are you doing here? GO PICK UP THIS SERIES!! It is hands down a new favorite of mine, Suzanne is an amazing author and I cannot wait to read book three in the series, and then to read every book she comes out with after that.
Check out more reviews, interviews, and giveaways over at my blog:
http://www.ya-aholic.com/
February 27, 2014
Noli is still trying to come to terms with the sprite that evil Queen Tiana put in her head. She is battling for possession of her mind and body. Sprites aren't very smart and are very attracted to the shiny and pretty things. Noli wants to be an engineer. This creates quite a conflict for her. She is also rebelling against the societal notion that all girls of her class need to be married to achieve their proper place in society. After V is forced to break their bond by his mother, evil Queen Tiana, Noli adds heartbreak to the mix. She is offered a place on the Vixen's Revenge where her brother is first mate as an engineer which seems the best thing for her to do until V finds a way for them to be together.
V, aka Steven or Stiofan, is on a journey of his own. He is sent by Queen Tiana on a quest for an unusual amusement. All the while, she is hoping that he will die on the quest and has encouraged all fae on Earth to "help" them which in her terms means to hinder them without killing them. Putting them in a situation that might kill them is all right with her, though. V takes his brother James along as a helper and to help him get back to his life instead of constantly mourning his lost love.
Kevighn Silver has the third thread of this novel. Kevighn is an interesting character. He is an exile. He has worked as a hunstman for Queen Tiana finding and luring young girls with the Spark to the Otherworld to be sacrifices which are needed to keep the Otherworld functioning. He first met Noli when he was sent to bring her to the Otherworld but then fell in love with her.
These three journeys come together first when Noli and Kevighn both end up on the Vixen's Revenge and when one of the children they rescue from a human trafficking ring is an abducted child V and James and trying to bring back to her father in exchange for an automaton for the queen. However, V and Noli don't meet because her friends on the ship, knowing that V broke her heart, keep them from meeting.
The journeys also come together because another task of the Vixen's Revenge is locating objects for buyers. They have found some hidden fae artifacts and are preparing to sell them to King Brogan. When Noli and Kevighn get a look at them and know that King Brogan will use them for evil purposes. Kevighn takes them to the Ciarán who is the dark king who, he feels, will use them for the good of the Otherworld.
Unfortunately, King Brogan vows to take revenge when they sell his artifacts to someone else. Brogan is V's uncle and the one who deposed and exiled his father. V is waiting until he reaches adulthood to challenge him for the return of his throne. New, he can no longer wait to challenge his uncle.
V, aka Steven or Stiofan, is on a journey of his own. He is sent by Queen Tiana on a quest for an unusual amusement. All the while, she is hoping that he will die on the quest and has encouraged all fae on Earth to "help" them which in her terms means to hinder them without killing them. Putting them in a situation that might kill them is all right with her, though. V takes his brother James along as a helper and to help him get back to his life instead of constantly mourning his lost love.
Kevighn Silver has the third thread of this novel. Kevighn is an interesting character. He is an exile. He has worked as a hunstman for Queen Tiana finding and luring young girls with the Spark to the Otherworld to be sacrifices which are needed to keep the Otherworld functioning. He first met Noli when he was sent to bring her to the Otherworld but then fell in love with her.
These three journeys come together first when Noli and Kevighn both end up on the Vixen's Revenge and when one of the children they rescue from a human trafficking ring is an abducted child V and James and trying to bring back to her father in exchange for an automaton for the queen. However, V and Noli don't meet because her friends on the ship, knowing that V broke her heart, keep them from meeting.
The journeys also come together because another task of the Vixen's Revenge is locating objects for buyers. They have found some hidden fae artifacts and are preparing to sell them to King Brogan. When Noli and Kevighn get a look at them and know that King Brogan will use them for evil purposes. Kevighn takes them to the Ciarán who is the dark king who, he feels, will use them for the good of the Otherworld.
Unfortunately, King Brogan vows to take revenge when they sell his artifacts to someone else. Brogan is V's uncle and the one who deposed and exiled his father. V is waiting until he reaches adulthood to challenge him for the return of his throne. New, he can no longer wait to challenge his uncle.
September 28, 2013
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Noli has finally become a lady (according to her mother) but from no help from the "school" Noli was sent to in the previous book. Nope, Noli has the sprite in her head to thank for all of the dainty sewing and mindless curtsies she has perfected in the past two months. But with her previous visit to the Otherworld still looming over her and Steven, home has not been the relief she expected. Especially when her grandfather stops by to visit and discovers her and her mother's financial needs. Or when Steven is called away to Queen Tiana to finish the "task" he promised her. Or when the sprite takes over and Noli can't remember what happened five minutes ago. In fact, the highlight of the summer would be her brother Jeff visiting for a day...until that visit turns into an offer as an engineer aboard his pirate ship the Vixen's Revenge. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Noli takes the offer until she and Steven can be together again...except it may be more complicated than just fixing the engine fans for a couple weeks. Past promises and future love struggle against each other as the characters are pulled into the Otherworld's brewing rebellion.
Once the story gets going (as in after the first 100 pages) this story has non-stop twists and turns, revelations and hidden agendas, and introducing a new set of characters you will love and hate. The plot became a bit muddled since the book is really three stories in one: Noli on board the pirate ship, Steven and James questing and Kevighn Silver's life of exile. And really, the plots only became interesting after they became intertwined in each others' stories. But enough was happening in Noli's story that I kept reading. Really, just getting through the first 100 pages is worth it.
Noli's character developed so much throughout this book. It isn't often someone has another person (let alone fey) in their head. As Noli fights with the sprite in her head for control, it brings her brother to question her mental state: but also what happened in those two months Noli disappeared. As Jeff inches closer to the truth and the sprite controls more of their life, Noli struggles to manage her new life. I really enjoyed this new Noli, one who is more complex and less naive than before. And although the sprite could be ridiculously annoying, I grew to sympathize with her and by the end of the book, I was surprised how much I appreciated her too.
Once the plot gets rolling and the new characters are introduced, I could not put this book down. From the old and new characters to the mortal world and the Otherworld, the book really is a great read. There is no major cliffhanger, but there is a whisper of rebellion off in the distance. Who knows what the next installment will bring?
Noli has finally become a lady (according to her mother) but from no help from the "school" Noli was sent to in the previous book. Nope, Noli has the sprite in her head to thank for all of the dainty sewing and mindless curtsies she has perfected in the past two months. But with her previous visit to the Otherworld still looming over her and Steven, home has not been the relief she expected. Especially when her grandfather stops by to visit and discovers her and her mother's financial needs. Or when Steven is called away to Queen Tiana to finish the "task" he promised her. Or when the sprite takes over and Noli can't remember what happened five minutes ago. In fact, the highlight of the summer would be her brother Jeff visiting for a day...until that visit turns into an offer as an engineer aboard his pirate ship the Vixen's Revenge. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Noli takes the offer until she and Steven can be together again...except it may be more complicated than just fixing the engine fans for a couple weeks. Past promises and future love struggle against each other as the characters are pulled into the Otherworld's brewing rebellion.
Once the story gets going (as in after the first 100 pages) this story has non-stop twists and turns, revelations and hidden agendas, and introducing a new set of characters you will love and hate. The plot became a bit muddled since the book is really three stories in one: Noli on board the pirate ship, Steven and James questing and Kevighn Silver's life of exile. And really, the plots only became interesting after they became intertwined in each others' stories. But enough was happening in Noli's story that I kept reading. Really, just getting through the first 100 pages is worth it.
Noli's character developed so much throughout this book. It isn't often someone has another person (let alone fey) in their head. As Noli fights with the sprite in her head for control, it brings her brother to question her mental state: but also what happened in those two months Noli disappeared. As Jeff inches closer to the truth and the sprite controls more of their life, Noli struggles to manage her new life. I really enjoyed this new Noli, one who is more complex and less naive than before. And although the sprite could be ridiculously annoying, I grew to sympathize with her and by the end of the book, I was surprised how much I appreciated her too.
Once the plot gets rolling and the new characters are introduced, I could not put this book down. From the old and new characters to the mortal world and the Otherworld, the book really is a great read. There is no major cliffhanger, but there is a whisper of rebellion off in the distance. Who knows what the next installment will bring?
September 7, 2015
The first book was a bit chewy but I gave the second a chance because there was some elements I liked that piqued my morbid curiosity. The second book was passable, but nothing spectacular.
After the first book I wanted to see more maturity in the writing and the characters, more steampunk elements, and more vengeance! The second book both disappointed and delivered. The airships in this one were a lot of fun. Vix and her crew grew on me, and I definitely appreciated Noli's time with the air pirates because she was back in her element tinkering, and thinking more for herself. Having the sprite in her head worked out better than I thought because while it was a struggle, she was able to be completely herself and not insufferably giggly and happy-go-lucky the entire time. Nevertheless, I still found her a little overdramatic and pouty this time around, and I wished she would have let the waterworks go after the previous book. Unfortunately, Noli and Steven didn't see each other much in this book, so their relationship didn't really grow at all either. I preferred Kevign's role in this book by far, but he still didn't live up to my hopes for him because he didn't engage me enough to like or dislike him. The Queen's quest is essentially for Steven find her an amusing new toy, which is the most juvenile sounding thing until Steven and James come up with a game plan. I still think it could have been better. Speaking of James I found him mostly annoying, and I felt like Steven was along for the ride when James called the shots instead of leading his own quest. Also, they talked funny. Noli too. Really, who says bodger? And again, the authour threw in some highly suggestive references at random, which didn't seem fitting because of the main characters' immaturity. For example the authour specifically mentions a long cylindrical object, and risqué novels which the 'soiled dove' left behind, yet Noli is too prudish to mention the novels, doesn't know what the object is, and she and Steven don't get intimate with each other. Paired with the Queen's childish possible quest, it's just odd. The ending was sufficiently dark to set up intrigue for the next book, but I didn't get a huge sense of emotion from Steven and James.
A younger audience might appreciate this book more than I, but if you liked the first book, and you can stomach the cheese and fluff that stuff the pages in some places then give it a go.
After the first book I wanted to see more maturity in the writing and the characters, more steampunk elements, and more vengeance! The second book both disappointed and delivered. The airships in this one were a lot of fun. Vix and her crew grew on me, and I definitely appreciated Noli's time with the air pirates because she was back in her element tinkering, and thinking more for herself. Having the sprite in her head worked out better than I thought because while it was a struggle, she was able to be completely herself and not insufferably giggly and happy-go-lucky the entire time. Nevertheless, I still found her a little overdramatic and pouty this time around, and I wished she would have let the waterworks go after the previous book. Unfortunately, Noli and Steven didn't see each other much in this book, so their relationship didn't really grow at all either. I preferred Kevign's role in this book by far, but he still didn't live up to my hopes for him because he didn't engage me enough to like or dislike him. The Queen's quest is essentially for Steven find her an amusing new toy, which is the most juvenile sounding thing until Steven and James come up with a game plan. I still think it could have been better. Speaking of James I found him mostly annoying, and I felt like Steven was along for the ride when James called the shots instead of leading his own quest. Also, they talked funny. Noli too. Really, who says bodger? And again, the authour threw in some highly suggestive references at random, which didn't seem fitting because of the main characters' immaturity. For example the authour specifically mentions a long cylindrical object, and risqué novels which the 'soiled dove' left behind, yet Noli is too prudish to mention the novels, doesn't know what the object is, and she and Steven don't get intimate with each other. Paired with the Queen's childish possible quest, it's just odd. The ending was sufficiently dark to set up intrigue for the next book, but I didn't get a huge sense of emotion from Steven and James.
A younger audience might appreciate this book more than I, but if you liked the first book, and you can stomach the cheese and fluff that stuff the pages in some places then give it a go.
June 10, 2013
Suzanne Lazear’s Charmed Vengeance is just dark enough to make this Young Adult Steampunk fantasy an exciting read for all ages, yet most definitely a perfect YA adventure! From the first page to the last, this tale will keep you on your toes as you are treated to a non-stop ride full of fairies, intrigue and adventure. Young Noli, now back in the Earth realm, joins the crew of her brother’s airship in true steampunk fashion, as the engineer. But what is this new truth she discovers about her brother’s livelihood? Could dealing in stolen artifacts really be a good idea? Meanwhile, the Faerie Queen is still up to her tricks, and the stakes are life-threatening for many of the characters as she manipulates and maneuvers the pawns in her game of power. Speaking of characters, is everyone REALLY who they seem to be?
Blending the world of the Fae, Steampunk and blackmarket dealings is brilliant! The character interaction and dialogue is a blend of the past and present, making it easy to read, easy to understand and easy to ‘live in the moment.’ The subplots were many, sometimes too many at once, but leave room for more in the future of this series!
An ARC edition was provided by NetGalley and Flux Books in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: August 8, 2013
Publisher: Flux Books
Series: Book 2 – The Aether Chronicles
ISBN: 9780738733029
Genre: Steampunk Fantasy
Age Recommendation: Young Adult
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
Blending the world of the Fae, Steampunk and blackmarket dealings is brilliant! The character interaction and dialogue is a blend of the past and present, making it easy to read, easy to understand and easy to ‘live in the moment.’ The subplots were many, sometimes too many at once, but leave room for more in the future of this series!
An ARC edition was provided by NetGalley and Flux Books in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: August 8, 2013
Publisher: Flux Books
Series: Book 2 – The Aether Chronicles
ISBN: 9780738733029
Genre: Steampunk Fantasy
Age Recommendation: Young Adult
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
August 11, 2013
4.5 Stars
'Charmed Vengeance' is the second book in the young adult steampunk series The Aether Chronicles. It picks up where the first book left off - with Noli and V's relationship on a whole new level, the Faerie Queen forbidding them to be together and Noli leaving the Faerie Realm. Once she's back in the mortal world, Noli joins up with her brother's air ship - where she learns that her brother isn't just an air pirate but that he has also hired on Kevighn Silver - the Faerie huntsman. Noli and Kevighn learn of a precious artifact that the Earth Court King plans on finding and wielding - and one that would completely destroy Noli's life and those she loves.
This was a fantastic second installment in a series that continues to exceed my expectations. There were so many new twists in the book along with some great action and adventure scenes - it really sets the series apart from anything else in the genre. The characters are all very well done - they are all realistic and easy to identify with. I love Noli as a main character - she's a strong, smart, brave, and devoted chick who does what needs to be done. I immediately liked her in the first book and her character continued to grow in this book. The plot was exciting with a great mixture of genres - action, adventure, fantasy, steampunk, and romance - that you can't really pin it down to a single label. It definitely has crossover appeal for fans of several genres. The writing was exceptional and shows the immense talent that the author holds. The story had a perfect pace with a wonderful flow - I was immediately drawn back into Noli's world from the first page. Highly recommended for fans of all genres - especially those of fantasy and steampunk! This is a series that you need to check out now if you haven't already!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
'Charmed Vengeance' is the second book in the young adult steampunk series The Aether Chronicles. It picks up where the first book left off - with Noli and V's relationship on a whole new level, the Faerie Queen forbidding them to be together and Noli leaving the Faerie Realm. Once she's back in the mortal world, Noli joins up with her brother's air ship - where she learns that her brother isn't just an air pirate but that he has also hired on Kevighn Silver - the Faerie huntsman. Noli and Kevighn learn of a precious artifact that the Earth Court King plans on finding and wielding - and one that would completely destroy Noli's life and those she loves.
This was a fantastic second installment in a series that continues to exceed my expectations. There were so many new twists in the book along with some great action and adventure scenes - it really sets the series apart from anything else in the genre. The characters are all very well done - they are all realistic and easy to identify with. I love Noli as a main character - she's a strong, smart, brave, and devoted chick who does what needs to be done. I immediately liked her in the first book and her character continued to grow in this book. The plot was exciting with a great mixture of genres - action, adventure, fantasy, steampunk, and romance - that you can't really pin it down to a single label. It definitely has crossover appeal for fans of several genres. The writing was exceptional and shows the immense talent that the author holds. The story had a perfect pace with a wonderful flow - I was immediately drawn back into Noli's world from the first page. Highly recommended for fans of all genres - especially those of fantasy and steampunk! This is a series that you need to check out now if you haven't already!
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
August 20, 2013
Noli is back from the Faerie realm, now an immortal sharing her body with a sprite. She is trying to be the daughter her mother always wanted even while missing her best friend/boyfriend V who is still in Faerie. Noli's brother comes for her and asks her to join him as the mechanic on his air pirate vessel. Meanwhile, V has to repay the favor he owes the queen- to stop seeing Noli. V breaks Noli's heart causing Noli to sneak away and join her brother. The young lovers try to overcome obstacles and right the wrongs of the worlds to be together,
There are so many characters and the book is told from so many points of view that at times it is hard to keep everything straight. I enjoyed this book better than the first one mainly due to the non stop action. It was not nearly as depressing as the first book in the series was, even though there was death. There was so much steampunky inventions making the almost Victorian world come alive.
I did not really enjoy the romance between Noli and V, I see them more as best friends but the romance between them seems too forced. I want her to be with someone else who is less a boy and more a man. Every time there is intimacy between them I cringe. Just not natural for me.
It was an ok action steampunk story geared for older teens or adults. There are too many dark elements like brothels, drugs, death, and sex to be appropriate for younger teens. I was not in love with the story, but will most likely read the next book to see what happens with the characters and maybe the story will improve like this book did.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
There are so many characters and the book is told from so many points of view that at times it is hard to keep everything straight. I enjoyed this book better than the first one mainly due to the non stop action. It was not nearly as depressing as the first book in the series was, even though there was death. There was so much steampunky inventions making the almost Victorian world come alive.
I did not really enjoy the romance between Noli and V, I see them more as best friends but the romance between them seems too forced. I want her to be with someone else who is less a boy and more a man. Every time there is intimacy between them I cringe. Just not natural for me.
It was an ok action steampunk story geared for older teens or adults. There are too many dark elements like brothels, drugs, death, and sex to be appropriate for younger teens. I was not in love with the story, but will most likely read the next book to see what happens with the characters and maybe the story will improve like this book did.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
March 13, 2014
Um okay. Let me start by saying that the first book was better. This one was okay, but in my opinion, not a lot happens. I mean I just wished this one had more action in it. And once again, flawed writing, with too many phrases repeated and awkward encounters with sultry girls. Ugh. The added human trafficking was an interesting touch, but once again a little strange. Plus, everything gets so frustratingly twisted - and not a good type of frustrating either. And the ending was so weird.
I don't know if I'll be continuing the series. Maybe, maybe not.
I don't know if I'll be continuing the series. Maybe, maybe not.
August 25, 2013
While I had enjoyed the first book pretty well this one missed some of the mystery and excitement that made the first book so thrilling. Some of the character's reactions seemed too calm. really? Your slightly evil mum just told you to break up with your girlfriend and go on this crazy mission and leave your girl behind unprotected? And you just go with it with barely a sentence or two to convey your regret? Hmmmm. That was the most major one. Also another character seemed to be dealing with his love's death WAY to easily. It's brought up once and he says it's this facade or moaning in bed but it somehow just doesn't click. The middle of the book wasn't too bad, but the beginning and end just seemed really off. There were some interesting parts and fun scenes though. It just seemed choppy and conflicting. Like the plot really needed work but instead some action and a slightly random character were thrown in to add tension and excitement. Like really.
Overall, it's okay but definitely not as good as the first. There were some major and minor things I really felt should be improved (the plot as a whole was okay...just a little too outlandish. And the characters had some flaws here and there so...) that annoyed me. I'll read the next book but I'm really hoping I won't be disappointed as I was with this one.
Content:Some kissing, brief mention of prostitutes and that business as well as human trafficking for it too. Laying in bed together and nothing else happening. A few airship battles. Magic and fey. A few cuss words.
Overall, it's okay but definitely not as good as the first. There were some major and minor things I really felt should be improved (the plot as a whole was okay...just a little too outlandish. And the characters had some flaws here and there so...) that annoyed me. I'll read the next book but I'm really hoping I won't be disappointed as I was with this one.
Content:Some kissing, brief mention of prostitutes and that business as well as human trafficking for it too. Laying in bed together and nothing else happening. A few airship battles. Magic and fey. A few cuss words.
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April 8, 2025I’ve missed these characters so much. Charmed Vengeance is told in multiple points of view. We have Noli, Keveign, and V.
In Charmed Vengeance we get to go on an adventure. V has a things he has to do, but can’t have anything to do with Noli. Noli is trying to figure out how to live after being a part of the Faerie realm. And Keveign is doing his usual and drinking his life away. We also get to meet Jeff and Vix. I freaking love Vix. She’s bossy, and doesn’t take crap from anyone. Jeff drove me crazy with being so over protective of Noli.
There are twists and turns in all directions. You don’t know who you can trust, and what will happen from one day to the next. There always seems to be an obstacle, and our characters literally just miss each other in the same locations. There is a ton of action. I mean what can you expect when you travel with air pirates.
I don’t want to give much away and spoil anything for you, but this is a great sequel, and had me wanting to the next book right away. Things happen, questions are sort of answered, and some people are just awful.
In Charmed Vengeance we get to go on an adventure. V has a things he has to do, but can’t have anything to do with Noli. Noli is trying to figure out how to live after being a part of the Faerie realm. And Keveign is doing his usual and drinking his life away. We also get to meet Jeff and Vix. I freaking love Vix. She’s bossy, and doesn’t take crap from anyone. Jeff drove me crazy with being so over protective of Noli.
There are twists and turns in all directions. You don’t know who you can trust, and what will happen from one day to the next. There always seems to be an obstacle, and our characters literally just miss each other in the same locations. There is a ton of action. I mean what can you expect when you travel with air pirates.
I don’t want to give much away and spoil anything for you, but this is a great sequel, and had me wanting to the next book right away. Things happen, questions are sort of answered, and some people are just awful.
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