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Georgina Kincaid #5
Succubus Shadows
Georgina Kincaid has formidable powers. Immortality, seduction, shape-shifting into any human form she desires, walking in heels that would cripple mere mortals -- all child's play to a succubus like her.
Helping to plan her ex-boyfriend's wedding is a different story. Georgina isn't sure which is worse -- that Seth is marrying another woman, or that Georgina has to run all over Seattle trying on bridesmaid dresses. Still, there are distractions. Georgina's roommate, Roman, is cluttering her apartment with sexual tension. Then there's Simone, the new succubus in town, who's intent on corrupting Seth.
But the real danger lies in the mysterious force that's visiting her thoughts, trying to draw her into a dark, otherworldly realm. Sooner or later, Georgina knows she'll be too weak to resist. And when that happens, she'll discover who she can trust, who she can't -- and that Hell is far from the worst place to spend eternity...
Helping to plan her ex-boyfriend's wedding is a different story. Georgina isn't sure which is worse -- that Seth is marrying another woman, or that Georgina has to run all over Seattle trying on bridesmaid dresses. Still, there are distractions. Georgina's roommate, Roman, is cluttering her apartment with sexual tension. Then there's Simone, the new succubus in town, who's intent on corrupting Seth.
But the real danger lies in the mysterious force that's visiting her thoughts, trying to draw her into a dark, otherworldly realm. Sooner or later, Georgina knows she'll be too weak to resist. And when that happens, she'll discover who she can trust, who she can't -- and that Hell is far from the worst place to spend eternity...
281 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2010
About the author
Richelle Mead
103 books67.5k followersScorpio Richelle Mead is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy books for both adults and teens. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington where she works on her three series full-time: Georgina Kincaid, Dark Swan, and Vampire Academy.
A life-long reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses. She's a self-professed coffee addict and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous.
A life-long reader, Richelle has always loved mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses. She's a self-professed coffee addict and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,062 reviews
January 31, 2023
"And when I was there and Erik sent me wherever he did, I felt…well, it was beyond anything I’d experienced. At first, I was so confused and disoriented. I didn’t get what they were saying about finding you. It seemed surreal. Then, it was the easiest thing in the world. I just looked for you, and there you were. In all that space and all that chaos, reaching you was like looking into myself. We were so close…it defied physics and every rule of nature I knew. It didn’t seem real that I could be together with anyone like that.
And when it was over, it’s like I said—I wasn’t sure what I’d just been a part of. But I knew that I had never experienced any bond like that with any other woman. Maybe you’re the only one, maybe there’s another…but regardless, I didn’t have it with Maddie. She’s amazing. I do love her. But in that situation again? I would never find her. And I knew it wasn’t fair to lead her into a life without that connection. You and I…I don’t understand what’s between us, but I’d rather spend my life alone than with someone who isn’t you. ”
“You are the world, Letha..”
And when it was over, it’s like I said—I wasn’t sure what I’d just been a part of. But I knew that I had never experienced any bond like that with any other woman. Maybe you’re the only one, maybe there’s another…but regardless, I didn’t have it with Maddie. She’s amazing. I do love her. But in that situation again? I would never find her. And I knew it wasn’t fair to lead her into a life without that connection. You and I…I don’t understand what’s between us, but I’d rather spend my life alone than with someone who isn’t you. ”
“You are the world, Letha..”
April 6, 2010
Georgina Kincaid might be the most emotionally draining character I’ve ever encountered. In Succubus Shadows she’s perpetually depressed--consumed with mourning her lost relationship. Not a page goes by without her lamenting the could’ve beens.
It’s all too much. All right already, Georgina. You’re sad. You’re aching. You’re oh so torn over your special wuv and forevah connection.
You’re also dim-witted and a glutton for punishment so I have to admit, I’m having a very hard time feeling sorry for you. Mostly though, I’ve lost respect for you. I think it happened quite some time ago, but Shadows brought the added insight that you have learned absolutely nothing in your immortal lifetime. You now suddenly realise that your life is going in circles? Well, yes, that’s usually what happens when you do the same shit over and over again into infinity and stupidly expect a different outcome.
And if this series is leading to the resolution I think it is, someone is getting a very raw deal (and it’s not Georgina).
Speaking of where I think the series is headed, Shadows is yet another case of Mead banging me over the head with clue-by-fours. Unless she comes up with some grand 11th hour twist, this is incredibly sloppy story-telling.
Shadows is a bridge book, setting us up for the series’ dénouement. We get glimpses into Georgina’s past in an effort to establish certain patterns. The problem is that I (and most of my fellow readers) saw these patterns many books ago. I didn’t need them confirmed in such a drawn-out fashion. All I need at this point is to know what the loophole is. Everything else has become infinitely boring.
NB: Font enhancements within this review were inspired by one Shannon D.
(There. Stop your whinging.)
It’s all too much. All right already, Georgina. You’re sad. You’re aching. You’re oh so torn over your special wuv and forevah connection.
You’re also dim-witted and a glutton for punishment so I have to admit, I’m having a very hard time feeling sorry for you. Mostly though, I’ve lost respect for you. I think it happened quite some time ago, but Shadows brought the added insight that you have learned absolutely nothing in your immortal lifetime. You now suddenly realise that your life is going in circles? Well, yes, that’s usually what happens when you do the same shit over and over again into infinity and stupidly expect a different outcome.
And if this series is leading to the resolution I think it is, someone is getting a very raw deal (and it’s not Georgina).
Speaking of where I think the series is headed, Shadows is yet another case of Mead banging me over the head with clue-by-fours. Unless she comes up with some grand 11th hour twist, this is incredibly sloppy story-telling.
Shadows is a bridge book, setting us up for the series’ dénouement. We get glimpses into Georgina’s past in an effort to establish certain patterns. The problem is that I (and most of my fellow readers) saw these patterns many books ago. I didn’t need them confirmed in such a drawn-out fashion. All I need at this point is to know what the loophole is. Everything else has become infinitely boring.
NB: Font enhancements within this review were inspired by one Shannon D.
(There. Stop your whinging.)
May 2, 2015
OMG WHAT IS GOING ON GUYS???????? WHAT IS UP WITH THIS?????? GEORGINA X SETH FOR LIFE
July 24, 2023
I loooove this series.
This is one of my favorite UF series, ever. Admittedly, the first book is the weakest of them all, while book 4 is my favorite. The plot, characters and romance get better and better with each installment.
The love story has an incredible arc and it is absolutely beautiful. You'll need to go all the way to book 6 to find out how it ends, and it is utterly worth it.
Georgina Kincaid is a great strong female character with all her faults. Her insecurities and weaknesses make her a better character, she is not perfect, but she is good. She is flawed and that makes her more real.
Seth, although completely outside of the guys I would normally found attractive, is also great; sweet and kind, he is a character that grows in each book, he is loyal, authentic and loves with his all being. He is mundane and so real that he is the perfect juxtaposition to Georgina.
These books are full of adventure and fun characters, but to me, what really makes them so special is that the love story here is not just your typical romance. What we have here is a TRUE LOVE kind of EPIC love story to the likes of The Princess Bride.
This is the kind story that stays with you, no matter how many books you read or how many years have passed since you first read it , you don’t forget this one.
I completely recommend this series. READ IT!
P.S.: By now, I have lost count of how many times I have read/listen to the audiobooks of this series. The first time, I did actually read them, but soon I knew I would want to come to them again and I got the audiobooks. They are great.
This is one of my favorite UF series, ever. Admittedly, the first book is the weakest of them all, while book 4 is my favorite. The plot, characters and romance get better and better with each installment.
The love story has an incredible arc and it is absolutely beautiful. You'll need to go all the way to book 6 to find out how it ends, and it is utterly worth it.
Georgina Kincaid is a great strong female character with all her faults. Her insecurities and weaknesses make her a better character, she is not perfect, but she is good. She is flawed and that makes her more real.
Seth, although completely outside of the guys I would normally found attractive, is also great; sweet and kind, he is a character that grows in each book, he is loyal, authentic and loves with his all being. He is mundane and so real that he is the perfect juxtaposition to Georgina.
These books are full of adventure and fun characters, but to me, what really makes them so special is that the love story here is not just your typical romance. What we have here is a TRUE LOVE kind of EPIC love story to the likes of The Princess Bride.
This is the kind story that stays with you, no matter how many books you read or how many years have passed since you first read it , you don’t forget this one.
I completely recommend this series. READ IT!
P.S.: By now, I have lost count of how many times I have read/listen to the audiobooks of this series. The first time, I did actually read them, but soon I knew I would want to come to them again and I got the audiobooks. They are great.
May 5, 2017
Georgina Kincaid is Seattle's resident succubus, and her life has been going from bad to worse lately. At this point in time, she is faced with the marriage of her best friend to the man she loves, and an eerie "siren song" is calling to Georgina, begging her to come into it. Also, amid these disasters, Georgina is still getting used to everyday life with her new roommate, Jerome's sociopathic, nephilim son, Roman. On top of that, a visiting succubus, Simone, is in town and doing everything she can to corrupt Seth and his soul.
When everything gets to be too much, and after a particularly emotional encounter with Roman, Georgina finally gives into the "siren song." She soon realizes that it was just a lure from the Oneroi to get Georgina onto the dream plane. As revenge for Georgina helping the angels capture Nyx again, the Oneroi torture Georgina through her dreams, sometimes showing her truths, sometimes showing her lies, and sometimes showing her a mix of the two.
It is through these dreams that she is able to see the progress her friends make in finding her. And that is how she sees that Simone is impersonating Georgina to get to Seth. Jerome, Carter, and Roman learn a way that they could try to save Georgina. And after a particularly bold put-down to "Georgina"/Simone, Seth runs into Jerome and goes with him to help try to rescue Georgina from the Oneroi.
Impossibly, Seth is able to reach Georgina through all the different souls and dreams, is able to save her. When she comes out, she doesn't remember anything about her life as Georgina but it eventually starts coming back to her. After sleeping for three days, she now remembers everything.
A little while later, Maddie comes over in tears saying that Seth broke off their engagement. And that he has disappeared. After brining Maddie over to Doug's house, Georgina goes over to Seth's brother's house. They don't know where he is either. As she is leaving, Brandy tells Georgina that Andrea, Seth's sister-in-law, has cancer. Upon hearing this, Georgina goes to Jerome and calls in the favor that he owes her: Send her to Seth and give her three days with him. Four hours later, when he has found Seth, Jerome sends her to Mexico. She finds Seth on the beach and, despite Seth's declaration that he wasn't returning to Seattle, they fall back into the relaxed relationship they had while they were dating. In the heat of passion, they start to get into sex, but Georgina pulls back. She's confused and still doesn't want to hurt him. That night, while Seth is sleeping, Georgina realizes that she can't see this cynical, pessimistic side to Seth and leaves, leaving a note saying that she loves him too much to stay.
The next day, after work, Georgina gets a call from Erik, and due to the violent nature of the call, she speeds over to his shop. Where she finds the inside of the store destroyed, the windows broken, and Erik, bloody and broken, behind the counter. Georgina does everything she can to save him but they both know that it's too late. He entreats her for a kiss, giving him a painless death as she sucks the rest of his soul out of him. Before he dies, though, he tells her something shocking: There is nothing wrong with her contract, but there are two contracts, and he makes her promise to find the second one.
After finding no sympathy from Jerome, she goes home, where Roman has more bad news for her. The first thing is a letter from Seth saying that she made him realize that he needed to stop putting himself first and focus on his family, because they need him right now, and that he had returned to Seattle. The second was a magazine. A magazine in which there was a picture of her and Seth kissing on the beach, the day after he broke up with Maddie. When she goes into the bookstore the next day, all her coworkers treated her with disdain and antipathy, and she has a confrontation with Maddie, during which Georgina reveals that she and Seth had dated before he started dating Maddie. After that encounter, she feels beaten down. Then Carter appears and, though he won't tell her what's up with the two contracts, he instills the hope in her that anything is possible.
Later that night, with Carter's words still ringing in her ears, Georgina makes a decision. Seth would give anything to be with her and so she could do no less for him. That decision made, she goes over to Seth's condo and she tells him her revelation and that she'll never leave him again. They finally have sex while she is a succubus and he tells her that the side effects were worth the experience. As he drifts to sleep, he calls Georgina by her human name, leaving her with more questions and worries than answers and comforts.
As always, I was thoroughly entertained by Georgina. While, admittedly, she had a bad time of it for most of the book, that did not lessen Georgina's sarcasm, wit, and charm. I enjoyed seeing her relationships with those around her grow, or decline as it were, throughout the book, particularly her relationship with Roman and Seth. As per usual, Georgina was faced with many obstacles in this book, and I admired her perseverance and determination to find answers.
I discovered as a result of reading Succubus Heat that I have a thing for Roman, the sociopathic nephilim. So, I enjoyed getting to see quite a bit of him in this book. Like with Georgina's relationships, I enjoyed seeing Roman grow from dispassionate roommate into a caring, considerate friend who would still risk it all just to be with the woman he loves. I hurt for him in the end when Georgina went to Seth, but I knew all along that it wasn't meant to be with her and Roman, and I really wouldn't have had it any other way.
Seth, oh Seth. I continue to love Seth and his devotion to those he loves, but I was also a little disappointed alongside Georgina to see that he initially ran away from his problems. However, that hasn't affected my overall opinion of him and the fact that he ultimately returned certainly helped the situation. With regards to Seth, though, I am thoroughly convinced that he is Kyriakos reincarnated. Certain comments that he made certainly support the theory, and his calling Georgina by her human name drives the theory home for me, if nothing else. That being said, I am really intrigued by how that is going to affect Georgina's future.
This is probably really horrible for me to say, but I am so glad that Seth and Maddie finally broke up. He was never meant to be with her, should always have been with Georgina. And, while I can appreciate Maddie's pain over the situation, I won't shed any tears over the break-up.
I really hated that Simone bitch, and I wanted to kill her when she was impersonating Georgina to get to Seth. I was very glad when Seth finally figured out there was something up (with the help of his niece Kayla), and was frustrated by the fact that Georgina never mentioned the fact that Simone/"Kelly" was a succubus so that Seth was aware of the fact. I suspect that I should have known from the beginning that Simone was there because of Niphon to fuck with Georgina as opposed to spying on Jerome.
I continue to love and adore Carter, my sexy angel. His presence in these books always makes me smile, and I really like how he seems to care the most about Georgina and helps her out and watches out for her. Keep being an adorable badass, Carter!
Jerome I have always loved but he grated on my nerves a bit in this book. His callous disregard for certain situations and the people Georgina cared about and wanted to protect started to affect and bother me a bit more in this book than the others. Maybe because he had more of a presence in this book than any of the others, but I really hope these semi-negative feels for Jerome do not exist after I read the next book.
Erik, the poor thing, is dead! I've always liked Erik and I was so sad to find that someone murdered him. And I can't wait until Georgina starts solving the mystery of his death.
Cody, the cutie, has a girlfriend! He's so adorable and I liked seeing him have this crush and start talking to girls other than Georgina! He finally started coming into his own and that was a nice change.
Gah, those Oneroi were horrible! And the way they tortured Georgina...
It was very interesting to see all those different dreams and flashbacks of Georgina's past. They certainly gave more insight into Georgina as a person and why she is the way she is. And, going along with my theory of Seth being Kyriakos reincarnated, I think that all the males they showed her loving was Kyriakos in a different form. It's obvious that she only loved one man in each "lifetime," so who's to say that it isn't Kyriakos' soul in another form?
First we thought there was a problem with Georgina's contract, and now we find out that there's...two? Yeah, that's an interesting plot twist and I can't wait to see how that plays out in the next book
There is something about this series that has always called to something deep in me, and think that this book has done so even more the previous four. I'm not exactly sure why, whether it is Georgina's desperation to have a human life despite being a succubus or something else. Succubus Shadows, more so than the others, appealed to this thing inside. This time, I'm sure it's the fact that Georgina was finally shown the complete dream of her life, revealing Seth as the man she would love, marry, and have a daughter with, and her pain at the impossibility of the dream. Everyone has hopes and dreams for their life, and are often faced with the prospect of failure when it comes to these dreams. But, it's something that Carter said to Georgina at the end of the book that gives me the faith I need to continue dreaming about a good life for myself:
"All things are possible. And I don't mean that as a cliché. It's true. Mortals and mortals-turned-immortals don't always believe that--which is why Hell has such a foothold in the world. And I'm not saying that if you believe in it, it will happen. Things don't always turn out for the best, but miracles are real, Georgina. You've just got to lift yourself out of the muck to make them. You've got to take the chance."
"Easy for you to say. Can you make miracles?"
"I try," he said. "I try. Will you?"
Will you? Will you have faith that anything is possible?
When everything gets to be too much, and after a particularly emotional encounter with Roman, Georgina finally gives into the "siren song." She soon realizes that it was just a lure from the Oneroi to get Georgina onto the dream plane. As revenge for Georgina helping the angels capture Nyx again, the Oneroi torture Georgina through her dreams, sometimes showing her truths, sometimes showing her lies, and sometimes showing her a mix of the two.
It is through these dreams that she is able to see the progress her friends make in finding her. And that is how she sees that Simone is impersonating Georgina to get to Seth. Jerome, Carter, and Roman learn a way that they could try to save Georgina. And after a particularly bold put-down to "Georgina"/Simone, Seth runs into Jerome and goes with him to help try to rescue Georgina from the Oneroi.
Impossibly, Seth is able to reach Georgina through all the different souls and dreams, is able to save her. When she comes out, she doesn't remember anything about her life as Georgina but it eventually starts coming back to her. After sleeping for three days, she now remembers everything.
A little while later, Maddie comes over in tears saying that Seth broke off their engagement. And that he has disappeared. After brining Maddie over to Doug's house, Georgina goes over to Seth's brother's house. They don't know where he is either. As she is leaving, Brandy tells Georgina that Andrea, Seth's sister-in-law, has cancer. Upon hearing this, Georgina goes to Jerome and calls in the favor that he owes her: Send her to Seth and give her three days with him. Four hours later, when he has found Seth, Jerome sends her to Mexico. She finds Seth on the beach and, despite Seth's declaration that he wasn't returning to Seattle, they fall back into the relaxed relationship they had while they were dating. In the heat of passion, they start to get into sex, but Georgina pulls back. She's confused and still doesn't want to hurt him. That night, while Seth is sleeping, Georgina realizes that she can't see this cynical, pessimistic side to Seth and leaves, leaving a note saying that she loves him too much to stay.
The next day, after work, Georgina gets a call from Erik, and due to the violent nature of the call, she speeds over to his shop. Where she finds the inside of the store destroyed, the windows broken, and Erik, bloody and broken, behind the counter. Georgina does everything she can to save him but they both know that it's too late. He entreats her for a kiss, giving him a painless death as she sucks the rest of his soul out of him. Before he dies, though, he tells her something shocking: There is nothing wrong with her contract, but there are two contracts, and he makes her promise to find the second one.
After finding no sympathy from Jerome, she goes home, where Roman has more bad news for her. The first thing is a letter from Seth saying that she made him realize that he needed to stop putting himself first and focus on his family, because they need him right now, and that he had returned to Seattle. The second was a magazine. A magazine in which there was a picture of her and Seth kissing on the beach, the day after he broke up with Maddie. When she goes into the bookstore the next day, all her coworkers treated her with disdain and antipathy, and she has a confrontation with Maddie, during which Georgina reveals that she and Seth had dated before he started dating Maddie. After that encounter, she feels beaten down. Then Carter appears and, though he won't tell her what's up with the two contracts, he instills the hope in her that anything is possible.
Later that night, with Carter's words still ringing in her ears, Georgina makes a decision. Seth would give anything to be with her and so she could do no less for him. That decision made, she goes over to Seth's condo and she tells him her revelation and that she'll never leave him again. They finally have sex while she is a succubus and he tells her that the side effects were worth the experience. As he drifts to sleep, he calls Georgina by her human name, leaving her with more questions and worries than answers and comforts.
As always, I was thoroughly entertained by Georgina. While, admittedly, she had a bad time of it for most of the book, that did not lessen Georgina's sarcasm, wit, and charm. I enjoyed seeing her relationships with those around her grow, or decline as it were, throughout the book, particularly her relationship with Roman and Seth. As per usual, Georgina was faced with many obstacles in this book, and I admired her perseverance and determination to find answers.
I discovered as a result of reading Succubus Heat that I have a thing for Roman, the sociopathic nephilim. So, I enjoyed getting to see quite a bit of him in this book. Like with Georgina's relationships, I enjoyed seeing Roman grow from dispassionate roommate into a caring, considerate friend who would still risk it all just to be with the woman he loves. I hurt for him in the end when Georgina went to Seth, but I knew all along that it wasn't meant to be with her and Roman, and I really wouldn't have had it any other way.
Seth, oh Seth. I continue to love Seth and his devotion to those he loves, but I was also a little disappointed alongside Georgina to see that he initially ran away from his problems. However, that hasn't affected my overall opinion of him and the fact that he ultimately returned certainly helped the situation. With regards to Seth, though, I am thoroughly convinced that he is Kyriakos reincarnated. Certain comments that he made certainly support the theory, and his calling Georgina by her human name drives the theory home for me, if nothing else. That being said, I am really intrigued by how that is going to affect Georgina's future.
This is probably really horrible for me to say, but I am so glad that Seth and Maddie finally broke up. He was never meant to be with her, should always have been with Georgina. And, while I can appreciate Maddie's pain over the situation, I won't shed any tears over the break-up.
I really hated that Simone bitch, and I wanted to kill her when she was impersonating Georgina to get to Seth. I was very glad when Seth finally figured out there was something up (with the help of his niece Kayla), and was frustrated by the fact that Georgina never mentioned the fact that Simone/"Kelly" was a succubus so that Seth was aware of the fact. I suspect that I should have known from the beginning that Simone was there because of Niphon to fuck with Georgina as opposed to spying on Jerome.
I continue to love and adore Carter, my sexy angel. His presence in these books always makes me smile, and I really like how he seems to care the most about Georgina and helps her out and watches out for her. Keep being an adorable badass, Carter!
Jerome I have always loved but he grated on my nerves a bit in this book. His callous disregard for certain situations and the people Georgina cared about and wanted to protect started to affect and bother me a bit more in this book than the others. Maybe because he had more of a presence in this book than any of the others, but I really hope these semi-negative feels for Jerome do not exist after I read the next book.
Erik, the poor thing, is dead! I've always liked Erik and I was so sad to find that someone murdered him. And I can't wait until Georgina starts solving the mystery of his death.
Cody, the cutie, has a girlfriend! He's so adorable and I liked seeing him have this crush and start talking to girls other than Georgina! He finally started coming into his own and that was a nice change.
Gah, those Oneroi were horrible! And the way they tortured Georgina...
It was very interesting to see all those different dreams and flashbacks of Georgina's past. They certainly gave more insight into Georgina as a person and why she is the way she is. And, going along with my theory of Seth being Kyriakos reincarnated, I think that all the males they showed her loving was Kyriakos in a different form. It's obvious that she only loved one man in each "lifetime," so who's to say that it isn't Kyriakos' soul in another form?
First we thought there was a problem with Georgina's contract, and now we find out that there's...two? Yeah, that's an interesting plot twist and I can't wait to see how that plays out in the next book
There is something about this series that has always called to something deep in me, and think that this book has done so even more the previous four. I'm not exactly sure why, whether it is Georgina's desperation to have a human life despite being a succubus or something else. Succubus Shadows, more so than the others, appealed to this thing inside. This time, I'm sure it's the fact that Georgina was finally shown the complete dream of her life, revealing Seth as the man she would love, marry, and have a daughter with, and her pain at the impossibility of the dream. Everyone has hopes and dreams for their life, and are often faced with the prospect of failure when it comes to these dreams. But, it's something that Carter said to Georgina at the end of the book that gives me the faith I need to continue dreaming about a good life for myself:
"All things are possible. And I don't mean that as a cliché. It's true. Mortals and mortals-turned-immortals don't always believe that--which is why Hell has such a foothold in the world. And I'm not saying that if you believe in it, it will happen. Things don't always turn out for the best, but miracles are real, Georgina. You've just got to lift yourself out of the muck to make them. You've got to take the chance."
"Easy for you to say. Can you make miracles?"
"I try," he said. "I try. Will you?"
Will you? Will you have faith that anything is possible?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 20, 2011
"Succubus Shadows" is, I think, my least favorite Georgina Kincaid book to date. It's not really bad, but compared to previous installments it is rather dull, it is not a supernatural mystery, as previous installments were, but supernatural chick lit/melodrama.
Georgina is depressed and down most of the time. She is compelled to help Maddie to plan her wedding with Seth, the man she loves. On top of it, a new visiting succubus in town is trying to seduce Seth and taint his soul even more. Even her surprisingly compassionate, albeit marginally psychotic, but oh so sexy, roommate Roman can't cheer her up. Whenever Georgina is at her lowest, strange things start happening to her - she loses her memory, she sleepwalks, she is drawn to something, something unearthly, a realm of dreams. At some point Georgina is too weak and distraught to resist the pull and finally succumbs to this dream world, only to be tortured by the dreams of her sinful past.
My main qualm with "Succubus Shadows" is that I can tell it was lazily written, that Richelle didn't quite have time to think this book through properly. Whenever she starts filling her books with memories and fllashbacks, whenever her characters acquire magical abilities of watching the events from other people's POV, I know, the author was too lazy or rushed to come up with a better idea of achieving the same ending, but without cheap plot devices. (For more examples of similar rushed plotting, see Blood Promise - the book where VA jumped the shark IMO).
The first half of the story was on par with previous books. It was dynamic and funny wherever G's gang was involved. But the moment our succubus was consumed by the dream world, the story slowed down. Georgina's dreams of the past were redundant, we've encountered her experiences with good men before, and we already know that it's the same vicious cycle, no need to pound on it more IMO (plus, some of Georgina's memories were copied and pasted from Mead's previously published, obscure short story). Her other trips into her present time and involving her friends were more of a plot device to show us, readers, how the search for her was progressing. These poor plot devices sucked all mystery out of the book.
The previous book left me full of angst and hate for both Seth and Maddie, and with concern for Seth's darkened soul. This installment never built upon this drama. The characters I despised in "Succubus Heat" were too easily redeemed, their discretions forgotten and difficulties smoothed out.
And finally, the huge clues given in this book are VERY obvious. It seems only Georgina doesn't know how the things will turn out in the end.
Overall, "Succubus Shadows" is a decent book, if you compare it to others in urban fantasy genre. It is a must-read for Georgina fans and a good primer for the finale. But if compared to some previous succubus stories, it lacks excitement, mystery and drama, it is a tad obvious and predictable. It could have been much better if the author put a bit more effort into it.
Georgina is depressed and down most of the time. She is compelled to help Maddie to plan her wedding with Seth, the man she loves. On top of it, a new visiting succubus in town is trying to seduce Seth and taint his soul even more. Even her surprisingly compassionate, albeit marginally psychotic, but oh so sexy, roommate Roman can't cheer her up. Whenever Georgina is at her lowest, strange things start happening to her - she loses her memory, she sleepwalks, she is drawn to something, something unearthly, a realm of dreams. At some point Georgina is too weak and distraught to resist the pull and finally succumbs to this dream world, only to be tortured by the dreams of her sinful past.
My main qualm with "Succubus Shadows" is that I can tell it was lazily written, that Richelle didn't quite have time to think this book through properly. Whenever she starts filling her books with memories and fllashbacks, whenever her characters acquire magical abilities of watching the events from other people's POV, I know, the author was too lazy or rushed to come up with a better idea of achieving the same ending, but without cheap plot devices. (For more examples of similar rushed plotting, see Blood Promise - the book where VA jumped the shark IMO).
The first half of the story was on par with previous books. It was dynamic and funny wherever G's gang was involved. But the moment our succubus was consumed by the dream world, the story slowed down. Georgina's dreams of the past were redundant, we've encountered her experiences with good men before, and we already know that it's the same vicious cycle, no need to pound on it more IMO (plus, some of Georgina's memories were copied and pasted from Mead's previously published, obscure short story). Her other trips into her present time and involving her friends were more of a plot device to show us, readers, how the search for her was progressing. These poor plot devices sucked all mystery out of the book.
The previous book left me full of angst and hate for both Seth and Maddie, and with concern for Seth's darkened soul. This installment never built upon this drama. The characters I despised in "Succubus Heat" were too easily redeemed, their discretions forgotten and difficulties smoothed out.
And finally, the huge clues given in this book are VERY obvious. It seems only Georgina doesn't know how the things will turn out in the end.
Overall, "Succubus Shadows" is a decent book, if you compare it to others in urban fantasy genre. It is a must-read for Georgina fans and a good primer for the finale. But if compared to some previous succubus stories, it lacks excitement, mystery and drama, it is a tad obvious and predictable. It could have been much better if the author put a bit more effort into it.
July 30, 2010
::Big gusty sigh::
SPOILERS AHEAD
Seriously?
This book was boring. Not only did Georgina whine and pine throughout the entire thing, she didn't really have anything else to focus on other than Seth. Even when she was in the "dream realm" with the wonder twins she kept dreaming of Seth or her past which ties into Seth. So basically the book was really about her feelings for Seth. Even the business with the contract is about Seth! Seth, Seth, Seth, Seth, Seth.
Also, I love how Roman has somehow become castrated.I mean, he isn't even trying to fight for Georgina (not that she is worth it anymore). Just insits on following her around with puppy eyes and watching her run after Seth in the same manner.
Even the higher ups are in on it. Carter and Jerome are obviously aware of what's going on. They dropped enough cryptic comments about it. ::rolls eyes::
Even the thing with the contracts was seen coming about .... 2 books ago? It had better be damn interesting! I doubt it will. Which most likely means Erik died in vain.
And in all of this, the most annoying thing is that Seth isn't looked down upon AT ALL. Well, except by Maddie and Doug... and a few co-workers. He is the biggest hypocrite, yet nobody pays attention to that. Simone had a point when she brought up the "spring fling" that he and Georgina had. Yet he still stood there, holier than thou. UGH!
OH! How ridiculous was the tabloid exposure of Georgina and Seth!? Was it me or was the whole reaction afterward was really underwhelming? I mean... Wow, Georgina is getting dirty looks from co-workers and Maddie had a minor hissy fit.... that's it?
Oh and the 2nd contract will probably be something like Kyriakos (whatever his name was) made a deal to find his soul mate/ one true love/ Letha and be with her through the centuries or until they could finally be together blah blah. So all of these really pure men that she fell in love with over the centruries were his soul reincarnate.
Ok now let's go back and count how many times Seth's name is in my review of a book that he isn't even the MC in!
But the biggest question....
Who the hell really gives two shits about Seth? Not I.
On a lighter note. I did enjoy the Iron Crowned excerpt. XD
SPOILERS AHEAD
Seriously?
This book was boring. Not only did Georgina whine and pine throughout the entire thing, she didn't really have anything else to focus on other than Seth. Even when she was in the "dream realm" with the wonder twins she kept dreaming of Seth or her past which ties into Seth. So basically the book was really about her feelings for Seth. Even the business with the contract is about Seth! Seth, Seth, Seth, Seth, Seth.
Also, I love how Roman has somehow become castrated.I mean, he isn't even trying to fight for Georgina (not that she is worth it anymore). Just insits on following her around with puppy eyes and watching her run after Seth in the same manner.
Even the higher ups are in on it. Carter and Jerome are obviously aware of what's going on. They dropped enough cryptic comments about it. ::rolls eyes::
Even the thing with the contracts was seen coming about .... 2 books ago? It had better be damn interesting! I doubt it will. Which most likely means Erik died in vain.
And in all of this, the most annoying thing is that Seth isn't looked down upon AT ALL. Well, except by Maddie and Doug... and a few co-workers. He is the biggest hypocrite, yet nobody pays attention to that. Simone had a point when she brought up the "spring fling" that he and Georgina had. Yet he still stood there, holier than thou. UGH!
OH! How ridiculous was the tabloid exposure of Georgina and Seth!? Was it me or was the whole reaction afterward was really underwhelming? I mean... Wow, Georgina is getting dirty looks from co-workers and Maddie had a minor hissy fit.... that's it?
Oh and the 2nd contract will probably be something like Kyriakos (whatever his name was) made a deal to find his soul mate/ one true love/ Letha and be with her through the centuries or until they could finally be together blah blah. So all of these really pure men that she fell in love with over the centruries were his soul reincarnate.
Ok now let's go back and count how many times Seth's name is in my review of a book that he isn't even the MC in!
But the biggest question....
Who the hell really gives two shits about Seth? Not I.
On a lighter note. I did enjoy the Iron Crowned excerpt. XD
December 23, 2020
4 ☆
In Succubus Shadows #5, Georgina is plunged into a new hellish reality. She successfully recovered her boss archdemon Jerome and ditched her dark boyfriend Dante in Succubus Heat #4. But that just leaves her little excuse not to help her only woman friend arrange a wedding to Georgina's ex-boyfriend, Seth, for whom she still possesses feelings.
Georgina just wants to escape this reality. She has tried to create a fresh start with a new home and new housemate. But then Georgina begins to hear a siren's call of unknown origins, and the lure is too enticing for an unhappy succubus to ignore. Since book #2, Mead's spiritual realm is depicted as more multifaceted than just a heaven - hell dichotomy. Georgina ends up facing something potentially worse than hell.
#1 Succubus Blues 3.5 ☆
#2 Succubus on Top 3 ☆
#3 Succubus Dreams 4 ☆
#4 Succubus Heat 4 ☆
#6 Succubus Revealed 4 ☆
Heaven had its own agenda, just as we did, and their motives were often harder to figure out...
God might work on mysterious ways, but hell worked on efficient ones.
In Succubus Shadows #5, Georgina is plunged into a new hellish reality. She successfully recovered her boss archdemon Jerome and ditched her dark boyfriend Dante in Succubus Heat #4. But that just leaves her little excuse not to help her only woman friend arrange a wedding to Georgina's ex-boyfriend, Seth, for whom she still possesses feelings.
Georgina just wants to escape this reality. She has tried to create a fresh start with a new home and new housemate. But then Georgina begins to hear a siren's call of unknown origins, and the lure is too enticing for an unhappy succubus to ignore. Since book #2, Mead's spiritual realm is depicted as more multifaceted than just a heaven - hell dichotomy. Georgina ends up facing something potentially worse than hell.
Your truths are worse than your lies.This story drags a bit in the middle because this part's significance isn't disclosed. The final third of the Succubus Shadows also raises a major question, which is again left unanswered. I'd expect the next and final book Succubus Revealed to solve these puzzles.
#1 Succubus Blues 3.5 ☆
#2 Succubus on Top 3 ☆
#3 Succubus Dreams 4 ☆
#4 Succubus Heat 4 ☆
#6 Succubus Revealed 4 ☆
August 5, 2010
Dear Miss Mead,
If I'd purchased the paper back instead of the ebook I would have burnt it. I've never encountered such a dimwitted main character before. I fear I have now developed Tourrettes.
God. Damn.
If I'd purchased the paper back instead of the ebook I would have burnt it. I've never encountered such a dimwitted main character before. I fear I have now developed Tourrettes.
God. Damn.
April 5, 2010
Having been brutally let down by Mead’s Vampire Academy series, I was afraid to read this installment of Succubus. I still loved Georgia, though there was no love lost for Seth. He could have died in this installment for all I cared, though I knew he would not. But as Mead has so willingly proven, she isn’t afraid to destroy her characters in order to add length to her series, and just as I feared, she butchered Georgia.
This story was BORNING! Granted I gave it three stars, because even a boring book about Georgia Kincaid is significantly better than a lot of the other crap being published these days, but this series has taken a nose dive. I’m so disappointed! Prior to this installment, I sympathized with Georgia, now I don’t. I thought she was funny, now I think it’s sad that after a millennium, snide humor is all Georgia has to offer. I once thought Georgia to be resourceful, now I think she must have sold some brain cells along with her soul. Georgia causes her own problems in her eternal life by her inability to learn anything! Angsting over the Succubus trying to steal Seth’s soul, here’s a thought, why don’t you tell him to avoid her? Don’t want to taint his darkened soul by doing him, how about tell him the reasons behind your non-actions and let him decide? Heart getting broken every time a mortal man dies from loving you, stop screwing around with mortal men, well, aside from the one’s you have to do. Seems like logic to me, but despite having lived for centuries, Georgia might as well be socially retarded. At this point, I feel as though she deserves to spend eternity as a minion of hell, cause the last thing we mortals need, is another idiot walking around.
I was also severely let down by the lack of angst between Georgia, Seth and Maddie. I was so distraught after reading Succubus Heat that I wasn’t sure how my poor heart would mend. If I had known it would be such a non-issue, I wouldn’t have worried. What was the point of all that build up if it was going nowhere? That’s the equivalent of spending night after night, day dreaming about some crush that you can never have, only to get him, and discover he can’t get it up. Seth should have graveled, begged for mercy, and Georgia should have held him accountable for his shit actions. The fact that she lovingly accepts him back without even giving him a hard time makes me want to heave.
This book read like filler. We already knew about Georgia’s past, and the “revelations” might as well have slapped readers across the face they are so obvious. Mead could have skipped this installment all together and simply written the conclusion to her series. As it were, there is one more book, but as I can already predict everything that will happen in the last book, I have no desire to read it. The best characters in this series are now Roman and Carter and I doubt they will be getting any page time. I’m marking Mead off my list.
This story was BORNING! Granted I gave it three stars, because even a boring book about Georgia Kincaid is significantly better than a lot of the other crap being published these days, but this series has taken a nose dive. I’m so disappointed! Prior to this installment, I sympathized with Georgia, now I don’t. I thought she was funny, now I think it’s sad that after a millennium, snide humor is all Georgia has to offer. I once thought Georgia to be resourceful, now I think she must have sold some brain cells along with her soul. Georgia causes her own problems in her eternal life by her inability to learn anything! Angsting over the Succubus trying to steal Seth’s soul, here’s a thought, why don’t you tell him to avoid her? Don’t want to taint his darkened soul by doing him, how about tell him the reasons behind your non-actions and let him decide? Heart getting broken every time a mortal man dies from loving you, stop screwing around with mortal men, well, aside from the one’s you have to do. Seems like logic to me, but despite having lived for centuries, Georgia might as well be socially retarded. At this point, I feel as though she deserves to spend eternity as a minion of hell, cause the last thing we mortals need, is another idiot walking around.
I was also severely let down by the lack of angst between Georgia, Seth and Maddie. I was so distraught after reading Succubus Heat that I wasn’t sure how my poor heart would mend. If I had known it would be such a non-issue, I wouldn’t have worried. What was the point of all that build up if it was going nowhere? That’s the equivalent of spending night after night, day dreaming about some crush that you can never have, only to get him, and discover he can’t get it up. Seth should have graveled, begged for mercy, and Georgia should have held him accountable for his shit actions. The fact that she lovingly accepts him back without even giving him a hard time makes me want to heave.
This book read like filler. We already knew about Georgia’s past, and the “revelations” might as well have slapped readers across the face they are so obvious. Mead could have skipped this installment all together and simply written the conclusion to her series. As it were, there is one more book, but as I can already predict everything that will happen in the last book, I have no desire to read it. The best characters in this series are now Roman and Carter and I doubt they will be getting any page time. I’m marking Mead off my list.
March 30, 2010
This book just about killed me. It's brilliant. I felt like this book was almost one big crescendo. I cannot even believe we have to wait another year. GAH!
I am going to talk a bit about it below and I won't give spoilers. However- you may not want to read b'c I may hype it too much for you & then set your expectations too high. Although I think that's near impossible b'c if you're in love with this series, then it should just be another gold star but still....fair warned is forearmed.
Mead pulled off another gut-wrencher. We learn so, so much more about Georgie. Why she is the way she is, how she thinks, how she has evolved, what her motivations are, her expectations, the toll being an immortal has had on her, what keeps her going. Dare I say it was profound? Maybe or maybe not but the way it was all delivered to us had such poignancy, I was a goner. Mead freakin' nailed this. Her best work by far. This whole series blows her other two out the water. Her best quality writing & thought goes into it.
For the 1st time in the series as well, I had no idea what Mead was doing, where she was going or what the outcome was going to be. I was on the edge of my seat nearly the whole time.
It was a heavy emotional roller coaster but Mead pulled it off so deftly & with such precise words, I couldn't believe the book wasn't longer.
I really, really fell in love with Georgie this book. My heart just aches for her. I want her character to be happy so badly. Mead really fleshed her out in a much needed way in this book to allow you to have such a deeper understanding. It allowed me to empathize & feel compassion every step of the way.
I was completely impressed with the overall plot & the creativity of the concept & the way Mead delivered it. It could have been incredibly confusing in less competent hands and Mead handles it so gracefully that - if you didn't know great writing, you could almost take the talent it takes to do this, for granted.
This was also one of those books where as I was reading certain parts & thinking; "Yes! yes! Finally!" Mead addressed exact concerns/issues I was having w/certain characters. She also had some choice descriptive words that were pretty synonymous w/my own & I felt so frickin' relieved b'c not only did she address them, but also b'c it showed she wasn't acting ignorant of her own creation.
It really proved to me that she crafted this series & that the ramifications are going to happen & if they were ignored? Well, she shows that she even has an answer for that too. So yeah - she even addresses the power of ignorance. BIG time. Ugh! Sounds so cryptic but that's all I can say w/out giving too much away.
I can't recommend this series enough. It's hilarious, poignant, witty, sexy, sly and emotionally intelligent.
I am going to talk a bit about it below and I won't give spoilers. However- you may not want to read b'c I may hype it too much for you & then set your expectations too high. Although I think that's near impossible b'c if you're in love with this series, then it should just be another gold star but still....fair warned is forearmed.
Mead pulled off another gut-wrencher. We learn so, so much more about Georgie. Why she is the way she is, how she thinks, how she has evolved, what her motivations are, her expectations, the toll being an immortal has had on her, what keeps her going. Dare I say it was profound? Maybe or maybe not but the way it was all delivered to us had such poignancy, I was a goner. Mead freakin' nailed this. Her best work by far. This whole series blows her other two out the water. Her best quality writing & thought goes into it.
For the 1st time in the series as well, I had no idea what Mead was doing, where she was going or what the outcome was going to be. I was on the edge of my seat nearly the whole time.
It was a heavy emotional roller coaster but Mead pulled it off so deftly & with such precise words, I couldn't believe the book wasn't longer.
I really, really fell in love with Georgie this book. My heart just aches for her. I want her character to be happy so badly. Mead really fleshed her out in a much needed way in this book to allow you to have such a deeper understanding. It allowed me to empathize & feel compassion every step of the way.
I was completely impressed with the overall plot & the creativity of the concept & the way Mead delivered it. It could have been incredibly confusing in less competent hands and Mead handles it so gracefully that - if you didn't know great writing, you could almost take the talent it takes to do this, for granted.
This was also one of those books where as I was reading certain parts & thinking; "Yes! yes! Finally!" Mead addressed exact concerns/issues I was having w/certain characters. She also had some choice descriptive words that were pretty synonymous w/my own & I felt so frickin' relieved b'c not only did she address them, but also b'c it showed she wasn't acting ignorant of her own creation.
It really proved to me that she crafted this series & that the ramifications are going to happen & if they were ignored? Well, she shows that she even has an answer for that too. So yeah - she even addresses the power of ignorance. BIG time. Ugh! Sounds so cryptic but that's all I can say w/out giving too much away.
I can't recommend this series enough. It's hilarious, poignant, witty, sexy, sly and emotionally intelligent.
December 1, 2019
2019
Absolutely amazing..... again!
2012
Bloody Hell (pardon the pun), what can I say???
ANOTHER TEAR JERKER, another heart-string puller but at the same time, full of fun, laughter and plenty of action...
I feel like I'm family with Cody, Peter, Jerome, Carter and the rest of the gang, and I am not sure that's a good thing, we all know we 'feel' when families go through whatever they go through - well I felt and I cried and I felt again and I cried some more!!! and the list goes on...
Which now brings me to reading the final one.... one that I hope reveals what my suspicions are... I can't wait to dive right in!!!
Absolutely amazing..... again!
2012
Bloody Hell (pardon the pun), what can I say???
ANOTHER TEAR JERKER, another heart-string puller but at the same time, full of fun, laughter and plenty of action...
I feel like I'm family with Cody, Peter, Jerome, Carter and the rest of the gang, and I am not sure that's a good thing, we all know we 'feel' when families go through whatever they go through - well I felt and I cried and I felt again and I cried some more!!! and the list goes on...
Which now brings me to reading the final one.... one that I hope reveals what my suspicions are... I can't wait to dive right in!!!
April 27, 2017
Hmm ... was it as good as I was hoping? Not quite. I almost want to give this one 3 stars but I can't bring myself to do so because there were enough really good parts for me to feel justified with the 4. I think a lot of people are going to be angry and happy with this one, and then there's people like me in the middle. I don't dislike Seth or Roman so I'll probably be happy with whomever she chooses, but I really just wish she'd choose already.
With this installment in Georgina's woeful tale we do finally get some answers. A lot of the things that had been hinted at throughout the series finally get confirmed, but what gets more frustrating is how new problems get added to the mix. One thing gets uncovered while another layer to the mystery that is Georgina's life stacks on top. It's frustrating and a shameful ploy to sell books which unfortunately will work on me every time.
I enjoyed the parts about Georgina's past and when she got to spy on her friends, but some of the rehashed stories were a tad boring. I understand the reasons why they were there but when I got to that part I wanted it to be over sooner than it was.
And a thing that really bothers me is how slow Georgina can be sometimes. A main conflict of the story, which is found on the back of the book and in the synopsis on this site so not a spoiler, is that a new succubus is in town and she has her eye on Seth. What I didn't get was why Georgina, or even one of Georgina's friends, didn't warn Seth about the succubus. He knows about the demons and angels and lesser immortals so why didn't someone clue him in? All she had to do was say, "stop flirting with the succubus stupid," and Seth would have stayed away from the beginning. Maybe it was a plot device, I don't know. But it just didn't make a whole lot of sense and seemed really dumb on Georgina's part.
As for the other characters in this story, I love Carter and I wish he could be a bigger part of her life than he is, same with Roman. I also wish the side characters would get more time in the overall story, her friends are just too much fun and are definitely underused. Jerome is kind of getting on my nerves with how uncaring and overbearing he can be at times, but I suppose that's his nature.
I liked this book but it still left me with an unresolved feeling. It's actually pretty apt that Georgina comments that her life is going around in circles, because that's exactly what's happening with these books. I was hoping with those remarks that Mead was going to bring about some sort of conclusion but things are left rather ... ambiguous.
It really feels like Georgina is never going to catch a break and she's just going to continuously suffer anguish and heartbreak.
Carter sums it up pretty succinctly: "Boy, things are pretty screwed up for you."
And with the way this books ends it'll be interesting to see which friends are still left around to help her out the next time she needs it. I'm very curious to see where things go next, and I hope we finally get some closure in the sixth (and last?) book.
With this installment in Georgina's woeful tale we do finally get some answers. A lot of the things that had been hinted at throughout the series finally get confirmed, but what gets more frustrating is how new problems get added to the mix. One thing gets uncovered while another layer to the mystery that is Georgina's life stacks on top. It's frustrating and a shameful ploy to sell books which unfortunately will work on me every time.
I enjoyed the parts about Georgina's past and when she got to spy on her friends, but some of the rehashed stories were a tad boring. I understand the reasons why they were there but when I got to that part I wanted it to be over sooner than it was.
And a thing that really bothers me is how slow Georgina can be sometimes. A main conflict of the story, which is found on the back of the book and in the synopsis on this site so not a spoiler, is that a new succubus is in town and she has her eye on Seth. What I didn't get was why Georgina, or even one of Georgina's friends, didn't warn Seth about the succubus. He knows about the demons and angels and lesser immortals so why didn't someone clue him in? All she had to do was say, "stop flirting with the succubus stupid," and Seth would have stayed away from the beginning. Maybe it was a plot device, I don't know. But it just didn't make a whole lot of sense and seemed really dumb on Georgina's part.
As for the other characters in this story, I love Carter and I wish he could be a bigger part of her life than he is, same with Roman. I also wish the side characters would get more time in the overall story, her friends are just too much fun and are definitely underused. Jerome is kind of getting on my nerves with how uncaring and overbearing he can be at times, but I suppose that's his nature.
I liked this book but it still left me with an unresolved feeling. It's actually pretty apt that Georgina comments that her life is going around in circles, because that's exactly what's happening with these books. I was hoping with those remarks that Mead was going to bring about some sort of conclusion but things are left rather ... ambiguous.
It really feels like Georgina is never going to catch a break and she's just going to continuously suffer anguish and heartbreak.
Carter sums it up pretty succinctly: "Boy, things are pretty screwed up for you."
And with the way this books ends it'll be interesting to see which friends are still left around to help her out the next time she needs it. I'm very curious to see where things go next, and I hope we finally get some closure in the sixth (and last?) book.
September 18, 2022
Genre: contemporary fantasy, Paranormal, NA
Tropes: angels and demons, impossible love, succubus, multiple mythologies
Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, death, abuse, cheating
Series: Georgina Kincaid #5
Cliffhanger: No
Spice: 2/5 🌶
Rating: 4 ⭐
"And I’m not saying that if you believe it, it will happen. Things don’t always turn out for the best, but miracles are real, Georgina. You’ve just got to lift yourself out of the muck to make them. You’ve got to take the chance.”
OK, Seth is fully forgiven and I'm actually starting to see how things will get better for Georgina. I'm intrigued and I'm looking forward to read the last book in this series.
》》The Plot《《
With Roman as her new roommate and with the upcoming wedding between Seth and Maddie, things aren't looking very promising or easy. Add a new succubus who seems determined to seduce Seth and some unknown power who is attracted to Georgina in the mix and the plot only grows thicker.
“Sometimes I just feel like the same things are happening to me over and over. Like, even this siren thing. Why me? In the last year, I’ve been targeted over and over. What are the odds? Why does this keep happening?”
Erik’s eyes studied me for several moments. “There are some people around whom the powers and supernatural beings of the world will always circle. You appear to be one of them.”
What Georgina feels is kind of accurate, because I saw along the way the same pattern over and over. New unknown entity causes trouble and Georgina is in the middle while she's also caught between Seth and another guy and everything sort of momentarily sorts out by the end. This is exactly how this book went on. It also reminded me a lot of the book from Bloodlines where Sydney has been sent to correction (just in case you've read other books from Richelle Mead).
》》Characters and Relationships《《
"You and I…I don’t understand what’s between us, but I’d rather spend my life alone than with someone who isn’t you.”
Romantically, you know the deal already: Georgina is caught between Seth and Roman, certain she can't have the love she deserves and the happy ending she dreams of, while also trying to figure out the feelings she has for Roman. There are a few blowouts and, of course, some characters get hurt and some bits of truth come to light. It's complicated, but it's beautifully constructed and I can't wait to see the final showdown.
》》Conclusion《《
"God might work in mysterious ways, but Hell worked in efficient ones."
I'm really curious how it will all end, especially after that last chapter and, while I had a few theories, I'm not sure whether I want to be right or not.
Tropes: angels and demons, impossible love, succubus, multiple mythologies
Trigger Warnings: kidnapping, death, abuse, cheating
Series: Georgina Kincaid #5
Cliffhanger: No
Spice: 2/5 🌶
Rating: 4 ⭐
"And I’m not saying that if you believe it, it will happen. Things don’t always turn out for the best, but miracles are real, Georgina. You’ve just got to lift yourself out of the muck to make them. You’ve got to take the chance.”
OK, Seth is fully forgiven and I'm actually starting to see how things will get better for Georgina. I'm intrigued and I'm looking forward to read the last book in this series.
》》The Plot《《
With Roman as her new roommate and with the upcoming wedding between Seth and Maddie, things aren't looking very promising or easy. Add a new succubus who seems determined to seduce Seth and some unknown power who is attracted to Georgina in the mix and the plot only grows thicker.
“Sometimes I just feel like the same things are happening to me over and over. Like, even this siren thing. Why me? In the last year, I’ve been targeted over and over. What are the odds? Why does this keep happening?”
Erik’s eyes studied me for several moments. “There are some people around whom the powers and supernatural beings of the world will always circle. You appear to be one of them.”
What Georgina feels is kind of accurate, because I saw along the way the same pattern over and over. New unknown entity causes trouble and Georgina is in the middle while she's also caught between Seth and another guy and everything sort of momentarily sorts out by the end. This is exactly how this book went on. It also reminded me a lot of the book from Bloodlines where Sydney has been sent to correction (just in case you've read other books from Richelle Mead).
》》Characters and Relationships《《
"You and I…I don’t understand what’s between us, but I’d rather spend my life alone than with someone who isn’t you.”
Romantically, you know the deal already: Georgina is caught between Seth and Roman, certain she can't have the love she deserves and the happy ending she dreams of, while also trying to figure out the feelings she has for Roman. There are a few blowouts and, of course, some characters get hurt and some bits of truth come to light. It's complicated, but it's beautifully constructed and I can't wait to see the final showdown.
》》Conclusion《《
"God might work in mysterious ways, but Hell worked in efficient ones."
I'm really curious how it will all end, especially after that last chapter and, while I had a few theories, I'm not sure whether I want to be right or not.
September 30, 2010
Warning: This review will sound corny because I can't write reviews for books I like, so it's even worse when it's about a book I loved.
I want to thank all my Corner friends around here who keep nudging me into the direction of the right books.
These books are... really something. I'm sorry, it sounds stupid, because how can a series about a Succubus living in Seattle be the best thing you've read in the past 10 years? It sounds crazy, I know, but it's still true. I've spent the past 2 weeks obsessing about Georgina and her life and I'm sure it will be a while before she gets some peace and quiet because I keep going over what happened again and again.
The relationship between Georgina and Seth is so beautiful it makes me want to cry, and believe me, there were tears. I want my own Seth.
I wish I could explain it any better (I really should start doing video reviews lol) but I can't. I'll spend the next year looking forward to the sixth book.
I want to thank all my Corner friends around here who keep nudging me into the direction of the right books.
These books are... really something. I'm sorry, it sounds stupid, because how can a series about a Succubus living in Seattle be the best thing you've read in the past 10 years? It sounds crazy, I know, but it's still true. I've spent the past 2 weeks obsessing about Georgina and her life and I'm sure it will be a while before she gets some peace and quiet because I keep going over what happened again and again.
The relationship between Georgina and Seth is so beautiful it makes me want to cry, and believe me, there were tears. I want my own Seth.
I wish I could explain it any better (I really should start doing video reviews lol) but I can't. I'll spend the next year looking forward to the sixth book.
February 13, 2023
I finished this in a day, and it's probably my favorite or second-favorite of the series so far. Richelle Mead raised the stakes in this one.
After Seth popped the question toGeorgina Maddie, our girl is stuck trying on bridesmaid dresses and giving marital peptalks. yeesh - how a succubus puts up with it I have no idea. On top of that, Georgina is plagued by an inexplicable drive to drown herself in the Pacific - this is a real problem now that she has a brand new condo a few blocks from the beach.
A surprisingly cute storyline is vampire Cody's crush on the new girl at the bookshop. Everybody coming together to help him catch her interest is adorable.
I can't believe there's only one more book in the series, and I've got it all queued up.
After Seth popped the question to
A surprisingly cute storyline is vampire Cody's crush on the new girl at the bookshop. Everybody coming together to help him catch her interest is adorable.
I can't believe there's only one more book in the series, and I've got it all queued up.
August 26, 2016
02.04.14THE EMOTIONAL TORTURE CONTINUES WITH BAILEY, TANDIE AND ROBIN!
Seth's favorite cake flavor.
Jerome's real name.
The joys of Pictionary.
This is not baseball.
Crying is encouraged.
=============================
4.5 STARS
Because I read this in a day.
A day may come when all this intense, voracious reading coupled with peaks in my adrenaline will lead to a yet-to-be-named syndrome/disease and I'd look fondly back to these consecutive days and nights when I was so invested in Georgina and Seth's well-being and.. still regret nothing.
Even if by then we could just download books in our brains with the click of a button.
Seeing that everyone seems to feel lukewarm to pleasantly toasty towards this installment, I'm going to join the happy crowd. See that over-caffeinated girl who needs a shower and bloodshot eyes? Yep, that's me.
So we're back in Seattle, watching Georgina multitasking again: bookstore manager, wedding planner, succubus oh and being fate's favorite punching bag.
I'm quite pleased with the direction this book took because personally, I wouldn't have lasted if it was pages and pages of planning that wedding. I liked how this was different from the other books in that Georgina was directly involved in the conflict rather than scampering around looking for answers. Because I think I've been complaining about the heavy handedness in the foreshadowing and the boulder-sized bread crumbs that leads us to who's conspiring with who to create shenanigans. It's nice to see a good dose of scenes letting me know Georgina a little better instead of trying to keep my interest in a mystery that's not even a mystery at all.
This of course was a little darker seeing as we delve deeper into Georgina's pasts which was always interesting for me even in the past books. It's what made her a richly defined, more complex heroine. It's her memories and dreams that make something inside of me twinge with a compassionate ache whenever she gets hurt (and by God did I hurt for her here!) and exalt in joy when something good happens to her.
The red herrings and the misleads could have been parsed better because now that I'm looking back it felt a bit winded. But I still enjoyed the lighter fare that was more predominant in the earlier books but had to give way to the heavier themes as the plot grows more intense.
Looking forward to the re-read... NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MASSIVE HANGOVER I'D SOON BE FACING.
Seth's favorite cake flavor.
Jerome's real name.
The joys of Pictionary.
This is not baseball.
Crying is encouraged.
“Miracles are real, Georgina. You’ve just got to lift yourself out of the muck to make them. You’ve got to take the chance.”
Yes, I was definitely getting a cigarette after this. Carter probably had one on him. I gave him as much of a smile as I could muster. “Easy for you to say. Can you make miracles?”
“I try,” he said. “I try. Will you?”
=============================
4.5 STARS
Because I read this in a day.
A day may come when all this intense, voracious reading coupled with peaks in my adrenaline will lead to a yet-to-be-named syndrome/disease and I'd look fondly back to these consecutive days and nights when I was so invested in Georgina and Seth's well-being and.. still regret nothing.
Even if by then we could just download books in our brains with the click of a button.
Seeing that everyone seems to feel lukewarm to pleasantly toasty towards this installment, I'm going to join the happy crowd. See that over-caffeinated girl who needs a shower and bloodshot eyes? Yep, that's me.
So we're back in Seattle, watching Georgina multitasking again: bookstore manager, wedding planner, succubus oh and being fate's favorite punching bag.
I'm quite pleased with the direction this book took because personally, I wouldn't have lasted if it was pages and pages of planning that wedding. I liked how this was different from the other books in that Georgina was directly involved in the conflict rather than scampering around looking for answers. Because I think I've been complaining about the heavy handedness in the foreshadowing and the boulder-sized bread crumbs that leads us to who's conspiring with who to create shenanigans. It's nice to see a good dose of scenes letting me know Georgina a little better instead of trying to keep my interest in a mystery that's not even a mystery at all.
This of course was a little darker seeing as we delve deeper into Georgina's pasts which was always interesting for me even in the past books. It's what made her a richly defined, more complex heroine. It's her memories and dreams that make something inside of me twinge with a compassionate ache whenever she gets hurt (and by God did I hurt for her here!) and exalt in joy when something good happens to her.
The red herrings and the misleads could have been parsed better because now that I'm looking back it felt a bit winded. But I still enjoyed the lighter fare that was more predominant in the earlier books but had to give way to the heavier themes as the plot grows more intense.
"I think that was the best show I've ever seen," said Cody nobly.
Gabrielle clutched his sleeve and his eyes widened, "I know! Which was your favorite song?"
Silence.
"Mine was that one here they kept saying 'My Armageddon scales will burn your post office'," said Seth deadpan.
"Oh yeah. That's one of their greatest," she said. "It's called 'Plywood Fuck'."
Looking forward to the re-read... NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO THE MASSIVE HANGOVER I'D SOON BE FACING.
April 2, 2014
Reading it again in preparation for the sixth book. Observations this time around? Georgina is a major hypocrite and not nearly as likeable as I remember her to be. Also, Richelle Mead needs to figure out how to write a less-selfish character.
Rose Hathaway = Georgina Kinkaide
Also, I sort of hope Seth dies. (Actually, I don't sort of hope it. I totally hope he dies. I hate Richelle Mead for writing a such a despicable set of lovers)
---
Richelle Mead is a very talented writer. Her books have solid characters, creative storylines and interesting plot twists. I like her books. They amuse me, entertain me. That being said--after reading this book--I'm no longer sure she's one of my favorite authors.
Here's the deal, it's not like there is anything wrong with this book, exactly. Actually, it's up to her usual standards--if not better, entertainment wise. But I can't help but feel a little bit disappointed and more then a little ripped off.
I'm disappointed because, as far as I'm concerned, the hints Ms. Mead puts out there are about as subtle as a nuclear bomb being detonated. I just didn't want to believe it until now--because, seriously, they're just so blatantly in your face I forced myself to believe they were red-herrings planted to throw us off. Because of these 'hints' it turns out I've known--or rather, strongly suspected--the "big secret" of this series before I even finished reading Succubus Blues, the first book in the series.
(By the way, the "big secret" isn't necessarily revealed in this book, but based on all the obvious hints peppered throughout this book, not to mention the gi-friggin'-normous doozy dropped at the end of the novel, you'd have to be extremely dimwitted not to see it.)
I'm feeling ripped off because the series could have easily been wrapped up in this book--the fifth book--of the series. Especially since this book--while entertaining--is pretty much just filler, nothing else. I didn't learn anything I didn't already know and I hate that.
Don't get me wrong, like I said earlier, this story is quite entertaining but very little happens to further the overall plot. Like, the progression made--plot-wise--could have filled maybe as many as ten chapters, but that's it.
This book deserves five stars because of the entertainment factor, but loses two (should be three, but I'm feeling generous today) because of the complete and utter pointlessness of the majority of this book. *sigh*
Rose Hathaway = Georgina Kinkaide
Also, I sort of hope Seth dies. (Actually, I don't sort of hope it. I totally hope he dies. I hate Richelle Mead for writing a such a despicable set of lovers)
---
Richelle Mead is a very talented writer. Her books have solid characters, creative storylines and interesting plot twists. I like her books. They amuse me, entertain me. That being said--after reading this book--I'm no longer sure she's one of my favorite authors.
Here's the deal, it's not like there is anything wrong with this book, exactly. Actually, it's up to her usual standards--if not better, entertainment wise. But I can't help but feel a little bit disappointed and more then a little ripped off.
I'm disappointed because, as far as I'm concerned, the hints Ms. Mead puts out there are about as subtle as a nuclear bomb being detonated. I just didn't want to believe it until now--because, seriously, they're just so blatantly in your face I forced myself to believe they were red-herrings planted to throw us off. Because of these 'hints' it turns out I've known--or rather, strongly suspected--the "big secret" of this series before I even finished reading Succubus Blues, the first book in the series.
(By the way, the "big secret" isn't necessarily revealed in this book, but based on all the obvious hints peppered throughout this book, not to mention the gi-friggin'-normous doozy dropped at the end of the novel, you'd have to be extremely dimwitted not to see it.)
I'm feeling ripped off because the series could have easily been wrapped up in this book--the fifth book--of the series. Especially since this book--while entertaining--is pretty much just filler, nothing else. I didn't learn anything I didn't already know and I hate that.
Don't get me wrong, like I said earlier, this story is quite entertaining but very little happens to further the overall plot. Like, the progression made--plot-wise--could have filled maybe as many as ten chapters, but that's it.
This book deserves five stars because of the entertainment factor, but loses two (should be three, but I'm feeling generous today) because of the complete and utter pointlessness of the majority of this book. *sigh*
January 7, 2015
After five books, I find that I no longer like or have any sympathy for either the heroine or the hero and cannot face the thought of another book full of sickly sweet soliloquys about how lovely and wonderful Seth is and how cute he looks in his quirky t-shirts with his messy hair, which one might expect from a love-sick pimply teenager but not from a millenia old denizen of hell, for crying out loud. In fact, I could barely drag myself through this last instalment, skipping whole chunks and pages along the way.
The shining beacon of goodness that is Seth never really did it for me (even Dante's style was more of a turn on) but now he has gone from merely pathetic to just plain detestable.
There is no real character development with Georgina. She is pretty, she loves wallowing in misery of the o woe is me variety and she loves Seth but can't help cheating on him from time to time. There is nothing else to her and it doesn't look like there will be. The woman does not learn, despite having lived for millenia and having reapeated the same patterns over and over again the entire time.
Moreover, it has now become pretty obvious where all of this is heading and the big reveal, when it does come, will, I am pretty sure, be somewhat underwhelming, if only for the fact that it is now at least two books overdue.
I am undecided whether to read the last book when it comes out. On the one hand, I am so fed up with Georgina and Seth, that I really don't want to go anywhere near it. On the other hand, having read 5 of the books in the series, I feel I may as well trudge through it just for the sake of completeness so I can draw the curtain on the whole thing (so to speak) never to go back to it again.
The shining beacon of goodness that is Seth never really did it for me (even Dante's style was more of a turn on) but now he has gone from merely pathetic to just plain detestable.
There is no real character development with Georgina. She is pretty, she loves wallowing in misery of the o woe is me variety and she loves Seth but can't help cheating on him from time to time. There is nothing else to her and it doesn't look like there will be. The woman does not learn, despite having lived for millenia and having reapeated the same patterns over and over again the entire time.
Moreover, it has now become pretty obvious where all of this is heading and the big reveal, when it does come, will, I am pretty sure, be somewhat underwhelming, if only for the fact that it is now at least two books overdue.
I am undecided whether to read the last book when it comes out. On the one hand, I am so fed up with Georgina and Seth, that I really don't want to go anywhere near it. On the other hand, having read 5 of the books in the series, I feel I may as well trudge through it just for the sake of completeness so I can draw the curtain on the whole thing (so to speak) never to go back to it again.
April 20, 2010
I really enjoy this series. Really. My only complaint would be that the mysteries are just to easy.
Now I'm not saying it's not cleverly thought out or poorly planned. Usually they're actually quite clever plot twists actually.
It's the way the clues are presented that is the let down. Everytime one appears, Richelle mead erects a twenty-foot flashing neon sign stating: CLUE!
It makes it easy to piece things together when you know what's important.
This book is the same as the others. Well written, easy to read but frustrating in the delivery.
Now I'm not saying it's not cleverly thought out or poorly planned. Usually they're actually quite clever plot twists actually.
It's the way the clues are presented that is the let down. Everytime one appears, Richelle mead erects a twenty-foot flashing neon sign stating: CLUE!
It makes it easy to piece things together when you know what's important.
This book is the same as the others. Well written, easy to read but frustrating in the delivery.
November 22, 2010
***SPOILERS AHEAD***
Honestly, this book was going to get 4 stars from me up until the very end--although I put off reading it for awhile, completely sick of Georgina's woe-is-me schtick and her annoying infatuation with schlubby Seth. But, and maybe it was because I wasn't expecting anything from it, it was a fast, entertaining read, and I was fully prepared to give it 4 stars. Until the end. Ugh.
Circles...circles...circles...no shit. You're just figuring this crap out, 1700 years later? So...let me see if I have this right...Georgina falls in love with good, kind, artistic types, and it always ends bad for these men. Usually really bad. I'm sure Georgina, in all her centuries of wisdom, has heard of Albert Einstein? He who coined the phrase "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
So, my question is, are each of these men from her past, and Seth, reincarnations of her husband, Kyriakos? Or just random suckers? And to me, breaking this pattern, this circle would obviously mean breaking her pattern of being attracted to shining good artists, and maybe seeing love out there for herself with a certain slightly sociopathic nephilim? Just an idea.
And honestly, Mead better have a crazy 11th hour twist, because if this series ends the way it looks like it's going to, she is a not-so-great storyteller, what with all the clue-by-fours being banged over my head.
Does this woman not read message boards? Does she not know that 75%, if not more, of this series' readers DON'T want Georgina to end up with Seth? Ugh.
And while we're on the subject of who we do want her to end up with, who neutered Roman? You don't need to write him acting completely out of character and totally emasculated to get across the idea to us stupid readers that he still has feeling for Georgina. Or maybe Mead does read message boards, and she's trying to make us not like Roman anymore? Hmmm...
Honestly, this book was going to get 4 stars from me up until the very end--although I put off reading it for awhile, completely sick of Georgina's woe-is-me schtick and her annoying infatuation with schlubby Seth. But, and maybe it was because I wasn't expecting anything from it, it was a fast, entertaining read, and I was fully prepared to give it 4 stars. Until the end. Ugh.
Circles...circles...circles...no shit. You're just figuring this crap out, 1700 years later? So...let me see if I have this right...Georgina falls in love with good, kind, artistic types, and it always ends bad for these men. Usually really bad. I'm sure Georgina, in all her centuries of wisdom, has heard of Albert Einstein? He who coined the phrase "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
So, my question is, are each of these men from her past, and Seth, reincarnations of her husband, Kyriakos? Or just random suckers? And to me, breaking this pattern, this circle would obviously mean breaking her pattern of being attracted to shining good artists, and maybe seeing love out there for herself with a certain slightly sociopathic nephilim? Just an idea.
And honestly, Mead better have a crazy 11th hour twist, because if this series ends the way it looks like it's going to, she is a not-so-great storyteller, what with all the clue-by-fours being banged over my head.
Does this woman not read message boards? Does she not know that 75%, if not more, of this series' readers DON'T want Georgina to end up with Seth? Ugh.
And while we're on the subject of who we do want her to end up with, who neutered Roman? You don't need to write him acting completely out of character and totally emasculated to get across the idea to us stupid readers that he still has feeling for Georgina. Or maybe Mead does read message boards, and she's trying to make us not like Roman anymore? Hmmm...
December 11, 2015
I am seriously loving the audio for this series. Elisabeth Rodgers is rocking the hell out of the narration. She really does deserve a huge amount of credit for pulling me into the story so deeply. I just miss having the ability to highlight, because believe me, there would be a lot of it.
The plot thickens! Some crazy stuff goes down as we head into the homestretch of the series. This book doesn’t have as many different storylines going on at once, but there’s still so much that happens. Everything is starting to pull together now, and is it ever exciting!
There are so many great characters in this series, and my love for them continues to grow. Of course Georgina is freaking amazing, but her group of friends really shine too. I adore Carter and get a kick out of him, but I’m still trying to fully figure him out. I know he knows what’s going on, but just like Georgina, wonder about his interest in her and Seth. Doug is still one of my favorites, I just love the dynamic he and Georgie have.
Succubus Shadows is definitely an emotional rollercoaster at times, taking my heart from achy to elated. I can’t wait to see how everything will fall in to place in the final book.
April 15, 2010
Richelle Mead is one of my favourite authors and this book did not disappoint. This book had it all. It was witty, humorous, had a great love story, action and twists and turns.
The writing in this book is fast paced so I easily read this within 24 hours. The character are well written and I love Georgina even more in this book. I found I liked Seth more as well than I have in the last couple which is good because I think he is going to play a major part in Georgina getting her happily ever after ending. Their realitionship was quite emotional at times and you begin to think will Georgina ever catch a break and get what she wants.
Overall if you like the Georgina Kincaid series you will love this book. If you are interesting in trying this series you'll have to start from the beginning but it is definelty worth it.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
The writing in this book is fast paced so I easily read this within 24 hours. The character are well written and I love Georgina even more in this book. I found I liked Seth more as well than I have in the last couple which is good because I think he is going to play a major part in Georgina getting her happily ever after ending. Their realitionship was quite emotional at times and you begin to think will Georgina ever catch a break and get what she wants.
Overall if you like the Georgina Kincaid series you will love this book. If you are interesting in trying this series you'll have to start from the beginning but it is definelty worth it.
I can't wait for the next book in the series.
August 20, 2011
So it appears that people are giving this book either a "just good" or "very excellent" rating based on where they fall in regards to the Georgie and Seth situation (or lack thereof...not going to spoiler one way or the other). I didn't realize people were so passionate about the whole dilemma, hah!
I wavered again between the 4 and 5 stars, but had to bump it up this time because I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book. If you've read it, then you will know where I stand on the Georgie/Seth issue.
It's been fun trying to figure out the mystery surrounding Georgina's contract. I can't wait to see how it all works out in the end. Too bad the next book won't be out for a little while. It's not the same type of torture that waiting for Shadowfever was, but I'll be as anxious to read this one as I was Last Sacrifice. Awesome job, Mead. Wish I could send you a high five or something.
April 17, 2017
I bloody love Richelle Mead.... I love her because her books are as descriptive as hell and all her heroines are girl I would like to be in their place (hmmmm probably NOT) or being their best friend (hmmm apparently not again) - anyway, I love them all. I also think that my favourite one is Georgina (I think I love her more than Rose)... Things were hard for her in the last books, but... there is some sunlight in the horizon or do I think so? Is Seth the one we are tend to believe he is? Oh My God if he is.....
April 23, 2018
Not a lot happened in this book, the only good thing about this book is Roman and nothing else. I found myself being so annoyed at Georgina and her ridiculous decisions, also her obsession with Seth. It's going to take me a while before I read the next book.
August 3, 2016
Solid 4 Stars
Previously onOne Life to Live uh..."One Soul to Steal" A.K.A The Georgina Kincaid Series.
Georgina lost her succubus powers and had an affair with Seth, betraying his girlfriend Maddie (who is still the most oblivious idiot I have ever seen, but I digress).
They break up again because what they did was wrong (duh!).
Seth overcompensates for his guilt and proposes to Maddie (craaaap, overkill much, dude).
However, because of his guilt, he now has a blight on his soul meaning that when he dies, he's going straight to hell (harsh, but I'm okay with it, I'm still pissed at him for the whole Maddie thing, the idiot).
Roman is back; he helped rescue is father and is now Georgina's new roommate. Is there romance in the air?
And now the new episode of "One Soul to Steal":
Seth is getting married to Maddie, who asks Georgina for help planning and preparing for the wedding and to be her bridesmaid. Needless to say our succubus is fighting some serious depression. Meanwhile, another ex, this one actually tried to kill her once, Roman, is now her roommate and giving signals that he may still have feelings for Georgina. Meanwhile, Georgina has been having some sleepwalking episodes where she's being pulled/tempted towards something, and whatever supernatural creature this is, is praying on her when she's particularly down, not that hard to do considering she's always down lately with good reason. Eventually she gives in, and is taken, now it's everyone else that needs to find a way to rescue her. We also have a new succubus in town, Simone, that seems hell-bent (*snickers* get it) on corrupting our Seth(yes, I may be having a love/hate relationship with his guts right now but he's still ours, damn it; that bitch better calm the f*** down.)
SPOILER ALERT! MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
What I loved most about this book is that this time, it was Georgina needing rescuing and not her to the rescue. We also find out everything about Georgina's past because the creature that have taken her are torturing with memories that are sometimes true, sometimes false, or sometimes both. . This book is basically about Georgina, her past loves, her past pain, what makes her who she is today. I loved it all and seeing what she's been through, I understand a lot more about her.
Now my message to the characters:
Georgina= my heart breaks for you but then again, my heart's always
breaking for you.
Seth= boy, you better get your shit together.
Roman= Are you seriously still trying to bang that drum? (quote
from new CW show Star-Crossed, it just tickled me.)
Jerome= you know something, don't you, you cold-hearted bastard.
Carter= you know I love you, and while the things you say are lovely,
they're not really helpful. So don't be mad when I say:
The ending of the book left us with a new heartbreak, and another cliffhanger in the form of a tidbit about Georgina's contract. Perhaps there is hope for our succubus after all. Another great book in the series; now only one to go.
Previously on
Georgina lost her succubus powers and had an affair with Seth, betraying his girlfriend Maddie (who is still the most oblivious idiot I have ever seen, but I digress).
They break up again because what they did was wrong (duh!).
Seth overcompensates for his guilt and proposes to Maddie (craaaap, overkill much, dude).
However, because of his guilt, he now has a blight on his soul meaning that when he dies, he's going straight to hell (harsh, but I'm okay with it, I'm still pissed at him for the whole Maddie thing, the idiot).
Roman is back; he helped rescue is father and is now Georgina's new roommate. Is there romance in the air?
And now the new episode of "One Soul to Steal":
Seth is getting married to Maddie, who asks Georgina for help planning and preparing for the wedding and to be her bridesmaid. Needless to say our succubus is fighting some serious depression. Meanwhile, another ex, this one actually tried to kill her once, Roman, is now her roommate and giving signals that he may still have feelings for Georgina. Meanwhile, Georgina has been having some sleepwalking episodes where she's being pulled/tempted towards something, and whatever supernatural creature this is, is praying on her when she's particularly down, not that hard to do considering she's always down lately with good reason. Eventually she gives in, and is taken, now it's everyone else that needs to find a way to rescue her. We also have a new succubus in town, Simone, that seems hell-bent (*snickers* get it) on corrupting our Seth(yes, I may be having a love/hate relationship with his guts right now but he's still ours, damn it; that bitch better calm the f*** down.)
SPOILER ALERT! MAJOR SPOILERS AHEAD!
What I loved most about this book is that this time, it was Georgina needing rescuing and not her to the rescue. We also find out everything about Georgina's past because the creature that have taken her are torturing with memories that are sometimes true, sometimes false, or sometimes both. . This book is basically about Georgina, her past loves, her past pain, what makes her who she is today. I loved it all and seeing what she's been through, I understand a lot more about her.
Now my message to the characters:
Georgina= my heart breaks for you but then again, my heart's always
breaking for you.
Seth= boy, you better get your shit together.
Roman= Are you seriously still trying to bang that drum? (quote
from new CW show Star-Crossed, it just tickled me.)
Jerome= you know something, don't you, you cold-hearted bastard.
Carter= you know I love you, and while the things you say are lovely,
they're not really helpful. So don't be mad when I say:
The ending of the book left us with a new heartbreak, and another cliffhanger in the form of a tidbit about Georgina's contract. Perhaps there is hope for our succubus after all. Another great book in the series; now only one to go.
January 12, 2011
Thoughts:
Is it me, or does Georgina get whiter and whiter with these covers. No, I'm not talking pale. White. As in clown white. Scratch that, this is mime white, I feel like she's going to put her hands up to imaginary glass and do that creepy thing mimes do.
The covers may be degenerating over time, but Succubus Shadows picked up nicely from the last one. After the affair, I wasn't sure how Mead would make me get sucked back in. She did though, and this is the big turning point in the series. That's right, the turning point, even more then the HUGE breakup(s).
Crazy entities are still after Georgina, this time she's wondering why. Things are interested in her—her and Seth, more questions are being raised(at last) and some answers given. Even if Georgina isn't grasping a couple of them just yet.
Georgina's love life is still in crisis. Roman's not out to kill her, he wants her back, and she's not sure where she stands with him. Seth is going forward with the wedding, and Georgina keeps getting pulled into the plans. She can't move on and blue moods persist, and things are preying on those moods promising her things she desperately needs right now. When she finally is sucked in, a new succubus is trying to bag and tag Seth pretending to be her.
When she gives into it at last, dreams of truth and lies onslaught her as some of Nyx's children are out for revenge. All of those dreams could have turned into a tiring page after page dream sequence, but Mead knows what she's doing. She takes readers to some important truths from her past, and gives the readers some answers to Seth and Georgina's more-then-meets-the-eye relationship. Some of the present lies where really interesting to watch, and the present truths, watching how Roman is set out to find her was great. They all balanced so well. So why we are trapped in dream land, the reader can still see the rescue unfold.
Roman developed a lot. So much so, I'm even more in love with him before. It hurt watching how much he went through to find Georgina and that he could let her go, because he could see where her heart was. Roman is one character I need to know where he is going to end up, it's now turned into an obsession for me.
This was a character development book. Georgina past was so great to explore, learning how time took it's tole on her hellish role. Georgina grew up a lot, and I loved watching it. Other peeks at lives and interactions were great for the other characters. Seth has changed a lot, in part because Georgina came in to his life, but these are steps he took. Even after Georgian was “not” a part of it, he continued to change, but those are his choices.
The drama cranks up at the end of Succubus Shadows, the dream man is revealed. And so much more, but I don't want to give it away. I did feel Georgina recovered a little too fast after her torture, this wasn't torture a strong person could have walked away from. I love Georgina, but she's not that strong.
Bottom Line:
This may not be one of the biggest plot bombshell in the series, but this is a huge turning point. This book is also the one for character development, every one grows. The reader loves the characters more and everything is starting to lead up to the why of Georgina and Seth's love. This book fuels my Roman addiction and pulls off what could have been a tiring tell of dreams and more dreams. In the end all I can say is, “Go Mead, go Mead!” (Picture really stupid cheering moves.)
Sexual Content:
Yes, it did seem to be a little more toned down after the last one. This is still a Succubus book, look out.
Rating:
5/5 – Ah, this is Heaven! Skipping this book is not an option.
Is it me, or does Georgina get whiter and whiter with these covers. No, I'm not talking pale. White. As in clown white. Scratch that, this is mime white, I feel like she's going to put her hands up to imaginary glass and do that creepy thing mimes do.
The covers may be degenerating over time, but Succubus Shadows picked up nicely from the last one. After the affair, I wasn't sure how Mead would make me get sucked back in. She did though, and this is the big turning point in the series. That's right, the turning point, even more then the HUGE breakup(s).
Crazy entities are still after Georgina, this time she's wondering why. Things are interested in her—her and Seth, more questions are being raised(at last) and some answers given. Even if Georgina isn't grasping a couple of them just yet.
Georgina's love life is still in crisis. Roman's not out to kill her, he wants her back, and she's not sure where she stands with him. Seth is going forward with the wedding, and Georgina keeps getting pulled into the plans. She can't move on and blue moods persist, and things are preying on those moods promising her things she desperately needs right now. When she finally is sucked in, a new succubus is trying to bag and tag Seth pretending to be her.
When she gives into it at last, dreams of truth and lies onslaught her as some of Nyx's children are out for revenge. All of those dreams could have turned into a tiring page after page dream sequence, but Mead knows what she's doing. She takes readers to some important truths from her past, and gives the readers some answers to Seth and Georgina's more-then-meets-the-eye relationship. Some of the present lies where really interesting to watch, and the present truths, watching how Roman is set out to find her was great. They all balanced so well. So why we are trapped in dream land, the reader can still see the rescue unfold.
Roman developed a lot. So much so, I'm even more in love with him before. It hurt watching how much he went through to find Georgina and that he could let her go, because he could see where her heart was. Roman is one character I need to know where he is going to end up, it's now turned into an obsession for me.
This was a character development book. Georgina past was so great to explore, learning how time took it's tole on her hellish role. Georgina grew up a lot, and I loved watching it. Other peeks at lives and interactions were great for the other characters. Seth has changed a lot, in part because Georgina came in to his life, but these are steps he took. Even after Georgian was “not” a part of it, he continued to change, but those are his choices.
The drama cranks up at the end of Succubus Shadows, the dream man is revealed. And so much more, but I don't want to give it away. I did feel Georgina recovered a little too fast after her torture, this wasn't torture a strong person could have walked away from. I love Georgina, but she's not that strong.
Bottom Line:
This may not be one of the biggest plot bombshell in the series, but this is a huge turning point. This book is also the one for character development, every one grows. The reader loves the characters more and everything is starting to lead up to the why of Georgina and Seth's love. This book fuels my Roman addiction and pulls off what could have been a tiring tell of dreams and more dreams. In the end all I can say is, “Go Mead, go Mead!” (Picture really stupid cheering moves.)
Sexual Content:
Yes, it did seem to be a little more toned down after the last one. This is still a Succubus book, look out.
Rating:
5/5 – Ah, this is Heaven! Skipping this book is not an option.
September 18, 2017
Începem să ne apropiem de final, iar blestemele și nenorocirile par să se lege doar de Georgina. Nimeni altcineva nu este "bântuit de forțe paranormale" sau de "situații romantice aducătoare de nefericire". Doar ea are mereu de suferit și de dezlegat misterele din jurul acestor amenințări. Însă nu și de data asta! Acum, deși tot ea are de suferit, prietenii ei sunt nevoiți să lupte pentru a o readuce înapoi din lumea viselor.
Hotărâți să se răzbune pentru că mama lor - Nyx - a fost prinsă din nou, de data asta din cauza Georginei, Oneiroii o atrag să se piardă în frânturi de vise adevărate și false, atât situații ce au marcat-o încă de pe vremea în care era muritoare și de-a lungul secolelor de nemuritoare, cât și momente din prezent. Bineînțeles că aceștia nu ezită să se joace cu mintea ei, deformând ceea ce era real și transformând mare parte din vise în minciuni. Nu era de ajuns faptul că și-așa adevărurile ei erau uneori coșmaruri pe care nu le putea uita niciodată, creaturile îi induc propriile lor vise urâte.
De cealaltă parte, prietenii săi încearcă să găsească o cale prin care să o aducă înapoi și să descopere locul în care ar fi putut dispărea fără nici o urmă. Nu vor să creadă că s-a dus și că n-or să se mai bucure vreodată de prezența ei luminoasă. Până și Jerome, șeful ei nemuritor, face propriile cercetări. Odată ce au reușit să prindă un fir, cu toții se pregătesc să inițieze ritualul ce ar putea sau nu să-i găsească sufletul printre alte mii.
Pe lângă toate astea, Simone, un sucub care se presupune că este în vacanță pe teritoriul lor, pare să se dea mare fană a scriitorului Mortensen și, profitând de dispariția Georginei, îi ia corpul acesteia și se dă drept ea pentru a-l prinde pe Seth în plasă, spre enervarea lui Kincaid care nu știe cum să scape mai repede de Oneiroi.
Atâtea probleme se învârt în jurul Georginei și, chiar și aproape de finalul volumului, lucrurile nu se îmbunătățesc prea mult. Pierderi grele, suferință, vinovăție, hotărâre, încredere și... mai presus de tot, dragoste.
✒"All this time...ever since I sold my soul, I've been clinging to this idea that there is something pure and decent out there. That there was something to give me hope that even if I was a lost cause, at least ther was something bright and good in the world. But there isn't. "
✒"Good can still exist when bad things happen, just as evil persists when good things happen."
✒"God might work on mysterious ways, but hell worked on efficient ones."
Hotărâți să se răzbune pentru că mama lor - Nyx - a fost prinsă din nou, de data asta din cauza Georginei, Oneiroii o atrag să se piardă în frânturi de vise adevărate și false, atât situații ce au marcat-o încă de pe vremea în care era muritoare și de-a lungul secolelor de nemuritoare, cât și momente din prezent. Bineînțeles că aceștia nu ezită să se joace cu mintea ei, deformând ceea ce era real și transformând mare parte din vise în minciuni. Nu era de ajuns faptul că și-așa adevărurile ei erau uneori coșmaruri pe care nu le putea uita niciodată, creaturile îi induc propriile lor vise urâte.
De cealaltă parte, prietenii săi încearcă să găsească o cale prin care să o aducă înapoi și să descopere locul în care ar fi putut dispărea fără nici o urmă. Nu vor să creadă că s-a dus și că n-or să se mai bucure vreodată de prezența ei luminoasă. Până și Jerome, șeful ei nemuritor, face propriile cercetări. Odată ce au reușit să prindă un fir, cu toții se pregătesc să inițieze ritualul ce ar putea sau nu să-i găsească sufletul printre alte mii.
Pe lângă toate astea, Simone, un sucub care se presupune că este în vacanță pe teritoriul lor, pare să se dea mare fană a scriitorului Mortensen și, profitând de dispariția Georginei, îi ia corpul acesteia și se dă drept ea pentru a-l prinde pe Seth în plasă, spre enervarea lui Kincaid care nu știe cum să scape mai repede de Oneiroi.
Atâtea probleme se învârt în jurul Georginei și, chiar și aproape de finalul volumului, lucrurile nu se îmbunătățesc prea mult. Pierderi grele, suferință, vinovăție, hotărâre, încredere și... mai presus de tot, dragoste.
✒"All this time...ever since I sold my soul, I've been clinging to this idea that there is something pure and decent out there. That there was something to give me hope that even if I was a lost cause, at least ther was something bright and good in the world. But there isn't. "
✒"Good can still exist when bad things happen, just as evil persists when good things happen."
✒"God might work on mysterious ways, but hell worked on efficient ones."
May 21, 2010
When I started out reading this series I really loved Georgina. I'm not quite sure how I feel about her now…
Because eventhough Georgina seems very altruistic and angelic for a hellish creature, she is actually quite self centered. It's all about her. Always. Plus, she’s got the Rachel Morgan "woe is me, but in the mean time I’m the hottest thing on earth"- vibe going on.
Mead has a way of making her characters seem ir-re-sis-ti-ble to everyone. Same with Eugenie from Thorn Queen. Everybody loves and adores her, she is great in every way possible. It's too much. It gets annoying!
Sure, Seth has some sort of cosmic attraction to her but what about Roman? Why is he still in love? And more importantly: who died and made him a total whimp?!?
Anyway, when I don't really like the character, I can't invest in anything that happens to them. The fact that half of the book felt like fillers to me (as we got told about a lot of stuff, but not live them) didn’t help much either.
Plus Mead has a way of spelling out the obvious. Circles, destiny, fate, “if it wasn’t for me”…. we get it! No need to repeat the same thing twenty times!
The story ends in a cliffhanger-fashion which would have actually been exciting if we hadn’t seen it all coming about two books ago.
That being said: the book wasn’t bad. It was repetitive and almost boring at times but it wasn’t badly written and some parts were engaging and funny.
I’m going to read the last one in the series as I would like to know how it all ends, but I won’t be running to the store.
Because eventhough Georgina seems very altruistic and angelic for a hellish creature, she is actually quite self centered. It's all about her. Always. Plus, she’s got the Rachel Morgan "woe is me, but in the mean time I’m the hottest thing on earth"- vibe going on.
Mead has a way of making her characters seem ir-re-sis-ti-ble to everyone. Same with Eugenie from Thorn Queen. Everybody loves and adores her, she is great in every way possible. It's too much. It gets annoying!
Sure, Seth has some sort of cosmic attraction to her but what about Roman? Why is he still in love? And more importantly: who died and made him a total whimp?!?
Anyway, when I don't really like the character, I can't invest in anything that happens to them. The fact that half of the book felt like fillers to me (as we got told about a lot of stuff, but not live them) didn’t help much either.
Plus Mead has a way of spelling out the obvious. Circles, destiny, fate, “if it wasn’t for me”…. we get it! No need to repeat the same thing twenty times!
The story ends in a cliffhanger-fashion which would have actually been exciting if we hadn’t seen it all coming about two books ago.
That being said: the book wasn’t bad. It was repetitive and almost boring at times but it wasn’t badly written and some parts were engaging and funny.
I’m going to read the last one in the series as I would like to know how it all ends, but I won’t be running to the store.
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