Very good. Things were shaken up a little with the Conclave. They desperately needed that. Satisfying end.
Second in the Southern Arcana series, it's been awhile since I read the first book. Moira Rogers has a very nice writing style, very readable.
Unfortunately, after that it's kind of a mixed bag. I kinda liked the main characters, but the author just throws the reader into the middle of a large body of secondary characters without introduction. Sure they were from the first book, but I swapped it long ago and couldn't refer back. I usually have no difficulty picking up characters and stories in sequels, but struggled with this one. Ms. Rogers also bounces between first and last names, not often but just enough to be confusing.
There's a plot, but the storyline bounces. Feels like the book was originally longer and edited. It reads like big chunks were cut out and the transitions are choppy and sudden. The reader thinks they are following along, then suddenly find yourself on the next page three days later. With no idea how we got there or what happened (and stuff has happened, readers are left scrambling to figure it out). This happens several times, it's not a happy storytelling method.
Despite these shortcomings, I still enjoyed the writing and the story. Without getting into spoilers, IMO the ending is another low spot in the book. Yes, the author finishes the relationship and the story, but leaves the main characters in an odd location (physically). Still shaking my head puzzling over that one.
Recommended reading if you wish to continue the series. Enjoyable, but not a strong book when judged on it's own merit.
Unfortunately, after that it's kind of a mixed bag. I kinda liked the main characters, but the author just throws the reader into the middle of a large body of secondary characters without introduction. Sure they were from the first book, but I swapped it long ago and couldn't refer back. I usually have no difficulty picking up characters and stories in sequels, but struggled with this one. Ms. Rogers also bounces between first and last names, not often but just enough to be confusing.
There's a plot, but the storyline bounces. Feels like the book was originally longer and edited. It reads like big chunks were cut out and the transitions are choppy and sudden. The reader thinks they are following along, then suddenly find yourself on the next page three days later. With no idea how we got there or what happened (and stuff has happened, readers are left scrambling to figure it out). This happens several times, it's not a happy storytelling method.
Despite these shortcomings, I still enjoyed the writing and the story. Without getting into spoilers, IMO the ending is another low spot in the book. Yes, the author finishes the relationship and the story, but leaves the main characters in an odd location (physically). Still shaking my head puzzling over that one.
Recommended reading if you wish to continue the series. Enjoyable, but not a strong book when judged on it's own merit.
