Tag Archives: WOTO Challenge

Thirteen (WOTO #13) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

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THIRTEEN (Women of the Otherworld #13) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

THIRTEENbyKelleyArmstrong

This review is a re-post. For the past thirteen months The Reading Cafe has participated in the Women of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong) reading challenge hosted by Moonlight Gleam’s Bookshelf and the amazing Lucy D.

We would like to thank Lucy for the opportunity to participate in this challenge and allowing me to re-read an entire series again-for the fourth or fifth time 😉

WOTOChallenge

THIRTEEN is the final instalment in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. Although the number of storylines, technically cross, into the 20s (with the many anthologies and short stories available), THIRTEEN is the last of the full-length novels. There remain many stories to be told (Morgan’s and Reese’s for example) but sadly, I understand why Kelley felt the need to close the door on the Women of the Otherworld series. I am also pleased she has announced that she has, at the minimum, three more anthologies set for release starting in 2014. Let us hope that Morgan and the others will get their stories written-nothing like introducing several new characters and never revealing the exact nature of their connection to the series.

THIRTEEN is the culmination of 10 plus years of story telling all starting with Kelley’s introductory WOTO novel BITTEN, where we were first introduced to Elena Michaels –the first and only female werewolf- and her mate and ‘sire’ Clayton Danvers. But the road to THIRTEEN began in the pages of the second story STOLEN with the introduction of Savannah Levine- a young 12year old witch left orphaned when her half-demon/half- witch mother, Eve Levine, was murdered trying to escape Ty Winsloe’s compound of imprisoned supernatural beings. Now 10 years later, Savannah is a young woman, hopelessly in love with the man who helped rescue her from Winsloe’s hold, and a major player trying to stop a 13th century child killer from successfully finding a cure for mortality and revealing the existence of the supernatural race.

Many of the WOTO characters reunite in this final chapter including the revelation that someone who was long thought dead, is very much alive-and for that reason alone-a few more storylines must be written. Kelley has exposed us to many different demons, half-demons, angels and Cabals, but THIRTEEN gathers some of the Otherworld’s nastiest demons and fallen angels in a struggle between ‘the good, the bad and the lowest of the low’. Yet the one whom you would have thought wanted to destroy the world, remains an angel behind the façade of one of most hated beings in the world of religious beliefs. And with the birth of child, comes a reunion between father and daughter, and a new Pack member who reluctantly admits that family is more important than pride.

Savannah and Adam will, at last, admit they have been dancing around each other for many years. Savannah’s proclamation that she has been in love with Adam since he ‘burned’ her initials into a heart, and Adam maintains that their age difference held him back from taking the initial steps towards a relationship will quell the angst of unrequited love. Their relationship has been frustrating throughout the series, knowing that they belonged together, but it will be Adam’s admission that he has felt the same way for a very long time.

Our favorite PACK will reunite in a short story at the end of the book-FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE. The previous Alpha will be vanquished from position in a head to head battle, a new Pack Alpha will be declared and their numbers will increase with the addition of a new member and his young family.

THIRTEEN is a fast paced, wild ride that will bring back many memories from the previous storylines. Cassandra and Aaron will sacrifice themselves to save a once-beloved Cabal member, while Jasper Haig is released to ensure Hope survives the end of the world. Many of the demon fathers make an appearance as the wall between the worlds slowly disintegrates, but the open portal will allow a beast so frightening, that even the powers of the supernatural are useless against its’ attack. THIRTEEN is a wonderful end to a fantastic series that will be missed by so many readers and friends. I would like to thank the talented Kelley Armstrong for allowing me to ride along on the amazing adventures of Elena, Clay and the Pack. They will truly be missed.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Spellbound (WOTO #12) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

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SPELLBOUND (Women of the Otherworld #12) by Kelley Armstrong

spellbound

February is the 12 month in Moonlightgleam’s WOMEN OF THE OTHERWORLD reading challenge. This month’s challenge is SPELLBOUND by Kelley Armstrong.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Savannah Levine is in terrible danger, and for once she’s powerless to help herself. At the heartbreaking conclusion of Waking the Witch, Savannah swore that she would give up her powers if it would prevent further pain for a young orphan. Little did she know that someone would take her up on that promise.

And now, witch-hunting assassins, necromancers, half-demons, and rogue witches all seem to be after her. The threat is not just for Savannah; every member of the Otherworld might be at risk. While most of her fellow supernaturals are circling the wagons at a gathering of the council in Miami, Savannah is caught on the road, isolated from those who can protect her and unable to use her vast spell-casting talent, the thing she counts on most. In a story that will change the shape of the Otherworld forever, Armstrong gathers Elena, Clay, Paige, Lucas, Jamie, Hope, and other beloved characters, who soon learn that the greatest threat to supernaturals just may come from within.

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REVIEW: SPELLBOUND is the second to last storyline in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series.

At the end of Waking The Witch, our heroine Savannah Levine-part witch/part sorceress-all powerful young woman has sacrificed her powers to save a young child, and now Savannah must make her way through a haunted world of demons, werewolves, clairvoyants and an end of the world prophecy foretold from her birth to the birth of werewolf twins and more.

We learn more about a group of people seeking immortality and using the supernatural’s to get what they want. But immortality comes at a price and Savannah and the others will be the ultimate prize in the quest for –forever.

And finally, there is a hint of a romance between Savannah and Adam-a love story that has been building since STOLEN (the second storyline in the series where Adam helped rescue a twelve year old Savannah from Ty Winsloe’s compound of collected supernatural species). Fans of Kelley Armstrong have known this love story has been ten years in the making-ten long years (in story time) for some-but finally will be coming to its natural conclusion in Thirteen-the final book in Kelley’s WOTO series.

LINKS TO ORDER: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Reviewed by Sandy

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Frostbitten (WOTO #10) by Kelley Armstrong – a review

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Frostbitten (WOTO #10) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

FROSTBITTEN (WOTO # 10) by Kelley Armstrong

December 2012 is the tenth month in Moonlight Gleam’s Women of the Otherworld (by Kelley Armstrong) reading challenge.  Each month, participating sites post a review of the scheduled storyline.  This month’s challenge is:  FROSTBITTEN.

FROSTBITTEN is the tenth full-length storyline in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series and reunites some of our favourite werewolves. Clay and Elena, with the eventual help of Antonio and Nick, are on the hunt for a couple of rogue werewolves who have been terrorizing a small Alaskan community leaving a trail of grizzly murders and missing women in their wake. As the representative for the American pack, Elena sets out to investigate the recent reports of mysterious wolf killings, but will discover that the kills are anything but natural. Leaving behind their twins with Jaime and Jeremy, Clay and Elena will have their hands full with a runaway young wolf, the Russian pack and several mutts hoping to make an impression as a new upstart pack to be feared.

Frostbitten is a storyline that uncovers a little known species of ancient shape-shifters known as the Wendigo that prefer to keep their identity a secret. The rogue mutts will force the quiet and reclusive species into the roll of protector when they discover the remains of a werewolf and the bodies of several young women. But when old memories and one-time pack members resurface from Clay’s past, Elena will find herself in the unenviable position as the bait to trap Clay and the others.

Frostbitten introduces us to several new werewolves including Noah, Reese and Morgan. Kelley will offer up a number of short stories involving the young werewolves, including the December 2012 release of Forbidden- a storyline featuring Morgan Walsh. Nick will also become the surrogate father to a couple of reluctant newcomers to the pack, and the alpha elect for the American pack will be revealed-surprising no one but Elena, herself.

Frostbitten is another wonderful and fascinating storyline in Kelley’s Women of the Otherworld series. With the introduction of three new werewolves Kelley offers up a world of possibilities for future storylines that will now, only be revealed in a series of novella and anthology type novels.

Reviewed by Sandy

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NO HUMANS INVOLVED (WOTO #7) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

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NO HUMANS INVOLVED by Kelley Armstrong

NO HUMANS INVOLVED (Women of the Otherworld #7) by Kelley Armstrong

NO HUMANS INVOLVED is the 7th full length novel in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. Featuring Jaime Vegas and Alpha leader Jeremy Danvers, No Humans Involved will see Jaime get her man/wolf, and we will see a side of Jeremy that we never knew existed.

As a television personality renowned for her ability to ‘speak to the dead’ necromancer Jaime Vegas was invited to participate in a live televised taping of with some of the best in the business, but little did anyone know, that Jaime is the only true necromancer and she has uncovered a mysterious burial ground right under their noses.

Relaying the information to Elena, Jaime would find help in the form of American Pack Alpha Jeremy Danvers-a man she has been struggling to get him to acknowledge her existence. But every time she is in his presence her inner geek and dufus take over. And to her surprise Jeremy will reveal that he has noticed Jaime for several years, but his duties and his quiet reserve have held him back.

Jaime and Jeremy will uncover a cult-like group of people hoping to bring the dead back to life. But while they are searching for the grounds outside the hotel, they will uncover a mass grave of young children, long thought to be runaways or missing.

Eve Levine and Kristof Nash return to help Jaime communicate with the spirits of the children and help them crossover: Karl is called in when Hope and Jaime go missing and find themselves imprisoned by the ones hoping to gain power using an ancient ritual: and Jeremy and Jaime’s relationship will take the next step when Jaime finds herself the girlfriend to the American Alpha.

NO HUMANS INVOLVED is one of my favorite storylines in Kelley’s WOTO series. I am a fan of the werewolves and Jeremy tugs at my heart. When he finally finds his mate, he is NOT your typical alpha male but it takes a strong feminine woman like Jaime to tame his inner beast. Jaime’s seduction of Jeremy is one of the smexiest seductions in Kelley Armstrong’s WOTO series.

Reviewed by Sandy

NO HUMANS INVOLVED  is the seventh storyline in   Moonlightgleam  Women Of The Otherworld reading challenge

The Challenge:
Each month beginning March 1st, 2012, challenge members will read or re-read the title for that month. In addition, challenge members will either post a review, their reading experience, character castings or anything else related to that title. You have freedom to have fun with your monthly post so be creative! Seeing as this series is 13 novels long, this challenge will last 13 months.

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HAUNTED (Women of the Otherworld #5) by Kelley Armstrong

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HAUNTED (Women of the Otherworld #5) by Kelley Armstrong

HAUNTED (Women of the Otherworld #5) by Kelley Armstrong

HAUNTED is the 5th novel in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. Haunted, told from varying POVs, focuses on Eve Levine and Kristof Nash-Savannah’s recently deceased parents. As both a witch and a demon, Eve has been summoned by the Fates to take down the Nix. Calling in a favor for saving Lucas and Page, the Fates demand that Eve pay up.

As a ghost, Eve is unable to communicate with Savannah, and the frustration continues when she secretly looks in from time to time on Paige and Lucas, ensuring that Savannah is all right. But making sure her daughter is protected has come at a price.

Nix is a demi-demon who thrives on chaos. Inhabiting the bodies of people on the cusp of a kill, the demi-demon pushes the people to murder, thereby ensuring chaos reigns. On the run after an escape from hell, the Nix is making trouble in the human realm and the Fates have ordered Eve to locate and eradicate the Nix. But trouble continues to follow Eve as the Nix now endeavors to locate those closest to exact retribution. All is not lost when an Angel offers his aid-and with the help of Trsiel, Eve will be reborn into something she never expected or dreamed.

HAUNTED is another fascinating storyline from the mind of Kelley Armstrong. We will meet Eve throughout the series, culminating in the final novel THIRTEEN. Even Trsiel will make a few more appearances. One may wonder why Kelley introduces various characters and storylines throughout the series, but all will be answered in the final instalment of THIRTEEN

Reviewed by Sandy

 

The Reading Cafe is continuing the Women of the Otherworld Challenge sponsored by Moonlight Gleam’s Bookshelf.  HAUNTED by  Kelley Armstrong is the July 2012 featured novel.

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INDUSTRIAL MAGIC (WOTO #4) by Kelley Armstrong-a WOTO challenge review

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INDUSTRIAL MAGIC (WOTO #4) by Kelley Armstrong-a review

INDUSTRIAL MAGIC (Women of the Otherworld #4) by Kelley Armstrong

INDUSTRIAL MAGIC is the 4th full-length novel in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series, and once again, not one of my favorite storylines. I love Kelley Armstrong’s books and series, but there were a few in this particular series that I did not enjoy and for some reason those involving Paige and Lucas did not top my list. Perhaps it was the ‘lack’ of the wolves (including Clay, Elena, Jeremy,Nick, Antonio etc) or the lack of sexual energy surrounding  Paige and Lucas, but if I think back, it is probably the copious amount of background information and the numerous characters involved with each Paige/Lucas/Cabel storyline. I am still recommending Kelley’s Women of the Otherworld series, including Industrial Magic, but a couple of the storylines were difficult.

We first met Paige and Lucas in Dime Store Magic (WOTO #3) when Lucas agreed to represent Paige during her custody struggle for Savannah and her banishment from the Witches Coven. Industrial Magic focuses on the Cabel side of the family including Lucas’s family and Savannah’s extended biological family from her father’s side. Cabels are family run, and controlled and aligned with the most powerful sorcerers and to compare these Cabels to the Mafia or Mob, would not be a far stretch. But someone or something is murdering the young Cabal sons and heirs, and as Lucas is his father’s reluctant heir, he and Paige are now deeply involved with the investigations.

Several new characters are introduced, as I had said before, but there are a couple that we will see many times in future novels and storylines. Jaime Vegas is a clairvoyant and necromancer, and Eve Levine is part witch/part demon and, Savannah’s deceased mother. There are demons, shamans, vampires, wolves, sorcerers, witches and of course, the lowly suffering humans. Quite frankly I thought about pulling out my power point and designing a graph to keep track of the familial connections.

Regrettably, Kelley will be releasing her final full-length novel in the Women of the Otherworld series in July-THIRTEEN. But, on the plus side, Kelley has also said she will be re-releasing some of her short stories and novellas, as well as writing some continuing short storylines to keep her fans happy e.g V Plates -released in May 2012 (narrated by Nick).

Each month beginning March 1st, 2012, The Reading Cafe has accepted a challenge by the host site Moonlightgleam to post a review from each of Kelley Armstrong’s 13 full-length novels in her Women of the Otherworld series. WE hope you have enjoyed catching up with Kelley’s books. Next month we will be reviewing HAUNTED  and  THIRTEEN-Kelly’s new release and final instalment in the WOTO series. *sniff*

reviewed by Sandy

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DIME STORE MAGIC by Kelley Armstrong -a review

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DIME STORE MAGIC by Kelley Armstrong

The Reading Cafe is continuing our monthly WOMEN OF THE OTHERWORLD CHALLENGE sponsored by Moonlight Gleam.

DIME STORE MAGIC by Kelley Armstrong

DIME STORE MAGIC is the third novel in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. A diversion from Kelley’s Werewolves, DSM focuses on Paige Winterbourne, who was first introduced in Stolen. .

Following the death of her mother, Paige Winterbourne has become Coven leader. And to complicate matters, Paige is now the guardian of Savannah Levine, the young witch who has yet to come into her full powers. When Paige’s position within the Coven is questioned, she is removed and must find a way to ensure both her safety and Savannah’s. But it is a question of paternity and by the Nast Cabal that will push Paige into a life involving the Cabals and Lucas Cortez.

Kristof Nast seeks custody of the young witch. Knowing that the Cabals train a young witch into active duty and in trust to the Cabal’s, Paige is worried that Savannah will be pulled into a world of sorcery, witchcraft and death. But it will be Kristof’s revelations that he is Savannah’s biological father that will further complicate and add fuel to the Nast Cabal custody battle.

Lucas Cortez is a sorcerer. As the bastard son and heir to the head of the Cortez Cabal, Lucas has relinquished all claims to the life and its many privileges and problems. But as a young lawyer, Lucas has willingly volunteered to help Paige with her custody battle against the Nast Cabal. But the bigger problem is the less than happy relationship between the Nast and Cortez Cabals. And now Paige and Savannah are caught in the middle of a custody battle that will eventually see a powerful sorcerer dead and a young witch grieving the death of her parents.

Dime Store Magic was not one of my favorite storylines, but will all due respect, it was not my least favorite. I think DSM was necessary as it introduced the Nast and Cortez Cabals, as well as several new characters that will continue to make appearances throughout Kelley’s series. Savannah will play a major role in Kelley’s final books in the Women of the Otherworld series, and we get a glimpse into  her background and family history. Kelley has a magical way of weaving many of her characters into the various storylines, by way of a phone call or even a reference.

Reviewed by Sandy

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STOLEN by Kelley Armstrong (Women of the Otherworld Reading Challenge)

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STOLEN by Kelley Armstrong

Calling out all Kelley Armstrong Fans!!!

WOMEN OF THE OTHERWORLD reading challenge hosted by  Link: MOONLIGHT GLEAM’S BOOKSHELF

Seeing as my most favorite series is coming to an end, I thought it would be a great opportunity to gather all Women of the Otherworld lovers to say goodbye and show our appreciation to such a wonderful series!

If you have not yet read Women of the Otherworld and have some of the books on your TBR shelves, this would be a great opportunity to enter Kelley Armstrong’s magical world of all things paranormal and join in on this amazing adventure!

LINK TO CHALLENGE INFO: Women of The Otherworld Reading Challenge

STOLEN by Kelley Armstrong

STOLEN is the second book in Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. Elena Michaels, the only known female werewolf in existence, wants to lead a normal life with her mate and family, but a group of ‘researchers’ and the billionaire who heads the institute, have other plans for Elena and the world of supernatural beings.

Following a lead on a story about werewolf sightings, Elena is introduced to Paige and Ruth Winterbourne, mother and daughter witches who sit on the Council for Supernatural beings. As surprised as Elena is, that such a council exists, let alone witches, she is more surprised to find out that the ‘supernatural’ are hunted by billionaire Ty Winsloe, and then experimented upon and held in custody for his own personal collection.

After a failed kidnapping attempt by Winsloe’s men, Elena and some of the pack make a decision.-it is time to meet the Council of Supernatural Beings and find out, what they know about Winsloe and his compound of vigilante hunters. Jeremy (Pack alpha) and Clayton (Elena’s mate) make an appearance alongside Elena at the emergency Council meeting, where we are introduced to Adam Vasic, a half demon whose powers involve fire, and Cassandra, a vampire who has eyes for Clay. Without a doubt, the reader knows, we will see these characters at a future date, with stories of their own.

When Elena is abducted and held prisoner at the compound, she realizes she isn’t alone. Ruth Winterbourne and an assortment of other supernatural beings are already held in custody, trying desperately to communicate with one another. But it isn’t until Ruth dies under mysterious circumstances, and Elena is introduced to Savannah Levine, a young and powerful 12 year old witch, that she makes the decision to attempt freedom.

Meanwhile, following several ‘physical exams’ and a threat against her mate, Elena becomes aware of one of the true reasons behind her abduction-to ‘make’ another werewolf. Sondra Bauer, a compound examiner and scientist, has injected herself with saliva she procured from one of the physical exams. Without the aid of a Pack, Sondra’s change to werewolf is anything but successful-her body is unable to handle the many changes and when attempting to escape, she is killed by the very guards, she once controlled.

We are introduced to several supernatural characters including demons Xavier Reese and Leah O’Donnell, a chameleon shifter Armen Haig, and vampire Aaron Darnell, someone from Cassandra’s past and recent present. With an attempt at telepathic communication, Jeremy and Clay are able to contact Elena through Paige, but Clay refuses to believe that Paige has any ability beyond her ability to irritate. When the connection is broken, Elena becomes distraught and through dreams, she is able to connect once again with Clay, only to see that he too is suffering without his mate and lover.

Ty Winsloe, is a sadistic collector of the supernatural, and when his ‘projects’ no longer serve any purpose, he pits Elena against a few of the failures. Hoping to learn more about the werewolf’s physiology and her ability to shift, Winsloe continues to antagonize Elena with pictures of an injured werewolf and talk of her ‘dead’ mate. She soon realizes that Clay and the others have tried unsuccessfully to rescue her, and she is now determined, to free herself from the compound and its’ band of vigilante warriors.

Following her bid for freedom, Elena and Clay must return to the compound to rescue Savannah and the others. Without a doubt, Savannah is a powerful witch and they soon realize she is one being, that could very well, control many of the people with a few words and a look. We see the introduction of Adam to Savannah, a foreshadowing of many storylines, and the escape of Leah O’Donnell, a demon that will surface again in a future book. But, all is not lost, when Clay and Elena make the final move against Winsloe and his crew at the compound. One by one, each member of Winsloe’s team is ‘removed’ from duty and meets his demise at the hands or ‘paws’ of either a demon or wolf.

Again, I can’t say enough about Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series. I found this series, purely by accident, while looking for something in the paranormal genre. As a fellow Canadian, I was excited and thrilled to read such an exciting series of novels and characters, and one that didn’t follow the usual vampire/werewolf storylines. I am saddened that Kelley is ending her Otherworld series in 2012, but with her continued novellas and anthologies, Elena, Clay and the other werewolves, will continue to be some of my favorite characters and Kelley one of my favorite authors.

reviewed by Sandy

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