Years after I read most of the series for the first time, I'm rereading them again, start to finish.
And right of the bat... I just want to say... I can't believe all the things I forgot! :D Seriously, nearly feels like I'm reading a different book! Of course still as excellent as it was the first time... but still!

Not that much action in this book, but still some monumental stuff happening that was essential for the story to move forward. We learn more about Merry and her guards, about her enemies and potential allies. We see her grow and learn and don the mantle of potential queen to the Unseelie.

And of course men, more men :D I think Merry ruined me from ever having a 'normal' relationship hahaha.

Apart from that, the book was well written with no (noticeable) errors and yes, there is (a lot of) sex described in this instalment... just so you know. ( )

As I have said - I read this author for her descriptive writing - I will say that her recent books seem to be more focused on exploring her own sexuality rather than building the really good plots that I first met in her earlier books. Still - for great use of words and sex scenes like no other -- 5/5. ( )

This one I read until it was finished. No breaks. Love it. These books are just for fun and fun I had. ( )

Synopsis: 'Kurag, Goblin King, is insisting upon proof that Kitto has become sidhe following sex with Merry. She offers an extra month of their alliance for every goblin hybrid she can bring into sidhe magic.
During the discussions, Siun, Kitto's nightmarish, spidery former mistress, appears and he is terrified. It is revealed that Rhys also swore blood price on her, as it was she that took his eye when he failed to "glow" for her during sex. In his fear, Kitto accidentally uses the Hand of Reaching to open a portal through the mirror. Siun falls through and is trapped half-way, and after some negotiation, Kurag allows the Ravens to do what they like. Kitto viciously wounds her, and Rhys kills her with a sword.
It is revealed that Meredith is a vessel for the Goddess Danu when she inadvertently brings the pregnant Maeve Reed back into her god-head, and gives Frost newfound god status (which he is not comfortable with). The cup or cauldron also reappears after Merry has a dream about it, an effect that has significant impact upon the sidhe who believed it lost forever.
During sex with Merry many of her lovers suffer unexpected side-effects:
Rhys is brought back into his god-head
Frost is brought into his god-head
Sage is turned into a full-sized sidhe
Nicca is possessed by Dian Cecht
Doyle regains his shape-shifting abilities (turning into a dog and a horse), plus ones he never had previously (an eagle).
Merry and her lovers return to the Courts. Upon the flight back, Merry is presented with the Queen's ring by Rhys. This is not only a symbol of her status as heir, but also a potent artifact in its own right. It was known as the happy ever after ring as it permitted sidhe to find their perfect mates.
When they arrive at the airport they are greeted by several of the Queen's Ravens as well as human policemen. The Queen has insisted that Merry take to her bed any of the sidhe that the ring recognises. A short while after their arrival, they attend a press conference. A policeman is bewitched and shooting breaks out. Merry is saved by Frost and others of the Ravens.
Yet more Ravens await Merry at the sithen. The Queen insists that Merry beds two out of the four before she appears before her. The result is the appearance of a spring, from which Merry fills a cup. Andais, apparently insane with bloodlust, is attacking her men. The Ravens attempt to intervene and protect one another. Merry uses her Hand of Blood to draw wounds upon her aunt. The Green Man then gives Merry the ability to heal all those in the room.
It is discovered that a spell was used to incite the Queen to murder. The plot was hatched by those amongst the court who feared that a mortal Queen, Merry, would result in the sidhe ceasing to exist. Merry is challenged by one, Miniver, and they duel before the court. Meredith is declared the winner.'
Review: Good book, but I wanted more. ( )

I am a big fan of Laurell K. Hamilton. I do prefer her Anita Blake series but her Merry Gentry series is quite good too. As usual, for her, it is a very well developed world with lots of violence. It can be a bit tricky to keep all the guys straight but in general I find the books to have far more positives than negatives. ( )