I really think this book might be under appreciated. If you've read the books from the beginning, you can see a definite progression in all the characters and this one just adds another layer to Eve and crew. I like that I can see what she's like as a boss and might be like when she finally makes Captain. She and the author have grown with the series. While I enjoy all that is Eve, I'm very glad she's moved more and more away from dwelling on her childhood. I can't wait to see where the next book goes.
My opinion:
Did not enjoy this book as much as the first. The first in the series caught and held my attention. In this book, the characters seemed flat to me and the female lead was a bit "needy".
As listed in my profile, I rate the books on my enjoyment/involvement factor. I found myself skipping parts but I finished. I will not reread the first two in the series. I will read the third book just to see what happens.
Did not enjoy this book as much as the first. The first in the series caught and held my attention. In this book, the characters seemed flat to me and the female lead was a bit "needy".
As listed in my profile, I rate the books on my enjoyment/involvement factor. I found myself skipping parts but I finished. I will not reread the first two in the series. I will read the third book just to see what happens.
My Opinion:
I'm enjoying this series. I've read the first three books and look forward to the fourth. I'm on the fence about rereading the first three in preparation for the fourth.
I find the characters compelling and the lead very interesting. Holds my attention.
I'm enjoying this series. I've read the first three books and look forward to the fourth. I'm on the fence about rereading the first three in preparation for the fourth.
I find the characters compelling and the lead very interesting. Holds my attention.
I really enjoyed this book. It was somewhat different than other Urban Fantasy/Sci-Fi. I was glad, however, that I had the second in the series to read immediately.
I would rather give this book: 4 1/2 Stars. Fantastic storyline and character development.
Very weak 3 Stars
After reading some of her other novels, this one was so so. I think I just expected more depth.
After reading some of her other novels, this one was so so. I think I just expected more depth.
(12 Mar 2012) Review upcoming on the Pure Textuality website.
Crystal Gardens is the beginning of a trilogy, A Ladies of the Lantern Street Novel. Writing this novel as Amanda Quick means the time period is in the past, and one of the few historical paranormal authors I read. New readers to Amanda Quick might think her books are too quirky and weird. Old timers like me would do just about anything to get their hands on one of her novels. It amazes me that Ms Quick can switch up the time periods in her novels without compromising the characters and the storyline.
Evangeline Ames is a paid professional companion who is hiding out in the countryside after she was attacked in London. Her attacker, well, I can't go there without spoilers, sorry. Evie is fascinated by the paranormal and rents a cottage close to Crystal Gardens. She continually sneaks into the Gardens to study them. Thank goodness she does because another murder attempt sends her fleeing into the Gardens for safety. Much to her surprise and relief, she meets her landlord, Lucas Sebastian roaming the grounds. Lucas and his man send the attacker fleeing into the maze of the Garden. The Sebastian family has a history of being "different". And that's all I'm going to say on that.
Amanda Quick has a gift for writing strong female leads even in the time period of ladylike correctness. Her heroines are smart, likable and just a bit naughty. The love interest is usually smart, intriguing, and somewhat alpha, but not overpowering. The mystery of her novels is not a deep dark secret show more from the reader. Usually you can figure out the villain but reading how the villain is caught is part of the fun of the books. The conversation and interaction is the other good part. The novel moves along at a good pace with some family angst thrown in for tension.
Now, I've gone back and read some of the other reviews to see if I missed something or need to address anything. Here's my take. Ms Quick has a tendency to reuse certain words in her novels; that may irritate some new readers. If you've read her previous works, it's something you come to expect. That's her quirky side. As a fan of Ms Quick, I just accept it and move on. It has no bearing on the storyline. It's a trademark so to speak.
This is by no means my favorite novel but it did just what I expected it to. It kept me entertained and provided many smiles. I'm looking forward to the next two installments. show less
Evangeline Ames is a paid professional companion who is hiding out in the countryside after she was attacked in London. Her attacker, well, I can't go there without spoilers, sorry. Evie is fascinated by the paranormal and rents a cottage close to Crystal Gardens. She continually sneaks into the Gardens to study them. Thank goodness she does because another murder attempt sends her fleeing into the Gardens for safety. Much to her surprise and relief, she meets her landlord, Lucas Sebastian roaming the grounds. Lucas and his man send the attacker fleeing into the maze of the Garden. The Sebastian family has a history of being "different". And that's all I'm going to say on that.
Amanda Quick has a gift for writing strong female leads even in the time period of ladylike correctness. Her heroines are smart, likable and just a bit naughty. The love interest is usually smart, intriguing, and somewhat alpha, but not overpowering. The mystery of her novels is not a deep dark secret show more from the reader. Usually you can figure out the villain but reading how the villain is caught is part of the fun of the books. The conversation and interaction is the other good part. The novel moves along at a good pace with some family angst thrown in for tension.
Now, I've gone back and read some of the other reviews to see if I missed something or need to address anything. Here's my take. Ms Quick has a tendency to reuse certain words in her novels; that may irritate some new readers. If you've read her previous works, it's something you come to expect. That's her quirky side. As a fan of Ms Quick, I just accept it and move on. It has no bearing on the storyline. It's a trademark so to speak.
This is by no means my favorite novel but it did just what I expected it to. It kept me entertained and provided many smiles. I'm looking forward to the next two installments. show less
A pretty good read. Not my favorite.
See my full review at
http://puretextuality.com/2012/06/26/review-by-dolly-xo-a-kathryn-dance-novel-by...
See my full review at
http://puretextuality.com/2012/06/26/review-by-dolly-xo-a-kathryn-dance-novel-by...
More like a 4.25
I loved rereading this novel for the review. See my full review at:
http://puretextuality.com/2012/06/24/review-by-dolly-magic-bites-kate-daniels-1-...
I loved rereading this novel for the review. See my full review at:
http://puretextuality.com/2012/06/24/review-by-dolly-magic-bites-kate-daniels-1-...
This is an extremely good novel. Can't wait for more!
I'm rate this 4.5 Stars
See my complete review at the Pure Textuality Website
I'm rate this 4.5 Stars
See my complete review at the Pure Textuality Website
Okay, so I loved this novel. I was going to do a review at Pure Textuality but 2 reviewers have said it better than I could.
I would rate this 4.75 Stars
See Jena's fantastic review:
http://puretextuality.com/2012/06/30/review-by-jena-once-burned-night-prince-1-b...
I would rate this 4.75 Stars
See Jena's fantastic review:
http://puretextuality.com/2012/06/30/review-by-jena-once-burned-night-prince-1-b...
More like 4.25 Stars. See the link for my full review:
http://puretextuality.com/2012/08/28/review-by-dolly-magic-slays-kate-daniels-5-...
http://puretextuality.com/2012/08/28/review-by-dolly-magic-slays-kate-daniels-5-...
Strong 5 Star entry in the Kate Daniels Series. See the link for my full review:
http://puretextuality.com/2012/08/09/review-by-dolly-magic-bleeds-kate-daniels-4...
http://puretextuality.com/2012/08/09/review-by-dolly-magic-bleeds-kate-daniels-4...
An outstanding addition to an unbelievable series
See my full review at Pure Textuality dot com
I have to say up front, I know this author. I would rate this short prequel more as a 3.5. As I always TRY do with my ratings, I rounded up since a 3.5 isn't a choice on Goodreads. Occasionally, I do round down but not very often.
The story begins slowly but soon picks up. Ms Gregoire's writing flows smoothly and her descriptions are well written. The only problem I really had was, it was too short. I was just getting into the story and "the end". This bodes extremely well for the first full length novel in the series.
Can't wait for it. Write faster please!!
More like a 4.5 Stars. Vintage Flynn. More engrossing than the previous novel.
Fast moving series. Entertaining quick read.