Arcane Circle

I was a little disappointed with the last Persephone Alcmedi novel. It was okay but it didn't standout and I grew weary of the Seph, Menessos, and Johnny triangle. I was horrified that this might turn into another Anita, Richard, and Jean-Claude menage. Thankfully, while the possibility still exists, Seph stays firmly beside Johnny in "Arcane Circle". This story was always entertaining and I loved seeing more of Johnny and Beverly. There is a plot development where Persephone's mother shows up for the first time after abandoning her as a child. Her story goes deeper than I could've dreamed and I thought all the twists involving this plot were unique and well thought out. Menessos is present throughout this book but he is secondary to show more Johnny's storyline. There is a very interesting scene involving a party where Menessos welcomes his new new group of initiates into his rule.

I have to say that my absolutely favorite addition to this series is the wonderful mythological creatures that now live in Seph's yard. Unicorns, griffins, phoenix, and dragons. Wow! I enjoyed scenes featuring any and all of these creatures and their care. I also love Mountain, who has come to live on the property as the animal's caretaker.

We have some resolution with Johnny and his power trapped tattoos. I have to say sometimes too many spells and rituals can start to bore me, but I think they were very well written and clever in this book. There is also some drama with the witches' coven and fallout from the events in the previous book in addition to the home drama. Beverly is finally getting her birthday party but the guest's moms are not happy about Seph's bad influence and they don't want her in attendance. I love books were actions have consequences and this book has that in plenty. I really, really like Johnny and Seph. I think they are strong lead characters and I am eager to see where the author goes from here. I do worry about some of the twists the story could take and I hope the author can keep this series entertaining and avoid the downfalls of some similar series. Right now, I will definitely be there to find out. show less

This was the 4th book in the Persephone Alcmedi series by Robertson. The fifth book, Wicked Circle, is due out in December of 2011. This book was a great addition to the series, we finally get to learn more about Johnny's past and his tattoos.

Much of this book is about Seph dealing with the aftermath of the fairy battle she fought in the previous book. She now has a ton of magical creatures to take care of, she is being blamed for the murder of the witch that died to protect her in the end of the last book, and she needs to plan Beverly's tenth birthday party. Amidst all of this Johnny is taking his place as Domn Lup; to do that he needs his magic unlocked and Seph is trying to help him hunt down the person who gave him all of those show more tattoos.

This is very much a transition book in this series, that being said it was still a very fun book to read and I enjoyed it. I really enjoyed Seph learning about all of the new magical creatures in her care. It was also great to learn more about Johnny's past. I continue to enjoy how real and healthy Seph and Johnny's relationship is. There continues to be some tension between Menessos and Seph, and I hope that it remains just that...tension.

I still enjoy how Robertson ties mythology in with the story and I also enjoy how detailed she is with her magic system. These books are fun to read and very engaging.

The book was well-written and ends well. I am curious to see what storyline the next book starts. As I said this was very much a transition novel; Seph is dealing with a lot of fallout from the previous book and no real huge new storyline is started yet.

Overall if you have enjoyed the previous books you will enjoy this one. It is an easy read, fun, and fills in the story more. Most of the story is fallout from the previous book but it was lots of fun reading about Seph taking care of all of her magical creatures and I also enjoyed learning more about Johnny's past. I am excited to see what new storyline Wicked Circle starts. show less

Another solid effort, even if this one didn't have the clear central plotline that the previous three had. Robertson may be beginning to suffer Charlaine Harris syndrome: too many subplots and characters to manage at once.

Looking forward to the next book. Hopefully she'll expound on the love triangle!

Persephone is dealing with the aftermath from the battle with the Fairies. She's dealing with her injured boyfriend Johnny, a party to plan and to top it off a bunch of magical creatures are camped out in her backyard. Talk about some crazy stress, when will they girl get a break.

I enjoyed this story. The cover art really popped. I loved the greens and blues. In the last book Persephone was dealing with the fairies and now she is dealing with the aftermath of the battle. To say poor Persephone has her hands full is an understatement. Arcane Circle was good story, an excellent addition. Action packed story, I definitely enjoyed this one more, compared to the last book. I think Urban Fantasy fans will eat this one up!

Arcane Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, Book 4) is the 4th book in the Persephone Alcmedi series. It picks up just after the end of Fatal Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, Book 3). In fact, some of the issues from the previous book are still up in the air as this one begins.

I really enjoyed this book, but it's difficult to review without spoilers. Some of the events from the previous book impact the plot of this story and I'm afraid that if I go into too much depth of review, I'll spoil the suspense for another reader. So, I'll be keeping things somewhat vague in this one.

Robertson really begins to unlock some of the background of her characters in this story. Elements from Persephone's and Johnny's pasts come into play during the story. A large show more part of the story is focused on Johnny's being recognized as Domn Lup and the search to find the person who can unlock his power, which is being contained in his tattoos. We learn a little more about Johnny and his struggles in dealing with losing his father figure and being acknowledged as Domn Lup, while accepting this truth about himself. I enjoyed having more of the focus on Johnny, as the story was more focused on Menessos in Fatal Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, Book 3). The relationship between Johnny and Persephone is explored more in this book and seems to be getting stronger, despite the temptation of Menessos. Of course, the pressures and expectations of Johnny being Domn Lup have only just started to impact his relationship with Seph.

Not everything is resolved at the end of the book, leaving me to believe that there will be another addition to the Persephone Alcmedi series and I look forward to reading it.

For anyone who hasn't read the Persephone Alcmedi series of books, Vicious Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, Book 1) is where to start :)

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The Good: While helping Johnny search for his past, Seph is forced to face her own - and it's fantastic. The magic in this book is phenomenal. I'm really beginning to appreciate the depth Robertson goes into to make it accessible to readers without making it seem too basic. The resolution of this book is perfect, leaving enough up in the air to make me desperate to read the next book while still being satisfying.

The Bad: Nothing bad here. Another perfect book.

Reviewed by http://urbanfantasyinvestigations.blogspot.com/

I was seriously dying to read this. After the cliff hanger in book 3 FATAL CIRCLE, ARCANE CIRCLE Couldn't come out fast enough in my opinion. Once again, Don't try to jump into this series in book 4 you must start from the beginning and pick up book 1 FATAL CIRCLE.

In ARCANE CIRCLE you will get some shocking surprises and quite a bit of answers you might have been wondering about. Persephone, Johnny and Menessos seem to be working super well together despite past tensions and conflicts. Some new characters and Allies are introduced. Johnny finally gets a few answers about where his tattoos came from. Persephone has to do some soul searching like usual and her fellow witches show more still have there broomsticks up there butts. I cant wait to see what the events in ARCANE CIRCLE will bring for the next book, I picked up this book and read it until it was done and was never bored with it. show less