Wednesday, September 4, 2013

The Angel Stone (Fairwick Chronicles #3) by Juliet Dark

Series: Fairwick Chronicles #3
288p.
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Published: Sept. 3, 2013
Source: NetGalley and Library Thing Early Reviewers for review
For Callie McFay, a half-witch/half-fey professor of folklore and Gothic literature, the fight to save the enchanted town of Fairwick, New York, is far from over. After a hostile takeover by the Grove—a sinister group of witches and their cohorts—many of the local fey have been banished or killed, including Callie’s one true love. And in place of the spirit of tolerance and harmony, the new administration at Fairwick College has fostered an air of danger and distrust.

With her unique magical abilities, Callie is the only one who can rescue her friends from exile and restore order to the school—a task that requires her to find the Angel Stone, a legendary talisman of immense power. Propelled on an extraordinary quest back to seventeenth-century Scotland, Callie risks her life to obtain the stone. Yet when she encounters a sexy incarnation of her lost love, she finds the greater risk is to her heart. As the fate of Fairwick hangs in the balance, Callie must make a wrenching choice: reclaim a chance for eternal passion or save everything she holds dear.
My thoughts:
I read the second book, The Water Witch but not the first. I did enjoy the second book and didn't feel too lost, so I decided to instead of reading that first book (which I still want to do...) but read the third when it came my way. The last book left me with a few questions so I don't mind going forward in this case instead of going backward. :)

I feel that the last 2 covers, while beautiful, are misleading. I was thinking each time that it was a big flowery PNR book, or even magical realism, but it really reads more UF to me. I mean there are those other elements to the book, but it still is filled with enough action I can safely say UF. Probably why I was complaining in the other review in this series that I should have read the first book. Most UF should be read in order.

I liked this installment much better than the last book. Didn't feel like it had a lot of plot holes of the last and the story felt much tighter. I enjoyed Callie's adventure much more than the romance, but I still did enjoy the romance. It felt like it came full circle despite my lack of knowledge of the first book (yes, I will get to it!). In the end I give this book 4 stars. I recommend it to those that enjoy PNR with a huge dose of UF as well.

LibraryThing Early Reviewers

19 comments:

  1. One day I'll have to try this series, all the covers are so gorgeous!

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    1. I love those covers too. So need to read the first book :)

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  2. I picked up the first in this series on audio yesterday. I am going to give it a whirl.

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  3. If it's a well-written story, you shouldn't necessarily have to start at the beginning (I'm notorious about starting in the middle then having to start all over again if I love the story). This sounds really intriguing (I love anything Fae-related), especially since it has more of a UF vibe to it. Gonna have to check it out!

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    1. True, but I remember thinking that if I read the first one, I would have enjoyed the second one much more. I think you'll enjoy these.

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  4. I'll have to pick up the first and give it a go. I'm too neurotic to start a series in the middle even if they are well written enough that I could.

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    1. I actually prefer to start at the beginning, but will read out of order. These I think should be read in order despite what I did. :)

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  5. Hmm, the cover doesn't really catch me. I'd think it be some memoir or something.

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    1. I love the covers, but I was thinking more romance than memoir. Funny how it looks different to us. :D

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  6. While I thought it was historical fiction

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  7. I just started this the other day and I am really liking. I have read the other two and I didn't have as many problems with the second as others, the first one in fact annoyed me with all the lust and sex and drama.

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  8. I wish they had kept the covers similar to book one , although these are beautiful but yes this reads more UF.

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  9. Wow, and for the cover I wouldn't have picked it up with the fear it would be to flower-y and lovey. Glad to hear it's more UF. And I remember you reading the second book. I had a hard time connecting the series when read the title. Thank you! Sounds great! :D

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  10. I do agree that the cover looks more magical realism, it doesn't match the story even though it is pretty.

    I've been seeing lots of reviews for this one and remember the reviews for the first two as well. I really think this might be a series I would really enjoy!

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  11. Glad to hear you enjoyed this one! I keep seeing reviewers say this book is better than book two (which for many people wasn't as good as book one, but I guess you didn't have that problem :D). I'm totally invested in catching up now. Awesome review!

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  12. Nice review Melissa, adding it to the wishlist.

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  13. Oh, I don't know if I'd like it if her love interest gets killed unless she can bring him back with her from the 17th century. I don't know how you can read a series without reading the first book. I'd be totally lost!! Glad you enjoyed this one.

    Heather

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