Monday, March 11, 2013

Arcane Circle (Persephone Alcmedi #4) by Linda Roberson


Even magic can’t solve everything... After facing down the forces of Fairy in mortal combat, Persephone Alcmedi still must deal with the aftermath. Not only does Seph now possess deadly secrets she must hide from the arcane and mundane world alike, but the dozens of magical creatures who’ve taken up residence behind her cornfield need food and shelter, and there’s still her foster daughter Beverly’s tenth birthday party to plan. 
And that’s not all... Seph’s boyfriend Johnny has revealed himself as the wærewolf Domn Lup, and the ruler of the wære world is en route from Romania to make sure Johnny really is the “king” he claims to be. But Johnny’s hiding a dangerous secret: his magic is locked in his mysterious tattoos. He and Seph must find a way for him to reclaim it—fast—despite those who have no intention of letting Johnny gain his full powers. Seph knows that, in the arcane world, strength is always a necessity and power must be constantly proven, but how far is she willing to go to succeed... and at what cost?
This book picks up right after the last book which is a good thing since a big question was left about one of the characters. Luckily we get to know what happened quickly so we can then settle into the new adventure and deal with the consequences of the last.

We also find ourselves with Persephone's new internal struggle. She must decide if she can forgive her mother who wounded her physically and emotionally when she was a child. She struggles with that particular problem throughout the book and the resolution to this question feels genuine. She also has to help Johnny unlock his tattoos. The twists about that were unexpected and became an interesting surprise.

My biggest complaint was the Rege. He is the head honcho for the weres. His misogynic rantings and how he dealt with women was hard to deal with, but it works for a bad "guy". What my problem was is that Johnny was willing to work with him. Yes, I did get the politics, but I would assume that eventually the dom loup would trump the Rege. Even if it was a harder road to travel, I wouldn't think that Johnny would shy away from it.

I give this book 4 stars. I enjoyed the twists at the end and I'm looking forward to the next book which I have close by! YaY me! :)
I received this book from Pocket Books and no compensation for my review was given.

29 comments:

  1. From the description it sounds like there are a lot of characters (which can be confusing) and that the main character have a very busy, busy life. Enjoy the fifth book!

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    1. It's not confusing, but then again, I've read it in order. I think that helps. :)

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  2. I do like a twisty ending! And this series sounds intriguing, though it also sounds like I should start at the beginning of it. Unlocking tattoos=cool concept!

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    1. Yes, the beginning with this series is good. :) I've really been enjoying myself!

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  3. Intrigued by the fact that this has a foster child in it, I may well have to give this series a read.

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  4. Look at you hitting your TBR! I am so proud :) I just might shed a tear plus Twisty Ending? FTW! I love me some twisty endings!

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    1. Weeeellll... yes and no. These are still my review books, but technically on my tbr. LOL

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  5. Hmm. I think Rege would likely really bother me as well (and likely all women who read this book), but the fact that you gave it a 4 despite his misogyny is a good sign. Also, Johnny. Does much else need to be said? I don't think so:)

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    1. Oh yea... he's a piece of work. Grrrr...

      Johnny. There. I said it. ;D

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  6. Persephone's inner struggle sounds intense to read about but I think that Rege would bother me too.

    Brandi @ Blkosiner’s Book Blog

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    1. Oh I know he would! He's meant to bother you. :D I do think you'd like Seph.

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  7. I don't think I have heard much about this series. It sounds really cool though! I also like that there's a foster daughter and I'm thinking that might make it a bit different from other UF's. Like it might ground it a little since she clearly has real life responsibilities. I'm off to look up the first!

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    1. I do think you'd like this whole series. I've been enjoying it!

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  8. wow another one! I really need to try the first one... I know I'm always saying that but well you know I still have it.

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    1. I do think you will become quickly addicted to the series. bwa ha ha!

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  9. Yes, I can see how the women hating would get old especially if no one stands up against the guy, but it sounds like he is a villain you love to hate, right?

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    1. True! I think that is why he was so cliché! Love to hate on one like that. LOL

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  10. I really need to go back to this series. I'm curious about Persephone's conflict with her mother... I'm glad her conclusions seemed genuine to you.
    I'm actually curious about Rege too, oddly enough.
    Great review.

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    1. Her whole life gets explored so it really is a good growth type of series.

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  11. Oh, I so need to do some Series catch up reading. There are so many I'm behind on - not mention ones like this which I haven't started yet!

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  12. Not for me as I did not like book 1

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    1. Aw... too bad. I would have thought you might like the vamp parts since he is such a bad... good... bad... good guy. LOL

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  13. I'm not even going to pretend to know what's going on in this review. I don't remember the first book but you know I didn't read it. Not my age group. However, four stars is quite high for you, so despite your concerns with the Rege, you seem to have really enjoyed this one. So glad you did! Keep on reading! (like I have to tell you that!)

    Heather

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  14. Melissa, I need to take up after you and finish reading books in series that I have not finished. Seriously, I need to do this.

    On another note, awesome review chica :)

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  15. I want to start reading this series! I really do like your series reading button!

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  16. The fact that you're on book 4 and still loving this series is a very good sign. I clearly need to get started on it! This Rege sounds like a douche canoe, so I'm sure I'll enjoy hating him. :-)

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  17. Oooo, drat! You remind of this series once again. I have to say loving this cover. :) Thank you!

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