Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Bitter Night (Horngate Witches #1) by Diana Pharaoh Francis


SOMETIMES YOU CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES. AND SOMETIMES, THEY CHOOSE YOU...
Once, Max dreamed of a career, a home, a loving family. Now all she wants is freedom...and revenge. A witch named Giselle transformed Max into a warrior with extraordinary strength, speed, and endurance. Bound by spellcraft, Max has no choice but to fight as Giselle's personal magic weapon — a Shadowblade — and she's lethally good at it. But her skills are about to be put to the test as they never have before....
The ancient Guardians of the earth are preparing to unleash widespread destruction on the mortal world, and they want the witches to help them. If the witches refuse, their covens will be destroyed, including Horngate, the place Max has grudgingly come to think of as home. Max thinks she can find a way to help Horngate stand against the Guardians, but doing so will mean forging dangerous alliances — including one with a rival witch's Shadowblade, who is as drawn to Max as she is to him — and standing with the witch she despises. Max will have to choose between the old life she still dreams of and the warrior she has become, and take her place on the side of right — if she survives long enough to figure out which side that is....
I know this is a strange way to say I'm catching up on my series reading with book 1, but it's true. I actually started with Crimson Wind which is the second book in the series. I was not lost and became quickly enthralled with the series, but I had to read Shadow City (#3) before I read anything else because the second one ended with a cliffie. So, now I'm catching up and read that first book.

Oh I'm glad I did. I didn't feel like I was missing anything, but I did get a much better feel for some of the characters like Alexander. I had an idea of what happened, but now I know. I also got to find out how she first met "Scooter", a powerful entity that plays a main role in the next 2 books.

As far as the story goes, it is filled with kick arse adventure with an equally kick arse main female character. She also has a very vulnerable side which does not take away her strength, but adds to it. Oh and plenty of snark from our heroine. Loved that. You also have some interesting characters that you will want to meet. The world is built around ours, but holds secrets that most of us are unaware, but will become aware in short order. There are the fae, gods, witches and humans who have become preternatural. It's a world that will have endless possibilities. Yes, you can safely say this has become one of my fave UF series.

I give this book 4 1/2 stars. I really loved finding out more about the characters I'm already invested. Do pick up this series if you are a UF series fan.
I received this book from Pocket Books and no compensation for my review was given.

23 comments:

  1. Yep, this is one series I haven't started but need to catch up on! I have the first three books...will have to start reading them soon! :-)

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  2. Sounds like a very modern take on witches, thanks for recommending it.

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  3. I'm always on the lookout for a new UF series to try. I'll add this one! Really curious how all the supernatural and paranormal creatures will play out. Thanks for the recommendation!

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  4. I was flipping through my feed, just glanced at the title and read it as "Horny Witches". My brain stuttered.

    Can't tell you how many series I've "caught up on" by actually reading the first and/or second book! For some reason, I seem to start a lot of series with book 3. Weird.

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    1. ROFL! I'm glad I'm not the only one who does that. :D

      I start... well... anywhere often enough. :)

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  5. You just make me happy with your out of order reading Melissa. All is right in my world when you read books 2 and 3 first and then go back for book one:) This is clearly an awesome series, and you know I love a snarky heroine, so I'm thinking I'm going to like these books!

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    1. :D

      Oh yea, you will LOVE her snark. Even when she isn't trying to be snarky, it just comes out. LOL

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  6. Oh I want to try this series! I need to buy the first one!

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  7. Girlfirend I say this every week but I so love that you beat to a different drum and read your books out of order. If I grow up I want to be just like you!

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    1. It's an odd beat... and I seriously doubt anyone hears it but I keep dancing to the tune. ;)

      Btw, never accuse me of being grown up! ;)

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  8. I love that you read books out of order—so brave! I'm too OCD to do that; probably why so many cool UF series are just sitting in my queue. Glad to hear you enjoyed this going back. :-) I think I'd really love Max! I need to pick this one up (and for once, I won't be behind!) Great review :-)

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  9. I usually like to read in order, but have accidently picked up or accepted an arc and then had to read one. This does sound good, and I like when you can read them as standalone as well.

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  10. Oh, now that's an authors name I've not seen around in a while. Thank you! I do want his series. :)

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  11. Oh geez, you and your reading out of order! I'm glad it worked out okay though ;)
    I don't know that I've heard of this series and the last thing I need is another UF series on my shelf, but it does sound really good!

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  12. You and your series! I think you must read more series than anyone I know! Wow, this one does sound good! I'd like to give it a try. And you must really, really like it. I'll keep it on my TBR list.

    Heather

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  13. Wow Melissa, now I truly want to read this series! Thanks for the great review.

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  14. Oh wow! I don't think I remember you mentioning the series before but it looks fantastic :)

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  15. You make me want to read the series. I think this is some thing I can totally enjoy.

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