Scan barcode
vikingwolf's review
5.0
Seriously, the more I read in this series the more I love it! I'm so attached to all the characters and anxious for their wellbeing, which shows that the author is doing a great job of making you care about them and drawing you into their world.
Zoey is recovering from her bad luck Pooka and her run in with the Board but she and Maurice are suddenly being overwhelmed by the number of Hidden creatures that are coming to her for help. Her garden is like the tent city in a refugee disaster zone-thunderbirds, harpies, djinn to name a few-and many are telling stories of being hunted or having family members go missing. It is a worrying time and the gang try to work out if there is a pattern to the problems they are facing while working to expand the safe zone. It is then that the hunters arrive in the woods beside Zoey's protected home and start grabbing her friends.
I was in a real state of fear when the attack happened. Darius, the boss of Silas the Pooka arrives in time to stop Zoey running into the battle, but my heart was in my mouth when Maurice ran into the woods. I was so scared that he would get grabbed. Despite their best efforts, Iris is taken by the hunters as he tries to stop them taking the fairies. Poor Iris! After Maurice, he is my favourite character and the thought of the big guy in prison was horrible.
The plot thickens when Zoey finds out that the missing creatures are going to be sold to rich humans at an auction, an event that Sara and Zoey have been hired to plan. Now they have to run two events back to back and find a way to rescue all the captured creatures during it. The Collector is in charge of things and she becomes aware that there is an Aegis is town, making the task more difficult. Things get tougher for Zoey when she finds out that the missing Aegis agents are being held by the Collector to look after the Hidden-and could perhaps include Zoey's mother.
This book is darker than the other books, which is to be expected with the plot. I was worried constantly by what was happening to Iris and the others, and as the auction gets nearer, the tension rises. Maurice and his friends are determined to do anything they can to rescue their comrades, making Zoey (and me) fear for his safety. There are a few tension filled scenes ie the warehouse that the gang go to search, where the creatures were held. The night of the auction was full of tension and trauma as events spin out of control.
There were a few lighter moments that I enjoyed. Iris with his Yeti girlfriend. Maurice pretending to be a slave closet monster belonging to Sara during the search for his friends. There were also some touching moments where a couple of kids were reunited with their rescued mother, Zoey seeing her mother and Molly's husband redeeming himself in defence of his family. And Alma gets a right dose from Zoey...YEA!
***SPOILER***
This is a BIG plot spoiler so if you don't want to know what happens at the auction, look away NOW! Don't look back until you see the spoiler end!
There was a horrific scene for me during the auction. It looks as if the Hidden have been successfully rescued and everyone is starting to relax, and then it happens. The bad guy with the gun points it right at Maurice and pulls the trigger. I was screaming 'noooo' in my head at the thought of a dead Maurice and then poor big brave Iris throws himself in the way to save his best friend. I was distraught. Not Maurice, but please not Iris either! I prayed that Zoey could help him, like she did with Milo. I was running with her as she sought to find her mother, who has the power to hold off death. I so wanted there to be a magical loophole...but Iris was gone. I sobbed from then until after they buried the big guy. I could not stop and I'm not sure I can forgive the author for this!
***SPOILER END***
OK you can look back now. Yes I promise, it's safe! This was a really emotional book with danger around every corner, but with the right blend of tension, humour, sweet scenes and the disturbing. It was beautifully written and I was swept along for the ride. I did not put this book down from start to finish and I can't wait to read what comes next. This is one of the best new series that I've discovered and I need my next Monster fix!
Zoey is recovering from her bad luck Pooka and her run in with the Board but she and Maurice are suddenly being overwhelmed by the number of Hidden creatures that are coming to her for help. Her garden is like the tent city in a refugee disaster zone-thunderbirds, harpies, djinn to name a few-and many are telling stories of being hunted or having family members go missing. It is a worrying time and the gang try to work out if there is a pattern to the problems they are facing while working to expand the safe zone. It is then that the hunters arrive in the woods beside Zoey's protected home and start grabbing her friends.
I was in a real state of fear when the attack happened. Darius, the boss of Silas the Pooka arrives in time to stop Zoey running into the battle, but my heart was in my mouth when Maurice ran into the woods. I was so scared that he would get grabbed. Despite their best efforts, Iris is taken by the hunters as he tries to stop them taking the fairies. Poor Iris! After Maurice, he is my favourite character and the thought of the big guy in prison was horrible.
The plot thickens when Zoey finds out that the missing creatures are going to be sold to rich humans at an auction, an event that Sara and Zoey have been hired to plan. Now they have to run two events back to back and find a way to rescue all the captured creatures during it. The Collector is in charge of things and she becomes aware that there is an Aegis is town, making the task more difficult. Things get tougher for Zoey when she finds out that the missing Aegis agents are being held by the Collector to look after the Hidden-and could perhaps include Zoey's mother.
This book is darker than the other books, which is to be expected with the plot. I was worried constantly by what was happening to Iris and the others, and as the auction gets nearer, the tension rises. Maurice and his friends are determined to do anything they can to rescue their comrades, making Zoey (and me) fear for his safety. There are a few tension filled scenes ie the warehouse that the gang go to search, where the creatures were held. The night of the auction was full of tension and trauma as events spin out of control.
There were a few lighter moments that I enjoyed. Iris with his Yeti girlfriend. Maurice pretending to be a slave closet monster belonging to Sara during the search for his friends. There were also some touching moments where a couple of kids were reunited with their rescued mother, Zoey seeing her mother and Molly's husband redeeming himself in defence of his family. And Alma gets a right dose from Zoey...YEA!
***SPOILER***
This is a BIG plot spoiler so if you don't want to know what happens at the auction, look away NOW! Don't look back until you see the spoiler end!
There was a horrific scene for me during the auction. It looks as if the Hidden have been successfully rescued and everyone is starting to relax, and then it happens. The bad guy with the gun points it right at Maurice and pulls the trigger. I was screaming 'noooo' in my head at the thought of a dead Maurice and then poor big brave Iris throws himself in the way to save his best friend. I was distraught. Not Maurice, but please not Iris either! I prayed that Zoey could help him, like she did with Milo. I was running with her as she sought to find her mother, who has the power to hold off death. I so wanted there to be a magical loophole...but Iris was gone. I sobbed from then until after they buried the big guy. I could not stop and I'm not sure I can forgive the author for this!
***SPOILER END***
OK you can look back now. Yes I promise, it's safe! This was a really emotional book with danger around every corner, but with the right blend of tension, humour, sweet scenes and the disturbing. It was beautifully written and I was swept along for the ride. I did not put this book down from start to finish and I can't wait to read what comes next. This is one of the best new series that I've discovered and I need my next Monster fix!
odomaf's review
1.0
I'm still not happy with the lack of sensitivity regarding the situation with Sara's rape -- something that happened in book 1 that's still having repercussions for Sara, but that everyone else in the book seems to think is water under the bridge. Despite other parts of the book (and the series) that are good, this Sara thing has done me in. This will be the last of these books I read.
WHAT I LIKED
-------------
- All the magical creatures were amazing and so much fun.
- I got to hate Alma some more, and wow do I like hating her.
- Zoey taking responsibility for her Aegis role.
- Maurice. Always Maurice.
- The Reaper
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
-----------------
- Sara is clearly suffering repercussions from the incubus "days of raping" in book 1. And yet, when Zoey's monster friends mention it to her, Zoey seems confused and surprised as to why Sara hasn't recovered from that experience yet. That's some serious self-absorption on Zoey's part. I certainly wouldn't want to be her best friend.
I've been holding on through this third book hoping the whole sidelining of Sara's horror would somehow be dealt with as the horror it was. I'm giving up, and I just can't keep reading.
WHAT I LIKED
-------------
- All the magical creatures were amazing and so much fun.
- I got to hate Alma some more, and wow do I like hating her.
- Zoey taking responsibility for her Aegis role.
- Maurice. Always Maurice.
- The Reaper
WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE
-----------------
- Sara is clearly suffering repercussions from the incubus "days of raping" in book 1. And yet, when Zoey's monster friends mention it to her, Zoey seems confused and surprised as to why Sara hasn't recovered from that experience yet. That's some serious self-absorption on Zoey's part. I certainly wouldn't want to be her best friend.
I've been holding on through this third book hoping the whole sidelining of Sara's horror would somehow be dealt with as the horror it was. I'm giving up, and I just can't keep reading.
tartbarbie's review
5.0
I received Fairies in My Fireplace in return for an honest review from the publisher Carina Press via Netgalley. This is the third installment in the Monster Haven series. Even though Zoey is learning to be a better Aegis she still has her moments when she loses her shields and is smothered by the Hidden around hers emotions. As a Aegis it is Zoey’s job to protect the Hidden but now they are showing up in waves with loved ones being kidnapped. As if finding the missing Hidden isn't enough she also has to set up another event for the evil Mrs. Alma Dickenson.
Thankfully Zoey won’t have to go it alone she has the help of her closet monster, best friend, boyfriend and even a few new Hidden friends. When a stranger shows up in town a Mothman who’s the one who sent her the Pooka he knows more then he’s telling but isn't willing to share. When Iris her skunk-ape bodyguard is taken they learn that a collector is going to have an auction. It just so happen’s that Alma happens to be also hosting The Collectors Auction which will give the group the chance to save everyone or be captured.
Zoey is a protector of the Hidden she’s just new to it so it’s been a learning process. Zoey has always been one of my favorite characters. She stole my heart in the first book and just keeps getting better with age. She’s a kick-ass-character who Is willing to risk it all for the Hidden and her friends. I love all the characters in the story, they enhance the story is such a positive way.
When I saw Fairies in My Fireplace I just knew I couldn't wait and had to request a copy right away. I love the unique concept for of Zoey as protector for the supernatural. I’m an addict for the supernatural and this book is loaded with all kinds of Hidden that go bump in the night. I keep looking in my closet hoping to find my own special closet monster. So far no luck yet but maybe one day I will find one who cooks as good as Maurice. I was instantly captivated by the book I had a hard time putting it down but sleep overtook me so I finished first thing this morning. From start to finish a emotional roller coaster filled with action, romance, danger, humor and bad guys. The characters are engaging; they steal your heart, mess with your emotions and you can’t help falling in love with them. The story is well written filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing till the end only to leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book I want to know what’s going to happen next. I can’t even begin to imagine what she has living in her house next. One of my top 5 must read series.
Thankfully Zoey won’t have to go it alone she has the help of her closet monster, best friend, boyfriend and even a few new Hidden friends. When a stranger shows up in town a Mothman who’s the one who sent her the Pooka he knows more then he’s telling but isn't willing to share. When Iris her skunk-ape bodyguard is taken they learn that a collector is going to have an auction. It just so happen’s that Alma happens to be also hosting The Collectors Auction which will give the group the chance to save everyone or be captured.
Zoey is a protector of the Hidden she’s just new to it so it’s been a learning process. Zoey has always been one of my favorite characters. She stole my heart in the first book and just keeps getting better with age. She’s a kick-ass-character who Is willing to risk it all for the Hidden and her friends. I love all the characters in the story, they enhance the story is such a positive way.
When I saw Fairies in My Fireplace I just knew I couldn't wait and had to request a copy right away. I love the unique concept for of Zoey as protector for the supernatural. I’m an addict for the supernatural and this book is loaded with all kinds of Hidden that go bump in the night. I keep looking in my closet hoping to find my own special closet monster. So far no luck yet but maybe one day I will find one who cooks as good as Maurice. I was instantly captivated by the book I had a hard time putting it down but sleep overtook me so I finished first thing this morning. From start to finish a emotional roller coaster filled with action, romance, danger, humor and bad guys. The characters are engaging; they steal your heart, mess with your emotions and you can’t help falling in love with them. The story is well written filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing till the end only to leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book I want to know what’s going to happen next. I can’t even begin to imagine what she has living in her house next. One of my top 5 must read series.
valerie_sam's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
lalabristow's review
5.0
*NO SPOILERS
Zoey is back! The Monster Haven series is so great and R.L. Naquin has created such a compelling and interesting world that I can't help to look forward to the next adventure.
On my Pooka In My Pantry review I mentioned how well balanced the lighter and darker side of these novels. That is specially true with Fairies in My Fireplace, where I found myself laughing and crying throughout the novel.
I love the Hidden Monsters R.L. Naquin has added to this incredible world and I utterly enjoyed how much Zoey has evolved ever since Monster In My Closet, She is a great heroine.
In Fairies in My Fireplace Zoey has a great support system in her friends, bue something strange is going on in the Hidden World and because Zoey is an Aegis, it's in her hand and her friends' to figure out what is going on.
I really enjoyed the plot in Fairies in My Fireplace it was fun and creepy all at the same time. What more could I have asked for in an Urban Fantasy novel?
If you enjoy UF novels with a lighter vein but full of heart, this is deffinitely the series for you!
Zoey is back! The Monster Haven series is so great and R.L. Naquin has created such a compelling and interesting world that I can't help to look forward to the next adventure.
On my Pooka In My Pantry review I mentioned how well balanced the lighter and darker side of these novels. That is specially true with Fairies in My Fireplace, where I found myself laughing and crying throughout the novel.
I love the Hidden Monsters R.L. Naquin has added to this incredible world and I utterly enjoyed how much Zoey has evolved ever since Monster In My Closet, She is a great heroine.
In Fairies in My Fireplace Zoey has a great support system in her friends, bue something strange is going on in the Hidden World and because Zoey is an Aegis, it's in her hand and her friends' to figure out what is going on.
I really enjoyed the plot in Fairies in My Fireplace it was fun and creepy all at the same time. What more could I have asked for in an Urban Fantasy novel?
If you enjoy UF novels with a lighter vein but full of heart, this is deffinitely the series for you!
lilyelement's review
4.0
Zoey Donovan is an Aegis, she protects of all the beings that Humans don't know exist. Closet monsters, djinn, hell hounds, dragons, you name it she's probably met one or will in the future. Fairies in My Fireplace is book three in the series, and this time around Zoey's day job takes the back burner. Pretty much her full responsibility is helping the Hidden. Her abilities are growing, and I can't wait to see where it takes her in future books.
Hidden are going missing and Zoey is on the case. When someone abducts several members of the Hidden that were under Zoey's care, she would do anything in order to save them. Zoey's hunky Reaper boyfriend and several friends help her find who is behind the abductions. I really enjoy RNaquin's writing style, she has such unique characters. I mean where else are you going to read about a skunk-ape named Iris? I was trying to be patient and wait until book four was a bit closer but couldn't wait any longer. I love this series and recommend it if you like paranormal romance/urban fantasy.
Hidden are going missing and Zoey is on the case. When someone abducts several members of the Hidden that were under Zoey's care, she would do anything in order to save them. Zoey's hunky Reaper boyfriend and several friends help her find who is behind the abductions. I really enjoy RNaquin's writing style, she has such unique characters. I mean where else are you going to read about a skunk-ape named Iris? I was trying to be patient and wait until book four was a bit closer but couldn't wait any longer. I love this series and recommend it if you like paranormal romance/urban fantasy.
annastarlight's review
4.0
Fairies in My Fireplace is the best book in the Monster Haven series so far. Naquin proves that she has developed from the cute fluff of Monster in My Closet and that she can write a wider emotional range.
Zoey is the last Aegis left, which means that every Hidden comes knocking on her door when they need help. Right now she has her hands full with a harpy on her roof and the goblin children in the living room, but just taking care of them is not enough. Something or someone is hunting the Hidden, and Zoey has to stop it.
Zoey is one of those fun quirky characters that seem to inhabit many chicklit books. She has a weird fashion sense, acts on impulse some times, and is clumsy enough to trip over her own feet. Additionally, she feels obligated to help anyone that comes in her path. Throughout the second book but mainly the third, we're starting to see the downside of Zoey's personality - helping everyone around her means that she stops taking care of herself. In Fairies in My Fireplace she gets exhausted from the increased stream of Hidden coming to her home, and she needs all the help from her friends that she can use.
The shiny, happy world of Monster Haven gained a darker edge in the second book, Pooka in My Pantry. While it didn't completely sit comfortably in that book, the darkness is well-integrated in Fairies in My Fireplace. Some very sad but well-placed things happen in this book. The stakes are raised for the main characters as they find out that they aren't immune to the bad guys.
What's great about these books is that while each book has it's own closed storyline, they all tie in to the greater story arch. In every book we learn more about the world and underlying questions like "what happened to Zoey's mom?" are slowly revealed and answered. I like knowing that by the end of this six-part series, all of these questions will be answered.
Fairies in My Fireplace defies multiple genre conventions for the best - the relationship between Riley and Zoey has very few dramatic hurdles and develops at a realistic pace. Zoey's "non-magical" best friend actually knows about what Zoey does for the Hidden and helps whenever she can. There is rarely any unnecessary drama, which I find incredibly refreshing.
The Monster Haven books keep getting better and better. I have high hopes for the other three books in the series.
Zoey is the last Aegis left, which means that every Hidden comes knocking on her door when they need help. Right now she has her hands full with a harpy on her roof and the goblin children in the living room, but just taking care of them is not enough. Something or someone is hunting the Hidden, and Zoey has to stop it.
Zoey is one of those fun quirky characters that seem to inhabit many chicklit books. She has a weird fashion sense, acts on impulse some times, and is clumsy enough to trip over her own feet. Additionally, she feels obligated to help anyone that comes in her path. Throughout the second book but mainly the third, we're starting to see the downside of Zoey's personality - helping everyone around her means that she stops taking care of herself. In Fairies in My Fireplace she gets exhausted from the increased stream of Hidden coming to her home, and she needs all the help from her friends that she can use.
The shiny, happy world of Monster Haven gained a darker edge in the second book, Pooka in My Pantry. While it didn't completely sit comfortably in that book, the darkness is well-integrated in Fairies in My Fireplace. Some very sad but well-placed things happen in this book. The stakes are raised for the main characters as they find out that they aren't immune to the bad guys.
What's great about these books is that while each book has it's own closed storyline, they all tie in to the greater story arch. In every book we learn more about the world and underlying questions like "what happened to Zoey's mom?" are slowly revealed and answered. I like knowing that by the end of this six-part series, all of these questions will be answered.
Fairies in My Fireplace defies multiple genre conventions for the best - the relationship between Riley and Zoey has very few dramatic hurdles and develops at a realistic pace. Zoey's "non-magical" best friend actually knows about what Zoey does for the Hidden and helps whenever she can. There is rarely any unnecessary drama, which I find incredibly refreshing.
The Monster Haven books keep getting better and better. I have high hopes for the other three books in the series.
More...