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katyanaish's review against another edition
4.0
I am having a tough time rating this one, so I am going to write my review to get my thoughts together. I apologize if it meanders a bit.
Let's start with this: I really enjoy this series. The world is fun, the magical system is comprehensive and organized, and best of all, I really love the characters. Persephone, Nana, Johnny, Menessos (love/hate, admittedly), Beverly and a whole host of supporting characters are all well-drawn and engaging. Persephone is someone that feels extraordinarily real to me. She debates the same things I would debate (justice and fair play are important themes to me), and she really thinks through each dilemma ... as opposed to most UF, where the heroines bull their way through the problem, counting on their strength to carry the day. Persephone is a powerhouse, but we don't see it much. She doesn't magic her way out of most situations. She makes a good plan, and works her way through. And I like that.
I think my primary problem with this book (and it has been a trend in this series) is that while there is a concrete over-arching storyline, each book itself doesn't really have a compelling, self-contained major arc. This book felt like a connection of mini-plots - some started and ended over the span of 50 pages - while pushing forward the series-spanning plot. On the upside, that furthers the realistic feel of the series - you feel part of Persephone's day-to-day life. On the downside, the end of the book doesn't feel as climactic, as rewarding, as I would like. Basically, all the books feel like they are bridge books. Sure, stuff is going on, ...but nothing major is resolved at the end of the book. We feel like we made strides toward where the series as a whole is eventually heading, but I don't know, it somehow doesn't feel like a satisfying read in and of itself.
Every series like this can boil down to Heroine vs The Big Bad. Each book is usually like a series of gates - other villains and/or trials that make the heroine stronger or whittle down the major supporters of The Big Bad, until finally the Heroine is ready to take The Big Bad on directly.
In this series, firstly, we only have a vague sense of who The Big Bad even is. We know that it is more of a world-saving event, involving gods and destiny, the balance of the world, and that Persephone will play a major role. We know that this has happened in the past - that previous women have had this role (the Lustrata), and we know that when The Event (and no, we don't have any detail on that either) occurred for them, they failed... which means that Persephone really has a mess on her hands. But we don't really have any more definition than that. I feel like, four books in, I should know more about what is going on, and who the major players are. At least who the bad guys are. I should have a better sense of what the heroine is headed towards. So far, the trials - for 4 books - have been more about the main characters accepting their destiny / their roles. Not really facing any major hurdles, aside from their own internal battles.
I really like these books, and I really like this cast. But something needs to happen. Even if it isn't The Big Bad, I need to see our trio throw down with a foe. Someone who challenges them, makes them grow. Shows their potential, and illuminates their path a little. I need to have some idea of where we are headed, even if it isn't the endgame. I need to see a goal, even if it isn't the ultimate goal. Right now, I feel like the series is meandering. I am enjoying it so far, because I like the company (I really do like the characters), but really, things need to start kicking into gear. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the next one. In the meantime...
***3.5***
Let's start with this: I really enjoy this series. The world is fun, the magical system is comprehensive and organized, and best of all, I really love the characters. Persephone, Nana, Johnny, Menessos (love/hate, admittedly), Beverly and a whole host of supporting characters are all well-drawn and engaging. Persephone is someone that feels extraordinarily real to me. She debates the same things I would debate (justice and fair play are important themes to me), and she really thinks through each dilemma ... as opposed to most UF, where the heroines bull their way through the problem, counting on their strength to carry the day. Persephone is a powerhouse, but we don't see it much. She doesn't magic her way out of most situations. She makes a good plan, and works her way through. And I like that.
I think my primary problem with this book (and it has been a trend in this series) is that while there is a concrete over-arching storyline, each book itself doesn't really have a compelling, self-contained major arc. This book felt like a connection of mini-plots - some started and ended over the span of 50 pages - while pushing forward the series-spanning plot. On the upside, that furthers the realistic feel of the series - you feel part of Persephone's day-to-day life. On the downside, the end of the book doesn't feel as climactic, as rewarding, as I would like. Basically, all the books feel like they are bridge books. Sure, stuff is going on, ...but nothing major is resolved at the end of the book. We feel like we made strides toward where the series as a whole is eventually heading, but I don't know, it somehow doesn't feel like a satisfying read in and of itself.
Every series like this can boil down to Heroine vs The Big Bad. Each book is usually like a series of gates - other villains and/or trials that make the heroine stronger or whittle down the major supporters of The Big Bad, until finally the Heroine is ready to take The Big Bad on directly.
In this series, firstly, we only have a vague sense of who The Big Bad even is. We know that it is more of a world-saving event, involving gods and destiny, the balance of the world, and that Persephone will play a major role. We know that this has happened in the past - that previous women have had this role (the Lustrata), and we know that when The Event (and no, we don't have any detail on that either) occurred for them, they failed... which means that Persephone really has a mess on her hands. But we don't really have any more definition than that. I feel like, four books in, I should know more about what is going on, and who the major players are. At least who the bad guys are. I should have a better sense of what the heroine is headed towards. So far, the trials - for 4 books - have been more about the main characters accepting their destiny / their roles. Not really facing any major hurdles, aside from their own internal battles.
I really like these books, and I really like this cast. But something needs to happen. Even if it isn't The Big Bad, I need to see our trio throw down with a foe. Someone who challenges them, makes them grow. Shows their potential, and illuminates their path a little. I need to have some idea of where we are headed, even if it isn't the endgame. I need to see a goal, even if it isn't the ultimate goal. Right now, I feel like the series is meandering. I am enjoying it so far, because I like the company (I really do like the characters), but really, things need to start kicking into gear. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the next one. In the meantime...
***3.5***
snarkymotherreader's review against another edition
5.0
Overall, Arcane Circle took the various aspects of urban fantasy I love, threw them all together, and created a visual masterpiece of discovery, devotion, and desire. You have magical creatures (Thunderbird and Errol are as much stars as Seph and Johnny), egotistical lords, and a love triangle that possibly spells disaster for the world in general. Make sure you don’t have anything planned for a few days when you pick this up because you will not be able to put it down!
Full review available at http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=34481.
Full review available at http://bittenbybooks.com/?p=34481.
chllybrd's review against another edition
4.0
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 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.
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 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.
alexiachantel's review against another edition
4.0
The Persephone Alcmedi series keeps getting better and better with each book! Robertson has created characters that stay with you even after you have put the book down.
The witches want her out of the picture. They have some power behind them, enough to worry Seph and her grandma. Not to mention the two men in Seph’s life. She needs them both, yet circumstances have changed.
Menessos died at her hand, now he lives by her blood. Is this a step towards a deeper connection between Menessos and Seph? He sure hopes so. After all she knows his secrets and he sees in her someone he loves.
Johnny is the Domn Lup, or he will be confirmed king as soon as he gets the nod from the Romanian head honcho. There is much more to the shifters than we know, Robertson gives pieces of information here and there but you are left with the feeling that there is more. Seph makes promises and gives Johnny all she can. Is it enough to keep him in her life?
Arcane Circle is awesome! A great addition to the series, bring on book five!
*copy courtesy of publisher
Separate review posted at Reading Between the Wines:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-arcane-circle-by-linda-robertson.html
The witches want her out of the picture. They have some power behind them, enough to worry Seph and her grandma. Not to mention the two men in Seph’s life. She needs them both, yet circumstances have changed.
Menessos died at her hand, now he lives by her blood. Is this a step towards a deeper connection between Menessos and Seph? He sure hopes so. After all she knows his secrets and he sees in her someone he loves.
Johnny is the Domn Lup, or he will be confirmed king as soon as he gets the nod from the Romanian head honcho. There is much more to the shifters than we know, Robertson gives pieces of information here and there but you are left with the feeling that there is more. Seph makes promises and gives Johnny all she can. Is it enough to keep him in her life?
Arcane Circle is awesome! A great addition to the series, bring on book five!
*copy courtesy of publisher
Separate review posted at Reading Between the Wines:
http://readingbetweenthewinesbookclub.blogspot.com/2013/01/review-arcane-circle-by-linda-robertson.html
drey72's review against another edition
4.0
Well, I guess the focus must’ve been on Seph for too long, because Arcane Circle features a lot of Johnny. Then again, if he’s to take on the mantle of Domn Lup, it’s not going to happen like magic, overnight. Which makes me wonder if we get one focused on Menessos? Then again, he’s already a big scary vampire…
Anyway. Johnny. Way back when, in Johnny’s past, he got tattooed. They’re really cool and all, but somehow the tattoos locked up his magic — magic he needs to access, especially if he’s Domn Lup. So the next order of business is to find out how to unlock the magic from the tattoos.
Easier said than done, especially when some gender-backwards werewolf ruling body appears to check Seph out, and manage to piss off (almost) everyone while they’re there. Then again, it’s hard to not get pissed when one is kidnapped, beaten, and threatened with rape by a bunch of drunk-on-power chauvinists. And if all of that isn’t enough to deal with, wait’ll you find out who tattooed Johnny. Seph is so not a happy camper in this installment!
But she’s a big girl, and big girls don’t cry (or so Fergie says). So she pulls up her big girl panties and heads out to wage war against those who’d harm her and hers — which happens to encompass a heck of a lot more people every day, by the way.
Arcane Circle expands even more on the groundwork of the previous novels, and I’m very happy with the character and plot growth contained within its pages. I’m looking forward to more, even as I dread the day I run out of Seph books to inhale. Give this series a whirl if you haven’t already, especially if you’re a fan of Urban Fantasy with kick-ass heroines who won’t stoop to the level of the villains. Start with Vicious Circle.
drey’s rating: Excellent!
Anyway. Johnny. Way back when, in Johnny’s past, he got tattooed. They’re really cool and all, but somehow the tattoos locked up his magic — magic he needs to access, especially if he’s Domn Lup. So the next order of business is to find out how to unlock the magic from the tattoos.
Easier said than done, especially when some gender-backwards werewolf ruling body appears to check Seph out, and manage to piss off (almost) everyone while they’re there. Then again, it’s hard to not get pissed when one is kidnapped, beaten, and threatened with rape by a bunch of drunk-on-power chauvinists. And if all of that isn’t enough to deal with, wait’ll you find out who tattooed Johnny. Seph is so not a happy camper in this installment!
But she’s a big girl, and big girls don’t cry (or so Fergie says). So she pulls up her big girl panties and heads out to wage war against those who’d harm her and hers — which happens to encompass a heck of a lot more people every day, by the way.
Arcane Circle expands even more on the groundwork of the previous novels, and I’m very happy with the character and plot growth contained within its pages. I’m looking forward to more, even as I dread the day I run out of Seph books to inhale. Give this series a whirl if you haven’t already, especially if you’re a fan of Urban Fantasy with kick-ass heroines who won’t stoop to the level of the villains. Start with Vicious Circle.
drey’s rating: Excellent!
loveinpanels's review against another edition
4.0
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!
Looking forward to the next book. Hopefully she'll expound on the love triangle!
lessharper's review
4.0
This book ends exactly where the last ended.
The plotting is good and less of the action and drama is telegraphed too early. In this one you know who-done-it early on and who the major baddies will be, the surprises are what the baddies do. For the first time a bit of actionMax's murder is a true surprise. That the head honcho were (Rege) and his henchmen are misogynistic bastards isn't a surprise and it borders on annoying, still this is used to the good guy's advantage.
We're introduced to Seph's mom- who is a tattoo artist and the one who bound Johnny's power. Oh, she also had another kid with her boyfriend who is in jail in Calli for aggravated assault. Seph's mom is kind of an asshole. She get's shot and loses her right arm- her karmic payment for what she did to Johnny. This brings up some interesting writing around Seph's fear of abandonment among other things. Personally I'm not looking forward to the addition of this character in the future books- she's a self centered a-hole.
The plotting is good and less of the action and drama is telegraphed too early. In this one you know who-done-it early on and who the major baddies will be, the surprises are what the baddies do. For the first time a bit of action
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