Review: Wicked Circle

Wicked Circle (Persephone Alcmedi - Book 5) by Linda Robertson

Publication Date: December 27, 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Pages: Paperback, 413pp
ISBN-13: 978-1451646955

ISBN: 145164695X

(Received for an honest review from Pocket Books)


Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Linda Robertson on the WEB: website, blog, facebook, twitter


Books in the Series: Vicious Cycle (2009), Hallowed Circle (2009), Fatal Circle (2010), Arcane Circle (2010), Wicked Circle (2011)

CoverArt: Click on the picture for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.

Except from Wicked Circle (Amazon Look Inside Feature)

Synopsis:


Is a little time alone with the man you love too much to ask?

Well, it may be - when you're Persephone Alcmedi, Lustrata of the witches, and your lover is Domn Lup of the werewolves. For once, however, the disturbance is not Seph's foster daughter, Beverly, her wacky grandmother, or her newly rediscovered mother. This time, it's the ancient and incredibly sexy vampire Menessos, bearing bad news: because the vampire council fears he is plotting a power grab. Menessos is being hunted by a trio of truth-seeking vampire sisters so dangerous they are usually kept locked in stone. 


His dreams imperiled, Menessos needs Seph more than ever... and she needs him. Now, Seph has magical promises to fulfill for the weres, multiple mundane family challenges to meet, vampire politics to confront... and into the bargain she's balancing two sexy supernatural males. It's enough to drive any woman insane, especially when you throw in a dragon and - even worse - a government investigator. As danger threatens, Seph isn't sure she can stay alive for the rest of the day... let along long enough to accomplish all that needs to be done. 

Thoughts:


Wicked Circle is the fifth book in the Persephone Alcmedi urban fantasy series written by Linda Robertson. This series features a strong heroine in Persephone, lots of family drama from her quirky extended family, and a love triangle of supernatural proportions. Fans of the series will be interested in the new direction the series is apparently taking with this latest installment while new readers will be drawn to the complex relationships and characters that make up this series. 

Wicked Circle comes across as a transition book in the Persephone Alcmedi series. It is appears that Linda Robertson has a new direction and she's taking fans along for the ride. It is my opinion that a long running series always needs a shake up now and then and this book is certainly the catalyst for change. Wicked Circle focuses less on action and more on introspection and information. Robertson has a knack for balancing Persephone's life against those of her family and the men in her life and this book is no different. It's obvious that the main character is going to have some decisions to make in the next couple of books and fans will be biting their nails in suspense.

Persephone who has always been a very strong heroine who doesn't apologize for her actions and does what she considers to be right regardless of the consequences is once again facing some daunting circumstances in personal and profession life. Her lover is werewolf, she has a sexy vampire waiting in the wings and she just isn't sure how either one of them fits into the greater scheme of things. Though Robertson's writing sometimes leans a little toward Paranormal Romance, I think the essence of this series is all Urban Fantasy and appeals to readers of both sub-genres. 

There were some new introductions in this book including the very elusive and mysterious "creepy" that will keep readers wondering just how he will fit into coming installments in the series. Persephone is still dealing with issues involving her crazy grandma, her permanently petulant foster daughter and her newly resurfaced mom. The relationship building that Robertson does throughout this series has always been good, but it is really showcased in this particular book. I liked the fact that everything between Persephone and her love interests is intensified and seems to be coming to a head. I think fan can look forward to some really interesting things to come, especially after that ending. It was kind of stunning and really whetted the appetite for the next book in the series. 


I recommend this one to both urban fantasy and paranormal romance readers. I think there is enough of each to keep both types of readers entertained and satisfied. I am looking forward to seeing where Robertson goes with the changes she introduced in this one. If you're into witches, were's or vamps this might be a good fit for you...

Wicked Circle is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Linda Robertson is the author of five books about Persephone Alcmedi, all available from June and Pocket Books. A native of Ohio, she is also the mother of four awesome boys, owns four guitars, and has one goofy dog. Once upon a time, she was lead guitarist in a heavy metal cover band. She has worked as a graphic artist, a Realtor, and various other jobs over the years, but writing has always been her passion. Recently, she's discovered the joy of riding bitch on the back of a Harley-Davidison.