What Hunts Inside the Shadows (Of Flesh & Bone Series)
K**R
Holy wow!
I typically wait until a whole series is released and go back and leave my review on the first book so others who are considering the series can get a more complete review. That's what I look for in reviews as well. Sometimes I'm compelled to leave a review on other books in the series. This is one of those times. Gods this book was good!I didn't know what to expect. I always get nervous about second books. That's usually where a good story takes a bad turn if it's going to happen. This second book was honestly amazing. The writing was art. I see some reviews nicely kind of picking at it because they felt like enough didn't happen or Estrella was annoying and flip floppy. She did flip flop, but it worked for the story. I'm overly sensitive to pointless flip flopping or repetitive inner monolog. I really really hate it. I didn't feel that in this book. It all felt natural like it was a true story and the author was just retelling it if that makes sense. Caelums lines were just beautiful, like poetry. And Estrellas response to them felt so real.I was also worried that the second book would see the plot being forgotten and it would slide into erotica territory. That also did not happen. The spicy scenes didn't overshadow the intricate plot. So for readers looking for a book that revolves around forced situations that are just a Segway for graphic sex scenes, you'll be disappointed lol.I can't say enough about the beautiful writing. The characters feel so meaningful to the story. The relationships she develops outside of the romantic one are meaningful, not just cardboard cutout characters to fill in gaps. I love a story that showcases relationships outside of the romantic one. It lends a healthy feel to the romantic relationship itself.Them being traveling for the whole book was risky. It could have backfired in a major way, but it did not. It really sets the scene for what's to come. I normally read RH and have found myself bored with single romantic interests but this story is so filled with substance I don't find myself wishing for more men just to liven it up.I don't mind cliffhangers. I know a lot of people despise them. I expect them. If I had a tiny complaint it would be the cliffhanger this one left us with as it's kind of a trope. However, that did not take away from the story.I'm dying for the next book!
B**5
This Series has me in a Chokehold!
This Series has me in a Chokehold! Only 2 books in to what I believe will be 6 and this series has such a grip on me I can’t even begin to describe. The plot, twists/turns, the characters, the smut….the cliffhanger!!! The MMC is simply the possessive morally grey guy you have to love but with the fated mates love he’s not afraid to tell the FMC that melts your heart. I fear even with everything these two have gone through it’s just getting started by how this book ended and I’m already itching for more…like I need all the words.Adelaide Forrest/ Harper L Woods has to be one of my absolute favorite writers ever. Not only for her absolutely panty melting men that make you swoon even when they do bad bad things. but her words and imagery in general not only make you feel like you’re actually in the world she’s describing but she does it so poetically it’s simply beautiful.If you haven’t started this story and you like fantasy romance then I HIGHLY recommend you start now! If your a fan of morally grey men in general then check out Adelaide Forrest’s other works!
K**R
STEAMY!!!
So many instances but it never gets boring! I'm loving the creative technique that goes into each scene as well and not just the hot and bothered ones. Usually after a couple of scenes, the sequel attraction is just portrayed the same as the first initial time of intimacy but that's not the case with these books! The story line and build up are great but the world building could use a little more depth. Tbf, it's winter so not much to work with, I understand.I will say that there is a repetitive line used quite frequently and I'm over it but MFL always states "completely different/changed so much compared to a few/couple weeks back" type phrasing and there's no real account of time? Everything in the first book and this book could have easily occurred with one month's time because there is no time skip, it's a day by day adventure. Nothing wrong with that, just wish some different phrasing was used or time stamps. Or even just statements like "I'm not the girl I used to be..." and leave it at that. IMO of course!
C**S
a decent book 2
I absolutely loved book 1 and was looking forward to this book. I normally blow through books I am looking forward to but I decided to slow this one down and take my time. Now, I liked this book but it wasn’t as strong as book 1 for me.I have been a fan of Caelum from jump and book 2 did not disappoint. I did not know I could love a MMC as much as him but damn, he got more brownie points from me in his unwavering loyalty to his mate. We get his POV which is perfection.Estrella on the other hand….I hated her up until about 50% of this book. Which was funny because I liked her in book 1. The back and forth of her resolve and wanting to hurt and punish Caelum even though she knew he did everything for her. I am not a fan of that and so, for me this book lost a star. I am a sucker for fated mates and I hate the miscommunication trope and in my opinion the first half of the book was the ugly step child of the miscommunication trope.I loved the humor between the characters. The Wild Hunt had some funny moments and I hope they make an appearance in book 3. It loosened up Estrella’s character with their banter even though I was mad at her character.This book was heavy in the smut. Normally I am not a fan of heavy smut, I like more plot but it actually made sense with who and what Caelum is and what Estrella was becoming. It did get a little too much for me to the point where I was skimming but that is my personal choice. Plenty of people out there like heavy smut, this is for you. It didn’t take away from the story for me.Now, how the heck am I supposed to wait until March for book 3 after that cliffhanger??
F**E
(Whilst slow) a solid second instalment
Solid second instalment of what looks to be an interesting series. It definitely had some of the typical issues you see in the 2nd book of a series - it felt a bit like a bridge between everything that happened in the first book, and what I imagine will be a much more exciting third book, with not that much actually happening. The first 25% or so was pretty slow going, and the constant back and forth between loving and hating Caldris (whilst understandable) did get a little bit tiresome. Whilst enjoyable, I did also feel like maybe there were a couple too many sex scenes that mostly felt like page fillers. I’m all for smutty books, but not so much when it seems like it’s just there for no other reason than to bulk the book out. Overall, I can forgive the slow storyline and over abundance of sex scenes, because this book has brought forth a lot of questions regarding Estrella’s heritage that I imagine will get answered in the next book (I’m going out on a limb and saying she’s somehow connected to the fates themselves possibly? That’d be pretty cool!). If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll probably enjoy this one too, and look forward to the next. Oh, and Holt is officially my favourite new character, I loved his scenes earlier on in the book, and I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with him and Imelda as the series continues.
C**E
The second instalment in the Of Flesh and Bone series was one of my most anticipated reads.
What Hunts Inside The Shadows begins immediately after the cliffhanger from What Lies Beyond The Veil, and describes Estrella’s journey of falling in love on her own terms and discovering her power.We’re re-introduced to some absolutely brilliant characters, who add brand new dynamics to the book and all have their own stories to tell. Absolutely loved Holt and learning more about the Wild Hunt, and it was great to see more strong female friendships. The dual POV from Estrella and Caelum really expresses the thoughts and emotions they’re both feeling and it was great to see their reactions to Estrella coming into her power (excited to see how this develops).I really enjoyed the plot, it did feel slightly like a bridge between books but still hooked me straight away. The imagery and world building was, like the first book, really intriguing and provides some extra depth to the narrative. Some brilliant tropes weaved into the story - touch her and I’ll kill you, forced proximity (who doesn’t love when they both have to ride the same horse), lots of spice and some well deserved revenge on those characters deserving their comeuppance.The author writes a brilliant love story, set in a well thought out mystical fantasy setting. The book had an amazing cliffhanger that really set up the rest of the series, and left lots of unanswered questions that I’m excited to see explored. Actually obsessed with this series!!!
S**Y
Unexpected! But Wow!
I waited for the release of this instalment, and it was worth it. The way it ended was unexpected.I rarely give 5stars but, the pacing was very good. The book was long, but gripping. 😊After secrets are revealed Estrella is faced with a hard decision, does she follow the one she loves or find a way to leave him?Does she hold on to the beliefs of her conditioning or try to understand that she has been conditioned?The back and forth is understandable especially where religion is involved.There's a lot of time spent with the Wild Hunt and we meet various characters along the journey. It was nice to see some of the other magical peoples in this world and renew our acquaintance with some characters from the previous book.This book had everything for me. Spice, betrayal, angst, action and great world building.If I was still buying paperbacks, (I can't anymore, as I've no more room for them) I would buy this and consider it money well spent
E**E
Unputdownable
I enjoyed this one so much more than the first!! You know when you read a book and you don't enjoy it as much as you thought you would or it takes you a little longer to read than normal? That was me with the first book. But this one?! I could hardly put it down, enjoyed it so much more! I found it so much easier reading this one.I felt like the characters were much more developed, I love Estrella she really came into her own in book 2 and Caelum is just the best. Their relationship develops and has so much growth in this bpok too, however I do think at times Estrella was a little contradictory in what she was doing and saying.The emergence of Estrella power was very well done as well, seeing that power grow with her as well... loved it.That ending though?! What kind of cliffhanger was that?! Honestly trying to kill me off, I really can't wait for the 3rd book now a very easy four stars from me.
M**A
Wow!
Ah this book has put me through a roller coaster of emotions. I was captivated by this beautiful story and it’s almost annoying when the story ends and you have to deal with life again hehe. It picks up from the events of book one and you’ll be confused if you don’t read that first. There is really good character growth for Estrella in this book. I love the tender and spicy moments she shares with Caelum and I love his devorion to her. You’ll find romance, secrets, betrayals and a really great plot. Couldn’t put it down.
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