Shattered Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, #6) by Linda Robertson

Title: Wicked Circle (Persephone Alcmedi)

• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Urban Fantasy
• Format: Paperback; 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (January 29, 2013)
• ISBN-10: 1451648936
• ISBN-13: 978-1451648935
Author's Website: http://www.authorlindarobertson.com/

They say the Lustrata will bring balance. That she'll be able to erase the lines drawn between humans, waerewolves, vampires, and witches. That her word shall be law and benefit all. That while the pendulum of power swings, she will be able maintain the balance despite the swinging.

With great power, however, comes great responsibility, and sometimes the line between priorities needs to shift in order to maintain balance. Sometimes hard choices and sacrifices need to be made. The real challenge is to recognize the what, when, and how of it. Menessos already seems to have gotten his priorities figured out, now it's Johnny and Seph's turn. With everything changing and outside forces attempting to tip the scales in favor of their agendas, they're going to need to stand strong and band together. For they're going to need each other more than ever. 

This is the sixth book of the Persephone Alcmedi series. If you haven't read the previous books, you really should. The books build upon each other like a group of stepping stones with each one leading up to the next. A progression of steps that reveal bits and pieces about the world and the characters. This is the first book of the series, where I've felt after reading, it that the the base has been solidly set, and now it's time for Persephone's real work to begin.

In Arcane Circle, Johnny got his powers back. In Wicked Circle, he and his beast were at odds, his past and present finally merged, and he found out he was a father. Now he's dealing with the wild side of his nature in another way--his libido is in high gear. Just the scent of a female waerewolf sets it off and he's trying not to act upon it. While it appears to be a side effect of his coming into his powers, I can't help but wonder is someone might be aware of Johnny's condition and is slipping something into his food or drink to heighten this reaction. One thing for sure, Aurelia appears to be more than willing to tip the lust in her direction. Johnny already suspects she used her feminine charms to keep the last Rege in check. She's beautiful, smart, strong, and Johnny's pretty sure she's manipulative and devious as well and doesn't trust her, but she's got her sights set on Johnny. Will he be able to resist?

On the home front, Persephone's ward, Beverly, has gone missing. She got ahold of Seph's bespelled slate and disappeared within the ley line. Seph is once again seeking Menessos' help to figure out how to find and save Beverly. Apparently, Beverly isn't fully human. In the supernatural world at certain ages people come into their powers and guess who just celebrated her birthday? That's right, Beverly. So while most parents and guardians have to deal with the typical growing pains, Seph will have her hands full with a touch more.

In Wicked Circle, Menessos introduced Seph to a mysterious man she nicknamed Creepy, because he was, and wouldn't let her know his name. Menessos made a deal with him to keep Seph safe. On more than one occasion, he's revealed an avid interest in Seph. Well, you didn't really think he was gone for good did you? We'll finally find out who and what he is and this time Seph will make a deal with him. Will it cost her everything? 

Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. It was a bit different from the previous novels. Instead of focusing on just one area, it seemed to be all over the place. The trio of Seph, Johnny, and Menessos have slowly been tugged in different directions and all have needed to deal with their own issues and separate power struggles. They needed to figure out their priorities and start getting their ducks all lined up in a row. Yes, with power comes great responsibility and sometimes you get by with a little help from your friends. I think this book marks the turning point where all three of them finally realize just how much they need each other. It seems their fates are interwoven. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Robertson has in store for the next book.

      

Order of the series:

Wicked Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, #5) by Linda Robertson

• Title: Wicked Circle (Persephone Alcmedi)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Urban Fantasy
• Format: Paperback; 432 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books; Original edition (December 27, 2011)
• ISBN-10: 145164695X
• ISBN-13: 978-1451646955
Author's Website: http://www.authorlindarobertson.com/

Power 

Some are born into it. Some aim to achieve it. Some will kill for it. 

And some will let it go to their head.

Johnny Newman is now one of the most powerful men in the world. A mere weeks ago the binding that held his power in check was broken. He's come into his full power and his full wolf, something he's never had to contend with before. The power's heady and heightens all his senses both human and beast. He's more aware of the link he shares with his pack mates and of the beast he harbors within. For he's not the only who's come into his power, the wolf that lurks inside him has also gotten a boost and it's threatening to take control.  

The Excelsior is the leader of VEIN, the Vampire Executive International Network. It is a position which wields power and was once offered to Menessos, but he refused it. When Heldridge Ellington reveals to the current Excelsior his suspicions that Menessos' Erus Veneficus is the Lustrata and is not being controlled by Menessos, but is, in fact, his Master, the Excelsior sees this as the perfect opportunity to try to acquire the Lustrata as his own personal pet. If he can control her he'll be able to use her power. Now Menessos' position is called into question. He may loose all, but if Seph is made to be the Excelsior's slave, even more will be lost. To get what he wants, however, the Excelsior will unleash three ancient vampires, the shabbubitum, that have been locked away for centuries to force Menessos to tell what he knows.

Wicked Circle is the fourth book in the Persephone Alcmedi series. I highly recommend reading the previous books prior to this one. We learn more about each of the three main characters and their world with each new book.  New powers are discovered, political structures revealed, and secrets are uncovered as the series unfolds.

In the Arcane Circle, Johnny got his powers back. Unfortunately his memories were lost. Magic has a price and yet to be revealed man who requested the binding of his powers sacrificed Johnny's memories to sustain the binding. With all the media attention given to Johnny being declared the Domn Lup someone from his past has finally come forward. We will finally find out about Johnny's past and his real name.

With Johnny coming into his powers and position and Seph still coming into her own the two are being torn in two different directions. Johnny has to deal with his pack and all the political maneuvering associated with being the Domn Lup while Seph is just attempting to figure out where she belongs and how to utilize her powers to their fullest. Additionally, Johnny will do something that will cause Seph to question whether she can truly trust him. Things may never be the same. Will their relationship be able to survive or will circumstances pull them apart? Only time will tell.

Meanwhile, Menessos has made it quite clear he wants Seph and has been slowly worming his way into her life. While Johnny seems to be gone most of the time, Menessos always seems to be around when she needs him. Granted a lot of the reasons she needs his aid can be traced back to him. Seph, however, still doesn't fully trust Menessos. He's a secretive and manipulative man and every time she starts warming to him she learns of something new which keeps her from fully trusting him. I'm not sure if it's just his nature or if there is something we still as yet don't know about him. Could he be the man behind Johnny's binding? I wonder....

The shabbubitum were pretty cool yet creepy and I love how Ms. Robertson created her own creature instead trying to redefine one to meet her requirements. I wish more authors did this. The redefining of supernatural beings is getting a little old. I won't go into too much detail about them because I don't want to spoil it for anyone, but I personally thought they were wickedly cool. :)

This book seems to mark a change of tone for the series. Things are getting more serious and intense and with it so do the responsibilities of each of the main characters. I can't help but wonder if that's why the book is written in alternating points of view between Persephone's and a third person narrative. I'm curious if this was done by the author to emphasize that Persephone is starting grow into her position and stand more on her own, or if it's a hint that there will be a divide among the three in the future?

Overall, I gave this one 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. I once again don't know what to make of Menessos. He's such a confusing character, but he is definitely growing on me. I find it interesting that whereas Johnny and Seph seem to be gaining power and responsibility Menessos seems to be prepared to relinquish it. I can't help but wonder if that's some sort of smoke screen for something up Menessos sleeve. He always seems to have a hidden agenda and never does anything that doesn't somehow gain him something in return. There is a lot of drama and restructuring of relationships in this book that I have to wonder if Seph and Johnny will be able to work things out. Especially since we keep seeing the following:
Lustrata walks,
unspoiled into the light.
Sickle in hand,
she stalks through the night
Wearing naught but her mark and silver blade.
The moonchild of ruin, she becomes Wolfsbane.

Wolfsbane? You've go to wonder.

 I'm not going to give this one a romance rating because there was just so little of it.

Order of the series:

Arcane Circle (Persephone Alcmedi #4) by Linda Robertson

• Title: Arcane Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, Book 4)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Urban Fantasy
• Format: Paperback; 416 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books; Original edition (December 28, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 1439190259
• ISBN-13: 978-1439190258
Author's Website: http://www.authorlindarobertson.com/

Eight years ago Johnny Newman woke up covered in tattoos. He didn't know who he was or where he came from. The tattoos were not your normal variety. They were used to bind Johnny's powers. The theory was that someone knew he was the Domn Lup, the King of the Werewolves, and didn't want him to come into his full powers. Seph and Johnny are about to discover who tattooed him and will attempt to break the binding that has held his powers in check. They hope that when the binding is broken he'll not only come into his power, but also regain his memory.

Additionally,word has started to spread about Johnny being the Domn Lup, and he's about to get a visit from one of the biggest baddest wolves around....

"You ever see The Godfather?"

"Yeah."

"You ever see The Terminator?"

"Yeah."

"What about the Nightmare on Elm Street?"

"The scary guy with the knives on his fingers? Yeah."

"Combine them. That's the Rege."

Things are about to get interesting, but then again when Seph's involved, there's never a dull moment.

This series keeps getting better and better. It started off with Vicious Circle getting our feet wet and introducing us to a world where witches, werewolves, vampires, and fairies exist. Then, in Hallowed Circle, we got a closer look at how the Cleveland coven works and a little of its political structuring. Then in Fatal Circle, we got a closer look at the world of the vampires and, more specifically, Menessos and his inner circle. Now it's Johnny's turn, but don't expect to find out all there is to know about the King of the Werewolves in one book. There is just too much to tell.

This book picks up where Fatal Circle left off. Johnny is recovering from a near fatal wound. There is worry that Menessos will not survive being staked. The fallout from  Xerxadrea's death will all but sever the ties Seph has with her fellow witches. While Xerxandrea believed in Seph enough to sacrifice her own life to ensure Seph's safety, her predecessor has her doubts about the current Lustrata.

There are many myths and legends associated with the Lustrata. The vampires believe she is meant to be theirs, the werewolves believe she is to fight for them, while the witches believe her to be their own. But prior to Seph there have been two previous Lustratas. When they turned up, balance and peace were not to be had rather chaos ensued. While we don't know the specifics, we do know it has caused a rift among the ranks with some welcoming her with open arms while others wish to keep their hands free of her. So it's no wonder that everyone is leery of any person claiming to be the new Lustrata.

Additionally, Johnny is about to step into his role as Domn Lup. Before things can become official, however, the Rege, who has been the leader of all the werewolves for years is coming from Romania to confirm or deny that he is, in fact, the Domn Lup. While all that is going on, Seph and Johnny will finally uncover a clue that can lead them to who the tattoo artist was who bound his powers and stole his memories. The clue that can lead them on the right track is a name--Arcanum. Let me tell you, there is a great twist to this one that I adored.

Once again this one was packed full of plenty of action and suspense. I love how we get to watch  Persephone gradually come into her powers and position. I'm intrigued at how these three powerful individuals will eventually come together to achieve the balance that had been foreseen hundreds of years ago. I'm also curious if we will ever find out what exactly went wrong in regards to the previous two Lustratas?

Overall, this one gets 4 1/2 out of 5 roses. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale this one gets a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Order of the series:

Fatal Circle (Persephone Alcmedi #3) by Linda Robertson

• Title: Fatal Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, Book 3)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Urban Fantasy
• Format: Paperback; 368 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (June 29, 2010)
• ISBN-10: 1439156808
• ISBN-13: 978-1439156803
Author's Website: http://www.authorlindarobertson.com/

    "Be warned, sweet Persephone: the others have taken to plotting. And while I would do naught that would earn my master's wrath, the others seek only to dispense with their binding by any means. Thou art precious to him, else he would not have entered thy circle. This hath not occurred to my counterparts, sweet Persephone, but it will," she said gravely. "I beseech thee to take precautions and protect thyself." (from Hallowed Circle)

Aquula had warned Persephone that fairies bound to Menessos were unhappy and looking for a way to strike out and free themselves from Menesso. Aquula had been right and in order to get to Persephone they had kidnapped Beverly, Persephone's foster daughter. The confrontation hadn't ended well...

     "You killed a fairy on these grounds," Ludovika said.
     "An act of war," Celeste murmured.
     "It was not my intention to start a war," I said firmly. "I was ending the threat they posed to Beverly. " My eyes went to the girl sleeping on the cot.
     "It was inevitable," Xerxandrea said.
     "The fairies will retaliate," Jeanine said. (from Hallowed Circle)

But the coven aren't the only ones being threatened by what Persephone did...

    "To kill any fairy royalty is punishable by torture and death."
    "Torture and death?" Cerebrosus was bound to Menessos. He was a royal and I killed him! "Oh, hell." My gut went so cold.
     "Exactly."

Still loving the twists in this series and the fact the author explores each of the worlds within the world she has created. She started off Vicious Circle getting our feet wet and introducing us to a world where witches, vampires and fairies exist. In Hallowed Circle, we got a closer look at how the coven works and a little of its political structuring. Now, in Fatal Circle, we get to a closer look at the world of the vampires and, more specifically, Menessos, the vampire who leads them. Additionally, we get an up close and personal view of his inner sanctum and how positioning works within. 

In Fatal Circle, Xerxandrea and Menessos theorize one of the coven's Elders or someone in a position of power must have leaked information to the fairies. They  devise a plan to keep Persephone and those she cares for safe. She'll become Menessos' Erus Veneficus, otherwise known as Master's Witch. She'll have to live in Menessos' court and everyone will think she is Menessos' servant instead of the other way around. This will make the fairies believe Menessos commanded the killing which will put the blame on him and as he already has earned their disfavor, it's not as big a deal. Johnny, who is Persephone's protector and lover, is not pleased. Menessos has made his feelings for Persephone known and that's got Johnny's dander up. Add it the fact werewolves and vampires don't get along and you have an interesting situation brewing.

Besides getting to know Menessos a little better, we also learn more about Johnny. We know years ago he woke up as a werewolf with no memories of his previous life, sporting tattoos pretty much from head to toe knowing he needed to find and protect the Lustrata. Now we'll finally find out more about his tattoos, and get a hint as to what might have happened to him all those years ago.

Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. Plenty of action, drama, and mayhem in this one. Plus, Menessos makes the ultimate sacrifice. I kind of like the guy even though he's as scary, devious and menacing as they come. Can't wait to see what Robertson will pull out of her hat next. She has a couple of loose ends in this one that I can't wait to see tied up in the books to come. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale this one gets a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Order of the series:

Hallowed Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, Book 2) by Linda Robertson

• Title: Hallowed Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, Book 2)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Urban Fantasy
• Format: Paperback; 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books; Original edition (December 29, 2009)
• ISBN-10: 1439156786
• ISBN-13: 978-1439156780

Author's Website:  http://www.authorlindarobertson.com/

"There are legends...aren't there always?" Nana said quietly, the croak of her voice softer than usual. Legends about the beginning of time, the ending of it. Every  culture, every religion has their stories about it--ours is no different. And there are always secret societies, keepers of knowledge hidden from the general populace. There are enemies. There are heroes. The pendulum of power swings." Her focus sharpened on me, and I felt it like a cold blade at my throat. Nana stubbed out her cigarette in the ashtray. "She who can maintain the balance despite the swinging is the Lustrata."  (Vicious Circle page 197)

With Vivian's disappearance, the Cleveland Coven is now looking for a new high priestess. Much to her dismay, Persephone has been nominated by Lydia Whitmore for the position. Told she needs to come to the Coven to formally denounce her candidacy, Persephone goes in to do just that. All her intentions go out the door, however, as she realizes she doesn't like the woman who appears to be the most likely to move up to the next level of competition--Hunter Hopewell. Hoping she can knock her out of the running before the next round which will have more competitors joining the winners from their area, she accepts the nomination. If her mark from Menessos, a master vampire, is revealed, however, she could pay a hefty price...

     "You'll be Bindspoken." Nana went on, "and they'll put your name under the Faded Shroud!"...
     "What's  Bindspoken?" Erik asked. "And that shroud thing?"
     Glad for something else to concentrate one, I said. "If your name is put under the Faded Shroud, WEC will no longer recognize you as a witch. No membership, no benefits, no voting on witch issues, no attending rituals. You're not 'recognized' by them ever again, and you're denied the right to perform magic for others. Not even to read their cards. It forces you to be a solitary, but ignores you while you go on about your life. No big deal if you are already a solitary. 'Bindspoken,' however, is like imprisoning your witch abilities. They bind your power.  Kind of like hardening and sealing the aura until it's a wall, so that you're effectively severed--magically speaking--from the universe." 

As Nana points out,"The Lustrata cannot be beaten in a priestess Eximium. When Seph finally decides to share that she is the  Lustrata with the council, they'll scoff."

I am truly loving this series. In Vicious Circle, Persephone learned she was the Lustrata, a person prophesied to bring balance to the world. In Hallowed Circle, she's not yet prepared to make the announcement of what she is to the coven because she doesn't know what being the Lustrata entails. She's had a lot thrust upon her and seems to be growing into her role while starting to slowly accept her fate. She is also learning more about what being the Lustrata involves and what is expected of her.

With Persephone's nomination for high priestess, we get a closer look at the political structure of the Cleveland Coven. I love the idea of the Eximium which is a sort of competition between witches of whom the victor, in this particular instance, will become the next high priestess of the Cleveland Coven. I enjoyed the tests they came up with for the competitors. The Eximium was fun, informative, and interesting.

Persephone's love interest, Johnny, is on my must be watched carefully list. Toward the end of the last book I wasn't particularly happy with him. He's supposed to be the Lustrata's protector and while he did seem to look out for her, I didn't like how he put Nana's, Beverly's and even Persephone's lives in danger. He may not have done it on purpose, but he truly didn't think things through. He let his hate of Menessos cloud his judgement. In this book, I still questioned if he is the right guy for Persephone. To me he's a little rough around the edges and if I were Persephone I'm not sure I'd fully trust him. I fear he could let her down as I'm not convinced they have the same agendas. As the book progressed, however, he started to grow on me, but there is so much unknown about him which makes me both leery yet interested in his story. Hopefully, we'll soon learn more about him.

Overall I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. I look forward to seeing where Robertson goes with the series. I definitely am enjoying everything so far. While I'm still not a hundred percent convinced that Johnny is the right man for Persephone, the chemistry between the two is undeniable. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one gets a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Order of the series:

Vicious Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, #1) by Linda Robertson

• Title: Vicious Circle (Persephone Alcmedi, Book 1)
• Classification: Adult Fiction
• Genre: Urban Fantasy
• Format:  Paperback; 384 pages
• Publisher: Pocket Books (June 30, 2009)
• ISBN-10: 1439154287
• ISBN-13: 978-1439154281

Author's Website:  http://www.authorlindarobertson.com/




"The flower sprouts up from the ground when the sun and the rain give the seeds cause to grow. In the right environment, the stem will grow strong and produce a bud that will bloom when the time is right. A rose is a rose, Persephone, and a lily is a lily. They do not chose what color they are or what their petals will look like; they are what their roots have made them. And they can be nothing else."   

Woman Found Dead

Authorities suspect cult involvement

Persephone 'Seph' Alcmedi had just gotten off the phone when she noticed the headlines on the day's paper. Oddly enough Vivian Diamond, the Cleveland coven's high priestess, had just set up a meeting with her citing Lorrie Kordell, the woman who the newspaper reported as being found murdered, had recommended her. Perhaps that should have tipped her off, perhaps she have suspected something was wrong, but she had no idea her life was about to change. No idea that these two events would change her life and bring her closer to her destiny. A destiny she knew nothing about.

"Obviously you know about Lorrie's death?" she said.

"Yes. I smoothed the fringe on the velvet bag.

"I know who did it."

My head snapped up. I hadn't expected that."...."You have to go to the police."

 "I can't." She opened a drawer and pulled a tissue from a pocket pack. She dabbed her perfectly lined blue eyes. "Look, If I start butting into police business, the police will start butting into coven business. I know how the game works, and my coven is far too important to me."...."Oh, please!" She threw the soiled tissue into a wastebasket. Then she started to laugh. "You think I asked you here to read my cards?"

My knee started bouncing again. "That is what I'm best known for among witches." A coldness was forming in my stomach that had nothing to do with the iced mocha. "Ms. Diamond, I'm not into gossip. If you don't want your cards read, them I don't see what any of his has to do with me."

Vivian accessed me, her blue eyes icy. "Lorrie told me how you helped her last year. Help her again."..."The murderer needs to be stopped immediately and permanently."

"And you want me to stop him 'immediately and permanently'?"

"Yes."

This was such a fun book and every time I thought I knew what was coming there was a twist. Persephone is a witch who has decided to live outside the bindings of a coven. Known as a solitary, she's led a pretty low key life never really doing anything out of the ordinary. She writes a weekly column for a newspaper about and for werewolves. She also kennels werewolves during the full moon in her cellar to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them. It also helps her earn some extra bucks. Werewolves, witches, and vampires are known to be in the world, but they still aren't fully accepted by all. Some believe them all to be evil and the police typically try to stay out of all conflicts that deal with the supernatural society. That includes solving and investigating their deaths. Even if the evidence is plain to see, as in the case of Lorrie's murder, they will look the other way and claim there was nothing to investigate. 

When Persephone is approached to kill Lorrie's killer, she immediately says no. She has no formal training, she doesn't see herself as a murderer nor does she wish to be, and what happened previously when she'd helped Lorrie had been an accident. As Vivian starts to sweeten the deal, however, Persephone is tempted not only by her wish for justice, but by what she could do with the money Vivian is offering. Persephone doesn't earn a lot and she's just taken in her elderly grandmother.

Upon investigating the man whom Vivian's pointing her finger at, she discovers she may have put herself and everyone she loves at risk. The friend she asked to investigate the man who's name Vivian had given her, finds out he's a powerful vampire and they don't typically like unsolicited attention. When the friend she asked to help her ends up in a car accident that was by no means an accident she knows she's in big trouble. She incorporates the help of some of the werewolves she kennels who have become her friends and her grandmother who proves to be a big help. If you think you have any idea how this one will end, trust me, you'll totally get it wrong. 

Johnny is one of the werewolves who helps Persephone out. He's been trying to get her to go out with him since they first met. He's always flirting and throwing double entendres at her. There's also something about him which makes him different from the other werewolves she kennels. As the story progresses the two grow closer and Persephone, or Red as Johnny calls her (he insists she's the little Red riding hood to his Big Bad Wolf), starts to warm to his advances.

Overall, I gave this one 5 out of 5 roses. It's a fun, unpredictable, and a slightly addictive series. I've just finished the third book and decided I should start writing reviews before the story lines between them start to blur, but I am so wanting to find out what happens in the next book. I loved all the twists and turns. The romance in this one is just starting to be stirred in this book so there is no Lisarenee Romance Rating for this one, but the next book will have one.   

Order of the series: