104) Boundary Lines by Melissa F. Olson

The Blurb :

Fitting into the Old World isn’t going very well for Boulder boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther: she may have earned a place in a vampire’s service, but now it seems as if every supernatural creature in town has found a reason to hate her. And when Lex and her partner are assigned to investigate the suspicious disappearance of two vampires during the night of the full moon, they find themselves with more questions than answers.

Was it murder…or mutiny?

The crusade for answers will lead Lex all over the Colorado Old World, from a prison cell for a broken werewolf to a haunted Denver brothel. And when Lex determines the responsible party, the hunt is just beginning: something has been awakened in Boulder, something as old and powerful as it is terrifying. Only the woman with death in her blood can stop what’s coming.

My Thoughts :

I actually got an e-copy of this book to review but after playing catch up and listening to the first book in the series, Boundary Crossed, last week I went and bought the audio version of this book too.  The narrator was just too good to move over to reading the book and I also enjoyed the Scarlett Bernhard books, also by this author, on audible.  So before telling you how amazing this book was I will highly recommend listening to it.  There are just some books that are made even better because they have a great narrator and this is definitely one of them.

Boundary Lines is the second book in the Boundary Magic series and you really need to read the first book and the novella in between, Malediction, before making a start on this installment.  With such great world building and plot there is no way things will make sense if you haven't already heard how Lex's story began and what she has already been through.  So go get the first book and enjoy it so much that you won't believe that this one is even better.

I loved Boundary Crossed but Boundary Lines rocked even more.  The whole Boundary Witch aspect got much bigger and the paranormal elements expanded.  Things got complicated and there was enough mystery and action to keep me grabbing my earphones whenever I had time to listen to more.  The story was gripping and exciting.  On one hand I wanted to listen to it all in one go but on the hand I was scared to finish it because then it would be over and I would have to wait for the next part.

This is one of the best Paranormal Urban Fantasy books/authors I have read in a while.  Nothing has been as thrilling and addictive for me in the genre lately and I have been slowly moving away from this kind of read.  So I am really happy I found this new and original story and plot by a very talented author.  I can't wait for more from this world and writer.  I just hope I don't have to wait too long.

102) Malediction by Melissa F. Olson

The Blurb :

Ask Jesse Cruz how I died.

In life, Samantha Wheaton often got the last word—and not much has changed after her death. To find out what really happened to her sister, boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther will travel to Los Angeles to talk to Cruz, the former LAPD detective who investigated the murder. When Jesse proves reluctant to talk, however, Lex must find more of the people connected to the Henry Remus case –including a young woman with a very ugly dog and very familiar powers.

As she searches for answers, Lex finds herself venturing deeper down a rabbit hole—one that may lead her to a big bad wolf.

My Thoughts :

Didn't I just read a book from this author?  Yes!  Luckily I went to check on her other books and saw that this novella fits in after the book I just read, Boundary Crossed and before the next book, Boundary Lines.  When I read the blurb for this short story it was obvious that this needed to be read before I start the second book in this series.  It is also pointed out by the author that this story is not to be read if you haven't already read the Scarlett Bernhard books.  This is something I can confirm.  Do not read this one without being up to date!  This is a spoiler novella.

Now if you have read all the books, Malediction isn't going to offer you much in the way of new information.  Readers of the Scarlett Bernhard series already know how Sam got killed and what really happened.  However it is really important to the new series that Lex finds out the truth.  This is a story that opens up Lex's 'Old World' a little more and also lets us have a little look at what is going on back in LA.  Some things have changed and others have not.  It is a nice interesting trip and a nice extra story strengthening the connection between the two series.

Well worth reading if you have read all the installments so far.  A definite must read before reading Boundary Lines and I am really happy I didn't start listening to that one yet.  I am pretty sure I would have been disappointed seeing as the ending of Boundary Crossed pointed to this line of questioning.

101) Boundary Crossed by Melissa F. Olson

The Blurb :

After her twin sister’s brutal murder, former US Army Sergeant Allison “Lex” Luther vowed to protect her niece, Charlie. So when two vampires try to kidnap the baby, it quickly turns into a fight to the death—Lex’s death, that is.

She wakes up to two shocking discoveries: she has miraculously survived the fight, and baby Charlie is a “null,” gifted with the ability to weaken supernatural forces...and a target for creatures who want to control that power. Determined to guarantee her niece’s safety, Lex makes a deal with the local vampires. She sets out with the mysterious—and undead—“fixer” Quinn to track down whoever’s responsible for the kidnapping, sharpening her newfound magic skills along the way. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous her powers become.

My Thoughts :

I really enjoyed the Scarlett Bernhard series by Melissa F. Olson and was looking trying this new series set in the same world.  Somehow I got sidetracked by all those other books I have (how can that happen? hehe) and completely forgot to add this is my pre-order wishlist and then was happy to see it on Netgalley.  That was until I realised the book I got from Netgalley was already the second installment!

Anyway...long story short I picked up this one on Audible and started listening to it straight away!  It was amazing! I couldn't stop! I thought I liked the other series by this author but this debut in the new series was even better.  I was hooked within minutes and it is no wonder.  That opening scene started off all daily routine and ended up in a fight with two vampires.  From then on it was just lots of exciting twists and turns on a supernatural rollercoaster ride.

Melissa's previous series already stood out because of the unique aspect of a Null.  Now she went and did it again with a Boundary Witch and she throws in another Null and some vampires for good measure.  I really enjoyed Lex's story and character as well as the other major players who were involved.  I am looking forward to that second book more than ever.

Actually, I will be honest and say, that despite having the review copy of the second installment, I went to Audible and got the next part as an Audiobook.  I loved the version so much that I can't imagine reading the book any other way.  The narrator was great and even if the audio version wasn't out yet I would have waited for it to release.

Well worth checking out.  Unique, full of action and paranormally good.  This is a great author who obviously has some amazing ideas that haven't already been done.  Refreshing and exciting.  Will be listening to part two asap!