65) Boundary Born by Melissa F. Olson

The Blurb :

Something wicked is at work in Colorado’s supernatural community. Vampires are being paralyzed or killed with poison…a weapon favored by witches. This offense threatens to break apart the already-fractured alliance between witches and the undead.

The state’s cardinal vampire, Maven, summons boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther to stop the killing before it ignites a war. Lex has barely started investigating when she gets another surprise: the biological father she’s never met arrives on her doorstep. He has answers to all of Lex’s questions about her bloodline, but getting those answers could mean betraying the life she’s already built.

Then the next vampire is poisoned—and this time it’s Maven herself. The new evil that hunts Lex is powerful and ruthless enough to stop the strongest supernatural creature in the state. In order to find such a killer, Lex will have to face down her own birthright and call on every ally—both living and dead.

My Thoughts :

I hadn't realised that a new installment in the Boundary Magic series had been released so I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this one pop up on Audible and of course I couldn't wait to listen to it.  I have listened to all of the Boundary books on Audio and can highly recommend them.  The narrator is great and I enjoy the series a little bit more because of the well read version.

It didn't take me long to get back into the series.  This one is so unique that it isn't hard to forget and I got hooked within a few minutes of listening.  It became harder and harder to take a break from the book as things unfolded so I even sped up the book a little (yes on Audible you can speed up the books!) so I could pack more into my reading time.

While I didn't even like Lex as much as I liked Scarlett, I still admired her.  This installment only fortified that admiration when she faces an evil that she didn't expect and would have broken most people.  She showed her strengths, her weaknesses and then she kicked ass.  A great heroine and definitely someone you want on your side if a fight breaks out.

This felt a little like the last of the series or at least trilogy.  If I remember correctly there were also on three books in the Scarlett Bernhard series which this series is connected to.  I am ok with this being the last book about Lex but I hope it isn't the last time the author visits this world she has put so much effort into creating.  It is a masterpiece that should be enjoyed more and I am so there are a lot more things that can be written about based on this paranormal community.

I look forward to reading more from this world but all in all I will wait in anticipation for the next release from this author.  She tells a great story and weaves a wonderful plot.  I enjoyed every book I have read from her so far and I am pretty sure that this is a trend that will continue.

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!

63) Sell-by Date by Melissa F. Olson

The Blurb :

This prequel story takes you back to the first meeting between Scarlett and fan favorite Molly, a vampire with a complicated past and an even more complicated motive for inviting Scarlett into her home. Here, for the first time, read the story of Molly and Scarlett's first meeting - from Molly's point of view.

My Thoughts :

The blurb basically says it all.  There isn't much more that can be said about this short story except that any fans of the series will enjoy it.

I always liked Molly and it would have been nice to see her get her own series but I guess this is all we are going to get.  The story is nice enough but it could have been longer and gave some more Molly history but as prequels go this was a good one.

Well worth checking out if you have already read the series or if you haven't tried it yet.  The Old World isn't well defined and explained in this short story but there is enough in there to get you intrigued.

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53) Hunter's Trail by Melissa F. Olson

The Blurb :

Actions have consequences—a lesson Scarlett Bernard is learning the hard way. As a “null,” Scarlett has always been able to negate the powers of the supernatural beings that surround her. But now her reckless decision to permanently change Eli from a werewolf to a human has left the Los Angeles werewolf pack in shambles, and upset the balance of power among the city’s supernatural factions. To make matters worse, Scarlett’s employers discover that a newly changed werewolf is running amok in the city. To catch the rogue werewolf, Scarlett will need help from both Eli and Detective Jesse Cruz of the LAPD…a situation that will force her to finally choose between them.

However, Scarlett and her friends aren’t the only ones on the hunt—someone else is chasing the wolf. Someone with no reservations about collateral damage. Now Scarlett and her allies must stop both the rogue wolf and the deadly hunter before the full moon rises and all hell breaks loose.

My Thoughts :

Hunter's Trail is the last book in a trilogy about Scarlett Bernard, a null, who helps clear up the paranormal messes that the LA 'Old World' manages to get into.  Her ability to block or nullify magic is rare and means that the 'Old World' paranormals can't use their powers.  When they enter her radius werewolves turn back into human form, witches can't use spells and vampires are alive and age again.   She can make everyone vulnerable but is also a huge asset which is getting her into more trouble than she can handle.

So there is Jesse.  A LAPD detective who has been tangled up with Scarlett's world since the first book.  The story is often told from his perspective and his ethical qualms about everything he has seen and done since he was introduced to the 'Old World' is exactly the position you would hope a cop would take.  Scarlett is trying to stay alive while keeping her 'family' safe and Jesse wants to just have everything go through official channels.

This last installment was just as thrilling and enjoyable as the previous two.  I am really happy I decided to listen to this series because the narrator, despite her bad English accent, was great.  She really brought the characters to life and it was always easy to tell which characters were speaking and when.  Her voice was a little annoying at some points but her enthusiasm and great performance out weighed her sometimes too happy sounding voice.

All in all this was a great little trilogy with some great new ideas and very nice characters.  The paranormal elements were well thought out and had a nice new angle attached so there was something new to get your teeth into.  The plot was well thought out and there were some nice twists and turns.  Absolutely everything you would expect from any good Paranormal Urban Fantasy.

The ending was nicely tied up and Scarlett ended up with the guy she obviously needed.  I didn't like how her living situation ended and it was also quite sad to see Scarlett get a new 'position' only to have her story end.  There could have been some more great tales to come and I would have been very interested in reading them.

I will be keeping an eye on this author.  She does have a new release out and from what I have read it seems to also take place in this world.  Maybe Scarlett has a cameo appearance as well as other characters from this trilogy.  I hope to listen/read it sometime soon.  Until then I can highly recommend giving this trilogy a try.  It was some of the best PUF I have read in a while.

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30) Trail of Dead by Melissa F. Olson

The Blurb :

As a null, Scarlett Bernard possesses a rare ability to counteract the supernatural by instantly neutralizing spells and magical forces. For years she has used her gift to scrub crime scenes of any magical traces, helping the powerful paranormal communities of Los Angeles stay hidden. But after LAPD detective Jesse Cruz discovered Scarlett’s secret, he made a bargain with her: solve a particularly grisly murder case, and he would stay silent about the city’s unearthly underworld.

Now two dead witches are found a few days before Christmas, and Scarlett is once again strong-armed into assisting the investigation. She soon finds a connection between the murders and her own former mentor, Olivia, a null who mysteriously turned into a vampire and who harbors her own sinister agenda. Now Scarlett must revisit her painful past to find Olivia—unless the blood-drenched present claims her life first.

My Thoughts :

After listening to Dead Spots the other week I couldn't wait to listen to the second part, Trail of Dead.  The cliffhanger in the first book wasn't the only thing that had me coming back for more.  Scarlett is a strong character and the kind person you hope you can be if you were in her position.  Which in this book means a lot as she goes up against Olivia.  The person she trusted, who hurt and betrayed her, her mentor and now her enemy.  Emotional and thrilling there isn't much time to breathe as this story unfolds.

However it isn't just Scarlett that keeps me reading.  Jesse also plays a huge part in the story as sometimes takes over the POV reins.  His struggle with what Scarlett does and the covers up of the supernatural world he has been confronted with since meeting Scarlett is realistic and makes him very lovable.  The relationship between the two characters is also a huge selling point for this series especially because it isn't one of those lovely dovey romance angles but something much more believable.

Trail of the Dead is a strong sequel.  There is even more world building with so much information regarding the history of the witches as well as some other bits and pieces.  The plot is a roller coaster ride that sometimes makes you feel a little dizzy but you can't help enjoying and wanting more.  The events that take place in this installment are a wonderful continuation of the story that was started in the first book.

There is a third book available on Audible and I am pretty sure I will be getting a copy of it very soon.  I am really enjoying this fresh and unique paranormal urban fantasy series and hope that the third book isn't the last.  Well worth reading and definitely a very good audible book.  The narrator is brilliant and the story really comes to live with her voice behind it. Expect to see book #3 on my lists within the next few weeks.  I can't wait to see what happens next.

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24) Dead Spots by Melissa F. Olson

The Blurb :

Scarlett Bernard knows about personal space: step within ten feet of her, and any supernatural spells or demonic forces are instantly defused—vampires and werewolves become human again, and witches can’t get out so much as a “hocus pocus.” This special skill makes her a null and very valuable to Los Angeles’s three most powerful magical communities, who utilize her ability to scrub crime scenes clean of all traces of the paranormal to keep humanity, and the LAPD, in the dark.

But one night Scarlett’s late arrival to a grisly murder scene reveals her agenda and ends with LAPD’s Jesse Cruz tracking her down to strike a deal: he’ll keep quiet about the undead underworld if she helps solve the case. Their pact doesn’t sit well with Dash, the city’s chief bloodsucker, who fears his whole vampire empire is at stake. And when clues start to point to Scarlett, it’ll take more than her unique powers to catch the real killer and clear her name.

My Thoughts :

This book/series has been on my wishlist for a long time.  I finally picked up the Audible version and decided to listen to it straight away.  After the first few chapters I knew I had made a mistake.  A huge one.  I should have read this series much sooner!

It was a little confusing at the beginning but once I managed to get the lay of the land I found myself being caught up with the story.  The idea is fresh and unusual mixed with some of the usual paranormal urban fantasy content.  Scarlett is an amazing, likable, clever and strong character and not one of the annoying female leads who always keep messing up and then still save the day.  Scarlett puts in the hours and works hard.  She thinks before she leaps and she the kind of person you want to be friends with.

The story was well written and the plot kept me guessing.  There were a few things I figured out before Scarlett did and there were also a couple of twists that I saw coming.  I liked the story being told by both Scarlett and Jesse.  He is a strong character and it was nice to see things from his perspective as well.  There were a few little bits of the story that left me a little annoyed.  Either because they weren't explained or didn't go into enough detail.  There were also a few points where I think the characters make pretty big leaps to connect things but maybe I just zoned out while listening.

Wonderful cliffhanger ending to this one!  It made me extremely happy that I already got hold of the second book.  However I will make a short pause and listen to something else.  This is a great start to what I hope will be a great series.  Strong characters, interesting story and some great paranormal twists and turns.  Despite kicking myself for not reading this earlier I am, in a way, happy I did wait because now I don't have to wait too long to listen to the next installment.

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