Review: Magic sprinkled into every scene
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 07 28, 2013
**This review has spoilers for book one**Having re-read RECKONING just prior to reading RELENTLESS, I was expecting a much different story. The sequel focuses not on Kat in high school, but Kat training to become a more powerful witch. Many of the scenes involve her training with Lovell. The story feels linear and for a second book that is forgivable. Kat's primary mission is to rescue her best friend from the demon that haunted her in RECKONING.With the focus of the book so transparent, it lacked the gothic suspense of the first one, but adds a magical quality found typically in urban fantasies. The magic within RELENTLESS is believable and so is the history of Kat's family.Kat is a much more confident young woman in this book, although her blind eye to Rick's behaviors made me think that she might make a better fit for Teen Mom 2. Their relationship reminded me of Chelsea and Adam. Speaking of Rick, I absolutely LOATHED him. It felt like he photobombed the book - I swear the book could of been written without him. He was possessive and out of line so many times. He stalked her to make sure that Lovell didn't steal her. There was a little hint dropped from the demon that Kat didn't pick up on, but I did...and I hope it means that things aren't exactly how they appear.But honestly, the only downside of the book was Rick. The descriptions and pace of the book were great. I love Kat's character growth, the world-building (especially with Lovell's home), and the unique magic sprinkled into every scene. This book is a solid 3 1/2 stars, but since I can't have half-stars on Amazon or Goodreads, I'm rounding up to 4, because this series is worth reading.Fans of the first book won't be disappointed, and yes, book one has to be read in order to understand what's happening.(I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.)