SYNOPSIS: " A migration of mythical creatures has begun, and more and more of them are landing on Zoey Donovan's doorstep. As the only Aegis left in the country, it falls to her to protect the Hidden and keep them safe—and her house has become a sanctuary for water sprites, goblins, harpies, djinn and more.Keeping track of her boarders is a full-time job, and Zoey's already got her hands full trying to run her wedding planning business. Good thing she has a resident closet monster to keep her organized, and a hot Reaper boyfriend to help her relax every once in a while.But she can't keep up monster-triage indefinitely, and as more Hidden arrive, it becomes clear that someone—or something—is hunting them. In the midst of planning an event for a notoriously difficult client, Zoey's got to figure out who's behind the hunt…and she's got to stop them before there are no Hidden left."I was enchanted by the latest book in the "Monster Haven" series by R.L. Naquin. "Fairies in My Fireplace " was a blast to read. I must admit I am a HUGE fan off all things fae. This book didn't just have fairies oh no, there was a slew of supernatural awesome from an 80's enthusiast Djinn ( Kam) to a pregnant brownie, a would make Martha Stewart proud closet monster, a romantic reaper, voluptuous Harpie, adorable goblin children, chimera's, dust devils , the list goes on and on! With all these beings being protected by a young wedding planner who is searching for her mother .The story is told from Zoey Donovan's p.o.v. Zoey is a "Aegis". Unfortunately for her she seems to be the ONLY Aegis around. The job of an Aegis is to help and protect "the Hidden". Problems arise when an enormous amount if the Hidden start showing up at once. Zoey is put to the test when she is warned by a elderly seer / hag/ witch / long time friend and advisor to Zoey's mother & now Zoey herself warns (while dropping off 3 flaming salamanders) that she saw in her stones that "something big is coming, and all the Hidden need to get to safety". With nothing more than the obvious overflowing house of Hidden in distress, the bits and pieces off information she can glean from their tales she has to juggle her daytime job, an awful client, finding her mother all the while keeping the Hidden from being seen by the rest if the world. With Riley, her Reaper boyfriend and her trusty faithful closet monster Maurice , Aggie the hag and her business partner and best friend Sara, Zoey is on the job. I thought this book was great. I gave it 4 stars. R.L. Naquin's imagination never ceases to amaze . The description of characters makes you sure that the Hidden are real. I was walking in the world that she created and really enjoying it. The characters are well written. Zoey is emotional, unique, and I found myself rooting for her to succeed at every turn. This is the third book in the Monster Haven series. I've enjoyed each book and will defiantly be keeping my eye out for more!
I received Fairies in My Fireplace in return for an honest review from the publisher Carina Press via Netgalley. This is the third installment in the Monster Haven series. Even though Zoey is learning to be a better Aegis she still has her moments when she loses her shields and is smothered by the Hidden around hers emotions. As a Aegis it is Zoey’s job to protect the Hidden but now they are showing up in waves with loved ones being kidnapped. As if finding the missing Hidden isn't enough she also has to set up another event for the evil Mrs. Alma Dickenson.Thankfully Zoey won’t have to go it alone she has the help of her closet monster, best friend, boyfriend and even a few new Hidden friends. When a stranger shows up in town a Mothman who’s the one who sent her the Pooka he knows more then he’s telling but isn't willing to share. When Iris her skunk-ape bodyguard is taken they learn that a collector is going to have an auction. It just so happen’s that Alma happens to be also hosting The Collectors Auction which will give the group the chance to save everyone or be captured.Zoey is a protector of the Hidden she’s just new to it so it’s been a learning process. Zoey has always been one of my favorite characters. She stole my heart in the first book and just keeps getting better with age. She’s a kick-ass-character who Is willing to risk it all for the Hidden and her friends. I love all the characters in the story, they enhance the story is such a positive way.When I saw Fairies in My Fireplace I just knew I couldn't wait and had to request a copy right away. I love the unique concept for of Zoey as protector for the supernatural. I’m an addict for the supernatural and this book is loaded with all kinds of Hidden that go bump in the night. I keep looking in my closet hoping to find my own special closet monster. So far no luck yet but maybe one day I will find one who cooks as good as Maurice. I was instantly captivated by the book I had a hard time putting it down but sleep overtook me so I finished first thing this morning. From start to finish a emotional roller coaster filled with action, romance, danger, humor and bad guys. The characters are engaging; they steal your heart, mess with your emotions and you can’t help falling in love with them. The story is well written filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing till the end only to leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book I want to know what’s going to happen next. I can’t even begin to imagine what she has living in her house next. One of my top 5 must read series.
What do You think about Fairies In My Fireplace (2013)?
Review from Backchatting BooksI’m going to start this review by confessing that I’m biased. I love this series. It’s underlying sweetness radiates outwards and gives you the warm and fuzzies. Zoey Donovan is having a wee bit of trouble at home. The Hidden have invaded her house in large numbers with tales of friends and family that have gone missing. As Zoey’s the only Aegis left, they are looking to her for guidance and protection. Someone is hunting them and Zoey’s determined to put a stop to it. Zoey may have absolutely no fashion sense (just look at the cover for proof) but she is tough, resourceful and caring. She has empathic abilities which makes it easy for her to connect with humans, animals and the Hidden. Managing her real life job and role as the Aegis is much tougher and something will have to give soon. Thank goodness her relationship with Riley the Reaper continues to evolve as she spends so much time helping others, she needs a hot guy in her quarter that just wants her because she’s Zoey and not because of her Aegis abilities.The zany Hidden characters continue to delight in their quirky mannerisms and they provide the majority of the humour. Naquin takes the time to round out their back stories which makes them truly come to life. Molly the brownie is a prime example as over the last three novels we have watched her leave her husband Walter because he was abusive, reunite with him once he gave up alcohol and become pregnant. It might be a simple tale but when you multiply that with other Hidden creatures, you have a very robust world. This time round we have Kam whose a djinn and Darius, a mothman. Yep, that’s right. The latter’s abilities are just a little freaky and I hope he sticks around in future novels. Maurice the closet monster remains an absolute delight.The pace of this novel is frenetic and like Zoey, I was exhausted by the end. "Fairies in My Fireplace" is also slightly darker in tone as the stakes have been raised. There was a particular scene where a beloved character exits stage left that brought tears to my eyes. Sniff. The climax and denouement were executed well. I appreciate that Naquin has slowly expanded her world, exposing us to bigger issues than a sea serpent going into labour."Fairies in My Fireplace" is an absolute delight but please start with the first, "Monster in My Closet", so you can track Zoey’s journey and don’t miss out on any of the good stuff.
—Vilia
Review Courtesy of All Things Urban FantasyEvery time I open up a Monster Haven book I fall in love again with these quirky, loveable characters and this exciting crazy world. FAIRIES IN MY FIREPLACE comes with more fast paced action, humorous dialogue and dangerous new bad guys. Zoey continues to be a brilliant and hilarious heroine with a very questionable dress sense. Basically, she’s someone I would become fast friends with if she were real.In FAIRIES IN MY FIRERPLACE, Zoey has a lot more on her plate with more mythological creatures coming to her house for her Aegis protection. This creates a more frenetically paced story that had me feeling just as tired as Zoey at times. I liked that there was no lull in the action or character antics as it really helped to amp up the tension and keep the story from getting too stale.Along with more characters helping to deepen the worldbuilding, is the expansion of the overarching storyline which has slowly become even more dire and serious for everyone. FAIRIES IN MY FIREPLACE definately adds some creepiness to the plot with the revelation of the antagonist’s methods for capturing and using monsters. While the plot has gotten a little darker there is an excellent balance of lightness and darkness in FAIRIES IN MY FIREPLACE that I was found myself laughing and then tearing up a few pages later. Yes, there is some heartbreak in this story and I was shocked at what happened and kept on hoping against hope it wasn’t true.Aside from the roller coaster of emotions I felt reading this book there is a lot of hope and great adventure awaiting Zoey and her friends in the future. I continue to absolutely unabashedly gush over the Monster Haven series and impatiently look forward to GOLEM IN MY GLOVEBOX coming out in 2014 by Carina Press.Sexual Content: mildly graphic sex scene
—All Things Urban Fantasy
I'm still not happy with the lack of sensitivity regarding the situation with Sara's rape -- something that happened in book 1 that's still having repercussions for Sara, but that everyone else in the book seems to think is water under the bridge. Despite other parts of the book (and the series) that are good, this Sara thing has done me in. This will be the last of these books I read.WHAT I LIKED-------------- All the magical creatures were amazing and so much fun.- I got to hate Alma some more, and wow do I like hating her.- Zoey taking responsibility for her Aegis role.- Maurice. Always Maurice.- The ReaperWHAT I DIDN'T LIKE------------------ Sara is clearly suffering repercussions from the incubus "days of raping" in book 1. And yet, when Zoey's monster friends mention it to her, Zoey seems confused and surprised as to why Sara hasn't recovered from that experience yet. That's some serious self-absorption on Zoey's part. I certainly wouldn't want to be her best friend.I've been holding on through this third book hoping the whole sidelining of Sara's horror would somehow be dealt with as the horror it was. I'm giving up, and I just can't keep reading.
—Anne Odom
