This book is SO GOOD. Definitely my favourite in the series so far (and the only reason I hesitate to call it my favourite of the series overall is because there's a lot I'm sure I've forgotten about the middle books, so I'm tentatively reserving judgment).First of all, I want to say that this book has the best executed example of a misunderstanding between a couple that I've probably ever seen. Neither character is willfully ignorant, or misleads the other. It's a simple communication breakdown that is then rectified and it's beautiful. Don't get me wrong, I love me a good angst fest of HE DOESN'T LOVE ME, but more often then not these problems can be resolved by simply TALKING to each other and too much of the plot resolves around the characters just not doing that for the sole purpose of creating more angst.That's not the case here. I think there is a part of Paige that is waiting for the other shoe to drop when it comes to her relationship with Lucas. The way that she continually talks about being there "as long as he wants her around" (to poor Lucas' eternal frustration), I think comes partly from the fact that he's a sorcerer, and partly from her own insecurities. As a witch she's been taught not only to distrust but to outright fear sorcerers. On top of that, she previously believed that sorcerers hate witches, and when you pair that with just general woman fear of being too clingy, of course she's going to be the one saying to Lucas she'll be around only as much as he wants her to.As for Lucas' POV, all I can say is he has the patience of a saint. Poor boy dropping hints left right and centre about how he's crazy over the moon for her and every single one of them goes right over her head. What's great about their interactions in this book, though, is as a reader, after reading Dime Store Magic we understand why he's so hesitant to push for a firmer commitment from Paige. He's afraid of scaring her off after he had to work so hard just to get her to call him by his damn first name.I love their fight because you understand both points of view, we understand why Paige is so upset that Lucas doesn't know how she feels about him, but we equally understand why he doesn't know how she feels (the scene with him and the champagne and her telling him he's a few days early, oh god my heart. Poor boy). But what's really great about them, for me, is just how sturdy they are as a couple. Their "fight" is the biggest non-fight ever, and despite the fact that reason they're in that position to misunderstand each other in the first place is due to a lack of communication, they communicate so much about everything else, and you just know that after this they're going to communicate about everything. Forever. Ad nauseam.I love that about them. Not only are they in love and super attracted to each other (ARE YOU KIDDING ME WITH THAT BLOW JOB IN THE CLOSET, SHE IS INJURED BUT SHE DON'T CARE THAT'S HOW MUCH SHE WANTS THE D!!!!! [more about this later]), but the trust is UNREAL. Ugh, people who trust each other is EVERYTHING to me. I love that Benicio tries to play them against each other at times and every single time he is shut the fuck down. THEY'RE A TEAM. EVERYTHING ABOUT THEM IS A TEAM!!!! Some of Lucas' fears surrounding their relationship is that Paige isn't going to be able to handle his family ~dramz, and he even goes so far as to say that she never signed up for it, but I think he's wrong there. He never (except for the very beginning) mislead Paige when it came to his family, and she went into the relationship with her eyes open. I love that about them, and I know I've said that like six times now and how much I love that they trust each other but I just love it so much and it's so rare to see couples who are a real team who are equals and it's so great (seriously, it's like the Taylors and that's it).I think the comparison to Eric and Tammy Taylor is apt because ugh old marrieds, I love it, and these two far from being dependable and falling into old habits or whatever just bang all over the place. ALL OVER THE PLACE. It's great. I was saying before like poor Savannah probably interrupts them so many times, or she has friends over and they catch Lucas and Paige in various states of undress. I bet there's an ongoing joke on the Interracial Council about who gets caught more, Lucas and Paige, or Clay and Elena. When Benicio almost catches them, hahahahahaha. He's so awkward, meanwhile Lucas and Paige are just like COME AT ME, BRO, WHAT DID YOU EXPECT??And speaking of Benicio, I am continually fascinated by his relationship with Lucas. What really stood out to me this time is how much Benicio really does love Lucas. I think Benicio's point about how he doesn't interfere in Lucas' life is really true from Benicio's point of view. He doesn't prevent Lucas from doing what he wants to do, and to be honest, he probably really could. I'm not saying that I think Benicio is a good person, or that the Cabals aren't as bad as they appear. I think he is very morally corrupt, but more so, I think he and Lucas just plain don't understand each other, hence most of their discord prior to this novel. I think it's just really sad because they're never going to be able to see eye to eye, but the love is there on both sides but it's just never going to end happily.The Cabals are so interesting, and we just never get to see a fuller, unbiased picture of how they work, which I think is a shame. THERE'S SO MUCH THERE, I WANT TO KNOW EVERYTHING, TELL ME EVERYTHING!!!!!!I really enjoyed Cassandra and Aaron this time around. I don't have a lot to say about them at this stage in the game, but I think Cassandra is a really interesting and complex character, and I love how unapologetic she is about everything, but especially who and what she is. I'm really excited to keep watching her again on reread and see how she tries her best to re-engage with the world. And AARON. Jess put the idea of Chris Hemsworth in my head for him and now IT'S ALL I CAN THINK ABOUT. I think I want Scarlet Johansson for Cassandra.Lastly, CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TALK TO BE ABOUT LUCAS AND CLAY AS BROS? Because I loved that so much on reread, and I don't think I ever cared about anything to do with Clay as much as I want him and Lucas to be BFFs and quietly drink beers together. THEY STILL DON'T TALK SOMETIMES!!!! Everyone likes to talk about how smart Clay is, and like, OBVIOUSLY he is, you don't get a PhD because you're pretty, but I feel like Armstrong fell too heavily at times of telling rather than showing he was smart, which I suppose is fine because that part of him isn't really ever in the forefront, but STILL. I just really like the idea of them getting along and being bros.ANYWAY, if people want to talk to me about fancasting this series, that's something I'm OBSESSED with since yesterday. What do people think of Elizabeth Olsen for Elena?
Ok first I have to say, I haven't written a review in ages as I haven't felt anything strongly enough in regards to other books I have read thus far. But after reading this book, I just have to say something about this book and actually Dime Store Magic.Mini synopsis: Heroine and Hero Paige Winterbourne and Lucas Cortez are on another harrowing adventure. This time to save the children of the evil cabals that our hero Lucas wants no part of, particularly his father's cabal. Along the way with a host of secondary characters and friends, they find out whodunit and why and end up saving the day.Ok, rehashing aside. I have to truly say that although I enjoy Armstrong's world building and her characters are growing on me. I truly have to say what in the world happened to Paige Winterbourne's character between books 2-4? I mean I loved Paige's character in Stolen. She seemed very much like a powerful, stand up for what she believes in modern witch that was willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. Heck I even felt more of a connection with her over Elena, whom started the series off. But in Dime Store Magic and in Industrial Magic, Paige was not that character I grew to love AT ALL.Prime examples being:1. How there was a total lack of intelligence in her decision-making when it came to chasing down the bad guy. I.e. do you need a Harvard level I.Q. to let your boyfriend know that it's not a good idea to pursue a bad guy whom has a gun? I mean, she saw the bad guy put a gun in his pocket and she also knows that combined both her and Lucas spells aren't all that top notch if they don't really concentrate on them first. So to me it seemed so silly that she let him chase the guy down. Not smart at all, Paige. >_<2. Paige and Lucas both love spells. Especially Paige who was smart enough to crack the way higher level spells works. But in all of that, she has never ONCE found a way to corral some of Savannah's wayward spell casting in Dime Store Magic. Heck even in Industrial Magic she was to the point of being sorta resentful against Savannah a bit, likely because of the way the girl was using her magic. But no real effort to try and reign her in at all.3. Paige had a passion to do more for the covens ever since her mom created her magically. Even taking the coven in more modern directions after she was kicked out from her old coven. But she seemed to be re-inventing the wheel by keep going to similarly minded older witches around the country that were like the ones that kicked her out. Could just be me, but given how she and Lucas were both still pretty young and were looking to head in more positive ways with magic. I would have thought trying to reach younger witches and children of witches to help them in their magic, would have naturally been the best option for this. But clearly she didn't see this til a teen witch died in this book. All this aside, I was rather disappointed in Paige's magic overall. I know her mom had faith in her taking charge of Savannah and leading the coven and all that. But dude, Paige's skill set was rather remedial. I mean I'm sure there is a something about the magical spells that make working them tricky and complex. But now that she has the grimoires and even working with/dating Luca a sorcerer. I would think they BOTH should be much further along by now. But it's just not happening.One last closing point. I totally felt like Paige's personality changed quite a bit too from Stolen to Dime Store and even Industrial Magic. As I said before she was someone that seemed ballsy enough to do whatever it took to get the job done in Stolen. But in Dime Store and even in Industrial Magic, she read like this total uber goody goody some how. Maybe it was the contrast between her and Savannah's upbringing with a mom that wasn't afraid to use dark magic. And so naturally Savannah was into doing the same. But Paige was like Plesantville witch or something and combined with the remedial spells, it just felt like Paige was the idealistic little girl than Savannah and plenty of the other characters.I hear Eve's story is next, Savannah's mom. I can say that I loved her in Industrial Magic and was very intrigued by her. I can only hope that she keeps that going in her own book. Fingers Crossed.
What do You think about Industrial Magic (2007)?
"Industrial Magic" is another installment of Kelley Armstrong's "Otherworld" series, and it is an engrossing read, for sure. In this book, Paige and Lucas team up for the first time since becoming a couple, and they find themselves facing a child-murdering entity. In order to solve the crimes, and bring the killer to justice, they team up with some of their supernatural friends - some werewolves, necromancers and vampires. The bond between the witch, Paige, and the sorcerer, Lucas, deepens in this story and the reader finds that they truly love each other, and would do anything (literally, anything) to help save the other. We also see the dynamics between the other supernaturals intensify in this installment, as well, giving the reader a better understanding of all the characters, and how they can relate to, and work with, others. All in all, this is a fascinating, and sometimes horrific, tale; but it also brings humor, love and everyday life into a supernatural world filled with magic and whimsy.
—Sarah
This book in the series focused on Lucas & Paige. You see that Paige is growing up & coming to terms with what happened in Dime Store Magic. Paige is starting a new life with Lucas & Savanahha. Paige is trying to round-up some witches to start an alternate Coven, it is not going well. Paige Winterbourne's relationship with Lucas Cortez is one of the many reasons behind that. Witches don't trust Sorcerers & Paige is in a romantic relationship with one.Lucas Cortez is the son of a very powerful man. Benico Cortez & one of the leaders of the Cabals. The Cabals are like the mob family of the supernatural world. Lucas has gone against his father at ever moment trying to right any wrong that may have been done. Lucas's brothers hate him & want him dead because he is in line for the main inheritance of the business & millions of dollars his father has in the bank. Now Paige & Lucas must work with Benico if they are to save innocent children from being murdered by a crazy supernatural psychopath.We are introduced to Jamie, a necromancer & get to know Aaron a little better. There are several characters that cross over to this book. Elena, Clay, Jeremy (werewolves), Adam (half-demon), Caasandra & Aaron (vampires), Eve (dead witch). This will be handy later on in her stories.There was a part in this book that I struggled to get past & that was in the ghost realm. I understood it but felt that it dragged & was a little on the boring side.Other than that little snag I think this was another good book in the series.
—Kami Dodson-Perry
Another solid installment in the Women of the Otherworld series. Really enjoyable. I really liked the who dunnit aspect of it. I really enjoyed that nearly every type of supernatural represented in this world made an appearance. We even got to see some returning favorites and meet Jeremy's future heroine.In this installment, we learn even more about Cabals as someone is killing off Cabal children, which makes Lucas a potential victim. Lucas's father Benicio comes out to Portland to try to entice Paige into getting interested enough in the case to work on it, which has the added benefit of getting Lucas to come to Miami to work on it as well. There was a lot of interaction with Lucas's father and I realized that Benicio really does love his son and values Lucas's safety above all others. The man would do anything to keep Lucas safe even if Lucas hated it. It gives them a strained relationship. It definitely doesn't help that Benicio is constantly speaking as though it is a given that Lucas will take over the Cabal even though he obviously doesn't want to. Still, I loved seeing how much Benicio loves Lucas even if that love was incredibly frustrating for Lucas and the important people in his life.Paige and Lucas are still together in this book, and Lucas starts hinting that he wants something more long term with her. At first, she doesn't seem to pick up on this. She practically blows him off, reiterating that they're taking things one day at a time. (view spoiler)[There is a scene after she goes down on him in a closet, where he tells her he loves her. He was serious, but she made a joke out of it. (hide spoiler)]
—Mello ❣ Illium ✮Harry✮ ☀Myrnin☀ Torin Ichimaru
