City of Ghosts (Downside Ghosts, #3) in SOS: Serious Overload of Series

Jun 27, 2012 Kelly (Maybedog) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: why-favorite, what-modern-fantasy, why-favorite-author, why-favorite-series

Update 7/19/12:
If it was even possible, I love Stacia Kane even more than before:
http://www.staciakane.net/2012/07/11/...

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I cried again. I had no idea I was such a wuss. Friends, please don't judge me: I wasn't lying, I really don't like this torrid love affair kind of stuff and if the plot wasn't string enough on its own I wouldn't be reading this series. At least there is finally something definitive on the love front. I don't have to run out and get Update 7/19/12:
If it was even possible, I love Stacia Kane even more than before:
http://www.staciakane.net/2012/07/11/...

___________________________________________

I cried again. I had no idea I was such a wuss. Friends, please don't judge me: I wasn't lying, I really don't like this torrid love affair kind of stuff and if the plot wasn't string enough on its own I wouldn't be reading this series. At least there is finally something definitive on the love front. I don't have to run out and get the next book to find out what happens next. I want to but since I've read three in two weeks and here are only five so far I think I need to pace myself.

But the plot does pace itself and is good. I didn't figure it out ahead of time or even really have a clue. I can think of only one creepy kind of loose end but not exactly. I don't like that she mixes drugs and that one drug can automatically cancel out another. I just find it hard to believe it works like that. The other big problem with this particular storyline is that in the middle there is a fabulous battle from which the heroine emerges with only a minor leg injury she dresses at home when in reality she would be dead. If not, the. She would be in ICU and on a ventilator for months.

As always, you just have to ignore the ridiculous premise. This time we are reminded that the church has gotten rid of racism, intolerance and xenophobia. Riiiggghht. Kane really gets how that would work. That's why in the book there are still slums, why Chess is looked down upon because she comes from a poor background, why all foster homes did horrible and evil things to her, why there are no minorities mentioned except the rival gang who are Chinese. One of them is a love interest but he really isn't. You can't trust him and he probably is evil. No black and whites here.

But aside from this base that pervades the series, the books are really good. As usual, here the pacing is perfect, the characters real, the situations thrilling and dangerous, and Chess really kicks butt. In fact, in this book more than the previous two, she does so not just with magic but physically with her fists and her knife and feet and elbows and so forth. Chess is love-sick but not simpering. Nor is she the smart-mouthed bitch who can't shut up to literally save her life that proliferate UF. She takes action but she gets scared. She's strong but she screams and thinks of running away.

I want to give it a five for an enjoyment. I feel I should take away a star or two for the lack of diversity other than gender. Right now I'm at a 4.5 so I'm rounding up. If I'm not still as obsessed with this three days from. Ow as I have been with all the others than I'll lower it. But somehow I doubt that will happen since I read the book basically in one sitting with only a couple of interruptions to drive someone someplace and I've already reread the scenes with Terrible in them. Another fictional character I'm in love with. There must be something really wrong with me. ...more

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Aug 04, 2010 Samantha rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ebook-own, 2010, favorites

I loved this one so much! It's like how that song goes, "If loving you is wrong, I don't wanna be right" (which I think really works for this story, too). Others may point out what didn't work for them and I'd nod my head, acknowledge their existence and keep hugging this one like a crazy person. You see, me and this book are buddies, and I don't see that ending anytime soon. The characters, world and plot are totally entertaining and don't let up for a minute.
I'm thrilled the author has the go- ...more

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Jul 18, 2011 Marsha rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, urban-fantasy, paranormal-adult

I don't often give a book 5 stars, but I really felt this one merited the honor. I had a very hard time with the first half of the first book, but I'm glad I stuck with it - the payoff was wonderful. And, now I have to wait for installment #4. UGH!

Chess's character goes through a series of emotions and, ultimately, grows immensely from her trials and errors. She must deal with her prior behavior with regard to Terrible. The one man that she never would have expected to steal her heart. Well, sh ...more

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Jan 06, 2012 Christal rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: female-lead, magic, urban-fantasy, shady-government-agency, favorites, dystopian-post-apocalyptic, ghosts, witches-warlocks-and-mages, reapers-and-ghost-whispers, drugs

Stacia Kane really nailed it for me with this book in the Downside Ghosts series. We get a lot more backstory on the Church and Haunted Week, as well as more of an insight into Chess's background. And finally, finally! I don't want to post spoilers, but the ending was perfect. I say again, finally! I am fully invested in this series and cannot wait for the next one later this year. ...more

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Aug 21, 2010 Joanne rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-2010, audio-book

What a fantastic book! I listened to this one, the story was amazing which the reader really brought to life. There were times I had to remind myself to breath, it was so exciting.

love love love this author!

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Dec 13, 2011 Deyara rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, char-witches, time-contemporary, religion, post-apocalyptic, setting-alternate-universe

Great series. Chess is interesting, and I like the way the romance is playing out. The world is also quite interesting, we see a bit more each book which is nice. Loved the rant in the car :)

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