Jessica McClain, Book 4
Synopsis: Jessica is on her way to Hell. After settling a fragile truce between the vampires, werewolves and witches, the last thing Jessica wants to do is face the demons head on. But when the Prince of Hell kidnapped her brother, he set into motion a chain of events that even Jessica doesn’t have the power to stop.
Now, Jessica must go into battle again. But Hell is a whole new beast… new rules, more dangerous demons, and an entirely foreign realm. And when Jessica is dropped into the Underworld too soon, without protection or the help of her friends, she must figure out just how powerful she can be… or she will never make it out alive.
Review: I like this series and it is true that I was curious to discover this new novel. I must say that Jessica still has many things to do. However, it is also true that some issues have bothered me a bit but I’ll talk about them later.
Jessica goes quite unexpectedly in hell alone and without any means of protection to save her brother. But this world is all new to her and she will have to understand the laws that govern it as they are very far from what she knows about. It is in this universe that she is going to have to try to avoid the prince, to ally with a very powerful demon who may well have a different plan on her own and of course to find her brother who is currently being tortured. But soon her allies will join her to help her in this quest for our greatest pleasure.
I enjoyed getting to know this hell that we hear so much about throughout the volumes and to discover its peculiarities because yes there are several. It was also interesting to see how Jessica was doing when she had to face events alone. However, it is true that her rides in hell were perhaps a bit too long for me, even if we learn more like that. The action starts in a mad rush when all the characters are together and I loved to see them all together to face this new obstacle. By cons, there is a moment that seemed a bit surreal for me and I just blocked on it. As they’re trying to escape our characters stop later in the quarters of the prince of hell while they do not know what’s going on and take a shower. I admit I was very surprised because the time does not lend itself. However, I loved the result and resolution of the story between the prince, her concubine and of course all our heroes.
Jessica will have to once again deal with the evolution of her powers and the advancement of the prophecy, and I’m curious to see what she will become in the next novel. Oh yes, because many issues are introduced here and will have a great impact in the future. However, I am a little disappointed by the end of the novel and by the cliffy which is ultimately for me a little too redundant with other volumes and I would have liked to see something different than another disappearance.
I feel like I have given a lot of points but the book is ok and it was a pleasure to see Jessica and the gang. I’m curious to see where Amanda Carlson will lead us in the future.
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I have to agree with you, I was unhappy with Jessica’s trip to hell, especially the first part that seemed rather longish and pretty aimless. While I loved the setting, I really didn’t see the point and it alienated me from the secondary characters, which I didn’t appreciate.
But overall, I do love this series.
Melliane
I do love the series as well.
Brandi Breathes Books
Jessica and her adventures sound fun to read about
kindlemom1
This does sound like a fun series even if it isn’t one that will blow you away.
Melliane
I’m sure the next one will be better but it’s a really good series!
Tanja
I’ve just read Maja’s review for this and even though this doesn’t sound perfect and that trip isn’t something I’d probably enjoy in, this whole series really seems worth reading. I’ll have to read it someday. Great review, Melliane 🙂
Melliane
you should try it, the series is really nice.
Jenny @ Supernatural Snark
I definitely think this would be a good series for me Melliane, but I’m bummed it ends in a cliffhanger. I’m so, so tired of those both in YA and UF. I just want a whole, complete story that ends well enough while still leaving room for more. Despite that though, I still want to pick these books up and meet Jessica:)
Melliane
It’s a really interesting series. Cliffy are common now, but it doesn’t bother me, it’s just it was the same as the last one and I would have prefered something else.
Charlotte @ Thoughts and Pens
Yeah, I agree. Sometimes surreal moments can affect your reading experience in a not so pleasant way. Glad that you were still able to forgive that. I am also curious about Hell and how the author took a unique spin on it. 😀
And a cliffie is definitely annoying. Grrr. It doesn’t matter whether it’s good or bad. I just hate for manipulating my emotions.
Lovely review anyway!
Melliane
Hell was interesting to discover I confess. thanks!
Kirsty-Marie
Sounds like it was going good until the end. : ( But interested in how this world perceives hell, sine you can basically use it to how you want. 🙂 Sounds like it’s the middle of a series syndrome too, where it loses steam a little.
Melliane
Yes I always love to discover the ideas of the author about that.
Melissa (Books and Things)
LOL the shower scene. Yea, there were quite a few moments I kept thinking that they didn’t have enough time for things. Sometimes I even thought about that with her inner arguments with her wolf. Still, a series I will continue with! 🙂
blodeuedd
I fear I am gonna give up on this series
LilyElement
Not reading your review fully since I’ll be reading this one in the near future. I’m so tempted to peek and get spoilers of book 2-3 haha I’m about to start book two 🙂
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it!
Braine
I think I’m going through a slump because I started reading Cold Blooded and for some reason I just can’t get into it. I was planning to do a back to back read since I have this one too but it’s not working for me right now. Thanks for your feedback though, at least I’m somewhat reassured that it’s worth my time, flaws and all
Melliane
I hope you’ll be able to get into it next time.
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
This is one of those series I’ve thought about trying but just haven’t been able to get around to. Sorry to see this one wasn’t a bigger hit for ya.
Zoe @ The Infinite To-Read Shelf
Have I told you how much I admire you for being able to read so many different series? Seriously – it’s a gift! I’m not a series reader at all, so you always impress me with your reading choices. 🙂 This sounds like another great fantasy series, and I’m glad it was enjoyable overall! It’s a shame it was a bit too reliant on the cliffhanger ending in your opinion, but it sounds like a decent read regardless. Thanks for sharing and, as always, BRILLIANT review! <3
Melliane
lol thank you, I should stop starting new series because it’s difficult to keep tracks on them after that.
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
I regret not picking up this series earlier, but at the time I think I was waiting to see if it’ll be good before committing myself to another UF. Four books down now, and looks like it’s pretty decent. Despite some of the issues you had with this, I’m glad to see you enjoyed. So, in your opinion then, the series is worth it?
Melliane
I think you should try at least the first one to see if you enjoy it. The ideas are really nice.
Joy (Joyousreads)
Even though the book didn’t really blow your socks off, I think it’s great that you’re still hopeful that the next books will be a blast. 🙂
Anyway, enjoy the rest!
Melliane
yes, I’m curious to read the next one.
Lola @ Hit or Miss Books
I don’t like how with series sometimes we enjoy some sequels and others we find just…okay. It’s like come on, make it even!! And good throughout! But anway, I am glad you enjoyed a bit this one even though it wasn’t spectacular. Yay for power growth!!
Melliane
I think it’s difficult sometimes but I’m sure it will be better with the next one.
kimbacaffeinate
This is the second review I have read that felt some parts were too much, despite gaining knowledge. I am curious about the series.