ARC Book Review: The Wrath by Gena Showalter

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The Wrath
Rise of the Warlords #4

Author: Gena Showalter
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Released: 02/06/2024
Review Source: Author provided

New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter returns with a new book in the tantalizing Rise of the Warlords series, featuring a brutal Hell king and the irresistible beauty who upends his world.

For centuries, Rathbone the Only, King of Agonies, has existed for one recovering the enchanted bones of his slain wife to bring her back to life. He’s never been closer to success. But a new enemy has risen. A band of deadly war gods who have thirty days to destroy her or suffer the consequences. With time running out, Rathbone hires a maddening harpy-oracle, unaware she has an agenda of her own.

Neeka the Unwanted is a fierce warrior on a stop Rathbone and the gods. She’s seen the future if either is victorious, and it’s horrifying. She’ll do whatever proves necessary to forge a new path, even seduce the ruthless royal from his purpose. What she can’t predict? How the intense male will shatter her hard-won defenses along the way.

As Rathbone battles unexpected betrayals, cunning foes and the wild temptress he craves with every fiber of his being, he knows he must hold on to a cold dream or embrace a new flame.

Having been here since the very beginning starting with The Darkest Night, The Wrath was like catching up with dear friends - nostalgic in the best way, but also full of surprises and the witty humour you come to expect with Gena Showalter. Gena, in my opinion, writes some of the best characters and banter I’ve ever read, and I was SO excited for Neeka and Rathbone’s HEA.

Neeka and Rathbone come together to form an unlikely alliance when Rathbone hires her to help him bring his wife back, but Neeka has her own agenda…

The harpies have always been a favourite of mine in this world - they are unmatched with their fierceness and wittiness. The top layer of Neeka is full of madness, all bark and all bite, and the biggest wall around herself. She shrugs off the Neeka The Unwanted title but my heart hurt for her on occasions. And when she got possessive? Absolutely YES. Always. There’s something next level when the female character is “touch him and die”.

The romance was 10/10 - they kept us waiting for the kiss with a slow burning romance. There were moments where Rathbone was boneheaded and thoughtless (unintentionally, but what can you expect from an adopted child of Hades) but it was made up with some well-written groveling.

Anyways - I loved this book. Everything from the main character’s romance, to Neeka and Taliyah’s solid friendship and everything else. I loved that it wasn’t just a romance between two characters - there were insights to so many other elements and I think that’s why these books never get stale or boring. The Wrath was well-rounded, well-written, hilarious with kickass characters.

ARC Book Review: Pestilence by Laura Thalassa

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Pestilence
The Four Horsemen #1

Author: Laura Thalassa
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance | Dystopian
Released: 08/15/2023
Review Source: Review copy | Sourcebooks Bloom Books

They came to earth--Pestilence, War, Famine, Death--four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all.

When Pestilence comes for Sara Burn’s town, one thing is certain: everyone she knows and loves is marked for death. Unless, of course, the angelic-looking horseman is stopped, which is exactly what Sara has in mind when she shoots the unholy beast off his steed.

Too bad no one told her Pestilence can’t be killed.

Now the horseman, very much alive and very pissed off, has taken her prisoner, and he’s eager to make her suffer. Only, the longer she’s with him, the more uncertain she is about his true feelings towards her … and hers towards him.

And now, well, Sara might still be able to save the world, but in order to do so, she'll have to sacrifice her heart in the process.

Full disclosure: I’d already read this book back in August 2021 before requesting this ARC. I remember really enjoying Pestilence but never reading the rest of the series so I took this as an opportunity to re-read the first book.

I thoroughly enjoyed the re-read just as much as the first read. Pestilence is a unique take on the Four Horseman of the apocalypse. This paranormal romance is an enemies-to-lovers, torn between love and purpose romance which is thoroughly enjoyable. I loved the progression from enemies, to friends (kinda), to lovers.

“No One Knows where the Four Hoursemen came from, only that one day they appeared on their steeds, riding through cities and wildlands alike.”

Pestilence the Conqueror has one job - destroy the habitants of the world. Make sure they all die - one city at a time. His plans are slightly hindered when Sara tries to murder the horseman, but ends up his captive instead.

I read Pestilence in one sitting - the writing was smooth and the progression of their relationship kept me hooked throughout. It was one of those books where you miss the characters after you finish. However, I will say this - I was so disappointed with the ending. Many things are left unanswered and I wanted more of an explanation to some loose ends. Overall, the ending felt unfinished and I felt frustrated, and it dampened my desire to read book two a little.

ARC Book Review: From the Grave by Kresley Cole

 

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From the Grave
Arcana Chronicles #6

Author: Kresley Cole
Reading Level: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Released: 04/18/2023
Review Source: ARC provided by author

When even the gods hold their breath . . .

To defeat the Emperor and Fortune, Evie, the great Empress of Arcana, must repair her bond with Death, despite the earth-shattering developments between them.

And danger lurks in every shadow . . .

Their allies—a sea witch, a band of roving warriors, and more than a couple of rogues—overcome terrifying obstacles to help them. But when Jack makes a shocking discovery, the fallout threatens to tear their alliance apart.

One girl could deliver salvation—or doom.

If the Empress and her friends can remain united, will their powers be enough to defeat a catastrophic curse on the world, or will hellfire reign forever? The end looms for us all until the best hand wins. . . .

I want to preface this review by saying the Arcana Chronicles has been in my life for 10 years. Throughout that time I've grown up, gotten married, had two kids and a pup. My son is named after Jackson specifically from this series. This series was one of the main instigators in my life to begin writing my own books. So to say I'm ready for From the Grave is an understatement, and I'm incredibly grateful to have received an ARC of this book. 

From the Grave gave us some of the most heart-warming moments of the series. We witnessed a group of teenagers grow up and live their lives through an apocalyptic war within the Arcana, and alliances they made with each other flourished. The best friendships were made and it was a pleasure reading this journey of discovery, romance, action and loss. From the Grave melted my heart, broke it, then pieced it back together again. This long awaited conclusion settled my soul. 

This instalment continued where The Dark Calling left off. The Emperor and Fortune are destructive and dangerous - with no regard to anyone else as they have tunnel vision on winning the game and taking out Evie and Aric, as well as the other remaining cards. Not much can be said without spoilers, but trust in Kresley Cole - she smashed this. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so happy yet heartbroken over a book before, or cried so much after I’ve finished reading it. 

From the Grave concluded everything so wonderfully. It was an ending I wasn't expecting but definitely needed. We've been submerged in the world of Evie, Jack, Alice and friends for so long that I've got a lot of emotion now the series is over. I'm crying as I'm writing this because Kresley has done it again - she has my whole heart with the Arcana Chronicles. I'll never forget this series - ever.

 

Book Review: Heartless by Gena Showalter

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Heartless
Immortal Enemies #1

Author: Gena Showalter
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Released: June 29th 2021
Review Source: Purchased

Vengeance is irresistible…

Kaysar the Unhinged One, fae King of Midnight, can drive anyone to madness with his song. A ruthless warrior forged in hate, he lives to force his enemies to their knees. He will stop at nothing to succeed—even abduct and seduce his foe’s beloved bride, ensuring his own child one day sits on the male’s throne. Except, his prize escapes to the mortal realm before the first kiss, her heart transplanted into a mortal beauty with dangerous secrets…

Chantel “Cookie” Bardot is a professional gamer girl great at trash talking, bad at peopling. After a long awaited surgery, she begins to morph into a powerful fae princess. Catapulted into a strange land ruled by a cruel but seductive villain, she must battle flesh and blood monsters and navigate royal intrigues. But the true danger is Kaysar, whose every wicked touch tempts her beyond reason. Should she run…or descend into the darkness with him?

Heartless introduces a brand new world from Gena Showalter which introduces us to a world of fae and most importantly - Kaysar, King of the Dusklands. Kaysar is certifiably mentally unstable (they don't call him Kaysar the Unhinged for nothing) and I loved his character. He, alongside Chantal, were a perfect introductory couple to the series.

I never annotate my books - it's just not my thing but I actually used some of my university stationary to tab sections of my book because there were so many moments I loved - comments, thoughts, feelings that I wanted to flick back to. 

Kaysar has a lot of rage within from a childhood full of death, pain and torture so watching him go from angry and vengeful - a man who didn't like to kiss or touch and used pleasure as a weapon to use, and he turned into a man who could not live without his woman. Kaysar turned me into mush over his love for her. 

 "My affections are yours, Chantel. I will see to your every need and slay your every dragon."

Gena Showalter excels in writing witty female characters who have tonnes of character - just one of the many reasons why I will read anything she chooses to write. I know it will include amazing writing, witty characters (and an unhinged psychopath if we're lucky) and a plot I'm bound to love. Heartless was a brilliant read - from the main character to Cookie's sixty-two-year-old roommate and Jareth, the ex-lover of Cookie's heart donor and I am already bouncing on my seat impatiently for Ruthless!

 

ARC Book Review: The Dragon's Bride by Katee Robert

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The Dragon's Bride
A Deal with a Demon #1

Author: Katee Robert
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Paranormal Romance 
Released: March 29th 2022
Review Source: Provided by author / ARC copy

Briar Rose might have a name out of a storybook, but she learned at a very young age that no prince was coming to save her. She’ll have to save herself. Unfortunately, even that is an impossible task in her current situation—trapped in a terrifying marriage to a dangerous man.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, which is how she finds herself making a deal with a demon. Freedom from her husband…in return for seven years of service.

She expects the service to be backbreaking and harsh. She doesn’t expect to be put on an auction block in a room full of literal monsters and sold to the highest bidder.

To Sol.

A dragon.

He might seem kinder than his fearsome looks imply, but she knows better than to trust the way he wants to take care of her, or how invested he is in her pleasure. In her experience, if something seems too good to be true, it certainly is.

Falling for Sol is out of the question. She’s suffered enough, and she has no intention of staying in this realm…even if she leaves her heart behind when she returns to her normal life.

The Dragon's Bride brings a whole new meaning to the paranormal genre and is perfect for those who like their men rough around the edges. It was a quick read with just enough world building to keep me wanting more, and we were set up nicely for a potential demon story in the future (which I already want to read!)

In a moment of desperation Brair makes a deal with a demon to save herself from an abusive husband, and in return, gets sold to a dragon. A real life, scaled, green beast. This was my first experience where the monstrous male wasn't completely humanised, and it was brilliant. Sol is unapologetically himself. He hissed when he laughs, you got two for the price of one in the downstairs department, and he is abnormally huge.

The conflict is short, and the romance is spicy - the perfect combination for a good read.

I'm a big reader but I'm new to the monster trope, and you know what? I am not complaining. Is it different for the male to have scales? Yes. Is it strange that he hissed through a forked tongue? Also, yes? But did I still enjoy it? Also, yes! I loved that it was different and the book cover allowed me to picture the dragon's so much better! >

Book Review: Playing With Demons by Cally Edwards

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Playing with Demons
The Devil's In The Details #1
Author: Cally Edwards | Facebook | Instagram
Reading Level: Adult Fiction
Genres: Paranormal Romance | Urban Fantasy
Release Date: January 6th 2019
Review Source: Author

The Devil’s in the Details…

In a world where humans are unaware of the demons that roam amongst them, it’s left to the Nephilim to keep it that way—or at least that’s what Grace Campbell was brought up to believe. Grace might have been born half-Nephilim and half-demon, but her loyalty is wholly on the side of the good guys. She’s dedicated her life to protecting the innocent, and her mixed lineage only makes her better at her job. Unfortunately, her blood also makes her the only one capable of entering Hell’s hidden wards.

Now her latest assignment will see Grace endure the trials of the seven deadly sins in order to win a barbaric tournament to secure an important prize for the Nephilim. To survive, Grace will be forced to embrace her dark side and accept the help of her greatest opponent yet, Lucifer’s son. The very sexy Prince of Hell, Zadeon, will have Grace questioning just how bad, the bad guys are.

Playing with Demons is a story that brings the audience into a fantasy world of demons and angels in our world. Grace is a young woman with the unique background of being a half nephilim half demon. She trained her whole life to support the Nephilim in their quest to keep the human world safe from demons. Grace has to face her biggest challenge when her very self is brought to question. Who is Grace Campbell and what is the truth of her world?

Playing with Demons takes an unusual stance of turning our perceptions of good and evil on it's head. Most people would say demons are evil and angels are good, keeping the balance of the world as black and white. Cally Edwards, the author, takes these mythical beings and humanize them to the concepts that we are all familiar with. The audience follows Grace as she needs to discover the side of herself that she is loath to embrace, her demon blood. Cally not only explains how Grace could come about into existence, but we are able to believe it in the context of the story. What I liked most of this story is Cally researched the basic mythology of demons and angels so the story has a physical hold on what people's basic understanding of God, Lucifer, and the creation of demons.

This story also gives us a love story between Grace and Zadeon. Though he is a demon, Grace overcomes her indoctrinated hatred of demons and falls for Zadeon. Though I love the idea of them together, I was a little disappointed on how easily they fell in love. For me I wasn't truly for or against the relationship and that's why when they got together it didn't further or hinder the story. I hope as this series continues I find myself, as a reader, more engaged with the success of their relationship.

Playing with Demons is a fun read especially for those who love the supernatural elements. Cally has left the story open for more adventures for Grace and I cannot wait to see what awaits our little hunter in future books.

Book Review: Moonlight Scandals by Jennifer L. Armentrout

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Moonlight Scandals
de Vincent #3
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Reading Level: Adult
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Released: Avon Mass Market
Review Source: January 29th 2019

The culmination of a darkly sexy, compellingly eerie, and totally binge-worthy series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout, MOONLIGHT SCANDALS (Avon Books, on-sale 1.29.19) is the perfect read for anyone who found themselves absolutely entranced by The Witches of East End! This series is such a gothic soap opera, and MOONLIGHT SCANDALS provides drama, sex and suspense in equal measure to Moonlight Sins and Moonlight Seduction.

The de Vincent brothers, Lucian, Gabriel and Devlin are cursed – or, at least, the women they fall in love with are. Family legend is that de Vincent women are fated to die early…and tragically. And tragedy is something the de Vincents excel at: this dysfunctional family has a dark past: their mother fell prey to the curse, their father died under mysterious circumstances (with many in their upscale Louisiana community whispering of murder or suicide), their sister is catatonic after having been thought missing for ten years…and their uncle is just a power-hungry bastard. The brothers all live in an antebellum Southern mansion, which is not in the gentile districts of New Orleans, but deep in the bayou. Everyone knows, bad things happen in the bayou.

Moonlight Scandals is the final book in the de Vincent supernatural series. This book has the elements of drama, passion, supernatural, and intrigue. Readers of the previous two books will be in for a satisfying conclusion to the trilogy.

Moonlight Scandals is set in modern New Orleans, and the reader is taken through the romantic tensions of the eldest de Vincent son. We are introduced to a new heroin in Rosie Herpin. She is a widower paranormal investigator who always had an interest in the de Vincent house. Little did she know how her path would cross with Devlin de Vincent. Devlin being the eldest of the de Vincent brothers, always felt his job was to protect his brothers. Never really letting himself have anything for himself. Devlin and Rosie had a Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth relationship, fueled by their own stubbornness and pride. Their relationship, however, is not the only theatrics both of our protagonists find themselves in. Noisy reporter, troublesome uncle, and possible haunting shape the ebb and flow of Devlin and Rosie's story.

I started reading this book without having read the first two books, oops. I was able to follow the story due to the author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, giving the little back story I needed on the de Vincent family through out the book. Devlin and Rosie really reminded me of a sexually charged Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth relationship (Pride and Prejudice). I was in awe of how I was infuriated and sympathetic with Devlin's inability to trust Rosie, because of assumptions based on his past interactions with people. Rosie was the kind of woman that reminded me of myself. She was lost after the death of her husband going into psychology to understand his passing and not really pursuing any career path with her degrees. The only thing she truly pursued with any pleasure was paranormal investigations. Though set in a supernatural setting, I thought it was missing those true elements of ghosts and paranormal story. I also thought some of the extra characters were set up to be elements of dramatic, but fell short. Other than those critics, this book was engaging and easy to read the night away. I recommend to read the first two and then this one just to have the context of Devlin's previous interactions with his brothers. Definitely a fun read and now I'll be finding the first two so I can complete my interactions with the de Vincent brothers.

Blog Tour: The Spellspeaker's Prophecy by Anna Abner | Review | Giveaway

Welcome to our stop on The Spellspeaker's Prophecy blog tour. Hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. 

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The Spellspeaker's Prophecy
Beasts of Vegas #2
Author: Anna Abner
Reading Level: Adult Fiction
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Released: April 24, 2018
Review Source: Rockstar Book Tours

Roz Carrera is a witch on the fritz. Thanks to the Coven’s rejection of her application for membership, she’s been denied a proper magical education. Without a mentor, she’s nearly useless in helping her team of vampire hunters. Complicating matters is the hulking shapeshifter she stumbles upon outside Las Vegas who may or may not be a vicious psychopath.

The only creatures shapeshifter Lukas Larsson hates more than vampires are witches. He’s in the Nevada desert to destroy the vampires who murdered his family, but the witch Roz Carrera and her ragtag team sideline him. He can’t allow the very sexy Roz to distract him from his vengeance.

The Spellspeaker’s Prophecy is a fun, action packed read that will keep you wanting more up until the ending. Of one of the major reasons why I wanted to read this book was it had vampires in it. I am a sucker for a vampire novel and all the typically clichés that go along with it. Honestly, The Spellspeaker’s Prophecy surprised me, and I ended up enjoying it a lot more than I thought I would.

Although, I did not read the first book in the series I feel The Spellspeaker’s Prophecy can be read as its own book for numerous reasons. For one it introduces a whole set of new characters. Furthermore, the world building was enough for me to understand the setting of the story without knowing anything from the previous book. It also did not throw a bunch of information at me at once, which helped with the overall flow of the book.

Two of my favorite things about The Spellspeaker’s Prophecy is the character development and the romantic plot of the story. Roz is strong female lead, who kicks some serious butt throughout the novel. She is headstrong, but has trouble trusting people. Sometimes she doesn’t believe in herself the way she should. These flaws carry on into the romantic plot with Lukas. Lukas counteracts her flaws throughout the novel. It is interesting to see how the two interact with each other from the beginning to the end.

Overall, The Spellspeaker’s Prophecy is a solid four star read. It is definitely not for everyone, but if you are looking for a fun read then this is the book for you.

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About Anna:
One of my first memories is dangling over the arm of our living room sofa telling myself a post-apocalyptic survival tale in which my mother and I were the last two people on earth. It was so fun, I never stopped telling stories. In high school, I faked being ill so I could stay home to work on a novel about a nanny who falls in love with her boss’ bad boy nephew.

As an adult I earned a college degree, got married, and had a child, but I never stopped writing. It only got more fun. I wrote through my lunch breaks at work. I wrote on the treadmill at the gym. Eventually, I had dozens of short stories, novellas, and full-length novels piling up on thumb drives and in plastic tubs.

Now, I’m ready to share my stories with you, starting with The Dark Caster Series, the Red Plague Series, and the Beasts of Vegas Series. I hope you love reading them as much as I loved writing them!

I also write LGBT short stories under the name Sadie West. All works available at Amazon, SmashWords, and Barnes and Noble.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | YouTube | Tumblr | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads

Tour Schedule:
Week One:
4/16/2018- BookishBookie- Excerpt
4/17/2018- Simply Daniel Radcliffe- Review
4/18/2018- Spilling Words- Excerpt
4/19/2018- Two Chicks on Books- Guest Post
4/20/2018- BookHounds- Interview

Week Two:
4/23/2018- Eating Between the Lines Inc- Spotlight
4/24/2018- Once Upon A Twilight- Review
4/25/2018- Mama Reads Blog- Review
4/26/2018- Becky on Books- Excerpt
4/27/2018- Read. Eat. Love.- Spotlight

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Giveaway Details:
5 winners will receive an eBook of THE SPELLSPEAKER’S PROPHECY, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Blood Fury by J.R. Ward

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Blood Fury
Black Dagger Legacy #3
Author: J. R. Ward
Reading Level: Adult Fiction
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Released: January 9th 2018
Review Source: Ballantine Books

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • In this sexy paranormal romance novel set in the world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, #1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward tells the story of two couples—both fighting to find love in the midst of the war with the Lessening Society.

A vampire aristocrat, Peyton is well aware of his duty to his bloodline: mate with an appropriate female of his class and carry on his family’s traditions. And he thought he’d found his perfect match—until she fell in love with someone else. Yet when his split-second decision in a battle with the enemy endangers the life of another trainee, Peyton has to face the idea that his future, and his heart, actually lie with another.

Novo, as a female in the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training program, feels like she has to prove herself to everybody—and she has no interest in being distracted by falling in love. But when Peyton proves to be so much more than a rich playboy, she is forced to confront the tragedy that has broken her soul and closed her off from love.

As the two grapple with Novo’s past and Peyton’s present, another couple must contend with a connection that is unparalleled—and potentially scandalous. Saxton, who has had his heart broken, discovers in himself a deep-seated attraction to Ruhn, a new member of the household. But will the other male explore the connection? Or will he close his mind and his heart to what could be true love . . . and cost Saxton everything?

Blood Fury was fantastic, its been a minute since I have read anything that I felt really grabbed me from the 1st page. Blood Fury is probably my favorite Legacy book to date. There was just so much I loved in the books. I would have not mind one bit, if Ward would have written two different books, so we could have more of Novo & Peyton and Saxton & Ruhn. I would have enjoyed it, I just couldn't decided between the 2 pairs, which pair I loved more. 

Blood Fury as you know is the 3rd book in the Legacy series, and it follows the trainees that the Brothers are getting ready for the war that continues with the Lessening Society. It really great to see the trainees grow as fighters every new book. And I like learning about each of them personally, so you can see under all their layers. The cool thing about this book, they are now going out in the field and fighting alongside the Brothers now. Which then means, we get to read about more interaction with the Brothers. This makes me very happy. 

In Blood Fury, I mentioned it focuses on 2 sets of people. I can't tell you who I loved more. It was equal between them. So yes, everyone gets their HEA, but the one, that probably struck the most, is Saxton. Since he isn't new to me as a character, I've had years to grow attached to him, just like the Brothers. So when Saxton, lost the love of his life to another. It did break our hearts even though, we know he truly never really had him, since Blay was always meant to be with Qhuinn. So I always hoped, in the future he would find someone new. Blood Fury finally granted my wish for Saxton. So when Ruhn happens, this was fantastic. Finally, Saxton gets his HEA. Now granted it wasn't easy, but once they hit some speed bumps, they finally can be with each other. You'll just have to read the book, to see how their relationship kicks off. 

Then the next duo we focus on is Novo and Peyton. These two, you either want to slap them, or give them high fives. Talk about being hard headed, if you look in the dictionary, you'll see Novo and Peyton, pictured. But once, they begin to shed some of their tough layers, magic starts to happen. Not, giving details, but things do get very bad before they get very good. 

If you haven't started the Legacy series, what are you waiting for? Plus, I feel like you need to read these to continue in the correct order of things. You want to make sure you have no gaps in timeline.