Elisse HayKirja-arvosteluja

There is a lot going on in this book and some readers might have trouble with the heavy themes if that is something that can make the reader uncomfortable. That said the main storyline was good although the ancillary arcs are a bit disjointed and difficult to follow. This could be the result of my having not read the first two installments. I didn't always connect with the characters and this is probably the result of this not necessarily being a genre for me. That said, I think it was well written and fans of these kinds of stories will probably be happy with what they find here.½

Met by Moonlight is the 3rd book in the Something Wicked series. I received this book as part of the Librarything Early Reviewers program so I had not read the first two books but I will definitely be doing so now.
I did not feel like I lost anything major starting in the middle. The writing is well done, characters are interesting, & the action moves at lightening speed yet still leaves room for truly getting to know Rory, the main character
Vampires, Lycan, creepy Fairies, a hot detective, & a kickass witch who you can root for, What's not to like! I wont say to much because it is hard to avoid spoilers but Rory the is pushed to her limits in a very dark way but comes back fighting. Please note, the trigger warning at the beginning of the book is there for a reason, be sure to read it before proceeding.
Altogether I really enjoyed this book & am looking forward to the next one as well as the first two.½

This story was a quick, fun read that had the drama and the suspense of a crime procedural but with the fun of a fantasy novel. The characters were easy to get to know and love. They have depth and struggle that is easy to relate to. I would sugest looking into the trigger warnings for this novel before reading it. The plot does include some very adult themes that might be hard for some to deal with. I loved this story and would definetly recommend it to others!

Elisse Hay does it again. This latest book in the series was non-stop action and chips! I do worry about the characters' caffeine addiction and sleep quality! Lol.
There are a lot of trigger warnings for this book. There's a lot of paranormal but legit gaslighting and sexual assault and manipulation. It's a real mind-fuck in a JA Huss kinda way but without the graphic sex.

Fun? Yes, a book about witches, wizards (there's a difference) and lycanthropes in a dystopian edition of Australia.
Aurora starts a job in Melbourne as a social worker for the supernatural. She wants to avoid dead people but has to replace a murdered social worker.
This Australia is a world where supernaturals have to be registered, to avoid danger for humans. Naturally, supernaturals don't like that. I wouldn't either.
The magic in this book is different with spells which have to be spoken out loud, but not for Aurora.
Of course there is love, not necessarily with a nice human guy who is boring.
It was nice, but not something you are going to read again. I have the second book in the series also by Librarything Early Reviewers. A review will follow.

Disclaimer: I got this book in the Librarything Early Reviewers.

this one was difficult I liked everyone but the main character, she was continually falling apart and why her friends stuck with her was beyond me.What a drama queen! She seemed to be all take and no give. I did like the plot and the writing was very good, interesting worldbuilding .....but the main character, well fuhgeddaboudit.

"Met by Moonlight" by Elisse Hay takes readers on a captivating journey into a world where magic, chaos, and danger collide during the enchanting time of Samhain. As the protagonist navigates the challenges of her own birthday celebration, she finds herself entangled in a web of fae invasion, mind control, and a new High Wizard with audacious plans.
Hay skillfully weaves a narrative that blends elements of the supernatural with the very human desire for the ordinary—a bag of fresh chips, companionship, and the warmth of a connection with a hot detective. The timing of these longed-for normalities clashes with the chaos of Samhain and the looming threat of a fae invasion, creating a tension that keeps the reader engaged.
The strength of the book lies in its ability to balance the fantastical with the relatable. The protagonist's struggle to protect her loved ones, even if it means sacrificing herself, adds depth to the story. Hay explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the complex nature of wielding magical powers in a world teetering on the brink of chaos.
The pacing is well-managed, with moments of intense action interspersed with quieter, reflective scenes. The world-building is vivid, painting a picture of a realm where the barriers between worlds are thin, and magic flows through every page.
"Met by Moonlight" is a spellbinding tale that captures the imagination, inviting readers into a world where the supernatural and the mundane collide in unexpected ways. Elisse Hay's storytelling prowess shines through, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this enchanting series.

This is a decent, fast-paced story. The plot is good, though there are some questions at the end that I doubt will ever get answered. The protagonist is likable, though her over-reaction to everything, be it good, bad, small, or large, is a little wearing on the patience. Some of that is an element of the plot, but quite a bit of it actually is not.

It's very much in the vein of Kim Harrison's The Hollows series, if that type of book appeals to you. I like them a lot, and I liked this.

However, you should know that this book will take a bit more effort to read than Harrison's stories. The best way I can explain that is that this one is more disjointed. It's as if the author has a mental picture of what is happening and what is driving people to act a certain way, but they didn't show it to us. So, you have to put in some energy toward figuring out how we went from Point A to Point C ... what was the Point B in between? This isn't so much a plot thing as a "figure out why such-and-such character is acting this way."

If you haven't read the previous books in the series, then you should before reading this one. It has almost zero in the way of catch-up backstory or world-building.

Met by Moonlight by Elisse Hay is the third in a series. I'd recommend reading the previous books before this one. I haven't read them, and a lot of the world building is missing, making it difficult to really get into it.

I enjoyed reading this book though it starts out slow so it was hard to get into at first but i eventually got into it. It also has alot of things happening at the same time so it was hard to follow

Like a feminist version of The Dresden Files. Well written, engaging story.

This is the 3rd book in a series and I haven’t read the other books. I felt like there was several things I didn’t know or understand. But this book is so interesting with intriguing characters and well written that I’m going to get the first 2! There is action from the beginning and towards the end you will not want to put it down. Blessed be Rory!

Unveiling Shadows and Struggles in "Villains by Necessity" by Elisse Hay

In "Villains by Necessity," Elisse Hay takes readers on a thrilling journey through a world where magic, vampires, and fae coexist in an intricate dance of power and danger. The second installment in the "Something Wicked" series, this novel offers a captivating blend of supernatural intrigue, suspense, and a touch of romance, all set against a backdrop of shifting allegiances and hidden motives.

The narrative follows a protagonist who thrives on adhering to fair rules, yet grapples with the disruptive emergence of love as a weapon in a power struggle. The world of magi and vampires is teetering on the edge of chaos, with a power vacuum threatening to plunge it into darkness. As a guide for the magickal community, the protagonist finds themselves drawn into a web of intrigue, deceit, and manipulation.

Elisse Hay masterfully crafts a tale that combines supernatural elements with complex interpersonal dynamics. The protagonist's journey is a captivating exploration of moral dilemmas, personal convictions, and the lengths one is willing to go to protect those they care about. The central conflict, fueled by the unexpected use of love as a weapon, adds a layer of depth and complexity that elevates the narrative beyond the realm of typical paranormal fiction.

The world-building in "Villains by Necessity" is rich and immersive, immersing readers in a fantastical universe where magi and vampires coexist with an air of tension and unease. Hay's vivid descriptions bring the setting to life, painting a canvas that captures the essence of magic and darkness entwined.

The protagonist's determination to resist the manipulation of love, even as they confront their own emotions, adds a relatable and human dimension to their character. Their struggles mirror the complexities of real-life choices and temptations, inviting readers to reflect on the fine line between control and surrender.

Hay's writing is engaging and evocative, delivering a narrative that pulses with tension and intrigue. The pacing keeps readers invested, while the well-crafted dialogue and interactions bring the characters to life. The novel's exploration of love's darker aspects serves as a compelling metaphor for the complexities of human relationships, demonstrating that even in a world of magic and fantasy, the human experience remains at the core.

"Villains by Necessity" is more than a tale of supernatural battles and mystical powers; it's a reflection on the dual nature of love and the choices we make in the face of adversity. Elisse Hay's skillful storytelling, coupled with the unique blend of fantasy and emotional resonance, results in a novel that transcends genre boundaries. As readers journey through the protagonist's struggles and revelations, they are treated to a captivating narrative that is both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining.

Rory Gold is a witch in a world where the supernatural mixes with the human. Ever since supernatural beings from the Otherworld started crossing over into the human world, witches like Rory have been employed to help control them. Rory is a caretaker: a social worker for supernatural beings trying to integrate into human society. As soon as Rory and Arthur, the wizard leader of her coven, have solved the last mystery, they are attacked. Also, Deidre, a witch under Rory’s protection, is being threatened by the dangerous people she escaped from. The retrieval team that Rory used to work with is called on the deal with the threat. At the same time vampires are moving into the territory and threatening the leading wizards and Rory’s allies. Lycanthropes have also been attacking. All this activity is overwhelming the retrieval teams and Rory is called on to step in and resume her old duties. The danger for herself, and those she cares about, causes disruptions in her relationships and brings back traumatic memories from Rory’s past. Rory decides to take some dangerous risks to resolve the threats.

This is the second book in the Something Wicked urban fantasy series. It isn’t necessary to have read the first book to enjoy this one, but it does help understand the supernatural world the author has created. This series takes place in Australia, which is fun. The author does a great job with all the characters and Rory’s friends, family, allies and adversaries are all very interesting. Rory is a very strong and independent character. She has great powers and abilities, but her past trauma, and need to save everyone, leads her to push herself too hard. Her personal life is a bit of a mess in this book and she bounces about in her relationships. There is some sexual content in this book, but not excessive. I sometimes found the fight scenes a bit confusing, but overall the book is exciting and moves quickly. I am enjoying this urban fantasy series and am looking forward to the next one.

Enjoyed reading Foul if Fair by Elisse Hay. It Started out slow but picked up. I liked the characters. Rory, the main character, is smart, resourceful and strong. But for me, I thought there was just to much going on at one time. I probably wouldn't read the next book. Im not into magical mysteries.

If you enjoy books by Patricia Briggs, Ilona Andrews or Nalini Singh, this may be up your alley. It has a strong female lead, good supporting cast, and an interesting premise. 2-cent summary: After a brutal work incident results in the death of someone close, kitchen witch Rory takes a new, less dangerous job as a Caretaker. (Basically, a social worker for the supernatural community.) Welcomed with tea and cake by fluttery co-workers and her self-proclaimed feminist boss, Rory is dumped almost immediately into a stew of office politics, pixie-dust and human trafficking, and murder. Good fun! The start of a new series, and I've already pre-ordered the second installment.

This was an excellent start to the series. Rory wants to change her job to something safer or so she thinks. She is now a caretaker to supernaturals. She knows something is not right and she has to find out the mystery and the murderer who killed the witch whose job she has taken over. I really like Beo, the alpha of the lycan pack. He is handsome and has a way with words. There are some things you don’t get the answer to but most of the problems get solved. This book goes from a slow start to an action packed ending. I received a free book and the views and opinions are my own.

Foul is Fair by Elisse Hay is a gripping supernatural mystery that keeps the reader on edge from start to finish. The story follows a witch who decides to switch careers to become a social worker for supernaturals after becoming tired of hunting down supernatural criminals. However, her new career takes a dark turn when her client, who is also her prime suspect, is accused of murdering the last witch in her role.
The protagonist, Beo, is a strong and relatable character who adds depth to the story. Despite the book's "forcefully woke" approach, the author does a great job of keeping the reader engaged with plenty of action and intrigue. The comic relief in the story also helps to break up the tension.
Hay's writing style is concise and descriptive, allowing readers to easily imagine the supernatural world she has created. The plot is well-constructed with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing until the end.
Overall, Foul is Fair is an enjoyable read that would be perfect for fans of supernatural mysteries. The book's fast-paced plot and engaging characters make it a worthwhile addition to any reader's bookshelf. I give it four stars.

Werewolves, magic and steamy scenes. Nicely paced story with great well written characters who interact like people should. Nice plot twists that keep you engaged. I enjoyed the work place setting and how people got along in their own way. But they also pull together and help when needed with a few quirks. I liked how the magic was used but not overused and no one seemed over powered. The werewolves were tough, and a force of nature with some limits. The loyalty to their pack was nice to see and that they aren't just all sexy bad boys but have some brains too.

I received a copy of Foul is Fair by Elisse Hay through LibraryThing in exchange for a review.
This is an awesome book, I had a hard time putting it down and was eager to pick it up again. The main character was strong, and at the same time able to be empathetic, loving, and address her personal conflicts. She was able to see through the social prejudices and make her own choices. It had a few twists and turns that only make this more interesting and led to a interesting ending. I hope the author writes this as a series as I would enjoy reading more about the continuation of these characters and their lives. My only regret is I didn't start reading this book sooner than I did.

Foul is Fair is the first book in the "Something Wicked" series by Elisse Hay. Aurora is a witch who is through hunting down supernatural criminals. She's done fighting for so decides on a career change. I wouldn't think social worker for supernatural creatures would be risk free and it's not. She discovers that the last witch in her new role was killed by a werewolf.
I quite enjoyed this book. It's got the typical urban fantasy characters but I enjoyed seeing the world through the character's eyes, both from her perspective as a hunter and a social worker. I found the side characters interesting and keen to see more from them, with their own secrets, and agendas. This is a great for book foundation for a series. The world building I particularly enjoyed

This is one story that keeps your interest and has a unlikely romance between a witch and a Lucian. The character's are well planned out and you get to really know the player's without being overly descriptive. I would recommend this book to all who like this type of romance fantasy.

I got this book through LibraryThing's monthly giveaway. It was good. The characters were good and there was enough twists and turns to make me knock this quick read out in just a couple days and go looking for the next book in the series...

Rory Gold is a witch in a world where the supernatural mixes with the human. Ever since supernatural beings from the Otherworld started crossing over into the human world, witches like Rory have been employed to help control them. Rory has given up her dangerous career as a retrieval agent and has started working as a caretaker: a social worker for supernatural beings trying to integrate into human society. One of the groups she is responsible for is a pack of lycanthropes. This would be fine, except that her predecessor was killed by a lycanthrope. Also, Rory finds the alpha of the pack dangerously attractive. Her boss is a stuffy, arrogant, wizard. Someone is running drugs through the rift to the Otherworld, and there is a powerful and well-placed wizard who must be helping them. Rory decides it is up to her to find the culprits.
This is a fun start to a new urban fantasy series. The world-building is well done. The lycanthropes, witches and fairies are all introduced in a matter of fact way without a great deal of exposition. Rory is a fun, strong, character. All of the other characters are well-developed and interesting as well. The romance is a central part of the novel, but doesn’t overwhelm the adventure and mystery. The fight scenes and the use of magic are described well. The book leaves some mysteries unanswered, including Rory’s background and powers. There is also a war in the Otherworld which is hinted at but not fully explored. There are some fairly graphic sex scenes, but not excessive.

2 stars. Could have been really good. The plot twist of a supernatural social worker is new and different. The way Rory (Aurora) deals with the different types of supe and all their needs & drama was interesting and fun to read. The romance parts were cringe-y and boring at the same time. The fight and spell stuff was explained in such detail it dragged the story down. The book overall was okay but needed an editor. I would like to read the next in the series because I think there is a good foundation for a series, this book just isn't quite there yet. Thank you LibraryThing for my copy.