Chanda Hahn

Captured by an evil sorcerer, I'm forced to become his apprentice and learn forbidden magic. Teetering on the edge between good and evil, I trade my soul for power. Allemar wants to control me, but little does he know the shifter he's caged-- is not easily tamed. My training draws me closer to Aspen, the forsaken prince, wanted for treason against the crown. My sisters have always feared him, but I can see the man beneath the cloak of hate. For I am Maeve, one of the adoptive daughters of Lady Eville. I hunt the truth, seeking the one who murders my shifter friends. But what will I do when all evidence points to Aspen and the dark magic he wields? Unleash the beast within.

Of Mist and Murder

Roisin Giles

** spoiler alert **
           As before, I'm still enjoying this series! I am not sure what this book was a re-telling of though, so if you know, please comment! Slightly less dark than the previous book, but Maeve is the darkest daughter so far, which is a direction I loved. I like learning about each individual daughter's personality and their differing traits, and Maeve's love of mischief, vengeance and her own version of justice was refreshing to read as it is a different outlook from her sisters. She is still a likeable character though as she is relatable in other ways, such as innocent about boys and the wider world as she was sheltered with her family, and also quite insecure and jealous (but in a kind way if that makes sense?) of her sister's who are more typically charming and wholesome. She is also very protective, which shows as she begins to get friendlier with Velora, Marco and Aspen, who she counts as her family, as she tries to ensure their safety and especially for Velora, taunt their bullies with harmless magic. Her personality also helped her connect with Aspen, and help me as the reader connect with Aspen, as their similarities showed how their relationship could work, as in the beginning it was hard to adjust to Aspen being the potential love interest as I was used to him being the villain's apprentice.

I like how this fifth instalment tied back to the first book, with Rosalie's brother, Aspen, being one of the main characters. It also seems (hopefully this isn't too pre-emptive as it's not the final book in the series) that Allemar has been defeated finally, so I wonder who the antagonist for the next few books will be as there are two more sisters to read about, or if he will make a surprise return? I also wonder if Velora will continue to feature, as she is now a friend to Aspen and Maeve, even with her tricky past with Meri. 

I also loved Maeve's main power, shifting into other forms, as it brought a new element of magic to this book - although Maeve has been mentioned in the previous books so it wasn't new information, just developed more - especially with the twist near the end of her being powerful enough to be able to shift into multiple forms and being the Shifter Queen. Another example of her being sheltered until just the right moment. 

As usual for me with this series, I really enjoyed reading this book but I wanted it to be slightly longer so that the information wasn't so packed in. I do like Maeve and Aspen as a couple, and we did learn about Aspen's past which gave us an insight into how he ended up as Allemar's somewhat reluctant apprentice, but again the romance was slightly rushed and predictable, and could potentially have benefited from a further 50+ pages to slow down the pacing. I might be biased though as I do love a good, long book. Again, I will be pre-ordering the next book which comes out in four months time, in December.

Captured by an evil sorcerer, I’m forced to become his apprentice and learn forbidden magic. Teetering on the edge between good and evil, I trade my soul for power. Allemar wants to control me, but little does he know the shifter he’s caged-- is not easily tamed. My training draws me closer to Aspen, the forsaken prince, wanted for treason against the crown. My sisters have always feared him, but I can see the man beneath the cloak of hate. For I am Maeve, one of the adoptive daughters of Lady Eville. I hunt the truth, seeking the one who murders my shifter friends. But what will I do when all evidence points to Aspen and the dark magic he wields? Unleash the beast within.

Of Mist and Murder

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