Shades of Memory

Another Awesome read! The characters and story line are well-developed. Riley, Price and her family have escaped the FBI, but Price's brother Gregg is still in their custody. They have to find a way to release him. Riley will make a decision that will affect all of Diamond City. Price also has to learn how to control his new-found power or he will end up destroying Diamond City. Riley will also push her powers to the limit. This is such a great book and series. I recommend it to everyone! I give Shades of Memory (The Diamond City Magic Novels) 5/5 stars.

Loaded with subtle emotions, sizzling chemistry and the pain of making the hard choices.  The vibrant characters and an innovative world of magic make this one an interesting twist on the standard urban fantasy.

This series just keeps getting better and better. If you have not discovered Diana Pharaoh Francis yet and you are a lover of strong paranormal fiction with a solid touch of romance then you are missing out. This particular book is the fourth in an awesome series that has a powerful central female character, Riley Hollis, who stands for everyone who can't stand for themselves even when they might not be completely the good guys.
Riley has been on a rollercoaster of a ride for a while now and it is not about to slow down. She knows that her love for Clay Price is very real and that together they can pretty much tackle anything which is going to be pretty important as Clay comes to terms with his new powers released at the end of the last book. Still adding a bit more spice to the mix is the fact that Price's brother, Greg Touray, is one of the top Tyet bosses and you have plenty of action, particularly as he is need of rescuing at the beginning of the story.
There is a real sense of family loyalty within this series as Riley's family are always there for her (well everyone except her father) and each of them capture the reader's attention with their antics especially now it appears that Riley's sister has a couple of interesting men in her life (who should she choose - either or neither or both).
All I can say is make sure if you haven't read these books yet - do start with one and if you have been reading them, stop reading this review right now and start reading this book. Carve out a few hours as you won't want to be interrupted. Bring on book five.

This book is the fourth in the Diamond City Magic series. Just days after the raid of the FBI compound, Riley is trying to help Price deal with his deadly new magic and his worry about his brother Gregg’s kidnapping. Soon Riley has bigger problems to worry about: there is a new power vacuum in the tyets in Diamond City, and Riley must do something to protect her family. However, there are elements at play she has no idea about, but she’s about to find out about them. I just love this series! It’s one those that I forget just how good it is until I start reading it. Ms. Francis has a wonderful way of weaving different threads together in a book, and her characterizations are off the chart. I love how much Riley has grown, and how her and Price have grown closer. Riley’s sister has two possible love interests, too, and I have to say I’m not sure which one I want her to pick because I like them both even if they are “bad” guys. The book was full of non-stop action, and I really didn’t want to put it down. Yes, there was a cliffhanger, but that’s to be expected in this series. And, if you haven’t read this series, it is best to start from the beginning as you might be lost otherwise. This was a great addition to the series, and I cannot wait until the next one. Highly recommend! Thanks to the author for the e-copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

Shades of Memory is book 4 or so of Diana Pharoah Francis' Diamond City series. Magic, and plots and bad guys who are not as black as they first appear. This story is not stand alone and picks up just days after the last book but it is really good, lots of action and twists and turns and an ending that has me looking forward to the next book. I originally decided to give the series a try because of all of the recs from forum friends for Francic' other series, Horngate Witches. I may have to go back and dig those out of the pile now because she really knows how to build an ensemble and rachet up a plot.

ARC via Netgalley

Oh, this series! It's been a bit too long since I read book 3, so I was a bit at-sea for a while until I remembered the important details and everything fell into place. THis is 150% not a book that can be read as a standalone, but that's okay, because it's awesome as part of the series. I am now desperately awaiting the clifthanger resolution in the next book.

Fair warning: the author loves cliffhangers.

This was a great addition to the series. The pace was fantastic and the complexities keep multiplying by the page. I don’t know what is coming next but you best believe I’m going to be reading it in one sitting, just like I did with this book.

Another great edition to the DCM series! Riley hits her stride in this book when the metaphorical and literal crap hits the fan around her. For the first real time since the series started, she stands on her own two feet and is a force to be reckoned with. She protects those who can’t protect themselves, which I love about her. As each book has been added to this series, you get introduced to a different facet of Riley’s personality. She’s the finder of wayward people, protector of those she loves, and now has come full circle in to her powers. Her lover, Price, has changed in power, and without her anchoring him to the ground, he would have imploded. The intensity of their relationship grows with each book, and in this one in particular, you get a sense of how much they really do need each other.

To call this book the series game changer is an understatement. Shades of Memory sets the tone for the upcoming books, and it is a tone of excitement for me. I just wish the next book would be releasing much sooner!

4.5 Stars Mystery, Magic and Killers! A great addition to the Diamond City Magic series!! Riley protects those who can’t protect themselves and they will need her now more than ever. The storyline is well written, and the character dynamics is engaging I can’t wait to read more. I would recommend this book and series for lovers of great paranormal books

<b> 4.5 Stars
DESCRIPTION:</b>
Riley's lost the last damned thing she's willing to lose. She's declaring war and prisoners are optional.

After escaping the FBI, Riley and her family have become fugitives, and not just from the law. Every bad guy on the planet wants a piece of Riley. Gregg has been kidnapped. Worse than that, Price's newly discovered magic is dangerously out of control, and her own is trying to kill her. She has little time to worry about any of that before all hell breaks loose in Diamond City, and she finds herself smack dab in the crossfire.

With the clock ticking down, Riley gathers her friends and family to execute a Hail Mary plan that will pit them against seven of the most dangerous thugs in Diamond City, a serial killer, Riley's psychopath father, and a mysterious billionaire with plans of his own. If she succeeds, she makes herself an even bigger target. If she fails, everybody she cares about dies.

But the shadows hold danger even Riley will never see coming . . . .


<b>REVIEW:</b>
I'm a huge fan of <i>The Diamond City Magic Novels</i>. I love dark urban fantasy books, and this series is one of the best. <i>Diana Pharaoh Francis</i> writing is right on point and highly entertaining. What I enjoy most about these books is the unpredictability of the story line. Riley is snarky, smart and doesn't take sh*t from anyone, not to mention she has a unique magical talent that can be nearly unstoppable...when it's working. What makes her a complete package is her vulnerability and her compassion for others. The supporting cast of characters are fantastic, their foibles highly entertaining, the tension between them adding another dimension to the story.

I had a little trouble getting into this book, the first chapter didn't capture me immediately, but I'm glad I kept reading. The rest of the book well made up for it...until I reached the harsh cliffhanger ending. The story just stopped in the middle of the action—I wasn't ready for the book to be over yet! Despite the rocky beginning and abrupt ending, I enjoyed getting to know Riley, Price and their group of friends again in their latest adventure. I can't wait for the next book. These novels are a part of a series and cannot be read as a stand alone. 


I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. Posted from my site: <a href="http://www.StaceyBrutger.com/blog">www.StaceyBrutger.com</a>