Magic Unleashed (Hall of Blood and Mercy, #3) By K.M. Shea

Jacob Proffitt

This is the third in a trilogy, so it's best if you read them in order.

This fulfills all the promises of the other two books and does so very well. If you read those, you know what to expect and Shea does a good job delivering. So this review will be short. Some notes:

* The copy editing remains an issue. Sadly.
* I still absolutely love the moral framework and Hazel and Killian working out their differences while still each appreciating the other was a treat.
* Shea does a great job delivering on the trust thread that has permeated the series. Seriously, well done.
* There's a chapter that flashes back and I thought it sloppy at first (as we already knew the important part of what happened). But after getting a bit in, I changed my mind about it being sloppy. It was the only way to preserve the core surprise (though most readers wouldn't really be surprised, the narrative worked well having one) and still get the emotional resonance delivered in it. I can't see any other way to have that happen without stealing the climax from the plot and diluting impact as a result. Tough choice, but I think it works.

There are some minor issues I have with the culmination, . But those really are minor. Everything I actually cared about worked out better than I had hoped. So this is another solid five stars and I'd rate the series as a whole five stars as well.

A note about Chaste: While the trust and intimacy resolve, and the relationship alongside, there are no explicit sex scenes and the kissing is kept to chaste standards as well. So I consider the whole series to be very chaste and expect most would agree. There isn't even any hint of extra-marital sex, though contemporary readers might assume such in the background near the end. The actual plot/action puts enough pressure that certainly nothing happens before and the climax is past so there wasn't any need or impetus to go to the bedroom after. Well done, I think.

Ira

I should write a review for this series, but I’m not in the mood to do anything beside reading lately.

So, yeah, I just wanted to say, I highly recommend and read this series if you love PNR/Fantasy.

I already read it twice! That’s right! Lol.
The first time I read it too fast and enjoyed it more in the second time around.

Seriously, I don’t expected a series like this from KU.
There is a depth in the story, the world building is awesome and the characters development is absolutely delightful!

Aaaand there isn’t any steamy scene here, at all! Lol 😘
While the romance is sweet, our H and h only have few kisses in the whole series.
So, if smut is a must for you, this book definitely NOT for you!

But I don’t care!
I pick a series with fantastic story like this anytime than those silly storyline with too much badly written smut scenes 😬.

Oh well, I probably will add more later on.

Now though, read this series! 😘

❤️❤️❤️

Umaiya ❄️Ramblings of a Scattered Mind❄️

ALL HAIL K.M. SHEA!

I have been stuck in this funk since before this year even started. And I'll be honest, I was losing hope that I'd ever get out of it. Reading just wasn't fun any more. It was almost a chore, something I had to cross-off my to-do list and not being able to read for so long, the guilt kept piling and piling. And that's what would force me pick up a book every now and then and while I did manage to get through a book or two, the funk didn't go away.

Until. This. Book!

I know for a fact I've said this a bajillion times but this book too was nothing new. I can list a ton of other books that were all pretty similar but

I had an absolute blast reading this entire trilogy. It was light with a plot and romance that was kinda slow-burn but oh so snippy and snarky and wonderful! *le sigh*

Our MCs had Nevada and Rogan vibes except like I said it was a lot more light-hearted, there weren't any stupid angst ridden misunderstandings which I was deathly afraid of amongst other things when I found out our h Hazel was a twenty-two year old.

I loved how yes, in the beginning she was a naive new fowl but when life knocks her on her ass one too many times, she grew up. And while she kept her morales, didn't grit her teeth at being called a virtuous idiot, she wasn't a Mary-Sue.

Now of course I adored Killian, I mean how could you not?! Rofl! He was so unapologetic in his manipulations it was a breath of fresh air.
And the fact that Hazel didn't try to "reform" him,

4 stars for the book and 1 extra special star for funk debunking! xD
K.M. Shea, you have a new fan!

P.S. This was a very clean/chaste trilogy :p

Katyana

I enjoyed it. I also have to say that I don't know if I have ever self-identified with a character to the degree I did with Hazel. She made exactly the same decisions I think I would have. There were several points where I was like O_O because she said something that I have literally said to someone - like her comment that forgiving him just means she isn't angry anymore, it doesn't mean his actions have no consequences.

I feel like there were a lot of loose ends though. Like, what was the Paragon looking for? Why were Hazel's parents really killed? Like, who? And why was it necessary, especially at that moment? And was magic dying because of how segregated the supes had gotten? It seems that way, based on how they flourish when they work together.

Also, the battle tactic surprise wasn't in any way a surprise. I mean, it had been foreshadowed nearly from the outset. So I didn't need the time jump forward to battle to do the surprise, and then flash back to see it happening. I'd rather those just played in order, so I could really enjoy the moment with Killian and Hazel.

And my last point of criticism ... this series is SUPER chaste. We barely get a kiss. Is that the norm for this author? Because oof. The build-up of their relationship was wonderful, the tension as they sort their shit out ... but I feel like the payoff was pretty nonexistent.

But I really like the characters... like, all of them. Great main cast, awesome secondary cast. I wish we'd gotten to see the continuing intertwining of House Madeis and the Drake Family - , but it was cool to get the bits that we did get in the epilogue. I just enjoyed how well they folded together that I greedily want more of it.

Antonella

this is a series I would recommend to all readers who want to try the PNR genre it is very light, and low/no steam it would definitely be a great way to tip your toe into the paranormal genre.. all other fans who just want to have some feel-good vampire/witch romance without many complications in world-building or storyline - this trilogy will be that!

Anna

I never knew I needed vampires in my stories until this series. I absolutely love this series. Killian and Hazel, along with all the other vampires and wizards have completely stolen my heart and I devoured this series far faster than I anticipated.
•
Highly recommend the audiobooks as well. As someone who is very particular on her narrators, I love KM Shea’s! Both of the series I’ve listened to are phenomenal. The narrator for Killian’s POV was ... *swoon* beautiful.
•
Highly highly HIGHLY recommend this series. No steamy and uncomfy bits, a healthy relationship that doesn’t put up with manipulation and toxicity, and enough banter to leave you laughing out loud while you read/listen!
•
Five out of five!
Ages 14 & up

Francesca ❆

What a delightful conclusion to this series!
I absolutely enjoyed the pacing: it was quick enough that made you want to never put the book down, but it still had plenty of “quiet” moments where the characters were allowed to talk and think things through.
The plot was full of memorable moments with some interesting twists and the side characters enriched the story with their banters and personalities.
I was so happy with Hazel as a character: she had such a huge journey and all the challenges she faced made her such a good leader.
She’s definitely not your typical UF heroine, she has such a strong core of right and wrong, she’s merciful but doesn’t shy away from dealing harsh punishments when cornered, and her black and white outlook when it comes to magical society is what makes her such a force to be reckoned with.
Killian remains the conniving, manipulative, political savvy titan. Meeting and falling for Hazel has allowed him to rediscover a part of himself that all the centuries of being the leader of vampires made him suppress.
Their romance is sweet, funny and full of fuzzy feelings…they had to go through quite a bit of trials to get to a solid and equal footing, and the end result was so worth it.
I’m so curious about how the other series in this same world will be developed and since this was such a pleasant experience, I’ll make sure to check them out!

An amazing BR with
Jessica

Treece

Loads of Fun

Rating 4 stars

Never a dull moment. I enjoyed Hazel and Killian from start to finish. The unique take on vampires , wizards
and other creatures kept things very entertaining. I laughed and snickered at everyone's antics. Nice world building with bits of action and plenty of snark.

Emma

I mean the start was fucking awesome epic etc.
I felt like this book overall however was a little rushed and light overall and she defs forgave them hoes too quick.
ALSO ALSO ALSO.
Seriously i knew it was slow burn but i didnt realise it was just gonna fizzle without some sorta bang pun intended.
Like excuse me are they not adults!? Like their was a lot lacking for me in this book especially given its the final the shadow whatever thing the elves stuff the entire lack of like protecting the weaker houses there was so much more that couldve been done i mean did that law go through what about her parents they gonna end up finding out who the big bads are like this WORLD and this couple have so much more to offer like im seriously hoping we get some fae and dragon couple or elf and something couple who end up being friends with the house of blood and mercy and have their own series so we can at least find out news on the drake meidis fam via them ffs. I mean come on ita fine if there no adult scenes or in depth romance in more chill cosy type books you expect that frm the book equiv of a hallmark or disney movie AND i dont expect adult scenes from teens or whatever but an ancient af powerful vamp lord and a young full of life magical badarse adept together power couple like who are trying to create the fture of magic and save the supes and all that like your telling me theyre isnt at least like an epilogue about their miracle future kid being vamp and wizard i mean idk im unclear on the vamp stuff but at least in this book they seem made but i mean hello game changer i figured from the lack of love scenes that we were headed for that sort of shock epilogue or a book about them dealing with that and there one status for eachother or at the very least i figured the feeding part would hold a friggen love scene after or idk after the friggen battle idk their relationship chemistey whatever was there but its like the author didnt know what to do with it without the will they wont they sexual tension and guarded hearts game. So when they finally are togethers these two badarse bitches become what fucking hallmark all of a sudden? Like you could argue theyre both from certain times societies whatever that theyd wait til marriage even though itd be a weak af argument but if you were doing that then the honeymoon etc shouldve been detailed and not just the random proposal i mean it was cute and all but it felt like biting into a cookie you expected to be rocky road chocolate with chips and nasically the holy grail of cookies and getting a plain oat raisin cookie like if i wanted that id pick up a cosy mystery book homie i wanted a devilish rogue vamp lord to act like a god damn lord of vamps who found his one and a magic heart of gold who suddenly became the powerhouse who couls smoosh the slimy bugs into the dirt and robin hood up the place like what. What. What. Im honestly like i loved the universe and this couple and this series really but for fuck sakes the ending was so unsatisfying and this book waa a let down conpared to the others. This either shouldve had 2 more books minimum OR should have been much longer and given us a solid finish and reward at the end of it all. Like i got neither im disappointed i feel sad the couple didnt get the treatment they deserved and like even with the short story supplements it was meh. I mean sighhh. If this is another annette marie author who writes this level of awesome who drags us kicking and screaming into a romance and never takes it above fkn hand holding and throws us a kiss once in a while if where lucky and not even a good one but a bloody disney kiss while writing murder and adult plots and whatnot im going to be so fkn disappointed. Like the fucking mages and also the demons series annette maries doing like i read her piperel series first and that was teenagers so even though i was like fml and it was pretty messy overall i figured theyre minors fine but shes writing now about adults but keeping it PG af. And like no. Adult main characters especially when it includes romance in its deal do asult romantic things ffs. Its like as gross and unreal as when they make adult badarse magic mercs say fudge or jerk instead of actually swearing like they abosolutely would like if your honna including killing and death and all other adult things then wtf is so dirty or wrong or scary or in a fucking propriate about incluing two people doing something natural and usually full of love. like the double standard bs like oh sure killing weapons is fine but god forbid they sleep together AGHHHHH

Mikky

Originally posted at:

Had I known this series would become available as audio books this soon I would have waited. Ever since I started the first book I always thought how fantastic these would be as audio books and I'm glad that other people will get to experience it in the new format.

I will admit that this last book kind of lost me for a second there. I started out reading the ebook and ended up listening to the last 3 or so hours of the story. I was having some really bad eye allergy weeks and reading with my eyes felt like a chore.

Onto the story! I really enjoy Hazel and Killian's relationship/dynamic. He's bloodthirsty at every point and she's the sane one that reels him in. I liked how the story resolved itself though it did feel a tad bit rushed. I also loved that they're finally together!

I know there's another series set in this same universe the author created with this series about Fae. I believe I read somewhere that the audio books will be available in 2022. So I'll be waiting on those to release to continue on in this universe.

The Audio Book:

The 3 or so hours of the narration that I listened to were great! All the characters were distinguishable from each other and there were no weird noises in the background.

Lexie

I can't even properly convey how much I love this book. (I'm very thankful it wasn't immediately available at 12:30 am on Friday (4/17), or else I wouldn't have gone to bed.)

This book was everything - I certainly got the resolution I desperately wanted (I'm a sucker for happy endings - spoiler-free, promise), and I felt like how Killian and Hazel came to terms not only with each other, but their relationship... it was awesome. And it felt natural, especially with how book 2 ended. Plus, the humor packed a punch in this book - there were three specific instances where I laughed so hard, I wheezed.

This book was so good that I honestly don't know what to do with my life now. I'm in this weird period after finishing a power-house of a book where I'm just a total space cadet.

That being said, there are one or two questions from side plots (points?) that I feel weren't answered (for me), but while I'd like to know the answers, they don't detract from me loving this book to pieces. This book is by far my favorite out of the trilogy - but I'm also just a huge fan of Killian and Hazel's relationship. <3

I would love to see more side stories, kind of like the Snowflakes: Short Story Collection from the Snow Queen duology. One, because I want more of the world, and Killian and Hazel; two, because I'm just not ready for the series to be over. T-T

Tricia Mingerink

Yep, this was another fantastic, read-in-a-single-day book by K.M. Shea. Good thing I set aside a day to read it because I would have gotten nothing done until I was finished!

This book is a smashing conclusion to this trilogy while still leaving enough openness in this world for more spin-off stories (please let there be spin-off stories!!!). Hazel really comes into her strength magically, emotionally, politically, etc. She becomes the leader House Medeis needs her to be in this difficult time.

Killian goes through a lot of growth in this book. The smaller character arcs he had in the first two books really start to show in this book, setting up the bigger change he has here in forming healthier relationships, and not just with Hazel. I liked how he really started bonding with his whole Family in a new way.

And the ending....ah! So, so, so good! I guessed the twist, but it was the kind of twist that it was incredibly satisfying to be right. The trilogy had been hinting and building at this ending for so long that it was incredibly satisfying to see it play out. I may have gone back and re-read the ending because it was so good. K.M. Shea even managed to make the vampire-human romance thing far less creepy than it usually is.

Top notch book as always. Plenty of laughs and fun and adventure.

Jenny Schwartz

I love this trilogy! Fun, plays a bit with the tropes of the genre, a strong heroine, some neat twists to the plot. Perfect weekend reading - if you can wait till the weekend to read it! I couldn't.

Andrea

I love it when a plan (and a House/Family) finally comes together!

description

I really enjoyed reading this one, and I felt like all of the characters really pulled together to make such a fun team! And although I didn't get too much schmexy time between the h/H I did get a nice amount of sweet romance.

But is this the end of the series? Because I would be interested to hear more about

julia

4 Solid Stars!

My reaction to reading while reading this whole series!

Magic Unleashed is the 3rd book in
K.M. Shea's
Hall of Blood and Mercy Series. Man this series came out of nowhere and just took all of my attention away from all the other books I'm currently reading. I freaking love when that happens. Isn't it the best when you pick out a book based on a review you happened to read and you end up loving it! That's essentially what happened with me and
K.M. Shea's
Hall of Blood and Mercy Series.

my shock at realizing how much I liked book 1. . .

What I loved most about
Magic Unleashed and the series as a whole was Hazel! I consistently loved reading about Hazel Medias in each book in
Hall of Blood and Mercy Series.

I know I was surprised myself! I've read many an urban fantasy/paranormal romance in my day and this rarely happens. I think what is usually my biggest gripe with many urban fantasy/paranormal romance's is that the heroine is not as strong as her male counterpart (that's excluding anything written by
Ilona Andrews that writing duo writes some kickass heroines). More often than not we're introduced to this strong heroine who still isn't that strong and if she does become strong it isn't through working hard (Hazel works her tail off to strengthen her magic and fighting skills). Is it just me that wants a heroine that can throw the hero across the room without breaking a sweat?

For example
Magic Unleashed starts out with Hazel saving her love interest Killian's ass. She decides to help him even after he broke her trust and just save the day!

And so into battle I went. For a vampire I currently hated, to a fight I wasn’t at all involved in. And it felt so, so right.

And that is what I love about Hazel! Her morals have been so consistent throughout and yet we've also seen her grow greatly. The Hazel of book 1 would have not only not stuck her neck out for a vampire but even if she did she wouldn't have been powerful enough to save said vampire. But I think what really made me love this girl was how she made Killian work to win forgiveness and trust back! And she was very straightforward and truthful with him the whole time!

“Forgiveness means giving up my anger at your actions. It doesn’t mean there are no consequences to your actions. . .”

Reading that was music to my gosh damn ears! That right there was what cemented my undying love for Hazel. Not only was she a badass at fighting but she had a really great personality at the same time. That is hard to come by when you've read as many books as I have.

Now that I've talked about Hazel well I have to confess my undying love for her beau Killian Drake. Yeah Killian was a great hero and partner to Hazel.

“I assigned Rupert the task of watching several human chick flick movies. He said this method usually returned wayward males into the good graces of their significant others.”

First off let's state the obvious! M man Killian is a vampire and I don't care what anyone says vampires be sexy. This will always be a plus in my book!

if that's not pure sexiness then I don't know what is. . .

What I truly commend
K.M. Shea for was how she subtly showed Killian's growth over the course of this 3 book series. The Killian we meet in
Magic Forged would never in a million years think of trying to give Hazel a heartfelt apology or for that matter even care about anyone who wasn't in his family. In this book Killian goes out of his way to not only apologize to Hazel but prove that he - a vampire who trusts no one - truly trusts her.

“Actually, drinking fresh blood is quite easy,” Killian assured me. “But after we’ve eaten, we fall into a catatonic state. We’re completely helpless, and at the mercy of whomever we fed off.”

But what I love the most about Killian and Hazel's romance is that Killian views her as his equal.

“That was your cue to ask what I’m attempting to display.” “Fine. What are you attempting to display?” “That we’re equals.”

Yeah I know!

This was just so goddamn refreshing to read and what cemented this book as a 4 star read! So yeah Killian was freaking amazing and I loved him so much.

But I can drink your blood, and prove to you time and time again that I don’t just trust you enough to drink your blood, but I trust you with my life when I’m weak.”

Another thing I greatly enjoyed about
Magic Unleashed and the series as a whole was the humor and banter. Not only did Hazel and Killian have great banter:

I scowled. “You just want another excuse to throw me off the roof! Although I expect it will be something different, this time.” “It would be,” he shamelessly agreed. “Or it wouldn’t be nearly as fun.” “My answer is NO.” “I can guarantee there would be a significant moral boost among the Drake Family.” “Still no!”

The side characters were freaking funny as well. My favorite had to be a toss up between Josh - -> a drake family vampire who contemplated his immortal existence very much!

“Josh,” I whispered. “What are you doing?” “Writing my epitaph,” Josh whispered back. “Because the end of the world has arrived. Time will soon collapse and all will sink into the ocean. The sign has appeared.”

“Partaking in caffeine at this hour will open the mysteries of the universe and allow you to see things as they are,” Josh said. Momoko studied him, then bluntly said, “What?” “I mean to imply if she drinks a caffeinated beverage at this hour, it will likely make her loopy,” Josh said. “Ah.” Momoko nodded. “Truth.”

And the Paragon a (supposedly) old man (it was never made clear) who serves as a liaison in the fae world (I think that was his job description).

“So, are you two ready for me to drop some truth missiles on you as the kids say these days?” “Truth bombs,” I corrected.

“Paragon, how is Aphrodite?” I asked, desperate for a change of subjects. “Her beauty continues to shine on!”

And who is Aphrodite??

a sphinx cat who even with no speaking lines was funny as hell

She was sitting on her pet bed, wearing a purple onesie with a hood and floppy rabbit ears. Can I just say it? That cat puts up with a lot.

The side characters were great comic relief and if
K.M. Shea decides to expand this universe I really hope she chooses one of the side characters in this series to focus on! I mean who wouldn't want a Rupert book!! I know I do!

Lastly I really liked
K.M. Shea's take on magic and vampires in this series. She crafted a really great world and I thought her take on vampires was pretty fresh and I was greatly intrigued by it. I especially liked that the act of a vampire drinking from a human left them in a very weakened and vulnerable state. I thought that was a really interesting twist. It left me wanting to know more about the different supernatural beings in this world! **And I really want to see what her take on werewolves would be**

“This is super unsanitary.” Killian exhaled loudly, his breath feathering my bare arm. “Did you get a nursing degree in the past few months that I am unaware of?” “No, but you’re going to bite me,” I pointed out. “Vampires have microorganisms in our spit and bodies that clean out things like bacteria and pathogens,” Killian said. “My spit is not contaminated—I’m more likely to get sick on your blood than the reverse.” “Oh, so you’re like a dog,” I said. “What.” Killian sat back in the couch after that, a look of disbelief etched on his handsome face.

Now with all this gushing praise I do have to say there were a few things I didn't like about this book :/

I 100% had a blast reading this series but there were a few things that I didn't love. My main issue was the info dumping. A lot of this series involved information dumps given at various points in this story. It was a bit annoying that at book 3 we were still forced to go through that.

And I have to say. . . for all that I love Killian and Hazel my god they were VERY PG. Yeah the most these two did was kiss and that was it. Him touching her butt was pushing it for Hazel and while I respect that I do love my smexy-times so I was a bit bummed :(

I also wish we would have been given more of Killian's background. He was pretty mysterious throughout and Hazel never really asked anything about his past! For example the Paragon mentions that Killian has been around since possibly the medieval times?! And Hazel doesn't even blink a freaking eye or question him at all! LIKE GIRL FOR REAL!?!?!

And lastly the ending felt a bit rushed. I wanted a bit more detail on who was helping the Night Court + Mason and what their deal was! And on why the supernatural community was losing its magic!

In the end however,
Magic Unleashedand the
Hall of Blood and Mercy Series was a real winner for me! I decided to pick up book 1 on a whim and boy am I glad I did. So if your looking for a quick fun paranormal romance series with a kick-ass heroine then I highly recommend this series!

He was terrifying, and yet he’d just given me the greatest gift he could have given: his trust. “Thank you, Killian.” My heart brimmed with joy, my body still felt blissfully cool, and I’m sure I grinned like a moron as I lightly brushed my lips against Killian’s. “I love you.”

Lemon

All right. Let's try this review thing.

Positives: The characters and their growth and development. The solidity of the plot and the sneaky sequel material left inside while everything important was wrapped up. And how K.M. Shea definitely accomplished her goal of making me laugh.

Negatives: I thought the writing could be stronger and more flowy in the exposition parts. Transition better, I mean. But that may he just me. And there may be sliiight content issues some people may take issue with concerning mild non graphic violence and some humor types (toilety humor, sort of, not sexual). But content is basically very clean

Opinion: *pterodactyl screech* I loved this boooooooook. And I always love how the author ALWAYS develops and colors her characters so well. No matter how much you dislike her plots or characters, she always makes them grow and I appreciate that A LOT. Pfft. What negatives?? The growth was greatttttttt throughout the trilogy and I want more of these characters, even if Urban Fantasy isn't my thing...

I think some may have an issue with the whole supernatural creatures thing not being explained, but this book was meant to make you laugh, not preach, and that it did so well (as well as make you screech at the author because whyyyy?).

Melissa

One of the funnest series I have read in a long while. K.M Shea is a fun author. Her books are geared to younger readers but I enjoy them. I just read this whole series in a couple days. Her books just suck you in. You just have so much fun and care about her characters. This is the final book but she does leave it open to write more if she wanted to. The triumphant ending was not a disappointment:} I thought I might kill this author after waiting for three books for the main characters to finally have their MOMENT! And then she delivered:} It was great. She keeps it very tame so I could hand this to my 11 year old and have no problems with them reading the kissing scene. Lots of heavy moments with light banter right after. I almost wished there would have been more of a serious romantic feel because I am older but it wouldn't have fit with her writing style. I enjoyed the whole series.
Some violence but nothing overly described and people heal. 12 and up

Jennifer

Lighthearted, super fun, and adorable, this was a nice ending to the series. As always, I love how clean K.M. Shea's stories are, and I appreciate the lack of OP drama. Thanks for a very fun couple of hours during this crazy time. :)

Steph

Series review. Book 1: 5 stars, book 2: 4 stars, book 3: 2 stars.

This series started off phenomenally. I loved everything about book 1. Hazel was a top notch heroine. She is funny, smart and stubborn. She stands up for herself but has a healthy fear of the things that can easily kill her. No false bravado. The banter between Hazel and the vampire (mainly Celestine, Josh and Killian) is often hilarious. There is a hint of romance but not really. The plot wasn’t overly original or complicated. This book is all action, fun and games and I was hooked.

Book 2 continued in the same trend as book 1. Hazel and Killian’s interactions remained funny. Jillian had some grovelling to do and Hazel was no love sick puppy that came running back immediately. The fact that Hazel is so much her own woman is refreshing. The romance runs a little thicker in this one and I love it. However, compared to book 1 the tempo of the book slowed a little and the high paced action dropped of a little. Additionally I wished that there was a little more heat and sexual tension between Hazel and Killian. Still loved it though and couldn’t put it down.

I put book 3 down a lot. I have no clue what happened but book 3 is not in the same league as the first 2. Action was pretty much non existent. There were long dialogues about strategy and planning. A lot of non-essential information was given that dragged. And the main thing that bothered me was the romance. Killian and hazel had no passion or heat. Like 2 dead fish. Seriously if you can’t do romance don’t put it in. Hazel approached it with the enthousiasme of a law clerk transcribing a recorded session. Seriously, what a disappointment. I get that this book can also be read by younger ages but do you really have to make it seem as if both Main characters are at bible camp? I’m not saying you need to have smut or descriptive sex scenes in here, but you are writing about adults. Who have killed people. So, maybe write about all aspects of adult relationships. It can be done so that it is not overly sexual. Even twilight had sex in it and that series is mentioned more than once in this book.

PS: the whole vampire passing out after feeding thing was absolutely ridiculous.

Jessica

This gave me SO much.

Vibliophile

(4.5 stars) - A stay up all night page-turner!

Hazel is still ticked at Killian and the Drake family, but not enough to let the Night Court slaughter them. Killian wants to reconcile & form an alliance since the Night fae are sure to target House Medeis in retaliation for their interference. It's for Hazel's own good - but Killian wouldn't mind it either. However, if there's one thing Killian should know by now, Hazel isn't about to make his life easy.

Book 3 of the Hall of Blood and Mercy series is a fantastic wrap up of Hazel & Killian's story, and was totally worth the sleep loss! You know Hazel and Killian will reconcile, but the reconciliation is sweet and romantic - and of course, amusing. I have enjoyed this series so much and am only disappointed that it's over (definitely on my re-reads list though)!

*Clean romance level: passionate kisses

Dahrose

I very much liked our gutsy heroine, Hazel. And the overall arc and world building. But the immature manner in which Killian sets Hazel up to confront her destiny was just ridiculous and flimsy. It was not worthy of him, his team or Hazel, for that matter.
And for me personally, I don't think there should be any coming back from such an over-engineered betrayal.

Again - this, clean/new adult read failed to connect our MC's on a multitude of levels -with the author concentrating on the plot and missing a lot of opportunities for flirting/connections/communication - I don't need the sex, but I certainly need this couple to be an undeniable pairing.
Same goes with a lot of teasers and things mentioned earlier in the trilogy regarding secondary characters, the author just left all that dangling and never went there again. It was weird.

Jessy's 🌘only escape from reality🌒

Loved this trilogy, the story had a nice solid plot although it was shallow at times, made me laugh and keep me entertained. I didn't necessarily mind it had no sex. I enjoyed the sexual tension between Killian and Hazel and loved them both as well!! I can't wait to read the spin-off!

Swalsk

Cute ending

Jana Brown

This is the third book in a tight trilogy. You need to read them in order as stepping in here would be massively confusing.

3.5 stars, rounded up because it was fun.

I'd put the whole series between a 3-4 depending on my mood when you asked.

So here I am at the end of the series. I read all three books in about three days, which says something for my experience despite my qualms at the end. I'm gonna break this last review into review for the book and review for the series.

For the book it did the things I expected it to. I pretty much figured out the overall arc by the second scene and it was just about watching it play out and snickering at the Paragon. The balance between bigger plot and romance here is definitely on the side of romance and Killian trying to figure out how to get Hazel to forgive him for doing jerky things and her trying to convince him that the thing he did was wrong. I am glad she called him on it, even though I think he got off pretty light all in all. The characters and secondary characters are still amusing and the family/house dynamics are enjoyable. This is very UF light with very little swearing or intimacy (just a couple of kisses ), and most of the violence is very lightly written with an emphasis on mercy, healing, and the only folks who die are those who have proven repeatedly that they deserve it. I suspect Lelia is our heroine for the next series given how this one left things with her.

So my problems with this book apply to the whole series.

1: Copyediting and tense shifting disrupt the flow of what is otherwise nice writing.
2: I still don't care about the Killian chapters. They feel like a cop out to me versus something I was anxious to read so I could see his side of things. He feels more shallow when I'm reading in his head versus when I'm interpreting him through Hazel.
3: This is obviously a set up for the much broader world and thus there are a lot of big plot hooks which are left unanswered. I can see that the author has other series within this world so I'm guessing that she'll keep adding to this bigger plot through the other series and like Marvel you have to watch all the shows to understand the Endgame. It's an interesting idea, but I'm not sure I'm interested enough to commit to wandering through several series to confirm my suspicions.
4: As I mentioned above I know this is light UF. It's lighter hearted and lighter content, and for the most part that hit the mood I was in when reading. The place where is doesn't is very simply that in the end it feels like everything was way way too easy. Every threat is defeated fairly simply without any lasting injury, pain, or really even inconvenience except maybe to the shrubbery and architecture. Everyone who isn't an obvious threat ends up liking Hazel and by extension either liking or increasing their tolerance for Killian. Even Rupert, who I enjoyed watching snark at her, comes around to the wizards are great club. He's sullen about it, but he was the only outlier and by the end isn't an outlier any more. How do we end up with all the wizards in her House and all the vampires in Drake family all getting along and trusting and loving each other and we're gonna be blood donors, nudge nudge wink wink, cats and dogs living together... blah? And most of the politics end up this way too. I kept watching for someone who would prove to be using Hazel for their own ends or otherwise somewhat sinister - especially giving the magic dying and who is supporting the Night Court threads - but no. If there is any shred of discontentment or bucking the system or not thinking everything they do is a great idea there's certainly no sign of it here. And all that easy left me feeling dissatisfied. Things worth keeping are worth not just fighting for, but sacrificing for and they really don't.

So if you want your HEA tied off with lots of neat little bows it totally does that. But it left me... wanting. And I'm not certain that I'm willing to dive into the next series, though I'm curious enough to go look up how many there are.

I guess I like my UF a little more like my steak, medium rare, and this was a bit too well done.

✿ℎazℯℓ - thℯ ℛock Cℎick ℱairy✿

Such a great ending!!!
One of the wittiest fight scene ever!

This was an amazing wrap up of one of the fun reads of my year so far! I love, love, love that the wizards have finally step up their game! Their battle strategies and the way that they trained here... It was all playing in my head like a movie. It's really cool!

The relationship between Hazel and Killian was solidified and I honestly like the easy-going companionship that they have going. I adore the interaction between the Drakes and house Medeis. There's never a dull moment with everyone! What they have, cooperation and all, vampires and wizards alike, seems perfect! ^_^

I also love it that this book seems to open up a whole world of possibilities. I already know that the night court or midnight court has their own books. I will read it soon, but I must praise the author again for paving the way and it was done so with finesse. :)

I might be biased here because heck, I'm the main character, but really... YOU SHOULD READ THIS TRILOGY! You'll have fun with it. I swear! :)

Tiffany (Bluestocking)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A perfect ending to an incredible series. I cannot praise this book/series enough. There is still plenty of action, intrigue and romance and although there were a few grammatical errors, it in no way hampered my enjoyment of this story.

I was so happy Killian and Hazel were able to work out their differences like mature adults and I especially loved that Killian put in the effort to prove that he not only cared for but trusted Hazel. There was a chapter that served as a flashback and I was so happy for it because it highlighted a pivotal moment for both Killian and Hazel. It was also absolutely necessary because it underscored how far they both came and the new relationship they’d forged.

The long anticipated climax was awesome!! I had some suspicions due to little hints that were dropped in the previous books but when it did in fact happen I was left feeling giddy. I just couldn’t wipe the stupid smile off my face😆 It was one of the most satisfying endings I’ve read. This series was such a treat that I can’t wait to read from this author again. Highly recommend this one.

Content: Clean/chaste, Kissing, Mild violence. (BOOK BOYFRIEND #14 🥰)

Sarah Ryder

FRTC!

Daisy B.

Genre: uf, pnr, vampires, wizards, werewolves, fae

This series was a light, fast read. Romance between Hazel Medeis, our heroine whose powers were sealed at the beginning of the series, but is actually a very powerful wizard, and Killian Drake, a very powerful vampire. I really liked the world that KM Shea has created - This is a mixed race paranormal community, vampires are organized in families; wizards in houses centred around a physical house which is a magical entity and can attack intruders and bond with the Adept, the leader of the house (a bit like Gertrude Hunt); fae are organized in courts and werewolves are in packs. There is a magical council and regional committees, and interracial politics, which reminded me a bit of Kelly Armstrong’s otherworld series. Magic is slowly dying, but while this forms part of the backdrop to the story it was not the main focus or problem. The races are suspicious of each other and in the vampire and fae’s case, antagonistic. At the beginning of the story, Hazel is kicked out of her House in a coup and none of the other wizard houses will help or lift a finger to intervene. Neither will any of the other races, except for Killian Drake.

It was a delightful 3 part story and there were so many interesting themes and concepts. I really liked this depiction of vampires, their aversion to wizard blood (except with trust), the blood delivery service (I loved the description of Killian drinking like a toddler and his juice pack), blood donors who live on compound and their greatest weakness (which is linked to their blood consumption). It’s a more lighthearted take on this generally overtly violent/gory and sexualized genre. The romance was also well told, built up slowly from grudging trust to love (if the ending was a little bit cheesy). Please note that this is a clean romance though, the most that happens is a kiss - and I think therein lies my greatest gripe with these books - everything is slightly too underdeveloped and touch and go for the story to really shine. It could be because this is YA? But even then I’ve read some pretty amazing YA and as much as I appreciate the plot, world and story, these books could have been so much more if there was... more. In the end I really enjoyed these but felt it was really a wasted opportunity.

Ria

This was an enjoyable conclusion to a sweet series. I think the determination to keep things quite so clean jarred a little for me (a centuries old vampire content to make jokes about butts and nothing else? Hmm) but I did enjoy the ending and I'm very curious about the next series.

Title	:	Magic Unleashed (Hall of Blood and Mercy, #3)
Author	:	K.M. Shea
Rating	:
ISBN	:	-
Language	:	English
Format Type	:	Kindle Edition
Number of Pages	:	331
Publication	:	First published April 17, 2020

Magic Unleashed (Hall of Blood and Mercy, #3) by K.M. Shea

Magic Unleashed (Hall of Blood and Mercy, #3) Reviews

Magic Unleashed (Hall of Blood and Mercy, #3) Reviews

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