| Title | : | Black Arts, White Craft (Black Hat Bureau, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 246 |
| Publication | : | First published September 1, 2021 |
While Rue is setting her new life back to rights, Clay and Asa are off working a case, but it soon becomes clear that they’ll need her help to catch the vicious creature preying on locals in a small Tennessee town. She’s got her hands full at home, but Rue has no choice. She must report for duty to honor her agreement with the director. Or else.
What she discovers leads her deeper down the rabbit hole of Black Hat Bureau corruption and promises that, no matter how grim the past few weeks have been, the worst is yet to come.
Black Arts, White Craft (Black Hat Bureau, #2) Reviews
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This is second in a paranormal series where character and story arcs build over time. So you should definitely read in order.
You definitely know what you're getting with this one, though the plot itself is way, waaaay more backgrounded. Indeed, the first half, maybe more, is mostly Clay, Asa, Rue, and Colby hanging out. They're on the trail of bad guys, but there's zero sense of urgency. I was totally down for this, by the way. I love the relationship developments. Rue and Asa are just sweet in their daemony way, and Colby and Clay forming a sidekick alliance of sorts is as sweet as Colby's sugar water diet.
This isn't going to be everybody's cuppa. If you're looking for a spanking pace and lots of action, this book is going to leave you a little wanting. If you don't think Colby is the cutest thing ever, you may not be that interested in her growth as Rue's familiar. And Asa and Rue's courtship is decidedly strange, centered as it is around sharing food (spit muffins are a running thing) and hair fondling. Also, it's a decidedly weird slow burn because their emotional intimacy has ramped much faster than their physical intimacy and that's different, too.
But it turns out that I'm so very into all those things. So while most of my GR friends who have read it have this in the three-star range, I'm going all-in. This is very much my personal cuppa, so let's just acknowledge that as we go...
A note about Chaste: Neither Asa nor Rue are in any hurry for sexing things up. If I had to characterize it, I think they're both enjoying the daemon-flavored dance and their growing emotional intimacy is overwhelming enough for them to deal with. I get the sense that both have been isolated their entire lives and they're cautiously exploring things. Which means, there's no shenanigans, as yet. So I consider it very chaste. -
2.5
That’s a very generous 3 star rating. As long as you switch expectations from UF to romance you’ll be fine. Otherwise it’s going to be quite a disappointment (the plot is thin, all the attention is on the boy and the girl. The supposed story doesn’t move before 50-60% percent, unless you count the romance that is).
I like the heroine enough, and overall all the idea behind the world building. Unfortunately it’s jarring when you depict a black hearted story and then you paint it in neon pink. There are or should be high stakes and nope. Nothing about it.
I’m not sure I’ll keep reading. -
Rue has a dark past and was in hiding from the agency she once worked for. Because of the buildup and overall story arc, not to mention the relationship dynamics, it is important to start at the beginning. If you haven’t listened to Black Hat, White Witch, you will want to begin there.
When Clay and Asa stumble on a wendigo zombie killing folks in Tennessee, they call on Rue for help. Clay was Rue’s partner in the past and the two have a tight friendship. They soon discover something nefarious is happening.
The case was intense, with battles, buildup, and escalating danger. They soon discover that whoever is behind the attacks and manipulating the creature is interested in a remnant of their last case. Colby, our teenage geek, proved to be an asset thanks to her computer skills.
I love the unique characters and the storyline Edwards is building around Rue and her past. Clay makes me grin, as do Colby and others. The interaction between them all forms this motley crew you cannot help but cheer for.
The romance between Asa and Rue continues. We find out why both Asa and his demon are drawn to Rue and her to them. I loved the banter, kinky talk and surprises, not to mention some heated moments. It’s an interesting mating dance. It feels fresh and genuine, making me invested in the outcome.
I really enjoy Rue as she struggles with changing who she is. Few black witches want to be a white witch, and she struggles with each spell. The unique characters really make this story and I love the dynamics. The storyline and world building is intriguing with touches of dark but light enough to keep it fast-paced.
Stephanie Richardson narrates and does a great job capturing the characters’ personalities and the tone of the tale. Her male voices and even those of the younger characters enhance the story. I plan to continue listening to the series.
Fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance will enjoy slipping into this world and getting to know Rue and the gang.
This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer -
4.25
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It takes place a week or so after the first book.
A fun listen. Like the world and characters.
FRTC
Rated: 4 Stars -
Black Arts, White Craft, the second book of the Black Hat Bureau series, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). Rue, Asa, and Clay are such interesting characters. It's nice when an author can add a new twist to the urban fantasy genre. More of Asa/Ace's personality is coming through and he (they) are delightfully entertaining. It's hard to pick a favorite series, as Edwards has a creative mind, but the Black Hat is in the top three.
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Oh, MAN, Rue and Asa's quick fall into this THING they have going on is magnificent! And there are REASONS behind it. Very tantalizing reasons. I am smitten. So smitten.
But this book is more than Rue and Asa making sexy eyes at one another. There's a dangerous case and everything. Called in to help the BHB on a dark magic case, things are, in fact, much more than they seem. Dark magic, reanimated corpses, whispers and secrets and a book that just won't stay where Rue puts it.
Plus, there's the thing between Rue and Asa. Clay's in big brother protective mode (sort of. He's actually a wee bit worried about both of them and what their budding relationship might uncover if certain rumors turn out to be true) and Colby's sort of getting the hang of her new abilities while watching R&A subtly do their mating dance thing. Heh. That part's kind of funny.
Anywho. Danger, betrayal, guilt, some intriguing cultural issue Asa has to deal with (his hair! BOY does Rue love his hair. Good thing she doesn't lose a hand every time she touches it), and more than a few secrets that are revealed. Do I adore how Rue, Colby, Clay, and Asa are finding a way to making themselves a family? INDEED I DO!
-Kelly @
Reading the Paranormal -
3.5/5.0
Man, this one could round up just as easy as round down. I’m rounding down only because I’m judging it against Ms. Edwards other amazing books, not against other paranormal books overall.
I absolutely adore the characters in this series! As with all this author’s characters, they are warm, relatable and real in a way most in this genre just can’t attain. The hair thing with Asa is hilarious and fun, Colby adds such a creative, endearing twist and Clay is a character we just want something wonderful to happen to. It’s these characters that keep me reading and wanting more.
The conflict and overall plot in this installment is what kept me from giving it a much higher rating. It seemed to just mosey along without any serious depth or real suspense. Even though I LOVED Rue and Asa’s interactions, they really did stay on the surface level without digging into the heart of anything… yet. The villains were also quite surface and not nearly as exciting as so many other’s in this author’s repertoire.
Still, I thoroughly enjoyed the reading experience. It is so imaginative - humorous at times and completely enchanting if one just wants a night to relax and enjoy. -
I really love Rue. She's still struggling with her conversion from black witch to white witch, and I like that the author doesn't make it easy. She's also stressing out about her new connection with Colby, and her growing fascination with Asa. I read somewhere that this is only a three book series, but I really hope that's false intel. 5 stars
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I liked this one much more than the first. While this series has a slower pace and doesn’t have a lot of action, I really enjoyed Rue & Asa’s slow burn romance. They have amazing chemistry and it was sweet to witness their growing bond.
I love Colby and Clay. She is still the cutest thing with a nice amount of sass and Clay just loves making everyone feel awkward with his weird sense of humor. I love Colby’s relationship with Rue but her growing friendship with Clay is downright adorable.
I thoroughly enjoyed Clay’s banter with Rue & Asa. I couldn’t help laughing out loud. Together they all have this sweet family dynamic that I just adore.
As the plot thickens and things begin to slowly unravel, I am looking forward to starting the 3rd book.
CONTENT
Romance: Chaste, Innuendo throughout
Violence: Moderate, Some gore (not too detailed)
Language: (S**t, A**, 4 F-bombs) -
Addicted
I NEED MORE BOOKS. I think this series might be my favorite Hailey Edwards series (and that's saying something). The only negative is that it's SO good and ends too quickly and I have to wait for the next book. The pain every reader experiences with great authors. I love it. -
I love Ada and Rue so much. Their relation ship development is so unique. Slow burn but so good!
I am really enjoying this series! -
4 Stars:)
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✮✮✮½
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LOVE this series. Only reason that this wasn't quite a 5 star is because it feels like a bridge to something more important down the road. In this one, the heroine and her 2 partners and 1 moth kid go on the road to solve a zombie wendigo case, only they find something more that hits closer to home and sets up the next book.
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(2.5 Stars)
I am a big fan of Hailey Edwards but if I am totally honest, "Black Arts, White Craft" is one of the weakest books I have read from her. Book one is the Black Hat Bureau was stellar but this follow up read was plagued by one problem and it turned out to be a major one for me. What went wrong? 60% of this read was riddled with how Rue and Asa feel for one another. What's wrong with that you might ask? Well, the relationship development aspect was very juvenile and interfere with the progression of the plot. I kept telling myself, "Enough already! What is going on with the Zombigo?"
Rue, Camber and Arden are in the process of finishing up the remodel of the shop. Rue is stressing over the costs and the girls are visited by their Uncle Nolan and he wants to take them out to dinner. As Camber and Arden leave to visit with him, Rue stays in the shop where she receives a visit from Asa's demon. When he is joined by Clay they let her know that a Wendigo has been reeking havoc and they need her assistance with their mission. Rue is hesitant to leave the girls in charge because of concerns for their safety; but, she reluctantly does so.
In preparation for the trip, Rue decides to leave the evil grimoire at home but take Colby with them. As they arrive at the site of all of trouble they quickly realize they are not dealing with a normal Wendigo but a dead one turned zombie. This is a new one for the books and they are trying to figure out the best way to take it out before they learn that there are more zombies than they ever imagined. Soon it becomes apparent that the Zombigo wants one thing, the evil grimoire.
Of course, if that is not enough, the evil grimoire rears its' ugly head and shows up in Rue's hotel room. It is also whispering sweet messages to Colby. This is not good and it quickly escalates into a major problem for the group. Meanwhile, Rue learns that Uncle Nolan didn't leave on another trip as he told the girls but is actually camping out on her property. Her neighbor shoots him in the butt but even that does not keep him away.
While the plot for this read had so much potential in and of itself, all of the silly romantic dialogue lessened the importance. I was so disappointed and afraid that I might not be able to complete the read. The saving grace was I purchased the audiobook to listen to while driving home from my vacation. I will say that if the next book does not correct the silly relationship issue, I will not be going on with this series. Life is too short for a bad read. -
Did not enjoy this one as much as the last one. This series is definitely more action/adventure (romance) than mystery - while still all in the urban fantasy ballpark. What this means (to me) is that there is lots of stuff going on and there are lots of relationships - but the "who is the bad guy" is not really solvable by the reader. Well, at least *this* reader.
My biggest problem with this one is there is a larger presence of sex. Not actual sex - but it is constantly addressed, referred to, and discussed. (If that sounds repetitive, that was how I felt about the conversation.)
This is, of course, just an installment in a larger story - which is normal for Ms. Edwards. She produces the books quickly enough and has yet to bail on a series, so I except her installments. They are complete stories - just not finished.
I'd probably give this one 3.5, but I've rounded up just because. -
I am constantly amazed at this author’s creativity. The main character in this book is a lost soul, trying to find her way in a world where she wants to be a good witch when she was raised as a bad one. Most, if not all, of the author’s characters are lost souls in a way, but that is where the similarities end. Each character is different including this one. I love Rue as an MC, and I absolutely love the side characters as well. They are just so fun. Add in a great plot, an interesting take on a mating dance between Rue and Asa, poor Colby trying to find her way, and the great writing, I am just loving this series. This second book was better than the first. More, please! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
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The story continues with the best ragtag team: a reformed witch, a golem baker, a fae/demon prince, and a gamer moth
The romance is still going at typical urban fantasy speeds (slower than molasses) but hey, sometimes I like punishment and they are so gosh darn cute 😭💗 -
There are a few places where it jumps and it doesn't make sense but overall I really enjoyed it.
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3.5 stars
Black Arts, White Craft starts not long after the event on
Black Hat, White Witch. Basically, Rue is asked back to investigate a string of zombigos (zombie wendigos) alongside Clay (her former partner at Black Hat Bureau) and Asa (whom definitely become Rue's love interest, since they're doing the daemon-witch 'mating' dance in this book, including few kisses). On other note, the mysterious grimoire that they took from the villain from the previous book, is doing its mysterious thing (like giving "magical advices" to Colby, Rue's familiar).
I liked this one too - since I finished the first book not long ago, I felt that I was back with familiar characters. And it was kind of entertaining to see Rue and Asa doing their thing, and Clay kept being exasperated about it.
BUT, I wasn't really certain about this whole " conspiracy thing. I never been a fan of conspiracy ... real or theory. Let's see how it would go in the next book -
This one was better for me than the first one, not sure if it's because the characters are established or I know them now. I still like the relationship that Rue and Colby have, like that Rue gives her space, but protects her too. I also really love how both Asa and Clay are with the little girl/moth.
Rue and Asa's relationship is continuing to evolve, slowly, but it's there. There are some odd things happening between the two that makes a sort of secret come out about Rue. It's too bad that she didn't know this fact for many reasons.
The crime that they were looking into ended up being a big fat zero. What was really behind things makes me shake my head. Sometimes people just get too big for their britches and over reach.
I find I'm intrigued by "Uncle Nolan". I fear he isn't going away and will cause more damage to the girls, all in his quest to find the illusive animal, which could hurt Rue and Colby. -
Oh my, I’m really loving this new series, especially the main character Rue Hollis. She was a black witch, with lots of terrible actions in her past, but since Colby came into her life, she’s trying her best to become a white witch and make up for it all. When Clay and Asa need her help with the new case they’re working, they all come to realize there’s more to it than a wendigo zombie (or as Rue calls it, a zombigo), someone is interested in a remnant of the last case they were on and will do anything to get it. Rue, Asa and Clay, plus Colby, make a great team and are a force to be reckoned with. The bouts of fighting for their lives in between stuffing their faces, Rue and Asa’s “fascination,” as well as Colby’s immersion in her computer game, make the story move along with a great mix of action and humor, with a bit of romance thrown in, which is just what I’m looking for in a great book. I can’t wait to read more of the Black Hat Bureau series and see what happens next to these great characters.
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I flew through the second of this paranormal FBI type story with an anti-Hero finding her redemption. The story is a fairly unique take on witches/para creatures, the action is dramatic/intense (there is darkness and gore, though not overly descriptive), the danger growing from book 1, and the other characters so endearing, albeit quirky. The odd romance picks up, in a very strange and non-emotional way. But what bothered me about this book was the literal copy-paste paragraphs (not just sentences) from book 1. Self-plagiarism is still plagiarism, but mostly it pulled me from the storyline because of the deja vu. I get that a character may phrase things similarly when reminding us of introductions from book 1 but not with identical jokes in the same sentence structure.
That said, I enjoyed this and read it fast, as a lover of all things urban fantasy, like Patricia Briggs with a bit more dry/modern humor and paranormal romance. It’s still a recommend and I will read book 3. -
I have yet to read a Hailey Edwards book that I don't like. Touch wood that it never comes to pass!
Black Arts, White Craft is no exception, and makes for a quick, light read. Of course, if you're looking for something you can really sink your teeth into that is meaty and complex and carries you away to another dimension, then this might not be what you're after.
While I have no complaints about the world building or the characters, I do feel the need to point out that this is a story to be read with simple enjoyment and entertainment in mind, rather than with the intention of taking something away from the experience.
The story comes in at less than 250 pages, and the overall plot appears to be a secondary consideration, with the romance buildup taking a front seat. Still, it was a fun time had with Rue Hollis and the little misfit family she's collected. Love the originality behind Colby and Clay, love the wholesome relationships between Rue, Clay, and Colby. And love her interactions with Asa the daemon (as opposed to Asa the man lol).
Overall rating is 3.5 stars. Will continue the series, not for the riveting plots so much as the quirky characters. -
Fun and great characters. But the plot is so nonexistent that the author reminds the heroine that they did the job they were assigned. I forgot what they were doing!
The romance moves slowly but hotly forward. I usually don’t like slow burn but I am digging this. It’s hot and fun and funny.
The author cuts and pasted some background from previous book which seemed unnecessary and was distracting. -
10/10: There is no comparison ... This is the Mona Lisa of the fictional world!
“Rue.” The daemon prowled inside then presented me with…a cupcake. “Brought gift.”
I couldn't love this series or its characters any more. But I think Asa's demon side is my favourite of the lot.
All I knew for sure was I didn’t want him to die, and I probably would lick his horns if he asked me.
I love where this series is going and can not wait to read more. Hurry please, Hailey. I need my Asa fix! -
I like this series the first book was awesome
the second book was a bit of a letdown this because the love interest kind of felt like an instalove.
in the first book there interested in each other but in this book there almost mated....
they can slow down a bit.
anyway I will continue the series hoping the 3rd book will be better. -
I absolutely love this series and the second installment was well worth the investment! I had been holding off on reading the second book because I didn’t want to fly through the series and I’m just in love. A very fun and cute series. I’m loving the character’s storylines and would recommend you give it a try! Can’t wait to read the next!
