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whatthefridge's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This is a spin-off of the seven book Soulbound series, and while you can jump right in as a standalone, there is a sprinkling of spoilers for the rest of the series if you ever decide to backtrack. But if you don’t care about those spoilers, you can definitely still enjoy this in its own right.
Since I did read the entire series, my review is heavily skewed by the comparisons.
Spencer was a minor character in Patrick’s story, but he was super fucking interesting both because of his taboo soulbreaking ability and for his bisexual disaster energy. I’m glad we’re getting his POV. It’s hilarious how literally everyone who knows him, and who knows his track record with vampires, immediately calls him out for getting sexually involved even before he actually starts anything sexual. And while my heart aches for the nonexistence of a threesome with Lucien and Carmen—like seriously what a tease having Lucien kiss him that time in Patrick’s book and have nothing come out of it—but I think Takoma manages to climb his way up to compelling me as a worthy love interest.
I actually didn’t realize Takoma was Native until this book. He was even more minor than Spencer, and, with the way the author tends to be in-your-face about announcing PoC ethnicities, either I completely fucking missed it, forgot it, or it’s a surprisingly refreshing change of pace. In any case, this book manages to avoid simply announcing Takoma’s heritage upfront and instead leans into a gradual build up of information, which I appreciate.
Something that truly elevates the story is the way Takoma’s Native heritage informs his opinions on territory disputes. I always gripe about this in other books, but it’s very telling when a story gets involved about land ownership and conveniently ignores the existence of Natives. But here we have an old vampire who has a personal stake in the land he’s overseen for over a millennia. This enhances the ongoing territory battle he has with a neighboring vampire court and, most importantly, the Coven that feels it owns this stolen land purchased through government channels. The conflict goes deeper than Takoma simply being possessive on an individual level. Additionally, Takoma doesn’t have any angst about immortality; on the contrary, it benefits him to remain around to watch over the ancestral land of his tribe.
In terms of plot, there’s a notable change of pace since this is meant as a standalone. It feels tighter and more polished. No meddling gods as deux ex machinas. And we get Spencer, now functionally in the same role as Patrick, becoming intimate—literally and figuratively—with the vampire court. Entirely the opposite to Patrick, who was very yuck about them and kept them at a far distance. We get to see vampire society from a different angle.
When it comes to the relationship, the build up works really well. Spencer gets his first case on the new job and ends up coincidentally crossing paths with Takoma, who’s there for entirely unrelated reasons. I love the fact that Takoma does not back down from getting answers from Spencer, who is required to keep government secrets. The result is Spencer needing to get creative with middle ground responses to appease Takoma. Like, yes, force that communication.
Takoma’s investment in Spencer makes sense too. He respects the way Spencer valiantly fought beside him and his vampires at the “end of the world” (ie ending battle to Patrick’s series), and he empathizes with the way Spencer’s life is pressed down by rigid government oversight (Spencer’s magic is considered too close to necromancy, so his only options his entire life have been between execution or lifelong government servitude). Takoma would love to free Spencer from his bonds to a ruling body that Takoma does not recognize as legitimate.
“Adhering to classified, following their rules, will not save you forever.”
“I’m not asking to be saved.”
“A pity, because I would save you if that’s what you wanted. I know worth when I see it.”
The sexual tension between Spencer and Takoma is on a simmer that they’re both fully aware of. Spencer is not against falling into bed with a terrible decision, and Takoma is not above seduction for the sake of entertainment. Ironically they do not immediately fuck. Usually plot being a cockblock gets to me, but in this case it works with the way these two are circling one another. Their dynamic is spiced up by Takoma’s possessive dominance allowing Spencer to embrace his own submissiveness. Spencer needs someone ordering him around, and Takoma is leagues above the government shackling him. And don’t worry this doesn’t make Spencer passive at any point; he has a backbone and he’s not afraid to use it.
Perhaps the weakest aspect of the story is Wade. He’s only here as reinforcements for Spencer, provided by Patrick due to a variety of reasons. Wade is 21yo now but he still sounds like a little kid ready to emote and tattle, which ok fine he’s a baby dragon, but still annoying. Thankfully even with the overpowered properties of a dragon, there’s limitations put in place so he doesn’t feel like he’s overtaking any spotlight. However, his baby dragon status makes me wary of him becoming sexually involved in the next standalone novel that just came out with him as the lead.
But, like, wow I’m impressed by how much I enjoyed this book as a whole.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Genocide and Colonisation
winlunareads's review against another edition
4.0
“Your government would rather see me truly dead.”
Spencer licked his lips, voice cracking slightly when he spoke. “I’m not the government. Not here, in your home. In your heart.”
I have been wanting to read Spencer’s story ever since he was introduced in the Soulbound series. So when Hailey announced this book, I was practically jumping for joy. And this book didn’t disappoint. Also the tension between Spencer and Takoma was truly delicious and I loved seeing their relationship. It’s been a running joke that Spencer has bad taste in men and…where? Sign me up for a Lucien or/and Takoma any day and I’d be thriving.
I also really appreciate that the story didn’t end with a declaration of love (which wouldn’t have made sense) but a promise of love to come. You rarely see that in books.
Overall this story was a 4.5 ✨ read and I can’t wait for Wade’s story which is suppose to be coming out after the third and final installment of the Infernal War Saga.
Spencer licked his lips, voice cracking slightly when he spoke. “I’m not the government. Not here, in your home. In your heart.”
I have been wanting to read Spencer’s story ever since he was introduced in the Soulbound series. So when Hailey announced this book, I was practically jumping for joy. And this book didn’t disappoint. Also the tension between Spencer and Takoma was truly delicious and I loved seeing their relationship. It’s been a running joke that Spencer has bad taste in men and…where? Sign me up for a Lucien or/and Takoma any day and I’d be thriving.
I also really appreciate that the story didn’t end with a declaration of love (which wouldn’t have made sense) but a promise of love to come. You rarely see that in books.
Overall this story was a 4.5 ✨ read and I can’t wait for Wade’s story which is suppose to be coming out after the third and final installment of the Infernal War Saga.
pagesofevermore's review
2.0
Rating : 1.75 / 5 (DNF)
I received an ARC of this book and I was very excited. The plot sounded interesting but unfortunately, I couldn't get into it. I enjoyed the writing and thought it was interesting, so I might end up trying to read it again on a later day.
I received an ARC of this book and I was very excited. The plot sounded interesting but unfortunately, I couldn't get into it. I enjoyed the writing and thought it was interesting, so I might end up trying to read it again on a later day.
cam_twad's review against another edition
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
kahime's review against another edition
5.0
I absolutely LOVED this one. Holy. I listened to the audio for the whole Soulbound Series and Gary Furlong is just amazing and definitely gave them that extra oomph that just brought them to life. I was so thrilled to see characters we've left behind in SB and loved seeing them come to their friends rescue! Wade and Fatima were hilarious together and I loved seeing that friendship. "I left you all my snacks. Don't give any to Spencer." Coming from Wade? You KNOW that's love right there
aye_sir's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
kaity_b's review against another edition
5.0
Reread/Relisten #2: February 2024
Even though this says it is a standalone, but I would say you’d love it way more after reading the “Soulbound” series!
I love these books so much!!
Reread/Relisten #1: November 2023
Did I do a reread after only 2 months? Yes.
Do I care? No.
I think I loved this book more the second time around. I wanted a quick time back with the Soulbound universe and this didn’t disappoint.
I now am even more excited for Wade’s book next year!!
Original Review: September 2023
Audio: 5 stars, duh it’s Gary Furlong
Book: 4.5-5 stars
Wow, wow, wow! After my reread of the “Soulbound” series and seeing Spencer and Takoma together briefly in book 7 made me excited to start this one.
Like the “Soulbound” series, this book had many twists and turns that go together seamlessly I am always in awe of Hailey Tuners writing and how she can weave these stories!
The one thing that I wished was a tad better was having more of Takoma’s POV, he is such an interesting character that I wanted more of his thoughts.
Even with that said I love Spencer and it was great to get to see his dynamic with Fatima.
And we can’t forget the cameos from Wade!!!! I really hope he gets a book, he’s one of my all time favorite characters!
It was good to get some updates after book 7 to see how our favorite New York God Pack was doing.
I already miss these characters and will be doing a reread soon haha, don’t be too surprised, this series/universe is truly one of a kind!
December 2022 announcement
100% screamed and almost started to cry when i saw this! The audiobook (by Gary Furlong) to be released at the same time!!!! September 2023 come faster!!!!
Even though this says it is a standalone, but I would say you’d love it way more after reading the “Soulbound” series!
I love these books so much!!
Reread/Relisten #1: November 2023
Did I do a reread after only 2 months? Yes.
Do I care? No.
I think I loved this book more the second time around. I wanted a quick time back with the Soulbound universe and this didn’t disappoint.
I now am even more excited for Wade’s book next year!!
Original Review: September 2023
Audio: 5 stars, duh it’s Gary Furlong
Book: 4.5-5 stars
Wow, wow, wow! After my reread of the “Soulbound” series and seeing Spencer and Takoma together briefly in book 7 made me excited to start this one.
Like the “Soulbound” series, this book had many twists and turns that go together seamlessly I am always in awe of Hailey Tuners writing and how she can weave these stories!
The one thing that I wished was a tad better was having more of Takoma’s POV, he is such an interesting character that I wanted more of his thoughts.
Even with that said I love Spencer and it was great to get to see his dynamic with Fatima.
And we can’t forget the cameos from Wade!!!! I really hope he gets a book, he’s one of my all time favorite characters!
It was good to get some updates after book 7 to see how our favorite New York God Pack was doing.
I already miss these characters and will be doing a reread soon haha, don’t be too surprised, this series/universe is truly one of a kind!
December 2022 announcement
100% screamed and almost started to cry when i saw this! The audiobook (by Gary Furlong) to be released at the same time!!!! September 2023 come faster!!!!
bookschaosnart's review
5.0
I had pretty high expectations for Resurrection Reprise because of how well done the Soulbound Series was done with every book as well as the overarching storyline through out the series. I am overjoyed to say that Hailey Turner exceed those expectations and gave Spencer a worthwhile story of his own. Fatima's sass and tendency to break the fourth wall as she says we're all thinking about some of Spencer's choices is even better with Spencer as the lead character. The dynamics between Spencer and Takoma are wonderful with their antagonistic natures clearly foreplay as they negotiate both getting what they want out of Spencer's latest case while also developing a relationship that Fatima both encourages and judges Spencer for. Add in secondary characters such as Aloyna who also engages in verbal sparring just as well as Spencer and the interpersonal dynamics are as entertaining as the case. Spencer's case does not feel like a rehash of a case from the Soulbound series but instead plays on the dynamics of Seattle, Washington and it's history with the balance of power within the supernatural community which makes it feel fresh. As someone who enjoys Urban Fantasy with sarcastic, saucy, and cheeky characters and a bit of suspense in the plot this is one of my favorite reads this year.
teenykins's review against another edition
5.0
"I'm not the government. Not here, in your home. In your heart."
So when Hailey dropped the bomb of Spencer's story having been written... let's just say that I was incandescently happy, because the sparks between Spencer and Takoma, it was just not fair to never be utilized.
And oh how she delivered! Fast paced action, plentiful chemistry when those two where at the same place at the same time, cameos by our favorites and of course angst!
I loved how everything concluded and I'm having my fingers crossed that when we get Wade's story it'll be a bit further along in the future and see how things are for everyone.
One tiny thing I didn't see and clicked in my brain when I was checking out the glossary was what happened to Bradley (the hunter I'm assuming was the protection commander or something).
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
So when Hailey dropped the bomb of Spencer's story having been written... let's just say that I was incandescently happy, because the sparks between Spencer and Takoma, it was just not fair to never be utilized.
And oh how she delivered! Fast paced action, plentiful chemistry when those two where at the same place at the same time, cameos by our favorites and of course angst!
I loved how everything concluded and I'm having my fingers crossed that when we get Wade's story it'll be a bit further along in the future and see how things are for everyone.
One tiny thing I didn't see and clicked in my brain when I was checking out the glossary was what happened to Bradley (the hunter I'm assuming was the protection commander or something).
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.