Family and Honor by K.N. Banet

Title: Family and Honor

Author: K.N. Banet

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: Jacky Leon # 2

356 pages, Paperback

Publication: November 15, 2019

Source: Kindle Unlimited

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I got away with it. Carey and her family are safe and I survived to tell the tale. Now I’m the only werecat in the supernatural community that can say a small family of werewolves lives in my borders. But, in the effort of saving Carey and helping her father, I had to begin shedding the secrets that kept me safe for years.

My identity is out there now. As one of Hasan’s children, more is expected of me and I had no idea what sort of repercussions would come from my decisions. Werecats are reporting problems all over the world and when two go missing, I can’t avoid the feeling of guilt.

My name is Jacky Leon and I am a child of Hasan, ruler of the werecats. I have to learn how to live up to the obligations and expectations of my family before more people die.

MY THOUGHTS

Family and Honor is the second book in the Jacky Leon series. After the events in Dallas, the supernatural world is never the same, as more people become aware of werecats and seek their protection for their own humans. When two werecats are found deceased, Jacky’s brother, Jabari, is sent to investigate. But after the family hasn’t heard from him for a week, Jacky is sent to uncover what happened to the murdered werecats and to find her brother.

If you aren’t familiar with urban fantasy, most series tend to follow a similar format. There’s usually an overarching storyline, but each book feels more episodic, with a new problem or mystery introduced and resolved by the end. In Oath Sworn, readers were introduced to werewolves, and in this installment, vampires enter the picture. Like the first book, it was incredibly easy to get immersed in Jacky’s world.

This series is very character-driven, and thankfully, for once I genuinely love all of the characters. One of the best parts of Family and Honor (as the title suggests) is finally getting to see more of Jacky’s werecat family. They’re a fascinating bunch, and I can’t wait to learn more about each sibling. Since Jacky sets out to find Jabari, the oldest sibling, he’s the first one we truly get to know. Jabari, a.k.a. The General, is exactly what you’d expect from that moniker: a strict, no-nonsense warrior who’s nearly three thousand years old. A scary sonavib*tch but by the end of the book, I was firmly Team Jabari. Of course, also Team Jacky and Team Heath.

Jacky continues to impress me, constantly proving she’s not someone to mess with yet everyone around her keeps underestimating her. She’s such a great and realistic character, and that’s a big reason why this series stands out and remains so enjoyable. She feels authentic, which is refreshing in a sea of cookie-cutter FMCs fueled solely by feminine rage that I've been seeing left and right. So much so, it's like its own trope now.

I am officially hooked on this series and have already started book three! I can’t wait to see what Banet has in store for these characters next. Once again, if you haven’t checked out this series yet, please do, it’s amazing.

Onyx Cage Vol. 2 by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison

Title: Onyx Cage Vol. 2

Author: Robin D. Mahle, Elle Madison

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Series: Lochlann Feuds # 2

Paperback, 802 Pages 

Publication: January 17, 2025

Source: Personal Library
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I should have been happy when she left.

My clan avoided a war. I avoided the constant liability that was her presence in my life. And she avoided bloodshed at my father’s hands.

It should have been a clean break. But then I find out she’s about to marry my enemy—and I don’t even think before I head for Lochlann to stop her.

She can pretend all she wants. Pretend she’s free of me. Pretend she’s starting over.

But one way or another, I own her. And I intend to make sure she remembers that.

MY THOUGHTS

The Lochlann Feuds is one of my favorite series. I finished Onyx Cage, Volume 1 toward the end of last year and loved it, no surprise there and I’ve finally gotten around to Onyx Cage, Volume 2. This volume is told from Evander’s POV and covers the events of Crimson Kingdom and Obsidian Throne. What I enjoy most about Onyx Cage is getting to revisit favorite scenes from Evander’s perspective, as well as seeing where he was and what he was thinking during moments when he wasn’t present in the original books. What I’ve come to realize, though, is that he’s always thinking about Rowan. Period.

For the most part, I did enjoy Onyx Cage, Volume 2, but it felt far too long. It was significantly longer than Volume 1, almost double in length and, in my opinion, unnecessarily so. Many scenes felt like filler and dragged on without adding much to the story. As I mentioned earlier, Evander is constantly thinking about Rowan, which makes sense, but after 400 pages it started to feel repetitive and redundant. I found myself losing interest halfway through and struggling to finish. This wasn’t because I already knew how the story ended, I re-read books all the time but because some parts of the story simply work better when left in Rowan’s POV.

Despite all of that, I’m still grateful the authors gave us the option to experience the series from Evander’s perspective. I don’t regret reading it, and it’s possible my opinion will change on a future re-read. I may have simply read it too close together and too soon. Overall, it was a decent read.

Oath Sworn by K.N. Banet

Title: Oath Sworn

Author: K.N. Banet

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: Jacky Leon # 1

356 pages, Paperback

Publication: July 15, 2019

Source: Kindle Unlimited

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I’ve never been the type to find trouble. Owning a bar takes work and that was all I wanted. Serving cold beers and paying my taxes. Those were the responsibilities I wanted for the rest of my life.

I didn’t ask to be a werecat. I didn’t ask for the responsibility to uphold an ancient treaty. I didn’t ask to get pulled into the middle of a werewolf pack’s coup.

But Carey Everson, the very human daughter of a werewolf Alpha, needs me. Her father’s enemies are on her heels and I’m her last defense. And I’ll be that defense until my final breath, even if it means challenging the very Laws that govern the supernatural. I gave her my word.

My name is Jacky Leon and nothing is going to stop me from honoring my word.

MY THOUGHTS

I’m always on the lookout for a great urban fantasy series, but I honestly haven’t found one that truly hit for me since the early 2000s, think 2006–2010. So it’s probably no surprise that I’m in a fantasy Facebook group, and it was there that someone recommended the Jacky Leon series. They compared it to Kate Daniels by Ilona Andrews and Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs, my two all-time favorite series. Those are huge shoes to fill, in my opinion. I’ve seen plenty of urban fantasy series compared to them before, but none have ever actually come close. Until now. Whoever recommended this series, may you be blessed by the book fairy. The Jacky Leon series has everything I love to read about and everything I adore about the urban fantasy genre.

Like all urban fantasy, magic and the supernatural exist alongside our modern, real world. In Oath Sworn, we’re introduced to Jacky Leon, a bar owner in Texas who also happens to be a rare and special supernatural, a werecat. While the world is populated with werewolves, vampires, and fae, I loved that our main heroine isn’t your typical lion or jaguar shifter, but something far more unique: a prehistoric saber-toothed werecat. Werecats are rare in urban fantasy, with only one well-known series coming to mind, so discovering them here was a huge win for me.

The worldbuilding is easy to follow and refreshingly straightforward. Banet does an excellent job of laying the foundation for both the characters and the world, weaving in history and background without ever bogging the story down with info-dumping. At the same time, the plot is engaging and compelling, keeping me glued from the very first page all the way to the end.

One of the biggest and most delightful surprises was discovering that Jacky is thirty-six. Finding a heroine in her mid-thirties is incredibly rare, and it made her feel instantly realistic and relatable. Jacky is an amazing protagonist; far from perfect, but mature, independent, fiercely loyal, and an all-around badass with a big heart. That’s not to say she won’t fight dirty or do whatever needs to be done, because she absolutely will and she’s unapologetic about it. It’s so refreshing to read about a self-aware, confident woman who knows who she is and what she stands for. Honestly, this kind of character feels sorely missing in today’s fantasy.

I also absolutely loved the supporting cast. Every character feels well-written and fully fleshed out. Hasan and his family are fascinating, and I can’t wait to learn more about him and his children. Heath, Carey, and Landon are a breath of fresh air, and I really enjoyed the family dynamics. I’m especially excited to see how these relationships develop as the series continues.

Oath Sworn was the perfect way to start the new year, and I can already tell this series is going to be a new favorite. The Jacky Leon series has everything I love about urban fantasy: a strong, capable protagonist, a fantastic magic system, compelling supernatural politics, and at its heart, a story about family, friendship, and the bonds we choose. I can’t wait to start the next book. I’m honestly shocked that I’m only discovering this series now. It deserves so much more attention and love. If you love urban fantasy as much as I do, I highly, highly recommend picking up Oath Sworn. You won’t be disappointed.

Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Title: Mate

Author: Ali Hazelwood

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: Bride # 2

457 pages, Paperback

Publication: October 7, 2025

Source: Personal Library

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Serena Paris is orphaned, pack-less, and one of a kind. Coming forward as the first Human-Were hybrid was supposed to heal a centuries-long rift between species. Instead, it made her a target, prey to the ruthless political machinations between Weres, Vampyres, and Humans. With her enemies closing in on her, she has only one option left—if he’ll have her.

As Alpha of the Northwest pack, Koen Alexander commands obedience. His authority is so absolute, only a fool would threaten his mate. It doesn’t matter if Serena doesn’t reciprocate his feelings, nothing will stop him from keeping her safe.

But power-hungry Vampyres and Weres are not the only threats chasing Serena. Sooner or later, her past is bound to catch up with her—and Koen might be the only thing standing between her and total annihilation…

MY THOUGHTS

I read and enjoyed Bride last year and was excited when I heard there would be a sequel featuring none other than Misery’s BFF, Serena. However, since its release, the reviews have been a mixed bag, and I felt some trepidation about starting it. Still, I prefer to form my own opinions and don’t really listen to or care too much about what other readers think (at least not enough to sway whether I’ll read a book or not).

The dry humor I enjoyed with Misery is alive and well in the second book, with Serena, Koen, and Misery, of course. That said, I wasn’t immediately sold on Serena as the female lead the way I expected to be. I don’t recall how much page time she had in the first book, but I didn’t remember her being so immature and childish. The dry humor didn’t work in her favor, and I didn’t find her particularly endearing. As I continued reading, I also noticed that Hazelwood’s characters tend to be written in very similar ways, I didn’t feel like anyone truly stood out. Don’t get me wrong, it was an okay novel, and I did enjoy some scenes. However, on top of the mediocre characterization, the plot itself was also ridiculous.

For example, for a good third of the book, Serena believes she’s going to die and actively prepares for it, only to find out she isn’t dying at all but is actually in heat. Serena is so horny, she thinks she's dying...cue major eye-roll. That is one of the dumbest plot points I’ve ever read. Then there was the religious cult and her painfully obvious, predictable connection to it.

Koen, the love interest, gave me major ick. I didn’t understand why the author used immature, made-up words for him; it wasn’t funny or cute. I was honestly close to DNF-ing over the word “jizzmuffin.” Gag. I also didn’t like how he was mean to Serena and repeatedly told her he wasn’t interested, while consistently doing the exact opposite. Yes, I understand they’re mates. Yes, I understand the covenant pack rule. I still didn’t like it. Serena wasn’t much better: she spends most of the book convinced she’s dying, constantly reminding herself and Koen that they can never work and listing all the reasons why. Then, once they both decide to flip the bird to the rules and have a week-long screw-fest, they suddenly love each other and would die for one another. Yadda yadda yadda. It was hot-and-cold, unrealistic, and hard to believe, especially considering they’d only really known each other for a couple of weeks.

Oh, and speaking of “dying”; as weres, you’d think they’d be able to smell the difference if someone were truly on the verge of death. That’s literally been scientifically studied and proven in animals…just not in this book, apparently. That inconsistency annoyed me to no end.

As I said, Mate was a decent read, but I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as Bride, though, to be honest, my memory of Bride is now a bit fuzzy. For a book like Mate, it was awfully way too long. It had no business being as long as it was. I think this is the end of the road for me with Hazelwood’s books. I didn’t like the writing this time around, nor the characters or the plot. There were some good scenes and a few funny moments, but overall, it was a disappointing read.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling

Title: Harry Potter and thePhilosopher's Stone

Author: J.K. Rowling

Genre: Fantasy

Series: Harry Potter # 1

223 pages, Hardcover 

Publication: June 26, 1997

Source: Personal Library

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Harry Potter has never even heard of Hogwarts when the letters start dropping on the doormat at number four, Privet Drive. Addressed in green ink on yellowish parchment with a purple seal, they are swiftly confiscated by his grisly aunt and uncle. Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. An incredible adventure is about to begin!

MY THOUGHTS

Harry Potter was published when I was still in middle school. Back then, I wasn’t the avid reader I am today, and reading didn’t interest me nearly as much. I did try to read it, though, I think my homeroom teacher actually read a chapter aloud to the class each day. Fast forward to November 2001, when the first movie was released in theaters worldwide. That’s when I finally became interested and eventually grew to love the films. Despite the books having been published for years and the movies long finished, I never read the series. I decided it was finally time, long overdue, especially since I’ve been reading fanfiction nonstop for the past year.

For the most part, the movie was very faithful to the book. As I read Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, I could easily see the film playing in my mind. Even though I already knew the story and how everything ends, I still enjoyed reading it. The book was quite short, under 250 pages and went by quickly. I can see why so many readers loved it when it first came out; it truly is magical, and in 1997 there really wasn’t anything else quite like it. I can’t wait to read book two!

Archangel's Kiss by Nalini Singh

Title: Archangel's Kiss

Author: Nalini Singh

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: Guild Hunter # 2

323 pages, Paperback

Publication: February 1, 2010

Source: Personal Library

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Vampire hunter Elena Deveraux wakes from a year-long coma to find herself changed—an angel with wings the colors of midnight and dawn—but her fragile body needs time to heal before she can take flight. Her lover, the stunningly dangerous archangel Raphael, is used to being in control—even when it comes to the woman he considers his own. But Elena has never done well with authority…

They’ve barely begun to understand each other when Raphael receives an invitation to a ball from the archangel Lijuan. To refuse would be a sign of fatal weakness, so Raphael must ready Elena for the flight to Beijing—and to the nightmare that awaits them there. Ancient and without conscience, Lijuan holds a power that lies with the dead. And she has organized the most perfect and most vicious of welcomes for Elena…

MY THOUGHTS

Archangel’s Kiss picks up exactly where Angels' Blood ended. Elena, the guild hunter, has been reborn as an angel and is just waking up from her coma. She now has to rebuild her strength and learn what it means to be immortal. As word of Elena’s condition spreads among angelkind, one of the Cadre members, Lijuan, throws a ball in her honor. Except someone seems determined to make sure Elena never makes it there, and everyone suspects Lijuan is behind the attacks.

One of my biggest issues with the first book was Raphael. I thought he was cringe in Angels' Blood, but he’s even worse in this one. Most of the book is just Elena and Raphael being extremely cringey together. All they do is think and talk about sex and of course, actually do the deed… nonstop. Elena acted like an animal in heat, which was gross, and then I had to sit through Raphael repeatedly telling her he couldn’t have sex with her yet because what he wanted to do to her would be too rough and might break or kill her. It made me want to barf every time it came up. To make things worse, Elena has nightmares about her family being attacked, and the only thing that soothes her is, you guessed it, sex.

There was barely any plot. The first 78% of the book was all of that, with maybe 1% of Elena training to fight and fly, and another 1% spent hunting a killer. The numbers might be exaggerated, but that’s genuinely how it felt.

The story and any semblance of a plot don’t actually show up until after the 80% mark, when Raphael and Elena arrive in Beijing for the ball. I did enjoy seeing the key players and getting page time with characters we only heard about before, like Jason, Nazarach, and Neha. The best part of the book was probably the final scenes and Illium, he’s funny without even trying.

I really tried to give this series a chance and hoped I would enjoy the second book more, but sadly, I didn’t. This book was mostly smut with no plot, and I need actual substance in my reading. With that said, I will not be continuing the series.

Jade City by Fonda Lee

Title: Jade City

Author: Fonda Lee

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Series: The Green Bone Saga # 1

529 pages, Paperback

Publication: November 17, 2017

Source: Libby Library

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The Kaul family is one of two crime syndicates that control the island of Kekon. It's the only place in the world that produces rare magical jade, which grants those with the right training and heritage superhuman abilities.

The Green Bone clans of honorable jade-wearing warriors once protected the island from foreign invasion--but nowadays, in a bustling post-war metropolis full of fast cars and foreign money, Green Bone families like the Kauls are primarily involved in commerce, construction, and the everyday upkeep of the districts under their protection.

When the simmering tension between the Kauls and their greatest rivals erupts into open violence in the streets, the outcome of this clan war will determine the fate of all Green Bones and the future of Kekon itself.

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve had Jade City on my TBR for years. The premise always intrigued me; an urban setting with gangs and magical jade… interesting, right?

The beginning started off strong with a memorable scene where a couple of teenagers try to steal jade from a Green Bone member. As expected, it goes awry, which leads to the Kaul family realizing someone is encroaching on their turf. To be quite honest, the magic system felt too vague, too simple, or just confusing to fully grasp at the start, at least for me. From what I gathered, only certain bloodlines are able to wield magical jade, which grants them enhanced strength. But even after finishing the book, I’m still not entirely sure what their magical abilities actually were. They all fought with blades or guns, so it felt a bit muddled. I guess I expected something more overtly magical. And if you’re not from the right bloodline, jade makes you sick and can eventually kill you. Each syndicate scouts for those with the right lineage to build their ranks.

Most of the characters felt bland; no one truly stood out or made a lasting impression. I never connected with any of them, and for most of the book, I felt pretty impassive toward their struggles. The only character who briefly grabbed my attention was Shae, the sole prominent female and the reluctant Kaul family member. I thought the writing itself was well done, but the story just didn’t hold my interest. There were a few standout scenes, but they were far between, and the pacing dragged in the gaps. Two moments were clearly meant to be major turning points, but they ended up feeling anticlimactic, especially the final fight.

Jade City was a decent read, but I don’t think I’ll be rushing to pick up the second book anytime soon, if at all.