A Strange Hymn (The Bargainer, #2)

by Laura Thalassa

Siren and soulmate to the King of Night, Callypso Lillis survived the clutches of Karnon, the mad king, and his twisted prison. But the nightmare isn’t over. Callie wears the physical reminders of her time as a captive, and mounting evidence suggests the Thief of Souls is still out there.

When a fae celebration thrusts Callie and her mate, Desmond Flynn, into the Kingdom of Flora, they take their investigation with them. But under the bright lights and striking blooms of the realm, they find there are more immediate issues to deal with. No place is more uniquely savage than the great fae halls, and no amount of bargains can save Callie from royal intrigues.

Fairies play dangerous games. Some want love, some want vengeance, some want flesh, and some want things too unspeakable to utter. One thing is for sure: no one is who they appear to be. Not even Des, who only grows more enigmatic with every passing secret.

But the Kingdom of Flora has its own secrets, from bleeding trees to branded slaves and missing guards. Something is stirring in the land of all that grows, and if Callie isn’t careful, it will claim everything and everyone she loves—and her along with it.

• ISBN10: 1974677362
• ISBN13: 9781974677368
• Publish Date: 18 August 2017
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[stacey_is_sassy]

I want my own Bargainer...

I couldn't stay away from The Bargainer series. Of course, once I started I couldn't stop and I finished this audio way too fast. I had to come back and see how things were going and whether or not Callie and Des could beat the baddies. Saying that, we get to know Des a little better and find out he's quite the baddie himself...is it bad that I find him even more intriguing because of it?

I loved getting to see their bond grow stronger and for Des to share all of his feelings that he had to keep hidden for so long. I think these two together is why I love reading romance so much. It's knowing that the past battles faced were worth it when there are love and support waiting for you at the end. Being able to experience their exhilaration as they touch and connect in a way that shows their love and friendship. Talking about their feelings openly without shame or nervousness. It just makes me sigh...in an "ain't love grand" kind of way.

The narration was fantastic again, but at times I had to replay a few scenes where Des is "talking" because it was just a little too low/deep. You're going to laugh, but I've been trying out my Siren voice. Seriously, I want to be a Siren when I grow up. ;-)

Loved it, can't wait for more. This series is becoming a favourite and I love that I'm desperate for the next adventure Callie and Des will face.

[nitzan_schwarz]

Okay, so I'm really excited for the third and final novel in this series! hopefully, it comes soon! It was really pleasant to watch Callie and Des so sure and comfortable in their relationship, even if they are a bit shaky about other things around it. I'm curious to see where the third one goes because the one part of this trilogy that I'm kind of iffy and confused about is the villain and his plans, and that's going to be the main theme of book 3.

Also, can we take a moment to scratch out heads at how many incidents and fights broke out in this festival and no one is punished and nothing happens??? Like, where is the retribution and all that?