Dark Arts and a Daiquiri picks up just a few weeks after the events of Three Mages and a Margarita, and we jump right into the action as Tori and the guys set up an exorcism for a faery spirit haunting the apartment she wants to rent. Much hilarity ensues, and then sadly the apartment and the faery are abandoned while they all become involved in hunting down this big-huge-black-magic-bad-guy that is stealing magically inclined youngsters. And by hunting down, we mean using Tori as bait. Things do not go as planned. Things – and people – are not what they seem.
I loved this one just as much as the first, even if some things I was hoping for didn’t happen. I snickered and giggled my way all the way through, as well as having a few moments where I simply couldn’t read fast enough.
Characters
I planted my feet, hands clenched as I glared at him, silently daring him to blast me into Tori goo.
Tori is the same smart-mouthed chick we met in the first book. We learn a very little bit more about her past, but mostly the story was moving along so quickly there wasn’t a whole lot of time for reflection. There are some new characters, Nadine, Echo (I don’t care what anyone says, I am INTRIGUED), and perhaps most interestingly, Zac. Oh! And Harry. Can’t forget Harry. Yes, I am being intentionally vague because this book is VERY easy to spoil.
“Sorcery,” he interrupted irritably. “Not sorcerer-y.”
In Tori’s words:
“You are a supreme dickhead and I haven’t forgiven you for anything.”
Actually, you know what? I just want to be able to come up with this smart-mouthed retorts like Tori. My daily life would be so entertaining.
“I don’t think you’re as bad as you think you are.”
“I told you not to get the wrong idea.”
“Oh, sorry. What I meant to say was you’re an evil bastard and I can’t wait to see you burnt at the stake for your evil crimes of evil.”
I don’t know exactly why this particular exchange struck me as so funny, but I laughed until I had tears running down my cheeks.
Also, I am in awe of the author’s ability to make me care about ALL these characters. Usually when I read a book I’m only really invested in one or two. Not so with these. Which is why I was very disappointed that we didn’t see much of the three mages in this book. They were there, but just not nearly as much, and I reeeeeeally wanted to find out more about their backstories!
Plot
If you’re hoping for some resolution of previous things, forget it. This book is an entirely new can of worms, and we only barely see the house-haunting faery that appear in the very first chapter! It does seem like it will play a larger part maybe in a later book, but damn.
Also, there are now dragons – including baby dragons – and I want to see more of them.
“For the blood of my blood’s life, I will aid you again – but only once.”
With so many loose ends, this seems like it could be a fantastic series of at least five or six books. Can we please go back to Ezra’s story? I want to know why everyone seems to be afraid of him when he really seems like such a nice guy.
Oh, and Zac. I really want to know more about him too.
Flame Rating
More sexual tension, but not as much as in the first. Come oooooon, girlfriend. Tori’s obviously got the hots for Aaron but I’m still Team Ezra.
Minor Complaints
As already mentioned, lack of screen time for the three mages. Also the unfair teasing with the house faery. Then…does Tori have to immediately get into a confrontation with every other woman she meets? I thought she and the witch from the first book were going to be friends, but she only appeared in passing in this one…does it have to be all guys?
4.5/5 stars. Great second book, can’t wait for more!
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OMG WTF...this is why it is SO HARD to start a series when it’s still being written, the wait is SO HARD. *ducks flying tomatoes from all the Game of Thrones fans*
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*squee* Downloaded!
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After the first one, I absolutely cannot WAIT for this one! And please don’t let that November 2018 publish date be a typo...!